South Hams Lifestyle Jun - Jul 2024

YOUR FREE COPY 

JUNE/JULY 2024 

South hams 

FEATURING DARTMOUTH, 

TOTNES, KINGSBRIDGE, 

ASHBURTON & SALCOMBE 

WIN 

easy summer 

STYLE 

Winning looks for a 

stylish summer 

A GARDEN LOUNGE 

SET, LUXURY 

SWIMWEAR, KITCHEN 

& BATHROOM 

ACCESSORIES & 

MORE 

that’s 

SHALLOT 

Celebratory recipes with 

this humble vegetable 

Improve 

Don’t 

MOVE 

Tips on adding the most 

value to your home 

FOOD & DRINK • EVENTS • LIFESTYLE • INTERVIEWS • TRAVEL

Scan to watch 

senior designer, 

Jason, discuss 

why the Sovereign 

range is so special. 

NOW IN 

STORE AT WEST 

COUNTRY STOVES, 

NEAR 

KINGSBRIDGE 

Reign supreme. 

Our NEW Sovereign range makes for 

the ultimate high-end, contemporary 

or classic, hand-crafted bespoke kitchen. 

Call to arrange a free no-obligation home design 

visit or book an appointment to visit a showroom. 

01363 773533 · ashgrovekitchens.co.uk 

Head Office and Showroom: Marsh Lane, 

Lords Meadow, Crediton, Devon, EX17 1ES

18 16 

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 11 

FOR ADVERTISING 

Account Manager Adrian Hill 

e adrian.hill@minervapublications.co.uk 

t 01225 984496 

Front cover courtesy of Fatface Clothing 

04 

COMPETITIONS 

13 27 

PLANTS FOR POLLINATORS 

COLOUR BOLT TREND 

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! 

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Get summer ready with the help 

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SWIMWEAR 

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4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Relax with Jam 

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

It’s been a puzzling few months at Jam, 

the art collective in Ashburton. We speak to 

owner, Michael Jones, to discover why… 

What’s been happening at Jam since we last spoke? 

There has been lots going on! We’ve completely refreshed our 

gallery in Ashburton with some brand new pieces to coincide 

with the launch of new products that we’re really excited about. 

We are now stocking handmade Moquette Cushions – these are 

cushions made from vintage material that’s used to upholster 

public transport systems across the world. They come in 

some really funky designs and we love them because they are 

statement pieces that, given the scarcity of some of the material 

designs still available, make them oneoff 

cushions. 

We have also just launched 

our very first jigsaw based 

on our popular Birds of 

Dartmoor print! It’s a 

1000-piece jigsaw and 

we’re proud to be working 

with a Devon-based 

jigsaw company who are 

manufacturing it for us. 

Why jigsaws? 

We have family members 

who are avid jigsaw 

enthusiasts and they 

encouraged us to adapt the Birds of Dartmoor print into a jigsaw. 

We also know that completing jigsaws has a positive impact on 

mental health as it can have a similar effect to meditation – while 

enabling people to take a break from technology to help avoid 

digital fatigue. 

Sounds great. How do I get one? 

You can order the jigsaw online at madebyjam.co.uk or pick one 

up at The Jam Gallery on North Street in Ashburton. You can also 

see our range of Moquette Cushions – and of course our prints 

and original art – online or in the gallery. 

Jam Contemporary Art 

Visit The Jam Gallery to view a range of prints, statement art pieces and 

exclusive homewares and gifts, all designed to spark a conversation. 

SHOP ONLINE 

18 North Street, Ashburton, TQ13 7QD • madebyjam.co.uk 


LOCAL HERO 

We talk to businesses in and 

around South Hams who are 

passionate about what they do... 

DARTINGTON 

CIDER PRESS - 

Pam Neaves 

Tell us more about The Cider Press 

Gallery? 

We are an independent, contemporary 

Art Gallery with over 50 artists displaying 

sculpture, ceramics, paintings, prints, glass 

art, carved wood, homeware, silver and 

decorative jewellery. Most of our artists are 

based locally and they refresh their work 

regularly. We are a friendly, welcoming 

space. We regularly have artists on site 

demonstrating their techniques and we will 

courier art to our customers all over the 

country. We are looking forward to Belinda 

Reynell demonstrating her oil painting here 

on July 5th and Diannah Lowry and myself 

will be showcasing our latest work for Devon 

Open Studios 7th - 22nd September! 

