West Dorset Living Jun - Jul 2024

YOUR FREE COPY 

JUNE/JULY 2024 

dorset 

living 

Improve 

Don’t 

MOVE 

Tips on adding the most 

value to your home 

WIN 

A GARDEN LOUNGE 

SET, LUXURY 

SWIMWEAR, KITCHEN 

& BATHROOM 

ACCESSORIES & 

MORE 

easy summer 

STYLE 

Winning looks for a 

stylish summer 

that’s 

SHALLOT 

Celebratory recipes with 

this humble vegetable 

FOOD & DRINK • EVENTS • LIFESTYLE • INTERVIEWS • TRAVEL

Are you ready to relax 

in Dorset? 

Scan the QR 

code to view our 

homes for sale 

Welcome to Cauldron 

Barn Farm Park 

This stunning park is spread over 14 acres of land 

in the Purbeck Hills with outstanding views of the 

beautiful Dorset countryside. 

The park currently has 5 beautiful park homes 

available for those looking for new beginnings in 

gorgeous rural surroundings. 

Prices starting from £297,000 for a luxurious park 

home, fully furnished and beautifully decorated 

throughout. 

Call us on 01935 862079 or email 

sales@berkeleyparks.co.uk to enquire about a 

home in this park. 

Stunning 

locations 

Fully 

furnished 

Step by 

step advice 

Help to move 

schemes 

Bespoke 

fit-outs 

Call our team on 01935 862079 or email sales@berkeleyparks.co.uk

18 20 

C O N T E N T S 

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 

JACK ADDING STEIN VALUE INTERVIEW TO YOUR & RECIPE HOME 

22 16 

FOR ADVERTISING 

Account Manager Laura Rodney 

e laura@minervapublications.co.uk 

t 01225 984501 

Front Cover courtesy of Knoll Gardens 

04 

COMPETITIONS 

10 27 

PLANTS FOR POLLINATORS 

SUMMER FASHION 

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. 

A NOTE 

from the editor 

I’ve realised more recently 

that my emotional bandwidth 

I had my first English 

is a bit like a plant...a bit of 

strawberry this week, and my 

word, 

sunshine 

it was 

and 

beyond 

I become 

delicious 

a 

- 

different 

perfectly 

person! 

sweet, it was a 

very good advert for eating 

seasonally. As the sun I’ve starts tried to to peek echo 

this out from in all behind my recent the fruit clouds, and 

vegetable this edition purchases, is bursting and with it’s 

had stories a transformative to put a spring effect in your on 

my step cooking and a - smile everything on your just 

tastes face. better - more vibrant, 

needing less seasoning and 

just I’m overall mid-renovation very tasty. with my 

home at present and I know 

I’m the various making pitfalls the of most certain of 

cooking projects on whilst a cost I still vs have benefit a 

kitchen analysis. - mine We’ve is asked due to the be 

ripped experts out at the in two HomeOwners’ weeks and 

it Alliance will be to camping do the hard stove work and 

air for frying us and for give two us months an insight from 

there! into those I’ve already renovations picked which my 

kitchen, will give but maximum it got me value thinking for 

about minimal all outlay. the other areas that 

need updating in my home. If 

you On the are foodie thinking front of a we similar have 

refresh, some recipes please celebrating check out our an 

home unsung pages hero - this the edition flavour-packed 

full shallot. of inspiring Who trends knew 

they’re 

and that a this few versatile timeless classics. little root 

veg could be used in so 

We’ve many different also got ways! some lovely 

editorial on the best plants 

for If you pollinators are looking - to it’s shake never up 

been 

your wardrobe 

so important 

a little 

to support 

as the 

wildlife 

mercury 

in 

rises, 

the garden. 

check out our 

summer style guide - we are 

The 

all about 

competition 

those easy-breezy 

guide this 

issue is a bumper one - we 

pieces that still make you 

have an outdoor furniture 

looked pulled together. 

set from Bramblecrest worth 

nearly £3,000, plus a cordless 

Our later life guide sees an 

lawnmower worth £679 to get 

insightful guide to retirement 

that garden in shape. This, 

accommodation - perfect 

plus a lot more makes it well 

worth 

if you’re 

a look 

considering 

and an enter! 

those 

next big steps. 

We will be back again in 

August 

We will 

- 

be 

I’ll 

back 

be fully 

again 

rebooted 

in the 

and height recharged of summer into - hopefully summer 

mode. having See already you then! had some 

lovely sunshine and looking 

forward to some wonderful 

August scorchers 

Katie 

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

Letting your holiday home 

has never been easier 

At Dorset Hideaways our local team is well 

placed to help you let your holiday home 

Benefits include: 

A Marketing or Marketing and Managed service 

Excellent occupancy levels | Competitive commission rate 

Peace-of-mind damage cover | Professional photography 

No restrictions on the use of your property 

Request your FREE Property Letting Guide today 

dorsethideaways.co.uk | 01929 448 708 

Office in Dorchester 

PENDENT LIVING, RENT-FREE AND COUNCIL 

AX-FREE ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE 

INDEPENDENT LIVING, RENT-FREE AND COUNCIL 

TAX-FREE ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE 

, The Home of Devenish, a charity based in Dorset, with 

ws and two maisonettes, has been providing free, unfurnished, 

t accommodation for single Christian women who are widows of 

M Armed Forces or of ordained clergy. 

ll cared 

, resident 

Since 1962, The Home of Devenish, a a charity based in in Dorset, with 

Since 1962, The Home of Devenish, charity based in Dorset, with 

23 with bungalows 23 bungalows and two and maisonettes, two maisonettes, has been has providing been providing free, unfurnished, 

free, 

23 bungalows and two maisonettes, has been providing free, unfurnished, 

independent unfurnished, accommodation independent accommodation for single Christian for single women Christian who are women widows of 

independent accommodation for single Christian women who are widows of 

officers who are in widows HM Armed of officers Forces in or HM of ordained Armed Forces clergy. or of ordained clergy. 

officers in HM Armed Forces or of ordained clergy. 

