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Articles by Ryan Beal
The Three Best Upcoming Figurative Art Shows
Three major exhibitions to diarise, featuring work from the UK’s finest contemporary figurative artist Mall Galleries in central London is home to the Federation of British Artists (FBA), one of the UK’s leading visual arts charities that champions contemporary figurative artists through a year-round programme of exhibitions.
DESTINATION FRAGRANCE: WHAT TOI WEAR, WHERE
Amalfi Coast & Italian Lakes Signature scents: Sicilian lemon, bergamot, cypress, olive wood, neroli, jasmine, fig leaf, fresh linen, white musk, aromatic Mediterranean herbs The Amalfi Coast is synonymous with enormous lemons, citrus groves and flowering terraces, while the Italian lakes have the natural aroma delivered by cypress-lined villas and fresh water mixed with jasmine and wisteria. These destinations call for fragrances that feel bright, sparkling and luxurious.
COUPLE STICK WITH BURSCOUGH TO UPSIZE IN THE PLACE THEY LOVE
A couple from Burscough have made their dream move without leaving their neighbourhood. Following a gift of inheritance from family, Keith and Diane Taylor-Harrison decided they needed a property with more space but didn’t want to move from their Redrow development – The Grange at Yew Tree Park. “We moved to our first Redrow home at The Grange from a bungalow in North Manchester in 2019,” said Keith. “The bungalow needed substantial refurbishment and upgrading, so we decided on a new build.
WHY DOWNSIZING TO AN APARTMENT IN LICHFIELD ADDS UP
Downsizing isn’t just about the size of home you live in, it’s about quality of living and with a move to a new apartment in Lichfield buyers can enjoy financial freedom while future-proofing their lifestyle. The vast majority of enquiries received by Elan Homes about apartments at Lorne House have been from people thinking about downsizing. In most cases they have a house to sell, and some are yet to put their existing property on the market.
BBC GARDENERS’ WORLD AUTUMN FAIR MAKES AUGUST RETURN TO AUDLEY END HOUSE AND GARDENS
Fresh ideas for the garden are just around the corner as the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair returns to English Heritage’s Audley End House and Gardens, Saffron Walden (29 – 31 August). Inspiring gardens, high-quality plants, expert advice and hands-on workshops are just some of this year’s highlights. Multi award-winning garden designer, Pip Probert, from BBC 2’s Your Garden Made Perfect, is creating the Autumn Fair’s headline feature garden.
COUPLE SWAP 180-YEAR-OLD COACH HOUSE CONVERSION FOR BRAND NEW HOME
AFTER taking early retirement Chris and Christine Czyzyk no longer wished to endure the maintenance of their large home and extensive gardens and instead chose to swap it for a new Redrow home. “Our former property was a characterful conversion of a former Coach House built in the 1840s,” said Chris, 61.
CONGLETON HOME TICKS ALL THE BOXES FOR 100 MILE RELOCATION
THE Jones’ had lived 100 miles away in Lincolnshire for 22 years, but when it was time to make a move closer to family it was a development in Congleton that made a lasting impression. Mark and Sarah Jones, who had lived in the same road for more than two decades (albeit in two sperate properties), started to house hunt in the North West when they first came across homebuilder Redrow.
SALES OFF TO A FLYING START AT BEECHCROFT’S CASTLE MEWS IN WATLINGTON - heyday magazine
Given the popularity of Beechcroft’s Castle Gardens in Watlington, with its exceptionally attractive new homes, beautifully landscaped gardens and a residents’ pavilion, the sales success of the launch of Castle Mews, forming part of Castle Gardens, didn’t come as a surprise to the Beechcroft sales team. Two of the 25 new, one and two bedroom apartments have been reserved with plenty of interest in the remaining apartments.
MCCARTHY STONE LAUNCHES NEW RANGE OF AFFORDABLE RETIREMENT DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS NORTH AND MIDLANDS
McCarthy Stone has announced that it’s opening a range of new affordable shared ownership developments across the North and the Midlands in 2025. The move by the UK’s leading developer and manager of retirement communities is in response to the growing demand to provide more affordable housing options for those age 65+ with limited equity in their homes, and follows the success of its first scheme to launch in Oldham earlier this year.
WHY BLUEBELLS ARE BRITAIN’S BELOVED WILDFLOWER: THE MAGIC BEHIND THE BLOOM
As spring unfolds across Britain, one of the most treasured sights of the season makes its appearance—Bluebells. Their delicate bell-shaped blooms and enchanting fragrance have captured the hearts of Brits for generations, earning them a place as the nation’s beloved wildflower. Bluebells are not just a stunning spectacle; they are steeped in history, folklore, and a deep connection to the British countryside. For centuries, bluebells have been woven into the fabric of British culture.
