Cheltenham Living Jul

YOUR FREE COPY JUL/AUG 2026

Cheltenham

living

including Gloucester

& Winchcombe

READY

T O

HOST

BEAUTIFUL

SPACES

MADE FOR

ENTERTAINING

FIRE UP

THE GRILL

IT’S BBQ SEASON AND

WE HAVE SOME GREAT

RECIPES

DOPAMINE

DRESSING

BRING JOY AND COLOUR

TO YOUR WARDROBE

FOOD & DRINK • EVENTS • LIFESTYLE • INTERVIEWS • TRAVEL

C O N T E N T S

A NOTE

from the editor

16

FIRE UP THE FLAVOUR

Welcome to our July/August

issue.

Summer is in full swing, with

gardens in bloom, long days to

enjoy and plenty of opportunities

to make the most of life close

to home. Inside, you’ll find

inspiration for the season ahead,

from local events and days out

to summer recipes, home ideas

and more.

Before that, however, we want to

pay tribute to someone who has

been a much-valued part of our

magazines for almost a decade.

SUMMER LOOKS

Editor Katie Thomson

e katie@minervapublications.co.uk

Assistant Editor Kate Norris

Publisher Sally Thomson

Pre Press Manager Rebecca Rose

Contributors

Matthew Biggs, Angela Cave,

Louise Thomson, Pete Lawrence

FOR ADVERTISING

Account Manager Steve Davies

e steve.davies@minervapublications.co.uk

t 01225 984506

Cover courtesy of Monsoon

10

14

EARLY YEARS ADVICE

HOSTING DONE RIGHT

20

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.

We were deeply saddened to

hear of the death of our garden

expert, Matthew Biggs VMH,

who passed away in May at the

age of 65. For many readers,

Matthew’s gardening column

was a familiar and trusted

feature, offering practical advice,

seasonal wisdom and an

infectious enthusiasm for plants.

Best known for his appearances

on Gardeners’ Question

Time, Matthew combined

vast horticultural knowledge

with warmth and humour. A

professional gardener for more

than 25 years, he studied at

Pershore College of Agriculture

and the Royal Botanic Gardens,

Kew, before going on to write

many books and become one

of Britain’s most respected

gardening voices.

Recently awarded the Victoria

Medal of Honour, one of

horticulture’s highest accolades,

Matthew was also admired

for his determination during

his battle with bowel cancer,

including his work helping to

create a therapeutic garden at

Mount Vernon Hospital.

We are enormously grateful

for Matthew’s contribution to

this magazine. His columns

encouraged readers to embrace

the seasons and appreciate the

natural world. He will be greatly

missed, and our thoughts are

with his family, friends and the

many gardeners he inspired.

Katie

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3

FLUFF IT, DUFF IT,

SCORE IT, SMASH IT.

WHATEVER YOU DO,

JUST GIVE IT A GO.

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From sports activities for children and young people to

family fitness workouts, from Pilates and yoga classes

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groups to Couch to 5k courses - across Gloucestershire,

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We bring the energy that gets you moving.

Discover activities near you at

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Scan me

4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

If music be the food of love, then some people are a bit... off

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4–8 August

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THE TUCKWELL AMPHITHEATRE

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Get in touch to find out more: 01225 984550 or

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T E B I H A G G L I C P G V U

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O I S C R O O U D E F V I B Q

J Z W H I B N N K A L O L U W

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RAISING INDEPENDENT

CHILDREN

By Gail Murphy, Early Years Development Manager,

National Day Nurseries Association

Parents and immediate family members

are a child’s first educators and the most

important people in their lives. The early

years are their foundations for learning

and independence, when they develop the

skills they need to reach their full potential.

Happy, secure and independent children

benefit from structure, routine and the

opportunity to develop decision-making

and risk-taking skills which builds their

confidence. Sending a child to nursery

where there are varied and different

learning environments to home can really

support a child on their next steps to

independence and self-sufficiency.

Independence looks different for

every child. Well-qualified early years

professionals are best placed to support

each child to develop their potential.

Here’s why:

Nurseries provide opportunities for group

play, shared problem-solving, learning

with and from their peers. Children in

settings soon develop social skills such as

turn-taking, sharing, negotiation, conflict

resolution and empathy.

In a larger social setting, children have the

extra space to develop communication

skills through individual, small and large

group experiences where they learn

how to express needs, wishes, interests,

ideas and feelings in socially acceptable

ways. Group mealtimes for example

support social skills and routines and

introduce children to try broader tastes

and an understanding of the joys of eating

together.

