Newmarket and Ely Living Apr - May 2024

C O N T E N T S 

A NOTE 

from the editor 

18 25 

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 

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 

22 18 

FOR ADVERTISING 

Account Manager Joe Crossley 

e joe@minervapublications.co.uk 

t 01225 984505 

Front Cover courtesy of Fatface, fatface.com 

04 

COMPETITIONS 

32 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 

you Ever are looked thinking around of a similar your 

refresh, living room please and check thought, out our 

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 

SOS designer 

in the garden. 

Julia Kendell 

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 

outside, we’ve got plenty 

nearly £3,000, plus a cordless 

of spring garden content to 

lawnmower worth £679 to get 

keep you entertained. 

that garden in shape. This, 

plus a lot more makes it well 

worth 

But hey, 

a look 

that’s 

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 

Find out more about entering our competitions online 

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All the below close on 15th May 2024 

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4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

50 

GOLDEN YEARS OF THE CITY OF ELY! 

• Stalls 

Including 

Ely’s Food, 

Drink and 

Craft Festival 

2024 

Saturday 4th to 

Monday 6th May 

• Singing 

• Dancing 

• Competitions 

• Folk music 

• Real ale 

• Re-enactments 

• Children’s crafts 

• Tasty street food 

• Crafts 

• Cocktails 

• Food demonstrations 

• And so much more! 

For more info go to www.visitely.org.uk 

FAMILY FARM FUN 

Open Daily 

Easter Egg Hunt at 

Easter Weekend 

Fun Easter Quiz 

Indoor and Outdoor Play 

Area 

Lots of 

friendly 

animals 

Lambing 

Gift Shop 

Ride-on 

pedal tractors 

Delicious Homemade 

Cakes & Lunches 

Straw & Sand Play Barns 

www.churchfarmstowbardolph.co.uk 

Please book your tickets online 

01366 382162 

Spring 

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All the right ingredients 

for a great day out at... 

The Winning 

Chainsaw 

Sculpture 2023 

by Roman 

Miklis, Poland 

SANDRINGHAM 

FOOD, CRAFT 

& WOOD 

FESTIVAL 

May Bank Holiday 

Saturday, Sunday & Monday 

May 4th, 5th & 6th. 10am - 6pm 

SANDRINGHAM ESTATE, 

KING’S LYNN, 

NORFOLK PE35 6EN 

The festival brings a touch of summertime, al fresco dining, master chefs, Artisan food and drink, 

an international chainsaw carving competition and a large craft show with craft and wood 

working demonstrations. Lots to see! Lots to do! It’s a great family day out. 

SANDRINGHAM FOOD, CRAFT & WOOD FESTIVAL 

Adults £15.00 Over 65s £14.00 Child 5-15 £5.00 

FOR FULL DETAILS AND ADVANCE TICKETS PLEASE VIEW 

www.livingheritageevents.co.uk TEL: 01283 820548

THE SANDRINGHAM CRAFT, 

FOOD & WOOD FESTIVAL 

Saturday, Sunday & Monday May 4th - 6th 10am - 6pm 

What a Chefs line up we have for you with 

the returning Food Craft & Wood Festival this 

May Bank Holiday. 

Saturday brings together Rosemary Shrager 

and Phil Vickery, Sunday presents Sat Bains 

and Francesco Mattena, whilst Monday sees 

local favourite Galton Blackiston team up 

with Jean-Christophe Novelli. Ben Bartlett 

the BBQ specialist who will be joining the 

Chefs on a daily basis. 

One of the highlights of the Wood Fair are 

the Chainsaw carvers taking part in the 17th 

English Open Chainsaw Carving Competition. 

The overseas carvers are beginning to 

travel again giving an entry of over twenty 

top quality carvers. Join us in admiring 

the skill and creativity of chainsaw artists 

traveling from around the world! From the 

USA to Germany, Finland, Canada and the 

Netherlands, their talent knows no borders. 

Don’t miss this global showcase of Artistry! 

This year introducing Kamron Garbe traveling 

in from Armstrong, British Columbia, Canada, 

just 4,350 miles as the crow flies. 

They will be competing in the Classic 

Competition, a 2.1/2 day carve that produces 

some stunning sculptures. Alongside this 

is a twice daily 30 minute speed carve with 

everything to be sold by auction. Finally 

for your entertainment especially from the 

States is Mountain Mikes Carving Show 

which promises to be something special. 

Up to now we have touched on just two 

elements of the Fair, but there is such a lot 

more, including a very large Craft Fair and 

Food Festival. Moving around the show 

we come to the Craft & Wood exhibitors, 

demonstrators and competitors. We have 

nationally selected Artists, Designers and 

Craftsmen demonstrating and selling their 

crafts and skills in the main Craft Pavilions. 

Into the Food Halls where you will find 

a large array of food and drink for your 

appreciation from local, regional and 

national producers. 

One of our new exhibitors this year has a 

foot in each camp, Craft and Food, with 

his unique wares from his Orchard in 

Cambridgeshire. Trinity Apple Marc Spirit 

is crafted from the heritage apple varieties 

grown at the orchard and then housed 

in an Applewood flask or small item of 

furniture. 

