Azure - West Sussex Lifestyle May - Jun 2024

LITTLEHAMPTON 

GOLF CLUB 

Founded 1889 

West Sussex’ only 

Links Course 

Popular venue for Home Counties golfers wanting that “links” day away 

Superb drainage with almost all-year-round playability 

MEMBERSHIPS 

• Full and Flexible memberships available 

• Golf competitions or casual roll-ups on most days 

• Superb and varied social diary throughout the year 

VISITORS 

• Society groups and individuals most welcome 

• Check out our website for up to date green fees offers 

2024 PRO-AM ENTRIES NOW OPEN 

Contact manager@littlehamptongolf.co.uk for a chat about our club 

01903 717 170 

Follow us f LittlehamptonGolfClub i littlehamptongolfclub

C O N T E N T S 

A NOTE 

from the editor 

14 

RECIPES CELEBRATING SHALLOTS 

We’ve had a little rebrand! 

You might remember us as 

Chichester & Arundel Lifestyle 

magazine - now we are 

transformed into the more 

aspirational Azure - West 

Sussex Lifestyle - bringing in 

more wonderful towns in this 

beautiful corner of the country. 

As the sun starts to peek out 

from behind the clouds, this 

edition is bursting with stories 

to put a spring in your step 

and a smile on your face. 

04 

COMPETITIONS 

On the home front we have a 

living/diner transformation to 

really inspire you - with most 

of the work undertaken by the 

homeowners themselves! It’s 

a calm and welcoming space 

- perfect if you like things 

more neutral. 

On the foodie front we have 

some recipes celebrating an 

unsung hero - the flavourpacked 

shallot. Who knew 

that this versatile little root 

veg could be used in so many 

different ways! 

LIVING ROOM RENO 

23 

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 Joe Crossley 

e joe@minervapublications.co.uk 

t 01225 984505 

RETIREMENT PLANNING 

34 

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. 

If you are looking to shake up 

your wardrobe a little as the 

mercury rises, check out our 

summer style guide - we are 

all about those easy-breezy 

pieces that still make you 

looked pulled together. 

Our later life guide sees an 

insightful guide to retirement 

accommodation - perfect if 

you’re considering those next 

big steps. 

We will be back again in the 

height of summer - hopefully 

having already had some 

lovely sunshine and looking 

forward to some wonderful 

July and August scorchers 

ahead. See you then! 

Katie 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3

Time 

COMPETITION 

Find out more about entering our competitions online 

at minervamagazines.co.uk/competitions - join our 

Competition Club and enter over 60 comps a year for 

only £12.99! Or enter for free by post. 

All the below close on 15th July 2024 

WIN A FINAMILL 

RECHARGEABLE ELECTRIC 

PEPPER MILL & SPICE 

GRINDER BUNDLE! 

Fall in love with freshly-ground spices 

again with FinaMill’s award-winning 

patented electric grinder! With its 

interchangeable pods, FinaMill is a 

brilliantly easy way to grind spices, 

regardless of whole spice shape, 

size and hardness. From salt and 

peppercorn to cumin seeds and even 

coffee beans! Win one of 3 bundles: 

Available from Amazon. 

Keyword ‘FinaMill’ 

WIN ONE OF 3 METHVEN 

SHOWER HEADS WORTH 

OVER £130 

Methven, the manufacturer of 

beautifully designed, innovative, and 

award-winning showers are offering 

their Eco Aio Shower head. Featuring 

patented Aurajet® technology, the 

handset gives up to 20% more spray 

coverage* and twice the amount of skin 

contact to deliver a full-bodied spray 

with maximum body contact and allover 

warmth. 

Shop online at uk.methven.com 

Keyword ‘Methven’ 

WIN A ULLEHUSE 6-SEATER 

GARDEN LOUNGE SET IN GREY 

WORTH £949.99 FROM JYSK 

Get summer ready with the help 

of JYSK. The best-selling JYSK 

ULLEHUSE polyrattan 6-seater 

corner sofa and table set with luxury 

cushions is a garden essential. Worth 

£949.99, the ULLEHUSE Lounge Set 

is a customer favourite and perfect 

for relaxing and alfresco dining. JYSK 

prides themselves on creating quality 

items that are loved in Denmark and 

now across the world. 

Shop online at jysk.co.uk 

Keyword ‘ULLEHUSE’ 

WIN CLASSIC 

BUNDLE BED 

WORTH £325 

Forget deflating air beds and hard roll 

mats, Bundle Beds have everything 

that you need for a brilliant night’s 

sleep in one bundle – yes, it’s ALL 

included! A super comfy self-inflating 

mattress, cosy duvet, comfy pillow and 

super soft bedding. Award winning, 

super soft and with a ten-year warranty, 

this is the perfect solution for extra 

beds, sleepovers, travel and camping! 

Shop online at bundlebeds.com 

Keyword ‘Bundle Bed’ 

WIN A GIN TASTING SESSION 

AND BOTTLE OF ARTISAN GIN 

You have the chance to win one of 

four pairs of Gin Tasting Experience 

vouchers plus a 50cl bottle of one 

of Warwickshire Gin Company’s six 

signature gins in a prize worth £77. 

The inspiration behind the awardwinning 

craft distillery’s portfolio of 

artisan premium spirits, comes from a 

desire to capture a moment in history, 

developing flavours to fully represent the 

county’s own unique story and bringing 

the range of hand-crafted flavours to life. 

Find out more at: 

warwickshiregincompany.co.uk 

Keyword ‘Warwickshire Gin’ 

WIN ANITA ROSA FAIA 

SWIMWEAR 

One lucky winner will win the Anita 

Rosa Secret Jungle Elouise Soft Cup 

Swimsuit (size 10-12) and cover up, two 

runners up will receive another costume 

from the Secret Jungle collection. 

With practical and decorative zip front 

opening for a customised design and fit, 

it’s made with Lycra Xtra Life fibre so it’s 

long lasting. The wire-free cups are kept 

in a powernet shelf with wide underbust 

elastic for an extra bust support. 

Comes with low cut rounded back and 

adjustable straps for ease of dressing. 

Find out more at Amplebosom.com 

Keyword ‘Anita Rosa’ 

4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Join Guild Care for a sensational inclusive walk 

along the stunning seafront of Worthing, where 

every step you take makes a difference! 

10km, 5km or shorter distance options 

But that’s not all – the excitement doesn’t stop at the finish line! 

As you cross the threshold of triumph, you’ll be greeted by the lively 

rhythms of laughter and happiness at Beach House Grounds. 

It’s time to dive into the Walk with Purpose Family Festival, where 

your senses will be treated to an extravaganza of delights! 