Supporting children to develop

persistence and resilience can be

challenging for many families, particularly

when it feels easier in the moment to

step in quickly or avoid upsetting them.

Nurseries can offer helpful challenge

and gentle resistance by encouraging

children to try for themselves, building

independence rather than reliance.

Parents’ own upbringing and experiences

can also shape how comfortable they

feel with saying no, but evidence shows

that children benefit from clear, consistent

boundaries. Boundaries help children feel

safe and secure, and from this sense of

reassurance they gain the confidence to

explore.

Relationships that children have with

their nursery workers are key to their

overall experiences in nursery. Adults

have the training to encourage, model

and enable, engendering curiosity

through new and exciting opportunities

and experiences, such as the Maths

Champions programme. Children develop

self-sufficiency and real-world skills like

dressing, toileting, managing meal times,

looking after their environment and each

other.

Making daily choices in free-flow indoor

and outdoor play within predictable

routines builds autonomy, decisionmaking

and ownership of who to play

with, where and what. Nursery staff

support where necessary but also know

when to step back to help children

become more capable, try it themselves,

to gain that confidence when they achieve

their goals. Independence grows gradually

and needs to be encouraged and taught.

It includes knowing when and how to ask

for help in a situation. Children learn in this

way to develop persistence and resilience

when things are tricky.

Routines, play and relationships with peers

and adults build children’s confidence, a

‘can do’ attitude and support emotional

regulation by reducing anxiety.

What is the Maths Champions

programme and why does it matter?

The Maths Champions programme,

delivered by the National Day Nurseries

Association is an evidence-based early

intervention designed to boost children’s

maths skills from the very start. Through

flexible online training, practical tools

and expert support, it helps nursery staff

build confidence and embed maths into

everyday play and routines.

The impact is significant: children in

participating settings make up to three

months additional progress, rising to six

months for disadvantaged children.

Just as importantly, it equips practitioners

and parents with simple, effective ways to

support early maths at home and in the

setting. Strong early maths skills are a key

foundation for later learning, making early

intervention crucial.

Find out more about the programme

here: https://ndna.org.uk/championsprogrammes/maths-champions-earlyyears-maths-training/


Oxfordshire | State Boarding

Junior | Senior | Sixth Form

Choosing the right Sixth Form or boarding

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At Burford, we offer state boarding in an idyllic Oxfordshire setting,

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RESPECT | PARTICIPATE | REACH

Guiting Music Festival

24th July - 2nd Aug 2026

Alexander Ullman

© Allard Willemse

Mica Paris

Thibault Cauvin

© Rankin

CELEBRATING

55 YEARS

U

In the beautiful Cotswolds

featuring the best Classical,

Jazz and Blues

S

C

I

L

10 days of Live Music

Book online at

www.guitingfestival.org

Alistair McGowan

15% off

The Manfreds

55th Anniversary Special:

If you buy a ticket for each of our 4 midweek concerts (Mon-Thurs), you will automatically

be given a 15% discount off the total price at checkout.


GET SET,

Grill

Summer cooking is all

about bold flavours,

relaxed sharing dishes and

irresistible BBQ char. These

recipes from cookware

brand Stellar bring together

smoky vegetables, creamy

dips and punchy spices —

perfect for alfresco lunches

and laid-back garden

gatherings

BBQ CAJUN

CHICKEN LEGS

Turn up the heat and spice up

the chicken for this delectable

dish that’s made to enjoy in the

sunshine. Cook in a cast iron skillet

on the BBQ for perfectly charred

yet tender chicken, which retains

all the flavour of its juices and spice

marinade while it cooks. Serve with

a zingy side dish of pineapple salsa,

sweet potato fries and fridge cold

beers for a delicious afternoon.

Serves: 4

Prep time: 10 mins (plus overnight

marinating)

Cooking time: 20-30 mins (or until

the chicken reaches 70°C when

probed with a meat thermometer)

INGREDIENTS:

4 organic free range chicken legs

1 tsp each sea salt and black

pepper

1 tsp paprika

½ -1tsp chilli powder

2 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp garlic powder or 1 clove of

garlic, peeled and crushed

2 tsp demerara sugar

2 tbsp sunflower oil

For the salsa:

1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored

and finely diced

1 red chilli, deseeded and finely

chopped

2 tbsp fresh coriander, leaves

picked and roughly chopped

½ red onion, very finely chopped

1 lime, zest and juice

METHOD:

Place the chicken legs on a large

plate.

Mix the remaining ingredients

together in a small bowl and spoon

over the chicken. Rub the spice

mixture into the chicken, ensuring

each leg is well coated. Cover and

place in the fridge for a minimum of

4 hours, but preferably overnight to

marinate.

