Stratford-upon-Avon Living Jan - Feb 2024

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you in 2024 

Learn new skills, have fun 

and boost your career 

Adult Learner part-time courses - 

enrol now for January 2024: 

• Animal Welfare 

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& Crafts 

• Breadmaking 

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Language (BSL) 

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& Wellbeing 

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C O N T E N T S 

A NOTE 

from the editor 

14 

COMFORTING RECIPES 

04 

COMPETITIONS 

As we embark on the 

inaugural edition of the year, 

I am thrilled to welcome you 

to the January issue of our 

magazine. In the spirit of new 

beginnings, this edition is a 

testament to the optimism 

and promise that the coming 

year holds for each one of 

us. 

The dawn of a new year 

brings with it a canvas of 

opportunities waiting to 

be painted with the vibrant 

hues of hope, resilience, 

and accomplishment. If that 

sounds too lofty, we hope 

that this little magazine is an 

entertaining accompaniment 

to your morning coffee, and 

can provide some inspiration 

in your home, your kitchen, 

or even for your plans to 

travel. 

As we bid farewell to the 

challenges of the past and 

usher in a new chapter, 

our team has worked to 

bring you an entertaining 

and informative read, ready 

to help you navigate the 

unknowns of the year ahead. 

KITCHEN RENO 

20 

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 Marion Cassidy 

e marion@minervapublications.co.uk 

t 01225 984502 

EDUCATION 

08 

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. 

On the foodie front we have 

some great recipes if you 

are giving Veganuary a go 

this year. Then we’ve got a 

kitchen renovation to really 

inspire. 

Finally, don’t miss our 

competition section - this 

edition, we have nearly 

£3,000 worth of goodies to 

give away! 

We will see you again in 

March - when we will be 

getting ready for those white 

rabbits of Easter! 

Katie 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3

Time 

COMPETITION 

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only £12.99! Or enter for free by post. 

All the below close on 15th March 2024 

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4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

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Boarding 

Myth-Buster 

The commonly used term 

‘sent’ to boarding school 

typically derives several 

negative connotations 

and indicates that the 

child in question has no 

say in the matter. 

However, this is far from the truth 

nowadays and this example is just 

the tip of the iceberg when it comes 

to boarding misconceptions. In fact, 

the reality of boarding today, should 

one choose to board, tells a story of 

unrivalled quality in education, life-long 

friendships, enriching experiences, and 

a supportive ‘home-from-home’. 

Here are six common myths about 

boarding you might have come across: 

1. Boarding schools are strict and 

disciplinary environments: Every 

school, whether it is boarding, 

day, state or independent will 

have rules and regulations, some 

stricter than others. But without 

fail, what all boarding schools 

offer in abundance, is a supportive 

and nurturing environment 

for students to grow both 

academically and personally. 

2. Boarding only attracts wealthy, 

gifted or troublesome kids: 

Boarding schools cater for a 

hugely diverse range of students 

from all backgrounds, cultures 

and academic ability. Boarding 

is not exclusively private, you 

might be surprised to hear there 

is a thriving state boarding 

community, too. Many families 

choose boarding for the excellent 

educational opportunities and 

unique experience it can offer. 

3. Boarding schools are isolated: 

You’ll find boarding schools 

nestled in big cities as well as 

rural areas. Regardless of their 

location, they all foster a strong 

sense of community and a homefrom-home 

experience with plenty 

of opportunity to bond with peers 

and develop lifelong friendships. 

4. My child will be lonely at 

boarding school: Whilst it is 

common, and perfectly normal, 

for boarders to feel homesick 

at times, boarding schools offer 

robust induction programmes 

and open communication with 

family. Experienced staff create 

a supportive, kind and caring 

environment for students where 

tight-knit friendships blossom 

amongst boarders. 

5. It’s all work and no play at 

boarding school: Outside of the 

classroom, boarding offers a vast 

range of extracurricular activities, 

including sports, arts, clubs, and 

leadership opportunities. There 

truly is something for everyone 

which allows students to explore 

their interests and develop a wellrounded 

skill set. 

6. I’ll never see my child if they 

board: There are many types of 

boarding arrangements available, 

tailored to different needs and 

family circumstances. Some 

popular options include weekly 

boarding, flexi-boarding and 

even day boarding. Schools are 

committed to ensuring boarders 

have regular contact with family 

members whilst at school. 

Though the decision to board is not 

right for every child - or family - there 

are lots of individuals who blossom 

in this immersive environment. 

Boarding has the power to develop 

and instil fundamental skills such as 

independence, time management, 

social skills, resilience, cultural 

awareness and leadership. 

The boarding experience has come 

a long way in recent decades and 

it’s important to separate fact from 

fiction when considering a boarding 

education today. Above all else, it’s 

important to remember the main 

reason young people say that they 

want to board - it is so much fun. 

The joyful, diverse experience, full of 

possibilities and wonder, is a world 

away from the cold showers and iron 

bedsteads of old. 

The Boarding Schools’ Association 

(BSA) is part of the BSA Group. 

BSA Group supports excellence in 

boarding, safeguarding, inclusion 

and health education, serving more 

than 1,600 organisations and people 

in 40 countries worldwide. Since 

its foundation in 1965-6, BSA has 

promoted boarding education and 

the development of quality boarding 

through high standards of pastoral 

care and boarding accommodation. 


An ‘excellent’ school that 

nurtures each individual child. 

A family-based school for boys and girls from ages 3 to 11, where pupils enjoy small 

class sizes. 

Self-expression and creativity are encouraged at every stage of a child’s development, by offering 

a range of opportunities within a broad and varied curriculum, enabling them to discover new 

interests and talents, all within our beautiful 30-acre setting. 

