Bath Stone - April 2020

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

PROPERTY NEWS

APRIL 2020

A MATTER OF TRUST

THIS YEAR MARKS THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL TRUST KEEPING YOU SAFE

COVID-19 ADVICE FROM THE GOVERNMENT

HEALTH FOCUS

EXERCISING WHILST AT HOME

SIGN OF THE TIMES FUNKY SIGNAGE FOR YOUR HOME

A VE DAY CAKE

CELEBRATE WITH AN EGGLESS FRUIT CAKE

CONTENTS A MATT ER

OF TR US T

COVER STORY

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A Matter of Trust This year marks the 125th anniversary of the National Trust. But how much do you know about them?

The National Trust looks after 780 miles of British coastline

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PROPERTY NEWS

It looks after some of the country’s much-loved heritage, this year is marking has more than its 125th anniversary 5.6million members . But how well and do you know the National Trust?

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hat do the white cliffs of Dover, the King’s Head in Aylesbury, Sir Isaac Newton, the barbastelle bat and Lady Penelope of Thunderbirds fame have in common?

They all have strong connections with The National Trust, the renowned independent charity which looks after historically significant houses, buildings, gardens, coast and countryside throughout the British Isles. And this year it is marking 125th anniversary. its

Although officially founded in January 1895 when the Trust was registered under the Companies Act, the idea for an organisation to protect the nation’s heritage started to germinate 11 years previously when Octavia Hill, a leading social reformer, was asked to help preserve Rawnsley and, Sayes Court Garden in 1895, founded in south-east the London National Trust . landscape, the for Places of Historic Jurassic Coast, Interest or Natural Beauty.

It brought her the Giant’s Causeway – probably to the attention their most visited of Sir Robert Hunter, – and Hadrian’s site solicitor for the Wall.

Commons Within weeks Preservation Society, and during they were gifted their first site - the five successful campaigns It costs almost acres of cliff top to resist £370million a at Dinas Oleu year and as in Wales - and, development many as 14,000 on Parliament in a year, bought staff to look after Hill Fields, their first building, Alfriston Vauxhall Park these sites – plus 65,000 and Hilly Fields Clergy House, volunteers in in London, for £10 more than 500 (about £600 in they were joined roles. As a registered today’s currency).

by Canon Hardwicke charity, they rely Today, the Trust wholly on subscriptions, owns more than 500 donations properties which (£97.8million were visited by in 2018-19 alone) almost 28million people … and cups of tea (they in 2018-19. They sell more than National Trust 4.5million a year have more than 5.6million their premises). says... on members, second only in the United Kingdom “Over the coming to the AA, and weeks our digital are the largest voluntary Trust properties have platforms - our conservation been used as organisation website, social in Europe. the backdrop for media feeds, TV and films from Game of podcasts and Thrones to Harry video will become even Potter. And Stourhead Impressive statistics, more important, House in Wiltshire but consider was the inspiration ensuring the these: places of nature, Lady Penelope’s for residence in the beauty and history The National original Thunderbirds Trust looks after that we care for puppet series 780 miles of in the 1960s.

British coastline, on behalf of the They had to pull including the nation can remain some strings iconic white cliffs, and more for that … open for business than 248,000 virtually while hectares of land; they care And as for the we are temporarily for over 500 historic barbastelle bat closed. houses (Woolsthorpe … all 17 species of UK Manor in Grantham bat have been was recorded as where Newton roosting or breeding was born and where a on Trust sites, falling apple while their land was inspired his theory “We will also be used to successfully of gravity) ramping up our castles, parks, reintroduce the ancient monuments, efforts to help beautiful Large people connect and nature reserves.

Blue butterfly to England after with And that includes nature wherever it was declared nine lighthouses, 56 extinct in they are and the UK in 1979. villages (yes, to whole find moments villages), 39 pubs (the of joy in the world King’s Head being one of around them. them) … and However, if your We will be providing a gold mine in impression of Carmarthensh rich content and a NT visit is traipsing round ire. As well as staying in touch a fusty country 49 churches, nine monasteries home or with our members battling the elements … and eight billiard and followers yomping across tables. and vale, think hill throughout this again as there’s time.”

