North Hampshire Lifestyle Jul - Aug 2023

C O N T E N T S 

A NOTE 

from the editor 

19 

JACK STEIN’S RECIPES 

I had my first English 

raspberry this week, and my 

word, it was beyond delicious 

- perfectly sweet, it was a 

very good advert for eating 

seasonally. I’ve tried to echo 

this in all my recent fruit and 

vegetable purchases, and it’s 

had a transformative effect on 

my cooking - everything just 

tastes better - more vibrant, 

needing less seasoning and 

just overall very tasty. 

04 

COMPETITIONS 

I’m making the most of 

cooking whilst I still have a 

kitchen - mine is due to be 

ripped out in two weeks and 

it will be camping stove and 

air frying for two months from 

there! I’ve already picked my 

kitchen, but it got me thinking 

about all the other areas that 

need updating in my home. If 

you are thinking of a similar 

refresh, please check out our 

home pages this edition - 

they’re full of inspiring trends 

and a few timeless classics. 

INTERIOR ESPRESSO 

24 

Editor Katie Thomson 

e katie@minervapublications.co.uk 

Assistant Editor Kate Norris 

Publisher Sally Thomson 

Pre Press Manager Rebecca Rose 

Contributors 

Matthew Biggs, Angela Cave, 

Louise Thomson, Pete Lawrence 

FOR ADVERTISING 

Account Manager Oli Harrington 

e oli@minervapublications.co.uk 

t 01225 984498 

Cover image courtesy of Clarence Court 

JACK STEIN 

16 

MINERVA PUBLICATIONS 

Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm, 

Hilperton BA14 6JB 

t 01225 984 550 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

Printed on sustainably sourced paper. 

Please recycle this copy or pass it along 

when you are finished for someone else 

to enjoy. 

Disclaimer: The publishers shall not be 

held liable for any loss occasioned by 

failure of an advertisement to appear, or 

any damage or inconvenience caused by 

errors, omissions and misprints. No part of 

this publication may be reproduced without 

prior permission from the publishers. 

The opinions expressed within are not 

necessarily those of the publishers. 

We’ve also got some lovely 

editorial on welcoming 

pollinators into the garden 

- as well as being essential 

for your own garden’s health, 

being pollinator friendly 

can really improve the local 

environment too. 

The competition guide this 

issue is a belter, with goodies 

to be won in the home, 

garden and some gorgeous 

skincare. This, plus a lot more 

makes it well worth a look 

and an enter! 

We will be back again in 

September - I’ll be fully 

rebooted and recharged into 

‘Back to School’ mode. See 

you then! 

Katie 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3

COMPETITIONS 

We have three ways to enter 

these amazing giveaways: 

SINGLE ENTRY 

You can enter this 

competition alone for 70p per 

entry (the cost of a stamp) 

in the competition section of 

minervamagazines.co.uk 

– please select the keyword 

for the competition you wish 

to enter. 

COMPETITION 

CLUB 

You can join our Competition 

Club for an introductory offer 

of £12.99 - this gives you 

automatic entry into every 

competition we run for a 

year from the start of your 

subscription - that’s over 60 

competitions, including cash 

prizes in December! Saving 

you over £40 on entering 

them individually online. No 

need to remember to enter 

each month - instead, sign 

up and we will do the rest 

for you. 

This nominal fee covers our 

admin costs and makes 

being in with a chance of 

winning our amazing array 

of prizes a complete breeze! 

Head to minervamagazines. 

co.uk/competition-club to 

find out more. T&Cs apply 

and can be found online. 

BY POST 

You can send your entry on a 

postcard with the keyword to 

Minerva, Unit 21C, Paxcroft 

Farm, Hilperton, BA14 6JB - 

one entry per postcard. 

Please include a contact 

number or email address so 

we can notify you in the event 

you win. 

STIGA are offering one lucky reader the chance to WIN a 

Battery Powered AERO hover mower (RRP £221) & a VS 100e 

Kit Cordless vacuum shredder (RRP £251) 

WIN: 

Mow small and simple lawns quickly and A STIGA 

effortlessly with STIGA Aero – a battery 

HOVER MOWER 

mower that rides on air. Its STIGA patented 

design uses aeronautical technology to & CORDLESS 

optimise battery life and cutting performance. VACUUM 

Light yet strong, it’s easy to manoeuvre on SHREDDER! 

slopes. And when you’ve finished you can 

simply hand it on the wall of your garage or shed. 

The STIGA cordless Vacuum Shredder can not 

only be used as a blower but can also vacuum 

up debris around the garden and shred it into an 

eco-friendly mulch that you can then use on 

your flowerbeds. Two tools in One and all 

powered by battery technology! You can 

even share the batteries between the 

two products for even longer run 

times. 

www.stiga.com/uk 

CLOSING DATE: 30/08/23 | 

KEYWORD: ‘GARDENCARE’ 

We’re offering two lucky readers the 

chance to win a Green Therapy CBD 

skincare gift set from Honey Heaven, 

each worth £75. 

100% natural, vegan friendly, 

and suitable for any skin type the 

products combine a different and unique 

blend of botanical herbal oils with organic 

CBD oil that perfectly nourish, hydrate, 

and sooth the skin. The balanced formula 

in each product protects the skin from 

natural ageing processes and restores 

freshness and elasticity. 

WIN: 

A CBD 

SKINCARE 

GIFT SET 

WORTH 

£75! 

Enter to win the award-winning Age-Defying Hydrating 

Moisturiser, Multi-Vitamin Age-Defying Recovery Serum and 

Firming Anti-Cellulite Body Butter presented in a beautiful 

cotton bag. 

www.honeyheaven.co.uk 

CLOSING DATE: 30/08/23 | KEYWORD: ‘HONEYHEAVEN’ 

The award winning, orthopaedically 

approved Groove Pillow® is 

designed to relieve neck pain 

by cradling the head and neck. 

Insufficient support and some sleep 

positions such as stomach sleeping 

can trigger pain in the neck and 

other areas of the spine. Based on 

WIN: 

the anatomy of the cervical (neck) 

A LUXURIOUS and shoulder area, the Groove Pillow® 

PAIN RELIEF includes a specially contoured dip in its 

PILLOW SET 

orthopaedic memory foam that supports 

the neck area and facilitates neutral spinal 

WORTH £54! 

alignment by guiding the upper body into a 

more comfortable sleeping position whether 

you lie on your back or are a side sleeper. 

Teamed with the 50:50 Groove Classic Silk and Cotton 

Pillowcase, we’ve six Groove Pillow and pillowcase sets to 

giveaway worth £54 each. www.groovepillows.co.uk 

CLOSING DATE: 30/08/23 | KEYWORD: ‘GROOVE’ 

We’ve teamed up with England’s 

Seafood Feast to offer one lucky 

reader the exclusive chance to win a 

luxury overnight stay for two on the 

beautiful English Riviera! 

England’s Seafood Feast is returning 

this autumn from 29th September 

WIN: 

to 15th October 2023. One lucky 

AN OVERNIGHT 

winner will win a one night stay for two 

STAY FOR 

people at the Cary Arms, Torquay, including 

breakfast. In addition to the overnight stay, 

TWO ON THE 

the winner and their guest will also indulge ENGLISH 

in a three course set lunch for two people at RIVIERA! 

Simon Hulstone’s Michelin-starred restaurant, 

The Elephant, Torquay. Plus, a two course seafood 

lunch or dinner (starter and main) for two people at The Prince 

William, Brixham, and award winning fish and chips with a 

bottle of Prosecco for two people for lunch or dinner at Pier 

Point Restaurant & Bar, Torquay. 

