May is here and as the weather is starting to get that little bit warmer we can all start to embrace the coming summer.
In this issue I really wanted to focus on certain elements such as recipes and editorials. As I continue to put together these magazines I want to consistently put my own spin on elements of it each month, I’m really proud of this issue and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I loved making it.
If you have any ideas how we can make the magazine better then please email: editor@oracle.uk.net and I will get back to as many of you as possible.
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CREATE YOUR OWN REGENCY-STYLE GARDEN
You don’t need to be an expert in period dramas to admire the elegant and luxurious garden seen in Bridgerton.
Embracing the Regencycore aesthetic, nearly every scene showcases grand country estates with ornamental topiaries, striking borders, extravagant water features, and breathtaking floral displays.
Now in its third season, Bridgerton’s garden scenes are filmed at actual historic homes like Hatfield House, Painshill Park, and Windsor Great Park. For the 2024 Chelsea Flower Show, Netflix will introduce the Bridgerton Garden, designed by Holly Johnston, reflecting Penelope Featherington’s journey. This garden will feature a moon gate, water feature, sunken seating area, and whimsical planting for an informal, natural feel.
When people think of Bridgerton, the picturesque scenery that adds to the show’s romantic ambience often comes to mind. The climbing wisterias, majestic fountains, perfectly groomed shrubs, and lavish rose displays typical of Regency-style gardens create the perfect backdrop for high society events like promenades, balls, and garden parties.
Recreating these landscaped gardens on a smaller scale may seem challenging, but we’re here to help. Lady Whistledown and the Ton would surely be impressed!
Here’s how to bring the Bridgerton garden trends to your own outdoor space this spring and summer, embracing both romance and elegance.
ClimBing Plants
Nothing beats the curb appeal of the Bridgerton family house, adorned with beautiful climbing wisteria. Following Bridgerton’s first season in December 2020, Primrose reported a 400% increase in searches for ‘Amethyst wisteria.’
Alternatively, try roses or clematis montana, which enhance most structures. Grow these plants on a pergola, trellis, wall, or fence to add drama and height to your garden, evoking the romance and elegance of the Netflix series. Train these climbing plants by gently tying them to supports with plant ties and regularly pruning to encourage upward growth.
Colourful Planting
Whites, pinks, purples, and blues evoke the Regency era, but as Penelope takes the spotlight in season three, bold citrus shades often seen in the Featherington household are more fitting. Shades of red, orange, and pink will be popular this spring, reflecting Penelope’s development and blossoming romance in the new season.
To achieve this vibrant colour palette, choose summerflowering bulbs like dahlias, begonias, lilies, and gladioli. Cottage garden plants are also excellent for capturing the Regency look, with hardy annuals like nigella, Centaurea, and calendula adding bursts of colour when grouped together. Roses add a romantic touch and help your garden resemble the beautiful spaces seen in the show.
PlEasing PErgolas
Imagine enjoying high tea under a pergola after a leisurely walk through the gardens. While follies are common in Bridgerton’s garden sets, a pergola offers
a similar level of extravagance. Adorned with climbing plants, it adds grandeur to your garden and provides a perfect spot for a summer soirée.
If space is limited, create height by grouping potted plants of different sizes and colours on a raised display.
soCialising
arEa
Country-style furniture fits perfectly with the Regencycore theme of a Bridgerton-inspired garden. Choose refined pieces with ornate details and elegant curves for a regal charm. Seating is essential, so include table sets for alfresco dining and garden sofas for relaxation. Metal garden furniture with intricate detailing works well, exuding effortless elegance.
CrEatiVE sHruBBErY
The ornamental topiary gardens in Bridgerton are spectacular, with shapely sculptures being a key feature of Regency-style gardens. Topiary, the art of trimming trees and shrubs into specific shapes, adds grandeur to your garden, but it requires practice to perfect.
Cones and balls are the easiest shapes to create and maintain. For minimal upkeep, use potted topiary plants in clear geometrical shapes to section off the garden into zones. Alternatively, neaten up your shrubs with a good trim for clean lines.
sECludEd
sEating arEa
A garden room can serve as a luxurious focal point for your outdoor space, perfect for stylish soirées, Bridgerton-style. If space is an issue, even a small gazebo in a garden corner can create a perfect sanctuary and offer year-round appeal.
