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C O N T E N T S 

A NOTE 

from the editor 

18 27 

JACK COSY STEIN & CALM INTERVIEW LIVING SPACES & RECIPE 

Welcome to the April/May 

edition - a celebration of 

I had my first English 

spring and early summer, 

strawberry this week, and my 

word, 

where 

it was 

we’re 

beyond 

shaking 

delicious 

off 

- 

the 

perfectly 

winter 

sweet, 

blues 

it 

with 

was 

a 

very 

hearty 

good 

dose 

advert 

of 

for 

vitaminpacked 

kale I’ve recipes, tried to a living echo 

eating 

seasonally. 

this room in all transformation my recent fruit that’ll and 

vegetable make you purchases, want to grab and it’s a 

had paintbrush, a transformative and effect enough on 

my spring cooking garden - everything content just 

tastes to make better even - more the vibrant, most 

needing reluctant less green seasoning thumb reach and 

just for the overall trowel. very tasty. 

INTERIOR HEALTHY RECIPES UPDATES 

22 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 Ryan Davis 

e ryan@minervapublications.co.uk 

t 01225 984498 

Front Cover courtesy of Fatface, 

www.fatface.com 

04 

COMPETITIONS 

25 27 

PLANTS FOR POLLINATORS 

JULIA KENDELL 

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. 

I’m Feeling making a bit the wilted most after of 

cooking winter? Fear whilst not! I still We’ve have got a 

kitchen recipes that’ll - mine have is due you to kaleing 

it in out the in two kitchen weeks like and a 

be 

ripped 

it pro. will From be camping one-pan-heroes stove and 

air to frying comforting two pasta, months these from 

there! dishes I’ve will already have you picked feeling my 

kitchen, like a leafy but it green got me superhero thinking 

about in no time. all the other areas that 

need updating in my home. If 

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home “Hmm, pages this could this do edition with a - 

they’re bit of zhuzhing”? full of inspiring Well, trends hold 

and onto a your few timeless scatter classics. cushions 

because we’ve got a living 

We’ve room transformation also got some lovely that’ll 

editorial make you on want the to best dust off plants the 

for DIY pollinators gear and get - it’s cracking. never 

been 

We even 

so important 

caught up 

to 

with 

support 

DIY 

wildlife 

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to talk all things kitchen! 

The competition guide this 

issue is a bumper one - we 

And for those of you who 

have an outdoor furniture 

prefer to get your hands dirty 

set from Bramblecrest worth 

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that garden in shape. This, 

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But hey, 

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and an 

just 

enter! 

the 

beginning! Our Spring 

We 

edition 

will 

is 

be 

bursting 

back 

with 

again 

more 

in 

August 

insights, 

- 

and 

I’ll be 

articles 

fully rebooted 

to keep 

and you recharged entertained into until summer we 

mode. reconvene See in you June. then! So grab a 

cuppa, put your feet up, and 

let’s spring into action! 

Katie 

Katie 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3

Time 

COMPETITION 

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All the below close on 15th May 2024 

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4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Pick up a preloved 

book at The Friary 

We all love a day out shopping, but there’s another 

favourite pastime we Brits also have a passion for, 

and that’s a good read of our favourite book. So, 

Guildford’s biggest shopping centre is sure to soon 

be a big hit with those who have a love for both! 

Opening this April, ‘The Book Base’ at The Friary is 

located in the Food Court and will be offering shoppers 

the chance to borrow a book, swap a book or simply 

donate a book. The aim of this community library is to 

be a green sustainable local service which enables 

people the opportunity to recycle their preloved books 

(adults and children’s) allowing others to either borrow 

it or simply swap it for one they have donated. 

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

The Book Base will be opening at The Friary Guildford in April. 

By opting to keep a preloved book in circulation, we 

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undo the emissions from their initial production, we 

can all do our bit to ensure a carbon neutral future by 

keeping our old unwanted books from needlessly 

going to waste after a single use. 

Visit thefriaryguildford.com to find out more about 

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ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED 

2 - 6 May 

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6 | CIF_Wisley_Spring24_110x153_v4.indd www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

1 28/02/2024 09:09

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PASTORAL CARE 

in schools 

Children’s mental health has hit 

a worrying low, according to a 

raft of research from charities 

and professional bodies. From 

anxieties caused by exam 

stress and social media to the 

devastating toll of the pandemic, 

the picture has never been starker. 

MENTAL HEALTH 

SUPPORT IN SCHOOLS 

Schools have a key part to play both 

in terms of prevention and picking 

up the pieces when things escalate, 

but the picture here isn’t great either. 

‘Provision in schools is patchy and 

fragmented – having a counsellor isn’t 

even mandatory in schools,’ says 

David Stephenson, senior policy and 

campaigns officer at the charity Mind. 

Good news is that Ofsted and ISI 

now assess personal development, 

which includes mental health in 

schools. Areas such as resilience, 

confidence, independence, and 

how to keep mentally healthy are all 

covered. As part of pastoral care in 

schools, all schools have to provide 

a mental health and relationships 

curriculum, and the government has 

committed to a £1,200 training grant 

for each school to ensure a whole 

school approach, albeit by 2025. 

AWARENESS TRAINING 

FOR TEACHERS 

A positive step towards good mental 

health in children is the growth in 

training staff in mental health first aid. 

At Lord Wandsworth College, a co-ed 

day and boarding senior school in 

Hampshire, this goes for all staff. ‘It 

means they know what to look out for 

and what to do when a pupil comes 

to them – in some cases that will be 

a listening ear and reassurance, other 

times support or signposting,’ says 

headteacher Adam Williams, who 

adds that staff wellbeing in schools is 

also a priority for them. 

PEER SUPPORT 

The school has a peer mentoring 

programme whereby young people 

are trained to support one another 

and break down the stigma often 

associated by mental health. 

‘Sometimes you feel safer and more 

comfortable talking to someone 

nearer your age – and they are just 

more likely to understand,’ said a 

pupil on our recent visit. The school 

also involves parents, running talks 

and giving practical advice on how 

to support teenagers. 

WELLBEING HUBS 

A dedicated wellbeing hub is one 

way to address mental health issues 

in children. At Malvern St James, an 

all-through girls’ day and boarding 

school, The Hive is described by Zinnia 

Wilkinson, director of pastoral care, 

as ‘a comfortable, welcoming space 

where pupils can just be but also see 

a counsellor for a 30-minute session 

just for one or two weeks because 

sometimes that’s all they need.’ 