CLOSING DATE: 30/08/23 | KEYWORD: ‘RIVIERA’ 

The PlantBox Herbie WIN: 

Bundle (RRP £280) A CREATEcontains 

10 PlantBox YOU-OWN 

growing troughs, a bag 

VERTICAL 

of peat-free compost, 

and 42 starter plants 

HERB BOX! 

to create your vertical 

herb garden from home 

(including a mix of lavender, mint, 

oregano, rosemary, parsley and thyme). 

PlantBox is a cleverly simple living wall, with a unique watering 

system that makes looking after your plants so easy! PlantBox 

living walls by Growing Revolution are easy to put together, 

lightweight and sturdy. Each planting trough has a 1.8 litre 

water reservoir, which is enough to keep your plants hydrated 

for 1-2 weeks. The reservoir and wicking-felt means that plants 

take up water as they need it, so you don’t need to worry about 

over-watering either. growingrevolution.com 

CLOSING DATE: 30/08/23 | KEYWORDS: ‘HERB BOX’ 

4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

North Hampshire’s largest Indie Boutique est. 1995, 

showcasing over 30 brands including: 

Alquema 

Caprice 

Cream Clothing 

Dolcezza 

Elisa Cavaletti 

Gerry Weber 

Holster 

Joseph Ribkoff 

Just White 

K Design 

Leo & Ugo 

Lunar 

Marble 

Monari 

Naya 

Olsen 

Orientique 

Robell 

V 

01252 621035 

Unit 11, Hart Shopping Centre, 

Fleet, Hampshire GU51 3LA 

www.experiencethedifference.co.uk


£45 PER 

PERSON 

TRIBUTE 

NIGHTS 

Spicey Girls 

FRI 28TH JUL 

Take On Take That 

FRI 18TH AUG 

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR INFORMATION & TO BOOK: 

Goodboys Lane, Reading, RG7 3AE

Collection from Florence 

& Fred at Tesco 

Beach Mini 

Dress, £25, 

very.co.uk; One 

Hundred Stars 

Kaftan, £150, 

Monsoon 

BOHEMIA 

REIMAGINED 

Fluid silhouettes and vibrant patterns are 

brought up to date with luxe finishes 

Beaded Low Platform 

Sandal, £78, Oliver Bonas 

Natural Macrame Cross 

Body Bag, £15, Matalan; 

Wedge Sandals, £37.99, 

newlook.co.uk 

White Embroidered Maxi 

Dress, £47, River Island; 

Sequin Halter Dress, £65, 

Oliver Bonas 

HOLIDAY 

ESSENTIALS 

Must-pack items to make sure your 

holiday goes off without a hitch 

Beaded Midaxi Dress, £22, very.co.uk 

If you know, you know - 

hammam towels are the 

ultimate holiday staple 

- use it as a fast drying 

beach towel, a lightweight 

shawl on the plane and 

even a sun shade! 

Hammam Towel, £23.99, 

hauslife.co.uk 

These amazing patches keep mosquitos at bay - perfect 

for little ones and adults alike. We also love the UV 

patches - perfect for indicating when children have had 

too much sun! Patches from £16.99, naturalpatch.co.uk 


Red Panelled 

Control 

Swimsuit, £12, 

Primark 

Desert Tropic Short Set, 

£35, night-store.co.uk 

Collection from 

Fatface 

RED HOT 

Embrace the ultimate summer shades of 

hot pink, bright red and fiery orange 

Ruched Midi 

Dress, £35, 

very.co.uk 

Neon Orange Crinkle Bandeau 

Bikini, £17.50, Matalan 

The Hot List 

OUR FAVOURITE LIFESTYLE TRENDS 

Lexingtons £95, 

Dune London 

Ariel Batik Red 

Midi Dress, 

£65, FatfFace 

Roman 

Cerise Floral 

Print Shirred 

Asymmetric 

Dress 

£55 

Pink and Red Dot Dress, £29.99, 

newlook.co.uk; Red Skirt, £45, 

Joe Browns; Red Beaded 

Earrings, £10.99, hauslife. 

co.uk; Raspberry Lola Shorts, 

dancingleopard.co.uk

STYLISH 

Stays 

Katie Thomson heads for a restorative break at the 

Dylan Coastal Resort, Carmarthenshire 

You may have visited South Wales 

for the gems of the Gower Peninsula, 

or even the coastal routes of 

Pembrokeshire - but if you didn’t stop 

to explore the joys of Carmarthenshire, 

you are missing some of the country’s 

most scenic spots. On its Western 

borders you will find the ancient 

Brecon Beacons, right to the golden 

sandy beaches along Carmarthen Bay 

- there’s so much to discover. 

Nestled in the quiet seaside town of 

Laugharne on the Carmarthen coast, 

the Dylan Coastal Resort is a state 

of the art, luxurious holiday retreat, 

complete with a beautiful spa and Milk 

Wood House, the on-site restaurant 

featuring the best of local produce. 

The Dylan Coastal Resort makes the 

most of the expansive vistas afforded 

by its prime location on the hills 

overlooking the Taf Estuary. The resort 

is a collection of 60 luxury lodges, 

all designed to maximise the setting 

and offer a supremely comfortable 

self-catering experience. Some, like 

our ‘Epic’ lodge, come with a hot 

tub - perfect for soaking up the everchanging 

sea view. 

Taking its name from poet and Welsh 

literary legend Dylan Thomas, guests 

can enjoy the same views as Dylan 

himself - his famous writing hut is set 

on the cliff edge below the resort. The 

setting is certainly inspiring and you 

can visit his hut, as well as enjoying 

some spectacular circular walks taking 

in coastal and woodland scenery just 

a stroll from the main entrance. 

With so much on offer on the site, 

you’d be forgiven for not wanting to 

venture far - there are a few lovely 

eateries in Laugharne, but we loved 

Milk Wood House. With three separate 

terraces to dine on, an open kitchen 

featuring a wood-fired pizza oven, 

and a refined yet rustic approach to 

cooking, the Milk Wood Kitchen and 

Bar is the perfect place to drink and 

dine, soaking in the views. 

Relaxation is paramount here and the 

spa delivers on every level. It has been 

thoughtfully designed to maximise the 

views - the swimming pool featuring 

two-storey windows out to the sea. 

The on-site spa also offers up a host 

of luxury treatments with premium 

skincare brand ishga, to help you relax 

into your stay, brightening, cleansing 

facials to deep tissue massages – all 

of which will be tailored to suit your 

individual needs. 

The resort is ideally placed for further 

exploration - on a gloriously sunny 

day, we took the scenic coastal route 

to Tenby. If you’ve not visited before, 

I’d implore you to - with it’s historic 

13th century fortress walls alongside 

rows of brightly coloured terraces, 

it’s picturesque and a joy to wander 

around. Couple that with it’s bevy of 

independent stores and charming 

pubs, it’s the perfect day trip from 

the resort. 

A trip to recharge the batteries was 

needed and the Dylan Coastal resort 

delivered on every level. If you’re 

looking for a destination which offers 

fantastic facilities, unparalleled 

comfort and the most picturesque of 

settings, consider this beauty spot for 

your next staycation. 

Stays at Dylan Coastal Resort start from £379. 

For more information or to book, please, visit 

www.luxurylodges.com/dylan-coastal-resort 


CHILDCARE EXPANSION 

A GAME CHANGER 

By Purnima Tanuku OBE, Chief Executive of National Day 

Nurseries Association (NDNA)... 

When Chancellor Jeremy Hunt 

announced “free childcare” for all children 

over nine months from working families, 

excited parents and expectant couples 

were already contacting their local 

nurseries. 

This announcement is a game-changer 

for working parents and their children, but 

also for the early years sector. Parents 

returning to work after a new baby will 

soon have support with childcare costs. 

