West Dorset Living Apr - May 2026

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APRIL/MAY 2026
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UPDATES
Where to spend and
where to save
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PAGE
Our eagerly
awaited new
feature!
ADAM
living
eggs-actly
RIGHT
Delicious egg recipes
and Easter treats
HENSON
We catch up with the Countryfile
presenter to discuss all things farming
FOOD & DRINK • EVENTS • LIFESTYLE • INTERVIEWS • TRAVEL

C O N T E N T S
A NOTE
from the editor
18 15
LIGHT JACK
HOME UPDATES
Editor Katie Thomson
e katie@minervapublications.co.uk
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STEIN AND FUN INTERVIEW SPRING RECIPES & 18
FOR ADVERTISING
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e laura@minervapublications.co.uk
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There’s something about
I this had time of my year first that English invites
strawberry
a reset. The
this week,
days
and
stretch
my
word,
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it
longer,
was beyond
windows
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are
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perfectly
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sweet,
and there’s
it was
a
very good advert for eating
natural pull to refresh the
seasonally. I’ve tried to echo
spaces we spend the most
this in all my recent fruit and
time in — whether that’s a
vegetable purchases, and it’s
full home project or simply a
had a transformative effect on
few thoughtful updates that
my cooking - everything just
make everyday living feel
tastes better - more vibrant,
better.
needing less seasoning and
just overall very tasty.
In this edition, we’ve leaned
I’m
into that
making
sense
the
of
most
renewal.
of
cooking Our homes whilst feature I still explores have a
kitchen considered - mine investment is due to be —
ripped from kitchens out in two and weeks glazing and to
it outdoor will be living camping — focusing stove and on
air improvements frying for two that months elevate from
there! both how I’ve a already space picked looks and my
kitchen, how functions but it got for me modern thinking
about life. all the other areas that
need updating in my home. If
you We also are thinking turn our of attention a similar
refresh, to connection please check in a different out our
home sense, pages with our this Later edition Life -
they’re feature full exploring of inspiring what trends it
and means a few to timeless stay socially classics. and
emotionally connected as we
We’ve grow older also got — a some thoughtful lovely
editorial reminder on of the best importance plants
for of community pollinators and - it’s routine never at
been every so stage important of life. to support
wildlife in the garden.
And of course, spring
The wouldn’t competition be complete guide without this
issue a shift is in a bumper the kitchen. one - Our we
have seasonal an outdoor recipes, furniture created
set in partnership from Bramblecrest with Clarence worth
nearly Court £3,000, Eggs, bring plus a together cordless
lawnmower simple, flavourful worth £679 dishes to get —
that from garden a speedy in shape. frittata This, and
plus
classic
a lot
ham
more
and
makes
egg salad
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to
worth
citrus doughnuts.
a look and an enter!
We
As always,
will be back
this issue
again in
is
August - I’ll be fully rebooted
about finding inspiration in
and recharged into summer
the everyday — at home, in
mode. See you then!
your community, and around
the table.
Katie
Katie
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3

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ADAM HENSON
Why British Farming
Matters More
Than Ever
Farmer and BBC Countryfile
presenter Adam Henson has spent
decades championing British
agriculture and helping people
understand where their food comes
from. Ahead of appearances at the
Great British Farm Fest and the
Royal Three Counties Show, he
reflects on the realities of farming
today — from unpredictable
weather to global competition —
and why reconnecting people with
the countryside has never been
more important.
FARMING AT THE
MERCY OF NATURE
Farming may be supported
by increasingly sophisticated
technology, but it remains one of
the few industries still fundamentally
dependent on nature. That reality
became very clear last year on
Adam Henson’s farm.
“We had the driest summer in living
memory,” he explains. “We went
from a wet autumn and spring to
an incredibly dry summer, and our
crops really struggled. Yields were
down by about 30%.”
The sunflower crop was particularly
affected and eventually had to
be cultivated back into the soil.
But farming often has a way of
surprising you.
“We left a strip as a wildflower
margin, and the sunflower seeds
that hadn’t rotted germinated again,”
Adam says. “Suddenly we had this
beautiful strip of sunflowers.”
It’s a perfect example of the
unpredictability that defines
agriculture.
“You can have business plans and
strategies,” he says, “but there are
many things outside your control
— the weather, political change,
legislation. Farming constantly
reminds you of that.”
A COMPLEX
INDUSTRY UNDER
PRESSURE
Modern agriculture faces a
complicated set of challenges.
British farmers operate under
strict environmental and welfare
regulations — standards that Adam
believes are essential. However, the
issue arises when imported produce
is grown under different rules.
“When imports come in that don’t
match our standards, it makes
competition difficult,” he says.
Disease is another ongoing concern.
Conditions such as Bluetongue and
Schmallenberg, spread by biting
midges, can affect livestock and
sometimes cause severe deformities
in unborn animals.
“It’s incredibly difficult when you’re
dealing with young animals,” Adam
says. “Birth should be a positive
moment, but sometimes it’s not.”
Meanwhile avian influenza has
caused major disruption to poultry
farms across the UK.
“If you run free-range poultry
you may not be able to let birds
outside,” he explains. “They have to
stay indoors for long periods, which
obviously affects the business.”
Despite these pressures, Adam is
keen to stress that agriculture is not
a single story.
MANY TYPES OF
FARMING
“You can have a
business plan, but
in farming there are
always things outside
your control.”
“The farming industry is incredibly
diverse,” he says, “It’s a bit like the
motor industry. You might have a
small family farm that’s been passed
down through generations, working
incredibly hard but making modest
returns. At the other end you

