Wokingham and Bracknell Lifestyle Dec 2023 - Jan 2024
Our last edition of 2023 is here, with lots of festive and New Year content to enjoy over the Christmas period. We've got wonderful competitions, delicious recipes, winter garden advice and a kitchen transformation to inspire you.
Our last edition of 2023 is here, with lots of festive and New Year content to enjoy over the Christmas period. We've got wonderful competitions, delicious recipes, winter garden advice and a kitchen transformation to inspire you.
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Newbury Building Society<br />
Community<br />
Support<br />
Scheme <strong>2024</strong><br />
Heros<br />
Awarded<br />
£1,000<br />
Awarded<br />
£500<br />
Awarded<br />
£500<br />
The Safe<br />
Camp Mohawk<br />
Did you know that Newbury Building Society offer<br />
grants to community organisations, charities, <strong>and</strong><br />
clubs local to their branch towns?<br />
To find out more<br />
<strong>and</strong> apply for funding,<br />
scan the QR code.<br />
As a mutual Society, we’re committed to giving back to the communities where our members<br />
<strong>and</strong> employees live <strong>and</strong> work.<br />
In the last year, we’ve helped charities <strong>and</strong> organisations including Abingdon Community<br />
Fridge, Wantage Ladies FC, Camp Mohawk, Growing Newbury Green, Littleton Bowls Clubs<br />
<strong>and</strong> Home Start Southern Oxfordshire.<br />
The application deadlines for <strong>2024</strong> are:<br />
• Wednesday 31 <strong>Jan</strong>uary<br />
• Tuesday 30 April<br />
• Wednesday 31 July<br />
• Monday 30 September<br />
<strong>Wokingham</strong> branch<br />
19 Broad Street,<br />
<strong>Wokingham</strong>, RG40 1AU<br />
Call: 0118 978 5945<br />
Email: wokingham@newbury.co.uk<br />
Newbury Building Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority <strong>and</strong> regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority <strong>and</strong><br />
the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register number 206077). English Law applies <strong>and</strong> we will communicate with you<br />
in English. We are participants of the Financial Ombudsman Service. We have a complaints procedure which we will provide on request.<br />
Most complaints that we cannot resolve can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service. 9924<br />
Newbury<br />
Building Society
C O N T E N T S<br />
A NOTE<br />
from the editor<br />
18 19<br />
INTERIOR FESTIVE RECIPES UPDATES<br />
Editor Katie Thomson<br />
e katie@minervapublications.co.uk<br />
Assistant Editor Kate Norris<br />
Publisher Sally Thomson<br />
Pre Press Manager Rebecca Rose<br />
Contributors<br />
Matthew Biggs, Angela Cave,<br />
Louise Thomson, Pete Lawrence<br />
JACK KITCHEN STEIN RENOVATION<br />
INTERVIEW & RECIPE<br />
22 14<br />
FOR ADVERTISING<br />
Account Manager Helen Skeates<br />
e helen.skeates@minervapublications.co.uk<br />
t 01225 984494<br />
04<br />
COMPETITIONS<br />
06 27<br />
PLANTS FOR POLLINATORS<br />
GIFT GUIDE<br />
MINERVA PUBLICATIONS<br />
Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm,<br />
Hilperton BA14 6JB<br />
t 01225 984 550<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk<br />
Printed on sustainably sourced paper.<br />
Please recycle this copy or pass it along<br />
when you are finished for someone else<br />
to enjoy.<br />
Disclaimer: The publishers shall not be<br />
held liable for any loss occasioned by<br />
failure of an advertisement to appear, or<br />
any damage or inconvenience caused by<br />
errors, omissions <strong>and</strong> misprints. No part of<br />
this publication may be reproduced without<br />
prior permission from the publishers.<br />
The opinions expressed within are not<br />
necessarily those of the publishers.<br />
‘Tis the season to be jolly, <strong>and</strong><br />
I our had festive my spirits first are English soaring<br />
strawberry higher than this Santa’s week, sleigh! <strong>and</strong> my As<br />
word, we gear it was up for beyond the upcoming delicious<br />
- Christmas perfectly festivities, sweet, it was we’re a<br />
very excited good to share advert the for joy eating <strong>and</strong><br />
seasonally. merriment with I’ve you. tried to echo<br />
this in all my recent fruit <strong>and</strong><br />
vegetable<br />
In the spirit<br />
purchases,<br />
of giving,<br />
<strong>and</strong><br />
we’ve<br />
it’s<br />
had<br />
wrapped<br />
a transformative<br />
up some<br />
effect<br />
fantastic<br />
on<br />
my<br />
articles<br />
cooking<br />
for you<br />
- everything<br />
to delve into<br />
just<br />
in the coming weeks. From<br />
tastes better - more vibrant,<br />
delicious Christmas recipes<br />
needing less seasoning <strong>and</strong><br />
to gift guides - we’ve got<br />
just overall very tasty.<br />
even the most challenging<br />
person to buy for covered!<br />
I’m making the most of<br />
Let’s not forget our amazing<br />
cooking whilst I still have a<br />
competition guide, with<br />
kitchen - mine is due to be<br />
hundreds of pounds worth of<br />
ripped<br />
prizes to<br />
out<br />
be<br />
in<br />
won.<br />
two weeks <strong>and</strong><br />
it will be camping stove <strong>and</strong><br />
air<br />
If <strong>2024</strong><br />
frying<br />
sees<br />
for two<br />
you<br />
months<br />
undertaking<br />
from<br />
there! work on I’ve your already home, picked then our my<br />
kitchen, transformation but it got me thinking is sure<br />
about to inspire all the you other - hopefully areas that you<br />
need can take updating some tips, in my tricks home. <strong>and</strong> If<br />
you design are cues thinking from of this a similar lovely<br />
refresh, space. please check out our<br />
home pages this edition -<br />
they’re As we full bid of inspiring adieu to trends this<br />
<strong>and</strong> rollercoaster a few timeless of a year, classics. let’s not<br />
forget the lessons it taught us.<br />
We’ve If <strong>2023</strong> also was a got movie, some it’d lovely be a<br />
editorial blockbuster on with the best unexpected plants<br />
for plot pollinators twists <strong>and</strong> - a finale it’s never that<br />
been left us so eagerly important awaiting to support the<br />
wildlife sequel. in Here’s the garden. to hoping <strong>2024</strong><br />
brings fewer reboots <strong>and</strong><br />
The more competition uplifting plot-lines! guide this<br />
issue is a bumper one - we<br />
have Wishing an you outdoor all a furniture festive<br />
set season from filled Bramblecrest with joy, laughter, worth<br />
nearly <strong>and</strong> the £3,000, warmth plus of loved a cordless ones.<br />
lawnmower May your days worth be £679 merry to <strong>and</strong> get<br />
that bright. garden in shape. This,<br />
plus a lot more makes it well<br />
worth Thank a you look for <strong>and</strong> reading an enter! our<br />
magazine - <strong>and</strong> to our loyal<br />
We advertisers. will be back Together again you in<br />
August<br />
make this<br />
- I’ll<br />
venture<br />
be fully rebooted<br />
possible,<br />
<strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong><br />
recharged<br />
I want to<br />
into<br />
give<br />
summer<br />
you all<br />
mode.<br />
a heartfelt<br />
See you<br />
thanks<br />
then!<br />
from the<br />
whole team. Cheers to a<br />
positively sparkling holiday<br />
season <strong>and</strong> a peaceful Katie <strong>and</strong><br />
prosperous <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
Katie<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3
Time<br />
COMPETITION<br />
Find out more about entering our competitions online<br />
at www.minervamagazines/competitions.<br />
All the below close on 15th <strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2024</strong> with the exception of<br />
Copas which closes on 10th <strong>Dec</strong>ember<br />
CHRISTMAS HAMPER<br />
WORTH £500<br />
We have the ‘<strong>Dec</strong>adent Christmas in a<br />
Box’ to give away to one lucky reader.<br />
Worth £500, this delicious hamper is<br />
filled with goodies, including a 6kg<br />
free range turkey, 4.5kg unsmoked<br />
ham, 1kg side of salmon, 1kg organic<br />
Cheddar, 1kg Cropwell Bishop Stilton,<br />
Christmas Pudding, Harrow & Hope<br />
Brut Reserve, Pigs in Blankets, a range<br />
of luxury sauces <strong>and</strong> oils <strong>and</strong> Copas<br />
Rosemary Gin.<br />
You can see the full Christmas range at<br />
www.copasturkeys.co.uk<br />
Keyword ‘Copas Turkeys’<br />
WIN A CANDY SMART WINE<br />
COOLER WORTH £300<br />
We are offering one lucky reader the<br />
chance to win a smart C<strong>and</strong>y Wine<br />
Cooler worth over £300. This appliance<br />
helps preserve the natural taste <strong>and</strong><br />
smell of your wine, giving you the<br />
experience of a professional wine cellar.<br />
Smart home appliance br<strong>and</strong> C<strong>and</strong>y<br />
has partnered with Vivino - when you<br />
connect to the hOn app, you can<br />
enjoy the ‘SNAP MY WINE’ function<br />
- allowing you to keep a record of the<br />
wines in your cooler, helping you pair<br />
wine with different kinds of food.<br />
Keyword ‘C<strong>and</strong>y Wine Cooler’<br />
BATTERY-POWERED<br />
PRUNERS<br />
STIGA, a world-leading manufacturer<br />
<strong>and</strong> distributor of gardening machinery<br />
<strong>and</strong> equipment, announces its firstever<br />
battery-powered pruner, the SC<br />