MENTAL HEALTH VS 

GRADES 

Wilkinson points out that parents 

often perceive a school to be good 

pastorally or academically, but not 

both. ‘In fact if a school is pastorally 

strong, it’s in the best position to 

thrive academically,’ she says. 

Sophie Blunt, housemistress 

at Wycombe Abbey, a day and 

boarding senior school for girls, 

agrees. Outstanding pastoral care 

might not be the first thing you 

think of at one of the top academic 

schools for girls, and yet many of 

the parents we spoke to whose 

daughters had needed intervention 

were full of praise for how the school 

had responded. ‘Wellbeing education 

is at the heart of our curriculum – it’s 

on timetable for every girl,’ she says. 

For Dean Taylor, associate headteacher 

at Seven Kings School, a co-ed state 

school for 4-18 in east London, it’s the 

relationship between staff and pupils 

that holds the key to positive mental 

health in schools. ‘The ethos is more 

important than anything and you can 

walk around this school and see that it’s 

inclusive, friendly, safe and with clear 

and consistent boundaries,’ he says. 

The school pays particular attention to 

pressure points such as exam time and 

makes sure every child has a trusted 

adult. There’s a joined-up approach 

with the SENCO too, in the knowledge 

that youngsters with conditions such as 

ADHD and autism can be particularly 

at risk of mental health problems. ‘The 

most vulnerable pupils have a onepage 

profile that’s shared with all staff,’ 

he adds. 

DISCIPLINE 

Nearly half of young people are 

disciplined at school for behaviour 

related to their mental health, according 

to Mind’s latest research. One in four 

school staff were aware of a student 

being excluded from school because of 

their mental health. Seven Kings avoids 

this by never taking behaviour at face 

value. ‘It’s about conversations and 

getting pupils to reflect if they’ve broken 

rules. Were you in the right place at the 

right time with the right people, and if 

not what can we do to fix that? Who 

was affected? And what could you do 

next time? These repetitive questions 

from all staff help them self-regulate,’ 

says Taylor. 

The full article is available to read 

online - Article from The Good 

Schools Guide - an excellent resource 

for parents. goodschoolsguide.co.uk 


CELEBRATING HAPPY HEARTS FOR OVER 75 YEARS 

where learning 

comes to life... 

At Amesbury we believe that 

happy children are the key to 

academic success... 


We offer a warm and nurturing environment, that is 

academically ambitious yet relaxed. Pupils benefit from small 

classes and superb facilities, where passionate teachers help 

them achieve excellent results. It’s also about giving children 

the opportunity to experience new activities, and find new 

talents, as well as learning life skills, friendships and instilling 

strong values. Our goal is to encourage pupils to develop 

kind and considerate, confident children that can become 

motivated young adults well-prepared to thrive. 

The school is a trailblazer for managing children’s mental 

wellbeing, with a dedicated mental health and wellbeing 

leader. The pressures of online and digital life can negatively 

impact children, compounded by existing pressures relating 

to school, friendships, and overall wellbeing. Supporting 

wellbeing is key to ensuring happy children who will learn 

and have a great school experience. 

The school offers independent co-education from age 

9 months to 13 years and has nearly 350 happy pupils. 

Amesbury is a truly independent school where we unlock 

your child’s passions, talents, and potential, and together 

nurture your child towards the right senior school for them. 

Last year children left Amesbury for over 21 different senior 

schools, over 51 scholarships have been won in the last three 

years. 

Come and visit and discover what makes Amesbury such a 

wonderful place for your child’s education, join an open day 

or book a bespoke tour: 

admissions@amesburyschool.co.uk 

www.amesburyschool.co.uk 

FOUNDED 1946 

ADVENTURE DAY 

Saturday 20th April, 9am - 12:30pm 

Join us for a jam-packed family morning exploring Forest School, tackling the Climbing Wall, 

getting creative with our Lego STEM kits, or heading to Nursery for a Stay and Play session. 

Contact our admissions team on 

admissions@longacreschool.co.uk or 01483 893225 to find out more and book your place 

12 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

62508_Longacre_Adventure_Day_Ad-153x110-LANDS.indd 1 04/03/2024 17:00

15 minutes from Godalming 

7 minutes from Haslemere 

20 minutes from Guildford 

Petersfield, and Farnham 

Its more than a feeling 

Where learning comes to life 

Independent co-education 

from 9 months to 13 years 

www.amesburyschool.co.uk 

Amesbury, Hazel Grove, Hindhead, Surrey, GU26 6BL

THE IMPORTANCE OF 

THE STUDY OF DRAMA 

IN EDUCATION 

The benefits of studying 

drama for children are 

many, supporting as 

it does the development 

of personal expression 

and the exploration 

of a wide range of 

cultures, experiences, 

perspectives and the 

world in which we 

live; not to mention 

the development of 

transferable skills 

such a leadership, 

communication, 

critical thinking and 

problem solving. 

As ‘A Guide for Governing Boards’ 

prepared by the National Governance 

Association, Arts Council England and 

the Theatre Education Forum notes, 

“Drama allows pupils and their teachers 

to encourage diversity, inclusion, 

tolerance and acceptance, as well 

as exploring the perspectives and 

experiences of cultures from around the 

world”. 

These issues were explored only last 

term as our Senior School performed 

Shrek the Musical based on the book 

by William Steig. Over 150 girls were 

involved in this production in many 

different capacities: acting on stage; as 

part of the Tech Crew (which is formed 

entirely of students and is a masterclass 

for anyone wishing to enter the world 

of backstage theatre, stage set or 

lighting design); backstage helping with 

costume, hair and make-up; or, last but 

by no means least, in the orchestra pit. 

So why Shrek? Miss Parkinson, our 

Director in Residence, was drawn to the 

story because, “I wanted to celebrate 

difference; how living in a land with 

diversity only adds to the rich tapestry 

of life and experience. As the fairytale 

characters sing, ‘What makes us 

special makes us strong’, I want each 

audience member to consider how they 

are special and recognise the strength 

that comes from idiosyncrasy. Shrek also 

tells an ‘anti-fairy-tale’ and in doing so it 

questions what we expect our children 

to expect from life…. Princesses and 

Prince Charming’s? Does this not set 

us up for failure? This musical suggests 

that, with hard work, anything is possible 

and that when things go slightly awry, 

that’s ok! There is a shift from a world of 

binary understanding to a world which 

appreciates the complexities of being a 

human being”. 