NOW, the charity has opened NOW, its doors the charity to women has who opened are themselves its doors to retired women 

NOW, the charity has opened its doors to women 

ordained NOW, members the of charity the who clergy are has or themselves officers opened in retired the its Forces. doors ordained to members women of the 

who are themselves retired ordained members of the 

who are themselves clergy 

clergy retired or officers Our 

or officers ordained spacious the Forces. properties, the Forces. members set of in attractive the 

Our spacious managed properties, gardens, set are in within attractive an easy managed bus 

clergy or officers Our spacious properties, set in attractive managed 

gardens, 

in the 

are 

Forces. 

within ride of an local easy amenities bus ride and of local the historic amenities and the 

Our spacious 

gardens, 

properties, 

are within an easy bus ride of local amenities and the 

historic seaside seaside set town in town of attractive Weymouth. of Weymouth. managed 

historic seaside town of Weymouth. 

gardens, are within an If you’re finding it hard to cope in your present home, 

If you’re 

easy 

finding 

bus If you’re ride finding 

it hard 

of 

to 

local it hard 

cope 

amenities to cope in your 

in your present 

and 

home, 

the 

please write, email present or home, telephone please for write, a brochure email or and telephone 

historic seaside town please of write, Weymouth. email or telephone for brochure and 

application form. a If brochure you are and not application sure whether form. you qualify, 

“We’re so well cared application form. If you are not sure whether you qualify, “The children don’t have 

“We’re If so well you’re cared finding please it hard contact to us. cope We would in your love present to help if we home, can. “The children don’t have 

for.” Patricia, resident 

If you are not sure whether you qualify, please 

please contact us. We would love to help if we can. 

to worry.” Eleanor, resident 

for.” since please Patricia, 

1990. write, resident email Note: or The telephone properties contact are for not us. a We warden brochure would controlled. love and to help if we can. to 

since 

worry.” 2011. 

Eleanor, resident 

since 1990. 

Note: The properties are not warden controlled. 

since 2011. 

application form. If you are Note: not The sure properties whether are not you warden qualify, controlled. 

“The children don’t have 

please contact us. We would love to help if we All can. correspondence & enquiries to to the General Manager: 

All Mrs correspondence L Turner, Flat 6, & 14 enquiries 

worry.” Eleanor, resident 

Wyke Road, to the General Manager: 

Note: The properties are not warden controlled. 

Mrs Weymouth L Turner, DT4 Flat 9QE 6, 14 Wyke since Road, 2011. 

Weymouth DT4 9QE 

THE HOME 

OF DEVENISH 

WEYMOUTH DORSET 

THE 

THE 

HOME 

HOME 

OF 

OF 

DEVENISH 

DEVENISH 

WEYMOUTH DORSET 

WEYMOUTH REGISTERED CHARITY DORSET NO.202400 

REGISTERED CHARITY NO.202400 

07878 

01305 

949204 

457698 

Web: www.homeofdevenish.org.uk 

Web: Email: www.homeofdevenish.org.uk 

office@homeofdevenish.org.uk 

Email: office@homeofdevenish.org.uk 

All correspondence & enquiries to the General Manager: 

Mrs L Turner, Flat 6, 14 Wyke Road, 

Weymouth DT4 9QE 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 5 

Web: www.homeofdevenish.org.uk

P E D A L Y O U R W A Y 

T O H E A L T H 

BUSY BEE’S QUICK GUIDE TO FITNESS 

WITH PELOTON BIKE+ 

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for self-care 

can feel like an impossible feat. But fear not, fellow busy 

bees, because with the Peloton Bike+ in your corner, 

achieving your fitness goals has never been easier—or 

more convenient. 

Gone are the days of spending hours at the gym. With 

the Peloton Bike+, you can squeeze in a killer workout 

in as little as 20 minutes. Whether you prefer a heartpumping 

HIIT ride or a scenic journey through virtual 

landscapes, there’s something for everyone. And with 

motivating instructors guiding you every step of the 

way, you’ll be breaking a sweat and crushing your 

goals in no time. 

But the benefits don’t stop there. Regular exercise isn’t 

just about looking good; it’s also about feeling good. 

With each pedal stroke, your body releases a flood of 

endorphins, leaving you with an unmistakable postworkout 

glow. Plus, the sense of accomplishment that 

comes with completing a workout—even a short 20 

minute blast —can do wonders for your mental wellbeing. 

And let’s not 

forget about 

the community. 

Peloton isn’t 

just a bike; 

it’s a tribe. 

Whether 

you’re 

high-fiving 

strangers 

from across the globe 

or engaging in friendly competition with your fellow 

riders, there’s something undeniably uplifting about 

being part of a supportive community. 

So, to all my fellow busy bees out there, I leave you with 

this: don’t let your packed schedule be an excuse to 

neglect your health. With Peloton Bike+ by your side, you 

have the power to transform even the busiest of days into 

an opportunity for growth, both physically and mentally. 