Set your child on an educational adventure at The Croft Preparatory School. 

“ The quality of the 

pupils’ personal 

development is 

excellent.” 

“ The quality of the 

pupils’ academic and 

other achievements 

is excellent.” 

“ We could not have 

wished for a better 

experience. 

We value the small 

class sizes, the family 

feel, the exposure 

to different sports 

and extra-curricular 

opportunities.” 

Current Parent 

“ Pupils feel safe in 

school and there is 

a strong culture of 

listening and support. 

There is always a staff 

member to whom they 

can talk should they have 

any worries or concerns. 

They also say that the 

staff will respond swiftly 

and appropriately to 

support their wellbeing.” 

“ I just cannot praise 

the quality of the 

teachers enough... 

so caring and 

thoughtful!” 


“ An excellent school. 

I can’t rate it highly 

enough. There’s so 

much to stimulate and 

interest the children.” 


Contact us to book 

a place at our next 

Open Morning 

6th March, 2024 

10am - 12pm 

www.croftschool.co.uk | 01789 293795 | office@croftschool.co.uk | #TheAdventure

#SPSGetsMe 

www.stratfordprep.co.uk 

SPS Gets ME 

FURTHER 

What will your child be? 

JOIN US AT OUR OPEN DAY 

ON SATURDAY 2ND MARCH 10:00AM - 1:00PM 

01926 778050 

admissions@arnoldlodge.com 

15-17 Kenilworth Rd, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 5TW

Take The 

Next Step 


ADVERTISING FEATURE 

A WELLBEING 

HUB 

Warwick Junior School is a caring 

environment that challenges boys to 

achieve their best. 

Our pupils have access to exceptional wellbeing support, as well 

as the incredible teaching and facilities you would expect. Strong 

links to the Senior School provide further opportunities for boys 

to grow their confidence and shine as both individuals and teamplayers 

in music, sport, science, drama, and more, inside and 

outside the classroom. 

At the important 7+ 

stage of education, 

Warwick Junior School 

boys are supported 

through the step up 

into a new school in 

Year 3. All boys are 

welcomed into their new 

classrooms, whether 

they have joined from 

Warwick Prep or a local 

prep or primary. 

Staff are trained in 

mental health and our 

wellbeing dog, Aggie, is 

a firm favourite around 

the school and in our 

reading buddy sessions. 

Being part of the Warwick Schools Foundation ensures the 

best of both worlds – single-sex education built around how 

boys learn, with opportunities to collaborate with pupils at other 

Foundation schools. Our pupils’ progression prepares them for 

the next step of their education - moving up to Warwick Senior 

School in Year 7. 

www.warwickschool.org/wellbeing 


WELLBEING 

AND PASTORAL 

CARE 

King’s High, Warwick is a warm, 

caring, compassionate school governed 

by a culture of kindness that pervades 

all aspects of our life. All through 

the school, students look out for one 

another and look after one another 

– this is our guiding principle and 

is carefully structured through our 

systems of peer mentors, buddies and 

trained anti-bullying ambassadors. 

‘Pastoral care is regarded as a great strength, and whoever you 

talk to, there is a sense that every girl is known as an individual 

within the school’. The Good Schools Guide 

The aim of our Pastoral Programme is to nurture the character 

virtues and confidence of our students, resulting in a lifelong 

sense of wellbeing with strong personal development and 

growth. We aim to create an inspiring community of upstanders 

with high levels of ethical, emotional and environmental 

intelligence. 

In recent years, we have developed a national profile for the 

quality of our pastoral programme and our work to promote a 

supportive, kind, nurturing environment in which each student is 

known and valued as an individual. 

We were selected out of 3,000 schools nationally to become one 

of only three Showcase Schools for the Diana Award, a charity 

set up in the memory of Princess Diana, and our work was 

recognised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, when we received their 

Gold School Award. 

Find out more at kingshighwarwick.co.uk/wellbeing. 


Admission is always free, 

so come along and bring 

your friends! 

Leamington & County Golf Club, Golf Lane, Whitnash, Leamington Spa, CV31 2QA 

YOU ARE 

INVITED TO OUR 

REGIONAL HEARING 

SHOW ON: 

27 th FEBRUARY 

11am - 3pm 

We are excited to announce a 

special hearing aid event where 

you can receive demonstrations 

from some of the leading 

manufacturers in the industry. 

FREE hearing screening 

See inside your own ears 

Live product demonstrations 

Learn about the world of 

hearing devices 

FREE independent expert advice 

Support and information available 

WE LOOK FORWARD TO 

YOU HEARING US SOON! 

01926 313913 

imperialhearing.com 

leamington@ 

imperialhearing.com 

Hosted by

Enjoy delicious comfort classics with a 

VEGANUARY TWIST 

FROM CALIFORNIA WALNUTS 

Whether you’re planning to go vegan for one day, or the entire 

month; these delicious dishes will keep you coming back for more! 

California Walnut 

Pasta Bake 

SERVES 5 

INGREDIENTS 

100 g California Walnuts plus 25g 

300 g mushrooms 

1 tbsp oil 

2 cloves garlic crushed 

1 tsp ground cumin 

1 tsp chilli powder 

400 g can chopped tomatoes 

2 tbsp tomato puree 

400 g can red kidney beans drained 

and rinsed 

400 g can black beans drained and 

rinsed 

2 tbsp chopped coriander 

250 g pasta shapes 

50 g vegan hard cheese finely grated 

6 tbsp fresh breadcrumbs 

METHOD 

Preheat the oven to 200oC, gas mark 6. 

Place 100g walnuts in a food processor 

and mix to give a coarse crumb. 