Shrek was the latest in a long line of 

productions that St Catherine’s has been 

proud to present, including Lord of the 

Flies, The Boy Who Fell into a Book, 

Chicago and Macbeth all of which have 

been performed in our state-of-the-art 

auditorium which, in theatre mode, 

can seat 350 and is regularly filled. We 

are fortunate to have a thriving Drama 

community at the School – known as the 

DramFam - which allows every girl to 

be involved in Drama during her journey 

through St Catherine’s whether that be 

through curriculum lessons throughout 

Years 7-9, by playing a part in the annual 

House Drama Competition, through 

Speech and Drama Lessons (LAMDA), 

as part of the Tech Crew from Year 9, 

through the large number of extracurricular 

clubs on offer or as part of her 

chosen academic study at GCSE and 

A Level, and of course as part of major 

school productions. We truly believe that 

there is much to be gained through the 

girls’ participation in Theatre and are 

rightly proud of the many opportunities 

we offer students to explore and express 

themselves via this medium. 

It is not only our Senior School girls 

who are passionate about Drama but 

also those in our Prep School. Our L3 

(Year 6) recently performed to a sell-out 

audience in their production of Matilda, 

The Musical, inspired by the book by 

Roald Dahl based on the story of an 

extraordinary girl who, armed with a 

vivid imagination and sharp mind, dares 

to change her own destiny! Rather like 

many of our own students. The confident 

performances of all our Year 6 girls were 

incredible and a living testament to the 

valuable skills that the study of Drama 

brings. 

Drama has the power to inspire 

confidence, so that our girls believe 

they can achieve anything that they 

set their minds to. This sense of selfbelief 

is illustrated by the careers of St 

Catherine’s alumnae who at School and 

at university engage fully in the creative 



arts. Alumnae include Juliet Stevenson, 

Actress; Anna Lewis, Costume Designer; 

Clemmie Reynolds, Associate Director 

at Shakespeare’s Globe; Georgia Figgis, 

Actress and Director and Founder of 

the FRESH New Writing Festival; Carly 

Brown, Film Editor (The Crown and 

Belfast) and Pietra Mello-Pittman, MBE, 

Co-Founder of the Production Company, 

Sisters Grimm. 


The power of Drama is enormous, both 

as an academic subject and as an 

extra-curricular focus, and should not 

be overlooked, particularly now, in our 

current educational environment where 

ostensibly so much emphasis is placed 

on the attainment of grades alone. Whilst 

these are an important stepping-stone 

in a young person’s academic journey, 

life and the wider world, are about far 

more. In the words of the American 

playwright Arthur Miller, “The mission of 

the theatre ... is to change, to raise the 

consciousness of people to their human 

possibilities”. 

Written by Laura Grizzelle-Lang, 

Director of Drama at St Catherine’s, 

Bramley 

FROM EDITING THE 

LEAVERS’ VIDEO TO 

WORKING ON ‘THE 

CROWN’ AND ‘BELFAST’. 

Carly Brown, alumna 2009, 

Freelance TV & Film Editor 

Self-belief from St Cat’s 

stcatherines.info 

GSA Day & Boarding School since 1885 | 4 - 18 years | Near Guildford

Road Test Review 

SUE COOKE TESTS THE HONDA 

E:NY1 FAMILY SUV 

The older members of our family 

live a good 3.5 hours travel 

distance, so our plan is to visit over 

the Easter Holidays. One thing I 

absolutely hate is trying to pack 

the car. I have packed for car boot 

sales, so I consider myself fairly 

competent, but the plan doesn’t 

take into account the teenage 

daughter who takes everything, 

just in case. 

The Honda e:Ny1 which was 

delivered to new owners in January, 

has a boot capacity of up to 1176 

litres, so the B segment car has 

plenty of space for a family. There is 

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my daughter could access the boot 

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The Advanced grade has a 

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ownership. The Safety and Journey 

package, also complementary 

for the first year, provides Digital 

Roadside Support in the event of 

a breakdown, while Geo Fence 

technology immediately notifies the 

owner if their vehicle is moved or 

travels outside a set area without 

authorisation. 

All models feature a very large 

15.1-inch central touchscreen and a 

10.25-inch digital instrument display 

that combine to offer an extensive 

suite of driving and infotainment 

features, including Android Auto and 

wireless Apple Car Play. 

Honda’s latest pure electric vehicle 

is the first to be built on all-new 

front-wheel-drive e:N Architecture 

F platform. Ah, so that is where 

the ‘not easily remembered’ name 

comes from. The technology 

incorporates a high-power motor 

and high-capacity battery giving a 

dynamic drive and 256 miles (WLTP) 

range. The regenerative braking 

system helps to top up the battery 

and extend the electric range. 

Charging from 10 to 80% takes 

approximately 45 minutes using a 

rapid charger. 

With the family on board, safety 

is always a top consideration and 

depending on the grade chosen, 

this SUV has an intelligent suite of 

advanced safety features which 

include Lane Keeping Assist 

System, Adaptive Cruise Control, 

Collision Mitigation Braking, Blind 

Spot Information, Road Departure 

Mitigation, Traffic Sign Recognition, 

plus front and rear parking sensors 

and a very clear reversing camera. 

The Honda e:Ny1 all electric SUV 

has a compelling mix of attractive 

design inside and out, space and 

comfort for a family journey and a 

long list of useful technology. 

FACTS AT A GLANCE: 

Model: Honda e:Ny1 family SUV 

Price: £44,995otr – Elegance grade 

Powertrain: Battery and Electric 

motor 

Performance: 0-62mph in 7.7 

seconds. Max power 204PS. 

CO2 emissions: Nil 

0-60 miles of charge with rapid 

charger approx. 11 mins. 


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GREAT 

Taste 

Working in Michelin Star establishments 

around the world from the highly 

acclaimed Le Gavroche under the tutelage 

of Michel Roux, to restaurant Schillinger 

in Colmar, and a spell in three star Marc 

Meneau in Veselay, Daniel Galmiche’s 

culinary journey has been extraordinary. 

Sally Thomson caught up with him 

to discuss his career, his love of the 

Highlands and his new direction 

Thank you for taking the time 

to talk to me. You have moved 

recently - where are you based 

now, please? 

I am on the top of the Chiltern Hills, 

which means I’m about 35 minutes 

on the top of the hill behind Bicester. 

I’ve met you before when you 

were in the Vineyard. Am I right in 

thinking that your grandparents 

were organic farmers? 

That’s right. They had a small 

holding, mainly for friends and 

family. And it was all hand-fed, all 

organic, it was fantastic. So that 

must be about 60 years ago, that 

was pre-dating what goes on now. 