Where abouts are you? 

The gallery is based at the heart of The Cider 

Press Centre in Dartington, Totnes TQ9 6TQ. 

Tell us more about what you do Pam? 

I am an Artist and a Gallery Owner! I help 

our artists price, present and promote their 

work. I thrive on matching our customers 

with a painting, jewellery, or something else 

that have fallen in love with in the Gallery. 

How would you describe your artwork? 

My art is primarily mixed media paintings 

inspired by my travels across Devon, 

Cornwall, France, Italy and Greece. I love 

to express the emotions, sights, sounds, 

culture and atmosphere in the places I 

explore. I originally trained as a graphic 

designer and I have been a ceramic artist. 

Most recently my creative time is mainly 

spent painting. 

When is the gallery open? 

Monday - Sunday 11am - 4pm. Lots of 

parking for our visitors and a cafe close by. 

Where can I find out more online? 

Our website is www.ciderpressgallery. 

co.uk. You can also view our artists work 

and the gallery on Facebook and Instagram 

@ciderpressgallery 

AGATHA CHRISTIE 

FESTIVAL 

Tell us more about the Agatha Christie 

Festival? 

The Festival is a celebration of the Queen 

of Crime (in and around her hometown 

of Torquay), as well as the genre of crime 

writing in general. We host a five-day Fringe 

Festival with fun events in unusual places, 

followed by a four-day Literary Festival in the 

Spanish Barn at Torre Abbey. 

What can I expect at the Festival? 

We have a packed programme of events 

that includes an underground film festival 

at Kents Cavern, an improvised murder 

mystery at the Palace Theatre, a vintage 

cabaret night at Brixham Theatre and even 

the Wagatha Mystery, which is a unique 

dog-walking murder mystery. Our literary 

programme boasts everyone from Lynda La 

Plante to Ragnar Jónasson. 

When and where is it? 

It takes place from Saturday 7th to Sunday 

15th September (Agatha Christie’s birthday) 

in venues right across the towns of Torquay, 

Paignton and Brixham. The Festival HQ is at 

Torre Abbey, where we host all of the literary 

events, as well as the Festival Bookshop 

and our free Lunchtime Murder Club 

programme. 

What do you think makes Agatha Christie 

so popular? 

Her plots are genuinely clever and who 

doesn’t love to solve a mystery? They are 

also set in amazing locations, including 

manor houses and country villages, as well 

as exotic international locations, making 

them perfect for some good old-fashioned 

escapism. And her detectives like Miss 

Marple and Hercule Poirot are both timeless 

and iconic. 

Where can I find out more? 

Our full programme of Festival events 

is now live on our website at www. 

agathachristiefestival.com. Scroll to the 

bottom of the home page and enter your 

email address to get our monthly newsletter. 

You can also follow the festival on our social 

media channels. 


Dart 

Dart 

Art 

Art 

Day 

Day 

Saturday 

Saturday 

29th 

29th 

June 

June 

10am 4pm 

10am - 4pm 

A week-long celebration of the Queen 

of Crime across the English Riviera 

7-15 September 2024 

www.agathachristiefestival.com 

Royal Avenue Gardens 

Royal Avenue Gardens 

Dartmouth TQ6 9PS 

Dartmouth TQ6 9PS 

Beautiful art, 

Beautiful crafts and art, 

gifts crafts to and buy 

Live music 

Live and music 

entertainment and 

Homemade 

Homemade 

cakes and 

cream cakes and teas 

gifts to buy For more entertainment 

information, please cream teas 

contact:: 

Sue Tweed: Tel: 07955 197721 

For more 

Email: 

information, 

tweed833@btinternet.com 

please contact:: 

Sue Tweed: 

PLEASE 

Tel: 07955 

NOTE: 

197721 

Stallholders 

Email: 

by invitation 

tweed833@btinternet.com 

only due to limited numbers 

PLEASE NOTE: 

Stallholders by invitation only due to limited numbers 


JOHN LYDON 

OPENS UP 

ABOUT THE 

HEART- 

BREAKING 

LOSS OF WIFE 

N O R A T O 

ALZHEIMER’S 

And God save the Queen 

– but not the Sussexes 

– says John Lydon who 

talks about royalty, 

respect and his new tour. 