The following day, preheat the BBQ.

Place the skillet on the BBQ and

preheat for 10 minutes.

Add the chicken legs and cook for

approximately 20-30 minutes or

until the chicken is cooked through.

While the chicken is cooking, place

the salsa ingredients in a bowl and

mix together.

Serve the chicken hot or cold with

salsa.

BBQ SHAWARMA

SPICED KING

OYSTER

MUSHROOM

Plant-based BBQ perfection: spicy

King Oyster mushroom shawarma,

charred over hot coals and served

with flatbreads, hummus, pickled

cucumbers and jalapeños for a fiery

summer feast. Serves 4.

Prep time: 10 mins (plus 30 mins

to marinate)

Cooking time: 10 mins

INGREDIENTS:

500g King Oyster mushrooms

2 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp chilli powder

1 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp ground turmeric

2 tsp ground cumin

½ tsp ground black pepper

½ tsp salt

2 tbsp olive oil

2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed

2 garlic cloves, unpeeled


David Lloyd Clubs, UK's leading premium health

and wellness group, is coming to Bishops Cleeve.

David Lloyd Bishops Cleeve is located north of Cheltenham and is

opening this winter. The new Club will offer a wide range of state-ofthe-art

health, fitness, racquets and spa facilities for families and adults

of all ages.

If you’re looking to improve your health and wellness, learn a new skill,

spend time with family and friends, or simply relax, then look no further

than the brand-new David Lloyd Bishops Cleeve.

Get those endorphins flowing - The centrepiece of the Club will be

the 100+ station gym, which will house David Lloyd Clubs’ cuttingedge

gym concept. With personal trainers on hand to give expert

advice and help you to reach goals you never thought possible.

The group exercise studios will host more than 100 classes each

week including the David Lloyd Clubs’ exclusive Signature Classes

Collection.

Members will be able to take part in high-energy workouts such as

IGN1TE, find balance in Mind and Body classes including SPIRIT,

Reformer Pilates and yoga, pedal through exhilarating RHYTHM and

CYCLONE group cycling classes, and experience the adrenaline rush

from the exclusive HIIT class BLAZE.

Raise your game - Fun for the whole family is guaranteed on the

Padel and premium cushioned acrylic tennis courts. An

experienced team of racquets professionals will be on hand to offer

first-rate coaching, so whether you’re an experienced player or

complete beginner, there’ll be something for everyone.

Unwind time - The luxurious Spa Retreat and outdoor Spa

Garden will be the perfect escape from the rigours of everyday life.

A Himalayan salt sauna, rainforest experience shower, Crystal

Steam Room, ice cave and plunge pool, all in a stunning space

designed to aid relaxation and rejuvenation.

Plus, for swimmers, the indoor and outdoor pools and swim in-out

hydropool will give members an energy boost from the water,

whatever the weather.

Family Fun together - Family sits at the heart of David Lloyd Clubs.

With structured, progressive swim and tennis coaching and DL

Kids activities including after-school and holiday Clubs, there’s

always something to keep the youngest members entertained while

learning new skills. For little ones aged 8 and over, the David Lloyd

Clubs ‘Rebels’ classes will offer kids a chance to enhance their

fitness and wellbeing.

Clubroom - The stylish Clubroom is the heart of the Club and will

offer the ideal place to unwind with friends and family and grab a

delicious bite. For those sunnier days, enjoy dining al-fresco and

perhaps a refreshing drink while the kids play in the outdoor play

area.

An adults-only business lounge will provide a comfortable

alternative to working from home, where you can take advantage of

refreshments being brought directly to your table - and then even

squeeze in a quick class between work calls!

It’s all coming to the new David Lloyd Bishops Cleeve. There are

limited introductory memberships available before the Club opens

this winter, so hurry to secure your space.

Memberships will be available soon,

so, register your interest online today at

www.davidlloyd.co.uk/bishops-cleeve

BISHOPS CLEEVE

BISHOPS CLEEVE

OPENING BISHOPS THIS CLEEVE WINTER

OPENING THIS WINTER

OPENING THIS WINTER

SPA I POOLS I GYM I CLUBROOM I BUSINESS HUB I TENNIS & PADEL I GROUP CLASSES I DLKIDS



2-3 red chillies

To serve:

½ large cucumber, thinly sliced

1 tsp sumac

1 tsp salt

Juice of ½ lemon

1 small bunch flat leaf parsley, finely

chopped

4 large flatbreads

Hummus or Greek yoghurt

Pickled jalapeño peppers

METHOD:

A cast iron skillet is ideal for BBQ

cooking because it holds and

distributes heat evenly, helping the

mushrooms cook in their juices while

developing soft centres and charred

edges.