And my great aunt was a really 

fantastic cook. 

You were also in at one time in 

Scotland, for about seven years? 

“I’m fan of the Scots for 

a lot of things. I love the 

tradition, I love the kilt, 

the tartan, the mystery, 

the magic, the produce, the 

people. There’s something 

quite exquisite about 

Scotland, isn’t there?” 

Yes, I wanted to stay there, because 

I love Scotland, it’s my second 

country really. 

That’s another question I had 

for you, because my husband’s 

a Scot, and he absolutely loves 

Scotland too. 

Of course, it is a beautiful country. I 

just love Scotland and the produce 

they have is amazing. For me, the 

best produce in the UK comes from 

Scotland. 

Raspberries in particular, it was 

raspberries that my husband 

remembers growing in his garden 

when he was a little boy. They 

had buckets and buckets of 

raspberries. 

Best in Europe. Yes, they are. It’s 

just the season itself, so sometimes 

it can last for two weeks, three 

weeks, and sometimes for six 

weeks, because of the weather. I’m 

fan of the Scots for a lot of things. 

I love the tradition, I love the kilt, 

the tartan, the mystery, the magic, 

the produce, the people. There’s 

something quite exquisite about 

Scotland, isn’t there? 

What made you decide to leave 

Scotland at that stage then? 

I had a chance to go to live in 

Singapore for nearly four years. 

When I came back, I was in Portugal 

for one year, running the Penina, 

which is in the Algarve, where they 

have the famous Henry Cotton golf 

course, which is world renowned. 

And after that, I went to Harvey’s in 

Bristol for nearly seven years as well. 

You’re naturally a French chef and 

you’ve been all over the world 

however is there another cuisine 

that you like? 

I love Japanese food as well. I 

mean, it’s fantastic. There’s a 

symbiotic relationship between 

French and Japanese cooking - we 

have the same discipline and way 

of thinking about food and produce 

and where to get it. 

What direction is your career 

taking now? 

I don’t want to go back to 100 

covers and working all hours. I 

want something more intimate - 

everybody to come together, sit 

down together and go together and 

do that Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 

that’s it. Maybe 12 to 18, maybe 

12, 10 and 12 covers, that’s all I 

want to do. But proper, really nicely 

done. And I don’t want a 30-course 

menu. I want a seven-course menu. 

Simplified, focusing on connection - 

that’s what good food is about! 

danielgalmiche.co.uk 


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Kale-ing It 

A new survey has found that three quarters of 

Brits are unaware of where to get the vitamin 

folate. The survey by Discover Great Veg has 

found that despite folate’s importance to our 

wellbeing, 75% of Brits don’t know folate is 

found naturally in food, and 1 in 5 think it’s only 

pregnant women who need to consume it. 

But folate matters to us all - from anaemia to 

cardiovascular disease and even mental health, 

not eating enough folate (otherwise known 

as Vitamin B9) can lead to a range of health 

problems. Despite more than 8 in 10 people 

believing it is difficult to get folate in their diet, it is 

found naturally in a wide range of everyday foods 

including green leafy veg like kale and spinach, 

chickpeas and kidney beans, as well as liver. 

To help educate consumers to get more folate 

into their diet, Discover Great Veg has now 

partnered with nutritionist Jenny Tschiesche, to 

raise awareness about the importance of folate 

for every age group. 

KALE PASTA 

SAUCE 

Serves 4 Prep time: 10 minutes 

Cook time: 10 minutes 

INGREDIENTS 

500g pasta 

1 tbsp olive oil 

280g kale 

3 cloves of garlic, chopped 

3 tbsp. water 

90g grated parmesan 

240ml vegetable stock 

180g cream cheese 

METHOD 

Cook the pasta according to packet 

instructions. Meanwhile, in a medium 

saucepan heat the oil over a medium heat. 

Add the kale and garlic and fry for about 1-2 

minutes, until the leaves start to wilt a little 

then add the water and keep stirring for a 

further couple of minutes. 

Transfer the kale and garlic to a food processor 

and blend for a few minutes then add the 

grated parmesan, vegetable stock and cream 

cheese. Blend at full speed until you have a 

bright green and creamy texture. Stir this in to 

your cooked pasta then warm through gently 

before serving. 

30% OF 

R D A 

FOLATE 

P E R 

PORTION 


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LEMONY 

CHICKEN 

TRAY BAKE 

Serves 4 Prep time: 10 minutes 


INGREDIENTS 

1 large leek, sliced 

300g miniature/baby potatoes, 

boiled then halved 

4 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly 

smashed 

2 tbsp olive oil, divided into 1⅓ 

tbsp and ⅔ tbsp (2tsp) 

8 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs 

1 tsp sweet smoked paprika 

2 tsp lemon zest 

Juice of 1 lemon 

One small pack of fresh thyme 

350g kale 

METHOD 

Preheat the oven to 210°C (fan) 

230°C (standard). 

Toss the leek slices, potatoes, and 

garlic in 1+⅓ tbsp olive oil in a large 

bowl. Season to taste. 

Spread out on 1-2 baking trays. 

Add the chicken thighs to the same 

bowl and toss with the paprika, 

lemon zest and lemon juice. Season 

to taste. 

Place the coated chicken portion on 

top of the vegetables, each with a 

30% OF 

R D A 

FOLATE 

P E R 

PORTION 

sprig of thyme on top. 

Bake for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, 

toss the kale in the remaining 2/3 

tbsp i.e. 2 tsp olive oil. Stir to coat 

each piece well then add to the 

baking tray/s giving everything a 

good stir in the process. 

Bake for a further 15 minutes, 

stirring once. Check that the 

chicken juices run clear and if you 

have a meat thermometer that the 

internal temperature at the thickest 

part is at least 74°C. 

40% OF 

R D A 

FOLATE 

P E R 

PORTION 

SPINACH AND 

KALE MINI 

QUICHES 

Makes 8 Prep time: 10 minutes 


INGREDIENTS 

90g spinach 

90g kale 

3 tbsp water 

6 large eggs 

180g fresh pesto 

Ground black pepper 

A little olive oil for greasing 

METHOD 

Preheat your oven to 190°C. Heat 

a medium saucepan over medium 

heat and add the spinach, kale and 

water. Cook for a few minutes until 

the leaves have wilted and reduced. 

Leave to cool. Pop these leaves 

into your food processor and blend 

on medium speed. 

Meanwhile, beat the eggs with the 

pesto and pepper then add to the 

cooled leaves in the food processor 

before blending on top speed. 