Sunday 8th September 2024 

START TIMES 

From 10am 

START POINT 

Beach House Grounds 

Proudly sponsored by 

AFTER THE WALKS 

Family Festival on Beach House 

Grounds from 11am 

REGISTER TODAY! 

guildcare.org/walkwithpurpose 

Guild Care is a registered charity, number 1044658

GREAT DAYS OUT 

Perfect family fun - to keep even the 

busiest little people happy! 

Guide 

AMBERLEY MUSEUM 

AMBERLEY, NR ARUNDEL BN18 9LT 

WWW.AMBERLEYMUSEUM.CO.UK 

Amberley Museum showcases our 

industrial past with a fascinating 

collection of exhibits, including vintage 

vehicles, steam engines, and historic 

buildings. Visitors can enjoy practical 

craft demonstrations and varied 

exhibitions of telecommunications, 

broadcasting and electrical history. 

Dog friendly museum with nature trails. 

Pre-book your tickets online. Open 

Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4.30pm. 

REWILDING US 

WORTHING, WEST SUSSEX 

WWW.REWILDINGUS.CO.UK 

Embark on a journey through our 

seasonal, coastal, and mushroom 

foraging courses. Discover how to 

locate and utilize wild edibles in the lush 

environments of Sussex & Surrey. 

Our experiences are those open to all 

and those bespoke for special events. 

Whether it is for family and friends, 

team building, a special occasion or 

corporate event, drop us a message 

and let’s make that happen for you. 

CLARENCE PIER 

SOUTHSEA, PORTSMOUTH, PO5 3AA 

WWW.CLARENCEPIER.CO.UK 

Clarence Pier, nestled along the 

vibrant Southsea coastline, is 

a premier destination for family 

fun and thrilling adventures. With 

everything from classic carousels to 

heart-stopping coasters, the iconic 

funfair boasts a myriad of rides and 

attractions for all ages. 

Plus check out their 3 huge arcades 

and indoor crazy golf, The Putt Hutt! 

TANGMERE MILITARY 

AVIATION MUSEUM 

TANGMERE, PO20 2ES 

WWW.TANGMERE-MUSEUM.ORG.UK 

Tangmere Military Aviation Museum 

exists to promote awareness of the 

United Kingdom’s military aviation 

heritage and to educate present and 

future generations in military aviation 

by exhibiting the history of aircraft 

and personnel involved in military 

aviation with particular reference to 

RAF Tangmere and its unique place 

in that history. 

JANE AUSTEN’S 

HOUSE 

CHAWTON HAMPSHIRE GU34 1SD 

WWW.JANEAUSTENS.HOUSE 

Jane Austen’s House is the inspiring 

Hampshire cottage where Jane Austen 

lived and wrote her globally beloved 

novels. Discover the sunny Drawing 

Room where Jane Austen read Pride and 

Prejudice aloud to a neighbour on the 

very day she received her first copy and 

the vibrant green Dining Room where 

she wrote and where her writing table still 

sits today. Tickets last for one year! 

ALDINGBOURNE 

COUNTRY CENTRE 

NORTON, CHICHESTER, PO18 0JP 

ALDINGBOURNECOUNTRYCENTRE.ORG 

Support a local charity by having fun! 

Visit our open farm, woodland walk, 

outdoor play areas, soft play, Quarry 

Café, and much more! 

Visit us during the school holidays 

for extra special activities. From 

guinea pig cuddling to restoring your 

favourite chair, it really is a great day 

out. 


BE PART OF SOMETHING 

HISTORIC 

27 TO 31 MAY 

HALF TERM ACTIVITIES 

22 & 23 JUNE 

FLOWER POWER 

21 JULY 

ORGAN EXTRAVAGANZA 

this Summer… 

wealddown.co.uk Tel: 01243 811363 

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 

O N L Y U N T I L 

2 0 / 0 5 / 2 4 

THE PETWORTH PARK 

ANTIQUES & FINE ART FAIR 

THE MARQUEE 

PETWORTH PARK 

PETWORTH 

W. SUSSEX 

GU28 0QY 

17-19 MAY 2024 

Fri 11.00 - 19.00 

Sat 10.30 - 18.00 

Sun 10.30 - 17.00 

U S E C O D E 

L I V I N G 2 5 

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 

To request your 

complimentary invitation 

for three please email 

CAL@adfl.co.uk 

THE 

ANTIQUES 

DEALERS 

FAIR 

LIMITED 

01797 252030 

www.petworthparkfair.com 


Bing's Nature Explorers at 

Arundel Wetland Centre... 

Learn all about wetland nature and wildlife 

with a little help from Bing and his friends. 

Join Bing and Flop to become a Nature Explorer at WWT Arundel this 

spring until June 2, with activity trails, storytelling and colouring fun. 

With new experiences around every corner, it’s the perfect way for 

young explorers (and their grown-ups) to discover the sights, sounds 

and sensations of nature. 

The programme will include an activity trail featuring Bing and his 

friends, which will encourage little legs to discover the signs of spring 

and learn more about the range of plants, birds and animals that call 

the wetlands home. Be sure to pick up a map at the start and collect 

your sticker once you’ve completed the trail. 

23 March - 

2 June 

at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre 

Elizabeth Pearce, Learning Manager at WWT Arundel Wetland 

Centre said: “Bing is one of TV’s best loved characters, and a brilliant 

advocate for getting outdoors and learning through play and discovery 

- which is exactly what we at WWT Arundel are all about! 

Other activities at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre during the Bing 

programme include: Diving duck fish feed, daily at noon, Pelican 

Keeper Talk, daily at 2 pm, Pond dipping, weekends and holidays and 

Wetland Discovery Boat Safaris. 

For the perfect memento of your day, visit the WWT shop where you’ll 

find a range of Bing gifts and toys. 

Nature exploring … it’s a Bing thing! 

Learn all about wetland nature and 

wildlife with a little help 

from Bing and his friends. 

Search WWT Arundel 

To plan your visit, search WWT Arundel. 

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

© 2024 Acamar Films Ltd. 

WWT 2024. Registered charity no. 1030884 England and Wales, SC039410 Scotland. 

On 16th June 2024, “Sussex Day”, Parham House & Gardens will celebrate the fine 

produce, crafts, art and artistry to be found across Sussex. 