“There are many
farms doing incredibly
well and producing
fantastic food.”
might have a very large operation
farming thousands of acres with
sophisticated machinery.”
Both are part of the same industry
and both play important roles in
producing food. “It’s easy to focus
on the negative stories,” Adam
says, “but there are plenty of farms
doing incredibly well and producing
fantastic food.”
For him, the key is maintaining
thriving rural communities. “We want
the countryside to be vibrant and
successful.”
COMPETING IN A
GLOBAL MARKET
Despite Britain’s proud farming
heritage, the country produces only
a small share of global commodities.
“In the UK we produce about 3% of
the world’s grain,” Adam explains.
That means British farmers must
compete directly with producers
across the globe. “If a miller can
buy grain from Ukraine, Russia or
America more cheaply than I can
sell it, they’ll import it.”
Fresh produce creates further
challenges: “Strawberries, lettuces
and cucumbers have to be
harvested and sold very quickly,” he
says. “They don’t hang around.”
Meanwhile large quantities of
produce are imported into the UK.
“We bring hundreds of lorry loads of
salad from Spain,” Adam explains.
For him, this highlights the
importance of supporting British
farmers whenever possible.
RECONNECTING
PEOPLE WITH
FOOD
One of Adam’s biggest concerns
is how disconnected many people
have become from agriculture.
“We don’t teach agriculture or
land management in the national
curriculum,” he says.
As a result, many people have
little understanding of how food is
produced.
“You could ask people how potatoes
grow, or how eggs are produced, or
how long a pig’s gestation period is
— and many wouldn’t know.”
Yet these are foods people eat every
day.“If we don’t understand where
our food comes from, it’s very hard
to make informed choices.”
CELEBRATING
FARMING AT FARM
FEST
Helping people reconnect with
food production is one reason
Adam is excited about the Great
British Farm Fest, taking place
22–24 May at Stoneleigh Park. The
event will celebrate British farming
with demonstrations, talks, food
experiences and entertainment,
featuring the Clarkson’s Farm team
and other well-known figures from
the farming world.
Adam will attend with Cotswold
Farm Park, showcasing rare breeds
and hosting demonstrations on
sheep, dairy and beef farming.
“It’s a chance for people to learn
more about what goes on behind
the scenes,” he says.
LOOKING AHEAD
With the Great British Farm Fest
and the Royal Three Counties Show
approaching, Adam has a busy
few months ahead but remains
optimistic about farming’s future.
“If people understand where their
food comes from and appreciate
the work that goes into producing it,
that’s incredibly powerful,” he says.
Because farming, he says, is
about far more than just food. “It’s
about the landscape, wildlife and
the communities that shape our
countryside.”
Find out more at:
cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk
farm-fest.org
threecounties.co.uk
8 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

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14 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