A budget-friendly option is to carve out a seating area. You only need a garden corner and an arbour to create a secluded space, which you can train plants against.
Another affordable choice is a canopy. A small pop-up gazebo or canopy creates a perfect social space for guests during the spring and summer months. Look for a cream or pinstripe patterned product with fringing to create a romantic ambience. Avoid harsh colours or dark tones, opting instead for pastel or neutral palettes to align with the Regency style.
fountains
A grand water fountain is a must for a Bridgerton-style garden. Water features serve as pivotal focal points for
Regency-style gardens and provide the added benefit of soothing, calming water sounds.
Even a small, circular pond with a single-tier, Regencystyle stone fountain can bring a touch of serenity and elegance to any garden.
gardEn PatHs
A clear, well-defined path is essential for any decent promenade. Choose a path that creates atmosphere and leads the eye through your garden, encouraging you to linger on focal points such as fountains, topiary, or colourful beds.
Consider pathways to different zones in your garden, such as your garden room. The choice of materials is a personal preference. Gravel can contrast nicely with timber, especially chippings, but it tends to migrate with high foot traffic. Flagstone paving creates pathways leading to pavilions, drawing visitors’ eyes to garden showpieces.
dEtails
Styling is key to creating a romantic garden setup worthy of any Bridgerton set. Use accessories that capture the essence of the Regency era for the finishing touches. Delicate bird feeders, vintageinspired shelves, and terracotta pots can elevate your garden.
Use a combination of large and small terracotta pots to create drama and frame areas like steps, doors, and seating spaces for visual interest. Terracotta pots with ornate detailing further enhance the Regency garden style.
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The new Oticon Intent, with its latest computer chip and communication sensors combine all the information it receives to now help users engage & hear in the world around them like never before.
KEEPING DOGS COOL THIS SUMMER
It’s the summer which means hot weather and hot dogs. We have gathered together the best tips to keep your dog cool this summer along with what to do if you find a dog in a hot car.
dogs, like most pets, are unable to sweat which makes them feel a lot hotter than humans as they don’t have a supportive thermoregulation system to cool them down. an average body temperature of a human is 37 degrees Celsius, however, the average body temperature of a dog is two degrees hotter. We all feel the difference between a hot sunny day at 20 degrees Celsius and 22 degrees Celsius which means every degree we feel is felt two degrees hotter by a dog.
To keep themselves cool, dogs pant, this enables them to breathe out the hot air from their lungs and exchange it with cooler external air. They also seek a cool surface to lie down on as opposed to carpet. Their bodies are able to transfer some of their internal heat to surfaces that are cooler than themselves.
Dogs in hot cars
Keeping a dog in a car in the hot weather means that there is no external cooler air for the dog to breathe in when panting so the dog’s breath soon acts as a radiator, heating up the car faster. The surfaces of a car are always soft and absorb heat fast which results in no cool surface for the dog to transfer its body heat to. This is why leaving your dog in a hot car for over 5 minutes can be potentially fatal.
The general rule is that it is safe to leave your dog in a car for no longer than 5 minutes and only when the outside temperature doesn’t exceed 21 degrees Celsius. Any hotter than that and you will need to think about adapting your plans to suit your dog. Whether that’s dropping the dog off at home before you do a food shop or giving them to a family member to look after whilst you run some errands. If you have a passenger in the car, ask for them to stay in the car with the dog so you can either keep the boot open or keep the air con on. Make sure you always put the window down slightly for your dog, even if you are popping out for 2 minutes and try to park in a shady spot.
if you see a dog in a hot car that you think is in distress, you should dial 999.
However, they may not be able to reach the dog in time as it can take minutes for it to turn fatal. If the situation becomes urgent and you can tell they are showing major signs of heatstroke, many people will resort to breaking into the car. This is completely your decision as it could be classed as criminal damage and you could be taken to court. Before smashing the car window, take a short video and photos to prove the dog was in distress to aid yourself in court. You should also notify the police of what you’re about to do and why.