Sussex Day - Sunday June 16th 

TRIPADVISOR & GOOGLE 

Parham House & Gardens 

Pulborough 

West Sussex 

RH20 4HR 

01903 742021 

www.parhaminsussex.co.uk 

What3words: 

this.songbird.contain 

Normal Garden & House 

admission grants access to 

the event 

• Four-Acre Walled Garden 

• The Greenhouse 

• Pleasure Grounds 

• Paintings & Textiles 

• Joannas Boutique Tearoom 

• Garden Shop and Gift Shop 


Olive Dress, 

£115, Busby 

& Fox 

Tarnish-Proof gold plated 

earrings, £14.99, hauslife.co.uk 

Boho Dress, 

£26, George 

at Asda 

Bag, £39.50, M&S 

Bella Slider, £37, 

Accessorize 

easy 

S U M M E R 

S T Y L E 

Summer is looming into view - so bringing 

the season of ease. Light cottons, breathable 

linens - effortless silhouettes 

AND OR Skirt, £69, 

and Leona Cardi, 

£75, John Lewis 

Lyons Tan Sandals, 

£95, Dune 

Margaret Midi Dress, 

£129, Barbour 

Cotton smock 

dress with 

pockets, £49.99, 

hauslife.co.uk 

Sandals, 

£65, M&S 

UV Sunglasses, £19.99, 


Danni Prairie Paisley 

Tunic £55, Fatface 


Top Tips 

when considering an 

independent school 

Every parent wants to give 

their child the best start 

in life, and this naturally 

includes choosing a school 

that best suits their child’s 

needs. For many this can be a 

daunting task, and it can be hard 

to know where to start. 

An independent education remains a 

popular choice for families, with lots 

of different schools to choose from 

including day and boarding, singlesex 

and co-educational, and schools 

with specialisms such as in the arts 

or sport. 

Open days give families the 

opportunity to see first-hand 

whether a particular school is the 

right fit. Some schools continue 

to run virtual open days in the 

aftermath of the pandemic, making 

it possible for families to explore 

what a school has to offer from the 

comfort of their own home. 

There are many different aspects to 

consider when attending an open 

day, so to help ease the process, 

here are some top tips for parents 

considering an independent school 

for their child: 

NARROW DOWN 

YOUR CHOICES 

If you live in an area with a number 

of good schools nearby, create a 

shortlist and take time to plan your 

school visits. For parents with a 

limited choice of local schools, the 

‘Find a School’ tool on the isc.co.uk 

website is particularly useful, as it 

enables you to refine your search 

by distance, day and boarding, age 

range, fee assistance options and 

more! If you are considering a school 

which is further afield, it’s worth 

making a day of it so you and your 

child can get a feel for the area. 

THINK ABOUT 

THE SCHOOL’S 

SPECIALISM OR 

FOCUS 

All independent schools are 

different, offering unique specialisms 

and strengths. Ask yourself what 

type of school would best suit your 

child – are they sporty, academic or 

creative? If you have an academic 

child you might like to consider a 

selective school, whereas if your 

child is very creative, you might 

prefer a school with excellent arts 

provision and facilities. 

DON’T BE AFRAID 

TO ASK QUESTIONS 

Teachers expect parents to be 

inquisitive and are well prepared to 

answer questions, so ask teachers 

everything you want to know; it is 

always best to speak up if you have 

any queries or concerns! Important 

areas that you might ask about 

include class sizes, the subjects 

on offer, methods of assessment, 

extracurricular activities and 

pastoral support. 

It would also be worthwhile 

learning more about how the 

school communicates with parents; 

it’s important that you feel wellinformed 

and able to discuss any 

matters pertaining to your child’s 

progress or wellbeing. If you are 

considering a boarding school for 

your child, take the opportunity 

to find out more about the on-site 

accommodation, flexi-boarding 

options and what activities take 

place over the weekends. 

Chat to pupils as well as staff and 

ask them about their experiences 

at the school. Much can be learned 

from observing their behaviour – do 

they seem happy, confident and at 

ease in their environment, are they 

engaged with their lessons and 

wider activities? 

MAKE A FOLLOW-UP 

APPOINTMENT 

An open day allows you to build an 

impression of what type of school 

is on offer. So, if you are happy 

with what you see, book a followup 

appointment with the school. 

This will enable you to speak more 

personally with the headteacher 

or registrar and provide another 

opportunity to ask any further 

questions or raise concerns you 

might have. 

The independent sector is diverse, 

with a huge array of schools and 

approaches to education on offer. 

Make the most of your open days, 

and use the experience to guide you 

as you choose the right school for 

your child. 


Drop-in Morning 

Saturday 15 June 10am to 12 noon 

Come and find out how we help girls’ ambitions 

take off. This event is for families looking to join 

Portsmouth High School for pre-school, prep 

school, senior school or sixth form. 

Book your place now via the school website 

Space Experience Day 

Saturday 15 June 9am to 12 noon 

Girls currently in Year 5 are 

invited to prepare for launch 

into senior school and join us 

for a morning of lessons and 

fun. This is for girls looking 

to join Year 7 in September 2025. 

Booking essential via the school website 

Daily school 

minibus service 

to Chichester and 

the surrounding 

areas

BABY AND 

Beyond 

TOTTER + TUMBLE: 

Totter and Tumble playmats provide 

a safe and secure floor for many of 

your child’s milestones - from their 

first tummy time, to sitting unaided, 

to taking their first steps. These 

mats are also great for parents too, 

providing a cushioned surface for 

the many hours spent playing on 

the floor. Messy play is a must for 

children’s sensory development and 

Totter + Tumble’s wipeable playmats 

are the ideal spots for playing on. 

The beauty of the playmats are that 

at the end of the day when the kids 

have gone to bed you’re still able 

to enjoy your home without being 

met with the garish colours play 

mats so often tend to be. Starting 

from £80.00 with many designs 

to choose from. Available from: 

totterandtumble.co.uk 

MAGNETIC MOUSE: 

With a beautiful range of prints 

including their signature mouse 

design, and gorgeous Liberty print 

florals, Magnet Mouse clothing is 

revolutionising baby 

wear not just in 

terms of style, but 

also ease of use! 

The magnetic 

fastenings are 

perfect for quick, 

middle of the night 

changes as well 

as on the go, so 

you have can 

have more cuddles and less 

struggles. Indian Block Print Alice 

Shirt in Fresh Blue, £48, Unisex 

Mouse Babygrow Set £49.95, 

and Blue Romper Set, £45, all 

magnetmouse.co.uk 

GLOW DREAMING: 

The Glow Sleep Easy, £119.95, a 5 

in 1 sleep aid that will help create the 

perfect sleep conditions, combining 

Red LED light therapy, with organic 

Pink noise, ultrasonic Humidifier 

with optional Aromatherapy and a 

Green Light to rise. The Glow Sleep 

Easy can be app controlled from any 

room in the house and gives you 

access to their Sleep Memberships 

where you can contact their team 

for one-on-one support. Backed by 

science, engineered for sleep. For 

more information visit 

glowdreaming.co.uk 

LITTLE 

HOTDOG 

WATSON: 

Cool kids hat brand Little Hotdog 

Watson is on a mission to make 

the best kids hats in the 

whole world. They 

create high-quality, 

responsibly-made 

kidswear designed to 

give parents peace of 

mind, and are made for 

maximum adventure. 