It also looks after more than a hint of family eight World Heritage focus on the Trust’s including the sites calendar Individual Lake District, Stonehenge events are detailed on their website.

Full details can

be found on

nationaltrust. org.uk

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Talking Japanese Discover the hybrid trend of elegant Japanese minimalism combined with rustic Scandinavian

Sign of the times Funky signage for your home

LIFESTYLE

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Keeping you safe Covid-19 advice from the government

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VE Day This year marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day

FOOD

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A VE Day Cake Featuring an eggless fruit cake for all the family to enjoy

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A stand-out trend has been rich silk textures, bird motifs, oriental prints and structured furniture shapes – all inspired

by Japan and Scandinavia

JIMI SCANDINAVIAN-INSPIRED DAY BED WITH BASE This Jimi day bed has a Scandinavian feel and clean, simple lines that is sure to look perfect in any children’s bedroom. With natural solid pine legs, bed size is approx.

90 x 190cms. £297.50 www.laredoute.co.uk

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Health Focus Exercising at home

Get your rental garden spring and summer ready Now is the perfect time to spend time in your garden

WELCOME TO THE APRIL ISSUE! All our staff would also like to take this opportunity to give a big thank you to you, our clients, for your patience and understanding at this difficult time.

Although our office is currently closed due to government advice, we are still operational from home, so please continue to call or email, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

We will of course let you know when we are back to being fully operational.

We are proud to be able to continue to bring you your magazine too, which includes lots of articles and lifestyle content to help you get through this difficult period.

Until next time, take care and stay safe. #STAYHOMESAVELIVES Linda McKeown Editor

FLIGHT DINING CHAIR Inspired by iconic designs from Denmark, this walnut stained wood and cool grey fabric upholstery chair is stylish and timeless. Ideal for kitchens, dining rooms and home office spaces. £129

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PROPERTY NEWS

www.cultfurniture.com

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hese are unprecedented times.

However, as the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has said, “we will do everything in our power to help”. He is confident that the UK will bounce back – and so are we.

TALKING JAPANESE The hybrid trend of elegant Japanese minimalism combined with rustic Scandinavian simplicity, means that you can now have the best of both worlds. And perfect for you if you prefer a less-is-more approach!

Clutter-free spaces, combined with clean lines and a calm colour palette, is all you need to achieve the latest Japanese inspired trend.

ACHIEVING THE LOOK

MAKE AN IMPACT

When it comes to furniture, try and mix the paleness of blonde Scandi woods with Japanese signature style of black and dark woods. Doing this will help to bring depth to your furniture.

However, when it comes to larger spaces such as living rooms and master bedrooms, the busy patterns and statement dark pieces of furniture will work well together.

The key here is to keep the colour palette you use, soft. Do this by embracing the calming tones of pale blue, muted green, light grey and pink. Mix these with accents of richer shades, such as teal, indigo, rust, emerald and black to really make an impact.

This new trend can work in any room: just use your imagination! However, it is important to remember that quality over quantity is the best approach. By not overloading your space, you will allow the design to ‘breathe’ and make the right impact. This is especially true for smaller spaces such as a study or spare bedroom.

Here are some of our favourite finds for achieving the look in your home…

5-DRAWER CHEST OF DRAWERS This combination of acacia wood and dark green is sure to create a reassuring ambiance in your interior.

Featuring five storage drawers, giving you plenty of room to organise your clothes, bed linen or accessories.

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£487.50

www.maisonsdumonde.com

DANVILLE SIDEBOARD A gorgeous Japanese inspired sideboard. Made of wood and featuring two independent modules using a central separator, it also has a hinged door with metal handles. 74cm H x 115cm W x 30cm D.