‘the law states that you have a lawful excuse to commit damage if you believe that the owner of the property that you damage would consent to the damage if they knew the circumstances (section 5(2)(a) Criminal damage act 1971).’
symptoms of heatstroke
• Heavy panting
• a rapid pulse
• Excessive salivation
• glazed eyes
• lack of coordination
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• loss of consciousness
plenty of water
If you’re going out for the day with your dog, take a reusable dog water bowl and water bottle and frequently offer it to your dog, especially when they are panting. You can buy special dog water bottles from most pet shops which are designed to allow you to pour the water from the bottle into an attached water bowl for portable use.
make sure you keep an eye on your dog’s water bowl at home as they tend to drink a lot more when
they are warm just like humans and you may not notice they are out of water.
pampereD pooch
If your dog is long-haired, make sure you are regularly brushing them to get rid of loose hairs and knots that trap in the heat. Keep their coat clipped to a shorter length than they would have in winter and make sure the hair is out of their eyes and mouth.
in the hot weather, dogs with light coloured or thinly coated fur can also get sunburnt. if they are at risk of getting sunburnt, you can now buy special dog sun cream available at pet shops.
Dogs paw pads may look pretty tough but on hot surfaces such as sand and tarmac, it can really hurt your dogs’ paws. Stick to grass and muddy terrain when walking your dog and make sure there is a cold surface available to your dog if you are in your garden.
Keep your dogs safe this summer by keeping them cool.
What’s On June 2025
Faulty tOWers at the Duke OF COrnWall hOtel
the duke of Cornwall Hotel, Plymouth friday 30th may
Welcome to Faulty Towers at The Duke of Cornwall Hotel! Join us for hilarious and interactive dining experiences like no other. Immerse yourself in the world of the iconic British comedy show, Faulty Towers, as you enjoy a delicious meal at the historic Duke of Cornwall Hotel. Basil, Manuel and Sybil are in town and they’re bringing a healthy dose of mayhem to your door.
Make yOur OWn Gin at BOrinGDOn hall
Boringdon Hall Hotel, Plymouth saturday 7th June
Experience the art of gin-making at Boringdon Hall’s immersive gin workshop. Start with a welcome cocktail crafted from the finest Boringdon Hall Gin, a refreshing introduction to the world of botanicals and distillation. Sip and savour the blend as you settle into the charming surroundings, setting the tone for a creative and hands-on experience.
South Devon
GuiDeD BirD Walk at BuCklanD aBBey
Buckland abbey, Yelverton friday 13th June
Join experts from the Devon Bird Group for a guided walk on the Buckland estate. Take a walk around the beautiful woodlands and learn more about the birds, their habitats and how to identify them.
JaMes
the Hoe, Plymouth thursday 12th June
James will kick off Plymouth Summer Sessions with a set full of energy, anthemic melodies, and fan favourites like “Sit Down”, “Come Home”, and “Laid”. With four decades of music and 25 million albums sold under their belts, James have carved out a unique place in British music history, known for their profound lyrics, and a catalogue that continues to resonate with fans new and old.
LOCAL FAMILY DAYS OUT
We are fortunate to have a whole host of family friendly activities to do in Devon & Cornwall. From water sports, farm attractions to museums and indoor play areas. Here are just a few brilliant ideas all local to Plymouth…
adrenalin Quarry
Known for their ever cruelling task of having to throw people off of cliffs - a hard job, but someone’s got to do it.
An adventure like no other, Adrenalin Quarry hosts a playground for both adults and kids, hidden in a flooded quarry in Liskeard.
It’s home to 4 of the UK’s most exciting attractions; The UK’s Maddest Zip Wire, Freshwater Coasteering, The Giant Swing and Cornwall’s top go karting centre, Kartworld.
And if that’s no enough to get your heart racing, you’ll also find the world’s biggest Aquapark. Get wet and go wild on oversized monkey bars, slides, wings and more!
Adrenalin Quarry is 7 days a week, 10:00 - 6:00pm, some of the attactions require tickets must be booked online and in advance at www.adrenalinquarry.co.uk
Pennywell farm
Summer In Full
Swing On The Farm
It’s a fantastic time of year at Pennywell Farm with bumper summer fun every day of the school holidays. There is no excuse for boredom with a full day of animal activities, rides, shows and displays there’s something to keep the whole family happy at Devon’s award-winning farm.
Begin your day with some piggy cuddles, milk a goat, feed the lambs, pamper a pony and cheer on your favourite racing pig, and that’s all before midday!