All their Summer 

hats provide UPF50+ 

protection, have built in 

mosquito repellent and 

a keep cool fabric liner. Each hat is 

made from high quality cotton, fully 

machine washable and incorporates 

smart design technology created to 

keep young explorers comfortable 

and protected, whatever the 

weather. Starting from £30, 

littlehotdogwatson.com 

S P O T T Y 

OTTER: 

Spotty Otter, the 

renowned outdoor 

clothing brand trusted 

by parents nationwide. 

Putting the FUN back 

into Functional Kids 

outdoor gear! Designed 

to keep kids dry and 

comfortable during 

school and all their 

outdoor adventures. 

With a focus on quality, 

durability, and style, Spotty Otter’s 

range is the ultimate solution for 

parents seeking reliable protection 

against the elements. Check them 

out today at spottyotter.co.uk 

YOUR CHANCE 

TO WIN 

Win an amazing bundle featuring 

a product or selection from 

every brand on this page! Head 

to minervamagazines.co.uk/ 

competitions to find details of 

entry. Competition keyword: ‘Mega 

Baby Bundle’ 

Closes 15th July 2024. T&Cs apply. 


Discover Ditcham 

Park School 

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

Nestled in the heart of the South Downs 

National Park, with views out to the Isle 

of Wight, Ditcham Park School commands 

a rare and beautiful vista in Hampshire. 

A former hunting lodge, owned by the Cowper-Coles 

family, then a small prep school, the site was purchased by 

Ditcham’s founder – Patricia (Paddy) Holmes. Her vision was 

to create a small, nurturing independent school for children 

who would benefit from focused support and strong pastoral 

care. The school opened in the 

Autumn of 1976 with 97 pupils. 

To this day, Paddy remains a 

loyal supporter of the school 

and comes to as many events, 

shows and celebrations as 

possible – there is a strong 

sense of community within 

Ditcham that is embedded from 

pupils to parents and staff and 

you feel that the moment you 

step through the doors of the 

school. 

Today, Ditcham still retains that 

sense of support and nurture, 

maintaining small tutor groups 

to ensure that ‘every child is 

known and valued’. The school has grown to over 430 pupils, 

taking in children from rising 3 years to 16 years of age. As 

a truly independent co-educational day school, Ditcham 

has much to offer pupils with a strong record for academic 

and sporting achievement. The school boasts sweeping 

views across the Hampshire countryside, set atop one of 

the highest ‘peaks’ in the South Downs which means the 

weather can be extreme! Thankfully, Ditcham pupils and staff 

are hardy, and you will find them outside playing sports in 

horizontal rain or sleet as well as on gloriously warm summer 

afternoons. There is no bad weather at Ditcham, just bad 

shoe choices! 

Talent is celebrated and encouraged at Ditcham with a 

range of scholarships and programmes. The curriculum is 

inspired and the unique selling point is that STEAM (science, 

technology, engineering, arts and maths) is woven throughout 

every subject. Come and visit us to find out more. 

Book NOW! 

Open Morning 

11 May 

10am-1pm 

Ditcham Park School 

Where every child is known and valued 

Scan me! 

Searching for the right school for your child? 

From Pre-school to GCSE (rising 3 to 16 years), Ditcham Park is an academically outstanding yet supportive school set in 

acres of stunning South Downs parkland. 

Ditcham Park School, GU31 5RN 

10 minutes from Petersfield with 10 shuttle bus routes around the local area 

DitchamParkSchool ditchamparkschool ditcham park school 

www.ditchampark.com 


That’s Shallot 

UK Shallot help us celebrate this unsung hero! Find 

more recipes at: ukshallot.com 

SALMON AND 

SHALLOT 

TANDOORI 

SKEWERS 

These tandoori salmon skewers are 

the perfect BBQ recipe for summer, 

or they can also be grilled indoors 

on a griddle pan if it’s a classic 

British summer of rain! 

Serves: 4 

Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus 

up to 60 minutes marinating time) 

Cooking Time: 10 minutes 

For the quick pickled shallots 

4 round shallots, peeled and finely 

sliced 

125ml water 

125ml white wine vinegar 

½ tsp fennel seeds 

½ tsp cumin seeds 

1 tbsp table salt 

2 tbsp golden caster sugar 

For the skewers 

4 skinless salmon fillets (about 125g 

each) 

2 round shallots, finely chopped 

1 large garlic clove, grated 

2.5cm piece of fresh ginger, 

grated 

Juice of 1 lime 

100g Greek yoghurt 

1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder 

1 tsp ground turmeric 

1 tsp ground cumin 

2 tsp ground coriander 

2 tsp smoked paprika 

Salt and pepper, to taste 

Vegetable oil 

To serve 

4 naan breads 

4 tbsp raita 

2 tbsp coriander leaves 

1 long green chilli, finely sliced 

Lime halves 

Prepare the quick pickled shallots. 

Place the sliced shallots in a clean 

bowl. Put the water, wine vinegar, 

fennel and cumin seeds, salt 

and sugar into a small pan over 

a medium heat and stir until the 

sugar and salt are fully dissolved. 

Pour the hot pickling liquor over 

the shallots and leave to cool 

slightly. Cover the bowl and place 

in the fridge to pickle. 

To prepare the salmon, cut 

each fillet into 4 equal-sized 

chunks. Place the chunks 

in a bowl with the chopped 

shallots, garlic, ginger and 

lime juice and mix well. 

In another bowl, mix the 

yoghurt with the spices and 

some salt and pepper. Add 

this spiced yoghurt to the 

salmon and mix well again. 

Leave to marinate in a cool 

place for at least 20 minutes, 

or up to an hour. 

Once marinated, thread the 

salmon onto your skewers. 

Brush the hot barbecue or 

griddle pan lightly with a little 

vegetable oil then lay the 

skewers on it. Cook for 2–3 

minutes on each side until 

golden brown and lightly 

charred. Meanwhile, warm 

the 

naan on a low heat in the oven. 

Once cooked, transfer the skewers 

to a warm plate. 

Spread the naans with a tablespoon 

each of raita. Top with a salmon 

skewer. Scatter over the pickled 

shallots, some coriander and sliced 

green chilli. Serve with lime halves 

for squeezing over. 

CHAAT MASALA 

POTATOES AND 

SHALLOTS 

Sweet and crunchy, raw echalions 

shallots marry perfectly with crispy 

new potatoes, cold yoghurt and a 

zingy dressing in this fresh Indianinspired 

salad. 