So, clip in, crank up the resistance, and let’s pedal our 

way to a brighter, healthier tomorrow. See you at the 

virtual finish line! onepeloton.co.uk 

Airports 

Ports 

Tours 

Trips & 

Events 

Weddings 

extramileuk.co.uk Tel: 01305 767 788 enquiries@extramileuk.co.uk 


Walk-in Shower 

or Wetroom? 

We can help you decide 

• Specialists in accessible 

bathing 

• Walk-in showers. walk-in 

baths and wetrooms 

• Free home visits and 

quotations 

• Full design and installation 

service 

• Over 24 years experience 

• Rated ‘Excellent’ on 

Trustpilot 

• Discounts for ex-military 

personnel 

AHM is rated Excellent 

by our customers 

Request a free brochure 

01823 661910 

www.ahminstallations.co.uk 

PROOF 

28 Years of Mobility Excellence 

Latest & Largest Range in Dorset 

4 Mobility Scooters 

4 Manual/Powered Wheelchairs 

4 Stairlifts 

4 Rise/Recline Armchairs 

4 Profiling Beds 

4 Daily Living Aids 

4 Servicing & Repairs 

Over 

28 

Years of Serving 

Dorset 

- 

Dorchester 

Paceycombe Way, Poundbury, DT1 3WB 

01305 21 31 41 

Dorchester 

Paceycombe Way, Poundbury, Weymouth DT1 3WB 

117 Radipole Lane, Weymouth, 01305 DT 21 4 9SS 31 41 

01305 77 Weymouth 44 22 

117 Radipole active-mo Lane, Weymouth, bi I ity.co.uk DT4 9SS 

01305 77 44 22 

active-mobility.co.uk 

FREE Platinum Breakdown Cover with a loan vehicle as standard. 


GARDEN HERO 

Local Horticulturalist Neil Lucas awarded prestigious RHS Victoria Medal of Honour 

Neil Lucas is recognised as one of 

the country’s leading authorities on 

ornamental grasses and this year 

marks his 30th Anniversary at Knoll 

Gardens near Wimborne, where his 

stunning grasses, grown in the onsite 

nursery, can be seen planted in 

drifts in the gardens for all to enjoy. 

It is fitting that in this landmark year 

Neil should be awarded the Royal 

Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Victoria 

Medal of Honour in recognition of 

his services to horticulture. 

The Victoria Medal of Honour is 

awarded to British horticulturalists 

whom the RHS considers deserving 

of this special lifelong honour. 

Established in 1897 in perpetual 

remembrance of Her Majesty Queen 

Victoria’s 63-year reign - only 63 

people may hold this medal at 

any one time. Subsequently, the 

Victoria Medal of Honour is not 

awarded every year, making it all 

the more prestigious, as well as 

poignant, to be selected. 

“There is no higher horticultural 

award than the Victoria Medal 

of Honour. Those who have 

received this medal are the very 

best of the best. We at the Royal 

Horticultural Society are delighted 

that Neil Lucas VMH has been 

recognised for all that he has done 

over so many years.” Keith Weed 

CBE, President of the Royal 

Horticultural Society. 

Knoll gardens is an RHS Partner 

Garden and is renowned for its 

beautiful naturalistic plantings of 

ornamental grasses and perennials, 

and its wildlife-friendly approach to 

sustainable garden management. 

Neil Lucas said “I am delighted 

to be awarded the Victoria 

Medal of Honour by the RHS. 

Reflecting on previous and current 

recipients, who through history 

have inspired generations of 

gardeners, it is especially rewarding 

to have had my contribution to 

horticulture recognised through this 

longstanding tradition.” 

In this memorable 30th year at 

Knoll, Neil has also successfully 

launched his latest book ‘Grasses 

for Gardens and Landscapes’ and 

hosted a party of local dignitaries 

from across Dorset. 

More on Neil’s book and on the 

gardens and their history can be 

found at www.knollgardens.co.uk 

Knoll Gardens, Stapehill Rd, 

Hampreston, Wimborne BH21 7ND 


Abbotsbury Baby Swans 

Kids for £1 in May & June* 

*with a full paying accompanying adult, maximum three children. 

at Abbotsbury 

Swannery 

A new trail 

based on the 

children’s 

book series 

Open daily 10am - 5pm (last entry 4pm) 

www.abbotsburyswannery.co.uk 

25% 

OFF 

SELECTED 

COTTON PJS 

Athelhampton 

HOUSE&GARDENS 

Visit one of England’s finest 

Tudor Manor houses with 

award-winning gardens. 

Mid Season 

SALE 

U P T O 5 0 % O F F ! 

3 Abbeygate Street, Bath 

hauslife.co.uk 

House, Gardens, Restaurant 

& Gift Shop open all year. 

2024Outdoor Theatre 

Peter Pan 

Saturday June 22nd 

Hamlet 

Friday July 19th 

The Secret Garden 

Saturday August 3rd 

Easily found, follow the A35 five miles east from Dorchester 

Athelhampton House, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 7LG 

01305 848363 www.athelhampton.co.uk 


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, 


Sandals, 

£65, M&S 

UV Sunglasses, £19.99, 


Olivia Art Floral Shirt, 

£46, Fatface 


1 9 7 4 – 2 0 2 4 

Finalist in the 2023 International Opera Awards 

The home of Country House opera in South West England featuring renowned 

soloists, a full orchestra and a large chorus of emerging young artists 

World Première 

An opera in four seasons | Composer: Paul Carr 

Librettist: Euan Tait (After Thomas Hardy) 

23, 25 July at 19.00 | 27 July at 14.00 

Marking 100 years since the composer’s death… 

Giacomo Puccini 

22, 24, 27 July at 19.00 | 25 July at 14.00 

The Golden Anniversary 

Friday 26 July at 19:00 

Coade Theatre, Bryanston, Blandford Forum 

Box Office: dorsetopera.com | 07570 366 186

The Unmissable 

BALLET UNDER 

THE STARS 2024 

at HATCH HOUSE 

PERFORMANCES FROM 25th-28th JULY 

Some of the world’s most iconic dancers from the world’s most revered companies including... 

