What’s On

BBC Gardeners’ World Live NEC, Birmingham

26-29 August

BBC Gardeners' World Live 'Special Edition' will take place as an outdoor event from Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 August 2021. Social distancing and safety measures will be in place and there will be a limited overall number of visitors. The Special Edition will feature the most-loved outside features of BBC Gardeners' World Live including Show Gardens with inspirational designs and outdoor living and planting ideas. There will be plants to buy, gardening advice from experts, along with BBC Good Food Market where you can sample and shop from a wide range of producers selling artisan and seasonal food and drink. There is live entertainment, plus special guests including Monty Don (Fri/Sat) and Adam Frost (Thu). Tickets cost just £20. Book now and enjoy a wonderful day out. www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com

A History of Fashion in 100 Objects Fashion Museum, Bath

June - on-going

A major display celebrating fashion from the 1600s to the present day is on show at the Fashion

Museum in Bath, showcasing 100 star objects drawn from the Museum’s world-class collection. These displays give visitors an instant insight into the era-defining outfits and headline pieces that have shaped or wardrobes over the past 400 years. From graceful robes and embroidered, tailored coats for men, along with Regency fashion from the time of Jane Austen and dresses by the big names of fashion history, together with Georgian silk shoes. www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

Woven silk shoe, with gold leather trim and diamante clip Hellstern and Sons, Paris, worn by Lady Ward, 1930s

Churchill’s War Rooms: The Online Tour

Cheltenham Literature Festival

8 - 17 October 2021 7th July and 5 August

Churchill War Rooms houses the underground nerve centre where the British government directed the Second World War and its from here that Winston Churchill took the UK from what he described as its darkest hour to helping secure allied victory in Europe in 1945. Now, for the first time, you can experience the power of the War Rooms virtually as their expert guide takes you under the streets of Westminster to explore this remarkable historical landmark and the secrets it keeps. The tour starts at 6pm and lasts approx. 60 minutes plus 30 minutes of Questions and Answers. Please book by 10pm on day before the tour Online tours can also be booked on request for private groups of up to 30 people. To find out how to book and for more information on pricing, please email IWMPrivateTours@iwm.org.uk with your preferred date. For further information www.iwm.org.uk

The world's oldest literature festival returns this autumn, when it will bring literary revelry to the heart of regency Cheltenham. Following last year's FutureBook award-winning hybrid Festival, the 2021 instalment is set to welcome live audiences to all its venues, with highlights curated for the CheltLitPlayer and a 'Today at Cheltenham' daily broadcast. The theme - Read the World - will draw on the Festival's international connections as well as digital technology to showcase the best new voices in fiction and poetry alongside literary greats and high-profile speakers and thinkers from around the world. The Guest Curators will lend their voices, insight and expertise to the programming team led by Nicola Tuxworth, who said: 'Cheltenham wouldn't be Cheltenham without our Guest Curators, they are key to keeping our programme fresh and original each year. We are honoured and delighted to welcome this extraordinarily talented group to work with us - giving generously of their time and their creativity and lending their unique perspectives and insights to the programming process.' For details of curators and further information about the event visit www.cheltenhamfestivals.com

Say Yes!

to a retirement village like no other.

Gone are the days when getting older was about compromise and slowing down. When you choose luxury retirement living at Santhem Residences, you’re not just choosing a community of neighbours and friends with a shared desire to live well, you’re unlocking a life with more to enjoy and less to worry about.

The first of its kind in Essex, Santhem is more than a collection of properties, or a warden-controlled community. And it’s far from a traditional “care home”. Instead, every element has been designed to give you the spontaneity, choice and independence you crave, perfectly balanced with all the support, personal care and community you could ever need.

From our stunning grounds up to our penthouse rooftop terraces, you’ll find only the highest quality materials and brands, carefully selected by specialists to ensure casual luxury and your total wellbeing, comfort and independence. The communal areas, like the private dining room, restaurant and peaceful lounge, are of a standard you’d expect to see in a 5* hotel, and we encourage residents to see them as an extension of their own apartments. Even the gardens are designed to enhance the lifestyle of everyone that lives here. Whether you use them as a relaxing personal sanctuary, or a garden party venue, it’s up to you.

What else? With no shortage of amenities on site and the freedom to venture out whenever you please, you can enjoy every moment of your retirement at your own pace. All life’s little luxuries are within easy reach – practically on your doorstep – like a wellness suite, with its own hair salon, relaxation lounge, sauna, steam room and occupational therapy room, plus a coffee lounge, onsite bar, library and cinema. So whatever you like doing, you won’t have to travel far for the pleasure.

That said, if you do decide to venture out for an afternoon, or jet off for a month, you can do so with total peace of mind, knowing everything will be safe and sound. Because we’ve ensured our village is only accessible to those who are welcome and invited, with key-fob entry and CCTV to the Santhem team on site 24/7.

Support is never far away when you’re at home either, with a call system in your apartment answered by a 24/7 inhouse response team. And should you ever find yourself wanting an extra hand now and then, the 24/7 concierge can book on-site services for you, such as housekeeping, maintenance or care, as often as you like.

That’s the best thing about becoming a Santhem homeowner – you can enjoy life to the fullest right now, and welcome whatever the future holds with confidence. Because, as we like to say, you’re not just buying a place to live, you’re buying into a whole new way of life.

Visit www.santhemresidences.co.uk or call to book a private viewing and Say Yes! to exceptional retirement living today.

A warm welcome awaits!

Phone: 01277 561 683 Opening 2021.

10 Mayes Drive, Willow Park, Nottinghamshire | For Sale £265,000

Stately-Albion Wentwood 48’ x 22’

This impressive home is set in a tranquil location with picturesque views overlooking the lake, so you’ll be sure to enjoy a relaxed retirement. With stunning finishes, the Wentwood offers two double bedrooms, spacious lounge diner, kitchen and utility with integrated appliances, study, bathroom, ensuite shower and walk-in wardrobe. Outside are gardens surrounding the property with a large decking and private gravel driveway for two cars.