Pennywell is open 7 days a week, tickets must be booked online and in advance at www.pennywellfarm. co.uk.
Available to hire for private/group events and parties.
the monster slip & slide
Release your Monster! (Open from 16th of July 2022)
Launch yourself off their Monster ramp and fly down their 360ft long slide.
Based near Widemouth Bay, Bude, The Monster Slip and Slide is a great activity for almost anyone! The price includes 1 hour use of the Slip and Slide with free inflatable rings and bodyboards to use. Wetsuit hire, food and drink is also available.
Only £12.50pp – All ages welcome.
Available to hire for private/group events and parties.
Just imagine
Let your little ones explore, imagine and develop in a safe space.
Just Imagine is the Plymouth’s number 1 soft play area for Imaginative play. Just Imagine gives kids access to a whole range of worlds where they can take on any role they want. From the sky to the sea, a science lab to the supermarket, kids can use their imaginations to be whoever they want to be with a whole range of environments to choose from. They also have a sensory room.
Why Father’s Day Matters More than ever
Each June, families across the uK take a moment to honour the men who helped shape their lives. father’s day, often overshadowed by its more prominent counterpart, mother’s day, is a meaningful celebration in its own right—one that deserves more than a hastily bought card or last-minute tie. in today’s ever-evolving world, where fatherhood comes in many forms, father’s day serves as a vital opportunity to reflect on the evolving role of fathers and why their contributions matter more than ever.
A Chance to Acknowledge
All Kinds of Fathers
Fatherhood today is far from one-size-fits-all. Beyond traditional biological dads, there are stepfathers, adoptive fathers, grandfathers, single dads, and father figures who fill that essential space in a child’s life. In celebrating Father’s Day, we also honour mentors, guardians, and those who have chosen to nurture and support others— regardless of biology.
Society is slowly catching up with the truth that good parenting isn’t gender-specific. Still, cultural norms have long underplayed the emotional labour and nurturing qualities that fathers bring to the table. This day provides a moment to say: your love, your effort, and your presence are valued.
A Moment of Appreciation
At its heart, Father’s Day is a reminder not to take our loved ones for granted. In the daily rush of life, it’s easy to overlook the small acts of love and support that fathers offer: the school runs, the bedtime stories, the quiet sacrifices. This day nudges us to pause, to recognise, and to say thank you.
Whether through a heartfelt letter, a shared meal, or simply spending quality time together, these acts of appreciation can have a lasting impact. After all, everyone wants to feel seen and valued—and fathers are no exception.
Looking Ahead
As society continues to shift towards greater equality and emotional openness, Father’s Day becomes not just a celebration of dads, but a reflection of progress. It marks how far we’ve come in recognising the importance of fatherhood, and how much further we can go in supporting all parents.
So this Father’s Day, take the opportunity to do more than buy a novelty mug. Use it as a time to honour, reflect, and connect. Because fatherhood, in all its beautiful, complex forms, is worth celebrating—not just one day a year, but every day.
The Role of Modern Fathers
Modern fatherhood looks vastly different from the stereotypical image of the distant breadwinner. Today, many fathers are hands-on parents, sharing the responsibilities of childcare, housework, and emotional support with their partners. Research shows that involved fathers have a significant impact on their children’s development. Children with engaged dads often perform better in school, show higher self-esteem, and form healthier relationships.
What’s more, when children witness fathers modelling empathy, responsibility, and open emotional expression, they are more likely to adopt these traits themselves. In this way, Father’s Day is not just about gratitude—it’s about recognising a quiet, powerful force shaping the next generation.
Breaking Down Old Stereotypes
In many ways, Father’s Day has the power to challenge outdated ideas about masculinity and parenting. For decades, men were expected to be stoic providers rather than emotional anchors. But times are changing. As more men embrace fatherhood in its full emotional depth, they are also reshaping what it means to be a man in society.
Celebrating Father’s Day encourages open conversations about vulnerability, love, and support. It reminds fathers that their emotional presence is not only welcomed—it’s needed. It also signals to boys and young men that tenderness and strength are not mutually exclusive, but beautifully intertwined.