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£294.99

www.wayfair.co.uk

PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT

DINING TABLE AND SET OF 2 BENCHES The understated design means this table works well in contemporary and traditional set-ups with the matching Fjord benches completing the look. Crafted from robust solid oak legs, this table and bench set is perfect for everyday use. www.made.com

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£279

Clutter-free spaces, combined with clean lines and a calm colour palette, is all you need to achieve the latest Japanese inspired trend

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KEEPING YOU It’s trying times but we all have a part to play in keeping communities safe from the threat of coronavirus. Here’s advice from the government as to what you can do to play your part

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hen we reduce our day-to-day contact with other people, we in turn help to reduce the spread of the infection. That is why, on 23rd March, the government introduced three new measures: l People are to stay at home, except for very limited purposes l The closure of all non-essential shops and community spaces, including libraries, playground and soft play facilities l Stopping all gatherings of more than two people in public (excluding those who live in the same household)

You can find all this information and more by visiting www.gov.uk/coronavirus

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PROPERTY NEWS

spread of the virus to friends, the wider community, and particularly the most vulnerable. You should only leave the house for one of four reasons: l Shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible l One form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household l Any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person l Travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home

Even when doing The single most Everyone must adhere these activities, the important action we to these new measures. government advise that The relevant authorities, you should minimise can all take, in including the police, the time spent outside fighting coronavirus, have been given the of your home and that is to stay at home in powers to enforce them you are at least two order to protect the – including through metres apart from NHS and save lives fines and dispersing anyone outside of your gatherings. The household. Where measures will be relaxed parents do not live in as and when the government have the same household, children under evidence to show that this is possible.

18 can be moved between their Staying at home will help control the parents’ homes.

– AND YOUR COMMUNITY – WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN

The advice continues to be to clean your hands frequently each day by washing with soap and water for 20 seconds or using hand sanitiser. This will help protect you and the people you live with. This step is one of the most effective ways of reducing the risk of passing infection to others.

COVER COUGHS AND SNEEZES

When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues.

If you do not have one to hand, sneeze into the crook of your elbow instead.

If you have a carer, they should also use disposable tissues to wipe away any mucus or phlegm after you have sneezed or coughed. Then they should wash their hands with soap and water.

Dispose of tissues into a disposable rubbish bag and immediately wash your hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitiser.

LOOKING AFTER YOUR WELLBEING WHILE STAYING AT HOME

We know that staying at home for a prolonged period can be difficult, frustrating and lonely for some people and that you or other household members may feel low. It can be

SAFE

particularly challenging if you don’t have much space or access to a garden.

It’s important to remember to take care of your mind as well as your body and to get support if you need it. Stay in touch with family and friends over the phone or on social media. Think about things you can do during your time at home.

People who have not minded staying at home have managed to keep themselves busy with activities such as cooking, reading, online learning and watching films. If you feel well enough, you can take part in light exercise within your home or garden.

Washing your hands is one of the most effective ways of reducing the risk of passing infection to others

To help look after your mental wellbeing at home, visit the Every Mind Matters website at www.nhs.uk/oneyou/everymind-matters/

WHAT TO DO IF YOU OR YOUR FAMILY NEED TO SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE

Seek prompt medical attention if your illness or the illness in any household members is worsening. If it’s not an emergency, contact NHS 111 online. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111. If it is an emergency and you need to call an ambulance, dial 999 and inform the call handler or operator that you or your relative have coronavirus symptoms.

#STAYHOMESAVELIVES

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A SIGN OF THE TIMES PERSONALISED MAN CAVE SIGN This high-gloss finish personalised street sign would make a fab gift. Can be personalised with a choice of name, postcode and hobby.

Fixed Text reads ‘Man Cave’.

23cm x 32cm. £14.99 www.loveabode.com

GREY WOODEN TOTALLY SOBER FUNNY WALL SIGN

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This wooden hanging wall plaque with the words ‘Sotally tober’ is a brilliant gift idea for friends and relatives who enjoy the odd tipple. Dimensions: 40 x 10 x 2am. Product code: 898159. £11.99 www.notonthehighstreet.com

DUNELM PRINTED GREY OUR FAMILY PLAQUE A beautifully designed wall plaque featuring an inspirational quote.

