Living Along The Thames March-April 2016 by Living Along theThames

March - April 2016

www.vividtitles.co.uk

along the thames

MARLOW | HENLEY | MAIDENHEAD | COOKHAM | BOURNE END

Art Class Starts Soon ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS TO IMPROVERS WILL LOVE THIS COURSE! NEW COU RSE

! We are now taking enquiries fo r our next great Art Class. This fun course is a great way to mee t new friends an d develop new skills. Please call now for a chat. Best wishe s, Jo GREAT NEWS for all our readers looking for something fun to do over the next few months! Our current class is full but we are now taking enquiries for our next part-time Art Class, which starts soon. The classes are held once a week for three hours.

ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS TO IMPROVERS - JUST LIKE YOU!

STILL LIFE TO LANDSCAPES

The course is designed to be fun for absolute beginners who have never picked up a brush before through to Improvers.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDANCE

We adapt to each student’s needs and give them all the guidance and help they need to develop their artistic skills. The curriculum is fun, comprehensive and interesting. Over the

NEWCLASS ART

course we will explore four different media; pencil drawing & sketching, oil pastel painting and techniques, painting and blending with water colours and acrylics. Step by step tuition in the basic techniques and secrets needed to create beautiful pieces of art. By the end of the course, students have created a minimum of 8 pieces of their very own original art they can enjoy forever, from simple still life and flower studies to beautiful countryside landscape scenes.

YOUNG AT HEART

This course is a brilliant way to learn new skills you will be able to enjoy forever. It is also a great way of meeting new friends and

to have a fun experience you will always remember and cherish! It is open to adults of all ages.

MEET NEW FRIENDS, LEARN NEW SKILLS

This part time course is over 3 months, so will give you plenty of time to master your new hobby.

LIMITED PLACES

To maintain a high standard to our classes and the tuition you will receive, classes are kept to small numbers – so places available are limited! We recommend that if you are interested you call us now for details. For information on dates, course fees and bookings, CALL NOW on

01483 282 060

Bring out your inner artist • Beginners to Intermediates

ARTCLASS

SA0153_15

PART-TIME COURSE, 3 HOUR CLASSES, ONCE A WEEK

THE THAMES HOTEL, MAIDENHEAD STARTS SOON • LIMITED SPACES CALL NOW FOR DETAILS 01483 282 060

L’Ortolan Mark Apsey has returned to L’Ortolan in the role of Development Chef after having first worked at L’Ortolan in 2005 as Alan Murchison’s first apprentice at the age of 15. He left in 2007 to broaden his Michelin experience working with Nathan Outlaw in Cornwall then with John Campbell as part of the opening team at Cowarth Park. Mark believes in using the best ingredients available, locally sourced where possible and is an expert forager making the best use of traceable ingredients from the surrounding countryside. As a natural teacher, Mark is keen to share his knowledge and passion with people who enjoy great food and want to learn more and as such will bring a whole new dimension to the interactive side of L’Ortolan including masterclasses and chef’s experiences. Enhance your cookery skills and enjoy some fabulous cuisine in the demonstration kitchen at one of our new masterclasses, ask all the questions you have and take home plenty of practical tips and ideas followed by Champagne and canapés and a sumptuous 3 course lunch.

MARCH Saturday 12th - Steak Night. How to cook, garnish and sauce the perfect steak.

MAY

Friday 25th (Good Friday) - Sunday Lunch Masterclass, with all the trimmings

Saturday 28th - British Spring Larder - lamb to asparagus, broad beans to strawberries

Saturday 26th - Three Course Dinner Party - fully booked

JUNE

APRIL  Saturday 16th - Fish and Shellfish Masterclass. “She sells sea shells sitting on the sea shore”  Saturday 23rd - Three Course Dinner Party

Saturday 30th - The Home Baker Croissants, buns, cakes and tarts

Saturday 4th - Vibrant Vegetarian Bringing new life and colour to your meat free meals  Saturday 18th - Raw, Fresh and Nutritious - Juices and smoothies, ceviches and cures, love your dehydrator

For more information or to book your masterclass www.lortolan.com/ section/36/1/masterclasses

(Masterclasses include tea/coffee & homemade biscuits on arrival at 10.00am, 1½ hour demonstration, Champagne & canapés, three course lunch with a glass of wine, still or sparkling water, coffee & petit fours - £130 per person, £230 for 2 people (50% deposit required at the time of booking))

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

a l on g t h e t h a m es

Serena Edwards Editor

Welcome to March/April and the march towards Spring and Summer, my favourite time of the year.

ADVERTISING: 01628 627 488

Some of you may have noticed that we have gone back to our old name ‘Living Along The Thames’! Why you may ask? We hadn’t realised the sentiment attached to our old name and have been asked on numerous occasions by both Advertisers and Readers alike to bring it back, so we have! As the name suggests it brings us together as we are all towns on the Thames and why it’s wonderful to celebrate our community and where we live.

CONTACT US: Living Along the Thames Magazine Studio 108, 5 High Street, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 1JN Tel: 01628 627 488 Contact@VividMag.co.uk

The magazine will remain unchanged with all that you love, celebrity interviews both local and from the greater community, food & dining, health & well-being, fashion & beauty and for this edition we have focused on home and garden. As we move towards the Spring months, we all want to get out and enjoy the warmer weather and open up our homes to let in the smells of spring and wash away the staleness of Winter. We have some interesting products to freshen up your home and garden, hopefully a little different from the run of the mill.

CONTRIBUTORS: Christine Chalklin, Kasia Cole, Karine Jackson, Jacky & Mark Bloomfield, Tom Hyland, Cassie Everett, Dru Ross & Michael Darren ACCOUNTS: Holly Hooper 07771 883 442 Holly@hjaccounting.co.uk

We feature some of the latest fashion suitable for Spring and Summer just in time for anyone looking to go to warmer climes and a variety of the latest beauty products to hit the counters.

At the end of the year we will celebrate our tenth birthday, we’d like to thank you all for supporting us through this time.

LOVE MAGAZINES?: subscribe to 6 copies for £18 a year www.VividTitles.co.uk/magazine/

As always, until next time, Happy Reading….

View our recent editions online at: www.VIVIDTITLES.co.uk FOLLOW US: @VividMagUK LIKE US: facebook.com/ LivingAlongTheThames March - April

2016 www.vividti

tles.co.uk

8. Thames Valley Expo – Windsor 14. Choosing the Right School 18. A twist on the Classic Cocktails 25. fashion: Natural Vibes 33. Luxury Living Rooms 40. Spring products for the Home and Garden 42. 5 gadgets you can’t live without 44. 300 years of a very Capable Gardener 48. Travel: Afar and Away in East Africa 59. Lottie Tolhurst 66. Diary Dates

alo ng th e th am es

MARLOW

| HENLEY

| MAIDENH

EAD | COO

KHAM | BOU

RNE END

Front Cover: Courtesy of Cliveden House Hotel PEFC Certified This product is from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources PEFC/16-33-254

To advertise within Living Along the Thames Magazine contact us at: Contact@VividMag.co.uk Visit us at www.vividtitles.co.uk Living Along the Thames is hand delivered free into 12,500 ABC1 homes every two months, including areas of high footfall in Marlow, Maidenhead, Henley, Cookham and Bourne End.

www.pefc.org

Produced by Living Along The Thames Magazines. All Rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the Publisher and is protected by copyright. The views expressed in Living Along the Thames magazine are not necessarily the views of the editor/publisher. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure quality and content, the publisher cannot be held responsible for errors in articles, advertisements and photographs.

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

Lockdales Auctioneers An antiques and collectables valuation event will be taking place soon in your area. The experts of Lockdales Auctioneers will be providing free valuations to the public on Tuesday 8th March, 11am to 3pm, at The Red Lion Hotel, 4 Hart Street, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2AR (free parking subject to availability). Valuations will be provided on the following types of collectables: Coins, stamps, banknotes, medals & militaria, antiques, clocks, watches, jewellery, gold, silver, pre-1900 documents/books & maps, cigarette-cards, postcards, pre-1960 sporting programmes & tickets, scientific instruments, swords, bayonets & de-activated weapons. No appointment

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

is necessary at this event, simply turn up with your items on the day. Members of the public will have the option, if they wish, to consign their goods to auction (subject to terms). Cash purchase offers are also available. Valuations will be provided free of charge, with no obligation. Any questions contact: 01473 627110, sales@lockdales.com | www.lockdales.com

Thames Valley Expo – Windsor

Last year our events grew dramatically with 394 exhibitors across our 5 Expo’s and just under 4,000 delegates attended our events. This year it is our 4th birthday and in celebration we are making the Thames Valley Expo – Windsor bigger and better than all our previous events. • New Keynote Speakers coming to the region for the first time. This year’s line-up of keynote speakers continues our proud reputation of bringing business’s most influential names to the region to inspire and motivate the local business community as they share their success secrets. You will be empowered with renewed guidance and ambition to take your business to its next level of growth.

14th April: 9am – 3pm at Windsor Racecourse

• Speakers include - Sgt Rick Clement, Double Amputee, Afghanistan War Hero bringing an inspirational story, Richard Woods BBC Apprentice Finalist, Julianne Ponan, Award Winning Young Entrepreneur Female CEO. • Berkshire’s Biggest Free Networking Breakfast. For the past two years we have proudly partnered with the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce in delivering our pre-Expo breakfast. Last year over 300 local business leaders / owners attended the breakfast networking and were motivated by the keynote address from a leading UK business personality. • Free Industry Leading Workshops. All of our workshops have been designed to address issues that affect your business through an interesting, interactive and enjoyable speaker by gaining practical hands-on experience and knowledge that your company may be lacking. • Serious Speed Networking. Meet 40 new contacts in 30 minutes. Speed networking is the quickest and most effective way for you to add potential suppliers, partners or clients to your contact list. We hold several speed networking sessions as well as ladies only networking at our events. • 1-2-1 ZONE. This year we have created a 1-2-1 Zone in which you can hold a private meeting with either a possible new contact, supplier or partner that you may have met during your networking sessions. Alternatively you may want to use this facility to arrange a meeting at the Expo with your current clients.