THE ROYAL BALLET, PARIS OPERA BALLET, BÉJART BALLET, 

STAATSBALLETT BERLIN, NORWEGIAN NATIONAL BALLET, 

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET 

and MANY MORE! 

UTTERLY OUT OF 

THIS WORLD... 

Country Life Magazine 

EXHILARATING... 

& UNFORGETTABLE 

Graham Watts Dance Critic/ 

National Dance Awards 

DINNER 

TICKETS 

Include: 

Three Course 

Dinner/Wine 

12 World-Class 

Performances 

Pre & Post Show 

Cocktail Bar 

On-site Parking 

ELEGANT... 

MAJESTIC... 

PRICELESS 

The Tribune 

EXQUISITE... 

HIGHLIGHT OF 

THE SUMMER 

CALENDAR 

Wiltshire Life 

Luxury Resort Partner 

Stunning 

430 SEAT 

DINNER 

THEATRE 

Created in the 

17th Century 

walled garden 

(covered for the event) 

Aviation Partner 

Official Media Partner 2024 

Magazine 

BOOK NOW! TICKETS SELLING FAST!! 

ALL-INCLUSIVE DINNER TICKETS START AT £185 

www.coventgardendance.com | events@coventgardendance.com | 01749 813313 

HATCH HOUSE, West Hatch, Tisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 6PA 

1013 CGDC Ballet Under The Stars 2024 Artwork West Dorset Living Ad 165x240mm (1).indd 1 15/05/2024 17:27

Road Test Review 

GENESIS ELECTRIFIED GV70 

Are you in need of an electric vehicle that meets the demands of family life and feels 

like a smooth estate to drive? Enter the Genesis Electrified GV70. 

OVERVIEW 

Genesis is the luxury arm of Hyundai, who 

have been making huge strides in the 

SUV market with their perennially-popular 

Kona and Tuscon models. They’ve 

taken these successes and refined 

them, creating the Electrified GV70 - a 

stunning luxury crossover - from its gently 

articulated curves to a beautifully-decked 

out interior, this is a luxurious ride in every 

sense. We took it for a spin... 

DRIVING 

Given its heft, it handles corners 

surprisingly well - this is largely thanks 

to the rear-biased power delivery, which 

means the nose goes where you point it. 

Comfort is king, with the combination of its 

whisper-quiet motor and noise-cancelling 

technology - it effectively minimises 

wind noise with its standard acoustic 

windscreen and laminated side windows. 

RANGE 

The official range of the Genesis 

Electrified GV70 stands at 283 miles, 

although opting for the 20-inch wheel 

configuration slightly reduces it to 276 

miles. However, in real-world conditions, 

a more realistic estimate would be 

around 230 miles - still more than 

enough for day-to-day life, as well as 

some significant road trips. 

POWER 

Simplicity reigns in the Genesis Electrified 

GV70 lineup, boasting a singular 

mechanical configuration: dual electric 

motors and a four-wheel-drive setup, 

culminating in a formidable total power 

output of up to 483bhp. This propels 

the GV70 to achieve a brisk 0-62mph 

acceleration in just 4.2 seconds, eclipsing 

the performance of competitors such as 

the BMW iX3, Jaguar I-Pace, Tesla Model 

Y Long Range, and Volvo C40. 

INTERIOR 

The standard 14.5in infotainment screen 

is one of the largest you’ll find in the 

class. However, for shorter drivers, it 

can be a little hard to reach because of 

its high-placement on the dashboard 

- happily, there’s a dial on the central 

console to control the screen too. 

Overall the interior feels spacious and 

luxurious, with soft coatings on all the 

areas you regularly touch. The many 

options for seat and steering wheel 

adjustments amplify the comfort - 

adjustable lumbar support is standard, or 

opting for the Comfort Seat pack adds a 

massaging driver’s seat. 

Front and rear parking sensors, along 

with a reversing camera, are included 

as standard features. Additionally, the 

Electrified GV70 offers a clever feature 

to aid in kerb visibility through its side 

mirrors: when in reverse, the reversing 

lights project lines onto the ground 

behind the car. 

CHARGING 

The GV70 boasts a faster charging 

capability compared to the iX3 and 

Model Y, as it can accept power at a 

rate of up to 240kW. This translates 

to approximately 18 minutes for a 

10-80% charge when utilising a rapid 

charger with such capacity. On the other 

hand, a home wall charger will take 

approximately 12 hours to complete a full 

0-100% recharge. 

SAFETY & SUPPORT 

All models come equipped with 

automatic emergency braking (AEB) 

featuring pedestrian detection, lanekeeping 

assistance, and rear cross-traffic 

alert. The Innovation Pack enhances 

safety further with additional automated 

functionalities, including lane-change 

assist on motorways, blind-spot 

monitoring, and an upgraded emergency 

braking system. 

Unique to Genesis, a Genesis Personal 

Assistant will help you at every stage of 

your journey, from your initial enquiry, 

through the ordering process, to servicing. 