Ideal for any room in your home. £15 www.dunelm.com

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COCKTAILS NEON SIGN

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We love this cocktails neon, handmade, sign. Made with a more flexible neon light than traditional blown neon, means that it’s easier to create and word or shape. A must for any home bar! Made from Acrylic and EL neon wire. £79.99 www.etsy.com/uk

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PROPERTY NEWS

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Signage has grown to be a popular trend in the home; from placards to light up signs, there is something out there for everyone!

LOOK WHAT I MADE SIGN

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The perfect way to show off your little ones’ artwork! Each sign is hand cut and painted or stained, and features movable pins. £31.08 www.etsy.com/uk

NO GIN WOODEN WALL PLAQUE t

Perfect for any gin lover! Why not hang it above a door? Who know, you may be gifted gin! £12 www.next.co.uk

BEST DAY EVER QUOTES PRINTED ON WOOD This feel-good plaque is a great way to add positivity to you home and features unique typography printed directly onto wood. £24 www.debenhams.com

t KREBS DOG SECRET BLOCK SIGN We all know our best friends can keep our secrets! With a distressed finish, this sign is great for dog owners! £19.99 www.wayfair.co.uk

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PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT

TOGETHER IS A WONDERFUL PLACE TO BE SIGN

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These wooden signs are hand made in the UK. With an authentic and rustic look, no two signs are the same. Size: 90cm x 10cm. £22.99 www.amazon.co.uk

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LEST WE FORGET May 8th, 2020 – VE Day – marks 75 years since the guns fell silent at the end of the war in Europe The arrival of peace in Europe came on 8th May 1945 when years of carnage and destruction came to an end during World War II. Millions of people took to the streets and the pubs to celebrate peace – while also mourning loved ones lost during the battle.

However, despite the celebrations, at the time there were still thoughts of course to those continuing to fight in the conflict, which didn’t end until 15th August 1945; when Japan surrendered unconditionally to the Allies, effectively ending World War II. The looming 75th anniversary of VE Day will provide ample opportunity for all of us to reflect on the countless sacrifice, courage and determination of people from all walks of life who helped us through these dark and difficult times.

Those we pay tribute to not only include those who fought on the front line, but also all the individuals who contributed to our freedom as we know it today.

The hard working men and women who can be applauded for their contribution includes those who operated the factories, mines, shipyards and farms, the ARP wardens, police officers, doctors, nurses, fireman, local defence volunteers plus many others who worked tirelessly day and night during frightening and uncertain times for all.

In honour of all those who sacrificed for our freedom, the government has already announced that Friday 8th May 2020 will be a designated Bank Holiday.

This replaces the Bank Holiday which normally takes place on the first Monday of May. Lest we forget.

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PROPERTY NEWS

The ode of remembrance They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn; At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We will remember them.

A VE DAY

READY IN: 1hr SERVES: 15

CELEBRATION CAKE Eggless fruit cake INGREDIENTS 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup water 1 cup raisins 2 tablespoons oil or 2 tablespoons margarine 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground 1⁄2 teaspoon clove, ground 1 1⁄2 cups flour 1⁄2 teaspoon salt

VE Day 1935 and sandwiches were the main order of the day during the street party celebrations, as was beer (that is, until it ran out in the pubs, well before the 10.30pm curfew!) But people wouldn’t have been celebrating the same as we do today. Wartime rationing meant sugar and butter were hard to come by, so this eggless fruit cakes would have been the next best thing!

METHOD 1. Place the brown sugar, water, raisins, oil, cinnamon, and cloves in a heavy-bottomed

saucepan and bring to a boil 2. Cook gently for 5 minutes, then remove from the heat and let cool until the mixture is

comfortably warm to your finger 3. While the mixture is cooling, preheat the oven to 350F 4. Grease and flour an 8x4-inch baking pan 5. Sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Add them to the cooled

sugar mixture, beating until no drifts of flour are visible and the batter is smooth. Then stir in the walnuts 6. Spread the mixture evenly in the baking tin

and bake for 25-30 minutes 7. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn onto a rack to cool completely If you want to add a good glaze, save back bit of the hot spiced water and mix with

icing sugar, a drop of vanilla, and a pinch salt.