Repeat with the mushrooms and mix 

into the walnuts. 

Heat the oil in a large saucepan and 

fry the walnut mixture and garlic for 5 

minutes. Add the spices and cook for 

1 minute. 

Stir in the tomatoes, tomato puree 

and both beans and cook gently for 10 

minutes, stirring occasionally. Season 

and stir in the coriander. 

Meanwhile, cook the pasta shapes in 

boiling water for 11-12 minutes, drain 

and stir in the chilli mince, transfer 

to a baking dish. In a small bowl, mix 

together the cheese, breadcrumbs and 

remaining 25g chopped walnuts and 

sprinkle over the dish. 

Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. 

California Walnut 

Mince Chilli 

SERVES 4 

INGREDIENTS 

100 g California Walnuts 


1 tbsp oil 






400 g can red kidney beans drained 

and rinsed 


rinsed 


METHOD 

Place the walnuts in a food processor 

and mix to give a coarse crumb. 

Repeat with the mushrooms and mix 

into the walnuts. 

Heat the oil in a large saucepan and 

fry the walnut mixture and garlic for 5 

minutes. Add the spices and cook for 

1 minute. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato 

puree and both beans and cook gently 

for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

Season and stir in the coriander. 


Italian BBQ 

California 

Walnut ‘Mince’ 

Pizza 

SERVES 4 

INGREDIENTS 

420 g strong white bread flour 

7 g sachet dried fast action yeast 

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil plus 

extra for drizzling 

140 g pizza sauce 

200 g grated mozzarella or vegan 

alternative 

1 red pepper sliced 

1 small red onion sliced 

150 g California Walnuts 

2 tbsp bbq sauce 

Fresh basil leaves to garnish 

METHOD 

Place the flour, yeast and 1 tsp salt 

into the bowl of a kitchen mixer 

fitted with a dough hook. Stir to 

combine and mix in the oil and 

250ml warm water to make a dough. 

Knead for 10 minutes. Transfer to 

a large, oiled bowl, cover and prove 

for 1 hour or until doubled in size. 

Preheat the oven to 220oC, gas 

mark 7. 

Lightly knead the dough to knock 

out the air and divide into 2 balls. 

Roll out each ball to 26cm circle on 

a floured surface, spread with the 

pizza sauce leaving a 2cm border 

round the edges. Sprinkle with 

cheese followed by the pepper and 

onion. Bake for 12 minutes. 

Meanwhile, place the walnuts and 

bbq sauce in a food processor and 

blend to a mince-like consistency. 

Scatter over the pizzas and cook for 

a further 3-4 minutes. 

Scatter over fresh basil leaves and a 

drizzle of oil to serve. 

Chilli 

California 

Walnut Nachos 

SERVES 4 

INGREDIENTS 

100 g California Walnuts plus 

extra to serve 


1 tbsp oil 






400 g can red kidney beans 

drained and rinsed 


rinsed 


350 g tortilla chips 

50 g Tex Mex flavoured grated 

vegan cheese 

200 g guacamole 

200 g tomato salsa 

METHOD 

Place the walnuts in a food 

processor and mix to give a 

coarse crumb. Repeat with the 

mushrooms and mix into the 

walnuts. 

Heat the oil in a large saucepan 

and fry the walnut mixture and 

garlic for 5 minutes. Add the 

spices and cook for 1 minute. 

Stir in the tomatoes, tomato 

puree and both beans and cook 

gently for 10 minutes, stirring 

occasionally. Season and stir in 

the coriander. 

For more delicious recipes visit: 

www.californiawalnuts.co.uk 


Image from Georg Roske 

I N T 

Blue 

O T H E 

Travel experts Kuoni recently 

conducted a report that showed the 

Maldives as the most popular dream 

destination worldwide. With crystalline 

waters, white sand beaches and 

abundant aquatic adventures, it’s easy 

to see why. 

If you’re planning your own trip of a 

lifetime to the Maldives, you might 

think that resorts and their various 

offerings are ubiquitous - but each has 

unique topography and feel, so finding 

the right fit for you is essential to make 

the most of your holiday. 

So how do you choose between the 

180 or so different resorts dotted 

across these turquoise waters? Katie 

Thomson tested out four unique 

locations. 

Best for: Modern Luxury, 

Epicurean Guests 

PATINA MALDIVES 

Only 50 minutes by speedboat transfer 

from Male Airport, Patina is one of 

three new resorts created from a 

reclaimed sand bank to form the Fari 

Islands - alongside a Ritz Carlton and 

soon-to-open Capella. This introduces 

a new concept for guests, who can 

stave off any ‘island-fever’ by hopping 

between the resorts and enjoying their 

amenities and restaurants. 

The largest of four islands, the 

sprawling site is beautifully planted 

with lush vegetation and fringed by 

white sandy bays. The spaces expand 

and contract - with the social hub of 

the Fari Marina Village (a place for 

guests from all three resorts to mingle) 

and wide ocean vistas, combined with 

16 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

more cosseting spaces to dig into and 

really relax. 

Interior design and architecture inform 

the feel of this resort - its spaces 

inspire and cocoon. The designs are 

bold and utterly beautiful - rather than 

typical palettes of blues and whites, 

the team have created enveloping 

villas filled with natural finishes, 

charcoal bedsheets and lots of timber, 

with interesting finishes and blend 

beautifully with the outdoors. The 

rooms are full of modern technological 

comforts and carefully planned lighting 

and furniture - you can even have the 

TV removed from the room to allow 

you to open the sliding doors to their 

full expanse and bring the outside in. 

An outdoor shower off the capacious 

en suite bathroom continues this 

sense of biophillic design. All 90 

villas have a large private pool and 

an oversized outdoor bathtub and 

hammock - perfect for relaxing in 

complete seclusion. 