A CELEBRATION OF
Delicious, seasonal
recipes from the eggsperts
at Clarence Court
Spring
SPRING SALAD
Take ham and egg a little further
with the addition of crunchy British
asparagus, griddled gem lettuce and
a caper dressing. Frying ham may
sound a little odd but it works, and
it’s all topped off with a glorious softboiled
Clarence Court hen’s egg.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Serves: 1
INGREDIENTS:
150g British asparagus spears
1 large Clarence Court hen’s egg
1 piece good quality ham
½ little gem lettuce
1 teaspoon baby capers
1 tablespoon cold-pressed extra
virgin rapeseed oil
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
Sea salt and freshly ground black
pepper
Handful of rocket
METHOD:
Place a large frying pan or griddle
pan on a high heat. Put a small pan
of water on to boil.
Snap off the woody ends of the
asparagus and griddle the spears
for 5–7 minutes until just tender.
Boil the egg to your liking, then cool
and peel. When the asparagus is
nearly cooked, add the ham slice
and fry until golden and crisp.Add
the lettuce, cut side down, and cook
for 2–3 minutes.
To make the dressing, mix the
capers, vinegar and oil in a large
bowl and season well. Add the
rocket, cooked asparagus and
lettuce, then toss gently.
Transfer to a plate, top with the
egg and ham, and spoon over any
remaining dressing.
P O TAT O ,
SPRING
ONION & FETA
FRITTATA
A superbly simple one-pan recipe,
Alice Liveing’s delightful frittata
offers a healthy yet hearty meal that
the whole family can enjoy.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Serves: 2-4
INGREDIENTS:
250g cooked new potatoes, sliced
4 Clarence Court Burford Brown
eggs
Handful of dill
4 spring onions, finely sliced
100g feta, crumbled
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
METHOD:
Heat a little olive oil in a small nonstick
frying pan over a medium heat.
Add the potatoes and fry for around
8 minutes until beginning to crisp.
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs,
spring onions, dill and seasoning.
Turn on the grill.
Pour the egg mixture into the pan,
stir briefly, then lower the heat.
Sprinkle over the crumbled feta.
Cook for about 8 minutes until the
top is almost set. Place under the
grill for 2–3 minutes until firm and
golden. Slide out of the pan and
serve.
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 15

MARMALADE
BREAD &
BUTTER
PUDDING
with Orange Custard
Indulge in the ultimate comfort
pudding with a hint of zesty orange
by Thomas Frake.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Serves: 2
INGREDIENTS:
4 brioche rolls
4 tablespoons marmalade
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus
extra for greasing
2 tablespoons sultanas
1 tablespoon icing or caster sugar
250ml orange custard (from below)
Orange Custard:
400ml whole milk
200ml double cream
1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
Zest of 1 orange
3 Burford Brown eggs
100g golden caster sugar
Slice the brioche and spread with
marmalade and butter. Layer half
in a buttered dish, scatter over
the sultanas, then top with the
remaining brioche. Pierce all over,
then pour over the custard until
mostly submerged.
Leave to soak for 15 minutes, then
bake at 180°C (160°C fan) for 20–30
minutes until golden and set. Dust
with icing sugar and serve with the
warm custard.
ORANGE
& YUZU
DOUGHNUTS
Doughnuts – need we say more?
These are filled with fragrant yuzu
and mandarin custard and finished
with a dusting of orange sugar.
Prep time: 40 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Serves: 10
INGREDIENTS:
For the custard:
1 vanilla pod
Peeled zest of 1 orange or mandarin
200ml milk
3 Clarence Court egg yolks
60g caster sugar
2 tablespoons cornflour
For the doughnuts:
600g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
225ml warm milk
40g caster sugar
2 x 7g sachets fast-action yeast
2 Clarence Court eggs, beaten
40g unsalted butter, melted
Finely grated zest of 1 orange
Vegetable oil, for frying and greasing
For the filling & coating:
140g caster sugar
Zest of 1 orange
2 tablespoons yuzu juice
100ml double cream
Candied peel, sliced
METHOD
Split the vanilla pod and heat with
the zest and milk until steaming, then
infuse. Whisk the egg yolks, sugar
and cornflour, then strain in the warm
milk. Return to the pan and cook
gently until thickened. Transfer to a
bowl, cover, cool and chill.
Mix the flour in a bowl. Combine
the warm milk, sugar and yeast
and leave until frothy, then add to
the flour with the eggs and melted
butter to form a dough. Knead on
a floured surface for 5–10 minutes
until smooth.
Place in an oiled bowl, cover and
leave to rise until doubled. Divide
into 12 balls, place on oiled trays
and prove again for 30 minutes.
Blitz the orange zest with some of
the sugar, then mix with the rest and
spread onto a tray.
Heat oil to 160–170°C and fry the
doughnuts in batches until golden.
Drain, then toss in the orange sugar
and leave to cool.
Stir the yuzu juice into the custard,
fold in softly whipped cream, then
transfer to a piping bag. Fill each
doughnut and finish with candied
peel.
METHOD:
Heat the milk, cream, vanilla and
orange zest until just boiling, then
remove from the heat. Whisk the
eggs and sugar until pale, then
gradually whisk in the warm cream
to temper. Return to the pan and
cook gently, stirring until thickened.
Reserve 250ml for the pudding and
keep the rest warm.
16 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Dorset Shellfish are a Weymouth fishing family who
catch all of their own crab, lobster and line caught fish
in the waters around Portland. They cook, prepare and
sell their produce which is made into dressed crabs,
dressed lobsters, pates, crab cakes and more.
Find them at Sherborne, Shaftesbury and Poundbury
Farmers Markets and also their premises on Portland,
open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10-1.
Check out their social media or website for opening hours.
Find them at Canford Cliffs Village Hall
every Thursday 8.30-1pm
ONLINE SHOP IS NOW OPEN!
07881632311 | lfi @dorsetshellfish
www.dorset-shellfish.co.uk
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 17