Glaze the cake while hot.

You can also find details of the recipe here: https://www.food.com/recipe/ww2-war-cake-1881?mode=US&scaleto=15

Image for illustrative purposes only

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GET YOUR EXERCISE FIX AT HOME

Get fit with these simple exercises that can be done in the comfort of home and with a minimal amount of equipment!

PUSH-UPS Push-ups, alongside sit-ups, squats and planks are a staple of any good workout, whether at home or at the gym.

Do it! - To do a push-up lay on your stomach and place your toes on the floor and then raise yourself with your arms shoulder-width apart, before slowly lowering yourself so your stomach is an inch off the ground.

Repeat this as many times as you can.

Push-ups work your core, your shoulders and your chest.

SIT-UPS There are a huge variety of sit-ups depending on which of your abdominal muscles you want to hit. The standard sit-up works all the abs.

Do it! - Lay on your back with your knees bent and, ideally, with your feet held down to the floor, and then using your stomach muscles, and not your back, lift your upper body towards your knees – hold at the top, before then slowly coming back down.

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PROPERTY NEWS

PLANKS Planks are excellent for core strength. Get into a push-up position, however, instead of lowering yourself to the ground, hold your body tense, lifted off the ground for as long as you can – keeping your back straight at all times. To make things harder in the standard plank, move from your hands to your elbows.

Planks are excellent for core strength

Do it! - To do a side plank, lay sideways on the floor, resting on your forearm and then raise your body into a straight line and hold.

SQUATS Squats are a whole-body compound exercise and as such, are one of the best home workout exercises you can do.

Do it! - Stand with your knees slightly bent and your feet shoulder-width apart, and while keeping your back straight, bend your knees and get your bum as close to the floor as possible. To make the exercise harder you can grab something heavy and hold it in front of you as you squat.

DIPS Dips are a great exercise for your shoulders, chest and triceps and all you need is a sofa or a chair.

Do it! - Sitting on the floor, move so your back is against the legs of the chair or sofa and extend your legs in front of you. Now put your arms onto the flat base of the chair or sofa and using your arms, lift your body off the ground keeping your back straight and your legs extended.

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A MATTER

OF TRUST

The National Trust looks after 780 miles of British coastline

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PROPERTY NEWS

It looks after some of the country’s much-loved heritage, has more than 5.6million members and this year is marking its 125th anniversary. But how well do you know the National Trust?

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hat do the white cliffs of Dover, the King’s Head in Aylesbury, Sir Isaac Newton, the barbastelle bat and Lady Penelope of Thunderbirds fame have in common?

They all have strong connections with The National Trust, the renowned independent charity which looks after historically significant houses, buildings, gardens, coast and countryside throughout the British Isles. And this year it is marking its 125th anniversary.

Although officially founded in January 1895 when the Trust was registered under the Companies Act, the idea for an organisation to protect the nation’s heritage started to germinate 11 years previously when Octavia Hill, a leading social reformer, was asked to help preserve Sayes Court Garden in south-east London .

It brought her to the attention of Sir Robert Hunter, solicitor for the Commons Preservation Society, and during successful campaigns to resist development on Parliament Hill Fields, Vauxhall Park and Hilly Fields in London, they were joined by Canon Hardwicke

National Trust says...

“Over the coming weeks our digital platforms - our website, social media feeds, podcasts and video will become even more important, ensuring the places of nature, beauty and history that we care for on behalf of the nation can remain open for business virtually while we are temporarily closed.

“We will also be ramping up our efforts to help people connect with nature wherever they are and to find moments of joy in the world around them. We will be providing rich content and staying in touch with our members and followers throughout this time.”

Rawnsley and, in 1895, founded the National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty.

landscape, the Jurassic Coast, the Giant’s Causeway – probably their most visited site – and Hadrian’s Wall.