Serves: 4 

Preparation Time: 10 minutes 

Cooking Time: 35 minutes 

For the potatoes 

750g baby new potatoes, cut 

lengthways into 1cm thick slices 

2 tbsp olive oil 

1 tsp chaat masala 

½ tsp ground turmeric 


250g thick Greek yoghurt 

1 echalion, thinly sliced on a 

mandolin or by hand 

1 green chilli, thinly sliced 

1½ tsp coriander seeds, toasted 

1½ tsp nigella seeds, toasted 

For the coriander chutney

p e r f e c t 

g i f t i n g 

1 0 % o f f 

u s i n g c o d e 

1 0 H A U S L I F E 

f a s h i o n & 

a c c e s s o r i e s 

See the full collection at hauslife.co.uk 


30g fresh coriander, reserving a few 

for garnish 

1 green chilli, deseeded and roughly 

chopped 

1 tbsp lime juice 

4 tbsp olive oil 

Salt 

To serve 

1½ tbsp shop-bought tamarind 

paste 

1½ tsp caster sugar 

¼ tsp chaat masala 

Preheat the oven to 200°C fan. Put 

a large pan of salted water on to 

boil. Once boiling add the potatoes 

and cook for 4-5 minutes until 

cooked through. Drain the potatoes. 

Add the potatoes to a large baking 

tray – drizzle with the 2 tbsp oil, 

and top with the chaat masala, 

turmeric and seasoning. Toss 

to mix thoroughly. Roast in the 

oven, stirring once or twice, for 35 

minutes, or until deeply golden. 

Meanwhile, make the coriander 

chutney. Put all the ingredients into 

a food processor or blender and 

blitz until smooth. Set aside. 

To make the tamarind dressing, 

whisk together all the ingredients in 

a small bowl with 1½ teaspoons of 

water until the sugar is dissolved. 

Set aside. 

Spread the yoghurt on a large 

serving platter. Top with half the 

coriander chutney, swirling it through 

without completely incorporating. 

Drizzle with half of the tamarind 

dressing, and top with the potatoes, 

shallot and chilli. Drizzle over the 

remaining coriander chutney and 

tamarind dressing, then sprinkle 

over the toasted seeds and reserved 

coriander leaves and serve. 

CHICKEN, 

SHALLOT AND 

CASHEW CURRY 

This warming, fragrant chicken curry 

is the perfect dish to cook over the 

weekend when you have a little bit 

more time. Serve with rice, chapatis 

and pickles for a delicious feast. 

Serves: 4 

Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus 

2 hours marinating time and 30 

minutes soaking) 

Cooking Time: 45 

minutes 

For the chicken 

2 tbsp Greek yoghurt 

2 tsp turmeric 


800g skinless bone-in chicken 

thighs and drumsticks 

2 tsp vegetable oil 

6 cloves 

1 cinnamon stick 

120g round shallots, peeled and 

finely chopped 

1 tsp sugar 

100ml warm water 

½ tsp ground cardamom 

For the cashew paste: 

75g cashew nuts 

5cm piece of ginger, peeled and 

roughly chopped 

2 green chillies 

For the temper: 

1 tbsp vegetable oil 

2 round shallots, peeled and thinly 

sliced 

30g cashew nuts 

1 tsp mustard seeds 

10 curry leaves 

Put the yoghurt, turmeric and salt 

and pepper in a bowl and stir to 

combine. Mix through the chicken, 

cover and leave in the fridge to 

marinate for at least 2 hours. 

Meanwhile, make the cashew paste. 

Soak the cashews in 100ml of 

warm water 

for half an hour. Put the cashews 

and their liquid in a blender with 

the ginger and chillies, blitzing to a 

smooth paste. 

Heat the 2 teaspoons of vegetable 

oil in a large, lidded saucepan on 

a medium heat. Add the cloves 

and cinnamon and let sizzle for a 

couple of minutes until fragrant. 

Add the shallots and cook, stirring 

often, until golden – around 6 

minutes. 

Add the chicken and fry for 8 

minutes until seared all over. 

Lower the heat, add the sugar, a 

pinch of salt and 100ml of water. 

Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, 

stirring halfway through. Stir in the 

cashew paste, simmer for a further 

5 minutes, add the cardamom, and 

take the pot off the heat. 

Allow the curry to rest whilst 

making the temper – heat the 1 

tbsp oil in a small frying pan on a 

medium heat. Add the shallots and 

cook for five minutes until starting 

to turn golden. Add the cashews 

and fry for a further 2 minutes. 

Add the mustard seeds and curry 

leaves, cook for 30 seconds. Pour 

the temper over the curry and serve 

with rice or chapati. 


Meet the Chef 

CYRUS 

TODIWALA 

The Three Counties Food and 

Drink Festival will be welcoming 

award-winning chef and author 

Cyrus Todiwala in their guest 

chef line-up on Sunday 28th July. 

Sally Thomson caught up with 

Cyrus to talk about his most 

recent cookery book and his visit 

to Worcestershire this summer. 

As an additional treat for our 

readers, Cyrus has kindly shared 

his classic Butter Chicken recipe 

with us. 

I understand that you are going 

to be involved with the Three 

Counties Food and Drink Festival 

in July, Have you done it before? 

No, not as yet, but I am looking 

forward to it. They caught me just in 

time before I made other plans. 

I understand that you were very 

much involved with your family 

cooking. So, did that trigger you 

love of cooking? 

Well, living in India you never 

thought of cooking as a profession? 

Now chefs have been glorified, 

they’ve got recognition, they’ve 

got exposure and there are now 

cooking programmes in India. 

In my days, if you opted to become 

a cook, you were considered an 

insult to a middle class family. 

Rather a disgrace more than 

anything else. 

When you entered the cooking 

profession you were fixated 

and decided that was want you 

wanted to do? 

Over a period of time, things like 

dyslexia or similar were treated 

as lethargy or laziness. There are 

certain things I just couldn’t do. 

One of them is maths, it didn’t gel 

with me. 

I’m a practical person so could 

have done a lot of things, but my 

tastebuds were good and my 

understanding of food evolved from 

childhood and over a period of time. 

What was the first dish that you 

made on your own? 

My first one was chapatis. 

We lived in what you call a joint 

family. My mother’s sister lived in 

one side of the house and we lived 

on the other side. My grand aunt 

used to make the most excellent 

chapatis. I used to help myself 

to them from her box. And with 

nobody else around I would take 

them and caramalise them with 

butter and sugar and then sell them 

to my cousins and my sister! 

Now your heritage, you have 

plethora of wonderful dishes, do 

you have one that you absolutely 

love or does it depend on your 

mood or is seasonality? Which is 

the one which makes your mouth 

water? 