100e. The SC 100e’s exceptional<br />
performance pruning capability adapts<br />
to the operator’s needs <strong>and</strong> to the<br />
task at h<strong>and</strong>. Its high-quality carbon<br />
steel blades are extremely sharp. With<br />
an option to select from three blade<br />
opening settings, this allows the cutting<br />
<strong>and</strong> trimming of branches up to 3.0 cm<br />
in diameter. We have three of these to<br />
give away! www.stiga.com/uk<br />
Keyword ‘Stiga Pruner’<br />
SOS SUPERSTARS SET<br />
Give the gift of radiant skin this<br />
Christmas with the SOS Serum<br />
Skincare Superstars Beauty Elixir<br />
gift set. Inside there’s a gel-cream<br />
cleanser, hydrating daily moisturiser<br />
with SPF 30, a Night Cream that is<br />
ready to help you regain healthy skin<br />
that positively glows <strong>and</strong> nourishing<br />
<strong>and</strong> mattifying lip balm with broad<br />
spectrum SPF 30. We have 4 sets to<br />
give away, comprising SOS Cleanse,<br />
SOS H20 Day Cream SPF 30, SOS<br />
Night Cream, SOS Lip Balm SPF 30,<br />
<strong>and</strong>Essential Drops Fragrance for the<br />
Home: Pomegranate & Lychee<br />
Keyword ‘SOS Superstars’<br />
A LUXURY LINGERIE SET<br />
Create a storm this winter... New<br />
bra <strong>and</strong> brief set, Bobette, is both<br />
luxurious <strong>and</strong> seductive.<br />
Featuring feminine lace <strong>and</strong> with a<br />
generous cleavage the elastic lace<br />
creates a three dimensional look in an<br />
exciting play of colours.<br />
Choose from the elegant Black or<br />
breath-taking Ruby Red versions.<br />
Available from www.ouhlala.co.uk<br />
Bra - £72, Shorty £33. Fits B-E cup<br />
We have two sets to give away.<br />
Keyword ‘Bobette’<br />
A SMART HEATING KIT<br />
FROM WISER!<br />
Wiser, the award-winning smart<br />
heating system, is giving two lucky<br />
readers the chance to win a home<br />
heating kit worth £299.99, which<br />
includes a Room Thermostat, Heat<br />
Hub <strong>and</strong> two Radiator Thermostats.<br />
Easy to install, the Wiser heating<br />
system can lower your energy bills by<br />
up to 30% per year. Wiser is available<br />
in classic white or stylish anthracite to<br />
suit your home. To find out how Wiser<br />
can help you save on your energy bills,<br />
head to wiser.draytoncontrols.co.uk<br />
Keyword ‘Wiser Energy’<br />
4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
BRITISH GARDEN CENTRES GUIDE<br />
Mood-boosting plants to<br />
enhance your wellbeing<br />
Plants have a remarkable ability to enhance our<br />
surroundings <strong>and</strong> positively impact our overall<br />
mental health <strong>and</strong> wellbeing. The British Garden<br />
Centres team explore some beautiful plants known<br />
for their mood-enhancing properties.<br />
LAVENDER<br />
Lavender, with its enchanting fragrance <strong>and</strong> vibrant purple blooms,<br />
is renowned for its calming effects. This versatile plant is often<br />
used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation <strong>and</strong> reduce anxiety.<br />
WINTER JASMINE<br />
Winter Jasmine, with its intoxicating fragrance, is renowned for<br />
its mood-enhancing properties. This flowering plant has a long<br />
history of being used in traditional medicine to alleviate stress<br />
<strong>and</strong> improve sleep quality.<br />
CHOCOLATE COSMOS<br />
The chocolate cosmos boasts a luxurious, smooth brown<br />
blossom with a captivating fragrance reminiscent of vanilla <strong>and</strong><br />
cocoa. Rest assured; the waft of chocolate scent carried by the<br />
wind will convert your garden into a serene sanctuary. Chocolate<br />
is associated with serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes<br />
relaxation, as well as the release of endorphins in our brains,<br />
fostering feelings of joy.<br />
BASIL<br />
Basil is a plant that can be grown both indoors <strong>and</strong> outdoors<br />
<strong>and</strong> has the ability to improve your mood. This herb contains a<br />
compound known as linalool, which helps to decrease our stress<br />
levels. It is particularly effective in reducing anxiety <strong>and</strong> promoting<br />
a sense of calm, <strong>and</strong> it possesses a delightful floral fragrance.<br />
SNAKE PLANT<br />
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that also improves<br />
air quality, the snake plant is an excellent choice. Its unique<br />
vertical leaves <strong>and</strong> ability to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen<br />
make it a natural air purifier. By eliminating harmful toxins, this<br />
resilient plant can contribute to a healthier indoor environment,<br />
leading to an uplifted mood <strong>and</strong> increased productivity.<br />
PEACE LILY<br />
The peace lily is not only a beautiful addition to any room with its<br />
elegant white flowers, but it also acts as a natural air purifier. It<br />
effectively removes pollutants such as benzene <strong>and</strong> formaldehyde,<br />
commonly found in cleaning products <strong>and</strong> household items.<br />
ALOE VERA<br />
The aloe vera plant is a popular choice for both its soothing<br />
properties <strong>and</strong> decorative appeal in the home <strong>and</strong> garden. With<br />
its succulent leaves containing a gel-like substance, aloe vera is a<br />
natural remedy for minor burns <strong>and</strong> skin irritations.<br />
p e r f e c t<br />
g i f t i n g<br />
1 0 % o f f<br />
u s i n g c o d e<br />
1 0 H A U S L I F E<br />
f a s h i o n &<br />
a c c e s s o r i e s<br />
See the full collection at hauslife.co.uk<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 5
Alya Phone Case Bag<br />
Leather Black, £69,<br />
lonestaroflondon.com<br />
Hotel-quality dressing gowns - with<br />
embroidery options available Hotel<br />
Velour Robe, £70, tielleloveluxury.co.uk<br />
Comes in<br />
a matching<br />
cotton gift<br />
bag<br />
Keratin-coated hot air styler with<br />
8 accessories for drying your<br />
hair <strong>and</strong> creating different styles<br />
with a single movement, £99.99,<br />
bellissimaitalia.co.uk<br />
Orange & Neroli 100ml Reed<br />
Diffuser, £21, hauslife.co.uk<br />
gifts for<br />
HER<br />
Cotton PJ Sets, from<br />
£44.99, hauslife.co.uk<br />
Get a lash lift at home with this<br />
amazing complete kit - for only<br />
£39.99; glowforitshop.com<br />
Hayman’s Sloe Gin, £29,<br />
haymansgin.com<br />
Ideal for<br />
cooks<br />
This offers interchangeable grinding<br />
discs, a 15° grinding angle for a filigree<br />
edge <strong>and</strong> a 20° grinding angle for more<br />
robust blades. £159, horl.com<br />
More than just<br />
an air fryer, it’s<br />
a master in<br />
slow cooking,<br />
roasting, <strong>and</strong> more,<br />
thanks to precise<br />
temperature<br />
control. I-Master<br />
Air Fryer Series<br />
5, £199, smallappliances-uk.<br />
haier-europe.com<br />
Men’s Active Puffy<br />
Jacket £200,<br />
hellyhansen.<br />
com<br />
gifts for<br />
HIM<br />
British Wool Honeycomb<br />
Chunky Jumper, £79.95,<br />
glencroftcountrywear.<br />
co.uk<br />
Neoprene Dumbell<br />
H<strong>and</strong> Weights,<br />
Currently priced at<br />
£19.99, amazon.co.uk<br />
H<strong>and</strong>leless Coffee<br />
Cup, £11.99,<br />
hauslife.co.uk<br />
Not only is it ultra-lightweight, but it<br />
also includes a travel case <strong>and</strong> has an<br />
amazing battery life of up to 90 days on<br />
a single charge. SonicSmile Plus £45,<br />
silkn.co.uk<br />
Ultra cosy<br />
<strong>and</strong> water<br />
repellent<br />
6 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Unlock your<br />
child’s potential<br />
BOOK<br />
NOW<br />
Performing Arts Schools<br />
Singing, dancing <strong>and</strong> acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds<br />
BRACKNELL<br />
01344 568658<br />
stagecoach.co.uk/bracknell<br />
WOKINGHAM<br />
0118 371 2998<br />
stagecoach.co.uk/wokingham<br />
BRACKNELL NORTH<br />
07368 849169<br />
stagecoach.co.uk/bracknellnorth<br />
Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise <strong>and</strong> are<br />
independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach <strong>and</strong> Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.<br />
Creative Courage<br />
For Life ®
BE<br />
PUPPYWISE:<br />
The ultimate<br />
guide to getting<br />
a healthy, happy<br />
four-legged friend<br />
Buying <strong>and</strong> owning a dog is a big responsibility, yet research by The Kennel<br />
Club has found that more than one in ten puppy buyers wish they had spent<br />
more time researching their decision.<br />
To encourage responsible puppy<br />
ownership, we’re sharing The Kennel<br />
Club’s step-by-step guide to help you<br />
to ‘be puppywise’, <strong>and</strong> to find <strong>and</strong><br />
care for a happy <strong>and</strong> healthy canine<br />
companion.<br />
Are you ready?<br />
The first step is deciding whether<br />
you’re genuinely ready for a fourlegged<br />
friend. Make a start by asking<br />
yourself:<br />
• Can you give a dog all the care<br />
<strong>and</strong> attention they need? Think<br />
about both the short <strong>and</strong> the long<br />
term responsibilities, considering<br />
your work <strong>and</strong> life commitments,<br />
<strong>and</strong> how these might change<br />
over time<br />
• Will you have the time to<br />
exercise, train, bath, groom, feed,<br />
<strong>and</strong> care for your dog?<br />