More children will be entitled to high 

quality early education and care, which 

supports their development and offers 

exciting learning opportunities. 

But is it as good as it sounds? And what 

needs to happen to make it a reality? 

Currently, all three and four-year-olds are 

entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare 

per week for 38 weeks. This doubles to 

30 hours for those with working parents 

within specific wage limits. Two-year-olds 

from disadvantaged backgrounds are 

entitled to 15 hours per week. 

Around 80% of these “free” places 

are delivered by private, voluntary and 

independent (PVI) nurseries, with the 

rest given by childminders and schools. 

Unfortunately these places aren’t free, for 

either parents or providers. 

Here’s why: the Government offers 

free places but then doesn’t give 

childcare providers enough money to 

even cover costs. This means they 

make a loss on each funded place. In 

NDNA’s February survey, under 2% 

of nurseries said Government funding 

covered their delivery costs; 83% will 

either make a loss or break even, so 

can’t invest in staffing or resources. 

This is why childcare costs are so high. 

The Government contribution is so low, 

nurseries have to put up their fees to 

parents to make up the shortfall. 

From April 2024, all two-year-olds of 

working parents can claim 15 hours of 

childcare; this extends to all children who 

are nine months old from September 

2024. A year later, working parents with 

children under five will be entitled to 30 

hours. 

The Government currently buys around 

50% of all childcare in England; this will 

rise to around 80%, according to the 

Institute for Fiscal Studies. While this is 

great news for parents’ budgets, if the 

Government does not pay its share, it 

could bring the whole system crashing 

down. 

NDNA research shows that 87% more 

nurseries closed between April and 

December 2022 compared with the same 

period the previous year. Providers’ costs 

have rocketed, including staff wages, 

energy and food costs, business rates 

and VAT. Unfortunately the funding rate 

has never kept pace with actual costs or 

inflation. 

At the time of going to press, early 

years providers do not know how many 

more children are expected to take up 

a place, making it very difficult to plan. 

Currently only 86% of PVI nurseries offer 

two-year-old places. NDNA’s research 

shows that 67% of nurseries would have 

to physically expand to increase their 

capacity – this takes planning, investment 

and time. There is no capital funding 

for this, nurseries have exhausted their 

reserves through underfunding and time 

is running out. 

Three quarters of nurseries could only 

offer further places if they took on 

more staff. A workforce crisis has been 

blighting the sector for years, with some 

settings closing provision because they 

don’t have enough practitioners. NDNA 

has asked the Government for support 

to raise awareness of early years careers, 

providing pathways for development, 

funding for qualifications and higher 

funding rates to pay staff the salaries they 

deserve. Support is patchy at best. 

The childcare landscape in England is 

set to be transformed. We all want it to 

be a success, to support parents and 

give children the best start in life. If the 

Government invests sufficiently and 

works alongside the providers, it will truly 

be a game changer. But the Government 

must get its sums right from the start 

because from September 2025, there will 

be no means for nurseries to make up 

that shortfall and prices will effectively 

be fixed. 

For more information, please visit 

www.ndna.org.uk 


SUMMER 

Camps 

As summer rolls around, many parents will be wondering how they 

can balance child-care and keeping their little ones sufficiently 

stimulated - both mentally and physically. Summer camps 

provide a unique opportunity for children to develop their social 

and emotional skills in a supportive and nurturing environment. 

They offer an ideal setting for children to experience positive 

relationships with both adults and peers, which is essential for 

their social and emotional development. Additionally, summer 

camps allow children to express their thoughts, emotions, and 

imagination, which can help them develop their social skills. 

Participating in summer camps can be an important aspect of a 

child’s social and emotional learning, providing them with valuable 

experiences that can benefit them in the long run. 

Summer camps also provide opportunities for children to 

engage in physical activity and outdoor exploration. Many day 

camps offer a wide range of physical activities, such as sports 

and outdoor games, which promote a healthy lifestyle and 

help develop physical skills. We all know how important it is 

for children to spend time outdoors - not least in a continually 

technology-obsessed world, so time outdoors can help them 

develop an appreciation for nature and the environment. This 

exposure to nature and physical activity can have a significant 

impact on a child’s physical health and well-being. 

Summer camps offer children the chance to learn new skills 

and build their confidence. Children are exposed to a variety of 

activities that allow them to explore new interests and develop 

talents they didn’t know they had. Furthermore, summer camps 

provide a safe and supportive environment for children to take 

risks and try new things, which can help build their resilience and 

desire to broaden their horizons. By learning new skills and building 

their confidence, children can develop a sense of independence 

and self-sufficiency that can benefit them throughout their lives. 

Overall, summer camps can be a valuable experience for children, 

providing them with opportunities to learn, grow, and develop in a 

supportive and nurturing environment. 

Ready to 

be part of 

a child’s 

story? 

Your adoption journey 

could start today 

Adopt South is the Regional Adoption Agency for: 

Call & Chat 

Ask an 

Adopter 

Join a 

Webinar 

Attend an 

Event 

Call our friendly team on 0300 3000 011 • adoptsouth.org.uk 


EXPERIENCE 

BARFIELD 

Come and visit us! 

A N I N D E P E N D E N T P R E P A R A T O R Y 

S C H O O L F O R G I R L S A N D B O Y S 

F R O M N U R S E R Y T O Y E A R 6 , 

N E A R F A R N H A M , S U R R E Y 

FOUNDATION FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE 

E N Q U I R E T O D A Y F O R 2 0 2 3 A D M I S S I O N S 

Barfield, Runfold, Farnham, 

Surrey, GU10 1PB 

admin@barfieldpst.org 

01252 782271 


AFTERNOON 

TEAWeek 

Not that we needed an excuse 

for some tea and cake, but it’s 

Afternoon Tea Week from 7th 

- 13th August. Afternoon Tea 

Week celebrates the great British 

tradition of Afternoon Tea and is 

the perfect excuse to catch up 

with loved ones over a cup of tea 

and some delicacies. 

There is something special about 

enjoying your tea in a lovely 

setting - be that the terrace of 

a country hotel, a rustic pub or 

a historic building. It’s a lovely 

way to take pause and enjoy the 

company of a loved one, or catch 

up with an old friend. 

If you’d like to host afternoon 

tea at home, here is a goto 

cake recipe that’s sure to 

make everyone smile! It’s not a 

traditional petit fours recipe, but 

it’s a delicious cake that’s perfect 

to have in your back pocket, ready 

to entertain. The recipe is courtesy 

of Clarence Court 

RASPBERRY, 

CREAM & ALMOND 

SWISS ROLL 

PREP TIME: 20 minutes 

COOK TIME: 15 minutes 

Serves 6 

INGREDIENTS: 

For the Swiss Roll: 

115g self-raising flour 

1 teaspoon baking powder 

2 large Burford brown eggs 

50g unsalted butter, room 

temperature 

115g caster sugar, plus extra for 

rolling 

1 teaspoon vanilla essence 

Strawberries, Cream, and 

Almond Filling: 

200ml double cream 

200g Bonne Maman raspberry jam 

20g fresh raspberries 

20g flaked almonds 

Icing sugar, for dusting 

INGREDIENTS: 

Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F 

Grease and line a 20cm x 30cm 

Swiss roll tin, and then set aside. 

Start by sifting the flour and the 

baking powder into a large mixing 

bowl. 

Next add the softened butter, 

eggs, sugar, and vanilla and use 

electric beaters to whisk the 

mixture together until pale, fluffy 

and smooth. 

Carefully tip the mixture into the 

prepared tin and level it out – 

place it into the middle shelf in the 

preheated oven and bake for 15 

minutes. It should be lightly golden 

brown, risen slightly, and springy 

to the touch. 