The Piazza is the central hub of the festival, 

that special area where show visitors come 

together to eat and drink, whilst soaking 

up the atmosphere and relaxing to live jazz 

and folk music. There is a large range of 

Street Food on offer from many different 

cultures and an equally wide range of 

beverages to quench your thirst, so do 

come along hungry and enjoy! 

We look forward to seeing you at the 

Sandringham Food, Craft and Wood 

Festival. Saturday, Sunday and Monday 

May 4th, 5th & 6th. 

Entry at the event or book your tickets 

in advance, online at 

www.livingheritagecountryshows, 

com/tickets 

or ring 01283 820548 


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. 


THE CREATIVE ARTS 

“We have seen our children’s confidence grow, and their 

love for the creative arts flourish through the school’s 

1:1 Speech and Drama lessons, LAMDA examinations, 

musical concerts, and theatre productions.” 

Scan to find out 

PARENT TESTIMONIAL DEC 2023 

Call 01638 662318 or visit www.fairsteadhouse.org 

Places available for entry in September 2024 

A MEMBER OF THE KING’S ELY FAMILY OF SCHOOLS 

KSE0994 FH Newmarket Journal Ad 171x246mm.indd 1 12/03/2024 14:44

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SPRING & SUMMER 2024 

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Experience daily 

lamb feeding 

throughout April! 

Great family fun whatever 

the weather! 

OPEN 

Open daily from 10am to 5pm, 

excluding Mondays during 

term time 

Book online today 

www.southanglefarmpark.co.uk

COME AND CELEBRATE 

COUNTRY LIFE! 

at The South Suffolk Show near 

Bury St Edmunds on Sunday 12th May! 

Est. 1990, built on reputation & 

delivering the highest standards of 

dry cleaning & laundry 

Bridal wear cleaning & 

preservation 

Repairs & Alterations 

Suede & Leather Specialists 

Curtains, rugs & removable 

covers 

Full domestic laundry cleaning 

Same day cleaning service 

available on specific garments 

It's time to spring clean! 

‘HOH Equestrian’ will be performing in the Grand Ring, 

demonstrating poise and precision with a display of classical 

dressage, liberty, stunt and trick riding. Whilst the JPL Shetland 

Pony Racing will provide a gutsy spectacle of speed! 

And there will be plenty to see outside the grand ring including 

farriers in the forge, gun dogs working, terriers racing, farm 

machinery new and old, the Ferretworld Roadshow and the 

infamous ‘Sheep Show’! Not to mention the Art and Craft 

Marquee packed with unique creations, the Food Hall full of 

tempting treats, and sheep, pigs, cattle and horses all competing 

for rosettes amongst trade stands galore! 

Even canine companions will be catered for with a fun dog show 

(entries on the day), and if you dare, the fun fair will be there! 

See www.southsuffolkshow.co.uk for tickets. 

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

On site 

tailor 

Available for 

repairs & 

alterations 

1Anstey Way, Trumpington. 01223 625310 

5c Wellington Street, Newmarket. 01638 560610 

17 Whiting Street, Bury St Edmunds. 01284 701060 

143 Milton Road, Cambridge, 01223 755180 

www.farthingsdrycleaners.co.uk 

The South 

Suffolk Show 

Ampton Racecourse, Ingham, 

Nr Bury St. Edmunds, IP31 1HU 

SUNDAY, MAY 12 th 2024 

A Traditional Agricultural Show 

Celebrating Country Life 

featuring 

‘Heart Of Horsemanship’, - a team of highly 

skilled performance horses and riders with an 

inspiring display of horsemanship, combining 

classical dressage, liberty, stunt and trick riding. 

Plus cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, farm machinery, 

Food Hall, Arts & Craft Marquee, a Fun Fair and 

much, much more! 

“If you love country living, you’ll love the South Suffolk!” 

FREE CAR PARKING 

See website for discounted pre-show e-tickets and retail outlets 

www.southsuffolkshow.co.uk 


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 


Ely Market Place CB7 4NT 

4-8.30PM 

Return 

Good Friday 29 March 

and then the last FRIDAY of the month 

meet your family and 

friends for street food, 

drink and music 

March 29 

April 26 

May 31 

June 28 

July 26 

Aug 30 

with 

@elymarkets #foodiefridays 

www.elymarkets.co.uk

Between the 

S E A S O N S 

As soon as the weather warms up, we 

are craving that summer food - but the 

weather doesn’t always play ball! Here 

Cuisinart give us some tasty recipes that 

can be enjoyed inside or out 

I N D I A N 

V E G G I E 

B U R G E R S 

Serves 4 Prep time: 25 minutes 

Cook time: 30 minutes 

The perfect vegetarian option for 

your next summer BBQ, these 

Indian inspired burgers are loaded 

with veggies and are full of flavour. 

INGREDIENTS 

For the Burgers: 

1 sweet potato, peeled & chopped 

2 medium carrots, peeled & 

chopped (approx. 70g) 

70g cauliflower florets 

70g frozen peas 

1 tbsp. oil for frying 

2cm piece of ginger, peeled & 

grated 

1 medium red onion, finely chopped 

15g green onions 

1 green chilli, finely chopped 

1 tsp. garam masala 

½ tsp. cumin powder 

18 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

½ tsp. red chilli powder 

¼ cup finely chopped coriander 

(approx. 10g) 

1 tsp. sea salt 

1 cup fine breadcrumbs 

4 brioche or burger buns 

Olive oil for brushing 

For the Green Sauce: 

1 small red onion, peeled & 

quartered 

½ cucumber, deseeded (approx. 