Toast the dry spices in the skillet

for 2–3 minutes until fragrant, then

mix with salt, olive oil and crushed

garlic. Halve the mushrooms

lengthways, score the cut sides,

coat in the spice mixture and

marinate for at least 30 minutes.

For the pickled cucumber, mix

cucumber with sumac, salt, lemon

juice and parsley, then set aside.

Return the skillet to the BBQ with

a little olive oil, garlic and chillies.

Cook the mushrooms cut side down

for 4–5 minutes until golden and

charred, turning halfway.

Warm the flatbreads on the BBQ,

spread with hummus or Greek

yoghurt, then top with mushrooms,

pickled cucumber, jalapeños and

chilli if using.

B B Q S L O W

COOKED

BUTTERFLIED

LEG OF LAMB

Slow cooked over coals until

meltingly tender, this is the ultimate

method to cook a timeless classic.

Marinate the shoulder of lamb

overnight with anchovies, garlic

and rosemary to enhance the sweet

flavour. Serves 4-6.

Prep time: 15 minutes (plus

overnight marinating)

Cooking time: 2-2 ½ hours

(approximately)

INGREDIENTS:

2kg shoulder of lamb, deboned and

butterflied

2 tbsp olive oil

6 anchovy fillets

3 garlic cloves, peeled and cut in

slivers

1 large bunch of rosemary

Black pepper

2 tbsp runny honey

50 ml dry sherry (optional)

You will need a large cast iron skillet

and a BBQ with a lid.

METHOD:

Using a small sharp knife, make

deep incisions in the lamb surface.

Place the olive oil and anchovy fillets

in a small food processor and blitz to

make a paste.

Place the lamb shoulder in a shallow

dish and rub with the paste. Insert

the rosemary and garlic into the

incisions. Add black pepper, drizzle

over the honey and sherry and

cover. Place in the fridge to marinate

overnight.

The following day, remove the lamb

from the fridge two hours before

you’re ready to cook, to reach room

temperature.

Preheat the BBQ. You will need

plenty of coals to maintain the heat

over a couple of hours.

Place the skillet on the BBQ and

preheat for 10 minutes.

Add the lamb to the skillet and close

the lid. Cook for approximately 2

to 2 ½ hours or until the lamb is

tender. The meat when probed with

a meat thermometer should reach

80°C-85°C.

Open the lid and cook for

approximately 10 minutes until the

surface of the meat caramelises.

Remove from the heat, cover and rest

for at least ½ hour. To serve, simply

pull apart with two forks and spoon

over any juices.


Holiday home

Ownership

with Hoburne

Here at Hoburne, we believe holiday home ownership

should be a source of joy, built on a foundation of

complete confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.

A holiday home is a lifestyle choice – an investment in

Quality.Family.Time. rather than just a financial return.

That’s why we’ve created The Hoburne Promise to ensure you are firmly in control of your ownership journey, from your

very first conversation with us through to years of being an owner. It is a commitment built on long-term trust, ensuring you

understand exactly what you are buying and what ownership looks like both now and in the future.

The foundations of the Hoburne Promise:

Ethical

integrity

60-day money-back

guarantee

Generous

5-year warranty

Reassurance

and support

An independently certified

ethical sales process to

ensure every interaction is

handled with honesty

A 60-day money-back

guarantee to provide

reassurance during the early

stages of ownership

A 5-year ‘Peace of

Mind+’ warranty on all

new holiday homes

Dedicated welcome

meetings, an owner app, and

a supported leaving process

should you decide to sell

Book an appointment now with

our team and discover whether

holiday home ownership is

perfect for you

ownership@hoburne.com I 01425 282356 I hoburne.com/ownership

Hoburne Limited. Registered Office: 10 Hoburne Lane, Christchurch, Dorset, England. BH23 4HP. Company Number: 1102096.

THE ART OF ENTERTAINING

As doors open onto gardens

and long evenings stretch into

night, homes come into their

own. Summer is the season when

kitchens become gathering spaces,

gardens turn into dining rooms, and

even the simplest supper can feel

like an occasion.

From beautifully designed kitchens

and outdoor dining spaces to

lighting, furniture and finishing

touches, The Art of Entertaining

brings together the local experts

helping homeowners host with

ease, comfort and style.

A KITCHEN MADE

FOR GATHERING

Every good gathering seems to

begin in the kitchen. It is where

drinks are poured, plates are

passed around, and guests

naturally gravitate while food is

being prepared.