They’ll help you choose the right model, 

arrange your test drive from home and 

help you build and order your perfect car. 

Every Genesis comes with five 

years’ peace of mind included. The 

comprehensive care plan includes 

warranty, scheduled services, roadside 

assistance as well as courtesy cars. 

OVERALL 

This is a phenomenal vehicle which 

stands tall alongside other makes in the 

class. More than once, we returned to 

the car in a car park to see it getting an 

admiring look over - it certainly does turn 

heads and has an elegant presence. It’s 

equally comfortable in the city and on 

country roads - it really does offer the 

best of all worlds. 

AWD Dual Motor Sport £65,105 (OTR). 

To start your journey with Genesis 

please look at the website 

www.genesis.com 


ADVERTISING FEATURE 

Local home care company 

pledges to help boost 

early dementia diagnosis 

and drives awareness 

with dementia bus visit. 

This Dementia Action Week, Home Instead Yeovil, Sherborne, 

Bridport and Home Instead Taunton a local family run home care 

company is pledging to give out 1,000 of the Alzheimer’s Society’s 

dementia checklist. 

This enables families affected by 

dementia to seek an early diagnosis and 

receive support before it progresses 

further. Members of the community 

are being encouraged to join in with 

boosting awareness of the condition. 

In a focus to raise awareness we have 

also hosted a visit of the Dementia 

Bus for the local community with an 

immersive experience on the bus to 

know for a short while how it feels 

to have dementia. This is a unique 

experience that can give an insight into 

what Dementia might be like by using 

specialist equipment and creating a 

simulated environment. Andy Kendall, 

The Mayor of Yeovil on visiting the 

bus said, “how humbling it was to feel 

what it is like for dementia sufferers”. 

Healthcoaches, Ruth, Vikki and Julie from 

Hendford Lodge Medical Centre said 

“We all thoroughly enjoyed the unique 

experience we had and such a great idea 

to use for training purposes for everyone 

who is affected by Dementia. Having a 

real insight into the effects of this disease 

is an eye opener and certainly makes the 

awareness and understanding real, an 

overall great experience.” 

The Alzheimer’s Society’s checklist 

lists typical dementia symptoms. We 

have been distributing the checklist in 

local supermarkets and the people with 

dementia, or their loved ones, can fill 

it in and show it to a GP or healthcare 

professional. It helps show the severity 

of the condition and increases the 

chances of receiving a diagnosis, 

enabling you to seek further help. Not 

only that, it removes the need for family 

members to discuss their loved ones 

symptoms in front of them, preventing 

conflict and upset. 

As a company that supports older 

people with dementia living at home, 

Home Instead sees the impact that the 

condition has on families. The company 

has care professionals who are specially 

trained to deliver dementia care, and 

decided that Dementia Action Week, run 

by the Alzheimer’s Society, was the best 

time to raise awareness. 

Dr Mark Hunt, owner of Home Instead 

Yeovil, says: “For a number of reasons 

some people have difficulty receiving 

a dementia diagnosis. Perhaps the GP 

thinks that the person is simply showing 

signs of old age, rather than dementia. 

And maybe their loved one doesn’t think 

they have developed the condition. The 

dementia checklist is such a useful tool 

to demonstrate the common signs your 

loved one is showing, from asking the 

same question repeatedly to struggling 

to find the right word. 

“Getting an early diagnosis is important, 

and that’s the message we’re spreading 

when out in the community to mark 

Dementia Action Week. It might be that 

your loved one can get treatment to 

prevent it from progressing further. Or 

they might benefit from joining a local 

support group. Find out at an early stage 

stands you in great stead to face the 

challenges of dementia together.” 

Home Instead’s dementia training 

programme is City & Guilds assured and 

has even won a Princess Royal Training 

Award. Care professionals are equipped 

with the knowledge and skills to respond 

to common dementia symptoms and 

enable older people to live at home 

safely and happily. As a local company 

working in the community and trying to 

support clients and patients live their 

best life at home, we work with local 

agencies at every opportunity to try and 

put a smile on peoples faces. 

If you’d like to know more about the 

dementia checklist or would like to 

learn more about Home Instead’s 

care services or career opportunities, 

please email charley.holmes@ 

somersetdorset.homeinstead.co.uk or 

ring 01935 577030. 


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

AWARD 

WINNING 

SUNDAY 

LUNCH 

WEEKDAY SPECIAL 

Choose two delicious courses 

for just £16.95 

Lunch and dinner during the week. 

Proper good pub grub, locally sourced 

A great meal and a great sleep… local food and proper 

pillows, that’s what we do at the Greyhound. It’s a 

centuries old coaching inn set in an ancient Thomas 

Hardy village so pretty it takes your breath away. 

Think of soft, rounded chalk hills, watercress farms, 

thatched cottages and a trout stream running through 

it. Add in crisp white sheets, fluffy towels, free wi-fi 

everywhere and officially the best pub food in Dorset 

(two Good Pub Guide Awards) and you get the perfect 

English pub with rooms. 

There are no street lights so the night sky is carbon 

black, walk off dinner literally under moonlight! 

DOGS ARE VERY WELCOME 

01300 341 303 dorsetgreyhound@gmail.com 

www.dorsetgreyhound.co.uk 

26 High Street, Sydling St Nicholas, Dorchester DT2 9PD

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. 