Legendary punk rocker John Lydon has spoken candidly 

about the final days with his late wife Nora, who passed 

away in 2023 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. 

J O H N 

LYDON’S 

TOUR ‘I COULD 

BE RIGHT’ IS 

ON ACROSS 

THE COUNTRY 

UNTIL 

29 JUNE. 

“It was chaotic, frustrating and mindnumbingly 

draining, but I loved taking 

care of her. I miss it like mad,” he confessed. 

In a raw and emotional interview, Lydon describes the 

agonising decision to take his wife off the respirators that 

were keeping her alive. 

“They said to me: ‘We really can’t do any more. Do we have 

your permission to stop?’ and God, what a question to have 

to answer. It was one of the most awful moments of my life,” 

he revealed. 

Lydon, 68, also shares a surprising connection he felt with 

Nora during her illness. 

“When I was seven, I almost died from meningitis and lost 

my memory for four years, so I understood how Nora felt on 

a much deeper level. But she never forgot who I was,” he 

said. 

Despite the challenges, Lydon admitted he cherished his 

time as Nora’s primary caregiver. 

“It was chaotic, frustrating and 

mind-numbingly draining, but 

I loved taking care of her. 

I miss it like mad” 

Looking ahead, Lydon, now living alone, says he’s 

determined to stay busy. 

“My friend and manager, Johnny ‘Rambo’ Stevens, also died 

last year. I’m living alone now, but I can still hear both him 

and Nora in my head saying, ‘Get up and do something!’, 

so I’m coming to the UK to do my spoken-word tour,” he 

shared. 

The conversation also delves into some of Lydon’s past 

controversies. He clarified his stance on the Sex Pistols’ 

song God Save the Queen, insisting it wasn’t a personal 

attack on the Queen but a critique of the monarchy. 

“It was never personal,” he explained. “It was about the 

institution.” 

However, his feelings about her grandson, Prince Harry and 

his wife Meghan, are a bit more personal. The former punk 

is definitely not a fan. 

“I don’t want to be judgemental, but it’s very hard to think 

kindly towards them when they’re so damn nasty to their 

own families,” he said. 

He concludes: “You can’t disrespect your parents and 

grandparents like that. And writing a kiss-and-tell book 

about your family? God that’s mean.” 


Voted BEST LIFESTYLE STORE in DEVON 

MUDDY STILETTOS AWARDS 2024 

Selling vintage treasures, 

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stationery, PAD has tons of fun 

stuff for you and your home! 

Pop in and visit us in the heart of 

Ashburton at 6A West Street. 

FUNSTUFFATPAD.COM 

Our products are regionally sourced from 

the best the West Country has to offer 

and our proceeds go towards caring for 

Torbay’s special green spaces. 

Member 

www.occombe.co.uk 

Charity Registration No. 1077561 

GOOD SHOPPING 

THAT DOES GOOD! 


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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 


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. 


To Kiss Poster, desenio.com 

Delilah Paint, 

earthbornpaints.co.uk 

Cushion with Pad, £75, 

coloursofarley.com 

ANYDAY Trousers, 

£36, John Lewis 

Birdsong Wallpaper, 

fionahoward.com 

Elsie Stripe 

Blouse, 

£55, Monsoon 

ANYDAY Pocket Cardi, 

£34, John Lewis 

Deliberate Bag £95, 

dunelondon.com 

COLOUR BOLT 

Step into a world where joy and personality 

shines through every detail. A celebration of selfexpression 

through vibrant tones, eclectic decor 

and clothing. It’s a bold move away from the more 

mundane muted palettes that have dominated 

in the past, inviting a lively mix of colours that 

instantly infuse your space and wardrobe with 

joy, creativity and a new zest for life. Instant 

dopamine! Pair back with neutral bases. 