Technology is at the heart of the 

resort - helping Patina to achieve its 

sustainability goals. Solar panels are 

installed on all the villa roofs, and the 

kitchens are zero waste; there’s also a 

strict no single-use plastic rule. 

The amenities are plentiful - from 

FLOW, the beautiful holistic spa, a 

submarine for below-water adventures, 

a range of waterspouts and even an 

art club - where the creative focus is 

on preserving marine life with coral 

clay creations and workshops to 

create bracelets from ghost fishing 

nets. Then there’s the showpiece, the 

Adastra superyacht, a state-of-the-art 

trimaran, perfect for dolphin watching. 

The team at patina recognise that 

their guests are used to a high level of 

dining, and as such their ‘dine around’ 

concept allows guests a to enjoy the 

many a la carte restaurants on the 

site and subsidised visits to the other 

Fari resorts. Chefs from around the 

world have been cherry-picked to offer 

unique gastronomic experiences, from 

plant-based Roots to South American 

Steakhouse Brasa. Kids will love it too 

- with a unique airstream food truck 

offering burgers and a Tuk-Tuk serving 

ice cream. 

If you’re looking for exceptional food, 

design-led interiors and a resort 

with great sustainability credentials, 

where a veritable galaxy of possible 

adventures await, Patina is a shining 

example of a modern Maldivian resort. 

R A T E S One-Bedroom 

Pool Villas at Patina Maldives, 

Fari Islands (patinahotels.com/ 

maldives-fari-islands) start from 

approx.. GBP1,699++ per night 

based on two sharing, including daily 

breakfast, USD100 resort credit and 

complimentary Guest Benefits. Terms 

and conditions apply. 

Image from Georg Roske

Best for: Barefoot Luxury, 

Nature Lovers 

Amilla Sunset Villa 

AMILLA MALDIVES 

I think if you wanted something 

which was most evocative of the 

Maldivian holiday experience you 

have in your head, then Amilla 

Maldives is your resort. 

The warmest welcome we enjoyed, 

our delayed flight was greeted by 

the most cheerful team, holding 

thirst-quenching coconuts. Our 

buggy was decorated with flowers 

and our names, and we were 

whisked off to our water villa home. 

The villas are vast - with 

accommodation options to suit 

many group sizes. The traditional 

one-bedroom water villas total 

220 square metres, and the beach 

villas too offer spacious, flexible 

accommodation, only steps from 

the purest blue waters. 

Unlike islands built from sandbanks, 

Amilla Maldives resort is situated on 

an already-established island, with a 

bounty of flora and fauna - carefully 

tended to by a veritable army of 

landscapers and caretakers. On 

checking into your villa, you’ll be 

greeted by a set of ‘his and hers’ 

bikes - ready to explore the trails 

of this tropical paradise. Cycling 

around is a pleasure, with sandy 

roads winding through dense 

jungles - there is of course the 

option to hail a golf buggy to get 

you to lunch, but the joy really is 

in the exploration. The island is a 

breeding ground for the native and 

rare White Tailed Bird, alongside 

host of other avian and reptilian life. 

Amilla Water Villa 

There are lots of tempting foodie 

options, all with a laid-back feel 

that helps you sink into holiday 

mode with ease. Wellness is also a 

huge part of the offering here - all 

dietary requirements are catered for, 

and the chefs continue to develop 

their range of fermented drinks and 

menus based around the island’s 

own organic garden. 

The resort is uniquely positioned 

to make the most of the glorious 

Baa Atoll a Unesco Biosphere 

Reserve, with Hanifaru Bay just 

a 30 minute boat ride away. This 

bay is known for its abundance 

of marine life, and visitors of the 

hotel can enjoy snorkelling with 

two giants of the sea - the manta 

ray and peaceful whale sharks. We 

opted for the former, and it was 

truly a once in a lifetime experience, 

and something I will never forget. 

We were surrounded by over 30 

manta, balletically gliding through 

the waters and within inches of us 

- happy to indulge in their feeding 

whilst paying us no notice. 

If your mission on your holiday 

is pure relaxation with a barefoot 

luxury feel, Amilla Maldives is 

a special place. The staff are 

unerringly friendly and the list of 

activities, from tennis clinics and 

football, to drumming workshops 

and wine-tasting, will mean you can 

wake up to each day with a fresh 

itinerary - or just a wonderful place 

to really relax. 

R A T E S Amilla Maldives (amilla. 

com; tel: +960 660 6444) currently 

offers five nights for the price of four 

on stays from 8 January – 14 April 

2024. Sunset Water Pool Villas start 

from approx. GBP1472++ per night 

including breakfast. 

Best for: Value for Money, 

Guest Enrichment 

VARU BY 

ATMOSPHERE 

The smallest of the resorts we 

stayed at, this feeling of intimacy 

actually works in VARU by 

Atmposphere’s favour - with enough 

seclusion in your villa, but stacks 

of amenities only steps from your 

accommodation. 

A relatively new resort, it feels 

contemporary and the perfect fit 

for couples and families alike. The 

island consists of a neat collection 

of beach bungalows alongside three 

jetties housing the pristine water 

villas. With enormous doors from 

the bedroom and the ensuite, you 


VARU Water Villa 

VARU Water Villa 

Best for: Guest Entertainment, 

Seclusion 

ATMOSPHERE 

KANIFUSHI 

can soak in glorious sea views in 

complete privacy. The villas are air 

conditioned, but if you can, sleep 

with your doors open - it’s magical 

to hear water lap beneath you. 