Grease the 8 holes of your muffin tin 

with a little oil or use cases to avoid 

sticking. Fill each of the 8 greased 

muffin holes with equal amounts of 

the eggy mixture. Put the tray in the 

oven and cook for 20-25 minutes 

or until a cocktail stick inserted into 

the quiches comes out clean. Serve 

warm or cold. 


DAHLIA 

Lots of people get put off planting dahlias, but 

they are easier to grow than you might think. 

Dahlias love rich, well-drained soil in full sun. 

They’ll still give you lovely blooms without a 

lot of soil preparation, but enriching the soil by 

digging in a mulch when planting will give you 

even better results. Like most bulbs and tubers, 

they don’t like poorly drained soil, so dig in 

plenty of compost or topsoil to raise the level of 

your garden beds slightly if you have heavy soil. 

Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’ 

Dahlia ‘Café au Lait’ 

For best results, start your dahlia tubers in 

temporary pots in a greenhouse in March or 

April to grow on to transplant outside later in 

the season – this will give them a head start. 

Alternatively, you can plant the tubers directly 

outside in May. Dahlias are half hardy, which 

means that should be kept frost free over winter 

and during spring. 

Dahlia ‘Daisy Duke’ 

C U T T I N G 

Seek true enjoyment from your 

garden by planting flowers perfect for 

cutting - we went to the experts at 

Farmer Gracy for advice! 

Garden 

Ranunculus ‘White’ 

PEONY 

You can plant peonies in autumn 

or spring, but always in the same 

season that they are sent to you so 

that they are fresh when planted. 

In the first year they remain fairly 

compact but over time these plants 

can fill a space up to 1.2m. Peonies 

are happiest in a border in sun or 

partial shade, choose a suitable 

spot and dig over the soil before 

planting to ensure it is loose and 

soft for planting. You can also grow 

peonies in large patio containers in 

a soil-based compost. 

Ranunculus ‘Elegance® Malva’ 

RANUNCULUS 

Ranunculus are grown from corms which look like claws. Thriving 

in a sunny spot, the lovely big blooms these plants produce will 

appreciate a warm, sheltered spot away from strong winds to keep 

them in top condition. Ranunuculus are half hardy, for best results 

it’s a good idea to start them off in pots and then transplant out into 

their final positions from mid spring. They’re particularly well suited 

to growing in patio containers, but also do very well at the front of a 

mixed flower border with rich, free-draining soil. Plant them directly 

into a sunny, sheltered border or patio container between April-June. 

If planting earlier, start them off in pots or cell trays in an unheated 

greenhouse to transplant out later in spring. 

Paeonia ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ 

See more varieties, care advice and get inspiration at farmergracy.co.uk 


CREATE YOUR 

DREAM HOME 

Ahead of the Homebuilding & Renovating Show 

Series, we caught up with expert designer 

Julia Kendell to discuss all things interiors. 

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT SOME 

PROJECTS YOU’RE WORKING ON AT 

THE MOMENT? 

I’m currently working on several large 

property renovations and new builds 

for clients in the south east. One I am 

particularly enjoying is the contemporary 

renovation of a large 1920s property. 

The clients are configuring and adding 

to the space to create a huge 15m x 

8m open-plan kitchen and living area. 

These large spaces can be challenging 

to design but a lot of fun! This year I 

am also collaborating with one of the 

other Homebuilding & Renovating Show 

experts, Allan Corfield and a team of 

the best in the industry to provide a 

‘silver-service’ architectural design and 

build for clients who are looking for a 

premium experience where every detail 

is considered and delivered. Working 

alongside the best of the best is thrilling! 

I will be launching my ‘Interior Design 

Series’ in early Spring. This is a collection 

of video modules I have written and filmed 

to provide online content for anyone 

embarking on a decoration/ build and 

needing guidance to know where to start 

and how to create their perfect home. 

DO YOU THINK SOCIAL MEDIA IS 

MAKING DESIGN MORE ACCESSIBLE 

OR MAKING IT FEEL LIKE WE ALL 

NEED TO HAVE UNATTAINABLE, 

PERFECT SPACES? 

I have mixed feelings when it comes 

to design in social media. It certainly 

provides endless inspiration and ideas 

but so much of it is impractical for 

normal daily life or has been created by 

AI presenting ridiculously ‘fantastical’ 

settings. I ask clients to share Pinterest 

boards with me at the beginning of a 

project to ensure we are on the same 

page, but I occasionally have a battle to 

explain that most of the images online are 

lit and styled way beyond what can be 

expected in real life. 

WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS TO REFRESH A 

SPACE WITH A LIMITED BUDGET? 

One of the most impactful ways to refresh 

a space is to think about maximising 

light into the room. Replace curtains with 

lighter blinds and if the budget allows, 

swap out carpet for hard flooring. A 

timber floor will always make a room 

feel substantially larger and brighter 

than carpet. A lick of paint on the walls 

always works wonders to make a space 

feel renewed and don’t forget about 

the ceiling. A fresh coat will aid light 

bouncing around the room and can be 

transformational. 

THE KITCHEN IS THE ENDURING 

POWERHOUSE OF THE HOME – 

AND OFTEN THE SPACE WE SAY 

SELLS HOUSES. HOW HAVE YOU 

SEEN KITCHEN DESIGN CHANGE IN 

THE PAST FEW YEARS AND WHAT 

CONSIDERATIONS AND TRENDS ARE 

YOU SEEING EMERGE NOW? 

Kitchen design has changed markedly 

in the past few years. With larger spaces 

to fill there has been an emergence of 

dedicated activity areas, such as breakfast 

cabinets, baking cabinets and walk-in 

larders. The island has also become the 

key must-have’ for most planning their 

new kitchen providing a sociable cooking 

area and somewhere to gather around. 

One of the newest trends has seen 

multiple islands becoming popular, each 

with specific uses, to fill cavernous openplan 

rooms. For those with a significant 

budget, there has also been a shift 

towards having a ‘show kitchen’ and a 

working kitchen behind it to mitigate some 

of the issues of open-plan entertaining. 

The most important consideration when 

planning your kitchen is to start the design 

process as early as possible. Often the 

kitchen design will lead positions of 

doorways/windows to maximise the layout 

so having this nailed before the builders 

make a start is always wise. 

WITH BUILD COSTS INCREASING 

RAPIDLY, WHERE WOULD YOU 

ADVISE HOMEOWNERS SPEND VS 

SAVE WHEN RENOVATING THEIR 

HOMES? 