100g), cut into wedges 

1 green chilli, deseeded 

15g fresh coriander, stalks removed 

5g mint, stalks removed 

Juice of ½ lemon 

Pinch of sea salt 

To Serve: 

Green salsa 

Crisp lettuce 

1 red onion, sliced 

2 medium tomatoes, sliced 

Chilli sauce 

METHOD 

Add 700ml of water to the cooking 

pan of the Cook In and place in the 

steaming tray. Set the temperature 

to high, to allow the water to come 

to the boil. 

Add the chopped sweet potato 

and carrots to the steaming tray. 

Secure the glass lid and reduce 

the temperature to medium. Steam 

the vegetables for approximately 

7 minutes, before adding the 

cauliflower and peas. Continue 

steaming for a further 5 minutes, or 

until the vegetables are soft. Set the 

vegetables to one side. 

Wipe out the cooking pan, place 

back on the Cook In and set the 

temperature to medium. 

Add a tablespoon of oil and gently 

sauté the ginger, red onion, green 

onion and green chillies, until 

softened, stirring frequently. 

Add the steamed vegetables and 

stir well. Cook for several minutes. 

Turn off the Cook In and add the 

garam masala, cumin powder, chilli 

powder, coriander and sea salt. Stir 

to combine everything together. 

Allow to cool slightly. 

Set up the large chopping / mixing 

blade in the large work bowl of the

Easy Prep Pro and add the cooled veggie 

burger mixture. Process the mixture on 

high, until everything starts to come 

together but still has some texture. The 

mixture will be quite sticky. 

Remove the mixture and divide into four, 

before shaping into patties. Coat the 

outside of each patty with breadcrumbs. 

Place on a tray in the refrigerator to firm 

up, for about half an hour. 

Place the grill tray onto the Cook In and 

set the temperature to high. Lightly coat 

the grill tray with oil and cook the burgers 

for 5 minutes on each side, until starting 

to brown and crisp. Set aside in a warm 

oven. 

Cut the burger buns in half and brush the 

cut sides with a little olive oil. Place the 

oiled side down onto the grill tray, to toast. 

To make the salsa, add the onion, 

cucumber, chilli, coriander, mini, lemon 

juice and salt to the Cordless 

Mini Prep Pro. Pulse, using the chop 

button, until you have a chunky 

consistency. 

Serve your veggie burgers, topped with 

the green salsa, lettuce, onions, tomatoes 

and chilli sauce. 

SUMMER 

BERRIES FROZEN 

YOGHURT LOLLIES 

Makes 8 Prep time: 10 minutes 

Freeze time: 2-3 hours 

This simple recipe for Summer Berries Frozen Yoghurt 

Lollies is quick and easy to make and they are ready within a 

few hours. Yoghurt is a healthier alternative to ice cream and 

they are fun for the kids to make too. 

INGREDIENTS 

350g plain Greek yoghurt 

1 tbsp pistachios 

60ml runny honey 

160g mixed berries, halved 

Iced lolly moulds 

Lolly sticks 

METHOD 

Place the Greek yoghurt, pistachios and honey into the 

Cordless On The Go Blender. Blend until smooth. 

Pour the yoghurt mixture into iced lolly moulds, leaving 

about 1cm at the top. Add approximately 6 pieces of fruit 

into each lolly mould, spreading the fruit along the sides of 

the mould. 


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 


INGREDIENTS 

500g pasta 

1 tbsp olive oil 

30% OF 

R D A 

FOLATE 

P E R 

PORTION 

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. 

LEMONY 

CHICKEN 

TRAY BAKE 

Serves 4 

Prep time: 10 minutes 


INGREDIENTS 

1 large leek, sliced 

300g miniature/baby potatoes, 

40% OF 

R D A 

FOLATE 

P E R 

PORTION 

boiled then halved 

4 cloves garlic, 

peeled and lightly 

smashed 

2tbsp 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+⅓tbsp 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 sprig of thyme on top. 

Bake for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, 

toss the kale in the remaining ⅔ 

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. 


VISITING 

local Vineyards 

Exploring vineyards in Newmarket and Ely, promises a delightful journey 

through some of the region’s finest wine producers. 

Here’s a brief overview of each: 

SAFFRON GRANGE VINEYARD 

Rowley Hill Farm, Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 1UZ 

www.saffrongrange.com 

Nestled amongst the chalky slopes of Saffron Walden, 

Saffron Grange Vineyard is a 40-acre site dedicated solely to 

producing premium-quality sparkling wines. The family-run 

vineyard was established by the Edwards’ family in 2008 and 

has continued to expand its business with a further 10 acres 

of vine plantings planned for this year. Aside from racking up 

multiple international awards for our sparkling wines, we are 

committed to improving biodiversity onsite with our ‘minimal 

intervention’ viticulture practices. We allow wildflowers to 

thrive between vine rows and elsewhere on our land and we 

have planted over 5,000 trees on site in recent years. The 

result is a vineyard brimming with life; from rare butterflies, to 

a wide array of bird species and an abundance of predatory 

insects, all which help us to naturally control aphids and 

other pests which can impact vine growth. 