Olive & Barr Kitchens
Searle & Taylor Kitchens
BIG DECISIONS FOR THE HOME:
Investing Wisely in the Spaces You Live In
Making significant changes to your
home is rarely a spur-of-the-moment
decision. Whether it’s a new kitchen,
a light-filled extension or upgrading
your glazing, these projects
represent meaningful investments in
both your property and your day-today
life. Increasingly, homeowners
are approaching renovations
with a more thoughtful mindset
— choosing improvements that
combine practical value, longevity
and design quality.
Below, we explore several key areas
where considered investment can
transform a home.
KITCHENS: THE
HEART OF THE
HOME
For many households, the kitchen
remains the single most important
room in the house. It’s no longer
just a place for cooking; it’s
where families gather, children do
homework and friends linger over
drinks.
Investing in a well-designed kitchen
can significantly enhance how a
home functions. Layout is critical
— thoughtful zoning for cooking,
preparation and socialising can
make even modest spaces feel
generous and practical. High-quality
cabinetry, durable worktops and
energy-efficient appliances also
ensure the space performs well for
years to come.
Many homeowners are opting for
timeless designs rather than chasing
short-lived trends. Natural materials,
warm neutrals and carefully chosen
lighting help create kitchens that feel
calm, welcoming and enduring.
GLAZING:
BRINGING LIGHT
AND EFFICIENCY
Natural light has a powerful effect
on how we experience a space.
Modern glazing solutions allow
homeowners to dramatically
increase daylight while improving
insulation and energy performance.
Large sliding or bifold doors can
open kitchens and living areas
onto gardens or terraces, creating
an easy flow between indoor and
outdoor spaces. Roof lanterns,
skylights and floor-to-ceiling glazing
can also transform darker areas of a
home, particularly in extensions or
renovated period properties.
Advances in glazing technology
mean homeowners no longer need
to compromise on comfort. Highperformance
glass helps regulate
temperature, reducing heat loss in
winter while limiting overheating in
summer.
EXTENSIONS:
CREATING SPACE
THAT WORKS
When families outgrow their existing
layout, moving house isn’t always
the preferred solution. A welldesigned
extension can unlock
the potential of a property while
allowing homeowners to remain in a
neighbourhood they love.
Single-storey rear extensions are
particularly popular, often used to
create open-plan kitchen-living
spaces that connect directly with
the garden. Side returns, loft
conversions and garden rooms
also offer ways to expand without
dramatically altering the footprint of
the home.
18 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Ross Grant & Hartwin Dhoore
Sat 11 Apr
Laura Jane Wilkie
Thu 28 May
Holly Clarke
Fri 4 Sep
Jon Wilks
Sat 17 Oct
Box Office: 01823 283244
www.tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk
@brewhouselive
TUNE IN
FOR...
Great Music
News
Travel
Weather and
Information for Your
Local Area...
PLUS What’s On in
Dorset
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 19