• Have you considered all costs of<br />
having a dog, across its whole<br />
life, covering any eventualities?<br />
• Have you considered which type<br />
or breed of dog would best suit<br />
your lifestyle? Learn as much<br />
as you can about breeds you’re<br />
interested in – both their good<br />
traits <strong>and</strong> possible downsides. Do<br />
your research, speak to experts<br />
or people you know who own the<br />
breed you’re interested in.<br />
Giving them the best start<br />
Choosing the right breeder is<br />
absolutely vital. A great place to start<br />
is asking friends, family, breed clubs,<br />
training clubs or your local vet to see if<br />
they have any recommendations.<br />
The Kennel Club Assured Breeder<br />
scheme is another way to find a wellbred<br />
puppy. Breeders on the scheme<br />
health test their dogs, are regularly<br />
inspected to ensure they adhere to<br />
certain high st<strong>and</strong>ards, <strong>and</strong> it’s the<br />
only organisation accredited by UKAS<br />
to certify dog breeders across the UK.<br />
All good breeders will be able to<br />
answer your questions thoroughly <strong>and</strong><br />
informatively, <strong>and</strong> you should expect<br />
to be asked lots of questions too – it<br />
shows they care that their puppy is<br />
going to a good home. Responsible<br />
breeders will also perform relevant<br />
health testing <strong>and</strong> screening before<br />
breeding to increase the chances of<br />
producing healthy, happy puppies.<br />
Ensure you:<br />
• See the puppy with its mum<br />
• …<strong>and</strong> in its home environment,<br />
more than once<br />
• Are provided with paperwork,<br />
including relevant health test<br />
results for the puppy’s parents, a<br />
contract of sale, vaccinations <strong>and</strong><br />
microchip details<br />
• Are prepared to be put on a<br />
waiting list – a healthy, happy<br />
puppy is worth waiting for!<br />
Your puppy plan<br />
From doing your research <strong>and</strong> finding<br />
the right breeder, you are well on the<br />
way to providing your puppy with the<br />
best start. So what next?<br />
When you come to bringing your new<br />
best friend home, make sure you are<br />
well prepared <strong>and</strong> remember that these<br />
formative months where they learn <strong>and</strong><br />
absorb their surroundings are crucial.<br />
You’ll also need to think about puppy<br />
training. The Kennel Club Good Citizen<br />
Scheme is a good place to start – you<br />
can find a local club on The Kennel<br />
Club website.<br />
Dog ownership brings much happiness,<br />
<strong>and</strong> by being puppywise, you can make<br />
sure your four-legged friend is a happy,<br />
healthy new family member.<br />
For further advice on responsible<br />
puppy ownership, visit thekennelclub.<br />
org.uk/bepuppywise<br />
8 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Coming Soon TO THE<br />
Sanctuary Barn<br />
SOON to the Sanctuary Barn<br />
ur old abode in <strong>Wokingham</strong>, happily serving many local customers <strong>and</strong><br />
After 20+ years in our old abode in <strong>Wokingham</strong>, happily serving many<br />
e moving.<br />
local customers <strong>and</strong> their pets, we will be moving.<br />
We will soon be bringing our Pet Supplies, extensive sweetie range <strong>and</strong><br />
inging our Pet Supplies, extensive sweetie range <strong>and</strong> good value for money<br />
good value for money Wool to our new home at the Sanctuary Barn.<br />
ome at the Sanctuary Barn.<br />
Please check out our Facebook page Mr Pet Supplies & C<strong>and</strong>y Cabin<br />
<strong>Wokingham</strong> | Facebook for moving updates, new opening times<br />
page Mr Pet Supplies & C<strong>and</strong>y Cabin | <strong>Wokingham</strong> <strong>and</strong> some | Facebook exciting for moving opening updates, new promotions!<br />
opening times <strong>and</strong> some exciting<br />
forward to seeing you in our new pet friendly store.<br />
We look forward to seeing you in our new pet friendly store.<br />
The Sanctuary Barn<br />
<strong>Bracknell</strong> RG12 8TD<br />
The Sanctuary Barn<br />
<strong>Bracknell</strong> RG12 8TD<br />
Your pets - at the heart of everything we do<br />
Mulberry House Vets is an independently owned veterinary<br />
practice in <strong>Wokingham</strong>.<br />
We are proud to offer an exceptional quality of care along<br />
with a friendly <strong>and</strong> compassionate service – doing the right thing<br />
for our patients <strong>and</strong> their families always comes first.<br />
Check out<br />
our 5★ google<br />
reviews<br />
We Offer:<br />
Vet & nurse consults<br />
Surgery including<br />
• Neutering<br />
• Keyhole spay<br />
• Orthopaedics<br />
• Bulldog airway<br />
improvement<br />
• Lump removal<br />
Dentistry<br />
Endoscopy<br />
X-rays<br />
Ultrasound<br />
Pet travel certificates<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 9
The Value of<br />
Independent Early<br />
Years Education<br />
By Sarah Hollingsworth, Head of Gresham’s Pre-Prep School <strong>and</strong><br />
IAPS’ recently-appointed Pre-Prep <strong>and</strong> Early Years Subject Adviser<br />
Albert Einstein famously said: “Logic will<br />
get you from A-B. Imagination will take<br />
you everywhere.” More recently, worldrenowned<br />
education expert <strong>and</strong> adviser<br />
Dr Ger Graus noted: “Children can only<br />
aspire to what they know exists.”<br />
These two much-quoted comments<br />
have a common theme <strong>and</strong> highlight the<br />
power of what children are exposed to<br />
during their early years <strong>and</strong> the impact<br />
this has on their future.<br />
Early years educators like myself have<br />
been entrusted with the important task<br />
of empowering those in our care with<br />
opportunities to develop essential life<br />
skills such as resilience, independence,<br />
kindness <strong>and</strong> imagination. But early<br />
years education has to start with what<br />
parents expose their children to at<br />
home, not least lots of love, exposure<br />
to reading, role modelling, but also<br />
choosing the best setting to entrust one<br />
of the most important people in their<br />
lives to.<br />
This is where it all begins. The period<br />
from birth to age eight is critical for<br />
cognitive, social, emotional <strong>and</strong> physical<br />
development. Optimal brain development<br />
requires a stimulating environment,<br />
nourishing food, top-quality care-givers<br />
<strong>and</strong> social interaction.<br />
Unsurprisingly, this is a hot topic for every<br />
government, not to mention the Princess<br />
of Wales, who has spoken recently about<br />
the importance of early years education.<br />
A massive part of that is having the best<br />
practitioners delivering this education<br />
<strong>and</strong> having the right opportunities <strong>and</strong><br />
environments for them to learn in.<br />
I have been fortunate to work across<br />
the state-maintained <strong>and</strong> independent<br />
sectors <strong>and</strong> benefited from some of<br />
the very best training <strong>and</strong> guidance<br />
during my professional career, including<br />
incredible continuous professional<br />
development <strong>and</strong> leadership training. I<br />
am also the daughter of an early years<br />
teacher <strong>and</strong>, growing up, I witnessed<br />
how hard my mother worked <strong>and</strong> how<br />
much energy she gave to the children in<br />
her care.<br />
For the last seven years, I have been<br />
in a unique position as Headmistress<br />
of Gresham’s Nursery <strong>and</strong> Pre-Prep, a<br />
co-educational day <strong>and</strong> boarding school<br />
on the North Norfolk coast. The school<br />
has three parts: Nursery <strong>and</strong> Pre-Prep,<br />
The Prep School <strong>and</strong> The Senior School,<br />
each based on a different campus,<br />
allowing the children to have the security<br />
of friendships growing with them as<br />
they move through the school at crucial<br />
transition stages.<br />
Gresham’s believes that each child<br />
is different <strong>and</strong> has a gift. Our very<br />
youngest children, aged just two, are<br />
exposed to many opportunities, with<br />
access to all the school’s facilities as well<br />
as acres of woodl<strong>and</strong>, swimming pool,<br />
astro turfs, tennis courts <strong>and</strong> sports hall.<br />
They experience opportunities which<br />
open their eyes to future jobs, interests<br />
<strong>and</strong> passions <strong>and</strong> also enjoy lessons in<br />
ballet <strong>and</strong> music, languages, computing,<br />
cooking, <strong>and</strong> outdoor learning half days.<br />
Research demonstrates high-quality<br />
opportunities help children to succeed.<br />
The independent sector is fortunate to<br />
have small class sizes <strong>and</strong> all the facilities<br />
<strong>and</strong> resources to offer this.<br />
There is no one more precious than<br />
our children. They are the future – <strong>and</strong><br />
the future for a hopeful world. So, our<br />
task is simple. We work to create an<br />
environment where happy, relaxed, calm,<br />
courteous <strong>and</strong> curious children can<br />
flourish <strong>and</strong> be their best.<br />
10 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Tackling Stigma<br />