Orange Broderie 

Swing Dress, £24, 

George at Asda 

Lighting by pooky.com 

Garden Chair 

with Stool, 

£179, 

hauslife.co.uk 

Everyday Tiered 

Maxi Dress, £18, 

very.co.uk 

Striped 

Trousers, £54, 

hauslife.co.uk 

Top, £14.50, 

George at Asda 

Gene Clog in 

Sand, £90, 

dunelondon.com 


AWARD 

WINNING 

SOLAR 

INSTALLATIONS 

 

CERTIFIED INSTALLER 

 

the site. While the 

knowledge and p 

apart from the co 

us, he had lots of 

and really seeme 

Mole Energy were 

with our building p 

get the solar pane 

additional costs. I 

with the team on 

felt confident that 

I have recommen 

Their team are ea 

level of technical 

with no problems. 

Crispin Waterhou 

Port Waterhouse 

“Solar energy has been an absolute 

no-brainer for us. We have cut our energy 

bills by approximately £8,000 in a year. 

That’s £200,000 over 25 years based on past 

prices! It makes total economic sense. If I 

were asked whether I would use Mole Energy 

again, I would have no hesitation in saying 

‘yes’. They made installing panels easy; 

making all the arrangements, keeping us 

up-to-date, organising all the paperwork 

and seeing the work through to completion. 

Throughout, the service has been second to 

none and we have also got to know the team 

personally. They are so easy to deal with; 

down to earth and approachable. Not only 

that, but we have reduced our CO 2 

emissions 

by nearly 32,000kg in the same time period!” 

Self-power your home & business 

Reduce energy bills & CO2 emissions 

In February 2024, the government scrapped VAT on 

retrofitted home battery storage, which means you 

could save £1,790 on a Powerwall*. 

Mole Energy is part of Mole Valley Farmers, 

Greg Morgan 

Ben’s Farm Shop 

established in 1960, which means you can expect 

a friendly face, expert advice and fair pricing. 

*At current prices. Other makes of battery also available. 

FOR PLANET & POCKET 

Your local installer, 

based near Totnes, Devon

hile their quotes were similar, their 

e and passion stood Mole Energy 

the competition. When Tim visited 

d lots of answers, was very capable 

seemed to know what he was doing. 

“The installation went very smoothly. The 

team was very professional; the panels were 

fitted in a single day. 

rgy were able to do things in parallel 

uilding project, so it wasn’t a stress to 

lar panels put on and there were no 

l costs. I was able to have discussions 

am on a technical level, so I always 

ent that I was doing the right thing. 

ommended Mole Energy to others. 

are easy to work with, have a great 

chnical know-how and delivered 

roblems.” 

At the same time, an inverter and control unit 

were fitted on the side of the house next to 

the meter, ready for the battery, which was 

fitted to the same high standard as the rest 

of the work. We were then off-grid and 

on-charge from the solar panels - with 

electricity to spare. 

We are very satisfied with our installation, 

in terms of the performance of the 

components recommended by Mole Energy, 

the service provided by their office staff, and 

by the quality and professionalism of their 

technicians.” 

aterhouse 

rhouse Moorings 

Ian 

Homeowner 

“Solar energy has been an absolute 

no-brainer for us. We have cut our energy 

bills by approximately £8,000 in a year. 

That’s £200,000 over 25 years based on past 

prices! It makes total economic sense. 

Throughout the service has been second to 

none and Mole Energy are so easy to deal 

with. Down to earth and approachable, 

they made installing panels easy; making all 

the arrangements, keeping us up-to-date, 

organising all the paperwork and seeing the 

work through to completion. Not only that, 

we have reduced our CO 2 

emissions by 

nearly 32,000kg in the same time period!” 

Greg Morgan 

Ben’s Farm Shop 

Helping homeowners & businesses make 

better choices for Planet & Pocket 

Part of 

CONTACT US TODAY 

01803 732946 

info@moleenergy.com 

Part of

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 

Image from 

simon-taylor.co.uk 


ensuite. The job should take around 

11 days but could add £14,525 to the 

value of the average London home. 