Strengthening Family Bonds
Father’s Day can also be a time of healing and reconnection. Many families face challenges—whether through separation, loss, or distance. Taking time to reach out, reflect, and perhaps rebuild fractured relationships can be incredibly meaningful. Even a simple gesture—a phone call, a shared memory, a heartfelt message—can bridge years of silence or misunderstandings.
For those who have lost fathers, the day offers a time to remember and celebrate the love that once was. Grief and gratitude often walk hand-in-hand on Father’s Day, reminding us of the irreplaceable role fathers play in our emotional landscape.
FATHERS DAY SPECIAL OFFER FREE PINT OF COBRA FOR ALL FATHERS. WHEN EATING IN THE RESTAURANT!
WE ARE ABLE TO CATER FOR ALL YOUR PARTY NEEDS INCLUIDING: BIRTHDAYS, ANNIVERSARIES, STAG AND HEN NIGHTS
Open 7 days a week - 5.30-10.30pm
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FAJITA-STYLE PASTA
HEALTHY SUMMER RECIPE’S
step 1
Heat the oil in a large shallow casserole or frying pan. add the chicken and fry for 5 mins over a medium heat until golden all over. remove and set aside on a plate.
step 2
Put the onion and peppers in the same pan and fry over a medium heat for 8-10 mins. add the garlic, dried herbs and spices and cook for 1 min. add the tomato purée and cook for 2 mins. returnthe chicken to the pan andpour in the cream, stirring to combine. season to taste.
step 3
Cook the pasta following pack instructions, then drain and reserve 150ml of the cooking water. add the pasta to the pan with 50ml of the water and stir everything together over the heat. add a little more water to loosen if needed. season to taste and stir through the parsley. divide between six bowls and top with a little cheese and extra chopped parsley, if you like. this can be packed into a lunchbox and eaten cold, too.
IngredIents:
2 tbsp olive oil
2 large skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
1 onion (thinly sliced)
1 red pepper (deseeded and sliced)
1 yellow pepper (deseeded and sliced)
3 tbsp tomato purée
80ml double cream
350g penne (or rigatoni pasta)
1 garlic clove (crushed)
1⁄4 tsp chilli powder
1 heaped tsp sweet smoked paprika
1⁄2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground coriander
1⁄2 tsp ground cumin
1⁄2 small bunch of flat-leaf parsley (finely chopped) grated parmesan or cheddar
PANZANELLA
Method:
step 1
Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Put the tomatoes in a colander and sprinkle over 1 tsp sea salt, then leave to sit for 15 mins.
step 2
Spread the chunks of bread out on a baking tray and toss with 1 tbsp of the oil. Bake for 10-15 mins, or until lightly toasted.
step 3
In a bowl, whisk together the remaining oil, the vinegar and shallot. Season to taste. Toss the anchovies with the tomatoes, croutons, olive oil dressing, the olives and half the basil in a large bowl. Spoon the panzanella onto a serving plate and top with the remaining basil.
IngredIents:
1kg ripe mixed tomatoes
halved if small, quartered if large
300g day-old sourdough or ciabatta, torn into large chunks
100ml extra virgin olive oil
50ml red wine vinegar
1 small shallot finely chopped
50g tin anchovies drained and roughly chopped
100g black olives
pitted
large handful of basil
Please mention The Plympton
ETON MESS
IngredIents:
2 large egg whites
120g caster sugar
500g strawberries
hulled and roughly chopped
450ml double cream
1 tbsp icing sugar
Method:
step 1
Heat oven to 120C/100C fan/gas 1 and line a large baking tray with parchment paper. Whisk the egg whites in a clean bowl using an electric whisk or tabletop mixer until they reach stiff peaks, then add the sugar in 3 lots, re-whisking to stiff peaks every time. Spoon dollops of the mixture onto the baking parchment, cook on the bottom shelf of the oven for 1hr – 1hr15 mins until the meringues are completely hard and come off the paper easily. Leave to cool.
step 2
Blitz 1/3 of the strawberries to make a strawberry sauce. In a large bowl whisk the cream with the icing sugar until it just holds its shape. Roughly crush ¾ of the meringues and tip them in with the chopped strawberries and stir, then swirl through the strawberry sauce. Dollop into bowls then crush the remaining meringues, sprinkling the pieces over the top.
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