• 101 Business Matters Booths. Small booths will be set up with various experts from the UK to assist you and offer practical advice in the challenges business owners face during the day to day running of the company - accountancy, hr, marketing, cash flow, funding or simply business development challenges. • Supporting Charity. The ethos behind our business is giving back, that is why we ensure that the event is called business and community. To date we have given £12,000 towards local charities and want to continue to increase this in 2016. This year we have chosen the charity A Soldiers Journey (A charity that is dedicated to helping our injured soldiers and their families). We never charge an entrance fee to attend our events however we are asking that delegates make a voluntary minimum £1.00 donation on the day of the Expo that will be donated towards this worthy charity.

• Success Secrets (What made them succeed?). This panel of eminent business leaders / entrepreneurs will share the secrets to the phenomenal success they have achieved along with the mistakes that they have made along the way. This is a fantastic Q & A opportunity for attendees to ask questions and gain the advice and information needed for a business to succeed today.

Our passion is supporting regional business growth and development. We hope that you are able to either meet new clients, suppliers, prospects or just catch up with old business associates at this year’s event. We look forward to welcoming you to this year’s Thames Valley Expo – Windsor. To exhibit or attend please visit our website - www.thamesvalleyexpo.co.uk or call us on - 0843 289 4634

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

Stagecoach: Mini Stages Stagecoach Theatre Arts is well known in the UK for bringing specialist tuition in Musical Theatre and performance arts to many communities and we have now devised an innovative product – ‘Mini Stages’ Our 45 minute classes are suitable for children from 2-4 years and each child should be accompanied by their parent or carer. All sessions are followed by social time and refreshments for all at a cost of £81 per term (£6.75 per session). The classes cover key learning areas including literacy and numeracy skills, communication and social development. Each Resource Pack is based on a particular theme and runs for 6 weeks. Themes include; Pirate Island, The Magic Kingdom, Bugs in the Garden, Nursery Rhyme Land, and Food & Drink. The Stagecoach teacher will take the children on a journey so that by the end of the session they have experienced a range of learning styles to support development in the creative and performing arts. Children are visual learners - so we use themed journey maps and other visual aids like flashcards. The journey map is an A1 soft PVC roll-up poster where the children can track where they have been during a class, and where they will be going in the next session. All visual content is original artwork specifically created and designed for the Mini Stages product. Other props and sensory objects are suggested and listed within

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the Scheme of Work to enhance the children’s experience and learning. The sessions are highly interactive and teaches children how to make decisions, develop social and communication skills, build confidence in using the speaking and singing voice, how to think creatively, compose lyrics and dance steps, work with increased sense of spatial awareness and in the world of role play make the impossible possible! Certificates are given to each child at the end of each theme and therefore 12 in total to collect, all of which are designed in different colours and contain themed images. Mini Stages also involves parents in the learning process by providing extended learning for families to engage in at home. We are dedicated to developing the potential of children in an environment of safety and security.

All our staff are DBS checked and in-house trained. Stagecoach Theatre Arts is a highly regarded network of performing arts schools with a proven record of delivering quality dance, drama and singing lessons to youngsters worldwide. We have a thriving network of more than 320 franchised performing arts schools in the UK, and a growing presence in ten other countries. Mini Stages sessions allow children enter into a themed world and explore the power of their imagination! Please contact Clare Gosling Principal at Stagecoach High Wycombe on: 01494 533203 / highwycombe@stagecoach.co.uk

for further details.

Marlow Rd, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP11 1TB Classes every Saturday 09:15-10:00

“His listening has improved. The teachers at nursery have also noticed this.” “Yes he is much more outgoing; he loves to sing songs he has learnt at Mini Stages.” “She is more comfortable going into her childminders.” “How many sleeps until Stagecoach?”

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

EMBRACE CREATIVITY

Acting, singing and dance classes for 4 - 18 year olds. Find out more and start your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey today

new exciting mini stages classes- 2-4yrs

HIGH WYCOMBE 01494 533203 highwycombe@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/highwycombe HENLEY AND MARLOW 01494 533203 henley@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/henleyandmarlow

SUMMER WORKSHOP BOOKINGS OPEN 1ST - 5TH AUGUST 2016

Saturday 12th March is National “Learn To Play Day”, the flagship event of the UK’s Music for All Charity, championed by Jools Holland, Gareth Malone, Jamie Cullum and many others in the music industry. The day is designed to encourage people to try their hand at ‘making music’ and local retailer Westmount Music is inviting the general public to have a free ‘taster’ lesson on a musical instrument to support the occasion. In the last edition of VIVID we featured Westmount’s tutoring services as they launched their new music studios in Marlow Bottom. With a number of tutors on the books, they will take the opportunity to support the event

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community to come down and get involved”.

by offering free “taster” lessons on guitar, banjo, ukulele, drums, piano, flute and singing. The 15 minute sessions will be scheduled throughout the day, using three separate rooms. “We took part in the event last year and it was a great success”, shop tutor Darren Bevan continues, “We booked Marlow Church Hall, filled it with instruments and invited the public to come along to have a go, it was great fun and good for the local

The event is set to take place again at Marlow Church Hall on Saturday 12th March from 12pm onwards. Although it is an Open Day event, booking a slot in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. So, if you fancy a go, or would like more information on lessons, contact the team at Westmount Music… info@westmount-music.co.uk 01628 481510 www.westmount-music.co.uk www.learntoplayday.com

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

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Choosing the right School

By Danielle Pitcher, The Onslow Trust

With a pick of over twenty thousand schools, choosing the right education is quickly becoming a topic of sleepless nights for many parents. So, how can you guarantee the best place for your child?

Appearance can be deceptive

It’s vital to remember that the content you’re scrutinizing on a school’s website or brochure is already the best possible angle of the school. A prospectus is merely a marketing tool, and will not always reflect the nature of the establishment. Make it a priority to attend at least one open morning for each school you’re looking at and if you have the time, arrange a tour during a regular school day.

A child’s perception is key

If you have the opportunity to speak to the pupils, then you’re already in a good school. Involving pupils with open days and school tours is an excellent indicator of a healthy environment. Identify a pupil with similar traits to your own child, and ask them their opinion of the school. It is likely that their experiences will be similar to those your own child will experience, and will enable you to assess the priorities

of the school. Take a moment to observe the behaviour of the children. Are they polite and articulate? Are they encouraged to ask questions? Are they respected within the classroom? These will vary in importance for each parent, so make sure to assess which values matter to you most, before assessing those of the school.

Policy makes perfect

It’s also a good idea to locate the school’s policies before visiting. At a good establishment, these will be easily accessible on their website, but some may require making contact with the school. Have a look at policies for safeguarding, anti-bullying and discipline, to get an idea of the school’s processes and priorities. If you think these align with your own ideals, try asking the teachers or support staff about them during your visit. If they don’t know the policies inside out, be weary. An expert’s view In terms of school performance, a good place to start is by looking at the most recent Ofsted report. Although it will not provide an exhaustive summary of the school, it will be able to give you a snapshot of both its strengths and weaknesses. Pay attention to the targets that have been set for the school, as these will reveal any flaws in the current system. Bear in mind,

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these can often be outdated, especially if the school has changed hands since the last inspection took place, so take these comments with a pinch of salt and question any concerns during your visit. If you’re unsure about the official school report, have a look for recent reviews on Ofsted’s ParentView. Similar to sites like TripAdvisor, this easy to navigate site allows parents to review their child’s education and leave comments for perspective parents. Be careful not to take these all at face value, each school will cater for different needs, and common criticisms can often be a result of child misplacement as opposed to school error.

Educate and Enrich

Avoid selecting a school based solely on academic performance, as there are many more factors that contribute to a child’s education. Research the range of clubs and activities on offer outside of the classroom and consider curricular opportunities such as sports, art and languages. In recent statistics, one in twelve children in the UK attend a school with lower academic performance than they could have received a place for. Thus, demonstrating that although some schools may fly high in academic league tables, this does not necessarily mean that such school is able to cater to the individual needs and interests of your child. Most importantly, whichever school you look to select should be fully supported by your child. If you have any doubts to whether or not your child will be happy, this should take first priority over academic performance or Ofsted reports. Choose a school that will harbour a safe and comfortable environment, and rest assured your child will settle seamlessly!

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

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How to improve your child’s By Tom Hyland

writing.

“This morning” cries Miss Creedle, “We’re all going to use our imaginations, We’re going to close our eyes 3W and imagine. Are we ready to imagine Darren?” Miss Creedle Teaches Creative Writing - Gareth Owen A familiar lament of students across the globe: “But I don’t know what to write”. Writing is one of the trickiest and challenging things to develop. How do we go about nurturing children as writers, capable of adapting their writing for the correct situation and coming across as competent and confident individuals? Although difficult, there are a number of little things we can do to help our children write and, more importantly, write well.

Encourage them to play around with sentences, switching the order around and being ambitious with the ideas they get down on paper. If they are comfortable with the fundamental basics of language, only then will they be able to build on this and improve their writing.

Technology

Giving children feedback on their writing isn’t always necessary. However, when it is relevant and at the right time, it can be very useful. Make feedback short, precise and balanced between positive and negative. Clearly state what they can do in their writing and then pick out one thing you’d love to see more in their next piece. This analysis of their writing is something children will be familiar with from school, so it’s important to make sure you don’t constantly undertake a similar process at home, too.

Technology is often under-used when it comes to inspiring children to write. Animations and short-films can spark off ideas in their heads in a way that reading a book might not be able to. Youtube and other websites also contain an enormous of interviews and performances from authors, offering incredible writing tricks and tips. Hearing the process of how published writers go about their business can often inspire children to try their own work.

Reading

Reading a wide variety of books will help children develop as writers. By exposing themselves to new words, ideas and plots, they can “magpie” these from authors, incorporating them into their own writing. Sometimes, it can be a challenge to get some children to read. Encourage them to try a little every day, but don’t force it. Don’t be precious with what you encourage them to read, either. Even if it’s the back of a cereal packet for a while, as long as they’re reading something, that’s good!

Sentence work

Understanding the basic structure of sentences and how they can be manipulated and changed to create different effects, is crucial to improving children as writers.

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Free writing

Allow plenty of opportunities to write “freestyle”, where spelling, punctuation, grammar and structure are secondary to the importance of the writing itself. This type of writing is essential, allowing children the freedom to express themselves and hone their creative ideas for future writing.