BEDFORDSHIRE HOUSEBUILDER SHINES A LIGHT ON IDEAL HOME FOR DOWNSIZERS
Leading housebuilder David Wilson Homes is highlighting the two bedroom Wincham style home at its Great Denham Park development, which is ready to move into straight away. The Wincham house type is ideal for a range of different property hunters including working professionals and first-time buyers, but particularly downsizers. This coach house style home has a ground floor entrance with stairs leading up to the first floor.
BBC GARDENERS’ WORLD LIVE ENCOURAGES GARDENERS TO JOIN CAMPAIGN TO MAKE A METRE MATTER - heyday magazine
BBC Gardeners’ World Live returns to the NEC Birmingham this year (12 – 15 June) with its spectacular Floral Marquee, inspiring Show Gardens, popular presenters and plant experts, and with a new campaign to ‘Make a Metre Matter’. Supported by BBC Two’s Gardeners’ World TV series, the Magazine, events and digital platforms, Make a Metre Matter encourages people to transform one metre of outdoor space to help the planet.
YOUR GARDEN'S SPRING MAKEOVER STARTS HERE: BRITISH GARDEN CENTRES’ GUIDE TO THE BEST PLANTS FOR COLOUR RIGHT NOW
Spring is the perfect time to add vibrant shades and freshness to your garden, and we all need some spring colour in our lives to chase away the cold and wet days of winter! Planting up pots, hanging baskets or borders with beautiful spring flowers is a wonderful way to banish the winter blues and give your garden, patio or windowsill a makeover. Here are some of the best spring plants that you can add to your outdoor space right now.
TOP 5 MISTAKES FIRST-TIME GREENHOUSE BUYERS MAKE - heyday magazine
– 80 percent of new greenhouse enquiries are made in spring – – 1 in 10 new enquiries are made by complete greenhouse novices – – Period greenhouse maker White Cottage Greenhouses, outlines the top 5 mistakes made by first-time purchasers – Spring is the busiest time of year for new greenhouse enquiries.
HERBS IN GARDEN BORDERS
From thyme (Thymus) to rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and from sage (Salvia officinalis) to lavender (Lavandula). Herbs will give your garden a lovely, fragrant summer vibe. Enhance this by combining them with colourful perennials that bloom profusely in summer, such as phlox (Phlox paniculata) and sneezeweed (Helenium). Ornamental grasses that sway in the breeze also add a touch of summer.
RETIRED CASH BUYERS START NEW LIFE IN BEDFORD
Recent research shows that the older generation is becoming more active in the housing market, with home sales by people aged over 66 increasing by 13% since 20231. As properties age, they often develop more maintenance issues, which can lead to health or financial concerns for older homeowners.
SPECTACULAR ALLIUM EXTRAVAGANZA BLOOMS AGAIN AT ARUNDEL CASTLE THIS MAY
Arundel Castle is delighted to announce that its much-anticipated Allium Extravaganza is returning this May, transforming its historic gardens into a breathtaking sea of vibrant, pom-pom-shaped blooms. Visitors will be treated to a floral spectacle as thousands of alliums burst into colour, painting the castle grounds with hues of purple, amethyst, and white.
ART SPACE ART FAIR DEBUTS IN LONDON, MARCH 2025
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of groundbreaking artistry as the highly anticipated Art Space Art Fair makes its dazzling debut in London this March! This isn’t your average art exhibition – Art Space is revolutionising the way we view and appreciate art by placing the spotlight firmly on the artists themselves.
A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO STARTING A HOLIDAY LET OR AIRBNB
If you’ve ever wanted to turn a second property or a spare room into a holiday let, you’re in the right place. Platforms like Airbnb have transformed the travel industry, making it easier to list a property, reach potential guests from around the world, and earn income from your space. While setting up an Airbnb or holiday let might seem pretty easy, there’s more to it than meets the eye.
HOMES RELEASED TO BENEFIT DOWNSIZERS IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
Finance Hotspots On the Market Property Retirees and empty nesters across Northamptonshire are being encouraged to take a look at David Wilson Homes’ Wendel View development in Wellingborough, where a range of three and four bedroom homes are now available to reserve. This fast-growing and diverse community on the outskirts of the bustling market town of Wellingborough offers a wide range of amenities such as independent eateries, pubs and shops are all just a short walk away.