The places to invest in are those that 

receive most use and are least likely to 

be replaced in the future. Flooring and 

lighting are key elements for any home 

and I would always prioritise buying good 

quality door and cabinet handles, light 

switches and any element that we interact 

with daily. Consider the ‘niggly’ areas that 

are a nuisance if not functioning well, such 

as leaky taps, dodgy boiler etc to inform 

decisions on investment. Renovating a 

home should provide a space of relaxation 

and enjoyment, not daily annoyances! 

Areas to save are the ‘novel’ built-in 

gadgets that might be easily tired of after 

a year or so and unnecessarily expensive 

paint (ask your decorator their thoughts 

on this!) 

HAVE YOU SEEN DESIGN BECOMING 

MORE SUSTAINABILITY-LED? 

The industry is certainly engaging in 

the sustainable conversation more 

and more. This, of course, is vital and 

not least because every time we make 

a good choice environmentally, it is 

inevitably a better choice for our health 

and well-being too. A low VOC product, 

for example, will ensure the air quality in 

the home remains clean and choosing 

natural material finishes are known to 

enhance our experience of our spaces, 

reduce stress and have a calming effect. 

Manufacturers are responding to this 

shift and it has become far easier to 

make sustainable choices in most areas 

of renovating/ new-build so there is less 

excuse not to pay attention! 

Design Series website - launching (Feb 

14th) - www.interiordesignseries.com 

The National Homebuilding & Renovating 

Show at the NEC, Birmingham, is 

celebrating its 30th anniversary. Readers 

can get free tickets to all the 2024 shows 

on this link: 

www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/ 

minerva 


BOILING WATER TAP 

Designed in England and handcrafted 

in Italy, the Pronteau Propure 

Quad is a clean and contemporary 

tap that boasts sleek, sharp, and 

sophisticated lines. A tap that is 

packed full of style and engineering 

excellence, perfectly blending design 

with functionality whilst adding 

contemporary styling, symmetry, and 

personality to your kitchen. 

Built-in safety 

features ensure 

little hands 

are safe for 

complete peace 

of mind 

SLIMLINE 

DISHWASHER 

Together with 3D Zone Wash, the 

combined action of the powerful 

water jets from the upper and lower 

spray arms and the variable speed 

inverter motor, makes sure precisely 

the right amount of water is used 

throughout the selected basket for 

either 40% more cleaning power or 

40% more energy efficiency, depending on 

your needs. 

With enough capacity to hold up to 10 place 

settings and including a dedicated cutlery 

tray, this dishwasher is great for cleaning up 

after dinner parties and everyday mealtimes. 

Hotpoint HSFO 3T223 W X UK N Dishwasher, 

from £399, Energy Rating: E. 

It delivers 98° boiling water, 

alongside hot, cold and filtered water, 

to cater for all your household needs. 

From £899, see the full range at 

pronteau.co.uk 

Appliance 

GUIDE 

As items we use every single day, the appliances 

in our homes have to be practical, energyefficient 

and functional. We take a look at some 

upgrades you could make 

UPRIGHT VACUUM CLEANER 

The HL4 gives great performance, across all 

floor types with no loss of suction to deeply 

clean carpets and above-floor surfaces. 

It’s lightweight, easy to carry at under 5kg, 

and moves seamlessly from floors to other 

surfaces at the press of a single button. 

And gives you peace of mind with a FREE 

warranty up to 3 years. Hoover Upright 

Vacuum Cleaner with ANTI-TWIST - 

HL4, £199, hooverdirect.co.uk 

VENTING INDUCTION HOB 

This Hotpoint vented induction hob features a built-in vent hood 

that automatically removes vapours and odours. With Automatic 

Aspiration, the hood will routinely set the right power level to 

protect your kitchen by keeping it smelling and feeling fresh, so 

you can spend more time cooking and eating with your loved 

ones. The innovative Combi Due Zone allows you to combine 

two cooking zones into one extra-large space, which is easily 

controlled with Hotpoint’s unique touch control hobs. So, no 

matter what you are cooking, and how many people you are 

cooking for, Hotpoint has you covered. Hotpoint PVH92BUK 

Black 90cm Vented Hob, from £1899, Energy Rating: A 


With many of us opting to improve instead of move, it’s 

never been more important to make our spaces work better 

for us. After extending a kitchen to the side of their house, 

homeowners Kate and Tom needed to reconfigure the existing 

kitchen and separate dining room into a space that reflected 

the flow of their lives. Opting to open the rooms completely, we 

caught up with them to discuss the process. 

Photography by Lucy Hartley-Saunders 


In terms of the build, can you tell us 

what you’ve done? 

The living area occupies what was once 

the dining room, and the dining room was 

the teeny tiny kitchen. We prioritised a 

larger living space over a big dining area - 

I think many of us have moved away from 

the formal dining space, instead opting 

to have something move convivial. We 

have a large breakfast bar in the kitchen, 

which is in the new extension, so there are 

options for dining, and it made sense to 

just keep the space flowing. 

What flooring was here before and why 

have you chosen the finish you have? 

This space has been transformed by the 

flooring, which was an easy-to-lay, fully 

DIY process. The flooring runs from the 

kitchen all the way through to the living 

area. It had to be something that would 

work with the underfloor heating, be able 

to stand up to the demands of kitchen 

life, be easy to clean with two dogs in the 

house and still give the space a feeling of 

warmth. I wanted to find a clean-looking 

tone which didn’t read too grey or too 

yellow, so settled on Canadian Nude 

Oak from Karndean - it’s a rigid-core 

product, so doesn’t need gluing down 

and just clicks together using the tongue 

and groove system. It can be laid over an 

existing floor too. 

That stove is amazing - why did you 

choose it? 

The existing fireplace had a small opening 

in it, and it looked like it would lend itself 

well to an inset stove. I’m not over-stating it 

when I say this stove is one of my favourite 

things I’ve ever had in my home. It offers 

instant cosiness, and such a beautiful focal 

point whether it’s roaring or gently glowing. 

That sofa looks incredibly 

comfortable… 

Oh, my, goodness! It is the most 

comfortable sofa I’ve ever sat on - it’s the 

Chaise Otto from sofa.com. My partner and 

“We prioritised a larger 

living space over a big 

dining area - we wanted 

to have something move 

convivial.” 

Armchair from hauslife.co.uk 

I saw it in our local showroom 

and sat on it for nearly half an 

hour! We didn’t want to move, 

and it immediately transported 

us to lazy Sundays in front of the 

fire, stretched out on the chaise. 