at Crosfields School<br />
Crosfields School has welcomed its first Mental<br />
Health Practitioner. The best way to combat the<br />
pressures of the modern world is to learn how<br />
to develop skills that will allow us to cope with<br />
these pressures.<br />
Crosfields has welcomed Mrs Yadava, its first Mental<br />
Health Practitioner (MHP), to support pupils with their<br />
wellbeing <strong>and</strong> to further develop wellbeing services at the<br />
school. School-based mental health support can have a<br />
significant positive impact on pupils <strong>and</strong> supporting this is<br />
vital in helping each individual thrive.<br />
Mrs Yadava works primarily with pupils on a one-to-one<br />
basis in a designated space within the medical centre,<br />
helping them to underst<strong>and</strong> their emotions <strong>and</strong> feelings.<br />
She helps pupils develop coping skills that will enable<br />
them to deal with any situations in a healthy way. Teachers<br />
<strong>and</strong> parents are also supported <strong>and</strong> guided through this to<br />
ensure a 360 degrees approach.<br />
Group sessions are held daily where all pupils have a<br />
chance to explore topics such as the ‘healthy use of social<br />
media’ or ‘positive relationships’. This pro-active approach<br />
arms Crosfields’ pupils with the emotional confidence to<br />
tackle what may lie ahead. Read more at www.crosfields.<br />
com/newssupportingmentalhealth/<br />
Visit our excellent<br />
co-educational school at our<br />
upcoming open mornings…<br />
From Nursery to Year 11<br />
Crosfields School, Shinfield Road, Reading,<br />
Berkshire, RG2 9BL<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 11
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Cooking for<br />
CHRISTMAS<br />
We have some delicious recipes from the<br />
appliance pros at Cuisinart to make festive<br />
hosting easier<br />
Shredded Brussels & Pancetta<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
80g pancetta, cubed<br />
125g sprouts<br />
Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette<br />
1 clove garlic, slightly crushed<br />
1 lemon, juiced<br />
3 tbsp dijon mustard<br />
40ml apple cider vinegar<br />
120ml olive oil<br />
2 tsp honey<br />
Sea salt & pepper<br />
METHOD<br />
Add the pancetta to a medium /<br />
hot frying pan <strong>and</strong> cook until the fat<br />
renders <strong>and</strong> the pancetta is crispy.<br />
Place the pancetta on paper towel<br />
before setting to one side.<br />
Trim <strong>and</strong> peel the sprouts. In the<br />
Easy Prep Pro, set up the fine slicing<br />
disc in the large work bowl <strong>and</strong><br />
process the sprouts on ‘HIGH’.<br />
Set up the small work bowl with the<br />
small chopping/mixing blade.<br />
Add all the vinaigrette ingredients<br />
to the small work bowl. Secure the<br />
lid <strong>and</strong> process on ‘HIGH’ until a<br />
thick emulsion forms. Season with<br />
sea salt <strong>and</strong> black pepper. Run the<br />
machine using the ‘PULSE’ button<br />
until thoroughly mixed. Pour the<br />
vinaigrette into a suitable jug for<br />
serving.<br />
Place the sprouts into a serving dish<br />
<strong>and</strong> drizzle over a generous serving<br />
of the vinaigrette. Combine well <strong>and</strong><br />
scatter over the crispy pancetta.<br />
Tip: Any remaining vinaigrette can<br />
be stored in an airtight container in<br />
the fridge for up to 5 days.<br />
Spiced Victoria<br />
Sponge<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
250g butter, room temperature<br />
250g caster sugar<br />
4 medium eggs<br />
1 tsp vanilla essence<br />
1 tsp ground cinnamon<br />
1 tsp grated nutmeg<br />
175g self raising flour<br />
75g ground almonds<br />
1tsp baking powder<br />
Clementine Cream (not shown)<br />
300 ml double cream<br />
1 tbsp sifted icing sugar, plus some<br />
for dusting the cake<br />
1 large Clementine, zested <strong>and</strong> 1<br />
tbsp juice<br />
To Serve<br />
Seasonal berries<br />
Chopped pistachios<br />
METHOD<br />
Preheat the oven to 180ºC / Fan<br />
160ºC / Gas Mark 42.<br />
Grease a fluted bundt cake tin,<br />
alternatively you can use two<br />
greased <strong>and</strong> lined 20 cm springform<br />
cake tins. This will produce a more<br />
traditional cake.<br />
Set up the large work bowl of the<br />
Expert Prep Pro with the large<br />
chopping/mixing blade. Place the<br />
butter <strong>and</strong> sugar in the bowl <strong>and</strong><br />
process on high until creamy.<br />
Add the eggs through the feed tube<br />
one by one, processing between<br />
each addition. Add the vanilla<br />
essence, cinnamon <strong>and</strong> nutmeg.<br />
Process to combine.<br />
Add the flour, ground almonds <strong>and</strong><br />
baking powder. Process lightly.<br />
Pour the cake mixture into the cake<br />
tin(s) <strong>and</strong> smooth the batter until<br />
level.<br />
Bake in the oven for 30 to 35<br />
minutes until the cake is golden<br />
brown on top <strong>and</strong> a skewer comes<br />
out clean.<br />
Allow to rest for a moment in the<br />
tin(s) before turning out onto a wire<br />
rack <strong>and</strong> leave to cool completely.<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>orate the cake with berries,<br />
chopped pistachios <strong>and</strong> lightly dust<br />
with icing sugar.<br />
Make the Clementine cream by<br />
softly whipping the cream with the<br />
icing sugar, Clementine zest <strong>and</strong><br />
juice using the whisk attachment of<br />
the h<strong>and</strong> blender.<br />
Serve with the clementine cream.<br />
If using traditional springform tins<br />
the clementine cream can be used<br />
between the sponges.<br />
14 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
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Experience the magic of the<br />
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New Year’s Eve<br />
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Join us at our New Year’s<br />
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night of festivities, music, <strong>and</strong><br />
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www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 15
Winter Pavlova<br />
METHOD<br />
Preheat the oven to 140ºC/120ºC<br />
fan/gas 1.Line a baking tray with<br />
greaseproof paper. Mark out<br />
a 23cm circle on the backing<br />
paper to help size your pavlova.<br />
Attach the whisk attachment to<br />
the Cuisinart H<strong>and</strong> Blender <strong>and</strong><br />
whisk the egg whites in a clean,<br />
dry bowl on a medium setting<br />
until frothy. Add the cream of<br />
tartar <strong>and</strong> the white wine vinegar.<br />
Continue to whisk on a higher<br />
setting until the egg whites start<br />
to form stiff peaks.<br />
Gradually beat in the sugar,<br />
whisking it back to stiff peaks<br />
after each addition. When it<br />
is glossy <strong>and</strong> smooth spoon<br />
the meringue mixture onto the<br />
baking paper, making a shallow<br />
dip in the centre with the back of<br />
the spoon.<br />
Bake in the oven for 70 minutes,<br />
until the meringue looks slightly<br />
gooey in the middle <strong>and</strong> crisp on<br />
the outside. Turn the oven off,<br />
leaving the door open slightly<br />
<strong>and</strong> allow the meringue to cool<br />
completely.<br />
Whip the cream to soft peaks<br />
using the whisk attachment of<br />
the Cuisinart H<strong>and</strong> Blender on a<br />
high setting. Whisk in the icing<br />
sugar <strong>and</strong> vanilla essence being<br />
careful not to over whisk the<br />
cream.<br />
Spoon the cream onto the<br />
cooled meringue <strong>and</strong> decorate<br />
with the clementines.<br />
Sift over a dusting of icing sugar<br />
before serving.<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
4 egg whites<br />
1 tsp cream of tartar<br />
1 tsp white wine vinegar<br />
225g caster sugar<br />
250ml whipping cream<br />
1 tbsp sifted icing sugar<br />
1 tsp vanilla essence<br />
4 - 6 peeled clementines<br />
Icing sugar for dusting<br />
16 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Your home from<br />
home this Christmas<br />
Where better to enjoy the Christmas festivities, than a warm <strong>and</strong><br />
welcoming country house that brings you all the best comforts of<br />
Christmas. Our historic country home will be lovingly decorated by<br />
our elves, with delicious festive dining options <strong>and</strong> our manicured<br />
grounds ready for a crisp winter walk.<br />
So, if you’re still a little unsure on your plans over the festive season?<br />
Let us help you out. You can ditch the apron <strong>and</strong> oven mitts this<br />
year, <strong>and</strong> instead sit back, relax, <strong>and</strong> enjoy the festive period with<br />
your favourite people, because that what it is all about after all!<br />
Our team are pulling out all the stops, from festive themed<br />
afternoon teas throughout <strong>Dec</strong>ember, to treats from Santa<br />
<strong>and</strong> a traditional lunch with all the trimmings (<strong>and</strong> then some).<br />
It’s also the first year we have launched our Christmas stay<br />
package, so you can really treat yourselves to the full works.<br />
A two-night stay, including all the best bits of Christmas, including<br />
gingerbread house making, a live pianist, a Sinatra tribute <strong>and</strong> of<br />