As a child, one of the things I 

enjoyed most was my mother’s dish 

called eggs on potato. So we so 

coddled eggs on cumin flavoured 

potato. Do you know Ronnie 

O’Sullivan? He’s coming here for a 

class today so I’m going to teach 

him how to make that. 

We layer it up, we break a couple of 

eggs on top and we let them coddle 

nicely in the heat of the pan. 

In terms of your style of cooking 

is it Parsi cuisine? 

It was part of our upbringing as 

we are Zorastrians. Our religion is 

the oldest monotheistic religion in 

the world. We predate Christianity 

by about two and a half thousand 

years. We had to flee Persia from 

the occupation, and we had to seek 

refuge and the closest was India. But 

I do enjoy living here. Meanwhile I’m 

in love with the world. 

THE THREE COUNTIES 

FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL 

As well as cookery demonstrations 

from Cyrus, the festival will 

showcase over 160 traders 

showcasing food, drink, gifts, 

crafts, garden products, and 

delicious street food and bars. 

There’s a full menu of family 

entertainment including a cookery 

school for kids, live music and 

more cookery masterclasses from 

Phil Vickery, Rachel Allen, and 

Marcus Bean, as well as Bake-Off 

favourites, Matty Edgell and Dan 

Hunter. www.threecounties.co.uk 


BUTTER 

CHICKEN 

MASALA 

The classic Butter Chicken from 

North India, Chicken Makhani, is 

a bit different from as well as a bit 

more subtle than this. The Butter 

Chicken Masala of Bombay is so 

well known it does not even have 

any other Indian term for it. Ideally 

use the cooked Chicken Tikka 

recipe from my book, but you 

could instead marinate 4 cubed 

chicken breasts in 4 heaped 

tablespoons of thick plain yoghurt 

with 1 tablespoon of tandoori 

paste and then grill it like the tikka. 

Butter Chicken in Bombay was 

made famous by the one and only 

Delhi Durbar restaurant. Please do 

not think of calories when cooking 

this dish as the word does not 

exist here! Serves 4 

INGREDIENTS 

40g/3 tbsp butter 

2tsp chilli powder 

1tsp caster sugar 

½ tsp salt 

200g tomato puree 

juice of ½ lime 

5–7.5 cm (2–3 in) piece of fresh 

ginger, grated or finely chopped 

1 heaped tsp cumin seeds, 

toasted and ground 

2–3 green chillies, finely chopped 

(plus 1–2 extra split and added for 

flavour, optional) 

200ml double cream 

Chicken Tikka (see recipe intro) 

1 heaped tbsp chopped coriander 

MEHTOD 

Heat the butter in a kadai, wok 

or large deep frying pan until it 

foams. Remove from the heat and 

add the chilli powder, sugar and 

salt, stir well and put back onto 

the heat, stirring and cooking for a 

minute or so, then add the tomato 

pure and lime juice and cook for 

2 minutes over a low heat, stirring 

well. 

Add the ginger, half the cumin and 

the chopped chillies and cook 

over a low heat until the butter 

separates slightly. Add the split 

chillies, if using, and the cream 

and simmer for 6–8 minutes. 

Discard the split chillies. 

Add the cooked chicken tikka 

meat, and heat through until 

piping hot. Taste and re-season, 

if necessary. Sprinkle with the 

chopped coriander and the 

remaining toasted ground cumin. 


TJAN 

TIMBER PRODUCTS 

Hardware | Switches & Sockets | Lighting 

corston.com 

MANUFACTURERS OF 

GARDEN SHEDS & 

SECTIONAL BUILDINGS 

WE ALSO MANUFACTURE: 

PLAY HOUSES. STORAGE CHESTS. 

GARDEN TIDYS. SUMMERHOUSES. 

LOG STORES. POULTRY HOUSING. 

KENNELS & OTHER PET HOUSING. 

CONCRETE BASES OFFERED 

RE-FELTS 

BAKERS FARM, SELSEY RD, SIDLESHAM, 

CHICHESTER, WEST SUSSEX. PO20 7NE. 

T: 01243 641 683 

E:INFO@TROJANTIMBERPRODUCTS.CO.UK 

QualityRadiators.Delivered 

.com 


From beaches, to 

history, to mini-golf, 

this journey has it all! 

Explore by bus with 

This fascinating and scenic day out involves fab journeys on two great bus 

routes all the way from historic Chichester to the famous seaside town 

of Bognor Regis and back, then travelling through remote atmospheric 

Sussex countryside to the delightful village of Selsey. Charming and 

historic villages, serene sandy beaches - this trip is ideal for nature and 

heritage lovers and provides a fun day out for all. 

09:00 Join the 700 bus at Chichester Bus Station (Bay 8) for a scenic ride 

to Bognor Regis 

09:35 Alight the bus at Bognor Regis Railway Station and check out 

Heygates Book Shop which is next to the station entrance 

Devour this truly amazing, independent book shop where you can lose 

yourself in this literary emporium and also enjoy a coffee and chat with the 

friendly owner Jason. 

10:00 Enjoy a 10 minute southerly stroll past independent coffee shops 

and chains to Bognor Regis High Street 

10:25 Board the number 600 bus in Bognor Regis High Street (Stop B) 

towards Pagham 

10:45 Disembark the bus at Pagham Parade and take a short walk to the 

seafront and Pagham Beach 

Pagham Beach features a shoreline approximately 1 ½ miles long. At low tide, 

expansive stretches of beach are unveiled, allowing folk to explore tidal pools 

and collect seashells. There’s some lovely cafes straddling the beach too! 

11:25 Back on board 600 bus at Pagham Parade 

Continued over page

11:58 Disembark at Chichester Westgate (Stop U) and cross the road to 

explore the world famous Chichester Cathedral built in 1108 

13:25 Board the 51 bus from Chichester Cathedral (Stop P) towards Selsey 

13:43 Stop off at Hunt Recreational Ground and take a short walk to 

Ocean Paradise Indoor Glow Adventure Golf 

18 holes of walking the plank, finding buried treasure, and swimming with 

enchanted mermaids; there really isn’t a golfing experience like it! Some love 

it for the amazing scenery and story told from hole to hole, others for beating 

their mate on that tricky 16th hole. Discover the deeps, sail the seven seas and 

get that ever elusive hole in one... 

16:09 Get back on board the 51 bus at the same stop as you alighted 

earlier in Selsey Road, opposite Green Lane 

16:25 Disembark at Selsey Lifeguard Station and walk along the 

promenade 

Soak up the sea breeze and scenic views of the sandy beach. Stop off at 

Paddy’s Plaice for some delicious classic fish and chips. Stroll up as far as East 

Beach Play Park, cutting inside on the path to the calming East Beach Pond. 