Olive & Barr

For those planning a redesign,

the key is to think beyond how a

kitchen looks and consider how

it feels to use. A generous island,

clever storage, practical worktops

and well-planned lighting can all

make entertaining smoother. The


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best kitchens balance beautiful

design with everyday function,

creating a space that works just as

well for a relaxed family breakfast

as it does for a summer dinner with

friends.

INDOOR-OUTDOOR

LIVING

When the weather is kind, the

garden becomes another room.

Sliding or bi-fold doors, sheltered

terraces, outdoor kitchens, dining

sets and comfortable seating areas

can completely change the way

a home is enjoyed through the

warmer months.

Even small updates can have a big

impact. Planters, lighting, cushions,

shade and a defined dining area

can make an outdoor space feel

inviting and considered, without

losing that relaxed summer feeling.

SETTING THE

SCENE

Entertaining well does not have to

mean making everything formal.

Often, it is the little details that

make guests feel welcome: a

beautifully laid table, fresh flowers,

comfortable chairs, warm lighting,

chilled drinks and somewhere easy

for people to gather.

Practical touches matter too. Think

about shade in the day, warmth as

evening falls, and enough lighting

to carry the atmosphere after

sunset. Firepits, lanterns, parasols,

throws and outdoor heaters can

all help make the most of those

long summer evenings and festoon

lights and solar powered devices

are great options.

STYLE THAT LASTS

A home designed for entertaining

should still feel personal and

liveable. Rather than chasing

trends, focus on quality pieces,

thoughtful design and spaces that

suit the way you actually live.

Whether it is a new kitchen, an

improved garden layout, stylish

furniture, specialist glazing, interior

accessories or expert advice on

finishing touches, local businesses

can help create spaces that feel

welcoming all year round.

This summer, The Art of

Entertaining is about making

hosting feel effortless —

and making the most of the

home, garden and people

around you.

Images from top left, clockwise;

Tumbler, £10.95 and Jug,

£35, grahamandgreen.

co.uk; Kitchen from

woodworksbrighton.co.uk;

Terrasse Beige Diamond

Outdoor Rug from £169,

escapologyhome.co.uk; Pedra Rope

6-Seater Round Dining Set, £1,299,

daals.co.uk;


FIREPLACE GALLERY

FIRES & STOVES

Whether your fire is for

warmth or a feature,

traditional looking,

modern or bespoke The

Fireplace Gallery has a

fire to suit your home.

With 2 large showrooms to

visit for inspiration, and an

experienced sales and installation

team, we can supply and create

exactly what you are looking for.

• Gas Fires

• Electric Fires

• Woodburning Stoves

• Multifuel Stoves

• Mantle Pieces,

Surrounds and Beams

• Bespoke Media Walls

• Own Installation Team

• Fire Servicing

- CHELTENHAM SHOWROOM - - GLOUCESTER SHOWROOM -

01242 680076 01452 290155

Unit 18-19 Knightsbridge Business Centre, Cheltenham GL51 9TA

Email: sales@fireplacegalleryfires.co.uk

WWW.FIREPLACEGALLERYFIRES.CO.UK

7A Northbrook Road, Gloucester GL4 3DP

Email: glos@fireplacegalleryfires.co.uk

YOUR PERFECT

BATHROOM

IS CLOSER THAN

YOU THINK

FREE ROCA THERMOSTATIC

MIXER SHOWER

subject to a minimum spend of

£1,000 (excluding VAT)

Book your appointment today!

By phone: 01242 221411

or online at bathrooms.com

Showroom address

Units 32-33 Central Way,

Arle Road, Cheltenham GL51 8LX

bathrooms.com


FINISHING TOUCHES:

The Details That Make a Home

Not every home transformation

begins with building work, new

layouts or major investment. Often,

it is the smaller details — the

carefully chosen light fitting, the

fabric that softens a room, the

mirror that changes the sense of

space — that make a home feel

truly finished.

Finishing touches bring comfort,

character and cohesion. They are

the layers that turn a practical

space into somewhere warm,

welcoming and personal.

LIGHTING THE

WAY

Lighting has one of the biggest

impacts on the atmosphere of a

home. A room can feel entirely

different depending on how it is lit,

from bright and practical during

the day to soft and inviting in the

evening.

Rather than relying on one central

light, consider layers. Table

lamps, wall lights, pendants and

carefully placed floor lamps can

all help create depth and warmth.

In kitchens and bathrooms, task

lighting is essential, while in living

rooms

and

bedrooms,

softer lighting can

instantly make a space

feel more relaxed.