Before bringing the Swiss roll 

out of the oven, prepare a piece 

of baking paper just larger than 

the size of the tin, and sprinkle it 

evenly in a layer of sugar. 

Once the Swiss roll is cooked, 

remove it from the oven and 

carefully flip it out onto the sugared 

baking paper. Remove the tin and 

the baking paper it was lined with. 

Trim the edges of the sponge with 

a sharp knife. 

Next, starting with one of the short 

edges, gently roll the sponge 

up in a spiral using the sugared 

baking paper to wrap it round 

– it is important to do this while 

the sponge is still warm to avoid 

cracking. Once it is rolled, keep 

the sugared baking paper wrapped 

tightly around the Swiss roll and 

set aside to cool in this spiral. 

After the Swiss roll has cooled 

you can fill with your strawberry, 

cream, and almond filling. 

To make the Raspberry, Cream, 

and Almond filling: In a dry frying 

pan, add the flaked almonds and 

gently toast them until they are 

golden brown. Remove them from 

the pan and set aside to cool. 

Pour the cream into a bowl 

and gently whip it until it forms 

medium-stiff peaks. Take the 

cooled swiss roll and gently unroll 

it until it is flat again. Begin by 

spreading a layer of Raspberry 

Jam. Follow this with a layer of the 

lightly whipped cream, leaving 

a 1cm boarder around the edges. 

Gently roll the Swiss roll back into 

its spiral tightly enclosing the filling 

and finishing so the seam is tucked 

under the bottom of the cake. 

Place onto a serving platter and 

top with fresh raspberries, the 

toasted almonds and a dusting of 


Afternoon Tea 

DESIGN EXPERIENCE 

The chance to share the stories behind your jewellery with your loved ones over a luxury 

Afternoon Tea. One of our in-house experts will guide you through your jewellery box, advising 

on valuations, restorations and repairs,as well as discussing ideas for remodelling inherited pieces. 

What will my experience include? 

A dedicated design expert in the privacy of our Creative Suite | Afternoon Tea for two (or more) 

A full ‘MOT’ of your jewellery box | Stunning samples to try on | Sketches to take home 

Opportunity to meet our in-house goldsmith | Metal and gemstone advice 

FREE FOR NORTH HAMPSHIRE LIFESTYLE READERS 

I F YO U BOOK BY END AUGUST (WORTH £60) 

www.petrajewellery.com/afternoon-tea

IT’S ALL ABOUT 

THE FOOD 

WITH JACK STEIN 

Jack is the middle son of Rick and Jill Stein and, like his father, 

he’s always had a passion for the world of hospitality. The 

brand Rick Stein has undergone a great deal of change over 

the past few years including the launch of Jack’s own cookery 

course at the Rick Stein’s Cookery School as well as new boxes 

he created for the online nationwide delivery service, Stein’s 

at Home. Here, he talks with Sally Thomson and tells us more 

about his love of cooking and all things seafood… 

HOW ARE YOU? 

Great thanks and feeling refreshed - I 

was in the sea this morning, but it was 

pretty cold! 

YOU’RE BRAVE – I DON’T LIKE 

GOING IN THE SEA IN THE 

ENGLAND, EVEN IN THE SUMMER… 

I’ve been doing it since I was a child in 

Cornwall, but there are certainly some 

days I’m not so keen... 

I MET YOUR DAD FLYING TO 

THAILAND WHEN HE WAS ON HIS 

WAY TO AUSTRALIA. WE HAD A 

LOVELY CHAT ON THE JOURNEY. 

I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE A 

FAN OF INDONESIA? 

I spend a lot of time in Indonesia - it’s my 

home away from home as I like to surf 

there. I love the food and the people are 

incredible. I did a lot of research for my 

book while over there (Jack Stein’s World 

on a Plate: Bloomsbury & Absolute Press) 

with many recipes inspired by my travels. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD? 

Thai food – I did a TV show when I 

was out in Bangkok, learning about 

the cuisine in the north, especially 

around Chang Mai, the food there is 

unbelievable. I also enjoy southern dishes 

which include coconut milk curries. It’s 

such an amazing style of cooking. 

HOW DIFFERENT IS THE COOKING 

IN THE REGIONS OF THAILAND? 

The eastern region is very dry with hot 

spices and they use a lot of offal. For me, 

it’s the best – they’ve got super inventive 

dishes using blood and bladders and 

all that kind of stuff! I know it can be a 

bit off-putting for those who aren’t keen 

on it, but chefs love cooking with those 

ingredients. In Bangkok you get more 

traditional dishes whereas in the south, 

you get hotter food with a wide variety of 

spicy curries. 

I REMEMBER WHEN I FIRST WENT 

TO THAILAND, I ALSO FELL IN 

LOVE WITH THE FOOD AND I DO 

TRY AND COOK THAI DISHES, 

OBVIOUSLY NOT AS GOOD 

AS YOURS! SO, WHAT’S YOUR 

FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD 

TO VISIT? 

It depends on what you are going for. 

India and Sri Lanka are amazing and 

there is so much variety - you could live 

four lifetimes and always be learning 

about the nuances of their cuisines. I 

also think that Spanish food is great 

and have a big soft spot for northern 

Spain, especially Basque food in the 

San Sebastian area. There are so many 

Michelin-starred restaurants there too. 

I THINK THAT IN ENGLAND, WE 

HAVE BAD PRESS WHEN IT COMES 

TO COOKING. THERE ARE SOME 

DISHES THAT HAVE BEEN AROUND 

FOR A LONG TIME AND THEY 

SHOULD BE RECOGNISED FOR 

HOW GOOD THEY ARE – DO YOU 

AGREE? 


Well, when you think of some ‘traditional’ 

English dishes, such as a Full English or 

roast dinner, there’s actually a lot of skill 

involved. The timings are imperative and 

that’s a big thing for chefs. When you’re 

cooking different things at the same time, 

you have to concentrate and get it right. 

I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT YOUR 

DAD TRIED TO TALK YOU OUT 

OF JOINING THE TRADE. IS THAT 

CORRECT? 

Yes, he wanted us to go to university, 

which I did, but when I finished my 

studies, I went straight into the kitchen. I 

thought being a Chef would be a brilliant 

career and I wanted to be part of it – and 

here I am! 

YOU WOULD HAVE HAD THE 

BENEFIT OF HAVING A DAD WHO 

COULD COOK. AM I MAKING THE 

RIGHT SUPPOSITION THAT YOU 

NEED A GOOD PALATE TO DO IT 

WELL? 

Sort of. Being a chef is like tasting 

wine - people may not know much 

about it, but they know what they like. 

White or red, Sauvignon or Chardonnay, 

Merlot or Shiraz - you start with very big 

differences and suss out what tastes 

good, then you file them down. I think 

that anybody can cook if they put their 

mind to it. 

DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR 

WINE YOU ENJOY? DO YOU MATCH 

IT WITH WHAT YOU ARE EATING? 

My brother, Charlie, handles wine at the 

family restaurants, so I let him lead on 

that side of things, since he has years 

of knowledge. Personally, I like spicy 

food alongside a Riesling – it’s a great 

combination. I also love a really sweet 

wine and blue cheese, it’s an unusual 

pairing, but the flavours work well. 

LOVELY THAT SOUNDS DELICIOUS. 

ONE THING I WAS THINKING IN 

TERMS OF YOUR CAREER PATH, 

YOU’VE GOT TO NOT MIND THE 

HOURS? 

You’ve just got to get on with it. In an 

office you might be clock-watching, 

whereas in the kitchen, it never feels 

like there’s enough hours in the day. 

