Banbury Living Apr - May 2024

Exceptional Breadth | Individual Focus 

Open Morning 

Saturday 18 May 

cokethorpe.org

C O N T E N T S 

A NOTE 

from the editor 

18 17 

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 

FOR ADVERTISING 

Account Manager Steve Davies 

e steve.davies@minervapublications.co.uk 

t 01225 984506 

Front Cover courtesy of Fatface, 

fatface.com 

22 12 

04 

COMPETITIONS 

28 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 

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4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Letting your holiday home 

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At Cotswolds Hideaways our local team is well 

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SELL YOUR ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES 

Free Weekly Valuations 

at Holloway’s 

Every Thursday 9.30 am - 4 pm 

with Jasper Marsh 

Hanson Holloway’s Ross: 

49 Parson’s Street, 

Banbury OX16 5NB 

AUCTIONS 

EVERY 

MONTH 

To find out more visit: 

www.hollowaysauctioneers.co.uk 

Bidding Platform: www.hansonslive.co.uk 

fI 

HollowaysAuctions 

L HHRauctions 

V 

01295 817777 

Book with your personal travel agent. 

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Winter Sun, Beach Holidays, City Breaks. Worldwide tailor made 

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Traditional Family Butcher 

We believe we supply the finest quality, locally sourced 

meats and meat products that you will find anywhere 

Sausages, Burgers and Pies made here at Fritwell by hand 

And there’s more... Orders being taken for Christmas 

Parties, weddings, business lunches, picnics 

Bespoke menus to fulfill your requirements 

So if you need a caterer that has a really good relationship 

with the best country butcher for miles 

Spring sausage making classes now available 

Please contact Gordon for details 

45 East Street, Fritwell, Bicester OX27 7PX 

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MACHINE 

DROP-OFF POINT 

The Fat Quarter, 

Cherwell Business Village, 

Banbury OX16 2SP 

01295 981057 

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Banbury 07706 731002 countryclovercompany@gmail.com 

www.countryclovercompany.com 

A Taste of Spring 

Kick starting our calendar of events, our mini food 

festival selling a variety of food and drink. 

With an impressive line-up of over 50 vendors showcasing an 

eclectic mix of gourmet delights and refreshing beverages ‘A 

Taste of Spring’ promises to be a culinary extravaganza that will 

tantalize taste buds and ignite senses. Organised by the Banbury 

Town Council, ‘A Taste of Spring’ is set to captivate visitors with 

a vibrant celebration of global flavours and local delicacies. 

As attendees wander around the Market Place, they’ll find 

themselves immersed in a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and 

flavours, reminiscent of the vibrant market scenes that have long 

shaped Banbury’s cultural identity. 

Yet, beyond the gastronomic delights, ‘A Taste of Spring’ is a 

celebration of unity and diversity. It’s a platform for communities 

to come together, share experiences, and forge connections over 

shared passions. 

Guests can also 

enjoy the rhythmic 

beats of live 

performances by 

local musicians, 

adding an extra 

layer of excitement 

to the festivities. 

When: Sunday 14th 

April, 10:30 - 16:30 

Where: Banbury 

Market Place, 

OX16 5LJ 

Banbury Show 

We’re thrilled to announce that Spiceball Park will be 

transformed into a vibrant hub of excitement for the 

Banbury Show... 

Banbury Show provides an excellent opportunity for families to 

come together, celebrate the spirit of our town, and create lasting 

memories. We encourage you to bring your friends, neighbours, 

and loved ones for a day filled with laughter and joy. The event 

is free to enter, and we extend a warm invitation to residents and 

visitors to join us for a day of thrilling, non-stop fun. 

Here are some highlights you can look forward to: 

LIVE PERFORMANCES: Groove to the beats of local talents 

showcasing music, dance, and more! 

FOOD TRADERS: Indulge in a diverse array of delicious 

cuisines from our selection of food traders. 

ACTIVITIES: Witness the joy as the little ones delight in games, 

face painting, a climbing wall, and a funfair, along with other 

exciting activities! 

When: Saturday 15th June 10:00-17:00 

Where: Spiceball Park, OX16 2RR 


eat the foods you love 

and still lose weight! 

eat the foods you love 

and still lose weight! 

POP-UP FARM SHOP 

Contact your local Slimming World Consultant 

and join a friendly and supportive group today! 