Image from pooky.com 

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 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 

Image from Benjamin Moore UK 

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 to do 

this. 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. 


Image from lights4fun.co.uk 

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 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Image from gardentrading.co.uk 

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. 

10 million UK homeowners 

experience barriers to creating 

energy efficient homes 

If we want to improve the UK’s 

housing stock, have warmer 

homes and meet our Net Zero 

targets, then something needs to 

change. Our latest survey shows 

most homeowners in 2024 see 

the biggest barrier as £££. 

• The majority of UK 

homeowners (57%) 

experience obstacles 

preventing them from 

carrying out energy 

efficiencies 

• More than one third of 

homeowners have been held 

back by cost, with 18% 

saying that the savings may 

not justify the up-front cost 

• Lack of incentives and 

grants is a barrier for 1 in 5 

homeowners (19%) 

• Trust is a factor – 11% cite a 

lack of trusted tradespeople 

and 6% cite previous 

insulation scandals as barriers 

• Age matters – compared 

with homeowners overall, 

younger homeowners (18- 

34) are twice as likely to 

have a heat pump (11% vs 

4%) and over a third more 

likely to have installed solar 

panels (13% vs 9%). 

• Some homeowners say a 

lack of trusted tradespeople 

(11%), a lack of skilled 

trades (8%) and previous 

insulation scandals (6%) 

have also stopped them 

from carrying out energy 

efficiencies. 

What are the best ways to make 

my home more energy efficient? 

Head to hoa.org.uk for their 

comprehensive guide on how to 

make your home more energy 

efficient. It sets out the options 

of the energy efficient measures 

you can invest in to reduce how 

much energy your home needs 

to stay warm. 


Hundreds of rolls of designer curtain & 

upholstery fabrics at discounted prices 

ULTIMATE FABRICS 

Who are Ultimate Fabrics 

Ultimate Fabrics stock the largest selection of discounted designer 

curtain and upholstery fabrics, in the South West holding in stock 

over a thousand rolls with new stock arriving all the time. Owned 

and managed by husband and wife team Nick & Rebecca Ingoe 

alongside fantastic staff member Sarah they pride themselves on their 

unbeatable selection of fabrics and their exceptional customer service. 


What kind of fabrics do Ultimate Fabrics sell 

Curtain and upholstery fabrics by designers such as Linwood, 

Sanderson, Harlequin and many more, linens, weaves, prints and 

plains Ultimate Fabrics have them all plus linings and interlinings! If 

you don’t like to sew they can recommend local professional curtain 

and upholstery making services. 

What is new for 2024 

Ultimate Fabrics are delighted to work alongside Linwood Fabrics 

selling hundreds of their small rolls and remnants, stunning linens and 

weaves in a huge range of colours at only £15 per metre, unbeatable 

value for exceptional fabrics! 

Extension of their sale room where fabrics sell for only £5 per metre. 

Fabrics by designers such as Harlequin and Sanderson re-stocked 

weekly so there is always a bargain to be had! 

Largest fabric selection in the South West complemented 

by professional curtain making and upholstery services. 

Why should I visit Ultimate Fabrics? 

There are many reasons why customers travel to Ultimate Fabrics. 

They have customers from all over the UK who understand the need 

to see the fabric on the roll, see the full design, the actual colour 

and feel the weight of the fabric it is not the same seeing an image 

on the internet or a small sample swatch. The selection of fabrics 

is unbeatable, the prices are incredible and they pride themselves 

on an exceptional level of customer service, helping with your 

measurements, choosing fabrics and a knowledge and contacts within 

the fabric industry through Nicks nearly 40 years in the business. 

h a u s l i f e 

Avon Mill 

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 6 / 2 4 

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 

Super Garden Centre, Café & Shops, 

Hidden in the beautiful Avon Valley. 

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 

Loddiswell • Kingsbridge • TQ7 4DD 

www.avonmill.com 01548 550338 


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 



HIT THE ROAD 

with Trailblazers 

We all have our fingers (and toes) 

crossed for a beautiful summer, 

and there really is no place like 

the UK when the sun is shining. 

What better way to see some 

of glittering coastlines and 

sprawling national parks, than to 

take to the road in a campervan? 