LONGCROSS PLACE, WALLINGFORD: THE IDEAL RETIREMENT LOCATION FOR CHRISTABEL LEE - heyday magazine
The idea of making a move in later life can be daunting but Christabel Lee, who recently moved to Beechcroft’s Longcross Place in Wallingford, is extremely pleased that she did so. “At the time I discovered Beechcroft, I was living in a flat in a very nice part of Oxford,” says Miss Lee. “Over the years, however, the city has become so much busier and rather than having neighbours of a similar age to myself, much younger people were moving in.
THE TEAM AT AFFORDA REVEAL SIMPLE WAYS TO REDUCE ENERGY USE THIS CHRISTMAS - heyday magazine
Since the Ofgem energy price cap rose by 10% at the beginning of October, millions of Brits have felt the effects of higher electricity and gas bills. With Christmas just around the corner, many people will be wondering how to limit their energy consumption to counteract the increased expense of the festive season. That’s why the Afforda team have revealed simple ways to cut back on energy this Christmas.
HALF OF OVER-50S CONSIDER DOWNSIZING TO CUT THEIR WINTER ENERGY BILLS
The latest research from over-50s property specialists, Regency Living, has revealed that more than half of over-50s have considered downsizing their home in order to help reduce their energy bills, with 67% stating that they have so far refrained from turning on their heating despite the arrival of cold weather.
A NEW FAMILY HOME FOR GROWING, THRIVING AND LEARNING
For Gregg (33) and Lizzy (32) Skinsley-Stephens, moving into their dream home with their young children at Whitstable Heights in Whitstable, was nothing short of a perfect match. After nearly two years of searching, exploring countless options across five local developments, and weighing up project houses, they finally found the home that ticked every box.
WINTER-PROOFING YOUR GREENHOUSE
The recent cold snap has turned gardeners’ thoughts to the challenges of the coming winter months, particularly the importance of safeguarding their plants. A Greenhouse can serve as a vital sanctuary for tender plants during winter. It provides a shield from frosts, and with the addition of insulation and heating, can provide a controlled environment within which plants can thrive.
BUY THE FINEST IN CONTEMPORARY FIGURATIVE OIL PAINTINGS FOR AN EXTRAORDINARY CHRISTMAS GIFT
FROM THE ROYAL INSTITUTE OF OIL PAINTERS’ (ROI) 2024 ANNUAL EXHIBITION – ONLINE AND IN PERSON Beautiful figurative oil paintings available to buy from next week (28th November 2024,) at the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI) renowned Annual Exhibition at Mall Galleries in London. Work can be bought in-person or online.
OVER-50S SET TO DOWNSIZE TO DODGE INHERITANCE TAX GRAB
The latest research from over-50s property specialists, Regency Living, has found that the majority of over-50s homeowners are more likely to downsize their home due to the freeze on inheritance tax brackets announced in the recent Autumn Budget.
YOUR GREENHOUSE YEAR
Activities DIY Gardening Property KEY THINGS TO DO IN YOUR GREENHOUSE MONTH BY MONTH A Greenhouse is an invaluable gardening tool, allowing you to circumvent seasonal limitations and extend your growing season throughout the year. Benefits include the ability to overwinter delicate plants, propagate seedlings and grow a variety of edibles – even in the winter months.
LONDON LOST INTERIORS BY STEVEN BRINDLE
With a foreword by THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON ATLANTIC PUBLISHING in association with HISTORIC ENGLAND HARDBACK | 4th November |£50 | London: Lost Interiors, from celebrated historian Steven Brindle, invites readers into the lost world of London’s most spectacular 19th and 20th century homes for the first time.
BEECHCROFT BEGINS WORK ON THE SECOND PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT AT CASTLE GARDENS, WATLINGTON.
Having completed a collection of 41 elegant homes at Castle Gardens in Watlington, specialist retirement developer, Beechcroft has commenced construction work on the second phase of development comprising 25 new one and two bedroom apartments, designed for the over 55s.
First Time Buyer Exclusive Offer: Get 20% off at Denby Pottery
Denby Christmas Promotion with First Time Buyer – get 20% off! To receive the First Time Buyer Denby 20 % Discount, quote code FTB20 at the Denby website checkout at denbypottery.com The code is valid until 31st December, excludes the Denby Black Friday promotion. T&Cs Valid until midnight 31st December for online purchases at www.denbypottery.com only for UK customers and customers in selected European destinations.