A TOUCH 

Frost 

OF 

Gardening is in Adam Frost’s 

blood. The popular BBC 

Gardeners’ World presenter 

spent much of his Essex 

childhood learning how to grow 

plants at his grandparents’ 

gardens and allotments. No 

surprise then that a career in 

horticulture beckoned. 

Starting his training with a local 

parks department, he then went on 

work for the organic gardener and 

TV presenter, Geoff Hamilton. Next 

came training with David Stevens, 

the acclaimed garden designer, 

which led him to start his own 

design and build company where 

he has created show gardens at 

the Chelsea Flower Show and BBC 

Gardeners’ World Live. With four 

best-selling books under his belt 

and a busy speaking schedule too, 

we were delighted Adam found time 

to chat with us the spectacular, 

edible, headline show garden that 

he is creating for this year’s BBC 

Gardeners’ World Live at the NEC 

Birmingham (13th-16th June). 

Called The Chef’s Table, the garden 

combines his favourite hobbies - 

gardening, growing and cooking 

- and is sure to draw a crowd. It’s 

going to be a vibrant celebration of 

home-grown produce, featuring a 

rustic outdoor cooking and eating 

space set amongst an array of 

tasty plants. Adam will be hosting 

a daily programme of ‘plot-toplate’ 

themed conversations and 

demonstrations there, joined by 

chefs and culinary friends from 

sister event, Good Food Show 

Summer, including James Martin, 

Michel Roux, and Good Food’s 

Cassie Best. 

Sally Thomson caught up with him 

to find out more. 

Thank you for talking with me. 

What a glorious day - in Wiltshire, 

where I’m talking to you from 

anyway! 

I am in Bath this afternoon - I’m 

going to film at a nursery tomorrow 

- I’ve built a couple of gardens in 

Bath, when I was designing and 

building, so I’ve spent a bit of time 

down there. 

Do you think we are falling more 

in love with our gardens than 

ever? 

I think that gardening gives so 

much happiness. I have many super 

memories of being in the garden 

with my grandfather. I remember 

sitting in his shed and the rain 

pouring down and the sound was 

fantastic. And then we would go out 

and then pull the asparagus up and 

it was just such a delightful thing. 

And that’s the other thing with 

gardening is, you know, it’s a great 

place to get together and have a 

chat. And it’s a great place to create 

memories. 

A lot of us that have gardened for 

a reasonable amount of time, you 

realise how many memories we’re 

carrying, really. I think that’s quite 

magical, really. 

Can you tell us a little more 

about your show garden at this 

year’s Gardener’ World Live in 

Birmingham? 

I am creating a garden and the 

lovely thing is that once I’ve created 

this garden, the chefs and cooks 

are going to come on and cook. 

They’re going to do demonstrations. 

It’s quite self-indulgent because I 

love talking to the chefs! So I’ve got 

a whole week, really, of chatting. 

Making new memories in my show 

garden! 

See Adam at BBC Gardeners’ 

World Live at the NEC 

Birmingham (13th-16th June)

I M P R O V E 

don’t 

M O V E 

Significant home improvements are expensive, so it’s important to consider how your plans 

will add value to your home. More and more of us are choosing to improve rather than move. 

So, here the experts at the HomeOwners’ Alliance give us 10 ways to make your property 

better to live in, in a way that can also add value to your home. 

Image from Higham Furniture 

KNOCK DOWN A 

WALL FOR OPEN 

PLAN LIVING 

Spend £3,500, add £48,000 

Our research found that removing 

an internal wall to create an open 

plan kitchen and diner was the best 

way to add value to your home. It 

could cost around £3,500 but add 

£48,000 to the average London 

property or £27,000 to the average 

home in Dorset. 

Not only will this add value to your 

home, it should also make it more 

pleasant to live in, with more and 

more of us opting for open-plan 

living. Knocking down walls means 

more communal spaces where 

families can enjoy quality time 

together, whether that’s chatting 

while dinner is cooked or keeping 

an eye on kids while they do their 

homework. 

Best of all, this is a relatively simple 

project that most builders can 

complete in under a week. Meaning 

you could make almost £50k in just 

7 days! 

You may need the assistance of 

a structural engineer. A Chartered 

Structural Engineer or Chartered 

Civil Engineer can assist with the 

design of structural elements such 

as beams (RSJ’s), columns or 

retaining walls. 

BUILD A GARDEN 

ROOM 

Spend £6,700, add £10,000 

Another option is to add another 

living space outside. Building a 

garden room adds around £36,000 

to an averagely valued home in 

Surrey, or £10,000 in London, 

according to our research in 

partnership with the Federation 

of Master Builders (FMB) and The 

Guild of Property Professionals. 

SPRUCE UP YOUR 

KITCHEN 

Spend £4,000, add £15,000 

A new kitchen isn’t just a treat for 

you, it can also significantly boost 

the value of your home. Putting in a 

new worktop, cabinet doors or floor 

doesn’t have to break the bank – it 

costs around £4,000 on average. 

But, it could add £17,000 to the 

value of a London property, or the 

FMB and The Guild of Property 

Professionals found it could add 

around £15,000 to the average 

home in Cambridgeshire. 

MAKE WAY FOR 

AN ENSUITE 

Spend £7,000, add £15,000 

Another way to add extra bathroom 

space is to carve some space out of 

your master bedroom to create an 

ensuite. The job should take around 

11 days but could add £14,525 to 

the value of the average London 

home. 