Breakfast and lunch is served daily 

buffet style at Lime & Chili - our 

first lunch was accompanied by 

the displays of a passing pod of 

dolphins. Sundowner cocktails can 

be enjoyed at the Bay Rogue bar 

and, for a truly Maldivian evening, 

complete with sarongs for men and 

women, dinner at KAAGÉ will give 

you traditional island dishes elevated 

with a modern twist. 

The surroundings here are smart 

but informal - couples and families 

can relax fully, helped by a flexible 

all-day dining menu. 

Guest enrichment is at the very core 

of the offering here. The team want 

their guests to experience something 

different and make lasting memories 

- wine-tasting evenings, Bavarian 

beer festivals and educational talks 

all offer unique, memory-making 

moments. Details mean everything 

to the team here - we were delighted 

every afternoon to return to the 

room to see new leaf art on the bed, 

painstakingly created from foliage 

foraged from the island. 

VARU offers all this on an allinclusive 

basis, meaning that 

once you’re there, you can fully 

relax into holiday mode. Stay over 

four nights and you’ll also have a 

complimentary treatment in the 

spa. Situated in a set of over-water 

buildings, from the massage table 

you’ll look at the ocean below 

through a glass floor panel. 

The Maldives is rightly seen as a 

luxury destination, but at VARU, 

you can enjoy that luxury, elevated 

service and bountiful amenities for 

an amazing price. It delivers the all 

the experiences, hospitality and 

pristine settings to make lifelong 

memories in paradise, for a fraction 

of the price of other resorts. 

RATES VARU by Atmosphere 

starts at just £550 per night based 

on the Beach Villa. 

varu-atmosphere.com 

The topography of Atmosphere 

Kanifushi is unique, a long and 

narrow sandbank stretching for 

over 2km, with a strip of jungle-like 

canopy running through the centre. 

This island paradise is home to 350 

staff - almost twice the number of 

guests, ensuring every need and 

whim is catered for. The large size 

of the island means you never feel 

cramped - indeed, the beach villas, 

with their enormous glass-ended 

pools feel truly secluded. 

These capacious rooms and outdoor 

spaces mean that you may never feel 

the need to visit the communal pools 

- but there are large facilities there 

too, both for children and adults. 

The deck and outdoor area of the 

Kanifushi Grand Pool Villa 


Kanifushi Grand Pool Villas is astounding - complete with 

a 15 foot pool reaching out to the beach, a huge private 

deck, a large swing seat and a round sofa bed. The mini 

bar is well-stocked and replenished daily, so if you’re 

after seclusion and romance, you could enjoy your sunset 

drinks without having to venture from your villa. 

Kanifushi Grand Pool Villa 

The villas are huge too, with a gorgeous surprise in 

the en-suite - it being indoor/outdoor! With a bath and 

shower open to the elements, it makes for a very special 

bathing experience. 

Guests will be spoilt for choice with foodie options - 

with six restaurants to choose from. Most notable is the 

amazing Teppanyaki Grill - you will be delighted by a 

culinary show as an expert chef chops, juggles and sets 

your seafood ablaze - it’s not all for show though, the 

results are truly delicious. There’s evening entertainment 

every day, along with options for boat trips and guided 

snorkelling excursions. 

Don’t miss the spa, a series of beautiful huts accessed 

by stepping stones over a koi pond - guests staying 

for four nights will receive a complimentary treatment, 

enjoyed in a hut with pristine sea views. 

If you’re looking for a resort with a huge array of 

activities on offer, but with enough space to make it feel 

like you’re on a private paradise, Atmosphere Kanifushi 

is for you. 

RATES- Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives starts at 

just £812 per night based on the Sunset Beach Villa. 

atmosphere-kanifushi.com 

*25% off Dining 

AT NO.44 BRASSERIE IN JANUARY & FEBRUARY 

BOOK ONLINE OR CALL US ON 01789 298682 

*T&C’S APPLY. 

Chapel Ln, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BA, E: info@theardenhotelstratford.com 

THEARDENHOTELSTRATFORD.COM 


Renovate & 

ELEVATE 

We take a deeper look into a beautiful renovation to find out what 

makes a good kitchen great - with thoughts from the owner, Kate 

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE 

DESIGN PROCESS? 

Absolutely - we all know there are a lot of 

options out there for kitchens, but I knew I 

wanted an in-frame, painted design with a light 

wood grain. I came across Smile Kitchens and 

instantly loved the elevated styling they offer - 

the Hampton range caught my eye particularly. 

It had all the timeless styling that I was looking 

for, and a lovely combination of colours. 

I was initially a little concerned by the lack of 

a showroom, but I needn’t have been. After a 

discovery consultation where I listed my must 

haves, my designer Corinne got to work on 

rendering that with my space dimensions. In 

the meantime, I was sent large door and knob 

samples so I could have them to hand when 

my design was ready to view. To really give me 

a feel for how the kitchen would look, it was 

rendered onto a video, giving me a 360 view of 

the space. I make a few tweaks and Corinne 

came back each time, just perfecting the vision I 

had for this important space. 

This is a big room (approximately 4.5 x 5.5m) 

and it has openings or glazing on all sides - this 

meant that planning a more conventional kitchen 

with lots of base and wall units was a challenge. 

The interruption on each of the walls meant that 

the cupboard configurations had to be carefully 

considered - and Corinne got this spot on. We 

opted for lots of tall cabinets, including a built in 

larder and a pantry with bi-fold doors - perfect as 

a breakfast station. These cupboards hide all the 

“I think the triangular work space 

concept is a little outdated for how 

we use kitchens now. Of course it 

makes sense to keep everything 

accessible and easy to move around, 

but for me, it was also important 

that the space felt social and made 

the most of the setting.” 

big appliances, meaning the worktops can stay 

clutter-free, and help to keep you organised with 

lots of internal shelves. 