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS FAIR 2024
Every Christmas present covered by 600 independent brands at Olympia Christmas inspiration from over 600, independent brands at the iconic Spirit of Christmas Fair is at Olympia London from 4- 10 November 2024. Discover a diverse collection of carefully curated gifts from small businesses and designer-makers each one picked for its originality and quality and brought together for this seven-day event.
BARNSDALE GARDENS
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR, AUTUMN WALKS & MORE IN OCTOBER! TheBarnsdale Gardens team is getting ready for October with a whole host of events! The ‘Halloween Scary Spooktacular’, the ever popular ‘Autumn at Barnsdale: Breakfast and Guided Walk’, and as well as various autumnal courses, and new ‘Free Nursery Walks’ will also be taking place next month, and trust us, you do not want to miss them! Autumn at Barnsdale: Breakfast and Guided WalkThis exciting day for all garden lovers will start with...
A FRESH START FOR LEYLAND COUPLE
Case Study On the Market Property When Debbie Vowles and Jim Bilsborrow decided to live together they wanted a fresh start in a home built for the two of them. And that is what they found at Redrow’s Worden Gardens in Leyland. Debbie, 62, a part-time midwife, said: “Jim and I got together having both lost our previous partners. We both had our own houses and when we decided to live together we wanted to find somewhere new. “We both had a list of what we were looking for in a house.
DOWNSIZE AT THE SEASIDE TO DISCOVER A SLOWER PACE OF LIFE
Phil Basher, 65, has been a fan of Hythe, with its beautiful coastline and quaint town centre, for many years. From his previous home in busy Ashford, he often found himself heading to the traditional seaside town to relax, so Barratt Kent’s Martello Lakes development seemed like the perfect place to look for a retirement home. “I’ve spent a lot of time in Hythe over the years and I love the seaside,” he says.
CEO OF MCCARTHY STONE URGES OLDER PEOPLE TO CLAIM ENTITLEMENTS NOW TO READY THEMSELVES FOR BENEFIT CHANGES THIS WINTER
The CEO of the UK’s leading developer and manager of retirement communities is urging older people across the country to urgently check what they can claim in entitlements ahead of the coming winter. The call comes as the public face further uncertainty after the Government announced it would hold a vote on reducing access to the Winter Fuel Payment which is set to take place on Tuesday 10 September.
COULD THIS BE THE BEST SEA VIEW IN THE UK WHEN IT COMES TO RETIREMENT LIVING?
A 10-storey retirement community in Gosport, Hampshire, is thought to offer some of the best sea views in the UK for retirees Hampshire named third most searched for place to retire to according to McCarthy Stone Apartments now on sale in highly sought after development and selling fast A retirement community in Gosport, Hampshire, has been named as one of the best in the country when it comes to offering unrivalled sea views for retirees by McCarthy Stone.
THE BEECHCROFT TEAM HELPS SUE MARKHAM ‘MANAGE HER MOVE’ TO CASTLE GARDENS, WATLINGTON
When Mrs Sue Markham decided to move home, she was keen to remain in Watlington. Having lived locally for eight years, she has made lots of friends and is involved in local life – and two of her children live in nearby Chinnor. She was delighted, therefore, to discover Beechcroft’s Castle Gardens in Watlington, a development of elegant new homes designed exclusively for the over 55s.
SUMMER GREENHOUSE GROWING ADVICE
Summer provides an opportunity to enjoy the fruits of your labour in the Greenhouse. Now is the time to harvest and eat the delicious produce you have planned and cared for over the first half of the year. But, there are still important jobs to do to maintain your Greenhouse’s productivity through the coming months and ensure all your hard work is not lost through pests or disease.
KEY WORKERS PURCHASE DREAM HOME WITH DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION SCHEME AT LINCOLNSHIRE DEVELOPMENT
Case Study On the Market Property A couple has moved up the property ladder having used their key worker status to secure their dream home in Bourne. Karen (55) and Craig Mellows (56), a Hospital Ward Clerk and a Warehouse Manager respectively have settled into their three bedroom Denby style property at Barratt Homes at Bourne, with their dog, Ollie, to be closer to their family. The couple utilised Barratt Homes’ Key Worker Deposit Contribution scheme to help them make the move.
NAVIGATING UNPREDICTABLE WEATHER AND ITS IMPACT ON LAWNS IN THE UK
f there’s a saying about the UK’s weather, it should be: “The only thing predictable about the weather is how unpredictable it is.” Right now, we’re experiencing a bewildering mix of sunshine, rain, and everything in between.This unpredictability makes planning outdoor activities, including gardening, quite challenging.