course the most comforting of dining <strong>and</strong> drinks. It makes for<br />
the perfect getaway with your nearest <strong>and</strong> dearest, making this<br />
Christmas one that’ll be sure to be remembered. However you<br />
choose to spend the festive season, our cosy country home is<br />
ready <strong>and</strong> waiting to welcome you <strong>and</strong> ensure every part of your<br />
visit at Royal Berkshire, will be sprinkled with some magic.<br />
royalberkshire@exclusive.co.uk<br />
exclusive.co.uk/christmas-at-royal-berkshire<br />
Christmas day lunch<br />
£145 per person<br />
£115 for 12 years <strong>and</strong> over<br />
£75 for 3 to 11 years<br />
Boxing day lunch<br />
£85 per person<br />
£42 for 3 to 12 years<br />
Festive afternoon tea<br />
£42 per person<br />
Christmas stay package<br />
From £995 for two people<br />
for two nights<br />
Untitled-4 1 16/11/<strong>2023</strong> 13:30:48<br />
Your home from<br />
home this Christmas<br />
Royal Berkshire comes alive at Christmas, <strong>and</strong><br />
our food is no exception. We’re pulling out all<br />
the stops to make it a Christmas to remember.<br />
With festive feasts with all the trimmings, <strong>and</strong><br />
themed afternoon teas to get you in the spirit.<br />
So no need for the apron <strong>and</strong> oven mitts<br />
this year, sit back, relax <strong>and</strong> enjoy the festive<br />
period with loved ones - that is what it’s all<br />
about after all!<br />
Christmas day lunch £145 per person<br />
(£115 for 12 years <strong>and</strong> over, £75 for 3 to 11 years)<br />
Boxing day lunch £85 per person<br />
(£42 for 3 to 12 years)<br />
Festive afternoon tea £42 per person<br />
01344 623322<br />
royalberkshire@exclusive.co.uk<br />
exclusive.co.uk/christmas-at-royal-berkshire<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 17<br />
Village Life.indd 1 13/10/<strong>2023</strong> 14:26:40
Winter in the garden<br />
NOTES FROM<br />
THE GARDEN<br />
As you look out of your window on<br />
a cold grey day you might not be<br />
inspired to head into the garden.<br />
However, there are all sorts of jobs to do <strong>and</strong> a good hour or two<br />
in the garden means that your cup of coffee at the end of it will<br />
taste even better – <strong>and</strong> you can reward yourself by snuggling up<br />
with your favourite gardening magazine or plant catalogue <strong>and</strong><br />
plan for sunnier days!<br />
Apple <strong>and</strong> pear trees are due for a prune <strong>and</strong> this can be a<br />
prospect that is a bit of a challenge. Really good loppers,<br />
telescopic ones work really well, are essential <strong>and</strong> not tackling<br />
the whole tree in one go is an<br />
idea too. When pruning, do<br />
remember to step back regularly<br />
to just look at your progress, as<br />
you need to maintain its natural<br />
shape. It is very easy to go at it<br />
full tilt <strong>and</strong> then realise you have<br />
been less than consistent - this<br />
applies really to any pruning you<br />
do.<br />
The greenhouse is a good refuge<br />
from those cold winds <strong>and</strong> now is the time to clean it out, clean<br />
the pots, with a scrubbing brush <strong>and</strong> environmentally friendly<br />
disinfectant <strong>and</strong> get everything spic <strong>and</strong> span for Spring. I<br />
really love doing this as it reminds me that soon I will be sowing<br />
seeds <strong>and</strong> taking cuttings ready for a lovely new gardening year.<br />
You can even sow broad beans now <strong>and</strong> keep them in a cold<br />
greenhouse so its not all cleaning <strong>and</strong> tidying! Don’t forget to<br />
plan for the bees <strong>and</strong> bugs, making home-made bug hotels will<br />
keep the kids happy for hours – <strong>and</strong> do keep feeding the birds<br />
<strong>and</strong> ensuring that they have clean unfrozen drinking water.<br />
Bare beds can be turned over now too – a really good work out,<br />
or cover them with a layer of well- rotted compost if you favour<br />
the ‘no dig’ method. At the end of all this hard work you can<br />
sit with a notepad cuddling your hot coffee <strong>and</strong> start planning<br />
changes so that <strong>2024</strong> is a fabulous gardening year.<br />
For more advice, visit Matt Bigg’s website:<br />
www.matthewbiggs.com<br />
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18 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Renovate &<br />
ELEVATE<br />
We take a deeper look into a beautiful<br />
renovation to find out what makes a<br />
good kitchen great - with thoughts<br />
from the owner, Kate<br />
Photography by Lucy Hartley-Saunders<br />
Origin Bifold Doors;<br />
Hampton Kitchen in Onyx<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 19
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE<br />
DESIGN PROCESS?<br />
Absolutely - we all know there are a lot of<br />
options out there for kitchens, but I knew I<br />
wanted an in-frame, painted design with a light<br />
wood grain. I came across Smile Kitchens <strong>and</strong><br />
instantly loved the elevated styling they offer -<br />
the Hampton range caught my eye particularly.<br />
It had all the timeless styling that I was looking<br />
for, <strong>and</strong> a lovely combination of colours.<br />
I was initially a little concerned by the lack of<br />
a showroom, but I needn’t have been. After a<br />
discovery consultation where I listed my must<br />
haves, my designer Corinne got to work on<br />
rendering that with my space dimensions. In<br />
the meantime, I was sent large door <strong>and</strong> knob<br />
samples so I could have them to h<strong>and</strong> when<br />
my design was ready to view. To really give me<br />
a feel for how the kitchen would look, it was<br />
rendered onto a video, giving me a 360 view of<br />
the space. I make a few tweaks <strong>and</strong> Corinne<br />
came back each time, just perfecting the vision<br />
I had for this important space.<br />
This is a big room (approximately 4.5 x 5.5m)<br />
<strong>and</strong> it has openings or glazing on all sides -<br />
this meant that planning a more conventional<br />
kitchen with lots of base <strong>and</strong> wall units was a<br />
challenge. The interruption on each of the walls<br />
meant that the cupboard configurations had<br />
to be carefully considered - <strong>and</strong> Corinne got<br />
this spot on. We opted for lots of tall cabinets,<br />
including a built in larder <strong>and</strong> a pantry with<br />
bi-fold doors - perfect as a breakfast station.<br />
These cupboards hide all the big appliances,<br />
meaning the worktops can stay clutter-free,<br />
<strong>and</strong> help to keep you organised with lots of<br />
internal shelves.<br />
LET’S TALK FLOORING...<br />
Tiles are a great option for flooring, but<br />
because of the painted kitchen finish <strong>and</strong> the<br />
quartz worktops, I wanted to warm up the<br />
space with timber. Obviously, kitchen floors<br />
need to be robust - able to withst<strong>and</strong> spills,<br />
“I think the triangular work<br />
space concept is a little outdated<br />
for how we use kitchens now.<br />
Of course it makes sense to keep<br />
everything accessible <strong>and</strong> easy<br />
to move around, but for me,<br />
it was also important that the<br />
space felt social <strong>and</strong> made the<br />
most of the setting.”<br />
items being dropped <strong>and</strong> the general traffic<br />
of daily life. I was concerned a timber or<br />
engineered floor would dint, so instead opted<br />
for LVT from the experts at Karndean. I spent a<br />
lot of time comparing samples before settling<br />
on Canadian Nude Oak - it was light enough<br />
without reading too grey or white.<br />
The best bit about this floor was the ease of<br />
installation - my partner <strong>and</strong> I were able to<br />
cover a huge area over the course an evening.<br />
The rigid core planks click together easily <strong>and</strong><br />
have a reassuring solidity.<br />
FUNCTIONALITY IS KING IN A<br />
KITCHEN - HOW DO YOU MAKE<br />
SURE THE SPACE WORKS?<br />
I thought long <strong>and</strong> hard about how I’d use<br />
the space. I think the triangular work space<br />
concept is a little outdated for how we use<br />
kitchens now. Of course it makes sense to<br />
keep everything accessible <strong>and</strong> easy to move<br />
around, but for me, it was also important that<br />
the space felt social <strong>and</strong> made the most of<br />
the setting. The kitchen sink enjoys the best<br />
views - looking even better with the lovely CRL<br />
quartz running over the sill.<br />
I wanted the isl<strong>and</strong> to be social - I didn’t<br />
include a sink on there because I didn’t want<br />
the washing up to be the focus. Instead the<br />
hob faces out into the room. Finally, the fridge<br />
is right by the isl<strong>and</strong>, so you can load shopping<br />
in easily, or food out ready to be prepped.<br />
Then for me it was about choosing the right<br />
appliances. These are the bits that make all the<br />
difference! I’ve lusted after a fridge with double<br />
doors for years, <strong>and</strong> this amazing Haier model<br />
is a technological gem. It automatically detects<br />
when you’ve gone shopping, <strong>and</strong> adjusts the<br />
temperature of the fridge in anticipation. Its<br />
different humidity control zones means food<br />