Katie Thomson hits the road... 

I’ll start by saying, I’m not a 

natural camper. My first camping 

experience was at the age of 16, 

on my bronze Duke of Edinburgh 

expedition in mid-March. This was 

where I learnt two things: one, you 

absoltely mustn’t forgot your roll 

mat (I have never been so cold in 

my life), and two, camping isn’t my 

bag. Or so I thought. 

Roll forward another 16 years and 

I was happily planning my next 

camping venture, but this time in 

the refined comfort of a campervan. 

I hired it from an indie company 

Trailblazer Campervan Hire and 

set off for a mini adventure on the 

borders of Exmoor. 

Equipped with a kitchenette, heater, 

two beds (one on the back seats, 

the other in the pop-top tent) and 

lots of other comforts, it’s compact 

enough for driving around without 

worrying about its size, but fullyeqipped 

enough to make sure you 

have everything you need. 

My two little four-legged friends 

came along for the ride, so the 

pop-up awning option was much 

needed. It was also a handy place 

to store camping chairs (and 

reserve our slot) whilst we shot 

off for the day, exploring Exmoor, 

Woolacombe and Ilfracombe. 

Home-base was the lovely 

Westermill Campsite - a working 

farm in the most bucolic of 

settings. 

If you’re planning a UK getaway, 

I can’t recommend Trailblazers 

enough. Collection is in Wiltshire, 

meaning you have the option to 

explore the south coast and south 

Wales easily. Rates start from £130 

per night, depending on the season. 

trailblazercampers.co.uk 

CAMPERVAN essentials 

Little touches to make your stay even 

more comfortable 

This hot choc is the best we’ve ever had - just 

the right balance of sweetness and rich chocolate 

flavour. 400g pouch, £6.95, hauslife.co.uk 

This ingenious sleeping bag can be 

made into two singles, or zipped 

together for a comfortable double 

- perfect for a couple sharing. Also 

available as a single which can unzip 

to create a double duvet. It’s the 

perfect thickness to cover you for 

multiple seasons, plus it’s machine 

washable with a fabric finish, 

meaning you feel as comfortable 

as your bed at home. Night Owl® 

Sleeping Bag - Single Or 3-In-1 

Double £60/95, finebedding.co.uk 


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 

Get your weekends back 

Unit 4-7 Torr Trade Park. Torr Quarry Industrial Estate 

Tel: 01548 853679 


LAWN 

Care 

In the world of lawn care, the battle for 

the ultimate mow is real. 

Homeowners, landowners, and greenspace professionals grapple 

with a plethora of mower choices, each promising precision, 

efficiency, and convenience. 

Traditional mowers, ride-on mowers, and futuristic automowers vie for 

supremacy. But which one aligns with your unique needs? Wynand 

Lombaard, Product & Pricing Specialist at Husqvarna, South Africa, 

provides some pointers to solve the green dilemma. 

AutoMowers vs. Ride-On Mowers vs. Traditional Mowers - Which 

is Best for You? 

Wynand Lombaard, Product & Pricing Specialist at Husqvarna, 

South Africa provides some guidance on how to determine what 

type of mower is best to keep your lawn in tip-top shape. As with any 

significant purchase, budget considerations are at the forefront when 

making your decision, often outweighing personal preferences. 

1. Traditional Mowers 

• Staple of most small to medium-sized gardens. Suitable for 

lawns of up to 800m² on average. 

• Available in both battery electric and petrol models. 

• Petrol mowers excel in power and durability, are robust and can 

handle various terrains, including slopes and rough patches. 

• Battery mowers are lightweight, quiet and eco-friendly. They 

work well on flat to moderately uneven ground with gentle 

slopes and require minimal maintenance. 

Drawbacks: 

• Petrol mowers can be noisy. 

• Traditional mowers require more time and physical effort. 

2. Ride-on Mower 

• Best suited for half-acre or larger lawns. 

• Designed to handle varying landscapes and uneven or 

rolling terrain. 

• Their greatest advantage is their speed and they can mow 

very large areas in a very short time. In fact, no mower can 

compete in this regard. 