Feedback

Writing everyday

Writing everyday, no matter how little, can work wonders in improving children as writers. By getting into a routine and sitting down to write, they can be conditioned to focus on writing and learn to develop it. A daily writing journal, where they can write about absolutely anything on their mind, is a productive process. Again, free-writing is way forward here - don’t pick out mistakes. Consider setting up a blog for your child, where they can share their musings with the world. Children seem to love the ability to design and run their own webpage and enjoy the interactive element of viewing other blogs. Please though, always bear in mind internet safety and carefully monitor how your child is getting on.

Talk

Talk is crucial for writing. By talking, children explore and share their ideas, developing concepts and externalising their thinking process. This allows them to consolidate what they know already and then collaborate other ideas with their peers. By sharing their thoughts on how they will approach a piece of writing with others, they then internalize these ideas, enabling them to have clearer and more coherent ideas for their writing.

Show don’t tell

This is one of the most important mantras when it comes to creative writing. This is about showing the reader what is happening in a story and not telling them. For example, instead of writing the “the man was angry”, this could become, “the man clenched his fists and hissed beneath his breath”. Good writers allow the reader to see the story for themselves. Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

Godstowe

Open Days: Saturdays, 27th February, 7th May and 8th October 2016 10am - 1pm NURSERY 3-4 PRE-PREP 4-7 PREP 7-13 BOARDING 7-13 BOYS 3-7 GIRLS 3-13

Did you know that Godstowe has a nursery too? “Little Godstowe” is a termly nursery for boys and girls aged 3 to 4. The nursery offers morning sessions and full days.

For more information about the nursery, school or our Open Days, please contact the Registrar, Cathy Gainer, by telephoning 01494 429006 or emailing registrar@godstowe.org Vivid Dec 2015.indd 1 Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

t: 01494 529273 e: registrar@godstowe.org w: www.godstowe.org 02/12/2015 14:00:27

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A Twist On The Classic Mixologists are always finding new ways to shake things up, and with a string of white and dark spirits coming to the market, there’s plenty of scope for variations on bar favourites. With ‘terroir’ even coming into the mix - a term usually used in winemaking and referring to soil content and vegetation - a recently released Scottish vodka is herb-infused and an Australian coffee liqueur blends beans from Ethiopia, Brazil and Papua New Guinea. But getting to grips with a cocktail shaker doesn’t mean you can’t use some old favourites as a base spirit to build on. A golden Caribbean rum can be spiked with pineapples and cinnamon to warm up chilly nights, and even c hocolate-flavoured cocktails and bitter sweet sips can fire up the imagination if you’re counting down to Happy Hour...

THE SNOW MARTINI

Snow Queen Vodka (£22.99, 70cl, Waitrose).

Mellow and balanced with a faint nose of wheat, it’s silky and creamy with vanilla and spice. 50ml Snow Queen 20ml white creme de cacao 5ml white chocolate liqueur Dark or white chocolate shavings for the rim. Add lemon juice to the rim of a martini glass, then upside-down place glass in chocolate shavings. Half fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add all the ingredients, shake vigorously and strain into the chilled martini glass.

THE MARTINEZ

Langley’s No 8 Distilled London Gin (£31, 70cl, www.ocado.com). Juniper forward with zesty orange and lemon peel, spicy notes and juniper on the finish, it’s designed to be equally at home in a G&T. 45ml Langley’s No 8 45ml sweet vermouth 4ml orange liqueur 2 dashes Angostura Bitters Half fill a mixing glass with ice. Add the gin, sweet vermouth and orange liqueur, then stir. Strain into a chilled martini glass and add the drops of bitters. Garnish with a twist of fresh orange peel.

Half fill a mixing glass with ice, add the ingredients and stir slowly.

BLACK NEGRONI

Strain into a rock glass and garnish with a grapefruit twist.

Mr Black Cold Press Coffee Liqueur (£30.95, 70cl, www.thewhiskyexchange.com). An Australian liqueur made with grain spirit and Arabica coffee beans, expect authentic espresso aromas, dark chocolate, hazelnut and toffee flavours with a faint bitter note. The backbone for any mocha-infused cocktail, it’s seriously good. 20ml Mr Black 20ml gin 15ml Campari 10ml sweet vermouth

THE POGUES OLD FASHIONED

The Pogues Irish Whiskey (£29.99, 70cl, www.drinksupermarket.com). The Celtic punk band’s signature serve, there’s a bit of bite to this 50/50 blend of Irish grain whiskey aged in bourbon oak casks, and single malt Irish whiskey aged in sherry casks. 50ml The Pogues 1 thick slice orange peel 1 maraschino cherry with stem 1tsp sugar syrup 2-3 drops whisky bitters Take the orange peel and squeeze it with your fingers. Rub the peel around the insides of a whisky tumbler then place into the glass. Add the cherry, sugar syrup and bitters, along with three ice cubes. Add half of the whiskey and stir for about 10 seconds. Add more ice and the remaining whiskey and stir again for 10-15 seconds. Garnish with lemon peel.

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Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

Celebrated Chef Chris Wheeler invites you to indulge your tastebuds at Humphry’s, Stoke Park’s award winning restaurant. Open to all, Humphry’s fine dining restaurant allows you to enjoy ‘an experience you want to relive again and again’ (At Home with Marco Pierre White). Named as one of the ‘Best of Britain’ in the Tatler Restaurant Guide, Humphry’s innovative take on Modern British Cuisine and enviable wine list provides an unforgettable treat, all set within the sumptuous, romantic surroundings of Stoke Park’s Georgian mansion. Open: Wednesday - Sunday : Lunch 12.00pm - 2.30pm Tuesday - Sunday : Dinner 7.00pm - 10.00pm To make a reservation please call 01753 717172 or email reservations@stokepark.com

www.stokepark.com

M A C D O N A L D C O M P L E AT A N G L E R

SUNDAY IN ST Y LE

PROUDLY AWARDED THREE A A ROSET TES, JOIN US TO CELEBR ATE AND SAMPLE OUR EXCEPTIONAL CUISINE. The Riverside Restaurant serves imaginative British food with mouthwatering dishes prepared by Head Chef, Michael Lloyd and his team using fresh seasonal produce. TWO COURSES

£24

.95

PER PERSON

THREE COURSES

£29

.95

PER PERSON

Book your table by calling 0344 879 9128 or email riverside.compleatangler@macdonald-hotels.co.uk

Terms and conditions: Available Sunday lunchtime only. Valid until 31st March 2016 excluding Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Easter Sunday and any other local special event dates. Maximum table size eight people. Tables must be booked in advance.

W W W. M A C D O N A L D H O T E L S . C O . U K / C O M P L E ATA N G L E R

WHAT’S ON THIS SPRING AT CROWNE PLAZA MARLOW MOTHERING SUNDAY

Sunday 6th March | 1pm-3pm Treat Mum to a sumptuous 3 course lunch in Glaze Restaurant, with a bouncy castle to keep the children entertained, while Mum gets some time to relax.

3 COURSE LUNCH — INCLUDING A LITTLE GIFT FOR MUM £24.95 £14.95 PER CHILD (3-12) 02 YEARS OLD GO FREE Please book in advance at www.cpmarlow.co.uk/whats-on

EASTER SUNDAY FAMILY FUN DAY LUNCH WITH EASTER EGG HUNT

Sunday 27th March Easter Egg Hunt 12pm* | Sunday Lunch from 12.30pm Join us for an Easter Sunday to remember with an Easter Egg Hunt* at 12.00pm in our extensive grounds, face painting, bouncy castle and a delicious 3 course lunch in our Glaze Restaurant. 3 COURSE LUNCH — £21.95 £14.95 PER CHILD (3-12). 0-2 YEARS OLD FREE Easter Egg Hunt is complimentary for children having the Easter Sunday Lunch. Please ensure that you are punctual for this event.

EASTER EGG SUNDAY FUN DAY: EGG HUNT ONLY Join in the Easter Egg Hunt in our extensive grounds, with face painting and a bouncy castle. £7.50 PER CHILD (3-12). 0-2 YEARS OLD FREE The Easter Egg Hunt starts promptly at 12pm. Tickets MUST be purchased in advance for this event. No tickets on the day. Please book in advance at www.cpmarlow.co.uk/whats-on

FOR MORE DETAILS OF OUR FABULOUS EVENTS AT CROWNE PLAZA MARLOW, VISIT WWW.CPMARLOW.CO.UK/WHATS-ON OR CALL 01628 496 800 Crowne Plaza Marlow, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1GJ. W: cpmarlow.co.uk | E: enquiries@cpmarlow.co.uk T: 01628 496 800 Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL |2016

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Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

All that sparkles is …

Silver! A hidden gem in the heart of Maidenhead, Silver Edge, sells fairly and ethically traded jewellery and gifts at a reasonable price. Many of the jewellery pieces are unique and handcrafted from around the world such as Amber from the Baltic States, Silver from Mexico, Israel and India to name a few. Silver Edge are now stocking a large range of scarves from Vietnam all are fairtrade, natural fabrics and soft to wear and are proving to be very popular. Alejandra Cerillo, the owner of Silver Edge, will be back in Mexico in May, meeting and

designing with the Artisans a new range of Silver Jewellery that will be available for sale later in the year under the ‘More Precious than Silver’ range. To keep up to date with all our new ranges become ‘our friends’ on facebook.com/ silveredgemaidenhead. We are now settled in our New retail shop in the Nicholson’s Centre, so do come and browse and see all our latest handcrafted jewellery from around the world, all in one place. 01628 566296 Unit 23 Nicholson’s Centre, Maidenhead (next to Timpson)

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

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Natural Vibes… With the summer season approaching fast it’s time to embrace the inevitable, swapping winter for summer clothes and facing every woman’s dilemma of how to get your summer wardrobe in a trendy, sensible shape…

With the advancement of fashion production technology it’s only natural that many of us reach for man-made fabrics without even thinking about it. However, nothing can beat the feel and advantages of wearing the sustainable natural fabrics. Cotton is a natural fibre harvested from the cotton plant and is best suited to hot and humid climates

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(think of your next holiday) as it breathes and keeps you cool and comfortable. Garments made from cotton are also perfect for people who have sensitive skin as it contains a natural hypoallergenic. Many people don’t realise that Rayon is considered a natural fibre, as it is derived from naturally occurring cellulose in trees. The rayon material naturally has anti-microbial property and does not produce much odour if you sweat, making it perfect for a warmer temperature. Linen is a woven fabric made from the fibres of the flax plant, and it is one of the oldest and most expensive textiles in the world. Similar to Rayon and Cotton, Linen fabric allows the body to breathe keeping you cool and comfortable. So, before you purchase your new summer clothes stop and check your garment labels. It’s worth it!