This is a delightful retreat before walking to the end of the path, turning left 

and crossing the road to the bus stop in Constable Drive. 

17:12 Re-join the 51 bus in Constable Drive back to Chichester arriving at 

18:01 

Also worth checking out in Selsey if you are staying longer: 

Visit Sussex Sea Charters and 

take a trip out to the sea. 

Visit Selsey East Beach. A 

popular sandy beach with 

scenic views stretching the 

east coast of Selsey. It’s great 

for sunbathing and picnics. 

Visit West Beach. Located on 

the western side of Selsey, 

this beach offers a quieter 

atmosphere and is ideal for 

strolls along the shoreline. 

For further details, be sure to go to: 

https://www.greatscenicjourneys.co.uk/journey/700- 

portsmouth-bognor-chichester/chichester-east-wittering/ 

Buses run aprox every 20 minutes 

The above timings relate to Mondays to Fridays services

DYSON KING 

Architectural Ironmongers Ltd 

The experts with over 25 years experience in supplying fittings for all doors, 

windows, gates, locks and safes. 

Comprehensive stocks of olde worlde, black antique, polished brass, china, crystal cut 

perspex, real bronze and satin aluminium. 

Full scheduling service to architects, builders and the general public. 

Tel: 01243 776739 | www.dysonking.com 

office@dysonking.com 

Unit 5, Chichester Trade Centre, Quarry Lane, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 8ET 


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 


Don’t miss 

out on our exclusive 

HOT TUB 

SALE 

during May 

and June 

Stockist of all your home 

aquatic needs: 

Hot Tubs 

Above Ground Pools 

Pool Covers 

Pool Heating 

Cleaning products/ 

equipment 

Weekend 330 

with 2 loungers 

ON SALE 

for 

£3995 

www.blueribandpools.co.uk 

Experience our outdoor showcase featuring 

9 fully operational hot tubs 

Showroom is open 7 days a week 

Drayton Leisure and Retail Centre, A259 Bognor Road, 

Chichester, West Sussex PO20 1EG

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 


A BRITISH GARDEN CENTRES GUIDE 

Companion planting 

Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves planting different types of plants 

together for their mutual benefit. This method not only helps protect plants from pests and 

diseases, but also promotes pollination, saves space, enhances productivity, and attracts 

beneficial insects. Companion planting is an effective and eco-friendly way of gardening as it 

eliminates the need for chemical sprays to repel insects and other pests. 

BEANS WITH SWEETCORN AND SQUASH 

A good example of the companion planting method is the “three 

sisters” method. This technique involves planting three main crops - 

beans, sweetcorn, and squash - together in the same plot of land. 

The beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they can convert 

nitrogen from the air so it can be used by the soil. This process helps 

to increase soil fertility and provides the sweetcorn and squash with 

the necessary nutrients to grow. The sweetcorn acts as a natural trellis 

for the beans to climb. As the beans grow up the corn stalks, they 

provide stability, whilst the beans also provide shade to the soil, which 

helps to keep it moist and cool. The squash acts as a natural mulch, 

which helps to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds. 

GARLIC WITH ROSES 

Planting garlic bulbs at the foot of roses makes them taste nasty to 

aphids, ants, snails and flea beetles. The beautiful globe flowers of the 

garlic also have the added benefit of attracting bees and butterflies. 

Garlic is also said to help with powdery mildew when sprayed on the 

plant as well as enhancing the rose’s fragrance. 

TOMATOES AND BASIL 

Planting basil near tomato plants can be beneficial as the aromatic 

oils released by basil can enhance the flavour of tomatoes. Basil 

also has natural pest-repelling properties, which can help protect the 

tomato plants from insects like aphids and whiteflies. 

MARIGOLDS WITH VEGETABLES 

If you are looking for a natural and effective way to ward off harmful 

insects like aphids and whitefly, French marigolds could be the perfect 

solution and act as a natural repellent for pests that can damage your 

vegetable patch. We recommend planting French marigolds alongside 

peas, beans, potatoes, and sweetcorn. 

ONIONS WITH CARROTS 

Planting onions alongside carrots can be extremely beneficial for 

both vegetables? Onions have a strong scent that acts as a natural 

repellent for root flies, which are known to damage carrot growth. Not 

only does this method offer a practical solution for pest control, but it 

also maximises the use of your vegetable. 

HERBS AND BRASSICAS 

Did you know that certain herbs can not only enhance the flavour of 

cabbage, broccoli, and kale but also keep away unwanted pests like 

cabbage moths? Thyme, Sage, and Rosemary are some of the most 

effective herbs when it comes to repelling cabbage moths, thanks to 

their strong scent. 

LAVENDER AND CHILLI 

Planting lavender and chilli together offers multiple benefits for your 

garden. Lavender’s aromatic scent acts as a natural pest repellent, 

deterring insects like aphids and moths that can harm chilli plants, 

while also attracting beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, 

enhancing pollination and resulting in a better chilli harvest. 

Awnings 

Shutters 

Blinds 

Pergolas 

Visit our showroom: 57 Hatch Pond Road, Nuffield Ind. Estate, Poole BH17 0JZ 

*exclusions apply 


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 


Sambuca Tumbled & Aged Limestone - Reminiscent of the 

original flagstone floor, the Sambuca limestone features soft 

shades of grey and blue along with hand cut tumbled edges and 

a brushed aged finish. Random length x 500 x 20mm size. Can 

go inside and out. £53.94m², terzettostone.co.uk 

Composite decking is a great choice for lowmaintenance, 

long-lasting decking. Envirobuild’s 

decking is also made from 90% recycled 

materials, using 100% wind farm energy. From 

£29.69 per 4m length, envirobuild.com 

GARDEN 

Glow Up 

There’s still time to transform your space for the 

summer - here are some beautiful products to help 

your transformation 

Solar Lanterns, 

on sale from 

£175 each, 


Porcelain works wonderfully in 

a variety of settings - it’s super 

hard-wearing and anti-slip, 

making it perfect for patios. 

Chorus White Italian Porcelain 

– Available In and Out. You can 

create a trade account online to 

receive reduced prices. Price from 

- £43m²., rflandscapeproducts. 

co.uk 

Lacock Lounge Set, 

currently on sale for 

£1452, hauslife.co.uk 

Astor 8 Seat Square Dining 

Set, currently on sale for 

£974.99, envirobuild.com 


NOTES FROM THE 

Garden 

By now we have enjoyed snowdrops, 

daffodils, cherry blossom and so much 

more from tulips to the brilliant green of 

new leaves on the trees… and there is so 

much more to come. 

Currently and over the 

past months there has 

been a huge amount 

of media coverage of 

mental health - both 

the fleeting and the 

fundamental, and also 

a number of reports 

about the benefits of 

gardening. 