• Able to mow very tall, thick or coarse grass. 

Drawbacks: 

• Less agile and unable to navigate very steep inclines. 

• Higher maintenance and fuel consumption costs. 

3. Automower (Robotic Mowers) 

• An automower operates autonomously and mows 

according to a set schedule, giving you more free time. 

• Designed to cut between a quarter and half an acre of lawn. 

• They are versatile and can operate in uneven, hilly terrain 

and are also able to navigate slopes. 

• Their mulching capability is great for your lawn. 

• Low maintenance and operating costs. 

Drawbacks: 

• Lawns have to be obstacle-free. 

If you’re in the market for a new mower, check out the Husqvarna 

range of mowers here: www.husqvarna.com/uk 


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) 


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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. 


Sunshine 

CARE 

WE ARE A LOCAL FAMILY RUN 

BUSINESS WHO OFFERS FIRST CLASS: 

Established in 1998 

WILL WRITING 

PROBATE 

LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY 

WILLS 

UNDER 

£225 

INCLUSIVE 

WE ARE MEMBERS OF THE 

SOCIETY OF WILL WRITERS 

AS SUCH WE HAVE TO ADHERE TO THEIR 

VERY STRICT RULES OF COMPLIANCE. 

Fully qualified, insured and 

experienced, we visit you in your 

own home for your convenience. 

CONTACT US: 

01752 770094 

www.willwritersservices.co.uk 

Quality of service... 

Quality of care...Quality of life 


Guiding you 

into your 

new home. 

With our highly-rated team of approachable lawyers and 

use of smart technology, you’ll know where you are at 

every step of the journey, right until you walk in the door. 

EXETER 

Balliol House 

Southernhay Gardens 

Exeter 

Devon EX1 1NP 

T +44(0)1392 455555 

PLYMOUTH 

Ashleigh Way 

Langage Business Park 

Plympton, Plymouth 

Devon PL7 5JX 

T +44(0)1752 603040 

TORQUAY 

Minerva House 

Orchard Way 

Edginswell Park, Torquay 

Devon TQ2 7FA 

T +44(0)1803 202020 

TOTNES 

kitsonboyce.co.uk 

advice@kitsonboyce.co.uk 

Brunel House 

Station Road 

Totnes 

Devon TQ9 5HW 

T +44(0)1803 403403


Supporting you through 

every step of your 

purchase, right until you 

walk through the door... 

Here at Kitson Boyce, we completely understand how daunting it can be for 

first-time buyers to embark on the purchase of their very first home. 

There are lots of emotions involved; 

you’ve spent years saving those extra 

pennies for a deposit, you’ve finally got 

your Mortgage in Principle and you’ve 

had your offer accepted…. and then 

you have to face the legal process! 

Sometimes navigating the legal part of it 

can become overwhelming and stressful, 

particularly when you don’t have the 

right people to guide you through 

the process. That’s where having a 

good conveyancer can really make 

the difference between a quite frankly 

terrifying process, and a process that 

allows you to focus on the excitement of 

buying your very first place you can call 

your own. 

We take the stress out of your hands and 

handle everything on your behalf. 

How much will you charge? 

We charge depending on the value of 

the property and how much work is 

likely to be involved in the transaction 

(for example, if the property is leasehold, 

there is an additional fee as we need 

to deal with the communal elements of 

the matter). We are always completely 

transparent with our fees and you can 

obtain a tailored quote from a member of 

the team or directly via our website. 

Who will handle my case? 

We have experienced conveyancers in 

each of our offices: Torquay, Plymouth, 

Exeter and Totnes. You are able to 

request a specific conveyancer if they 

have been recommended to you or we 

will allocate your matter to a member of 

the team and provide their contact details 

together with the legal assistant who will 

support you throughout the process. 

Here in Totnes, it will be me – a Solicitor 

in the Residential Property department, 

supported by my assistant Sarah Watson. 

How often will I hear from you? 

This is up to you! If you would rather us 

get on with things in the background and 

leave you to the practical side of things, 

no problem! If, however, you would like 

us to let you know exactly what is going 

on at every stage of the process, we 

will update you accordingly. We are a 

team of down-to-earth, personable and 

approachable professionals and there is 

no such thing as a stupid question when 

it comes to conveyancing! 