Sometimes it is hard to go into work on 

a Friday when other people are going 

out enjoying themselves, but you have 

to make sacrifices in any job if you want 

to do it well, and be recognised for being 

reliable. It’s such a rewarding career. 

I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU HAVE 

LAUNCHED YOUR OWN COOKERY 

SCHOOL 

We have relaunched our cookery school 

in Padstow which is really exciting. We’ve 

had a big refurb and I’m hosting courses 

there this year for the second year 

running. These are my own dishes rather 

than Rick’s food – I’m chuffed it’s been 

so popular. We will also be launching new 

experiences next year to include more 

vegetarian dishes and a dayboat fishing 


OUR FISHMONGER BOXES COME 

WITH ‘HOW TO’ VIDEOS TO WALK 

YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS, AND 

WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL 

EXPLAINING HOW TO COOK WITH 

DIFFERENT SPECIES – IT WAS GREAT 

TO MAKE THESE EDUCATIONAL 

VIDEOS. 

“classes, returning to the school to cook whatever we catch. We 

also take participants to the farm where we get our produce 

from, so they get a full understanding of what goes on behind 

the scenes and to meet our suppliers. 

SO THAT IS BASED IN PADSTOW? I WAS THINKING 

ABOUT YOU THE OTHER DAY BECAUSE I KNOW HOW 

MUCH YOU ENJOY LIVING IN THAT PART OF THE 

WORLD. I THOUGHT THAT IF YOU WERE A STICK OF 

ROCK IT WOULD HAVE PADSTOW RUNNING ALL THE 

WAY THROUGH. 

Whilst I have a big affinity to Padstow, Trevone (which is just a 

mile away) has a massive place in my heart as that’s where I’m 

from. 

IT’S LOVELY TO HAVE ROOTS LIKE THAT 

It’s great - you see smiling faces and get a friendly wave from 

the locals and there’s a real sense of community. 

I FEEL JUST THE SAME. NOW, THE STEIN’S AT HOME 

FISH DELIVERY BOXES - TELL ME ABOUT THEM. 

We started them in lockdown as we wanted to get as 

many people back to work in the business as possible. We 

saw Hawksmoor, the steak restaurant, selling successful 

restaurant kits and wanted to be a part of this new wave of 

home deliveries. We launched Stein’s at Home and an Online 

Fishmongers, which sells incredible fresh fish and seafood 

boxes fresh from our Cornish supplier – he will pick the fish up in 

the morning, bring it back to us, and pack it to send that exact 

day. So, rather than buying from a shelf in the supermarket, 

which might have been hanging around for a few days, it is 

extremely fresh. Fresh fish is very hard to come by, especially 

sea bass, turbot, lobster and crab. We think we’ve found a gap 

in the market providing that service and we’re so pleased with all 

the positive feedback from customers. 

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE FISH? 

You can’t go wrong with mackerel - it’s really healthy, it’s good 

for you and I just love it. I think some people are a little scared 

about cooking fish. Maybe they cook it too long, or they’re just 

not used to it. What we eat now has changed quite radically and 

with fast food, diets have changed. Our fish boxes come with 

‘how to’ videos to walk you through the process, and we have 

a YouTube channel explaining how to cook different species – it 

was great to make these educational videos. 

THERE IS SOMETHING ELSE TO ASK. YOU HAVE A 

SPECIAL ROLE IN THE BUSINESS? 

Yes indeed, I am Chef Director across the Rick Stein 

Restaurants, which means I’m overseeing the whole process. 

Not just the restaurants, but also online, retail and training, 

which is exciting. 

DIDN’T YOU HAVE ENOUGH TO DO BEFORE…? 

I love what I do and helping the family business grow from 

strength to strength is so rewarding. I have a brilliant Executive 

Chef who does a lot of day-to-day restaurant operations, 

meaning I can focus more on strategy, but I still love getting into 

the kitchen. 

HOW WERE YOU AFFECTED BY THE LOCKDOWNS? 

The Online Fishmonger boxes and Stein’s at Home meal kits 

were a pivot really, which enabled us to keep some money in 

the business. We wanted to keep things going, especially the 

fresh fish business, and it was great to see a demand from 

our customers who wanted restaurant quality meals at home. 

People trust Rick Stein as a brand to source the best and 

freshest fish possible. 

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO 

SHARE WITH OUR READERS? 

I’m excited to announce that I’m on Cooking With The 

Stars, which is returning in June, on ITV Prime Time. I’m 

also continuing to build our online fish box offering with new 

innovations for home delivery across the UK. The atmosphere 

in Cornwall over summer is always electric, so I’m looking 

forward to successful months ahead and, of course, some good 

weather! 

Jack’s cookbook: Jack Stein’s World on a Plate: Bloomsbury & 

Absolute Press is available to purchase from: 

https://shop.rickstein.com/, as well as all good book stores.

MONKFISH 

RICE & CURRY 

BY JACK STEIN 

Jack Stein’s World On A Plate 

(Bloomsbury and Absolute Press) 

SERVES 4 

INGREDIENTS 

50ml vegetable oil 

4 onions 

12 curry leaves 

6 garlic cloves, finely chopped 

5cm ginger, finely chopped 

8 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced 

400ml coconut milk 

600g monkfish cut into 4 fillets, trimmed 

1 tablespoon salt 

2 green chillies, sliced 

FOR THE SRI LANKAN CURRY 

POWDER 

2 tablespoons basmati rice 

4 tablespoons coriander seeds 

3 tablespoons cumin seeds 

2 tablespoons black peppercorns 

2 tablespoons chilli flakes 

1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds 

1 tablespoon black mustard seeds 

2 teaspoons cloves 

1 heaped teaspoon cardamom seeds 

(from the pods) 

1 heaped teaspoon fennel seeds 

1 teaspoon turmeric 

TO SERVE 

Boiled basmati rice 

Deep-fried poppadom triangles 

METHOD 

To make the curry powder, place the 

rice in a dry pan and roast until brown. 

Then add the spices and cook together 

until fragrant. Place in a blender and 

mix. Store in an airtight container until 

needed; it will keep for 1 month. 

For the curry base, warm half of the 

vegetable oil in a large, wide pan and 

add the onions and 6 of the curry 

leaves; cook until lightly coloured (8 

minutes). Then add the garlic and 

ginger and cook for another 3 minutes. 

Move this onion mixture to one side of 

the pan and place 2–3 teaspoons of the 

roasted curry powder in the space left. 

Cook the spices for 1 minute then add 

the tomatoes and stir together. 

Cook the mixture for a further 20 

minutes. (Meanwhile boil the rice, then 

cover to keep warm.) 

If the curry starts to dry, add a little 

water. You want the tomatoes to break 

down and release their juice. Now 

add the coconut milk and cook until 

reduced and thick. Keep the curry 

warm over a low heat while you cook 

the fish. 

Season the monkfish fillets with the 

salt and cook in a frying pan in the 

remaining vegetable oil until nicely 

browned; you want to cook it under the 

temperature where you want it to finish 

– say 45ºC. Take the fillets out of the 

pan, slice thickly and leave to rest. 

Warm up the curry base and add the 

monkfish slices to the pan. Cook for 

1–2 minutes until the fish reaches 55ºC. 

Remove from the heat. Add the raw 

sliced chilli and remaining fresh curry 

leaves. Serve with the basmati rice and 

deep-fried poppadom triangles. 