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

‘One Season’ from www.SwishBoutique.co.uk

‘Tunic’ from www.BettyBarclay.com

‘Orietique’ from www.SwishBoutique.co.uk

‘Label Lab’ from www.HouseofFraser.co.uk

‘Cotton Shirt’ from www.BettyBarclay.com

‘Saint Jacques’ from www.BettyBarclay.com

‘Ines Paisley Linen Shirt’ from www.Phase-Eight.co.uk

‘Casuals’ from www.GerryWeber.com/en ‘Eden Rock’ from www.SwishBoutique.co.uk

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

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Chloe - Love Story EDT|RRP £58.00 Nina Ricci - Nina EDT 50ml & Free Gift Pouch | RRP Giorgio Armani - Si Rose Signature 50ml EDP |RRP £40.50 £67.50 www.TheFragranceShop.co.uk

AsFresh asSpringtime

111Skin from Dr. Yannis Alexandrides MD | Retinol Oil RRP £150 | Coutour Gel RRP £90 | www.111Skin.com

Replenishing Moisturising Cream | 50ml | £6.39 | www.FaithInNature.co.uk

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SUPER FIN

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ty tre aced beau mmer baref u bea /s g ed n ri ac ef sp e plexion. Bar We love th m co l ra g u u ly nat e thro h.. an effortless your natural skin shin g outrat telettin l ab ncen ! nielals Co ed version Katherine Da RRP £35 e(30m -ton evl)en| sm | or in etics.com m sk y

Andrew Barton Hairbrushes | £8 | ASDA | www.groceries.asda.com/product/brushes-co mbs/

Co for Dr rineDaniels www.Kathe

Joan Collins Timeless Beauty Divine Lips lipsticks (RRP £18) and Nail Lacquers (£13) www.JoanCollinsBeauty.com

Dr.PawPaw | 7in1 hair treatment styler | RRP £12.99 (150ml) | www.drPawPaw.com

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t have p if you don’ Don’t worry e perfe th is u need skin – all yo or rp ates which inco concealer rrectio ur of colo co knowledge Correct er ov eC R . techniques pon fo secret wea Red is your look p’ ‘no makeu nailing the d bea ce fa re ba e embrace th nce. total confide

the perfecting The key to any ma of r ea cl your skin this mply apply can and si ler to ea nc co n generatio Yo little help. that need a this pig of nt ou am a tiny to deliver f formulation s y, but in a lasts all da ReCover Correct & Conceal Red | RRP £28 (5ml) | www.RecoverCosmetics.com

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

Cherry Blossom Whipped Cream by Arabelle Skin RRP £28.25 (200ml) | www.ArabelleSkinSense.Sense | co.uk

Timeless Truth Charcoal Detox Brightening Mask £4.90 each | £23.50 Box of 5 | TTMasks.co.uk |

Fabulift Fabulous Eyes | 10 x 2ml ampoules | RRP £49.99 | www.IdealWorld.tv/fabulift

WunderExtensions RRP £19.95 www.Wunder2.co.uk

Hycosan Fresh 7.5ml | RRP £8.99 | www.ScopeOpthalmics.com

Jane Iredale Spring Collection | Matte Eye shadow RRP £39.95 | Lip Gloss RRRP £19.95 | Pressed Blush RRP £23

Mila-Rose Flower grips £3 & claws £4 | www.groceries.asda.com/product/clips-claws-grips/

Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfecting Base 10ml (RRP £18) and Clarins Joli Rouge Brillant Lipsticks (RRP £20) | www.Clarins.com GelTouch Mini Starter Kit | RRP £24.99 | www.UBLondon.com

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

Exuviance | Bionic Oxygen Facial | RRP £60.00 | www.Exuviance.co.uk

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Karine Jackson says… With spring almost upon us, it’s time to take off the woolly hats and embrace the new season hair. If you’re not quite ready to give up your duvet just yet, I’ve put together some tips on prepping your hair the night before, meaning you can snooze for just a little longer. I’m also looking forward to the catwalk trends and how to get these at home; this season is all about texture…

Wake up with beautiful hair

Sleep on a satin pillowcase – investing in a better pillowcase will stop the abrasiveness whilst you’re sleeping so your hair won’t get frizzy – and it’s also better for your skin. When you wake up, try not to touch your hair; let it settle back into place. Like your skin it needs to settle down for about 20 minutes. Once it’s settled, try not to play with it too much – just gently comb or brush and spray with hairspray. The less you need to play with your hair in the morning, the better it will be. If you struggle to manage your curls, sleep with slightly damp hair. Again, don’t touch it straightaway when you wake up. Just mix a little mousse with argan oil and water, scrunch into the curls and go. Braid damp hair or swirl it into a top-knot before securing with snag free bands. In the morning release the braids or the bun and spritz a little salt spray into the waves to break up.

On Trend: Texture

70’s – look to Charlie’s Angels for this season’s most on-trend look. They key to get that soft texture begins with root lift, especially if you’ve got finer hair. Use a spray gel on the roots and stimulate the root area with your fingers so that the hair sticks up rather than lying flat to the head. Rough dry and use tongs in a vertical direction, curling backwards. The root prep will stop this look seeming old fashioned and set.

a pair of ghd irons and run over the mid length and ends only. Spritz on a finishing spray to break the hair up and add texture.

Upscale Texture

Future Trend: Denim

- I love this dual-textured effect- so 2016! Separate a horseshoe section on top of the hair and pin out of the way. Slick the sides right back and gather the hair into a ponytail. Backcomb the horseshoe area at the roots only to create a fluffy texture, join this section into the back of the pony. Sleeking back the side creates a clean slick line whilst the backcombed height helps to soften and open up the face, highlighting cheekbones.

The New Straight

- Again root lift is important – you don’t want your hair to look greasy or too messy as it’ll just look like you haven’t bothered. Start with clean dry natural hair and simply take

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The denim blue trend is exploding this year, and really easy to achieve for those with blonde or pre-lightened hair. My favourite shade has to be the cool stonewashed shade – perfect for the transition from winter to spring, and much easier to wash out than the darker denims. In the salon we’ve launched the Colour To Go service. The team will show you how to mix professional colour with a lesson on how to do it at home, with the right products thrown in. We look at skin tone, placement and the denim shade you’re looking to achieve. www.karinejackson.co.uk Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

A hidden

gem

Relax and Indulge yourself in the latest facial from Intraceutucals, exclusive to the Sapphire Salon at the Holiday Inn, Maidenhead.

Vicki Newman, the owner of Sapphire is passionate about providing her Customers with one-to-one treatments that leave them feeling special and pampered. Vicki has over ten years of experience within the beauty industry and prides herself on keeping up to date with the latest treatments for her Customers to get the most from. Intraceuticals Facials uses therapeutic oxygen under pressure to infuse a special serum of modified hyaluronic acid, essential vitamins, botanicals, antioxidants and amino peptides to the skin, which helps the skin retain hydration and moisture giving your skin a healthier appearance in just one hour. The treatment is not invasive, is relaxing and will help increase the skin’s moisture levels. Loved by A-list celebrities, make-up artists and doctors around the world, this is the must

have treatment for anyone who has dry, dehydrated and prematurely aging skin, sensitive skin, sensitized skin, sun damage, brown spots, skin laxity, fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin texture, post inflammatory pigmentation and problem prone skin conditions. “I use Intraceuticals oxygen skin treatment to hydrate my skin and give me that fresh, well slept glowing look before any performance or appearance”. Katy Perry (Artist) Facial Treatments like no other! Addicted! - N Metcalfe If you would like to trial an Intraceuticals Facial, Sapphire are holding a ‘meet the expert’ on 7th and 8th April where you can have a treatment at a reduced cost and find out more about the treatment and improvement of your skin. Sapphire are also offering Intraceutical Facial packages that would suit Brides,

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

Pamper Evenings or any excuse you can think of to get together with your girlfriends where you can purchase a package of six facials and each can be redeemed individually – for more information visit www.sapphire-salon.co.uk Apart from offering the Exclusive Intraceutical Facials Sapphire offers manicures and pedicures using the Jessica range of products, Decleor facials and a variety of massages including the unique lava shell massage, not to be missed! To book one of your favourite treatments or an Intraceuticals Facial contact us on 01628 506030 /01628 879766

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DIODE LASER l HAIR REMOVAL it works

it is

ON ALL AFFORDABLE SKIN PAINLESS T YPES it is

Get Ready for Summer

£60 *

Lower Arms Under Arms

Normally £160

Lower Arm Face

Normally £160

£60 *

Half Legs Under Arms Bikini Line

£80 *

Normally £240

La Perla CLINIC

• IPL is NOT laser • Generic Laser systems are not Diode Laser, which is clinically shown to be the most effective for Hair Removal • In most cases results are permanent • Special Package includes consultation and patch test • Full back treatment in only 20 minutes • Diode Laser is currently the most effective laser hair removal technology • It is relatively painless • Dermatologists recommend this system as it prevents folliculitis • Sessions usually last no more than 30 minutes • Safe and effective for all skin types

£60 *

Half Legs Under Arms

Normally £160

Half Legs Bikini Line

Normally £160

Men’s: Full Back Shoulders

£60 *

£80 *

Normally £240

DENTISTRY | ORTHODONTICS | DENTAL IMPLANTS | COSMETIC SURGERY

01628 488 499 44 Marlow Bottom, Marlow, SL7 3NB - Ample FREE off street parking

* Price per session when you buy a package of 5 or more sessions | Only half the full package is paid in advance | Offer not valid for single session treatments | Terms & Conditions Apply

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

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Coffee Break ACROSS

1. In which people hurry to get accommodation at Ascot? (4,4) 5. Pass out when you see snakes (4) 9. Say why you are one Russian man (4) 10. Denâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s awful rage might imperil (8) 11. Riddle causing strain (5) 12. The same clothing (7) 13. Roy is happy the characters are changing treatment (13) 18. And it includes a trick with a snake (8) 19. Billâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opponents (4) 20. Yearn for a try in the past (4,3) 21. Material Lenin ordered (5) 22. To make a fuss (2-2) 23. Game for doses of medicine (8)

DOWN

Across: 1 Flat race; 5 Asps; 9 Yuri; 10 Endanger; 11 Sieve; 12 Uniform; 13 Physiotherapy; 18 Anaconda; 19 Noes; 20 Long ago; 21 Linen; 22 To-do; 23 Draughts.