stays fresher for far longer too. The freezer<br />
drawers are perfect for actually being able to<br />
see everything - there will be nothing lurking at<br />
the back, forgotten about.<br />
The oven is lovely <strong>and</strong> capacious - mounted<br />
into the tall units for convenience. And the<br />
integrated dishwasher is ideal, with moveable<br />
baskets <strong>and</strong> there’s also ActiveDry technology,<br />
which opens the door near the end of the cycle<br />
to allow air to circulate.<br />
The design of the kitchen necessitated a<br />
venting hob - this means we can keep that<br />
clean look above the isl<strong>and</strong> without a hood.<br />
This hob from Hotpoint is a thing of beauty - it<br />
has a vast cooking area which can also be<br />
synced, creating increased zones for larger<br />
pots <strong>and</strong> pans. My favourite feature is the<br />
‘keep warm’ setting - perfect when you’re not<br />
Hotpoint Built<br />
In Double Oven;<br />
Hampton Kitchen<br />
in Pearl<br />
20 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Haier Fridge<br />
Clearwater Kettle Tap;<br />
CRL Stone Quartz<br />
worktops in Verona<br />
Heritage Bronze Sockets <strong>and</strong> Switches from<br />
Corston Architectural<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 21
eady to serve. Above the isl<strong>and</strong><br />
is an inset ceiling speaker from<br />
Lithe Audio, which you connect<br />
to your phone with Bluetooth - it<br />
really creates a great social space<br />
or just a lovely place to cook.<br />
Finally, I’m not sure what my life<br />
was before a boiling water tap -<br />
but I don’t want to go back there.<br />
This is a quadruple function<br />
kettle tap - in essence it does<br />
everything your normal tap does,<br />
but with the bonus of filtered cold<br />
<strong>and</strong> 98C water. It makes cooking<br />
a breeze, <strong>and</strong> that morning cuppa<br />
so much more efficient. It’s got<br />
built in safety features too to<br />
make sure kids can’t get hurt.<br />
THE WORKTOPS ARE<br />
LOVELY - WHAT ARE<br />
THEY MADE FROM?<br />
I knew from the outset that I<br />
wanted quartz worktops - these<br />
are slim 20mm profile tops from<br />
CRL Stone. I went with the Verona<br />
finish, which had a subtle marble<br />
to help bring together the colours<br />
of the wall units <strong>and</strong> the isl<strong>and</strong>.<br />
It’s hardwearing <strong>and</strong> looks so<br />
beautiful - it’s the ultimate luxury.<br />
THE GLAZING IS SUCH<br />
A SIGNIFICANT PART<br />
OF THE ROOM - WHAT<br />
DID YOU CHOOSE?<br />
Yes, so we have glazing on three<br />
walls - the windows above the<br />
sink are UPVC but the doors are<br />
all aluminium. We agonised over<br />
whether to have bifold doors or<br />
sliders - worried that bifold doors<br />
can lose energy efficiency over<br />
time. We opted in the end to<br />
go with industry leaders Origin<br />
Doors - they are manufactured<br />
to very high st<strong>and</strong>ards <strong>and</strong> come<br />
with a 20 year guarantee, which<br />
was so reassuring. They have an<br />
eight-point locking system too,<br />
so essential for security.<br />
We had a 3.7m gap, so opted<br />
for three large doors - meaning<br />
we have a single openable door<br />
which is more convenient for<br />
everyday life, <strong>and</strong> fewer frames<br />
- maximising the views <strong>and</strong><br />
the feeling of the outside being<br />
in. Origin make the doors to<br />
order, so they can find the right<br />
configuration for your space.<br />
ANYTHING YOU’D DO<br />
DIFFERENTLY?<br />
Nope! I genuinely love it <strong>and</strong><br />
love cooking in here. It has a<br />
great feel <strong>and</strong> just functions so<br />
well. I love all the tech - it makes<br />
life so much easier. We’ve got<br />
some lovely blinds coming from<br />
Blinds2Go which I can’t wait to<br />
get up. Then it’s getting ready<br />
for our first Christmas using the<br />
space - I can’t wait!<br />
STOCKIST DETAILS:<br />
Appliances: Haier HFW7819EWMP Smart<br />
Fridge Freezer - see the range: haier-europe.<br />
com/en_GB; Hotpoint PVH92BUK Black<br />
90cm Vented Hob; Hotpoint Class 2 DD2<br />
540 IX Built-in Double Oven - Stainless Steel<br />
Hotpoint H8IHT59LSUK Fully Integrated<br />
St<strong>and</strong>ard Dishwasher; Clearwater Kettle Tap,<br />
01684 299555, clearwaterproducts.co.uk<br />
Kitchen: Hampton Range in Pearl <strong>and</strong> Onyx<br />
from Smile Kitchens, smilekitchens.com<br />
Flooring: Karndean Luxury Vinyl Tile in<br />
Canadian Nude Oak from palioexpress.com<br />
Worktops: CRL Stone in Verona, 01706<br />
863600, or visit crlstone.co.uk<br />
Sockets <strong>and</strong> switches: corston.com<br />
Ceiling Speaker: Lithe Audio, litheaudio.com<br />
22 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Enhance Do you need your shelter outdoor <strong>and</strong> living shade?<br />
space<br />
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Contact Laura Ashton for a no<br />
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Carports • Solar • Garage Doors & Shutters & Shutters<br />
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laura.ashton@laukplanning.co.uk<br />
Mobile: 07917 151272<br />
www.laukplanning.co.uk<br />
SBI SBI Ltd Ltd 0800 0742 721 sbiproducts.co.uk<br />
SBIWT247.indd 1 31/10/2022 14:10<br />
ABS specialise in managing both bathroom & kitchen refits<br />
from start to finish ensuring you only have to deal with one<br />
company for everything!<br />
We pride ourselves in having some of the best tradesmen in Berkshire<br />
who can create a bespoke bathroom or kitchen which will live up to<br />
your every expectation.<br />
We will manage the entire project so you only have to deal with us<br />
& don’t have to find fitters, tilers, electricians, plasterers or any other<br />
trade that might be needed.<br />
We undertake refurbishment, repairs, <strong>and</strong> the supply & installation of<br />
all related bathroom & kitchen work. Plus we can supply & fit your new<br />
boiler at the same time!<br />
We will supervise work regularly <strong>and</strong> provide you with updates.<br />
We always ensure minimum disruption <strong>and</strong> that we leave your premises<br />
clean <strong>and</strong> tidy following our visit.<br />
Workmanship carries a full 12 month guarantee <strong>and</strong> appointments are<br />
made at a time to suit the customer.<br />
67 Draycott | <strong>Bracknell</strong> | RG12 0UX<br />
Tel: 07866 101099 Web: www.abspb.co.uk<br />
Email: abs@abspb.co.uk<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 23
PRACTICAL PLANNING:<br />
When it's time<br />
to Divorce<br />
The festive season, with its<br />
pressures, close confines <strong>and</strong> focus<br />
on family-time, can sometimes be<br />
the final straw in the breakdown<br />
of a marriage. Getting divorced<br />
after the Christmas season can be<br />
emotionally challenging, but it’s<br />
important to approach the process<br />
with a clear underst<strong>and</strong>ing of your<br />
rights <strong>and</strong> responsibilities. In the UK,<br />
divorce proceedings are governed<br />
by family law, <strong>and</strong> the process<br />
typically involves several steps:<br />
REFLECT ON YOUR<br />
DECISION<br />
Before initiating divorce<br />
proceedings, take some time to<br />
reflect on your decision. Divorce<br />
is a significant life event, <strong>and</strong> it’s<br />
essential to be sure that it’s the<br />
right step for you. Consider seeking<br />
counselling or support from friends<br />
<strong>and</strong> family to help you navigate your<br />
emotions.<br />
CONSULT WITH A<br />
SOLICITOR<br />
Once you are certain about your<br />
decision to divorce, it’s advisable<br />
to consult with a solicitor who<br />
specialises in family law. A solicitor<br />
can provide you with legal advice<br />
<strong>and</strong> guide you through the divorce<br />
process, helping you underst<strong>and</strong><br />
your rights <strong>and</strong> obligations.<br />
FILLING OUT THE<br />
DIVORCE APPLICATION<br />
Your solicitor will assist you in<br />
completing the divorce application.<br />
This document is then filed with the<br />
court, along with the appropriate fee.<br />
SERVE THE DIVORCE<br />
APPLICATION<br />
The divorce application must be<br />
served on your spouse, who will<br />
have the opportunity to respond.<br />
This is usually done online or by<br />
post. Your solicitor can help ensure<br />
this step is carried out correctly.<br />
FINANCIAL<br />
SETTLEMENT<br />
Alongside the divorce proceedings,<br />
it’s essential to address financial<br />
matters, including the division<br />
of assets, property, <strong>and</strong> financial<br />
support. You may wish to attend<br />
mediation sessions to reach an<br />
agreement or via solicitors. If an<br />
agreement cannot be reached, an<br />
application to court can be made<br />
<strong>and</strong> the court can make a decision<br />
based on the circumstances.<br />
CHILD<br />
ARRANGEMENTS AND<br />
SUPPORT<br />
If you have children, it’s crucial<br />
to decide on arrangements for<br />
them <strong>and</strong> child support as soon<br />
as possible. The court’s primary<br />
concern is the best interests of<br />
the children, <strong>and</strong> it’s typically best<br />
if both parents can agree these<br />
matters through mediation or<br />
negotiation. The sooner these are<br />