POLLOCK FILLET WITH 

TARTARE SAUCE, NEW 

POTATOES AND SPINACH 

BY JACK STEIN 



SERVES 4 

800g pollock fillets 

1 tablespoon vegetable oil 

500g spinach, washed 

1 teaspoon butter 

400g new potatoes, boiled 

Salt and pepper 

FOR THE TARTARE SAUCE 

150g miso mayonnaise 

½ shallot, finely chopped 

25g capers, chopped 

25g gherkins, chopped 

½ tablespoon chopped tarragon 

½ tablespoon chopped chives 

METHOD 

First make the tartare sauce. Place the miso 

mayonnaise in a bowl and add the shallots, 

capers and gherkins. Mix them until well 

incorporated, then stir in the tarragon and 

chives. Refrigerate until needed. Season the 

flesh side of the pollock fillets, and oil lightly. 

Grill, skin side up, under a hot grill for 2–3 

minutes, depending on the thickness of the 

fillets. Set aside and allow to rest for 2–3 

minutes. Sauté the spinach in the butter until 

wilted. Serve the pollock fillets with a large 

dollop of tartare sauce and with the potatoes 

and spinach alongside. 


PEANUT BUTTER AND CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE 

WITH SALTED CARAMEL AND POPCORN 

“SOMETIMES IN LIFE YOU HAVE TO MAKE A QUICK DECISION; THIS DESSERT IS A GOOD CASE IN POINT. WE WERE 

PREPPING TO PHOTOGRAPH THE DESSERTS FOR THIS BOOK IN LONDON AND I HAD SLIGHTLY MISCALCULATED 

THE NUMBER OF DESSERTS – WE WERE ONE SHORT. I KNEW THAT THE INGREDIENTS I HAD IN MIND 

WOULD COMBINE BEAUTIFULLY, SO I OPENED THE FRIDGE AT THE RESTAURANT AND EXTRACTED A SLICE OF 

CHEESECAKE, POURED A LITTLE CARAMEL INTO A TUB AND LEGGED IT TO THE SHOOT, LEAVING A SMALL NOTE 

SAYING, ‘TOOK ONE SLICE OF CHEESECAKE, WON’T BE ABLE TO REPLACE, THANKS.’ 

IF YOU’RE MAKING THIS DESSERT FROM SCRATCH, YOU’LL NEED TO START IT THE DAY BEFORE SERVING.” 

- JACK STEIN 

MAKES 1 CHEESECAKE 

FOR THE BASE 

150g digestive biscuits, crushed 

3 teaspoons cocoa powder 

100g unsalted butter, melted 

FOR THE FILLING 

60g smooth peanut butter 

150g caster sugar 

500g mascarpone 


1 teaspoon vanilla essence 

FOR THE TOPPING 


100g dark chocolate drops 

FOR THE SALTED CARAMEL SAUCE 

100g granulated sugar 

45g unsalted butter, at room temperature 


½ teaspoon salt or more to taste 

TO SERVE 

Purchased ready-made popcorn: 10g per 

person 

A little icing sugar 

METHOD 

Mix all the base ingredients together and 

push into a loose-bottomed, 23cm flan 

tin. Chill in the fridge for 2 hours. 

Beat the peanut butter and sugar 

together in a food mixer until light in 

colour. Add the mascarpone, cream 

and vanilla and mix slowly until just 

incorporated (over-mixing will cause it 

to split). Smooth it over the cheesecake 

base. Chill for 2 hours. 

Heat the cream and the chocolate drops 

together in a saucepan over a low heat, 

stirring until combined. Leave the mixture 

to cool for 10 minutes, then pour it evenly 

over the cheesecake. Chill for 12 hours. 

Now make the salted caramel sauce. 

First heat the sugar in a saucepan over 

a medium heat, stirring it continuously 

with a spatula or wooden spoon. As 

soon as the sugar has dissolved and is a 

dark brown, thick liquid, add the butter 

straight away. Keep stirring until all the 

butter has melted and been incorporated 

into the caramel. 

Slowly pour in the double cream, still 

stirring. Keep on heat for another minute; 

the mixture will bubble and rise in the 

pan. Remove from the heat and stir in the 

salt, then allow to cool. You can always 

add more salt, depending on your taste. 

The caramel can be stored in the fridge 

overnight along with the cheesecake. It 

makes about a cupful and will keep for 1 

week. Any left over would make a great 

topping for ice cream. 

Shortly before serving, place the popcorn 

in a large bowl and stir in a little salt 

and icing sugar to taste. Remove the 

cheesecake from the fridge and let it sit 

for a few minutes to make it easier to cut. 

Place a slice on each plate. Warmnup 

a little salted caramel – either in a small 

pot on the hob or in a small bowl inbthe 

microwave for 30 seconds–1 minute 

until it is loose enough to drizzle over the 

cheesecake but not so hot that it would 

melt the chocolate layer. Add some salty, 

sweet popcorn to each plate and dig in! 




Photography by Jo Bradbury 

THE MODERN 

BRIDE 

We asked the experts at brides.com for the contemporary 

wedding trends for the most beautiful of ceremonies 

ALL WHITE WEDDING 

Sticking with an all-white design, whether 

in your florals, table-scape décor, or 

reception and ceremony backdrops, 

is a modern wedding technique that is 

always in style. Using an all-white palette 

can bring the spotlight to other details 

throughout your day (especially on your 

table-scape) including linens, glassware, 

centrepieces, and other uses of décor. 

And fresh greenery is a great option for 

adding a pop of colour that works in any 

season. 

OPT FOR A MISMATCHED 

BRIDAL PARTY 

A trend that doesn’t look like it’s going 

anywhere anytime soon is outfitting your 

bridal party in various (and chic) dresses 

and suits. It’s a feature that will add a 

whimsical element to your wedding day 

and resulting photos. Whether you let 

your bridal party pick their own dresses, 

or you prompt them on a specific colour, 

style, or design that you encourage them 

to wear, the end result will be something 

playfully elegant. 

USE BLACK ACCENTS 

Black is the perfect colour for a modern 

wedding. It reads elegant, chic, fashionforward, 

and sophisticated all at the same 

time. Use it to add depth and character. 

Whether adding a touch of colour to the 

outline of a menu card or using it to adorn 

an entire Lucite placemat, black is one 

hue that will always create drama. 

GO WITH GREENERY 

For a literal take on a fresh reception, 

creatE your centrepieces with an 

overflow of greenery. One of the best 

ways to turn your reception into an 

example of contemporary style is to 

use arrangements filled with vines, 

leaves, and other lush, green foliage. 

You can also decorate other elements 

with greenery and dried blooms, like this 

unique bar. 

Photography by Hannah Forsberg 

paired passed bites and sips at cocktail 

hour, curated wine pairings, or seasonal/ 

locally sourced foods. Enhance the look 

of your presentation by creating a fussfree 

tray organized by quality treats and 

hors d’oeuvres. 

USE CANDLELIGHT 

Clean lines and candlelight galore are the 

very definition of modern romance. Glass 

votives in varying heights will give your 

candlelit table-scape plenty of dimension 

and diversity. 

Photography by Mo Davis 

Photography by Scarlet O’Neill 

MAKE A LOUNGE 

Echo your favourite modern bar and 

create a cool lounge area for guests to 

sip on your signature cocktails and take a 

break from the dance floor. Sleek furniture 

will help bring this space together. 

OPT FOR A MINIMALIST 

WEDDING GOWN 

A simple wedding dress can add to your 

event’s modern aesthetic. Clean lines and 

a minimalist design created the perfect 

focal point for bridal portraits. 

FOCUS ON INTERESTING 

FLAVOURS 

Enhance the food and beverage 

experience by channeling the excitement 

of a pop-up dinner for a modern, 

discerning foodie crowd.Plan for perfectly 


Nestled amongst the hills of the glorious Test Valley, lies Black Chalk. 

We have been making beautifully crafted Sparkling Wines since 2015 and 

in 2020 we built our new home - a state of the art Winery, Tasting 

Room and Shop, right in the heart of the Hampshire Chalklands. 