It has feather-wrapped cushions 

which make it dreamily squishy, 

and the covers are removable for 

washing, which is essential with 

my penchant for beige alongside 

having two dogs…it also means 

we can update the look of it in a 

few years without replacing the 

whole sofa. 

Are there any other design 

elements you love? 

We’ve zoned this space with this 

huge rug from Ruggable - it’s 

actually machine washable so 

can stand up to daily life, spills, 

muddy dog paws and more! Then 

we have the amazing Lithe Audio 

ceiling speakers - one above 

the dining table and the other 

in the adjoining kitchen space, 

connected to one another. It’s 

lovely to be able to have music on 

whilst cooking, and then keep the 

ambient sounds on during dinner. 

They look really sleek and the 

sound quality is amazing. 

Is there anything you’d 

change? 

I really love this space. It feels 

welcoming and cosy, and that 

was always the goal. It’s not a 

formal seating area, but a place 

to retreat from daily life, where 

you can really just spill out and 

chill. It’s versatile enough to cater 

for our needs as they shift. 


▶ ▶ 

This is actually an extendable 

table - so it can be round to 

seat four people, then has 

leaves to take it all the way 

to a 12 seater. It’s only the 

two of us, so we didn’t want 

a massive table that spent 

most of the year getting in the 

way, only to be used at full 

capacity at Christmas. So, this 

arrangement really suits us. I 

wanted the chairs to be sleek 

and sit below the top line of the 

table, as the space is small and 

I didn’t want them to encroach. 

Then the black lines just 

make sure that strong shade is 

present in each little zone. 

The doors were a real success story - we widened 

what was once the single kitchen door into a set 

of slimline double doors on parliament hinges so 

they can open right back to the wall. The glazing 

helps to ensure light can shine on this darker 

pocket of the house. We used reeded glass film to 

create an obscured effect for the utility door - still 

allowing light to shine, but without needing to see 

the detail of the appliances in there. 

▶ 

We went for the Stovax Riva2, which had a sleek but robust 

design. The visuals are spectacular - the range provides 

convergent airflow to keep the glass clean. I’m eco-conscious, 

so that weighed in heavily on my choice - the Riva2 not only 

meets but exceeds Ecodesign efficiency standards, which aim 

to improve air quality by minimising the level of permitted 

emissions from wood burning products. For those in smoke 

control areas, as we are, all models are DEFRA exempt as 

standard for burning wood in urban areas without the need 

for an additional kit. 

STOCKIST INFORMATION: 

Sofa, Otto Chaise in Taupe Brushed Linen Cotton sofa.com; Sarrah Blue Quartz Rug, 

ruggable.co.uk; Alvah Extendable Round Dining Table and Chantilly Polyester Blend 

Upholstered Slat Back Parsons Chair both wayfair.co.uk; Karndean Canadian Nude Oak 

Flooring, palioexpress.com; Neutral Abstract Sands Canvas Print, abstracthouse.com; Stovax 

Riva2, find your nearest supplier at stovax.com; QLED 4K Ultra HD TV (available in 43”, 50” 

& 55” screen sizes), find your local stockist online at mitchellandbrown.co.uk; Reeded Glass 

Film, surfacedesigns.com; Heritage Clear Glazed Doors, climadoor.co.uk; Cushions, Coffee 

Table, Throw and Log Basket from hauslife.co.uk; Ceiling Speakers from litheaudio.com 

▶ 

There’s no getting away from the need for a TV in a living 

space, but I really didn’t want it to be the focal point of the 

room. I wanted a smaller television with a slimline frame, 

so it didn’t make such a visual statement - I really loved the 

slimline look of this Mitchell & Brown QLED 4K Ultra HD 

TV- and even better, they’re a British brand with a seven year 

warranty, which is so much longer than many other brands. 

It’s a smart TV, so ready to go with all the apps. We’ve got it 

mounted on a pull-out bracket, ready to move as and when 

it’s needed. 


TREES 

please! 

In this edition, our regular 

contributer Matt Biggs tells us 

how planting trees can make the 

world of a difference... 

There are many, many schemes to plant trees, in their hundreds 

and thousands and in many different places here and around 

the world. But just as a journey of a thousand miles starts with 

a single step so it is with tree planting, if even a few of us plant 

just one tree, that multiplication will make a big difference. I once 

saw a series of cartoons about ants – one by one they looked at 

the river they had to cross and one by one they realised that they 

couldn’t make it – however when they all combined, they made a 

raft and floated safely across – I love that image! 

The choice of tree is very dependant on your space, your location 

and what you want it to do for you – you might want a productive 

tree so a fruit tree or even a walnut would be possible choices, 

you might want to look out on it and enjoy it as it changes 

through the year so Rowans, crab-apples or, of course, the 

elegant silver birch will give you that or you might want that burst 

of Spring blossom and think of one of the flowering cherries 

– and then there is always my own personal favourite – the 

handkerchief tree, that is a stunner! 

The magnificent 

H andkerchief Tree 

Do your homework and seek advice from a local nursery or 

garden centre to ensure your choice of tree is right for the space 

– not only now but in 10 or 20 years’ time – and your tree will give 

shelter to birds and insects, add to the local biodiversity and add 

too the stock of trees that will make the future better for all of us, 

and our children and grandchildren too. 

Enhance Do you need your shelter outdoor and living shade? 

space 

FLAWLESS FLOORS 

for All 

The expert team at Interior Decisions provide highquality 

LVT flooring for your home. LVT is hard-wearing, 

low-maintenance, and it looks very attractive. We offer 

a manufacturer’s warranty plus an extra year’s warranty 

on the installation. We’re based in Fleet, Hampshire, and 

from here we serve the local area. 

All of our installers are Karndean LVTapproved, 

so get in touch now! 

www.interiordecisionsltd.co.uk/ 

lvt-fleet 

177-179 Fleet Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3PD 

01252 816889 / 07535 593769 

sales@interiordecisionsltd.co.uk 

Verandas • Glass • Rooms • Awnings • • Pergolas 

Carports • Solar • Garage Doors & Shutters & Shutters 

SBI SBI Ltd Ltd 0800 0742 721 sbiproducts.co.uk 

30 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

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

9.9 

West Hall 

Review score 2024 

carehome.co.uk* 

Rated June 2019 

*carehome.co.uk scores are based on 

independent reviews with a maximum score 

of 10. Rating correct as at 7/03/2024. 

“It is more than care, the staff 

are devoted to the residents and 

daily go above and beyond.” 