THE POWER OF

PAINT

Colour is one of the easiest ways

to update a home without changing

everything. Earthy browns,

terracottas and deep chocolate

tones add instant depth, especially

alongside timber floors and layered

textiles. Restorative greens, from

smoky jade to rich teal, bring an

organic calm, while buttery yellows

add gentle joy and optimism. For

something bolder, deep reds, wines

and plums create a more dramatic,

elevated feel, while warm off-whites

offer a soft, comforting base for

brass accents, pale woods and

natural textures.

SOFTNESS,

TEXTURE AND

COMFORT

Soft furnishings are where a home

begins to feel lived in. Cushions,

throws, curtains, rugs and

upholstery all introduce texture,

colour and comfort, helping to

soften harder surfaces and

bring a scheme together.

A new rug can define a

seating area, curtains can

make a room feel taller and

warmer, and cushions can

add personality in a way

that is easy to update over

time.

CHARACTER IN

THE DETAILS

The most memorable homes are

rarely the most perfect. They are

the ones with character: artwork

collected over time, books on

shelves, ceramics, candles, flowers,

family pieces and objects that tell

a story.

Accessories should feel considered

rather than cluttered. Grouping items

in odd numbers, varying height and

texture, and leaving space around

favourite pieces can help a room feel

styled without being overdone.

BRINGING IT ALL

TOGETHER

The key to successful finishing

touches is cohesion. Colours do

not have to match exactly, but

they should speak to one another.

Materials, tones and textures should

flow gently from room to room,

creating a sense of ease throughout

the home.

Sometimes, it is not about changing

everything — it is about choosing

the details that make a house feel

unmistakably like home.

Images, clockwise; Brookfield Rug, £225,

cotswoldco.com; Vase, £11,

heavenlyhomesandgardens.co.uk; Bandua

Wall Light, £299, lightsandlamps.com,

Fern Print Wall Art, £40, clickstyle.co.uk;

‘Knightsbridge’ Green Paint, anniesloan.com;

‘Hopscotch’ Paint, earthbornpaints.co.uk


Timber

windows

Timber

OF CHELTENHAM

SUMMER SALE

15 % OFF

ALL TIMBER WINDOWS

& DOORS IN JULY

Improve the comfort and appearance of your home with natural timber windows and doors from sustainable

sources. Constructed from engineered timber slow grown in cold climates, their strength, stability and beauty

are guaranteed.

With a15% discount off all timber windows and doors in our Summer Sale, visit our showroom to view our

lovely range of products. You’ll receive expert advice and see how beautiful timber windows and doors really

can enhance the value and beauty of your home.

Timber Windows of Cheltenham

15 Suffolk Parade,

Montpellier,

Cheltenham,

GL50 2AE

Showrooms also in Chipping Norton, Cirencester,

Henley, Marlborough & Oxford

Telephone: 01285 653999

info@twcotswolds.co.uk

www.timberwindows.com

Clearer Sight, Greater

Independence

Changes in eyesight are often accepted as an

inevitable part of getting older. Reading may

become harder, colours less bright, night driving

more difficult, or the world may seem a little

cloudier. Because these changes often happen

gradually, they can be easy to dismiss...

But good vision plays a much bigger role in everyday life than

simply helping us see clearly. It affects confidence, balance,

communication, independence and the ability to stay connected

with the world around us.

For older adults, untreated sight problems can have a significant

impact. Reduced vision may make it harder to read, recognise

faces, move safely around the home, judge steps and kerbs,

prepare meals, enjoy hobbies or feel confident going out alone.

Over time, this can lead to people doing less, socialising less and

becoming more dependent on others.

There is also growing awareness of the link between vision

and wider wellbeing. Undiagnosed sight problems can worsen

confusion, anxiety and loss of independence, particularly for

people living with dementia. In some cases, symptoms caused by

poor eyesight may be mistaken for ageing or cognitive decline,

when a treatable eye condition may also be playing a part.

Cataracts are a common example. They occur when the natural

lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurred or misty vision,

glare from lights, faded colours and difficulty seeing clearly at

night. Because cataracts usually develop slowly, many people

adapt without realising how much their sight has changed.

Once cataracts begin to interfere with daily life, treatment can

make a real difference. Cataract surgery replaces the cloudy

natural lens with a clear artificial one, often resulting in brighter,

clearer vision and renewed confidence.

Regular eye examinations are an important first step. They can

identify cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration

and other conditions that may not be immediately obvious.

Rather than accepting changes in vision as “just part of ageing”,

it is always worth seeking professional advice. A simple eye

examination could be the first step towards clearer sight — and

greater independence.

EXCITING NEWS…

Ellis and Killpartrick (Cheltenham) has become….