LET’S TALK FLOORING... 

Tiles are a great option for flooring, but because 

of the painted kitchen finish and the quartz 

worktops, I wanted to warm up the space with 

timber. Obviously, kitchen floors need to be 

robust - able to withstand spills, items being 

dropped and the general traffic of daily life. I 

was concerned a timber or engineered floor 

would dint, so instead opted for LVT from 

the experts at Karndean. I spent a lot of time 

comparing samples before settling on Canadian 

Nude Oak - it was light enough without reading 

too grey or white. 

The best bit about this floor was the ease of 

installation - my partner and I were able to cover 

a huge area over the course an evening. The 

rigid core planks click together easily and have 

a reassuring solidity. 

FUNCTIONALITY IS KING IN A 

KITCHEN - HOW DO YOU MAKE 

SURE THE SPACE WORKS? 

I thought long and hard about how I’d use the 

space. I think the triangular work space concept 

is a little outdated for how we use kitchens now. 

Of course it makes sense to keep everything 

accessible and easy to move around, but for me, 

it was also important that the space felt social 

and made the most of the setting. The kitchen 

sink enjoys the best views - looking even better 

with the lovely CRL quartz running over the sill. 

I wanted the island to be social - I didn’t include 

a sink on there because I didn’t want the 

washing up to be the focus. Instead the hob 

faces out into the room. Finally, the fridge is 

right by the island, so you can load shopping in 

easily, or food out ready to be prepped. 

Then for me it was about choosing the right 

appliances. These are the bits that make all the 

difference! I’ve lusted after a fridge with double 

doors for years, and this amazing Haier model 

is a technological gem. It automatically detects 

Hotpoint Built 

In Double Oven; 

Hampton Kitchen 

in Pearl 


Clearwater Kettle Tap; 

CRL Stone Quartz 

worktops in Verona 

Photography by Lucy Hartley-Saunders 

Origin Bifold Doors; 

Hampton Kitchen in Onyx 

Heritage Bronze Sockets and Switches from 

Corston Architectural 


when you’ve gone shopping, and 

adjusts the temperature of the fridge 

in anticipation. Its different humidity 

control zones means food stays 

fresher for far longer too. The freezer 

drawers are perfect for actually 

being able to see everything - there 

will be nothing lurking at the back, 

forgotten about. 

The oven is lovely and capacious 

- mounted into the tall units for 

convenience. And the integrated 

dishwasher is ideal, with moveable 

baskets and there’s also ActiveDry 

technology, which opens the door 

near the end of the cycle to allow air 

to circulate. 

The design of the kitchen 

necessitated a venting hob - this 

means we can keep that clean look 

above the island without a hood. 

This hob from Hotpoint is a thing of 

beauty - it has a vast cooking area 

which can also be synced, creating 

increased zones for larger pots and 

pans. My favourite feature is the 

‘keep warm’ setting - perfect when 

you’re not ready to serve. Above 

the island is an inset ceiling speaker 

from Lithe Audio, which you connect 

to your phone with Bluetooth - it 

really creates a great social space or 

just a lovely place to cook. 

Finally, I’m not sure what my life 

was before a boiling water tap - 

but I don’t want to go back there. 

This is a quadruple function kettle 

tap - in essence it does everything 

your normal tap does, but with the 

bonus of filtered cold and 98C water. 

It makes cooking a breeze, and 

that morning cuppa so much more 

efficient. It’s got built in safety features 

too to make sure kids can’t get hurt. 

THE WORKTOPS ARE 

LOVELY - WHAT ARE 

THEY MADE FROM? 

I knew from the outset that I wanted 

quartz worktops - these are slim 

20mm profile tops from CRL Stone. 

I went with the Verona finish, which 

had a subtle marble to help bring 

together the colours of the wall units 

and the island. It’s hard-wearing and 

looks so beautiful - it’s the ultimate 

luxury. 

THE GLAZING IS SUCH 

A SIGNIFICANT PART OF 

THE ROOM - WHAT DID 

YOU CHOOSE? 

Yes, so we have glazing on three 

walls - the windows above the 

sink are UPVC but the doors are 

all aluminium. We agonised over 

whether to have bifold doors or 

sliders - worried that bifold doors 

can lose energy efficiency over 

time. We opted in the end to go 

with industry leaders Origin Doors - 

they are manufactured to very high 

standards and come with a 20 year 

guarantee, which was so reassuring. 

They have an eight-point locking 

system too, so essential for security. 

We had a 3.7m gap, so opted for 

three large doors - meaning we have 

a single openable door which is 

more convenient for everyday life, 

and fewer frames - maximising the 

views and the feeling of the outside 

being in. Origin make the doors 

to order, so they can find the right 

configuration for your space. 

ANYTHING YOU’D DO 

DIFFERENTLY? 

Nope! I genuinely love it and love 

cooking in here. It has a great feel 

and just functions so well. I love 

all the tech - it makes life so much 

easier. 