After a stressful day, if 

you are lucky enough 

to have an outdoor 

space, just a few 

minutes breathing 

the air, watching the 

birds and seeing the 

seasonal changes can be 

incredibly beneficial. 

Tending your houseplants can be, too. Your garden is your 

own personal space, it is a valuable resource for you and 

for your family and making it a space you want to spend 

time in is so important. It need not cost a fortune, or indeed 

anything, there are often items on websites that are free to 

pick up, gardeners love to share seeds and cuttings and it is 

amazing how quickly you can enjoy the fruits of your labour, 

from a bunch of flowers to bring the outdoors inside, to a 

salad of your own home grown leaves. It has so much to offer 

so I hope your gardens bring you joy - and help to keep you 

healthy in mind and body. 

For more advice, visit Matt Bigg’s website: 

www.matthewbiggs.com 

Enhance Do you need your shelter outdoor and living shade? 

space 

Herb Garden 

Herbs & Vegetable Plants 

Bedding Plants 

Stable Manure 

Seed Potatoes 

& Onion Sets 

Cottage Garden Plants 

and Shrubs 

Open Mon to Sat 

9am to 4pm 

Verandas • Glass • Rooms • Awnings • • Pergolas 

Carports • Solar • Garage Doors & Shutters & Shutters 

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

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 33 

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

NEW BEGINNINGS 

Choosing Retirement Accommodation 

As one approaches retirement 

age, the prospect of downsizing 

and moving into retirement 

accommodation becomes 

increasingly relevant. It’s a significant 

decision that requires careful 

planning. Here, we delve into some 

common considerations to help guide 

you through this transitional phase. 

LOCATION, LOCATION, 

LOCATION 

First and foremost, consider the 

location. Do you want to stay close 

to family and friends, or perhaps 

venture to a new area for a fresh 

start? Think about amenities nearby, 

such as shops, healthcare facilities, 

and recreational activities. Access 

to public transport is also crucial 

for maintaining independence 

and staying connected with the 

community. 

TYPES OF 

ACCOMMODATION 

Retirement accommodation 

comes in various forms, including 

independent living apartments, 

retirement villages, and assisted 

living facilities. Determine the 

level of support you require and 

choose accommodation that aligns 

with your needs and preferences. 

Independent living offers freedom 

and autonomy, while assisted living 

provides additional support with 

daily tasks and healthcare services. 

FINANCIAL 

CONSIDERATIONS 

Budgeting plays a vital role in the 

decision-making process. Consider 

the cost of accommodation, including 

any ongoing fees for maintenance, 

utilities, and services. Explore 

financial options such as selling your 

current property, renting, or accessing 

equity release schemes. 

FUTURE-PROOFING 

Planning for the future is essential 

when considering retirement 

accommodation. Think about how 

your needs may change over time 

and whether the accommodation 

can accommodate those changes. 

Look for features such as accessible 

design, mobility aids, and flexible 

care options. By future-proofing your 

choice, you can ensure that your 

retirement accommodation remains 

suitable and supportive in the years 

to come. 

HEALTHCARE AND 

SUPPORT SERVICES 

As we age, our healthcare 

needs may evolve. Consider 

proximity to healthcare facilities 

and the availability of support 

services. Assess whether the 

accommodation offers on-site 

healthcare professionals, emergency 

assistance, and access to additional 

care if needed. Prioritising access 

to healthcare can provide peace of 

mind and ensure your well-being as 

you age. 

LEGAL AND 

CONTRACTUAL 

CONSIDERATIONS 

Before finalising any agreements, 

thoroughly review the legal and 

contractual aspects of the retirement 

accommodation. Seek legal advice 

if necessary to understand the 

terms and obligations involved. Pay 

attention to details such as lease 

agreements, service contracts, 

and exit fees. It’s crucial to have 

clarity regarding your rights and 

responsibilities as a resident. 

SOCIAL AND 

RECREATIONAL 

OPPORTUNITIES 

Retirement accommodation often 

provides a range of social and 

recreational activities to enrich 

residents’ lives. From fitness 

classes and hobby groups to 

communal events and outings, 

these opportunities foster a sense 

of community. Take the time to 

explore the amenities and social 

offerings available within different to 

find the right fit for your lifestyle. 

EMBRACING THE 

JOURNEY 

Moving into retirement 

accommodation marks the 

beginning of a new chapter in 

life. Embrace this transition with 

optimism and open-mindedness. 

Take the time to explore different 

options, ask questions, and involve 

loved ones in the decision-making 

process. By carefully considering 

your needs and preferences, you 

can embark on this journey with 

confidence and enthusiasm. 

Choosing retirement accommodation 

requires thoughtful planning and 

consideration of various factors. By 

focusing on location, accommodation 

type, financial considerations, social 

opportunities, healthcare services, 

future-proofing, legal aspects, and 

embracing the journey, you can make 

an informed decision that aligns 

with your lifestyle and preferences. 

Remember, this transition is an 

opportunity for new beginnings and 

exciting possibilities. 


QUALITY CARE AT HOME 

As a registered Care Provider, Inter-County can offer a 

flexible service, tailored to your own individual 

requirements. We can provide you with skilled, friendly 

and reliable staff to help you maintain your 

independence and stay in the comfort of your own home. 

INTER-COUNTY 

NURSING & 

CARE SERVICES 

www.inter-county.co.uk 

‘Outstanding’ CQC rating 

Time specific visits 

Person centred care 

Flexible approach 

Regular team of carers 

Management support 24/7 

Contact your local office for more information on our services 

covering Chichester, Rustington and the surrounding areas 

Chichester 

01243 528777 

Rustington 

01903 782555 

If you are interested in 

joining our wonderful 

team of carers, please get 

in touch! 


THE ALDWICK COLLECTION 

NOW LAUNCHED 

Wildbridge 

Yapton BN18 0JN 

WHERE VILLAGE LIFE MEETS COASTAL LIVING 

Beautifully designed new 2, 3 & 4 bedroom shared ownership 

houses, located only 10 miles from Chichester. 

All homes feature high quality specification: 

Flooring throughout 

Private turfed gardens 

Kitchen appliances 

Allocated parking 

Guide prices start from £108,500 for a 35% share* 

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO VISIT THE 

MARKETING SUITE AND SHOW HOME TODAY 

hydenewhomes.co.uk 

FIND OUT MORE 

*Hyde New Homes terms and conditions apply. Price based on a 2 bed house with full 

market value of £310,000. Subject to availability. CGI exterior and show home interior 

images are indicative only. Approximate travel times taken from Google Maps. April 2024

Azure - West Sussex Lifestyle May - Jun 2024

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?