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Down: 2 Loutish; 3 Thieves; 4 Conducted tour; 6 Signora; 7 Scrumpy; 8 Saline; 13 Playlet; 14 Yearned; 15 Isobar; 16 Running; 17 Present.

2. Oaf-like man gets this wrong (7) 3. This includes a girl and villains (7) 4. What the LSO might go on when playing abroad? (9,4) 6. Spanish woman might be soaring (7) 7. A drink for the agent containing cold rum (7) 8. Saltwater destroys aliens (6) 13. Piano song allowed to become a short drama (7) 14. Longed for the time when Den will return (7) 15. Is nothing on the counter but a line on the map (6) 16. Sprinting, but not fast (7) 17. Now for a gift (7)

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

Luxury Living Rooms The living room is one of the key spaces within the home as it affects everyone who lives there plus friends coming to visit. Time spent planning a living room design is always time well spent, as there are so many elements to consider.

Function should be the first step in the design process. An important consideration is the location of the sockets for the T.V., as furniture and bespoke joinery can then be designed around this pivotal point. The design and layout should create an environment that is ideal for watching TV but also focus on other areas of interest. Another aspect, which will affect the roomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design, is the fireplace. Normally this would be the central focal point of any living room as it provides great structure to the layout. However a fireplace is not an essential feature as bespoke joinery can be designed to recreate the type of structure and symmetry a fireplace might provide. To further enhance the symmetry of the room, the placement, size and proportion of the furniture is very important. Two sofas facing each other with two chairs at one end gives the classic, formal living area while a large corner sofa will make a more informal cosy

space. Play around with the layout until you are one hundred percent happy with it as the large pieces of furniture become the bone structure of a design. As regards fabric colours it is advisable to keep the large items of furniture neutral so they do not dominate the room. Add accent colours through accessories, cushions and throws where required. Textures such as velvet and linen can work well but it depends on the style and look you want to achieve. It is usually of great benefit to have some form of rug or carpet in a living room not only to add to the warm, homely feel but also to absorb sound and reduce echo from the TV. Patterned rugs can create interest but make sure if you do choose a pattern that you keep other upholstery more plain to balance the design. Living rooms are areas that will be used during the day and in the evening so effective lighting is

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

critical to their success. The layout of the lighting should work with the layout of the furniture so deciding on the furniture first is a crucial part of the process. It is a good idea to have a mix of general and task lighting. General Lighting acts as the foundation of any lighting scheme and is usually designed in the form of a central pendant, recessed ceiling lights or wall lights. Task lighting is another important part of the scheme and should be included for activities such as reading. Finally the addition of a dimmer switch will create the perfect atmosphere for relaxing during the evening. A beautifully designed living room can become a real asset to any home, as it is the ideal place to relax, unwind and entertain friends. It is one of the core rooms of the house and its importance in everyday living should not be underestimated. By Jenny Allan, JCA Interiors

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5 Tips For Choosing Bathroom Taps The different elements of your bathroom should go together, so if you have a period-style room, you need classic taps to suit, and if the look is modern, contemporary taps work best. Try the taps with the bathroom suite to check they’re the right style and size. It’s especially important that the basin tap is in proportion to the basin and won’t project water over the lip. Most bathroom taps are chrome these days, but other finishes are available. And don’t forget ease of use, especially for the youngest and oldest members of the family, who may have difficulty operating some types of tap. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get good taps, but it can be a false economy to buy cheap ones because a tap has working parts and they can fail if they’re poor quality. If you soon end up having to get the taps repaired or replaced, you’ll wish you’d spent more on a product designed to last. “The quality of the materials and finishing of a tap is very important when it comes to good water flow, ease of cleaning and maintenance, and long-term value,” says Simon

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Browning of Mira Showers (www.mirashowers.co.uk), which has its own range of taps - Aspects. “You can judge the quality of a tap by the warranty that comes with it, as well as aesthetic values: look for perfect symmetry and flat lines on the edges of the tap.” Mixer taps, which have one spout, are a popular choice because they make it easy to get water at the desired temperature. They mix hot and cold water before it comes out of the spout, but some people prefer separate hot and cold taps - your bathroom basin will either have two holes for separate taps or one for a mixer. If your bath has two tap holes, you don’t have to have separate taps - most bath mixers are designed for two holes. However, not all baths come pre-drilled with tap holes - to avoid drilling them, go for wall-mounted taps, or floor-standing taps, which are often used with freestanding baths. There’s nothing worse than a tap that produces little more than a dribble, so consider your home’s water system before you buy something many of us forget to do. “This tends to be more important if you have a low-pressure water system,” says Browning. “If the tap isn’t suitable and the water flow is poor, it will take a long time to fill a bath.” Good water pressure is especially important for bath-shower mixer taps. These taps are a cost-effective way to have an over-bath shower because you need bath taps anyway, so why not pay a bit more for taps that connect to a shower head and hose? Bath-shower mixers are useful for washing you, your hair, the dog and the bath itself, but good water pressure is needed for a satisfactory showering experience, so they can’t always be used instead of a separate shower.

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

OUR DESIGNERS ARE THE DIFFERENCE

PERFECTION THROUGH DESIGN 01753 865050

europeanbathrooms.com 31 King Edward Court, Windsor, SL4 1TG

Heart of your home With a wood burning stove we can help you to find the heart of your home – whether you live in a cottage, modern apartment, traditional Georgian family home or a contemporary town house. So why have clean-burning wood stove? Clare Collins, co-founder of the new Morsø Stove store in Chertsey explains “It seems a lot of people have wanted a wood-burning stove, but thought they couldn’t because you’re not supposed to burn wood in towns and cities. “But these stoves have been approved by the government for use in smokeless fuel zones, as they’re virtually smokeless because the emissions are so low. These zones include the Greater London area, parts of Maidenhead and Windsor and most of Slough, so now everyone can benefit from a real fire! “Because they’re so efficient they need to burn less wood, and it also means you only have to empty the ash pan around once every two weeks, and less physical loading is required. Also, the glass at the front stays clean.” Morsø stoves epitomize Danish design which has been delighting the world for 162 years and are continuously developing their Stoves to meet changing lifestyles, maximize fuel efficiency and minimize environmental impact. Along with their stunning designs Morsø has extended its range to include a stylish selection of outdoor fires - ‘The Living Range’ - giving the feeling of warmth and the crackle of a real fire to your outside living space: fire pits, outdoor ovens and grills as well as pizza ovens which are proving a huge hit with families. Think pizzas, barbequed chicken and marshmallows! You know you are in safe hands with founders Clare and Guy Collins as they

have over 10 years’ experience in selling and installing wood burning stoves in Bristol and Bath. Their new Chertsey showroom will be open from March 2016 where you can experience sitting in front of a live stove and find out for yourself just why we love a good fire in general and Morsø Stoves in particular. The Fire Gallery, 122 Guildford Street, Chertsey, KT16 9AH, 01932 988020 info@firegallery.com | www.firegallery.co.uk | www.morsoe.com

RSBoiler Services Company No 5674

Gas, Oil, Heating, Plumbing, Electric, LPG, Propane, Butane Established in 1977

• Free Estimates • Combi & Condensing specialists • Boiler/System installations • Power Flushing • Gas Leaks • Account Customers Welcome • Insurance Work • All makes of Boilers serviced or repaired

Tel: 01628 483099 www.rsboilerservices.co.uk 25 Woodland Way, Marlow, Bucks, SL7 3LD

Please cut out and leave near your Boiler for a fast response in the event of a breakdown

36 | rs boilers advert.indd

19/08/2015 13:16

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

ASHFORD KITCHENS & INTERIORS

Ashford Kitchens & Interiors offer complete design, supply and fully project-managed installation service. Being established for over 30 years now, with a large showroom in Ashford, Middlesex and a newly opened showroom in Farnham Common, Buckinghamshire; Ashford Kitchens & Interiors can be sure to provide you with a hassle-free, individual service which exceeds expectations, meeting needs in terms of design, budget and timeliness. The family run business are proud to have completed over several thousand installations in and around the local area – In the photos above can see some of these completed kitchens. Customers travel from far and wide for the expert advice provided by the family-run, KBSA-registered business. ‘We heavily rely on recommendations – in fact, over 70% of our business is from recommendations alone’ says company director, Stephen Flower ‘We are very proud of this and recognize the importance of it.’ Offering high standards of quality and attention to detail, it’s no wonder Ashford Interiors has built up such a loyal clientèle. The company offer a free, no-obligation, design visit and

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planning service with computer aided design software, which helps client’s visualise their renovation project and make adjustments right for them. Our skilled designers can plan a kitchen to suit different budgets, style requirements and spaces. We make every effort to make things right from day one, so that you will be delighted with the end result. Ashford Kitchens & Interiors pride themselves on facilitating a fully project managed service, as not many companies take on the job as a whole. By providing this service, customers can feel at ease that their project is in safe hands; not having to worry about going elsewhere to search for appliances or flooring. The company provide expert knowledge and excellent prices on their high quality cabinetry from leading British manufacturers and a vast range of appliances, specialised worktops, flooring, tiles and lighting - all of which can be viewed in one of our spacious showrooms. Ashford Kitchens & Interiors has been a specialist member of the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) since 1984. We are one of

300 fully accredited, UK based, independent retailers recognised for providing the highest quality advice about key home improvements. Therefore you can be double assured that we will always offer a highly professional and cost effective service from design to installation. Being a local, family run business Ashford Kitchens & Interiors genuinely care that their customers receive the best possible service and are happy with their experience from the moment they step into the showroom. We welcome you to visit our spacious showrooms in Ashford, Middlesex & Farnham Common, Bucks where you will be able to experience the variety and quality of our extensive displays that will inspire you to create your dream kitchen, bedroom or home office. Ashford Kitchens & Interiors is at The Parade, The Broadway, Farnham Common, and 85, Church Road, Ashford, Middlesex. www.ashfordinteriors.co.uk, info@ashfordinteriors.co.uk, 01753 642362