Within weeks they were gifted their first site - the five acres of cliff top at Dinas Oleu in Wales - and, in a year, bought their first building, Alfriston Clergy House, for £10 (about £600 in today’s currency).

Today, the Trust owns more than 500 properties which were visited by almost 28million people in 2018-19. They have more than 5.6million members, second only in the United Kingdom to the AA, and are the largest voluntary conservation organisation in Europe.

It costs almost £370million a year and as many as 14,000 staff to look after these sites – plus 65,000 volunteers in more than 500 roles. As a registered charity, they rely wholly on subscriptions, donations (£97.8million in 2018-19 alone) … and cups of tea (they sell more than 4.5million a year on their premises).

Impressive statistics, but consider these: The National Trust looks after 780 miles of British coastline, including the iconic white cliffs, and more than 248,000 hectares of land; they care for over 500 historic houses (Woolsthorpe Manor in Grantham was where Newton was born and where a falling apple inspired his theory of gravity) castles, parks, ancient monuments, and nature reserves. And that includes nine lighthouses, 56 villages (yes, whole villages), 39 pubs (the King’s Head being one of them) … and a gold mine in Carmarthenshire. As well as 49 churches, nine monasteries … and eight billiard tables.

It also looks after eight World Heritage sites including the Lake District, Stonehenge

Trust properties have been used as the backdrop for TV and films from Game of Thrones to Harry Potter. And Stourhead House in Wiltshire was the inspiration for Lady Penelope’s residence in the original Thunderbirds puppet series in the 1960s.

They had to pull some strings for that …

And as for the barbastelle bat … all 17 species of UK bat have been recorded as roosting or breeding on Trust sites, while their land was used to successfully reintroduce the beautiful Large Blue butterfly to England after it was declared extinct in the UK in 1979.

However, if your impression of a NT visit is traipsing round a fusty country home or battling the elements yomping across hill and vale, think again as there’s more than a hint of family focus on the Trust’s calendar Individual events are detailed on their website.

Full details can be found on nationaltrust.org.uk

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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GETTING YOUR RENTAL GARDEN,

SPRING AND SUMMER-READY Homeowners don’t get all the fun in the garden when spring rears its wonderful head…

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fter the wet and grey winter, we’re all happy to see the evenings staying lighter later, and with warmer temperatures, now is the perfect time to get your garden summer-ready. However, as a tenant, it’s important to confirm with your landlord what you can and can’t do in your garden.

PATIO AND DECKING AREAS A patio or decking area can be the perfect place to enjoy a meal in the evening or to relax with a G & T. Before you lay one though, check with your landlord, as a patio or decking area is more permanent than planting a flowerbed.

FENCES AND GATES Fences and gates can be expensive to repair, so the landlord will more than likely want to get someone professional in to fit them. If you’re looking to paint your fences and gates to make them more

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PROPERTY NEWS

aesthetically pleasing, also get your landlords permission first, as if they are not happy with the colour you choose, they may have to get a professional in to fix them at a cost to

of these throughout the year. If you have hedges surrounding your property, remember to keep these trimmed during the spring and summer too.

you or make you pay to replace them.

As a tenant, it’s important to confirm with your landlord what you can and can’t do in your garden

FLOWERBEDS AND HEDGES If you already have flowerbeds, there are no rules in place about what flowers you decide to grow. However, if there aren’t any flowerbeds, don’t dig up the lawn to put some in without first getting permission. You

TREES AND OVERHANGING BRANCHES If you have trees in your gardens, sometimes the branches can start to overhang and block out the natural sunlight. If you want these cutting back, check your landlord does not want to get a professional in to help avoid any damage to the property or surrounding properties. Some trees may also be protected and a fine may be imposed if you tackle them yourself.

Enjoy your garden when the nicer weather arrives; however, remember

will also be responsible for keeping

to check with your agent and

the flowerbeds neat and tidy during

landlord if you have any questions

your tenancy; so, try and keep on top

about what you can and can’t do.

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