West Hall relative carehome.co.uk review quote 

In a 2023 survey of all our care homes, when asked if 

‘Staff have a professional and friendly manner’, 

97% of family and friends agreed. 

If you are considering care for a loved one at 

West Hall luxury care home, 

Off Parvis Road, West Byfleet, Surrey, KT14 6EY 

Call 01932 800772 | Visit www.WestHall.org.uk 

West Hall_Guildford Lving Magazine_246x171_14032024.indd 1 06/03/2024 13:39

Shannon Court, Hindhead 

Set in nine acres of woodland, 

Shannon Court is a beautifully 

renovated Edwardian 

country home, situated in 

the picturesque village of 

Hindhead, in Surrey. 

We provide residential care and 

residential dementia support 

for up to 53 residents with 

permanent care or short stay 

respite breaks. 

Caring is our way of life

If you are interested to 

live at Shannon Court, 

please contact our Business 

Manager, Steve Stace, on 

01428 604 833 or email 

shannon@rmbi.org.uk. 

Shannon Court Road 

Hindhead, Surrey 

GU26 6DA 

www.rmbi.org.uk 

facebook.com/thermbi 

twitter.com/thermbi 

Charity No: 1163245 Company No: 1293566

A HAPPY & 

HEALTHY 

Retirement 

Retirement marks a significant 

milestone in life, offering the promise 

of relaxation, exploration, and newfound 

freedom. However, achieving 

a happy retirement requires careful 

planning and foresight, particularly 

in the UK where factors such as 

pension schemes, healthcare, and 

cost of living play crucial roles. By 

taking proactive steps, individuals 

can pave the way for a fulfilling and 

financially secure retirement. 

START EARLY AND 

SAVE DILIGENTLY: 

The foundation of a successful 

retirement plan lies in starting 

early and consistently saving for 

the future. Take advantage of 

workplace pension schemes such 

as the government-backed National 

Employment Savings Trust (NEST) or 

employer-provided schemes, which 

often include employer contributions. 

Additionally, consider contributing to 

private pension plans or Individual 

Savings Accounts (ISAs) to diversify 

your retirement savings. 

UNDERSTAND 

STATE PENSION 

ENTITLEMENTS: 

The UK State Pension provides 

a fundamental source of income 

for retirees. To maximise your 

entitlement, ensure you have 

made sufficient National Insurance 

contributions throughout your 

working life. The State Pension 

age is regularly reviewed, so stay 

informed about any changes that 

may affect your retirement plans. 

CREATE A 

REALISTIC BUDGET: 

Assess your current financial 

situation and outline a realistic 

budget for retirement. Consider 

your expected expenses, including 

housing, healthcare, leisure 

activities, and potential long-term 

care costs. Factor in inflation and 

potential fluctuations in income 

to ensure your budget remains 

sustainable throughout retirement. 

You need to work out what you’d 

like retirement to look like, how 

much that would cost per year, and 

save and invest in line with those 

expectations. 

DIVERSIFY 

INVESTMENTS: 

While pensions form a core 

component of retirement planning, 

diversifying investments can provide 

additional sources of income and 

mitigate risks. Explore investment 

options such as stocks, bonds, 

mutual funds, and property, taking 

into account your risk tolerance and 

long-term financial goals. 

HEALTHCARE AND 

LONG-TERM CARE 

PLANNING: 

Healthcare costs can significantly 

impact retirement finances, 

especially as individuals age. 

Familiarise yourself with the NHS 

services available to retirees and 

consider private health insurance 

options to supplement your 

healthcare needs. Additionally, 

explore long-term care insurance to 

protect against the potentially high 

costs of residential or home care in 

later life. 

D E B T 

MANAGEMENT: 

Prioritise clearing outstanding 

debts before entering retirement 

to alleviate financial burdens and 

ensure a smoother transition. 

Develop a repayment plan to settle 

any outstanding mortgages, loans, 

or credit card debts, allowing you to 

enter retirement with greater financial 

freedom and peace of mind. 

STAY ACTIVE AND 

ENGAGED: 

Retirement is not just about 

financial planning; it’s also about 

maintaining physical, mental, and 

social well-being. Stay active by 

pursuing hobbies, volunteering, 

or engaging in part-time work 

if desired. Cultivate social 

connections with family, friends, and 

community groups to foster a sense 

of belonging and fulfilment during 

retirement. 

REGULARLY REVIEW 

AND ADJUST PLANS: 

Life is dynamic, and retirement 

plans should adapt accordingly. 

Regularly review your financial 

situation, investment portfolio, and 

retirement goals to ensure they 

remain aligned. Consider consulting 

with a financial advisor periodically 

to assess progress, make necessary 

adjustments, and stay on track 

towards a happy and secure 

retirement. 

In conclusion, planning for a happy 

retirement requires a proactive 

approach that encompasses 

financial preparation, healthcare, 

and lifestyle choices. By starting 

early, saving diligently, diversifying 

investments, and prioritising physical 

and emotional well-being, individuals 

can embark on retirement with 

confidence and optimism for the 

fulfilling years ahead. Remember, 

the key to a successful retirement 

lies in thoughtful planning and 

continuous adaptation to changing 

circumstances. 


Your Local CHD 

Living Care Services 

Residential | Nursing | Respite | Reablement | Convalesence | Rehabilitation | Home Care 

Residential, nursing, rehabilitation and home care services available across Surrey 

Brownscombe Care Residences, Haslemere, GU27 3PL 

St Catherine’s Manor, Guildford, GU3 1LJ 

Bagshot Park, Bagshot, GU19 5HN 

Let our famly take care of 

yours 

At CHD Living, we’re proud to be an award winning, 

family-owned and operated group of care services in 

Surrey and the surrounding areas. 

We focus on delivering high-quality services with care 

that is personalised to suit the needs of each individual 

and delivered with respect, dignity and kindness. 

CHD Care at Home, available in locations across Surrey & Hampshire 

“The care, love and friendship I recieved allowed me to regain 

my confidence to go home, something I never thought I would 

do. If I ever need care again, I know exactly where I will be 

going! Thank you for everything.” 

- Former Resident, Brownscombe Care Residences 

Services available include: 

Residential & nursing care 

Post-operative convalesence & rehabilitation 

Care at home 

Reablement care 

Dementia care 

Neurorehabilitation 

clientrelations@chdliving.co.uk 

01483 01428 413413120 

120 

www.chdliving.co.uk 

Over 90% of our services are rated: 

*as at January 2024 

For more information, or to discuss your care 

needs further, call us today on: 

01483 413 120

Guildford Living Apr - May 2024

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