TOP FRUIT, VEG AND PLANTS FOR WINDOWSILL GARDENING
Green-thumbed Brits have been told how to cultivate plants from the comfort of their homes with windowsill gardening. The gardening experts at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have named the best plants and flowers for windowsill gardening. One in eight British households has no garden, but a new windowsill trend means everyone can get involved in gardening.
OVER-60S REVEAL HOW THEIR HUNT FOR THE PERFECT HOME HAS CHANGED SINCE THEY FIRST CLIMBED THE LADDER
The latest research from park home property specialists, Quickmove Properties, has highlighted just how reliant today’s ‘silver surfers’ are when it comes to utilising technology in their day to day lives and how the process of purchasing a property, in particular, has changed compared to when they bought their first home. For the average 60 year old in the UK, a lot has changed between the time they purchased their first home compared to when they purchased their most recent home.
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS’ BURSCOUGH IS THE PERFECT LOCATION FOR RIGHT SIZERS
A PROPERTY in Burscough has ticked all the boxes for a family looking to move to an easier to manage home. Tony Robinson, 61 and wife Alison, 48 did not initially plan to purchase a new build home, but soon fell in love with a property at The Grange at Yew Tree Park, Redrow’s development on Chancel Way. “We wanted to stay in Burscough. We love the area and what it has a lot to offer; a great social life with a range of restaurants and bars,” said Tony, an NHS worker.
DORSET NURSE AND CANCER CHARITY FOUNDER FINDS OWN ‘HAVEN’ AT QUARTER JACK PARK IN WIMBORNE
A nurse who’s spent her career looking after others and co-founded a charity supporting Dorset residents with cancer, has found her own piece of calm at a brand-new Barratt Homes development in Wimborne. Leslie-May Harrison has been a nurse for more than 40 years and has specialised in breast cancer care since 2001. The inspiring woman also co-founded a Dorset charity which is helping cancer patients who are experiencing financial hardship in the region.
GARDEN PLANTS THAT CAN THRIVE IN ALL WEATHER
Your garden should be a source of joy and beauty throughout the year, but unpredictable weather can sometimes make it difficult to know which plants will thrive. In this article, gardening expert Calum Maddock at HomeHow.co.uk explores a variety of flowering plants that can withstand everything that Mother Nature throws their way, from scorching summers to harsh winters.
SALLY MORTON, ENJOYING AN ACTIVE, INDEPENDENT AND RELAXED LIFESTYLE AT BEECHCROFT’S PINEWOOD PLACE, WINDSOR
We all have different reasons for moving home – and particularly for downsizing – but, for Mrs Sally Morton, the desire for an easier, more relaxed, lifestyle led her to Beechcroft’s Pinewood Place in Windsor. “I was living in a three-bedroom house with a garden and garage, when I decided to move home,” explains Mrs Morton. “It had been our family home for 33 years but when I was widowed, nearly six years ago, all the maintenance fell to me.
DREAM OF MOVING FROM READING TO LIVE BY THE SEA IN CORNWALL COMES TRUE FOR DEBBIE
The dream of moving from Reading to Cornwall and living by the sea has come true for homeowner Debbie Andrews after she bought a brand-new home at Blackberry Lane, bunnyhomes’ new neighbourhood at Kilkhampton located on the north Cornish coast, close to the Devon border. Debbie had already sold her family home in Reading where her children had grown up and had been researching properties with a view to downsizing, living in Cornwall and ultimately retiring there.
PUTTING THE MARKET BACK INTO LEADENHALL - heyday magazine
Leadenhall Market returns to its roots with furniture, fashion and craft weekend pop up markets The City of London’s iconic Leadenhall Market is bringing back stallholders with a series of pop-up furniture, fashion and craft markets that will take over its cobbled stone walkways for eight weekends during the summer.
RETIREES SAY CAMBRIDGESHIRE NEW BUILD IS THE PERFECT HOME FOR THEM
Case Study Finance Property A couple from Oxfordshire have chosen David Wilson Homes’ Wintringham development in St Neots to settle down for retirement. Crista (62) and Addie Haak (64) decided to downsize from their larger home to a Holden style property at the development on Nuffield Road, with their two dogs Coco and Jessie, to be closer to their children and grandchildren. The couple said: “We don’t understand why more people don’t consider a new build when retiring.
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