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

THINKING OF REPLACING YOUR KITCHEN, BEDROOM OR HOME OFFICE? Visit our Large Showrooms for Inspiration and to book your FREE design Visit 85 Church Road Ashford, Middx TW15 2PE Tel: 01784 245964

1-2 The Parade, The Broadway Farnham Common Bucks SL2 3QJ Tel: 01753 642362

www.ashfordinteriors.co.uk

Handmade accessories lovingly made with rope using traditional sailor’s knots | door stop – small buoy | RRP £48 +P&P | www.BeautifulRopeDecor.co.uk/small-buoy

Soothe your soul with the natural calm of MadebyZenTM bamboo aroma diffuser, Esta (RRP £49.99) and ‘Love’ (£6.99) and ‘Moroccan Rose’ (£3.99) scent | www.MadeByZen.com

Every Spring is the only Spring - A perpetual astonishment by Ellis Peters

Metal Garden Ornaments recycled form 44-gallon shipping drums | Limited Edition & Recycled Alfie Union Jack Cooler | RRP £279.99 | www.GardenFurnitureCentre.co.uk

Nest Cam – a wifi security camera designed to help look after your home, family and pet | RRP £159/unit | www.Store.nest.com

Limited Edition, iconic & original pieces from the comic artist DC Thomson| From RRP £40 | www.TheComicartWebsite.com

Racehorse Console Table (matt black/glossy red) an unusual take on the traditional | RRP £1950 | www.aPlaceForEverything.co.uk

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Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

Brother Garden Label printer for pots and trays etc | RRP £34.99 | www.Brother.co.uk

Cushions designed and created in the UK | handmade by Marilyn Mountford | RRP from £15 | www.CushionsByDesign.co.uk

Box & caddy set | Loft Collection | Canvas on the outside & wipe clean on the inside | RRP £24.90 | www.TheCamouflageCompany.com

Giant Champagne Cork range | 100% Portuguese cork | Champagne cooler | RRP £49.95 | www.XLcork.com.

Quirky Pouffes custom made in Yorkshire | Saxony Pillar in Malham Stripe | RRP £150 | www.MellowDuck.co.uk

Three drawer storage cabinet, contemporary grey linen makes a statement piece | Bergman| RRP £325 | www.aPlaceForEverything.co.uk

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

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SMARTER Wi-Fi iKETTLE No more staring at the kettle waiting for it to boil. Do it remotely straight from an app with the Smarter Wi-Fi iKettle. Whether you’re laying in bed trying to find the will to get up or on the way home from dropping the kids off, this truly innovative gadget really does make the simple things in life even simpler!

JAWBONE UP3 As long as you’re wearing a Jawbone Up3 you’re set for the day. From lunching with friends to burning your lunch off at the gym, this wireless activity, heart and sleep tracking wristband will help you set achievable goals and motivate you to be fitter and healthier.

SURFACE PRO 4

GADGETS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT!

Fed up of all those devices that never quite do exactly what you want? Well here’s one that will change your life! The Surface Pro 4 combines the size and weight of a tablet with the speed, power and functionality of a desktop. So whether you’re preparing for a presentation at work, doing some online shopping or just seeking inspiration for dinner... Do it all in one place!

Francesca Celestini, Technology advisor at John Lewis High Wycombe shares her top picks from the Audio and Television department.

SONOS Here’s one for the whole family. Gone are the days of arguing over who has the best taste in music, with this multi-room speaker system you can stream music from over 30 services into any room in your house. 80’s pop in the kitchen to classical in the lounge straight from your device. You could even add the Sonos Playbar to the TV to create the ultimate home cinema for those family nights in.

AMAZON FIRE KIDS TABLET Do you worry about what your kids are looking at online or downloading at your expense? Well worry no more! This 7” kid proof tablet provides a 1 years free subscription to Kids Unlimited for all those movies, books and games, and with up to a 7 hour battery life this tablet will keep them occupied wherever you take them!

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Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

Oak Framed Buildings hand crafted and created in the Heart of the New Forest. OakCraft at Holmsley Mill are experts at creating traditional Oak frame buildings. They design, craft and assemble Oak frame buildings nationally. There has been a sawmill at Holmsley, near Burley in the heart of The New Forest. since the 1880’s. This is where the frame is hand crafted. They specialise in modular and bespoke designed Oak framed buildings ranging from simple garaging to complex bespoke projects.

OakCraft are happy to assist with your project from conception to completion offering a planning application service and design facilities in the comfort of your own home or at our Principal Office.

Why not bring the outside inside with an Oak Framed Garden room or an Oak Framed Conservatory? They can supply various roof coverings for garden rooms and fully glazed Oak Framed roofs for conservatories.

• Traditional Oak framed buildings are often welcomed as planners understand that you are taking care and thought over your project.

OakCraft have patented their own jointing system which is not only stronger than traditional jointing techniques, but offers space saving advantages when designing upper floored buildings.

Top Tips • Always arrange an informal meeting with the planners to expose any potential problems, prior to submission.

• Green Oak framing is a specialist form of construction. Ensure that you employ a reputable company with a proven track record. • As always when comparing quotations from companies, ask for the specification. Check sectional sizes of structural timbers and the specification of any doors and windows. • Ensure your structural calculations are prepared to the new wind code BS 6399. This takes into account the altitude of your building as well as the locality. Required sectional sizes can vary greatly within the same village.

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

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Cornelian Cherry

Wrest Park

300 Years Of A Very Capable Gardener

By Hannah Stephenson

He is said to be to landscaping what Turner is to painting, and Wordsworth to poetry. And the legacy of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown remains for us all to see in immense parkland and gardens, both at home and abroad.

streams expanded into a serpentine lake as a focal point.

His designs changed the face of the 18th century British landscape, creating rolling parkland, flowing rivers and serpentine lakes. He was considered by some to be a genius, and by others as a destructive force, as he swept away formal knot gardens and parterres to make way for his more natural landscapes. His nickname of ‘Capability’ is thought to have come from his describing landscapes as having “great capabilities”. During his 32-year career as a landscape gardener and ‘place-maker’, he shaped more than 170 estates including Chatsworth House, Derbyshire; Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire; Stowe, Bucks; Wrest Park, Bedfordshire and Ashburnham in Sussex. Born in 1716, one of six children to a yeoman farmer in Northumberland, Brown’s daily walk to school from Kirkharle to Cambo across the Wallington estate may have inspired his naturalistic designs. He began work as a gardener at the country house of Kirkharle before going to Stowe in Buckinghamshire, now a National Trust property, where he took responsibility for the architectural and landscaping works in the garden. In 1764, he was appointed King George III’s Master Gardener at Hampton Court Palace. His revolutionary ideas were taken up by other 18th century designers, and it wasn’t too long before great Scottish houses and castles became surrounded by the parkland and naturalistic planting schemes that typify the period. Brown’s style was derived from the two practical principles of comfort and elegance: that everything should work and that a landscape should provide for every need of the great house, as well as cohere and look elegant. While his designs have great variety, they also appear seamless, owing to his use of the sunk fence or ‘ha-ha’ to confuse the eye into believing that different pieces of parkland, though managed and stocked quite differently, were one. His expansive lakes formed a single body of water as if a river through the landscape, like the parkland itself, ran on indefinitely. Toby Buckland, horticulturist, writer and TV presenter, says: “At Bowood, Wiltshire, ‘Capability’ planted belts of trees as his picture frame and

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Designed in 1762, the Bowood grounds boast an extensive arboretum and pinetum, including 11 champion trees with a further 700 trees identified and labelled within the grounds. Central to the design of the park is Brown’s great lake, almost a mile long, winding sinuously like an enormous river. Ceryl Evans, Capability Brown Festival 2016 director, explains: “In the 18th century, Brown did not have access to motorised machinery and other technology, work had to be done by hand. “Yet he transformed the country’s landscape by using trees, meadows and water features on an extraordinary scale, bringing them together to create designs that became quintessentially English historic landscapes.” As we enjoy spring and summer days out at some of the National Trust and other properties which have been influenced by his work, we may take his landscaping for granted in a way that was predicted in his obituary: “Where he is the happiest man he will be least remembered, so closely did he copy nature his works will be mistaken”. For details of events in the Capability Brown Festival 2016, go to www.capabilitybrown.org

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

PA Feature File

Now, the public has a chance to see his work in all its glory during the Capability Brown Festival, launched on February 25, which brings together a huge range of events, openings and exhibitions featuring historic landscapes, from horse and carriage rides to art exhibitions to cycling trails.

“It’s masterful, magical and a wonderful place to be. No wonder his work has stood the test of time.”

When to Prune your Fruit Trees Spring is nearly upon us and couldn’t come soon enough. By April time buds will start to appear on plants and trees and new growth will be developing. Calibra Tree Surgeons advise that it is especially important to prune your Fruit Trees before the new growth begins. New growth is produced by the stored energy in the roots. If you remove the new growth before the tree has a chance to replenish the energy, it can weaken the tree. The pruning work should generally be carried out in February, March time as warmer temperatures in April may stimulate budding and tree growth.

Have you seen this plant? It’s the foreign invader damaging our natural environments. Let’s stop it, before it stops your mortgage! Are you applying for a mortgage and not sure if you have Japanese Knotweed? RootsShootsLeaves can perform a site inspection and advise you as to whether Japenese Knotweed is present. It spreads easily, often by accident, and will quickly take hold in a garden and cause damage to structures, driveways and out competes all other plants. If you do have Japanese knotweed RootsShootsLeaves will produce a Management Plan (approved by most Mortgage Companies) including a Survey Report detailing the extent of the weed and what treatment is

required to eradicate it allowing you to buy or sell your property, even during the treatment period. With Japanese Knotweed the sooner treatment starts, the quicker the plant is dealt with and less damage is caused. Call us today for a no obligation site survey and we can get the ball rolling! 01344 985885

Japanese knotweed

For more information and a knotweed guide email us at info@rootsshootsleaves.co.uk www.rootsshootsleaves.co.uk

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

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Garden Rooms - a great solution. If you are looking for extra living space, have a look at one of Bathstone Garden Room’s range of traditional or contemporary timber framed garden rooms. Whether for work or leisure, a new room in the garden is an increasingly popular way of adding living space to your home.