The key to a successful extension
lies in careful planning. Working with
experienced architects and builders
ensures the new space feels
integrated rather than added on,
blending materials and proportions
with the original building.
Olive & Barr Kitchens
FLOORING: THE
FOUNDATION OF
EVERY ROOM
Flooring is one of the most
overlooked elements in home
design, yet it has a profound impact
on the overall feel of a space. From
wide timber boards to stone tiles or
contemporary porcelain, the right
flooring can unify a home and create
visual flow between rooms.
Durability is an important
consideration, particularly in hightraffic
areas such as kitchens,
hallways and family living spaces.
Many homeowners are choosing
materials that combine aesthetic
appeal with practicality —
oka.com
engineered wood, luxury vinyl and porcelain tiles are
all popular options that balance beauty with resilience.
Underfloor heating is also becoming increasingly
common, offering discreet warmth and freeing walls
from radiators.
INVESTING WITH THE
LONG TERM IN MIND
Ultimately, the most successful home improvements
are those that balance lifestyle needs with long-term
value. By working with experienced professionals and
prioritising quality materials, homeowners can create
spaces that feel beautiful, functional and enduring.
Whether it’s a new kitchen, a bright extension or a
thoughtfully designed garden terrace, considered
investment can transform not only a property — but
the way it’s lived in every day.

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Indian Palm Block Print
Parasol, £225, and Millie
Outdoor Cushion, £38,
both hauslife.co.uk
Collection from Oka.com
OUTDOOR
LIVING:
EXTENDING THE
HOME BEYOND
ITS WALLS
Gardens are no longer simply outdoor spaces —
they are extensions of the home itself. Thoughtfully
designed patios, terraces and garden rooms create
opportunities for relaxation, entertaining and
family time, turning outdoor areas into spaces
that are used and enjoyed throughout the year.
Outdoor kitchens, pergolas and integrated seating areas
are growing in popularity, allowing homeowners to cook, dine
and socialise outside during the warmer months. Durable
materials such as porcelain paving, hardwood decking and
aluminium structures ensure these spaces stand the test
of time while maintaining a clean, contemporary look that
complements the architecture of the home.
Just as important as the structure, however, is the
atmosphere. Soft landscaping, layered planting and carefully
chosen lighting can help define zones within the garden —
from dining terraces to quieter corners for reading or unwinding.
Textiles are increasingly being used to bring warmth and personality
to outdoor spaces. Cushions, throws and outdoor rugs soften
seating areas and make them feel as comfortable as an indoor
living room. Playful prints, bold stripes and textured fabrics can add
colour and character, particularly when used on weather-resistant
outdoor cushions and textiles designed to withstand the elements.
These small design touches help blur the line between indoor and
outdoor living, creating spaces that feel both stylish and inviting.
Sunset Rechargable Table Lamp, £69.99, hauslife.co.uk;
Saffron Garden Chair, £129.99, laura-james.co.uk;
Cintre Lounge Chair £1595, oka.com
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22 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
With careful planning, even compact gardens can
be transformed into welcoming outdoor rooms
that complement a home’s interior design. By
combining durable materials, thoughtful planting
and a few personality-filled finishing touches,
homeowners can create outdoor spaces that feel
just as considered as the rooms inside.