STOCKIST DETAILS: 

Appliances: Haier HFW7819EWMP 

Smart Fridge Freezer; Hotpoint 

PVH92BUK Black 90cm Vented 

Hob; Hotpoint Class 2 DD2 540 IX 

Built-in Double Oven - Stainless 

Steel Hotpoint H8IHT59LSUK Fully 

Integrated Standard Dishwasher; 

Clearwater Kettle Tap, 01684 299555, 

clearwaterproducts.co.uk 

Kitchen: Hampton Range in Pearl 

and Onyx from Smile Kitchens, 

smilekitchens.com 

Flooring: Karndean Luxury Vinyl 

Tile in Canadian Nude Oak from 

palioexpress.com 

Worktops: CRL Stone in Verona, 

01706 863600, or visit crlstone.co.uk 

Sockets and switches: corston.com 

Ceiling Speaker: Lithe Audio, 

litheaudio.com 


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Move_Lifestyle_crop.jpg 

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Trading since Trading 1989 since 1989 

3 floors full of 3 beds floors full of beds 

(We are bigger (We than are we bigger look) than we look) 

May 3, 2022 Kris Wood 

Attention Arthritis Sufferer’s 

Move_Lifestyle_set01_02-1.jpg 

Move_Lifestyle_set02_03.jpg Revealed Revealed The Hidden The Secret Hidden Of Secret How To Of Massively How To Massively Reduce Pain 

May 3, 2022 Reduce Pain Kris Wood 

And Discomfort, And Discomfort, Without Without The Need The For Need Expensive For Expensive Drugs Or Drugs Surgery!!!! Or Surgery!!!! 

Trading since 1989 

3 floors full of beds 

(We are bigger than we look) 

Attention Arthritis Sufferer’s 

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The meaning of flowers 

NOTES FROM 

THE GARDEN 

As we plan our gardens for the spring 

and summer, I thought it might be fun to 

reflect on what, traditionally, has been 

the meaning of flowers as seen by our 

forebears – and with Valentines on the way 

beware of what goes into that bouquet!! 

The red rose is, of course, the symbol of love and roses are a 

sure winner in the garden. As well as the more usual varieties 

there are some stunning older ones too so before you plant 

check all the options- your local nursery or garden centre will be 

happy to help. Jubilee Papa Meilland is a hybrid tea bush rose 

and a real stunner but there are many, many choices. 

Pink flowers symbolise perfect happiness and can also mean 

‘Please believe me’ and pinks and purples planted together 

can look spectacular – from Gerberas to Carnations, Peonies to 

Poppies, get your sketchbook out and plan that border. Papaver 

‘Pink Fizz’ is a true pink poppy – with frills! 

Yellow is the colour of jealousy, though if you plant a profusion 

of yellows the only jealousy may be of people envying your great 

taste! Sunflowers say summer – and certainly are a statement. 

Children love a ‘sunflower race’ to see whose plant grows the 

“THE EARTH LAUGHS IN FLOWERS.” 

RALPH WALDO EMERSON 

tallest and the dried heads feed the birds too. 

In the blue corner we have Stephanotis which symbolises 

happiness in marriage, and a desire to travel, how lovely, and it is 

a lovely plant too. 

And last but by know means least is Wisteria which apparently 

asks ‘Will you dance with me?’ 

Whatever you plant, enjoy choosing, enjoy planting and then 

enjoy the fruits, and flowers, of your labour. 

For more advice, visit Matt Bigg’s website: 

www.matthewbiggs.com 


High quality care in 

Stratford-upon-Avon 

At Care UK’s Ambleside care home in 

Stratford-upon-Avon, we’ll support you to 

continue living your life the way you choose while 

delivering award-winning care in a place you can 

call home. 

Our highly trained teams are experts in providing high quality care 

from residential, nursing and dementia care, to short term care. 

A lifestyle tailored to you 

At our ‘good’ CQC rated home our team is passionate about 

supporting you to enjoy a fulfilling life. We’ll learn all about your 

interests and preferences so we can create a fully personalised 

lifestyle plan that you’ll enjoy whether it’s gardening, cheese and 

wine socials or playing chess. 

Everything under one roof 

Ambleside offers luxurious facilities, including a coffee shop, hair 

salon, cinema and beautiful landscaped gardens. 

Our chef-led kitchen teams are passionate about providing 


high-quality food using fresh, local produce, and there’s always a 

choice of nutritious and delicious dishes at every meal. 

Hear what relatives have to say 

We recognise the importance of friends and family staying 

involved in their loved one’s care and lifestyle plan and our 

regular relative meetings are a popular. 

And in our recent relative survey, 91% of families were impressed 

with the physical presentation of the inside of the home^ and 

90% of relatives were happy with the atmosphere in the home.^ 

Trust us to care 

At Care UK, we’ve been delivering high-quality, person-centred 

care for over 40 years. We pride ourselves on the transparency of 

our care quality and fee information – ensuring you can trust us to 

care from that very first step of your journey into care. 

To find out more about Ambleside, please call 01789 868409 

Ambleside care home 

Evesham Road, Dodwell, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9TG 

Careuk.com/ambleside 

^Care UK relative survey April 2023. Study operated by QRS Market 

Research, an independent survey agency. 

There are no silly questions 

when it comes to finding 

a care home 

Speak to our Trusted Advisor, Josephine, today. 

At WCS Care we know moving into a care home is an emotional 

and difficult decision and there’s lots to think about. 

We’ve over 30 years’ experience of helping people to 

make the best decision for their next home, whether that’s 

a WCS Care home, or one outside our group that’s more 

suited to their needs. Our focus is on 

doing the right thing for you, not us. 

Josephine 

Rugg 

Trusted 

Advisor 

Call me today for an initial discussion 

about your needs. 

07802 728443 j.rugg@wcs-care.co.uk 

wcs-care.co.uk /wcscare Registered charity number 1012788 


NAVIGATING 

A N E W 

DEMENTIA 

DIAGNOSIS: 

A Comprehensive 

Guide to Support 

and Long-Term 

Care Planning 

Receiving a dementia diagnosis can 

be overwhelming for both individuals 

and their families. However, recent 

breakthroughs in dementia drugs 

like Lecanemab and Donanemab 

offer hope by significantly slowing 

down the progression of symptoms. 