When do I need to pay conveyancing 

fees? 

When we send you the completion 

statement, we will break down all of 

our fees and any third-party costs, and 

Lauren Jeffrey, Solicitor – 

Guiding 

Residential Property 

y 

into your 

these will all be added the balance we 

request from you prior completion. 

On the day of completion, we will bill the 

fees, 

new 

which will then be transferred 

hom 

from 

our client account to our office account to 

cover the conveyancing fees. 

So after you transfer us the balance to 

complete before completion, there will be 

nothing further for you to pay. 

With our highly-rated team of appro 

Can I come in to discuss and find out 

more? 

Absolutely! We are more than happy to 

meet with you and have a chat about 

any queries you may have. Just contact 

our reception team or pop by the Totnes 

office, and we will be more than happy to 

arrange an appointment for you. 

use of smart technology, you’ll kno 

every step of the journey, right until 

kitsonboyce.co.uk 

advice@kitsonboyce.co.uk


6 benefits of self 

storage in the 

South Hams 

Self storage can be a game-changer in so many ways, from 

making moving day a breeze to giving you that extra room you 

need when you’re not sure what to do with all your stuff. It’s a 

secret many have yet to uncover, with a report in 2023 showing 

that less than half of us really get how handy self-storage can be. 

It’s also important to choose the right type of storage to keep your 

things secure and indoor storage offers the perfect solution. 

So, let’s dive into the awesome benefits that indoor self storage can 

bring into your life and learn more about this growing industry! 

1. DECLUTTER YOUR HOME 

Let’s face it, our homes can get cluttered 

pretty quickly, especially after big life 

changes or just from the hustle and 

bustle of everyday living. Self-storage is 

like a breath of fresh air, giving you a spot 

to stash away those bits and bobs until 

you’re ready to sort them out, keeping 

your home nice and tidy. 

If you’re selling your home, rooms full 

of personal possessions can put off 

potential buyers so make the most of 

every viewing by removing excess clutter. 

2. RENOVATION PROJECTS 

Got a renovation project on the go? Pop 

your stuff into one of our storage units 

to keep it out of the dust and mess. It’s 

a win-win; your treasures are safe, and 

your renovation team has the space to 

work their magic faster, saving money on 

the project. 

3. SEASONAL SWAP-OUT 

Not everything we own is for year-round 

use. Whether it’s time to switch out your 

spring wardrobe for your winter woollies 

or if your Christmas decs are taking over 

your bedroom, a storage room is the 

perfect place to keep your gear safe and 

out of the way. 

4. SMOOTH MOVES 

Moving homes can be a big headache, 

but having a self-storage unit can take a 

lot of the pain away. It’s a handy halfway 

house for your belongings, making the 

move to your new place a whole lot 

easier and less chaotic. If things don’t 

go smoothly and your dates don’t tie 

up, moving your belongings into secure 

storage until the keys are ready will give 

you peace of mind. 

5. EASING INTO 

RETIREMENT 

If you’re thinking about downsizing or 

just reorganising your living situation as 

you head into retirement, self-storage 

can give you a place to keep things until 

you’ve decided what’s next. It’s great for 

hanging onto furniture or keepsakes that 

you’re not ready to part with. 

6. A SPACE FOR YOUR 

BUSINESS 

Self-storage isn’t just for property moves 

and renovation projects, it’s also perfect 

for businesses. Need a place for your 

stock, equipment or even a cosy corner 

to work from? Indoor storage units are 

just the ticket, and they come without the 

fuss of extra costs like business rates and 

utility bills. Plus, with a delivery service, 

you don’t have to stick around waiting for 

packages. 

Exploring the possibilities of indoor 

self-storage can truly free up space in 

your life. It’s all about making things 

easier, safer, and more organised, 

whether you’re moving, growing your 

business, or just trying to keep your 

home a bit tidier. 


01548 521339 ∙ 07595 914330 

info@mooregardenrooms.com 

mooregardenrooms.com

South Hams Lifestyle Jun - Jul 2024

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