Tours & Tastings 

We run regular but limited tours throughout the growing 

season which are informative but relaxed. You’ll learn about 

how the grapes are grown, the local land and its rich history 

- including the reason why the woolly mammoth features in 

our logo, and why our particular site in East Anglia is perfect 

for growing exceptional quality grapes to produce premium 

quality sparkling wines. 

There is an opportunity to enjoy the full range of our delicious 

sparkling wines perfectly paired with an option of cheese, 

charcuterie and seafood grazing boards all sourced from 

local producers. Tours are popular so book early. 

Other experiences 

We offer a range of other experiences on site throughout the 

year including; 

- Sparkling wine tastings - Supper clubs 

- Family-friendly tours - Other foodie events 

TOPPESFIELD VINEYARD 

Bradfields, Harrow Hill, Toppesfield, Halstead, CO9 4LX 

www.toppesfieldvineyard.co.uk 

Toppesfield Vineyard has been described by a number of it’s 

clients as ‘a little gem’. Not only do they produce 10,000+ 

bottles of delicious, award winning Bacchus, Pinot Rosé and 

Classic Brut wines, they are also Superhosts with consistent 

5 star ratings on AirBnB for their luxury, Scandi-style 

accommodation which overlooks their glorious vineyard. 

Their two bedroom villa, with exclusive jacuzzi and private 

tennis court, is regularly booked by: 

• couples looking for a romantic break, 

including proposal weekends, honeymoons 

and wedding anniversaries 

• mums and daughters looking for a special 

time away together to reconnect while their 

partners look after the children, do the 

shopping and the cleaning… 

• groups of four friends looking to celebrate 

long term friendships and key birthdays 

The extensive grounds, lake and vineyard are 

available to hire for: 

• corporate away days 

• film shoots for wellbeing and lifestyle 

products, luxury goods, garden 

furniture, food demonstrations etc. 

Follow their story: 

f thetoppesfieldvineyard 

i toppesfieldvineyard 

Our ‘Try Flight’ sparkling wine tastings are available for dropins 

and allow visitors to taste our range of wines along with 

tasting notes. 

Our Cellar Door Shop & Tasting Room is open throughout the 

year from Wednesday to Saturday between 10am – 4pm. 


Road Test Review 

SUE COOKE TESTS THE HONDA 

E:NY1 FAMILY SUV 

There is a week of school holidays 

in February this year. The older 

members of our family live a good 

3.5 hours travel distance, so our plan 

is to visit at half term. 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 

also a power tailgate which meant 

my daughter could access the boot 

for a forgotten item, without me 

having to get out. It’s a cold time of 

year, but luckily this Honda also has 

a heated steering wheel and heated 

front seats. 

Starting at £44,995otr, the Elegance 

grade comes with a comprehensive 

specification that includes an eightway 

electrically adjustable driver’s 

seat finished in synthetic leather, 

auto dimming mirrors, dual zone air 

conditioning, a wireless charging 

pad and multiple USB ports, 

power heated mirrors, sequential 

indicators, and privacy glass. 

The Advanced grade has a 

panoramic glass roof which fills 

the cabin with light and makes it 

feel spacious, giving a relaxing 

comfortable journey in a very quiet 

interior. With past experience, I 


was prepared for the moans and 

groans and had downloaded the 

My Honda+ app to my phone, so 

passengers could schedule their 

own climate control. 

This Core Connectivity package is 

complementary for the first eight 

years of ownership. The Digital Key 

package, which enables the driver 

and up to five others to lock, unlock 

and start the vehicle via the app, is 

free of charge for the first year of 

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.

All-New Electric 

Every Road 

Electrified 

£8000 DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION^ 

5 YEAR SERVICE PLAN 

5 YEAR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE 

5 YEAR WARRANTY 

5.9% APR REPRESENTATIVE 

BOOK A TEST 

DRIVE TODAY! 

£0 ADVANCE PAYMENT^ | £1250 CASHBACK^ | FREE HOME CHARGER^ 

JOHN BANKS HONDA CAMBRIDGE 

Honda Cambridge, 40 Cheddars Lane, 

Cambridge, CB5 8LD 

01223 663233 

WWW.JOHNBANKS.CO.UK/HONDA 

JOHN BANKS HONDA BURY ST EDMUNDS 

Honda House, Kempson Way, Moreton Hall, 

Bury St Edmunds, IP32 7AR 

01284 330559 

^T&Cs APPLY, VISIT WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION

A living and dining room 

transformation to inspire... 

Photography by Lucy Hartley-Saunders 


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. 

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. 

A structural steel was added between the 

old kitchen and dining room, then the old 

door from the hallway was blocked up, so 

the sofa could tuck neatly into that corner 

of the room. 

We pulled up all the floorboards to insulate 

fully underneath, and pulled down the 

ceiling to make the new electrical elements 

easier to install, and again improve the 

insulation. The two spaces were fully replastered. 

It was a lot of work, but actually, 

the walls weren’t in great condition before 

and now they are beautifully smooth. 

“We prioritised a larger 

living space over a big 

dining area - we wanted 

to have something move 

convivial.” 

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 


▶ 

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. 

▶ 

The dogs are clearly giving 

this feather-filled sofa 

their seal of approval. The 

space is styled with subtle 

patterns and textures, 

including lovely throws and 

cushions from homewares 

brand hauslife.co.uk 

▶ 

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. 