Heritage, design
and sustainability:
A new chapter at
Durbeyfield Park
ADVERTISING FEATURE
In the heart of the Blackmore Vale, CG Fry &
Son’s Durbeyfield Park development in Marnhull
is capturing attention for its sympathetic
design, strong heritage and eco credentials...
The development name was inspired by Thomas Hardy’s Tess
of the d’Urbervilles, as Marnhull is featured in the novel, but the
connection to the land goes deeper. Marnhull stone – a local
material that has defined the village’s architecture – is being
used to ensure the 61 new homes feel like a natural extension to
the community.
Nestled in an area of outstanding natural beauty, close to
Sturminster Newton, Shaftesbury and Gillingham, Marnhull
offers a rare balance of rural charm and practical amenity. As
the largest village in Dorset, it boasts a vibrant community
supported by two primary schools, pubs, a doctor’s surgery,
village hall, recreation ground and independent shops.
While the homes have been sympathetically designed and
complement the village’s rich heritage, the development’s eco
credentials are firmly in the future. An attractive feature pond has
already been created, and bee and swift bricks support the local
ecosystem. The properties benefit from a range of sustainable
features including solar photovoltaic panels, air source heat
pumps and underfloor heating.
Caroline Hill, Sales and Marketing Director at CG Fry & Son,
commented: “We have two beautiful show homes at Durbeyfield
Park, which give visitors an opportunity to see the finished
homes for themselves, while providing ideas on how to use the
space.
“Dressed in creams, blacks and warm oranges, the spacious
four bedroom show home showcases stylish wooden furniture
and an impressive open plan kitchen and dining room. In the
three bedroom show house, the interior designer has used tonal
blues, whites and oranges – complemented with wooden and
leather furniture – to create a well-designed and elegant family
home.”
A range of three and four bedroom bespoke houses are currently
available from £375,000.
To view the show homes, visit the sales office, Marlott
Crescent, Marnhull, DT10 1GB. What3words: Paler.Willing.
Supplier. Call 01258 313137 or visit www.cgfry.co.uk
Beautiful new homes in Marnhull
Durbeyfield Park is a stunning development of 61
high quality homes in a beautiful countryside setting.
Located just 3 miles from Sturminster Newton and
close to Shaftesbury and Gillingham.
Priced from £375,000, the 3 and 4 bedroom
sustainable homes include solar PV panels, air source
heat pumps and underfloor heating.
Visit our stylish new show homes and explore the
CG Fry & Son difference for yourself!
Sales Office, 1 Marlott Crescent, Marnhull, Dorset,
DT10 1GB.
01258 313137 cgfry.co.uk

Living Well, Living Connected
Why retirement is becoming one of life’s most
rewarding chapters...
For a new generation, retirement is no
longer about winding down — it’s about
opening up. More time, more freedom
and more choice are reshaping what later
life looks like, with lifestyle, wellbeing and
connection now firmly at the heart of the
conversation.
One of the biggest shifts is how people
are choosing to live. Downsizing, once
seen purely as a practical necessity, is
increasingly viewed as a positive step
forward. A well-considered move can
unlock equity, reduce the burden of
maintaining a larger home and create a
simpler, more enjoyable way of living.
The result? More time to spend on the
things that bring genuine pleasure —
whether that’s travel, creative pursuits or
simply enjoying a beautiful, thoughtfully
designed space.
Alongside this comes a more proactive
approach to financial planning. Rather
than reacting to change, many are
choosing to plan ahead — making
confident decisions about their future
while they are still in control. This sense
of preparedness not only protects longterm
security, but also allows individuals
to fully embrace the opportunities that
retirement can offer.
Yet perhaps the most defining element of
modern later-life living is connection. As
awareness grows around the impact of
loneliness, there is a clear shift towards
environments that actively foster social
interaction. Today’s communities are
designed with this in mind — from shared
lounges and landscaped gardens to
organised events and interest-led groups.
These are places where neighbours
quickly become friends, and where a
sense of belonging develops naturally.
Wellbeing, too, has taken centre stage.
The focus is no longer simply on care
when it’s needed, but on maintaining
health and vitality for as long as possible.
Access to fitness classes, walking
routes, wellness programmes and on-site
support all contribute to a lifestyle that
feels both active and reassuring. It’s
about living independently, but never in
isolation.
Importantly, the look and feel of these
communities has evolved. Gone are
the outdated perceptions of later-life
housing. In their place are light-filled
apartments, stylish communal spaces
and amenities that rival those of highend
developments. It’s a model that
recognises that expectations don’t
diminish with age — if anything, they
grow stronger.
For families, this new approach offers
genuine reassurance. Loved ones are not
only safe, but thriving — surrounded by
opportunities to stay engaged, active and
socially connected.
Ultimately, retirement today is not about
stepping away from life, but stepping into
it in a different, often richer way. With the
right environment and the right choices,
later life can be every bit as full, vibrant
and rewarding as the years that came
before.
24 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

With the Budget shifting
the landscape, now is the time to
future-proof your estate.
Our specialist team, based across Dorset, Devon and
Somerset will work with you, advising how best to protect
your family and assets.
Giving you peace of mind on:
• Wills & Succession Planning Protecting your assets
• Lasting Powers of Attorney Managing your affairs
• Care Funding & Cost Planning Advice on care fees and funding options
• Your Property Conveyancing for downsizing and retirement living
• Probate & Estate Administration Supporting families and individuals
• Inheritance Tax Advice Reducing the impact on your estate
• Trusts & Asset Protection Safeguarding family wealth for generations
• Court of Protection Legal assistance in deputyship applications
• Equity Release Unlocking value from your home in retirement
• Contesting a Will Resolving disputes on Will validity and inheritance
Speak to us
01305 262525
info@porterdodson.co.uk
www.porterdodson.co.uk
Find us at
Mey House
Bridport Road
Poundbury, Dorchester
DT1 3QY