CREATE A 

DOWNSTAIRS LOO 

Spend £1,500, add £26,000 

A downstairs toilet is a big 

attraction to a variety of different 

buyers. Adding one will make your 

home attractive to young families 

with children, those that like 

entertaining and don’t want guests 

wandering upstairs, to older buyers 

who might be looking to future 

proof their homes. 

So, turning wasted space, such as 

an understairs cupboard into a loo 

can add value to your home. This is

A local family run company 

with 30 years experience 

We are specialists in the following areas: 

• All colours of UPVC doors 

and windows 

• Aluminium sliding and 

• bi-fold doors and 

• windows 

• Replacement sealed units 

• Conservatories 

• Roofline 

• Cladding 

• Supply only 

• Blinds inside glass 

• Sky pod roofs 

Windows | Conservatories | Doors 

17 Maumbury Rd, Dorchester DT1 1QN 

Tel: 01305 759020 

Email: info@clarkeswindows.com 

clarkeswindows.com

Image from gardentrading.co.uk 

Image from Benjamin Moore UK 

a great project if you have a limited 

budget because for only a relatively 

small outlay of around £1,500 you 

could add around £26,000 to your 

home’s value, according to our 

research. 

CREATE A 

PARKING SPACE 

Spend £2,000, add £13,000 

We love green front gardens but 

if parking is at a premium in your 

neighbourhood, then paving over 

part of your front garden to create 

space for off road parking could 

significantly boost your home’s 

value. A parking space can add as 

much as 13% to the value of your 

home according to Direct Line. 

Our research found that a new 

driveway would add £13,354 to 

the value of the average Surrey 

property. 

You’ll need to check with your local 

council to see if you need planning 

permission. Usually, if your home 

isn’t on an A or B road you won’t 

need permission, but you will have 

to comply with your local authority’s 

regulations on dropping the kerb. 

SPRUCE UP YOUR 

BACK GARDEN 

Spend £4,000, add £9,000 

Gardens are often overlooked when 

property projects are concerned but 

ploughing some money into your 

green space can be rewarding. Our 

analysis found that adding decking 

and lighting to your back garden can 

really boost the asking price when a 

property goes on the market. 

For example, a property in Dorset 

would be worth £8,946 more after 

the job was done but would only 

require an outlay of £3,971. 

DECORATE 

Spend £1,000, add £5,000 

If you are planning to put your 

property on the market make sure 

you give it a fresh lick of paint first. 

Don’t understand the importance of 

kerb appeal by updating the exterior 

of your home. Getting professionals 

in could set you back around 

£1,000, but it could add £5,000 to 

your home’s value, according to 

property expert Phil Spencer. 

CONVERT YOUR 

L O F T 

Spend £20,000, add £40,000 

Homeowners looking to add floor 

space could significantly add value 

to their home. Loft conversions cost 

around £20,000 on average but they 

could boost your home’s value by 

£40,000, according to Spencer. 

GET PLANNING 

PERMISSION 

Spend £400, add £20,000 

If you are preparing to sell your 

home and can’t afford a big project 

to boost the value, you could 

consider just getting the planning 

permission. Buyers are prepared to 

pay quite a premium to avoid the 

paperwork involved in an extension 

and to know red tape won’t stand 

in the way of their plans and 

allowing them to start works the 

minute they pick up the keys. 

Submitting a basic planning 

application costs up to £400 but 

could add as much as 10% to the 

value of your home, according to 

insurance firm Hamilton Fraser. 

Head to hoa.org.uk for more info. 


Avenue Interiors 

(of Dorchester) 

NEW LARGER STORE 

NOW OPEN 

Unit C, St Martins Place, 

Bridport Road, Dorchester DT1 2FB 

01305 269070

NOTES FROM THE 

Garden 

The weather might be a little quixotic but 

the grass still grows and the bees still buzz 

so our gardens carry on regardless. 

If you are looking for inspiration and ideas- and like a great 

day out too - what better than a visit to a garden or country 

show. 

There will be professional nurserymen and women, show 

gardens, garden ornaments and a plethora of ideas and tricks 

of the trade to help you. 

If the idea of a show like Chelsea or Hampton Court is 

daunting and you know that you could never achieve that 

level of perfection- no one expects you to. You can pick 

a tiny corner of a show garden or even a simple plant 

combination to add to your own patch. As a show judge 

I am constantly amazed at how creative people are, how 

wonderful new plant introductions can be and what fun it is 

to share that with fellow gardeners. There is nothing more 

exciting than wandering around a marquee full of plants- just 

going wherever the mood takes you, stopping for a coffee 

or lunch and arriving home with a head full of new ideas- and 

probably aching feet! 

I have listed some, but by no means all, of the shows belowand 

I know whichever you choose you will come home with 

new ideas, new inspiration- and possibly a new plant or two! 

UPCOMING SHOWS: 

RHS Hampton Court 2-7 July 

RHS Tatton Park 17-21 July 

North Bucks County Show 1 June 

Warwickshire Game & Country Fair 22-23 June 

New Forest Show 30 July 1 August 

Wiltshire Game & Country Show 10-11 August 

Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show 14-15 August 

Cheshire Game & Country Fair 25-26 August 

Sandringham Game & Country Fair 7-8 September 

Romsey Show 14 September 

There are many more across the country both large and 

small, so check them out and have a fabulous day! 

For more advice, visit Matt Bigg’s website: 

www.matthewbiggs.com 


Hundreds of rolls of designer curtain & 

upholstery fabrics at discounted prices 

Bridport's award 

winning garden centre 

and restaurant 

Find us on the Crown roundabout where 

West Bay Road meets the A35 

grovesnurseries.co.uk 

Largest fabric selection in the South West complemented 

by professional curtain making and upholstery services. 