▶ 

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 ‘during’ photos are interesting to look back 

on - it really is a big transformation 

▶ 

“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” 

▶ 

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. 

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 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. I think they 

look really sleek too. 

How did you use black as an 

accent? 

The house already has blackframed 

windows, so it made sense 

to include this in the other design 

choices. By echoing the black in the 

stove surround, the internal doors 

and the dining chairs, it means your 


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NOT JUST A PLUMBERS MERCHANT 

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Drill bits • Screws 

NOW OPEN 

• Sealants • Tools 

Rainwater Products • Plus many other DIY products 

WE ALSO SELL 

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Visit our website 

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Find us at the rear of Sharman’s Garden Centre, Camel Road, Littleport CB6 1EW 

Open Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm • Saturday 9am - 1pm 

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eye can move from vignette to vignette, without 

feeling like one element is really pulling focus. 

Is the cabinetry bespoke? 

Sort of! We had some quotes which really varied, so 

we found the most cost-effective solution was using 

IKEA Metod upper cabinets on a frame on the floor, 

and then using some sturdier timber to make tops 

and shelves. By running the skirting boards around 

the front of the frame, they look built in - it’s a really 

good tip for making things look bespoke. 

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. 

The space is full of design touches which help make it feel lived in, 

but also high end. All the sockets and switches are from Corston 

Architectural, and they just exude quality. Family photos are 

styled alongside more conventional decor items, plants and pieces 

collected from holidays - this isn’t a show home, but reflective 

of who lives here. Lighting is key too - wall lights help make the 

room feel cosy, with lamps and picture lights offering additional 

multi-level lighting. 

▶ 

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 


Email: enquiries@tradelinkinstallations.co.uk 

Website: www.tradelinkinstallations.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 


20% OFF 

ALL OUR 

KITCHENS 

t&c’s apply 

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THE VELVETISER 

Create a moment of bliss in your day - in just two and a half 

minutes, you’ll have barista-grade hot chocolate at home. 

A stylish addition to the kitchen, it has a sleek silhouette 

and pours as easily with the right or left hand. You can use 

Hotel Chocolat sachets or your own premium chocolate 

blends - and it froths milk beautifully for coffee too. Starter 

kit complete with chocolate sachets and mugs, £109.95, 

hotelchocolat.com 

DOUBLE OVEN 

With a generous 74-litre capacity, this Hotpoint 

built-in electric double oven provides ample 

space for cooking confidently and enhancing 

the flavour of your dishes. The Multiflow fan 

ensures even heat distribution throughout the 

entire oven, maintaining consistent temperature 

levels regardless of where you place your 

food, guaranteeing perfect results every time. 

Additionally, the Digital Display offers a variety 

of time settings, enabling you to select the ideal 

cooking duration for your meal. Hotpoint Class 

2 DD2 540 IX Built-in Double Oven - Stainless 

Steel, £359.00 Energy Rating: A 

SANDWICH MAKER 

Make your toasted sandwich from any 

loaf - from focaccia to a thick handsliced 

loaf. Stuff with your favourite 

filling and then brown and seal the 

perfect toasted sandwich. And it’s not 

just for sandwiches – you can also 

experiment with delicious French 

toast, omelettes, pastries, 

quesadillas and calzones.It 

couldn’t be easier to clean up 

afterwards – the removable, 

non-stick plates can go in the 

dishwasher. Sandwich Maker 

(GRSM1U), £80, cuisinart.co.uk 

COFFEE MAKER 

The One Cup Grind and Brew Coffee Maker has 

a built in, stainless steel conical burr mill, which 

automatically grinds your choice of beans directly 

into the HomeBarista reusable filter pod. Easy 

to use, simply place the filter pod into the chamber 

and choose your desired cup size – there’s a choice 

of 3 sizes: 120ml, 210ml and 300ml. You’ll then 

have delicious, perfectly brewed, fresh filter coffee. 

Cusinart One Cup Grind & Brew Coffee Maker 

(DGB2U), £250, cuisinart.co.uk 

AMERICAN FRIDGE/FREEZER 

For juicier strawberries and crunchier cucumbers, look no further than 

this Haier American fridge freezer - it keeps food fresher for much 

longer, thanks to its humidity and temperature control zones. As it has 

a 537 litre capacity, there’s plenty of room for up to 29 shopping bags 

filled with the family’s favourite goodies. The freezer drawers will make 

it so easy to see the contents - reducing waste. Its ‘Total No Frost’ 

technology moves cool air around to stop ice building up. Plus it has a 

water dispenser to quench your thirst with a cooling drink. Haier FD 83 

Series 7 HFW7819EWMP, from £1599, Energy Rating: D. 


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 


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. 

Twenty Pence Garden Centre 

With Spring Just Around The Corner We Have It All Here Under One Roof! 

Prepare for Summer 

Come and Visit our 

Garden Furniture & 

BBQ Showroom 

Did you know? 

We're a dog-friendly 

site with a designated 

seating area at 

Applejacks Restaurant. 

Up for a round of 

mini golf fun? 

Take on the challenge of our 9-hole mini golf course. Gather your friends and family 

for an outdoor adventure filled with laughs and competition. While you're here, let the 

little ones explore our free pedal go-kart track and play area for added family fun. 