There are designs to meet all tastes and budgets, and with high levels of insulation, double glazing and security, they are as cosy, safe and as well built as a modern house. Please call us on 01189 842555 or visit wwwbathstonegardenrooms.co.uk if you would like a chat or arrange a free home visit.

B a t h s t o n e L t d s p e c i a l i s e i n g a rd e n o u t b u i l d i n g s We design and build fabulous new garden rooms to your exact speciﬁcation. Contemporary or traditional designs. All shapes and sizes. A multitude of uses. Fully insulated.

Or we refurbish and upgrade old buildings into sumptuous new rooms.

Ugly concrete walls clad with beautiful timber. New doors and windows. Roofs repaired and replaced. Damproofed and insulated for year round use.

Call Bathstone today on 01189 842 555 Or visit our website www.bathstonegardenrooms.co.uk bathstone.indd 1

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17/08/2015 12:54

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

Discover a sea of bluebells with the National Trust in the Chilterns and Thames Valley Spring has arrived and what better way to brighten your day than with the sight and scent of bluebells covering a woodland floor on a warm spring day. Now the National Trust has revealed the best places to spot dramatic carpets of bluebells in the Chilterns and Thames Valley With over half the global population of bluebells flowering on UK shores, Britain’s beautiful blue spring is a quintessential part of our native landscape. And the National Trust is one of the most important organisations in the UK for bluebells - a quarter of the Trust’s woodland is ancient or semi-natural; the ideal habitats for bluebells to flourish. Matthew Oates, a Naturalist for the National Trust, adds: “The bluebell starts growing in January with its sole purpose to flower before the other woodland plants. However, timing of flowering depends on elevation, latitude, aspect, soils, geology and local climate conditions – they depend on warm ground conditions to help them grow. The true beauty of our bluebells - the intense blue colour, the delicate scent, the view makes them an essential and special element to our springtime experience.”

May. The top National Trust places in the Chilterns and Thames Valley where you can enjoy bluebells in all their glory includes: Way-marked woodland trails from 1.5-4.5miles at Ashridge near Tring (Bucks/Herts border) have a stunning display of bluebells beneath the bright-green beech canopy. Red kites can also be seen here. Downloadable bluebell walks at Ashridge: https:// www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridgeestate/trails/three-in-one-bluebellwalk-at-ashridge The beautiful woodlands surrounding Hughenden Manor near High Wycombe are criss-crossed with footpaths and carpeted with a dreamy haze of bluebells in late spring. Downloadable woodland walks at Hughenden: https:// www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hughenden/documents/map-ofwalks-around-hughenden.pdf The internationally famous Grade I listed gardens at Cliveden near Maidenhead, once home to the illustrious Astor family, are liberally sprinkled with displays of delicate bluebells throughout the garden and surrounding woodlands, creating seas of blue in April. Look out for cowslips, snowy wood anemones and dog violets too. Downloadable woodland walks at Cliveden: http://www.nationaltrust. org.uk/cliveden/lists/walking-atcliveden

Mason Emmetts Gdn - NT Leo

Discover the delights of these delicate flowers that transform Britain’s woodlands in April and

The magnificent ancient woodlands surrounding Basildon Park near Reading reveal a glorious bluebell bounty. Visitors can view the bluebells and other woodland gems such as lesser celandines and tiny

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

Buscot & Coleshill - NT David Sellm an

dog violets at their very best on free guided walks every Friday at 11am. Downloadable woodland walks at Basildon Park: Parkland walks at Basildon Park: http:// www.nationaltrust.org.uk/basildonpark/documents/parkland-walksleaflet-.pdf The beautiful beech woodlands that fringe Greys Court near Henley are also brimming with thousands of densely packed bluebells. Many springtime visitors stay within the boundaries of the gardens, but there are some delightful trails and a spectacular carpet of bluebells in the estate. Follow the waymarked route of Sir Felix’s Gentle Walks (1.2km) through the bluebell wood. The ancient beech woodland at Bradenham Estate near West Wycombe in Buckinghamshire is a magnet for bluebell lovers in Spring. Park in the pretty brick and flint village clustered around a village green and head off into woods criss-crossed with footpaths and carpeted with bluebells in dappled glades. Downloadable walk through the woods: https:// www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chilternscountryside/trails/bradenhamcountryside-trail

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AFAR AND AWAY IN EAST AFRICA

Limestone Chimneys, Lake Abbe at sunrise, Djibouti

By Wylie-Harris It’sSam hard to imagine what the world

might look like following the collapse of humanity. For astronaut George Taylor, Charlton Heston’s character in 1968 film Planet of the Apes, it looked very much like this. Surging skyward from millennia-old riverbeds parched crisp by the sun, hundreds of steaming fumaroles and limestone chimneys served as a fitting backdrop for the postapocalyptic sci-fi movie. As I weave through spiralling calcareous sculptures silhouetted by a jaundiced bitter yellow sunset, a mosaic of salt flats pops and crunches underfoot. On the horizon, a woman cloaked in billowing purple silks navigates a herd of goats and donkeys through a dusty haze. There’s no sign of Taylor’s forlorn Statue of Liberty submerged in the sand, but I share the same sense of

Lake Assal, Djibouti

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discovering a forgotten civilization from a lost period in time. I’m standing on the flamingostreaked shores of Lake Abbe in Djibouti, a small country in the Horn of Africa, bordering Ethiopia, Somaliland and Eritrea. A charred, volcanic wasteland, it sits in the centre of the Afar Triangle, where three pieces of the Earth’s crust are slowly shifting apart, and forms part of the Great Rift Valley, a continuous 6,400km geographic trench that’s visible from space. Aside from a brief flirtation with Hollywood, the only international interest in Djibouti has been a military one. The former French colony provides a safe and stable base from which to monitor a volatile region, where civil war is raging 20

Nyala in the Bale Mountains, Ethopia

miles across the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait in Yemen, and the threat of Somali pirates still hangs over the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. Proximity to war zones, poor infrastructure (there are few roads and no hot water in the entire country) and a population that swings between inquisitive and inhospitable, hardly provide the platform for a thriving tourist industry. Yet the opportunity to explore Dali-esque landscapes plucked straight from the pages of National Geographic is too good for adventurous travellers to turn down. I’ve joined Explore Worldwide’s first escorted tour through the region and it’s completely sold out.

Female Shepperd, Lake Abbe, Djibouti

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

Travelling in a convoy of 4WDs, we thump and bump over rocky, arid terrain, through deserts dotted with thorny acacia bushes and little else. It’s a hostile environment, and inhabitants are suitably abrasive. As we approach a nomadic settlement of huts built from sun-bleached branches, our drivers speed up. Unruly children from the Afar tribe chase the vehicles, some throwing stones, others cheekily poking out brilliant pink tongues from jet black faces, while their shy Muslim mothers hide beneath a swirling mass of colourful fabrics. Even as I raise my camera, our driver, Ermi, shakes his head. “They won’t like it,” he says, as another rock bounces off the bonnet. It’s easy to understand why local people are so suspicious; up until now, few tourists have bothered to come this far. It’s more common for foreigners to congregate in coastal areas, attracted by pristine coral reefs and the opportunity to swim with juvenile whale sharks. Jason Shrewsbury from local operator Dolphin Services offers to take me out on a skiff boat in search of the gentle sea giants. Originally employed at the American military base, the blond, 20-something dive instructor developed a passion for the marine world while stationed here. “These days, everyone stays in their bases,” he laments as we leave the busy port of capital Djibouti City, which is choked with liners transporting goods to neighbouring Ethiopia. “But the best part of Djibouti really is underwater.” From November to January, whale sharks feed in these clear, warm waters and tourists have the chance to snorkel alongside them. As soon as we catch sight of a polka-dotted creature, I dive in and, like a bunny in a juggernaut’s headlights, find myself staring into a gaping, metre-wide, pillar-box mouth. More interested in measly krill than a meaty human, the largest fish in the sea glides past and disappears into the inky depths as I frantically struggle - and never succeed - to catch up. After an hour spent swimming along the coast, where butterfly fish and manta rays lurk beneath table coral big enough to host a deep sea banquet, I agree with Jason about Djibouti’s marine merits. It would, though, be unfair to dismiss the rest of the country.

The rubbish-strewn Yemeni refugee camps surrounding Djibouti City don’t make for comfortable sightseeing material, yet they give a sobering insight into a detached, troubled world often only viewed through TV screens. (Last year, David Beckham came here as part of his project 7: The David Beckham Unicef Fund.) At times life feels almost as worthless as the plastic bags rolling like tumbleweed in the dust, and there’s an unavoidable sadness about Djibouti, a sense it’s been abandoned. But beyond the rusting water canisters left here by aid workers and bottle tops moulded into the mud, is a geological wonder world comparable to nowhere else on earth. From the petrified Day Forest National Park in the Goda Mountains, to the lowest point in Africa, the vividly turquoise and heavily saline Lake Assal, there’s a wealth of natural attractions. With a bit of love, it could have so much potential. The Ethiopian government and their Chinese investors clearly think so, and have spent several billion dollars on a train line to link Addis Ababa with the port in Djibouti City, one of Africa’s most important trade routes. Our journey to Djibouti also started in the Ethiopian capital, and Explore’s decision to combine the two countries in an itinerary is wise. With tribal groups spilling across the border, there are clear cultural similarities and a trade dependency means fortunes are inextricably linked. In contrast to its stagnant neighbour, Ethiopia is developing at an accelerating pace. In the last few years, several thousand kilometres of road have been asphalted, and while driving across the country, we share carriageways with wooden carts piled high with hay bales and women in burkas riding horse back. The famine-ridden Band Aid years have been consigned to the past

Limestone Chimneys, Djibouti

and a new picture of progress is emerging. Bucking perceived stereotypes, Ethiopia can be remarkably green (and cold) as I discover on a trek through the Bale Mountains in search of endangered nyala, giant mole rats and Ethiopian wolves. Condensation rises from ponds and thick clouds suffocate the basalt landscape as we race to beat falling darkness and plummeting mercury levels. But perhaps most remarkable of all is the degree of religious harmony, with Muslims and Christians coexisting peacefully. The medieval walled city of Harar even earned UNESCO status for being “a city of tolerance, peace and diversity”. A high percentage of the population is addicted to chewing khat, and as I sidestep over men sprawled supine in the street, one with a bunch of hibiscus flowers wedged into his hair with an afro comb, I wonder how much the natural stimulant is responsible for the laidback, carefree vibe. Regardless of religion or ethnic grouping, the people here share a sense of national pride. That’s one “good” they might want to consider exporting to Djibouti.