Stop in at our Tasting Room which is open 7 days a week. Treat yourself 

to a bottle, glass or wine flight and a spot of lunch from our locally 

sourced food menu or just sit and relax in our unique Circle Vineyard. 

We run tours and tastings all year round. Explore our stunning vineyards 

with one of our resident experts, and be guided through a relaxed tasting 

of a selection of Black Chalk wines. 

Visit our website for more information, upcoming events and 

to book your tour and tasting. 

Black Chalk Wine, The Old Dairy 

Fullerton Road, SP11 7JX 

01264 860440 

www.blackchalkwine.co.uk 

@blackchalkwine 

haus 

LIFESTYLE | GIFTS 

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Espresso 

INTERIOR 

Our guide of upcoming trends to 

help you re-energise your home 

WARM WOOD TONES 

The use of warmer wood tones and an earthy colour 

palette in furniture and fabric will continue to rise 

c/o Victoria Meale 

Living & 

Dining 

Some easy trends to introduce 

into your space to give it a 

refreshing overhaul 

1970s 

We are seeing the 1970s 

return in furniture, fabric 

and especially lighting - 

statement Murano-style 

chandeliers particularly 

Light: Studio Laurin 

SUSTAINABLE CHOICES 

Consumers are becoming more mindful of choosing 

environmentally-friendly options, and rightly so, as the 

conversation and importance of sustainable design will 

begin to take centre stage. People are increasingly asking 

where and how items are made. 

Kala Hmong Cushion, £35, 

hauslife.co.uk 

Farrow & Ball Broccoli Brown 

BROWN TONES 

Brown is the new colour of luxury, 

with deep shades helping to 

create grown-up spaces which 

still exude warmth.

TEXTURED TILES 

c/o Mark Sohby Photography 

Textured, decorative tile is likely to gain popularity 

in 2023. The shapes add decorative interest, 

dimension and artistry to a space, particularly 

for hand-crafted or highly detailed tiles. Uniquely 

textured tile may also catch shadows or reflect 

light, contributing to the room’s overall mood as 

lighting is modified. 

c/o Claybrook 

BACK TO NATURE 

Bathroom 

Natural wood tones and serene spaces are a key part 

of design in 2023. Incorporating exterior elements in 

the home with materials and organic features such as 

woods, concrete, plaster, rounded edges and earthy 

tones. All of these help to create grounding spaces 

which make us feel so much more relaxed. 

c/o Lusso 

Bathrooms are so often neglected, given that they 

are probably the hardest-working space in the 

house - here are a few of the trends we are seeing 

for 2023 which are sure to be timeless classics 

c/o Crosswater UK 

WARM METALLICS 

Warmer tones are most likely to dominate 

bathroom trends in 2023 as well as more 

neutral and earthy tones, so a brushed 

bronze finish is the perfect complement 

to these design schemes thanks to 

its contemporary design and warm 

contrasting tones 

JAPANDI BATHROOM 

Japandi style, a blend of Scandinavian and Japanese 

interior design styles, lends itself so perfectly to a tranquil 

and restful aesthetic. When it comes to bathroom design 

it results in a contemporary space that embraces richer 

colour palettes, sleek styling, and faultless functionality to 

offer unrivalled levels of comfort. 


c/o Lauren Pressey 

Kitchen 

The beating heart of the home, the kitchen is 

the room that the whole family rotates round. If 

you are considering an update, we have a look at 

what’s hot in the kitchen world 

c/o Ryan Garvin 

PAINTED ISLAND 

What about homeowners who want to update their 

existing space without a complete kitchen renovation? 

One of the best ways to inject colour and new life into 

the kitchen is to paint the island base. 

GREEN AND 

BLUE HUES 

Shades of blues with more green 

undertones are a refreshing change. 

It immediately creates a wow factor, 

adds interest and provides contrast. 

Deep hues always give a classic feel 

that never feels overly-trendy. 

c/o Aaron Dougherty Photography 

c/o Higham Furniture 

B O L D 

BACKSPLASH 

White kitchens are still 

trending, but a bolder 

backsplash is perfect to add 

that pop of pattern or colour, 

creating a playfulness to your 

home. It’s also a great way to 

inject new life without a whole 

large-scale refurbishment. 

c/o Studio McGee 

ARCHITECTURAL 

DETAILING 

Make a statement by using brick slips 

or interesting glazing to let the bones of 

your kitchen really sing. 

HIGH 

CONTRAST 

Whilst all-white kitchens will 

always be in style, we’re 

seeing a shift away from 

the monochrome look in 

favour of mixed materials 

and pops of high-contrast 

paint applications. The core 

of the classic white kitchen 

remains, but black painted 

or ebony stained finishes are 

becoming a staple to add a 

bit of punchy interest.

Maybe it’s time for a 

kitchen 

that makes you 

Smile? 


ADVERTISING FEATURE 

HORATIO’S GARDEN 

Chelsea Flower Show Winner! 

Horatio’s Garden Chelsea, designed by Charlotte Harris and 

Hugo Bugg, has been awarded the coveted Best in Show title.. 

Designed for Horatio’s Garden, the UKbased 

charity that nurtures wellbeing 

after spinal injury in vibrant sanctuaries 

in NHS spinal centres, Horatio’s Garden 

Chelsea is an adaptive garden that puts 

the priorities of all those with different 

mobility needs at its heart. 

The first garden on Chelsea’s famous 

main avenue that has mobility needs at 

its heart will be relocated to the Princess 

Royal Spinal Cord Injuries Centre in 

Sheffield in 2024. It will be eight times 

the size of the Chelsea show garden 

and become the eighth and latest of the 

charity’s gardens at NHS spinal centres. 

It will be relocated to its legacy home 

at the Northern General Hospital in 

Sheffield, the garden is the antithesis 

of a busy, clinical hospital setting with 

every element being informed by the 

experiences of patients with spinal 

injuries. 

Planting is layered to accommodate 

different ways of seeing, a garden 

room provides welcome relief from 

the busy ward. Smooth, cement-free 

terrazzo paths are patient-friendly, 

environmentally-friendly and aesthetically 

beautiful, with a 77 percent reduced 

carbon footprint compared to regular 

cement. 

This UK-based charity is dedicated 

to creating and nurturing beautiful, 

accessible and sustainable gardens in 

NHS spinal centres. The National Garden 

Scheme have been supporting Horatio’s 

Garden since 2015 and in that time over 

£400,000 has been donated, with a 

commitment to donate funding towards 

the completion of all eleven gardens. 

The charity is named after Horatio 

Chapple. Horatio volunteered at the 

spinal centre in Salisbury and had the 

vision of a garden for all those connected 

to the centre. Horatio’s life was cut short 

in 2011 at the age of 17. For Horatio’s 

family, friends and those touched by 

his life, these evolving gardens, which 

offer sanctuary, improve wellbeing, 

and become so significant to those 

affected by spinal cord injury, are his 

legacy. Dedicated head gardeners, 

staff and volunteers ensure the gardens 

look incredible all year round as well as 

organising activities and events, including 

garden and art therapy, music concerts 

and plenty of tea and homemade cake. 

To find out more please visit: 

https://www.rhs.org.uk/showsevents/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/ 

Gardens/2023/horatios-garden

SAVE THE BEES 

THE BEST POLLINATOR PLANTS 

The team at the UK’s largest-family run group, British 

Garden Centres look at the 10 best plants that grow 

easily and attract pollinators in your garden from early 

spring to summer... 

LAVENDER - Bees’ favourite during the summer months is 

lavender. It is known for its wonderful scent and pollinating 

insects that draw nectar from its dark purple flowers. Lavender is 

a durable and highly versatile perennial herb that can be used in 

borders and containers to form fragrant bushes. 

