BURNING BRIGHT

from Absolutely Berkshire August 2023

Medicine Festival

A whistlestop look at the historical importance of ﬁre and how it’s used today

Fire has been a vital part of human evolution and is embedded in shaping human behaviour. It provided a source of warmth and light which brought us closer together. It provided protection from predators, especially at night, so that we could relax, rest and sleep. It was a method for cooking food and creating more advanced tools for hunting. These cultural advances allowed human geographical dispersal around the world, cultural innovations and changes to our diet and behaviour. It also allowed us to socialise and work into the darker and colder hours of the evening.

In modern life, lighting a ﬁre at home still has signiﬁcant meaning. It adds a distinct ambience that sparks the same feelings of warmth and safety we all need to truly relax at the end of our day.

Now is the perfect time of year to start planning your new fireplace. Technology has evolved quickly so wood and gas fires are much more e cient than they ever were, and electric fires are the most realistic they’ve been. Fireplaces are among the most coste ective investments you can make to add value to your home. They are a coveted design feature that are relatively quick and easy to install, and they don’t require planning permission or any extra square footage of space to build on.

Switching to your ﬁreplace can help control your energy bills with ‘zonal heating’ as and when you need it, any time of year. Keep your primary heating system for the whole house at a lower level while using your ﬁre to raise the temperature quickly and e ciently. marlowstoves.co.uk

Don’t worry if you don’t have an existing fireplace or chimney, electric fireplaces don’t need one and wood and gas fires can be connected to a structural flue system that can either be run through your property to the roof or up the outside of your home.

Marlow Stoves has spent ten years building a formidable reputation locally as a small, family run business. They take great pride in the quality of their workmanship and customer service. They provide a full-service o er including the design, installation and commissioning of wood, electric and gas fires, fireplaces and ‘media walls’ that integrate stunning fires with entertainment audio and visual.

Visit their showroom and use their free consultation service to discuss your own requirements and find the best solution to suit your budget. They will take you through the various benefits of wood, gas and electric installations so that you can make a confident decision and enjoy the benefits of a new fire in your own home.