Perfect for a casual day out or special occasions. 

Ready for a swing? Join us now! 

Weekend Create Your Own Breakfast 

Select from our array of breakfast favourites and craft your ideal morning feast! 

With options to choose from 5, 7, or 10 items, you have the freedom to curate your perfect breakfast plate we 

have something to satisfy every craving. 

Available every weekend until 11:15 am, join us for a delightful breakfast experience tailored just for you! 

Experience a slice of Italy at The Orchard 

Pizzeria. Delight in our authentic Italian pizza, 

or unleash your creativity with our makeyour-own 

toasties. And for a moment of pure 

relaxation, savour the rich aroma and flavours 

of our premium coffee creations. 

Keep up to date by following our social media 

or visit our website: 

www.twentypence.co.uk 

Twenty Pence Road, Wilburton, CB6 

3RN 

Tel: 01353 741024 

Restaurant 

Indulge in Applejacks dish of 

the day, paninis, homemade 

cakes, and an array of other 

irresistible treats that will 

leave your taste buds longing 

for more. 

Exclusive offers, click ‘n’ collect service & great 

gift ideas from our online shop, just a click away! 

Everything you need for your home & garden. 

3 or more in store 

Coupon can not be used in conjunction with any other 

coupon. This offer can be withdrawn without prior notice. 

£ off When spending £40 

Present coupon to cashier at time of purchase. Coupon cannot 

be exchanged for cash or other goods. One coupon per 

transaction. Excludes Restaurant, Gift Vouchers & Calor Gas. 

Newmarket & Ely Living 

VALID UNTIL 31ST MAY 2024. 


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www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 37 

CALL US NOW! 

Wet Rooms

Poster, from 

£10.95, 

desenio.com 

Stripe Wallpaper, lusthome.com 

Wall Light, £95, pooky.com 

Frill Cushion, £122, 

mollymahon.com 

Annie Sloan 

S T R A W B E R R Y 

and Rose 

This is a pairing that packs a punch in the best way possible. Playful 

and bold, a mixture of juicy reds and blushed pinks is sure to have 

heads turning in spring and summer months around the corner. 

Explore the full curated edit for some inspiration! 

HKliving Pink Cushion, 

£49, roseandgrey.co.uk 

Jeego Cushion £95, 

libertylondon.com 

Red Algae No 1, from £18, 

beachhouseart.co.uk 

Four Spiral Candles, £20, 

talkingtables.co.uk 

Table Cloth, £95, 

mollymahon.com 

Cotton Pyjamas, £95, 

tartanblanketco.com 


Nudie Rudie Bathmat 

£59, antipodream.co.uk 

Cotton Pyjamas, from 

£44.99, hauslife.co.uk

NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME 

Beautiful local gardens to visit this spring - plus raising vital funds for nursing 

and health charities. For more details, visit ngs.org.uk 

C L O V E R C O T T A G E 

50 Streetly End, West Wickham 

CB21 4RP 

2 0 M I L L L A N E 

Linton, Cambridge CB21 4JY 

Small cottage garden with informal 

planting, mixing ornamentals and 

edibles. The front garden is dedicated to 

growing fruit and vegetables using 

organic and no dig methods inter planted 

in a cottage garden style with perennial 

and annual flowers. The back garden 

contains seating, a greenhouse for 

edible produce, flower borders and a 

small wildlife pond. 

Sunday 26th May 

Admission: Adult: £8.00 | Child: Free 

P O R T E R S L O D G E 

Cavenham, Suffolk IP28 6DB 

An unusual and interesting garden 

designed as a series of interlocked 

spaces which are enlivened by 

fountains and ponds, statuary and 

surrounded by a mature wood with 

glades and two acres of walks. 

Individual areas are linked to the inner 

garden by an acre of semi-formal 

lawns and mixed borders. 

Architectural `follies' culminating in a 

pavilion which houses a unique water 

organ playing music by Haydn. 

Monday 1st April 


In winter find a flowering cherry tree, 

borders of snowdrops, aconites, Iris 

reticulata, hellebores and miniature 

Narcissus. Pond and arbour raised beds 

of fruit and vegetables. In summer 

arches of roses and clematis, hardy 

geraniums, delightful borders of English 

roses and herbaceous plants. 

Sundays from 18th February 

Admission: Adult: £3.00 Child: Free 

N E T H E R H A L L M A N O R 

Tanners Lane, Soham CB7 5AB 

Unusual garden appealing to those with 

historical interest: March-old primroses, 

daffodils, Victorian double flowered 

hyacinths and first garden hellebore 

hybrids. May-old English tulips, Crown 

Imperials. Aug-Victorian Pelargonium, 

Heliotrope, Calceolaria, Red list for Plant 

Heritage. 

Sundays from 31st March 


G R E A T T H U R L O W H A L L 

Great Thurlow, Haverhill CB9 7LF 

13 acres of beautiful gardens set around 

the River Stour, masses of snowdrops in 

late winter are followed by daffodils and 

blossom around the riverside walk in 

spring. Herbaceous borders, rose 

garden and extensive shrub borders 

come alive with colour from late spring 

onwards, there is also a large walled 

kitchen garden and arboretum. 