Envy Eyewear

Rest assured, only the name has changed!

Our enviable range of eyewear and commitment to delivering

exceptional customer care will remain exactly as they have always been.

The same team including Neil will be here to look after you.

We are proud to remain a truly independent practice

since opening in 1994.

• Extensive range of designer and luxury eyewear

• Dispensing the latest in spectacle lens technology

• Thorough eye examinations conducted using 3D OCT retinal scanning

• Contact lenses fitted and supplied.

26 Ground Floor, Regent Arcade, Cheltenham GL50 1JZ

info@envy-eyewear.co.uk | Tel: 01242 228686 | www.envy-eyewear.co.uk


Come And Find Out How We Work

We are a truly independent optician with over 65 years of experience, offering excellent

personal eye care to patients in and around Cheltenham and Gloucestershire.

Providing a really personalised service throughout, you can be assured of the dedicated

services of our own highly qualified Optometrist Amy, together with the full understanding

and imagination of Carole our Dispensing Optician.

Offering thorough eye examinations, from standard eye tests to fully bespoke consultations,

we can look at every aspect of your eye health, using the latest optical technology available.

Always taking the time in our consultations to put you at ease, to listen and understand, to

explain fully what we are doing and what we find.

Amy can diagnose, prescribe and provide on-going support and care for a wide range of

eye conditions; from the every day to more specialised Glaucoma, Kerataconus, Dry Eye

conditions, and Paediatric care.

If you want to know more, please feel to pop in to see us, we look forward to welcoming you.

M

Smith & Swepson Opticians Ltd

2 Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL5O 1QB

look@smithandswepson.co.uk

V

01242 243800

smithandswepson.co.uk

That’s Newmedica

At Newmedica Gloucestershire,

we off er fast access to cataract

care, with expert consultants

tailoring treatment and lens options

to your vision and lifestyle. We’re

committed to making private

cataract lenses aff ordable, with

prices starting from £2,295, with

0% finance options available*.

When I was told I needed

cataract surgery, I didn’t want

to waste time on a waiting list.

In a matter of weeks, I could

see clearly again.

For a FREE consultation call

01452 223 334 (option 2)

or visit newmedica.co.uk

*Acceptance is subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.


High quality care in Cheltenham

Promotional Partnership

At Sandfields Care Home, our highly trained and dedicated teams

are experts in delivering outstanding, person-centred care...

Whether you are looking for residential

care, nursing care, dementia care or shortterm

respite care, we are committed to

providing the highest standards of support

in a warm, welcoming environment where

residents can feel truly at home.

We understand that choosing a care home

is an important decision, which is why we

focus on getting to know every resident as

an individual. By learning about their life

story, interests, hobbies and preferences,

we create tailored care and lifestyle plans

that promote independence, wellbeing

and happiness.

A LIFESTYLE TAILORED TO

YOU

Rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality

Commission (CQC), Sandfields is a

place where residents are encouraged

to continue living life their way. Our

passionate wellbeing team organises a

varied programme of activities, events

and outings designed around residents’

interests and choices.

Whether you enjoy gardening, arts and

crafts, music, exercise classes, cheese

and wine socials or a friendly game of

chess, there is always something to look

forward to. We believe that maintaining

hobbies, friendships and meaningful

experiences is just as important as

receiving excellent care.

LUXURY LIVING EVERY DAY

Sandfields offers a range of luxurious

facilities designed to make every day

enjoyable and comfortable. Residents

can relax in our stylish lounges, enjoy a

freshly brewed coffee in our welcoming

coffee shop, visit the on-site hair salon for

a pampering session or spend time in our

beautifully maintained gardens.

Mealtimes are another highlight of life

at Sandfields. Our award-winning Head

Chef-led kitchen team takes pride in

creating nutritious, delicious meals using

high-quality ingredients. Residents can

enjoy a choice of freshly prepared dishes

at every meal, catering for individual

tastes and dietary requirements while

making dining a social and enjoyable

experience.

HEAR WHAT RELATIVES HAVE

TO SAY

We know how important it is for friends

and family to remain involved in their

loved one’s care and daily life. Regular

relatives’ meetings provide opportunities

to share feedback, ask questions and stay

informed. This collaborative approach

helps us ensure every resident receives

the support they deserve.

TRUST US TO CARE

Sandfields is proud to be part of Care

UK, the country’s most awarded large

care provider. With more than 40 years of

experience delivering high-quality, personcentred

care, we have earned the trust of

over 10,000 families across the UK.

To find out more, call 01242 802590.

Sandfields Care Home

St George’s Road, Cheltenham, GL50 3EL

careuk.com/sandfields

Are you worried

about losing mobility

as you age?