As individuals embark on this 

challenging journey, it becomes 

crucial to navigate the initial shock 

while simultaneously planning for 

long-term care. 

SUPPORTING A NEW 

DIAGNOSIS: 

1. Understanding the Diagnosis: 

• Begin by seeking clarity on 

the specific type of dementia 

diagnosed, as different 

types may require distinct 

approaches to care. 

• Engage in open and honest 

conversations with the 

healthcare team to grasp the 

implications and possible 

trajectories. 

2. Building a Support Network: 

• Inform close friends, family, 

and colleagues about 

the diagnosis to foster 

understanding and support. 

• Consider joining local dementia 

support groups or online 

communities where individuals 

share experiences and advice. 

3. Accessing Professional 

Support: 

• Connect with a dementia 

specialist or memory clinic for 

expert guidance. 

• Utilise the services of local 

Alzheimer’s and Dementia 

advisors who can provide 

tailored information and 

support. 

LONG-TERM CARE 

PLANNING IN THE UK: 

1. Legal and Financial 

Considerations: 

• Consult with a solicitor to 

establish or update legal 

documents such as wills, 

enduring power of attorney, 

and advance directives. 

• Assess financial resources, 

including pension plans and 

insurance policies, to ensure 

adequate funding for potential 

long-term care needs. 

2. Exploring Residential Care 

Options: 

• Research local care homes 

and their ratings to make 

informed decisions when and 

if residential care becomes 

necessary. 

• Understand the financial 

aspects of residential care, 

including eligibility for 

government support and 

benefits. 

3. Home Modifications and 

Assistance: 

• Evaluate the home 

environment for safety and 

make necessary modifications 

to support the individual’s 

independence. 

• Investigate home care services 

that provide assistance with 

daily activities, allowing 

individuals to remain in their 

familiar surroundings. 

4. Engaging with Social Services: 

• Reach out to local social 

services for a needs 

assessment to determine 

eligibility for additional support 

and resources. 

• Explore community-based 

programs that offer day-care 

services, respite care, and 

other forms of support. 

5. Coping Strategies for 

Caregivers: 

• Acknowledge the emotional 

and physical toll caregiving 

can take and seek support for 

caregivers. 

• Take advantage of respite care 

services to allow caregivers a 

break and prevent burnout. 

CONCLUSION: 

A dementia diagnosis marks the 

beginning of a challenging journey, 

but with recent advancements 

in drugs like Lecanemab and 

Donanemab, there is newfound 

hope for slowing down the 

progression of symptoms. 

Navigating this journey requires 

a multifaceted approach that 

encompasses emotional support, 

legal and financial planning, and 

an exploration of available care 

options. By proactively addressing 

these aspects, individuals and their 

families can create a comprehensive 

plan that not only addresses 

immediate needs but also ensures a 

more secure and supported future.

Advertising Feature 

Join Care UK’s nationwide 

‘Big Dementia Conversation’ 

Did you know that more than 920,000 people in the UK live with 

Dementia, yet 77% of people feel there are still misconceptions 

surrounding the condition*? 

Despite our increased knowledge of dementia 

in recent years, many feel in the dark about 

what to expect following a diagnosis, and 

what’s more, many still feel uncomfortable, or 

even embarrassed, talking about the lesserknown 

symptoms. 

Let’s get talking 

‘The Big Dementia Conversation’ is all about 

encouraging people to talk about some of the 

most difficult topics associated with dementia. 

Our online advice hub takes a closer look at 

some of the less-talked-about symptoms of 

dementia, with expert advice from our dementia 

specialists on how to navigate them. 

We’re here for you 

At Care UK, our dementia specialists continue 

to work with academic partners and respected 

leaders in the field, to develop a holistic and 

forward-thinking approach to the delivery of 

dementia care. We’re always looking for new 

ways to support families caring for a loved one 

with dementia, and we recognise the importance 

of helping you to navigate through some of the 

challenging stages. 

Visit our website for further information by 

scanning the QR code below. 

If you’re considering care 

contact Ambleside care home 

in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Call 

01789 868409 or visit 

careuk.com/ambleside 

Did you know? 

73% of people feel they have a lack of 

knowledge about dementia, whilst 55% of 

people are frightened to talk about it * . 

Over 50% of people want to know more 

about the common symptoms, as well as 

the resources, care and support available 

to people living with dementia * . We’re here 

to help. 

Just 10% of people feel they are very 

familiar with the signs of dementia, whilst 

less than 20% of people associate change 

in dietary preference or expressing sexual 

urges as common symptoms * . 

*According to a survey of 2,000 UK adults, conducted by OnePoll between 25th September and 2nd October 2023.

Westley Court 

Rated 9.6 

LOVE. LAUGH. LiVE. 

AT COATE WATER CARE’S 

LUXURY CARE HOMES. 

Your loved ones are guaranteed 

a warm and safe environment 

Coate Water Care is a family-run business that 

provides a high quality Nursing, Residential and 

Dementia care service in our luxury care homes 

in Andover, Avebury, Swindon, Kidderminster, 

Woodstock and Warwickshire. 

We provide 24-hour nursing, residential and 

specialist dementia care, as well as specialist care 

for clients with end of life and palliative needs. 

Respite and day care services are also available. 

All these services are provided by our friendly 

and fully qualified care team. 

To secure a place in our care homes, please 

contact our friendly Welcome Team. 

Call 01793 821200 

www.coatewatercare.co.uk 

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Modena sofa from £976. Featured is a 3 seater with resting unit in grey velvet at £2,549. 

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Free street parking 10am - 4pm. Tram: Edgbaston Village

Stratford-upon-Avon Living Jan - Feb 2024

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