Sunday 7th April, Sunday 2nd June 


F U L L E R S M I L L G A R D E N 

West Stow, Suffolk IP28 6HD 

An enchanting and tranquil seven-acre 

creation on the banks of the river Lark. 

It combines a beautiful light dappled 

woodland with a plantsman’s collection 

of unusual shrubs, perennials, lilies, 

and marginal plants. It is a garden of 

truly year-round interest. 

Sunday 5th May 



h a u s l i f e 

2 5 % 

O F F 

G A R D E N 

F U R N I T U R E & 

A C C E S S O R I E S 

O N L Y U N T I L 

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U S E C O D E 

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b e a u t i f u l l y 

c r a f t e d . . . 

e f f o r t l e s s l y 

s t y l i s h 

S E E T H E F U L L C O L L E C T I O N O N L I N E A T 

W W W . H A U S L I F E . C O . U K

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 


STYLISH 

Stays 

Tucked away in a delightful enclave 

of coastal Devon, the Cary Arms 

& Spa occupies a dramatic and 

achingly beautiful site in scenic 

Babbacombe Bay. This historic 

coaching in has welcomed many 

visitors over its illustrious history - 

including royalty - so we felt right at 

home embarking on a weekend in 

here, with our two small dogs in tow. 

With ten elegant sea-facing rooms 

and suites at the inn, four restored 

fisherman’s cottages and eight 

brilliantly quirky deluxe beach huts 

and beach suites, there’s a good 

fit for any guest. Our bolthole was 

a luxurious beach hut - perfect 

for that extra bit of privacy. These 

serene spaces feature a dramatic 

mezzanine level, with a porthole 

framing uninterrupted views out to 

sea, as well as their own terrace to 

enjoy the morning or evening rays. 

Knowing we are a nation of dog 

lovers, many hotels and holiday 

lets have become more flexible to 

allow our four-legged friends along 

for the trip, but few places use the 

term dog friendly and mean it with 

as much love and care as the team 

at the Cary Arms. The hotel really 

makes holidaying with your dog easy 

- pooches are presented with a cute 

bag of goodies on arrival, as well as 

a bed and water/food bowls to make 

them feel at home - the restaurant 

is dog-friendly too and the staff 

were making sure all the dogs were 

catered for at breakfast by sliding 

them a sausage or two - with their 

owner’s permission of course. 

The restaurant is one of the 

destination eateries in the area, with 

a menu of modern British classics 

alongside seasonal daily specials. 

Fish, is of course, the dish of the 

day, and the setting enjoys the same 

panoramic views as the rest of the 

hotel; it makes for a very special 

dining experience. If you’re lucky, 

you’ll be able to spot the local seals 

trying to steal a bite from fishermen. 

The bay area is a haven for walkers, 

with the three-week English Riviera 

Walking Festival (4th-19th May this 

year) drawing hiking enthusiasts 

from far and wide. The opening 

weekend of the festival is planned 

to coincide with another celebration 

of local culture, the Brigham Pirate 

Festival. Attracting thousands, the 

event is a swashbuckling mix of 

seaside shenanigans and piratethemed 

fun, celebrating the area’s 

rich heritage of smuggling. 

Babbacombe Bay was a popular 

landing point for smugglers, just 

far enough from Torquay to be 

reasonably safe for the smugglers 

to get ashore and wind their way 

through a network of secret paths 

and tunnels. You can explore many 

of these hidden tunnels and caves 

- just make sure to check tide 

timetables! 

There are lots of walks to enjoy 

straight from the hotel - and with 

enough fish and chip or cake stops 

to keep you powering up those 

steeper cliff edges. Once you’ve 

pounded the shoreline, you can 

then take a well-earned soak in 

the hotel’s spa. The glass faceted 

sea-facing spa includes a waterfall 

hydrotherapy pool, relaxation 

area, steam room, sauna, exotic 

experience shower, gym, and two 

treatment rooms - perfect for some 

indulgence and to really melt away 

the tensions of the week. 

There are few weekend stays were 

I’ve left feeling quite so refreshed, 

well-fed and contented - if you’re 

planning a UK coastal break, the 

Cary Arms certainly ticks all the 

boxes. It’s perfectly located for 

seaside exploration, and the team 

go above and beyond to make 

sure your stay is as comfortable 

as possible. In an age where time 

to recharge is in short supply, I 

wouldn’t hesitate to visit again. 

Katie Thomson 

www.caryarms.co.uk 



INTO THE BLUE - 

Exploring the Med 

As travelers seek out idyllic escapes, the allure of the 

Mediterranean beckons with its sun-kissed shores, rich 

cultural heritage, and tantalizing cuisine. Amidst the 

plethora of paradisiacal destinations, three stand out 

as must-visit gems: the enchanting island of Corsica, 

the historic marvels of Malta, and the hidden treasures 

of Puglia, Italy. 

CORSICA: 

Where Untamed Beauty Meets 

Serene Splendor 

Nestled in the azure waters of the 

Mediterranean Sea, Corsica, often 

referred to as the “Isle of Beauty,” 

captivates visitors with its rugged 

landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant 

culture. From the majestic peaks of the 

Corsican mountains to the turquoise 

coves dotting its coastline, the island 

boasts an unparalleled natural beauty. 