Stay active and independent with

support from Significare

A new private healthcare service to help older people

avoid preventable falls, injuries or illness.

Our service starts with a detailed assessment. We create

a personalised care plan and co-ordinate any treatment

you need, delivered in the comfort of your own home.

Scan the

QR code

to take our

FREE Health

Check.

Tel: 01242 503660 | enquiries@significare.co.uk | www.significare.co.uk


Award

winning care

homes

Sandfields care home, Cheltenham

Living well with Parkinson’s

Tuesday 28th July, 2pm - 3.30pm

Join us to hear from Ruth Wright from Parkinson’s UK, to learn how you can improve life for a

person affected by Parkinson’s.

Taste of Sandfields

Friday 7th August, 1pm - 4pm

Join us for our very own food festival, as we come together to celebrate the flavours and traditions

that make dining so special in our care home.

To attend please call 01242 800622 or email

david.blake@careuk.com

Trusted to care

LIVING

WELL

WITH

DEMENTIA

ADVERTISING FEATURE

A diagnosis of

dementia can feel

overwhelming - not

only for the person

affected, but for the

family and friends

around them.

It often brings difficult questions about

independence, safety, future care and

quality of life. Yet while dementia is

a life-changing condition, it does not

mean life stops being meaningful,

active or connected.

Across the UK, more families are

now looking for care and support

that goes beyond simply managing

symptoms. The focus is increasingly

on helping people live well: maintaining

familiar routines, preserving dignity,

encouraging social connection and

offering reassurance to loved ones who

may be navigating care decisions for

the first time.

Dementia affects people in different

ways. Some may experience memory

loss, confusion or difficulty finding

words, while others may notice

changes in mood, confidence or

behaviour. Because the condition can

progress gradually, families often find

themselves adapting step by step —

perhaps beginning with extra help at

home, before later considering more

structured care.

For many people, remaining in their

own home for as long as possible is an

important priority. Care at home services

can make this possible by providing

practical help with daily routines, such

as washing, dressing, meals, medication

reminders, light household tasks and

transport to appointments. They can

also offer companionship, which is

especially important for those at risk of

becoming isolated.

But good care at home is about far

more than ticking off a list of tasks.

For someone living with dementia, a

familiar face, a calm approach and

an understanding of their life story

can make a significant difference.

Carers who take time to learn about

someone’s routines, preferences, past

experiences and anxieties are often

better able to reduce distress and

encourage confidence.

As needs increase, specialist

care homes can offer a safe and

supportive environment designed

around the realities of dementia.

Many now provide dedicated

dementia communities, with staff

trained to understand memory loss,

communication difficulties and the

emotional impact of the condition.

The best settings combine safety with

warmth — creating spaces that feel

homely rather than clinical, with clear

layouts, secure gardens, meaningful

activities and quiet areas for relaxation.

Activities play an important role in

dementia care. Music, gardening,

gentle exercise, baking, art,

reminiscence sessions and visits from

local groups can all help stimulate

memory, lift mood and create moments

of joy. Even when someone struggles

to remember recent events, they may

still respond strongly to music from

their younger years, familiar scents,

photographs or simple shared routines.

Retirement communities can also

offer valuable support, particularly

“Good care is not

simply practical;

it is personal.”

for couples or individuals who want

independence with reassurance close

at hand. Some provide flexible care

packages that can adapt over time,

allowing residents to enjoy their own

private space while benefiting from

social activities, communal dining,

wellbeing services and access to help

when needed.

For relatives, making care decisions

can be emotionally difficult. Feelings

of guilt, worry and uncertainty are

common, especially when deciding

whether a loved one needs more help

than the family can provide alone.

Seeking advice early can make the

process less daunting. Speaking to

care providers, dementia specialists,

GPs, local support groups or charities

can help families understand the

options available and plan ahead

rather than waiting for a crisis.

Living well with dementia is about

recognising the person behind

the diagnosis — their memories,

relationships, tastes, humour and

individuality. With the right support,

people can continue to experience

comfort, companionship and purpose,

while families feel less alone in the

journey.


PLAY OUR

SUMMER

RAFFLE

Every raffle ticket bought helps

save lives in your community

1st

£3,000

Tickets £1

2nd £500

3rd

4th

Prize 5 x £50

Prize 10 x £25

Scan the QR code

to enter

For ticket books call our

Summer Raffle Hotline on 01628 200 685

Postal closing date: Friday 10th July 2026

Online closing date: Thursday 16th July 2026

Draw date: Monday 20th July 2026

Cheltenham Living Jul - Aug 2026

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