settled, the better for your children.<br />
ATTEND COURT<br />
HEARINGS<br />
Depending on the complexity of<br />
your case <strong>and</strong> whether you <strong>and</strong><br />
your spouse can agree on the<br />
terms, you may need to attend<br />
court hearings. These hearings will<br />
address any outst<strong>and</strong>ing issues<br />
related to financial matters <strong>and</strong><br />
child arrangements.<br />
CONDITIONAL ORDER<br />
AND FINAL ORDER<br />
After the court grants a Conditional<br />
Order, there is a waiting period of<br />
at least six weeks before you can<br />
apply for the Final Order, which<br />
finalizes the divorce.<br />
MOVING FORWARD<br />
After obtaining the Final Order,<br />
your marriage will be legally<br />
dissolved. Take this time to focus<br />
on your emotional healing, seek<br />
support from friends <strong>and</strong> family,<br />
<strong>and</strong> begin planning for your future.<br />
Getting divorced after Christmas<br />
or any time of the year can be<br />
a difficult process, but with the<br />
right legal advice <strong>and</strong> emotional<br />
support, you can navigate it<br />
successfully. Remember that every<br />
divorce is unique, <strong>and</strong> the specific<br />
steps <strong>and</strong> timeline may vary<br />
depending on your circumstances.<br />
Consulting with a qualified solicitor<br />
is essential to ensure that you<br />
underst<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> meet all legal<br />
requirements in the UK.<br />
24 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Clifton ingram<br />
<strong>Wokingham</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Bracknell</strong> <strong>Lifestyle</strong> chat to<br />
Rekha Joshi. Ray is a Partner in the Family<br />
<strong>and</strong> Matrimonial team at Clifton Ingram<br />
LLP Solicitors based in <strong>Wokingham</strong>.<br />
What sets you apart from other family law solicitors?<br />
I am proud to work alongside an exceptional <strong>and</strong> diverse team<br />
of solicitors. We are experienced in all aspects of family law but<br />
more importantly, <strong>and</strong> what sets us apart, is that we all really care<br />
about our clients.<br />
We underst<strong>and</strong> that when going through divorce <strong>and</strong> separation<br />
it is an emotionally challenging time <strong>and</strong> we aim to ease this as<br />
much as possible. For us, that means focusing on achieving the<br />
best possible outcome for each of our clients <strong>and</strong> supporting<br />
them through the process.<br />
When is it necessary to have a lawyer involved?<br />
It is vital that you find out where you st<strong>and</strong> as early as possible.<br />
Discussing all your options with a solicitor will give you<br />
confidence however you choose to progress.<br />
We will help you to consider financial matters properly, so that you<br />
receive a fair financial settlement <strong>and</strong> a legally binding order. This<br />
is so important in protecting your future as you move forward.<br />
Do all cases go to court?<br />
It is far more common to use alternative forms of resolving<br />
disputes, such as round table meetings <strong>and</strong> private hearings or<br />
arbitration. We can advise on which method may be best for your<br />
situation.<br />
All our family solicitors are members of Resolution, an esteemed<br />
association of family lawyers dedicated to fostering a constructive<br />
approach.<br />
Do you cover non married breakdowns - ie civil partnerships?<br />
Yes. Unmarried couples often find themselves in the most<br />
challenging situations <strong>and</strong> aren’t always aware that they don’t<br />
have the same legal rights or claims as married couples or those<br />
in a civil partnership. This is a complex area of law, <strong>and</strong> you<br />
shouldn’t hesitate to contact one of our solicitors for advice.<br />
Would one solicitor h<strong>and</strong>le all areas, i.e., children, assets etc.<br />
Absolutely. We recognise that finding the right solicitor is one of<br />
the most important decisions you will have to make. Having a<br />
specialist family lawyer is just one aspect of this – you need to<br />
feel comfortable with the person <strong>and</strong> know they’re with you every<br />
step of the way.<br />
To speak to Ray or another member of the Clifton Ingram<br />
family team, please call 0808 164 1510.<br />
ADVERTISING FEATURE
THE ROAD TO RETIREMENT:<br />
Property Prospects<br />
As retirement approaches, many<br />
individuals contemplate a change of<br />
scenery, downsizing, or seeking a<br />
property that caters to their evolving<br />
needs <strong>and</strong> preferences. In the UK,<br />
the retirement property market offers<br />
a diverse range of options, each<br />
with unique features <strong>and</strong> financial<br />
considerations.<br />
LOCATION, LOCATION,<br />
LOCATION<br />
The importance of location cannot<br />
be overstated. Consider proximity to<br />
essential services such as healthcare<br />
facilities, shopping centres, public<br />
transport, <strong>and</strong> recreational amenities.<br />
Also, think about your lifestyle<br />
preferences; do you prefer urban<br />
living, a tranquil countryside setting,<br />
or a coastal retreat?<br />
PROPERTY TYPE<br />
Retirement properties come in<br />
various forms, including apartments,<br />
bungalows, <strong>and</strong> retirement villages.<br />
The choice depends on your mobility,<br />
lifestyle, <strong>and</strong> future healthcare<br />
needs. Apartments may offer<br />
easy maintenance <strong>and</strong> communal<br />
facilities, while bungalows provide<br />
more space <strong>and</strong> independence.<br />
Retirement villages often provide<br />
a supportive community centred<br />
around various amenities.<br />
ACCESSIBILITY AND<br />
ADAPTABILITY<br />
Consider the property’s accessibility.<br />
Look for features like ramps, wide<br />
doorways, <strong>and</strong> grab bars that can<br />
accommodate any mobility issues<br />
that may arise in the future. If the<br />
property requires modifications,<br />
factor in the cost <strong>and</strong> feasibility of<br />
making them.<br />
SERVICE CHARGES AND<br />
GROUND RENT<br />
Many retirement properties come<br />
with service charges <strong>and</strong> ground<br />
rent. These fees cover maintenance,<br />
communal facilities, <strong>and</strong> amenities.<br />
Carefully review these charges <strong>and</strong><br />
their implications on your budget.<br />
Be aware of any potential increases<br />
over time.<br />
LEGAL STRUCTURE<br />
Underst<strong>and</strong> the legal structure of<br />
the retirement property. Some may<br />
be leasehold, freehold, or part of a<br />
retirement community. Leasehold<br />
properties may have restrictions, so<br />
consult a solicitor to review the lease<br />
agreement thoroughly.<br />
SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES<br />
Retirement properties often provide<br />
opportunities for social interaction<br />
<strong>and</strong> activities. Investigate whether<br />
there are communal spaces, social<br />
clubs, or organised events that<br />
align with your interests. A vibrant<br />
social life can greatly enhance your<br />
retirement experience.<br />
FINANCIAL<br />
CONSIDERATIONS<br />
When it comes to finances, think<br />
about the following:<br />
Budget: Determine your budget<br />
before beginning your search. Take<br />
into account the purchase price,<br />
service charges, ground rent, <strong>and</strong><br />
any potential future expenses.<br />
Equity Release: Explore the<br />
possibility of using equity release<br />
schemes to fund your retirement<br />
property. These can provide a lump<br />
sum or regular income to help with<br />
the purchase.<br />
Selling Existing Property: If you’re<br />
selling your current home, calculate<br />
the proceeds from the sale <strong>and</strong> how<br />
they will contribute to your retirement<br />
property purchase.<br />
Downsizing Benefits: Downsizing to<br />
a smaller property can free up capital<br />
<strong>and</strong> reduce ongoing costs.<br />
Inheritance Planning: Consider<br />
the impact of buying a retirement<br />
property on your inheritance plans.<br />
Consult with financial advisors to<br />
ensure your financial strategy aligns<br />
with your goals.<br />
HEALTHCARE ACCESS<br />
As you age, healthcare becomes<br />
more critical. Ensure you have<br />
access to healthcare facilities,<br />
doctors, <strong>and</strong> pharmacies nearby.<br />
Consider proximity to hospitals <strong>and</strong><br />
medical specialists, especially if you<br />
have existing health concerns.<br />
Buying a retirement property in the<br />
UK can be a significant step toward a<br />
comfortable <strong>and</strong> fulfilling retirement.<br />
By carefully considering location,<br />
property type, accessibility, financial<br />
aspects, <strong>and</strong> social opportunities, you<br />
can make an informed decision that<br />
supports your well-being <strong>and</strong> financial<br />
security during your golden years.<br />
Consult with experts, seek legal<br />
advice, <strong>and</strong> take your time to find the<br />
perfect retirement property that suits<br />
your needs <strong>and</strong> preferences.<br />
26 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Warfield Park's new homes are single storey,<br />