Call/Text Jo on 07986 496459 for more information. 

slimmingworld.co.uk 

slimmingworld.co.uk 

immingworld.co.uk 

Tuesday 4pm, 5.30pm or 7.15pm 

Banbury Cricket Club, White Post Road, 

Bodicote OX15 4BN 

Friday 9.30am 

Banbury Cricket Club, White Post Road, 

Bodicote OX15 4BN 

Saturday 8am or 9.30am 

Frank Wise School, Hornbeam Close, 

Banbury OX16 9RL 

#YesYouCanWithSlimmingWorld 

esYouCanWithSlimmingWorld 

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OPEN FIRST WEEKEND OF EVERY MONTH: 

6th & 7th April 

4th & 5th May 

1st & 2nd June 

Our home-reared pork, lamb, Aberdeen Angus beef 

and free-range eggs. All produced on our farm, choose 

from joints, bacon, burgers, sausages, chops, steaks 

and loads more. Enjoy fresh or stock up your freezer! 

Also available…. great local produce including bread, 

seasonal vegetables, potatoes, jams and chutneys. 

Online ordering available on certain items to collect on 

shop weekends, please see our website: 

www.brownsatparkfarm.co.uk 

Follow us on social media for 

updates @brownsatparkfarm 

Park Farm, Middleton Stoney, 

Bicester, Oxon, OX25 4AL 


Cushion, 

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Keswick Wide Leg Crop Jean, 

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Hair Clip, £6.99, 

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Chennai Handwoven Cushion Cover, 

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Rug, £254, 

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Chequered Earth Art Print, 

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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 

10 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

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

winchester-house.org 

To book a private tour, please email 

admissions@winchester-house.org 

We teach the future, nurture ambition, grow potential, 

and change the world, one pupil at a time. 

We are Winchester House 

Independent Day & Boarding School 

for 3-13 year olds in Brackley, Northants

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 


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. 


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 


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 

T H E C R O F T 

Flore, Northampton NN7 4LQ 

Cottage garden, informally planted with 

good structure including several seating 

areas. Planted for year-round interest 

with many perennials, shrubs, trees, fruit 

and herbs. Featuring a summerhouse, 

greenhouse and other structures. 

R U S S E L L H O U S E 

Spring lane, Flore, Northampton 

NN7 4LS 

Sunday 14th April 

Admission: Adult: £6.00 | Child: Free 

Russell House has a charming, 

sheltered courtyard, paved in brick stone 

and cobbles with a raised heuchera bed 

and mature acers. Wrought iron gates 

open to the fully walled garden beyond 

with surrounding herbaceous borders. 

Central to the lawn is a tiered fountain in 

a circular box border. 



R O C K S P R I N G S 

Flore, Northampton NN7 4LE 

A traditional ¾ acre garden with a mix 

of formal, informal, and wooded areas. 

The mix of spring bulbs, herbaceous 

borders and shrubs provide yearround 

interest and the orchard, 

meadow area and fruit border provide 

additional interest. The gardens flow 

around the house with many hidden 

and secret spaces to explore. 



1 Y E W T R E E G A R D E N S 

Flore, Northampton NN7 4HB 

A large country garden, has undergone 

extensive renovation since 2018 and is 

now planted with a wide range of 

perennials, shrubs and trees for yearround 

interest, and includes a pond and 

rockery, with a vegetable area round the 

greenhouse. 



C L A R I D G E S B A R N 

Charlbury Road, Chipping Norton 

OX7 5XG 

3½ acres of family garden, wood and 

meadow hewn from a barley field on 

limestone brash. Situated on top of the 

Cotswolds, it is open to all weathers, but 

rewarding views and dog walking 

opportunities on hand. Large vegetable, 

fruit and cutting garden, wildlife pond 

and five cedar greenhouses, all loved by 

rabbits, deer, and squirrel. 

Saturdays, Sundays from 23rd March 


S A R S D E N G L E B E 

Churchill, Chipping Norton OX7 6PH 

A rectory garden and park laid out by 

Humphry Repton and his son George. 

Terraced formal garden; wild garden 

with spring bulbs and mature oaks; and 

walled kitchen garden. 




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 


Visit our showroom to discuss your 

new Wood Burning Stove 

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(opposite Brewers) 

T: 01295 253936 

E: info@ironandwood.co.uk 

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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 


YOUR 

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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. 

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We are currently recruiting Carers to provide care in the 

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Full and part-time positions available for qualified carers 

but not essential as a full training programme is available 

to new recruits. 

• Day, Evening and Weekend Work available 

• Excellent Rates of Pay including Pension and other 

fringe benefits 

• Generous mileage allowance 

• Relocation Support Offered 

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we can provide a funeral to suit you. 

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BRAND NEW SHOWHOME 

LAUNCHES, BACKING 

LOCAL BUSINESSES 

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

Cala Homes launches new Fritwell development 

with local suppliers front and centre 

Cala Homes Chiltern has launched its new three and four bedroom 

showhomes at its exclusive Stable Gardens development in Fritwell. 