STEP INTO
SUMMER
With Oggy’s Footcare
Janet Ogden DipFH MCFHP MAFHP
A professional Foot Health
Practitioner who will expertly
look after your feet.
Routine cut and file
Hard skin
Thick nails
Fungal nails
Corns
Ingrown nails
Verruca treatment
Diabetic footcare
V 07824 486356
oggysfootcare.co.uk
Email: oggysfootcare@gmail.com
Book at: oggys-footcare.selectandbook.com
9a West Street, Abbotsbury, DT3 4JT
Since 2012
Holistic Ballet Classes
for all adults
Supportive & Non-Judgemental, Tailored To Suit You. All Ages, Bodies & Abilities Welcome!
The Bull Hotel, 34 East St, Bridport, DT6 3LF
Wednesday classes - 10am, 11.30am,
1pm (Seated Ballet Class), 2.15pm
Jubliee Hall, Church St, Winsham,
Chard, TA20 4HU
Wednesday class - 6.45pm,
Thursdays (Ballet Basics Course) - 3.30pm,
Friday classes - 10am & 11.30am
Join our Zoom class!
Wednesdays at 10.30am
Whatever your experience, age, fitness level, shape or size, we would
love to welcome you into the community! So do get in touch:
WhatsApp: 07866 896978 Email: myballetuk@gmail.com
www.my-ballet.uk | www.facebook.com/MyBalletUK
26 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

All Inclusive. Nothing
Hidden. Peace of Mind
for You & Your Family.
We offer the highest quality residential, nursing and
dementia care and would be delighted to welcome
you for a tour of our award winning home.
At Pine Martin Grange, everything is included.
From professional hairdressing and delicious,
chef-cooked meals to coffee, cake and even
trips out, our ladies and gentlemen enjoy
a truly worry-free lifestyle. Entertainment,
activities and refreshments are all part of our
all-inclusive offering, setting us apart from other
homes. As a luxury, award-winning care home
in Wareham, we’re proud to offer exceptional
care, comfort, companionship and peace of
mind, where every detail is taken care of.
Please feel free to contact us on 01929 768204
or visit www.dormycare.co.uk
Real
Dessert
prepared by one
of our award
winning chefs
PINE MARTIN GRANGE

Proudly supporting clients across Devon, Dorset, Somerset,
Wiltshire & Hampshire.
Why choose our live-in care:
Independent, locally trusted care
company
Bespoke 24/7 one-to-one live-in care with
a carer of your choice
Specialist support for complex needs
Maintaining your dignity and
independence
Peace of mind for you and your loved ones
Ask our team about our specialist clinical
care to support your needs
Help with daily tasks, medication, and
support around the home
30
years’
experience
Live-in Care
Personalised care that helps you stay independent
contact@angelcarers.com angelcarers.com 01308 459204

“I use Angel Carers to help look after my mum with
dementia. They have been doing daily visits to her house
for nearly a year now, and they have been outstanding...”
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ Client Testimonial

THIS SPRING,
CHOOSE A BRIGHTER
WAY TO LIVE
From our warm and welcoming surroundings to our
dedicated care team, our care homes in Dorset offer a
refreshing new start in a place designed for living well.
Book your private tour today to discover more:
UPTON MANOR
01202 160143
1 Dorchester Road
Upton, Poole BH16 5NJ
enquiries@hamberleycarehomes.co.uk
VERWOOD HOUSE
01202 120904
42-44 Ringwood Road
Verwood BH31 7AH
| www.hamberleycarehomes.co.uk

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UP HERE
OPEN DAYS
MAY 9 | SEPTEMBER 19
Private Tours Available Between Dates. Contact Us Today
Personalised Learning
Built Into Every Lesson
Small Classes Where
Every Child is Known
Every Child Empowered
to Succeed Their Way
01747 812122 | clayesmore.com | Iwerne Minster, Blandford Forum, DT11 8LL