energy efficient <strong>and</strong> low maintenance - a place to relax.<br />
Time for you to enjoy the 92 acres of stunning parkl<strong>and</strong> with<br />
me<strong>and</strong>ering walks yet close to local amenities - a hidden gem!<br />
Warfield Park Office<br />
Beautiful grounds<br />
New Home For Sale<br />
KINGSTON HOME 50' x 22' PRICED AT £525,000<br />
A fully furnished high specification Kingston Serenity home<br />
with two bedrooms, en-suite shower room bathroom,<br />
triple aspect lounge, dining room <strong>and</strong> study.<br />
This home comes compete with integrated<br />
Bosch appliances <strong>and</strong> high quality furniture.<br />
Set within a good sized fully l<strong>and</strong>scaped garden<br />
with patio, detached garage <strong>and</strong> driveway parking.<br />
CONTACT US TO ARRANGE A VIEWING<br />
01344 884 666 enquiries@warfieldpark.co.uk<br />
MacLaren House, Warfield Park, <strong>Bracknell</strong>, Berkshire RG42 3RG
We are Open<br />
Meet the Manager<br />
My name is Jamila Faerber <strong>and</strong> I am delighted<br />
to be opening Danforth Care Homes newest<br />
addition to the group. I have had the privilege<br />
of working in care for the past 18 years, 10 of<br />
those as a registered manager. I’m proud to<br />
say that my previous home was rated<br />
Outst<strong>and</strong>ing by the Care Quality Commission. I<br />
have dedicated my life to caring for people.<br />
I truly believe that life does not stop once you<br />
reach a certain age nor does it stop because<br />
you move into a care home. My wonderful<br />
team <strong>and</strong> I are determined to enhance the<br />
quality of life our resident’s lead. We are<br />
passionate about delivering personalised <strong>and</strong><br />
dignified care which we will ensure is resident<br />
led. In addition to our luxury facilities <strong>and</strong><br />
seasonal menus, one of our other main<br />
focuses will be our activity programme.<br />
Through consultation with our residents, we will<br />
tailor our activities to their suggestions <strong>and</strong><br />
choices. Our activities will include a wide<br />
variety to choose from including Zumba,<br />
musical entertainment, knit <strong>and</strong> natter <strong>and</strong><br />
gardening clubs, baking in addition to more<br />
formal events including cheese <strong>and</strong> wine<br />
evenings <strong>and</strong> visiting speakers. There is<br />
nothing that will hold us back from ensuring<br />
our residents enjoy their lives.<br />
Jamila<br />
Stay in our beautiful home <strong>and</strong> experience individualised care <strong>and</strong><br />
a quality lifestyle for £1,300 per week for the first 12 months.<br />
Terms <strong>and</strong> Conditions apply<br />
• 66 bright, spacious bedrooms each complete with a wet room en-suite, Smart TV,<br />
mini-fridge <strong>and</strong> telephone point<br />
•Cinema, library, hair salon, garden rooms, l<strong>and</strong>scaped gardens <strong>and</strong> assisted<br />
bathrooms<br />
•Person centred care with exceptional levels of service<br />
•Wi-Fi access across every room <strong>and</strong> communal space<br />
Orchard Manor Care Home<br />
Chertsey Road, Windlesham, Surrey GU20 6HZ<br />
enquiries@danforthcarehomes.co.uk<br />
www.danforthcarehomes.co.uk
Join us for<br />
our next<br />
event<br />
Bickerton House care home,<br />
<strong>Bracknell</strong><br />
Festive friendship café<br />
Thursday 14th <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2023</strong><br />
10.30am - 12 noon<br />
Help us celebrate the launch of our new<br />
friendship café <strong>and</strong> join us for an activity,<br />
hot drink <strong>and</strong> festive cakes.<br />
Trusted to care.<br />
To attend please call<br />
01344 961068 or email<br />
leahanne.wilkinson@careuk.com
CARE CONSIDERATIONS:<br />
OPTIONS FOR CARE<br />
IN THE HOME<br />
Many people living with chronic pain, illness or limitations<br />
on mobility maintain a strong desire to stay in the home<br />
– but, to ensure safety, there are lots of considerations to<br />
bear in mind. There are various considerations to ensure<br />
their comfort, safety, <strong>and</strong> well-being. We explore essential<br />
factors for providing care at home...<br />
MOBILITY AID SUGGESTIONS<br />
Wheelchairs: Wheelchairs offer mobility for individuals<br />
with limited or no ability to walk. Choose between<br />
manual or powered wheelchairs based on the<br />
individual’s strength <strong>and</strong> preference.<br />
Mobility Scooters: For outdoor independence, consider<br />
mobility scooters, which can be used for shopping,<br />
outdoor activities, or visiting friends <strong>and</strong> family.<br />
Walking Aids: Walking sticks, crutches, or walking<br />
frames provide support for those with limited mobility.<br />
Ensure they are the right height <strong>and</strong> offer proper support.<br />
Stairlifts <strong>and</strong> Ramps: Install stairlifts or ramps to make<br />
the home more accessible for individuals who have<br />
difficulty climbing stairs.<br />
Adaptive Bathroom Equipment: Invest in grab bars,<br />
shower chairs, <strong>and</strong> raised toilet seats to enhance<br />
bathroom safety.<br />
properly trained <strong>and</strong> certified to h<strong>and</strong>le the specific<br />
needs of the individual, whether it involves medical care<br />
or assisting with mobility.<br />
Safety Measures: Implement safety measures such<br />
as fall prevention strategies, proper medication<br />
management, <strong>and</strong> emergency response plans.<br />
Emotional Support: Recognise the emotional needs of<br />
both the individual <strong>and</strong> the caregiver. Seek support from<br />
support groups or counselling services if necessary.<br />
Caring for someone with chronic pain, illness, or<br />
physical disability at home requires careful planning<br />
<strong>and</strong> consideration. By selecting the right mobility<br />
aids <strong>and</strong> exploring care options, individuals can<br />
receive the support they need while maintaining their<br />
independence <strong>and</strong> quality of life.<br />
LIVE-IN CARE OPTIONS<br />
Overnight Care: Overnight care provides peace of<br />
mind for both the individual <strong>and</strong> their caregivers. Trained<br />
professionals or family members can stay overnight to<br />
assist with any needs that may arise.<br />
Respite Care: Respite care offers caregivers a<br />
temporary break while ensuring the person’s well-being.<br />
It can be arranged for a few hours a day or several days<br />
a week, depending on the caregiver’s needs.<br />
Personal Care Assistants: Personal care assistants<br />
are trained professionals who offer personalised<br />
support with daily activities such as bathing, dressing,<br />
medication management, <strong>and</strong> meal preparation.<br />
Live-in Caregivers: Live-in caregivers provide<br />
continuous support, allowing individuals to maintain<br />
their independence while receiving assistance with daily<br />
tasks <strong>and</strong> companionship. These caregivers can also<br />
help with household chores.<br />
CONSIDERATIONS FOR QUALITY CARE<br />
Assessment <strong>and</strong> Planning: Begin by conducting a<br />
thorough assessment of the individual’s needs <strong>and</strong><br />
preferences. Create a care plan that outlines specific<br />
tasks, schedules, <strong>and</strong> goals.<br />
Training <strong>and</strong> Certification: Ensure that caregivers are<br />
30 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
If you’re over 55 <strong>and</strong><br />
own your own home,<br />
you could be eligible for<br />
Equity Release<br />
This is a lifetime mortgage. To underst<strong>and</strong> the features <strong>and</strong><br />
risks, please ask for a personalised illustration. Check that<br />
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Unlock the<br />
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Get in touch<br />
07968 561 058 01344 306 654 greg@sageequityrelease.co.uk<br />
www.sageequityrelease.co.uk<br />
Sage Equity Release is a trading style of The Later Life Lending Network Ltd, an Appointed Representative of The Right Mortgage Ltd, which is authorised <strong>and</strong> regulated by the<br />
Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in Engl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Wales no. 09832887. Registered Address: 70 St. Johns Close, Knowle, Solihull, Engl<strong>and</strong>, B93 0NH<br />
For Equity Release advice we do not charge any upfront fees however, our typical fee of £995 is payable on completion for our service in relation to lifetime mortgage<br />
ai168908267816_half page contracts ad.pdf plus 1 11/07/<strong>2023</strong> commission 14:38:00 from the lender, however, this will be dependent on your circumstances.<br />
We deliver excellent<br />
care at home<br />
with compassion <strong>and</strong> a cheery smile!<br />
C<br />
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At Caremark, we pride ourselves on providing:<br />
• professional <strong>and</strong> planned home care<br />
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Delivering care <strong>and</strong> smiles at every visit.<br />
Caremark <strong>Wokingham</strong> & <strong>Bracknell</strong><br />
t: 0118 978 4657<br />
e: wokingham@caremark.co.uk<br />
w: caremark.co.uk/wokingham<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 31
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