FOXGLOVES - Plants like foxglove have magnificent spikes of 

purple, pink, white and blue flowers. The flowers of this cottage 

garden classic attract solitary bees, and it thrives in light shade 

with well-drained soil. Native to Britain, foxgloves are perfect for 

wildlife gardens and can be used as cut flowers. 

WILDFLOWERS - You can buy wildflower mixes in your local 

British Garden Centres, which will bring the buzz to your garden. 

This type of planting requires little maintenance and will help 

feed Britain’s bees by creating urban wildflower meadows in your 

backyard. They are a fantastic habitat, food source and pollinator 

for bees, birds, butterflies and insects. 

POPPIES - Poppies are an excellent pollen source with their 

open petals inviting pollinators to feast on nectar. Your outdoor 

space will be filled with bursts of red, white, purple, pink and blue 

flowers that entice insects. Poppies thrive in good sunlight and 

loose soil conditions. 

VERBENA - Verbena with its round clusters of bright, lilac 

flowers is a favourite with both bees and butterflies. An 

outstanding addition to the back of a summer border, the high 

stems attract pollinators who take turns to feast all over the year, 

because of its extended flowering period. 

DAHLIAS - There is no better late nectar source for pollinators 

than dahlias. Most nectar will come from single-flowered flower 

bulbs or tubers with noticeable stamens. Bees and butterflies 

are attracted to these beautiful flowers, which bloom throughout 

summer and early autumn. 

ROSEMARY - Rosemary has extremely fragrant leaves and 

is prized for its cooking and medicinal uses, but did you know 

it’s helpful to pollinators too? Bees’ affection for the scent and 

nectar-rich flowers brings them in large numbers to forage the 

nectar which they can take back to the hive to make honey. 

For more great gardening tips, visit: 

www.britishgardencentres.com 

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www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 29 

SBIWT244.indd 1 27/07/2022 11:26

DEMENTIA 

DIAGNOSIS: 

what are the next steps? 

Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be a 

difficult and overwhelming experience. It 

is important to understand what dementia 

is and how it affects the brain. Dementia 

is a general term that describes a decline 

in cognitive function severe enough to 

interfere with daily life. It is caused by 

damage to brain cells, which affects 

thinking, behaviour, and feelings. There 

are different types of dementia, including 

Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, 

and Lewy body dementia. Each type of 

dementia has its own set of symptoms 

and progression. Understanding the type 

of dementia and its symptoms can help 

individuals and their families better cope 

with the diagnosis and plan for the future. 

After receiving a dementia diagnosis, it 

is important to seek practical advice on 

how to cope with the changes that may 

occur. Simple strategies can make a big 

difference in day-to-day life. For example, 

providing clear and simple instructions 

can help individuals with dementia better 

understand and complete tasks. It is 

also important to recognise the coping 

strategies of the person with dementia 

and see things from their perspective. 

Seeking support from organisations 

such as the Alzheimer’s Society and the 

Contented Dementia Trust can provide 

individuals and their families with helpful 

resources and guidance on how to 

manage the diagnosis. 

It is important to care for oneself and 

seek emotional support after receiving 

a dementia diagnosis. This may include 

making regular appointments with 

a primary care doctor or specialist, 

such as a neurologist or geriatric 

psychiatrist. Additionally, caregivers 

should acknowledge their feelings 

and seek practical help and emotional 

support when needed. Asking doctors 

about trials or studies and contacting 

dementia charities for potential research 

opportunities can also provide individuals 

and their families with hope for the 

future. Planning for the future and making 

necessary preparations, such as legal 

and financial planning, can also aid the 

feeling of control during this difficult time. 

NEXT STEPS AFTER A 

DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS 

Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be 

overwhelming and emotional. However, 

it is essential to take the next steps 

to manage the condition effectively. 

Recognising that dementia affects a 

person’s abilities and treating them with 

dignity and respect is crucial. Therefore, it 

is important to educate oneself and loved 

ones about the diagnosis and the best 

ways to provide care and support. 

Legal and financial planning is another 

critical step. It is essential to establish 

consent to manage finances and consider 

being named as a power of attorney. 

Consulting a later life legal specialist 

can ease the burden. Additionally, it 

is important to have important legal 

documents in place, such as a Will, 

power of attorney, and advanced 

directives for healthcare. 

Building a support network and exploring 

care-giving options is also necessary 

after a dementia diagnosis. Care-giving 

can be challenging and impact the 

care-giver’s health, so it is crucial to 

reach out to organisations that can 

provide assistance. Asking friends and 

family for help with daily needs such as 

cooking, transportation, and shopping 

can also be beneficial. Providing choices 

and recognising the person’s coping 

strategies can also help with care-giving. 

Improving communication skills is also 

essential to reduce stress and improve 

the quality of the relationship with the 

person with dementia. 

PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR 

COPING WITH DEMENTIA 

Being diagnosed with dementia can be 

overwhelming, but there are practical 

steps that individuals can take to cope 

with the diagnosis. One of the most 

important steps is to maintain a healthy 

lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced 

diet, getting regular exercise, and 

getting enough sleep. Participating in 

activities that one enjoys can also help 

improve mood and overall well-being. 

Additionally, seeking support from family 

members, friends, or local services can 

help with routine tasks such as cooking, 

transportation, and shopping. By 

prioritising a healthy lifestyle and seeking 

support, individuals with dementia can 

better manage their symptoms and 

maintain their independence. 

When engaging in activities or hobbies, 

it’s important to keep things simple, 

reduce distractions, and break activities 

down into manageable steps. Working 

with an occupational therapist can also 

help individuals with dementia stay 

independent and learn new ways to 

manage daily tasks. 

Coping with memory loss and 

communication challenges can be 

difficult, but there are strategies that 

can help. Breaking tasks down into 

smaller, simpler steps and using written 

instructions can be helpful. It’s also 

important to be clear and concise in 

communication, repeating things as 

needed and reducing extraneous noise 

and distractions. Encouraging the use 

of memory aids, such as a notebook 

or smart phone, can also be helpful in 

managing short-term memory loss. 

Joining a support group or attending 

counselling sessions can make a world 

of difference in terms of managing the 

emotional and practical impacts of living 

with dementia. Support groups offer 

a chance to connect with others who 

can provide advice and understanding, 

as well as to simply listen and create a 

sense of community. 

COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL 

THERAPY (CBT) 

Continued Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 

(CBT) is an effective therapy for helping 

those with memory loss manage their 

emotions and behaviour. It focuses on 

problem solving and helps individuals 

identify their triggers and develop coping 

strategies to manage them. CBT can 

help individuals with dementia recognise 

the connections between their thoughts, 

feelings, and behaviours, and help them 

adjust to the changes in their life caused 

by dementia. One of the most important 

next steps after a dementia diagnosis is 

to reach out for help and support. 

For more resources and support, 

please visit dementiauk.org 


Homefield House 

Homefield Way, Aldermaston Road, 

Basingstoke RG24 9SE 

Nursing Care 

Dementia Care 

Homefield House is a dementia nursing care home, 

situated in a vibrant residential area, close to shops 

in Rooksdown on the outskirts of Basingstoke. 

Your voice is at the heart of everything we do and your decisions about your care are vital to us here 

at Homefield and we will work in partnership with you during every step of your care. 

Above all else come and live in a home where your family and loved ones are as welcome as you are. 

Scan to 

visit us 

For more information call us or visit: 

www.shaw.co.uk/homefield 

01256 333433 

We are the UK’s largest employee-owned healthcare provider

North Hampshire Lifestyle Jul - Aug 2023

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