Building is well underway at Stable Gardens, which contains a 

collection of just 18 two, three, four and five bedroom private 

homes, now available to prospective buyers. 

Based in the charming and well-connected village of Fritwell, 

located where the village opens out into the countryside, Cala has 

described the Stable Gardens neighbourhood as the perfect place 

to enjoy a semi-rural family lifestyle with ample green space to enjoy. 

Cala has recently announced its new showhomes, which not only 

will give prospective buyers a sense of life in Stable Gardens, but 

also local life more generally, as they will be part of the Showhome 

of Support scheme, collaborating with local businesses to showcase 

local products from the area, from artwork to accessories to furniture 

to fabrics. 

At Stable Gardens, visitors may be able to spot soft toys from 

Bicester Toys, coffee from FLTR Coffee in the village of Langford, 

sustainably produced string bag from Nothing But Footprints in 

Banbury, and books from Coles Books in nearby Bicester. 

In total, products from 11 local businesses will be showcased across 

the two showhomes. 

Showhome of Support is part of Cala’s wider Community Pledge 

initiative, which outlines its commitment to the local area over 

and above its planning obligations; this will include educational 

initiatives with local schools, sustainability pledges and a bursary 

pot available to good causes in and around Fritwell. 

Stala Thomson, Sales and Marketing Director at Cala Chiltern 

said: “At Cala, we are passionate about building communities, 

not just homes, and Showhome of Support is designed to help 

give a platform to some of the amazing independent retailers and 

local talent we have on our high streets. 

“By showcasing these local retailers, we want to give them an 

extra opportunity to reach new homebuyers moving to the area.” 

Those wanting to book a viewing at Cala’s Stable Gardens 

development, or to learn more about Showhome of Support, can 

visit cala.co.uk or call 01869 520138. 

CARE AT YOUR OWN SERVICE 

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Our team comprises of over 50 

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Includes advanced endoscopy, 

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Our treatments are provided by 

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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 


Looking for compassionate, nursing, 

residential, respite or dementia care? 

There’s more to life at Larkrise 

Care Centre in Banbury 

We support all our residents, whether permanent or receiving respite, to retain 

independence, make their own choices and enjoy life to the full – while always providing 

them with the highest quality of care for their individual needs. 

Residents can also enjoy: 

• Regular events and activities 

• Freshly prepared, home-cooked meals 

• Professional hair salon 

• Outdoor seating and gardening spaces 

Want to find out more? 

Call 01295 641 824 

Visit osjct.co.uk/larkrise 

Facebook/OSJCTLarkrise 

Where to find us: 

Larkrise Care Centre 

Prescott Close 

Banbury OX16 0RD 

The Orders of St John Care Trust is a not-for-profit charity. Registered charity No. 1048355. Registered in England and Wales with company no. 03073089. 

Registered office: Eyre Court, Whisby Way, Lincoln LN6 3LQ. 

9.8 

26 February 2024

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 

30 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

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.

Our Community Support Service helps adults 

who have a learning disability, ageing health 

needs, physical disability, dementia or mental 

health needs. We provide daytime services where 

people can enjoy the company of others and have 

fun socialising while feeling at home and retaining 

their independence. 

We support adults who have been assessed as 

having eligible care needs and other people who 

want to attend and pay privately. The age range of 

people we support is wide, it ranges from 18 - 99+ 

We offer a wide range of activities including arts 

and crafts, baking, bingo, bowling, films, dance 

and seated Zumba. 

Our staff provide 

personalised support 

to meet your needs 

Banbury Community Support Service 


Redlands Centre 

Neithrop Avenue 

Banbury 

Oxfordshire 

OX16 2NT 

01865 897101 

BanburyCSS@Oxfordshire.gov.uk 

Opening Hours 

Banbury Community Support Mon – Fri Service 

9:30 – 3:30 

On Banbury site Community we have Support our Service very own salon for all of your 

Redlands Centre 

pamper Neithrop Avenue needs and a purpose-built pub room 

Banbury 

called Cheer’s M’dears which is fully inclusive and 

Oxfordshire 

accessible OX16 2NT to all. 

We 

01865 

also 

897101 

provide nurture therapy, exercise 


sessions with music. You’re also welcome to enjoy 

Opening Hours 

our Mon sensory – Fri room, reminiscence sessions and 

much 

9:30 – 3:30 

more... 


Redlands Centre, Neithrop Avenue 

Banbury, Oxfordshire OX16 2NT 

01865 897101 


www.facebook.com/BanburyCSS 

Opening Hours 

Mon - Fri 9:30am - 3:30pm 

Providing care and 

support to help you 

stay independent

Banbury Living Apr - May 2024

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