West Bay Road Bridport, DT6 4BA 

01308 422654 

Expert Roof & 

Gutter Care 

Roof Demossing: 

Preserve your roof, prevent damage. 

Gutter Clearing: 

Avoid water damage, ensure flow. 

⚪ Expert Techniques 

⚪ Safety Priority 

⚪ Eco-Friendly 

⚪ Satisfaction Guaranteed 

10% 

off your first 

service! 

Book Now & Protect Your Home

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. 


Selwood House 

Care Home 

Our luxury care home in Charlton 

Down is led by kindness, 

compassion and dignity. We 

offer the highest standards of 

Residential, Dementia and 

Respite care with our state-ofthe-art 

facilities. Our highly 

trained care teams deliver the 

kind of care we would want all 

our loved ones to receive. 

Oxhey Lane, Carpenders Park, 

Near Watford, Hertfordshire, WD19 5RJ 

Call us today 

01923 982 084 

Contact our Customer Relation 

Manager Kate Andrew on 

07399 062 712 

or email 

claire.masterson@countrycourtcare. 

Chestnut Road, Charlton 

Down, Dorchester, 

Dorset, DT2 9FN 

www.countrycourtcare.com

Wolfeton Manor 

Supported by the Affinity Group 

Owing to popular demand within the local community, 

Wolfeton Manor is pleased to continue offering a short stay 

service, called respite care. 

This service is designed to provide anyone needing a short 

term break to experience the excellent facilities Wolfeton 

Manor has to offer. As well as offering the client a holiday, it 

can sometimes help provide the main carer with a much 

needed rest. 

The home has a friendly relaxed atmosphere and we also 

welcome residents that need a longer more permanent stay at 

Wolfeton Manor. 

“It’s a very pleasant place to be, staff are friendly. 

Food and accommodation is excellent” - Resident 

To find out how we can help you 

please call Wolfeton Manor on: 01305 262340. 

Email: admin@wolfetonmanor.com 

www.wolfetonmanor.com f 

NEED FINANCIAL ADVICE? 

THEN YOU ALSO NEED A 

LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY 

As part of your financial planning, make sure you create a Lasting Power of Attorney. 

You will need someone you trust to be able to make decisions about your pensions 

and investments if you are unable to communicate your wishes. 

Your financial adviser does not have the legal authority to make these important 

decisions on your behalf. 

Our ‘at home’ service makes it easy and convenient for you to create your Lasting 

Power of Attorney, or update your Will. 

If you would like to talk about putting these arrangements in place, please 

call Christine on 07860 772274, or email christine@winterbornelegal.co.uk. 

W L S 


Looking for 

a GP to work 

around your 

schedule? 

Your quick and easy route to patient focused, high-quality healthcare. 

You don’t need to wait for weeks to see your GP. At Winterbourne Hospital, your private 

GP will take a proactive and complete approach to your health, providing you with 

quality, ongoing medical care. 

You’re in control 

Appointment times to 

suit your needs, with a GP 

of your choice. 

Rapid diagnostics 

Fast access to test results 

after your appointment. 

Immediate referrals 

Get your treatment at our 

hospital with one of our 

expert Consultants. 

Choose quality 

97.0% of our patients said 

their overall experience of our 

service was very good or good. 

Call us or book your appointment online today 

circlehealthgroup.co.uk/winterbourne 

0808 134 3301 

29320 2859 MKT ADV / 04.2024

Have fun this spring at 

Pine Martin Grange, your local 

award winning care home 

We offer residential, nursing and dementia care and 

would be delighted to welcome you for a tour of our 

award winning home. 

Our homes are safe and offer a range of outstanding facilities as well as 24 hour care 

and support. Get in touch today and talk through your requirements with our team. 

Please contact us on 01929 768204 or visit www.dormycare.co.uk 

PINE MARTIN GRANGE

Are you ready to relax 

in Dorset? 

Scan the QR 

code to view our 

homes for sale 

Welcome to Cauldron 

Barn Farm Park 

This stunning park is spread over 14 acres of land 

in the Purbeck Hills with outstanding views of the 

beautiful Dorset countryside. 

The park currently has 5 beautiful park homes 

available for those looking for new beginnings in 

gorgeous rural surroundings. 

Prices starting from £297,000 for a luxurious park 

home, fully furnished and beautifully decorated 

throughout. 

Call us on 01935 862079 or email 

sales@berkeleyparks.co.uk to enquire about a 

home in this park. 

Stunning 

locations 

Fully 

furnished 

Step by 

step advice 

Help to move 

schemes 

Bespoke 

fit-outs 

Call our team on 01935 862079 or email sales@berkeleyparks.co.uk

1 9 7 4 – 2 0 2 4 

Finalist in the 2023 International Opera Awards 

The home of Country House opera in South West England featuring renowned 

soloists, a full orchestra and a large chorus of emerging young artists 

World Première 

An opera in four seasons | Composer: Paul Carr 

Librettist: Euan Tait (After Thomas Hardy) 

23, 25 July at 19.00 | 27 July at 14.00 

Marking 100 years since the composer’s death… 

Giacomo Puccini 

22, 24, 27 July at 19.00 | 25 July at 14.00 

The Golden Anniversary 

Friday 26 July at 19:00 

Coade Theatre, Bryanston, Blandford Forum 

Box Office: dorsetopera.com | 07570 366 186

West Dorset Living Jun - Jul 2024

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?