Corsica’s allure extends beyond its 

picturesque scenery. Rich in history and 

culture, the island bears witness to a 

captivating blend of French and Italian 

influences, evident in its architecture, 

cuisine, and language. Explore the quaint 

villages perched atop hillsides, wander 

through ancient citadels steeped in 

history, or indulge in the island’s culinary 

delights, from freshly caught seafood to 

aromatic cheeses and robust wines. 

For outdoor enthusiasts, Corsica offers 

a playground of adventure. Hike the 

legendary GR20 trail, renowned as one of 

Europe’s most challenging yet rewarding 

treks, or embark on a leisurely boat 

excursion to discover hidden grottos and 

secluded beaches along the coastline. 

MALTA: 

Where History Comes to Life 

Steeped in millennia of history, Malta, 

a tiny archipelago in the heart of the 

Mediterranean, beckons travellers with 

its rich tapestry of cultural heritage and 

architectural wonders. From the ancient 

megalithic temples of Ġgantija, pre-dating 

the Pyramids of Egypt, to the grandiose 

fortifications of Valletta, a UNESCO 

World Heritage site, the island is a living 

testament to its storied past. 

Beyond its historical marvels, Malta 

offers a vibrant contemporary scene, 

with bustling markets, lively festivals, 

and a thriving culinary scene. Explore 

the charming streets of Mdina, Malta’s 

medieval capital, or unwind on the sandy 

beaches of Golden Bay and Mellieħa, 

basking in the Mediterranean sun. 

For those seeking underwater adventures, 

Malta’s crystal-clear waters beckon with 

a kaleidoscope of marine life and ancient 

shipwrecks, making it a diver’s paradise. 

PUGLIA, ITALY: 

Where Tradition Meets Tranquility 

Nestled in the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia 

enchants visitors with its timeless 

landscapes, whitewashed villages, and 

rustic charm. From the iconic trulli houses 

of Alberobello to the baroque splendor of 

Lecce, the region’s architectural wonders 

reflect its rich cultural heritage. 

Puglia’s culinary traditions are as rich as its 

landscapes, with fresh seafood, artisanal 

cheeses, and locally sourced olive oil 

taking centre stage. Indulge in a culinary 

journey through the region’s bustling 

markets, traditional trattorias, and family-run 

agriturismi, where you can savour authentic 

flavours passed down through generations. 

For those yearning for relaxation, Puglia’s 

coastline offers a haven of tranquillity, 

with pristine beaches, hidden coves, and 

crystal-clear waters lapping against rugged 

cliffs. Whether you’re exploring the historic 

towns, savouring the local cuisine, or simply 

basking in the Mediterranean sun, Puglia 

promises an unforgettable journey through 

Italy’s best-kept secret. 

In conclusion, Corsica, Malta, and Puglia 

beckon with their unique charms. Whether 

you’re drawn to Corsica’s untamed beauty, 

Malta’s storied past, or Puglia’s rustic 

tranquility, these three destinations promise 

to leave an indelible mark on your soul, 

inviting you to embark on a journey of 

discovery and delight. 


Expert 

dementia 

care 

Guided by the latest academic 

evidence, our dementia specialists 

support each resident to live every 

day to the full. 

If you’re considering a care home, 

call 01638 779 573 or visit 

careuk.com/kentford-manor 

Trusted to care 

Kentford Manor care home 

Newmarket

Quality care in 

Newmarket you 

can trust 


When a family is thinking about care 

for a loved one, they want the best - they 

want to know that the care home they 

choose will put their loved one’s safety, 

happiness and wellbeing first. 

Kentford Manor is managed by award-winning provider Care UK 

- one of the UK’s most highly successful care home operators* 

with over 40 years’ experience of delivering high quality care to 

older people. 

Living at Kentford Manor is all about quality of life. Every 

colleague in the home is passionate about enabling residents to 

enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle, tailored around their unique needs and 

preferences. The lifestyle team organises a huge variety of group 

and one-to-one activities, with plenty going on each day. 

With the extra support that our care home offers, new residents 

are often surprised at what they can do, whether that’s being able 

to continue with an activity they’ve enjoyed in the past, or even 

discovering new hobbies with our daily activities. 

The purpose-built home is designed for enjoying a luxury lifestyle, 

with en-suite rooms and facilities including a cinema, bistro, hair 

and beauty salon, and comfortable lounges and dining rooms. 

The home also boasts stunning gardens with wheelchair friendly 

pathways – the perfect place to spend some time when the 

weather allows. 

Kentford Manor care home 

Jeddah Way, Kennett, Newmarket CB8 8JY 

01638 438 273 

careuk.com/kentford-manor 

*As rated by the Care Quality Commission in England and the Care 

Inspectorate in Scotland. 

Lifetime 

Planning for 

Total Peace of 

Mind 

Planning for later life can 

be a stressful and timeconsuming 

process. With offices 

in Ely, March, Downham Market, 

King’s Lynn and Wisbech, our friendly 

Private Client team is on hand to 

assist you with a wide range of probate 

services, giving you total peace of mind. 

Seema Solanki 

Harleen Hanson 

Tony Barratt 

Kim Neal 

www.fraserdawbarns.com 

01353 383 483 

legal@fraserdawbarns.com 


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.

A FANTASTIC 

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DESIGNS FROM 

CONTEMPORARY 

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Newmarket and Ely Living Apr - May 2024

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