TRAVEL FACTS Sarah Marshall was a guest of Explore (explore.co.uk; 01252 884 723) who offers a 12-day Addis to Djibouti Adventure trip from £2,359pp. The price includes return flights, 10 nights’ hotel and one night camping accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, most meals, transport and the services of an Explore Leader. Photos by Renato Granieri

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

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The Weather, how it impacts on Wildlife By Jacky & Mark Bloomfield

Wind, rain, snow and sunshine, temperatures from 8.7 °C rising to a barmy 17.2 °C. As well as the crazy temperatures record rainfalls were recorded in Cumbria, 341mm at Honister Pass. All in all December was a whole year in one month. Humans and wildlife have been baffled by the unusual winter weather. We look at the media to see what a devastating affect these unusual weather patterns have already had. Pictures of people’s homes and lives disrupted by flood water. The weather’s effects are not just as it happens, but it is like a flooded river the impacts are felt throughout the year. Otter and smaller mammals are affected by the high river flows. Otters especially the young cubs can get separated from the adults and are unable to fend for themselves. The quickly rising waters can easily drown smaller mammals, which live near our river habitats. These small mammals play an important role in the food chain for Owls and Foxes. Look at our gardens and parks and we can see the impact of the weather. Plants that normally should have died back were still green. Many were still flowering. Flowers and crops are blooming earlier than usual. Food chains thrown into chaos, animals’ normal patterns confused because of the lack of a traditional winter. Bees, and other pollinator species that are crucial for crop pollination, have had a tough year. Their natural foraging habits badly affected by a wet summer and then this unusual winter. If their populations can’t bounce back to normal levels, we may see higher food prices in the summer. Poor pollination results in poor harvests. The warmer than average weather poses another threat to wildlife,

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disease. Normally, during our winters, any high levels of bacteria are killed off by the cold. Without this cold cycle the levels remain high. These high levels can cause disease in bird and insect populations. The big winter storms will have influenced our bird life. Many of our seabird species spend the winter far out at sea. High swells mean that many birds such as Puffins and Guillemots find it very difficult to feed. Again we may see a reduction in the numbers of these species who return to our coasts to breed this spring. It is also very small things that can have an impact on our countryside. Queen bees overwinter in a nest; whereas most of our butterflies and insects overwinter as eggs. Eggs laid by the adults on a suitable plant, will have been washed off. With the amounts of rain we have seen this winter many Bees will have been flooded out. Caterpillars feed our young birds. Queen Bees start colonies that pollinate our crops and gardens. True impact of this winter’s unusual weather will not be known for a while yet. Nature is so complicated that we can only speculate what effects it is going to have. But it will have an effect. If you would like to help? Why not take part in a survey, many of the wildlife organisations conduct one; help find out what has happened to our animals, plants and birds. Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

Mobility Matters The Independent Living Consultants aim to provide the freedom of mobility for those who want to lead more fulfilled lives. Established in 1998 with the opening of a mobility shop in High Wycombe, the success of the company led to the further opening of a second branch in Princes Risborough. As well as being an NHS approved supplier, Independent Living offer a ‘try before you buy’ service to ensure that individual needs are met and accurately catered for. Company manager Richard Walsh is convinced that internet purchases cannot offer the same security. He says: “Many people buy online and although this can sometimes save time, they often end up with the wrong product. One of reasons we started this business was to plug the gap in the market for a hands

on service. This approach greatly reduces the risk of people wasting their money on unsuitable items.” The products on offer are available for the elderly and disabled, carers and healthcare professionals. A wide range of products are kept in stock ranging from simple everyday items like jar openers and tap turners to larger powered items such as scooters, rise and recline chairs and bath lifts. Furthermore, the fully qualified staff at Independent Living are always available to demonstrate equipment and answer any questions. All products carry a no quibble warranty with Independent Living priding themselves on excellent after sales service. Independent Living also operate both a daily delivery service as well as a no obligation home demonstration policy. So don’t waste any time wading through the web, take a hands-on approach and find the product that’s right for you.

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

Opening times are Mondays to Fridays: 9.30am to 5pm and Saturdays: 10am to 2.30pm. For more information 01494 443933 or www.independentliv.co.uk 10 Cross Court, Plomer Green Avenue, Downley High Wycombe, HP13 5UW

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Nutrition for a healthier life Ever wonder why nutrition studies demonstrate so many conflicting results? It might be because of us. Well, because of our different genotypes, that is.

Bisham Abbey

When it comes to fine tuning for performance, weight loss, or optimum health, my needs and reactions to specific foods might differ quite a bit from yours and this difference, at least in part, depends on our genetic variations. Genetics determines skin color, body size, hair type, and a predisposition to specific illnesses that all depend on how your genes interact with your environment, the food we eat, alcohol and toxins to name a few, so it makes sense to test your genetics and it has now a scientifically proven field that takes all the guesswork out of health and nutritional advice to enable you to achieve your goals. This research is known as Nutritional genomics – the relationship between your diet and your genes. The genes we carry significantly affect our health and susceptibility to various chronic diseases. These interactions have potential in preventing diet-related disease. Having specific knowledge about what dietary changes will or won’t make a difference is empowering Our genetic expression is strongly shaped by our environment… over which we do have some power. So, if we know more about our genetic variants, we might be able to adjust our lifestyle or environment in order to prevent some illnesses or become healthier. The DNA Health tests 23 genes and aims to optimise health and wellness through gene-based personalised nutrition tailored to your needs. The test is performed via a cheek swab, completely non-invasive, and sent off for analysis.

If buildings could speak, Bisham Abbey would have a fascinating story to tell. The 800 year old Grade 1 listed manor house (Abbey) was once a home for the English nobility and aristocracy and is now part of one of five National Sports Centres run on behalf of Sport England. The centre is used as a prestigious training venue for different sports, athletes, organisations and teams, including the English Institute of Sport, England Hockey, Living Tennis and FAB academy Football.

Some of the areas in which the tests look at are: Lipid Metabolism how fat in your diet interacts with your genes Vitamin B Metabolism how efficiently your body uses these vitamins Detoxification how well your body gets rid of toxins Oxidative Stress how your body reacts to free radicals Bone Health how your body reacts to calcium, collagen and Vitamin D Inflamation how your body responds to injury, infection or allergies Insulin Sensitivity how the your body responds to insulin food responsiveness how the body responds to intolerances and allergens It takes about a month for the results to come back which will provide an individual recommendation that include a gene-based healthy eating plan and supplementation where required. If we know more about our own unique risk factors, we might be more likely to make healthier choices For more information contact Linda Polansky DipION mBANT CNHC linda@optimumdigestion.com or 07746 663196 www.optimumdigestion.com.

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The site offers 50 high-quality double/twin rooms, 3 football pitches (including a 3rd generation football pitch, Desso and grass pitch), a hockey pitch as well as a conferencing and wedding venue with a license for civil ceremonies and is used for conferences, team building events, corporate parties and private functions. With direct access to the river and wide open spaces, Bisham Abbey has become extremely popular for weddings and team building activities, without the price tag. Talk to our team about your requirements and let us do all the hard work for you. As a centre for excellence within the local community, Bisham Abbey provides state of the art sporting and non sporting facilities that are open to the public so visit www.bishamabbeynsc.co.uk for more information. Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

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Sports Centre & Accommodation Call: 01628 476911 Special Events Call: 01628 402589

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

For more details visit: w: bishamabbeynsc.co.uk

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co In m d W e ep hi ou en ch t d ? on en su t ts rv op ey in

“Beverley gave me the absolute best service for my hearing loss” This was the message we proudly received from one of our delighted customers recently. At Windsor Audiology Centre, we pride ourselves on our levels of service and customer care we offer in our community. The message followed on... “Beverley gave me the absolute best service for my hearing loss. It's never fun to discover you need hearing aids, but she made the process seamless. And over the following years she has continued to go Invisible out of her way to accommodate my and light needs” From a delighted Michael Camilleri. as a feather Do you suffer from some level of hearing loss? If so, don’t suffer in silence any longer. Please call or visit us and we will be happy to

A MEMBER OF

talk to you about your hearing concerns. You may be a phone call away from making a huge difference to your quality of life. Just like Michael did. The Which? Survey Independent audiologists, like ourselves, have been given 5 stars across the board in the Which? “Buying a hearing aid” survey. With a customer score of 84%, independent audiologists were praised for their products and pricing, staff and service, and arrangements and facilities. The major chains did not fare as well, with the highest rated at 5% lower than the independent sector. Independents were also the only businesses who scored 5 stars in all of the rated categories ‘products and pricing’, ‘staff and service’, and ‘arrangements and facilities’. FREE HEARING TESTS

INVISIBLE HEARING AIDS

INDEPENDENT ADVICE

GO Local. GO Independent. BE Happy! The Bridge Clinic, Oldfield Lodge, Bridge Rd, Maidenhead, SL6 8DG The Princess Margaret Hospital, Osborne Rd, Windsor, SL4 3SJ

T: 07973 960012 E: beverley.talbot@windsor-ent.co.uk

Sara Mayne Lic Ac MBAcC

Tai Chi ~ Qi Gong ~ Yoga Acupuncture A gentle yet powerful approach to fitness and well being Regular weekly daytime and evening classes Half day and weekend courses 7 Heathlands Drive, Maidenhad, Berks SL6 4NF (near Pinkneys Green)

Phone: 01628 673 377

Mobile: 07732 705644

email: saramayne3@gmail.com Web: www.saramayne.com 54 |

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

10 Tips to Beat Cravings It’s tough right? There’s always a sweet treat lurking round for us that stirs up the sugar monster in you. You’re not alone. I’m a health and happiness coach BUT I suffer from a sweet tooth and have a Haribo Tangtastics habit which kicks in even more when I’m tired and not looking after myself. BUT the good bit … it’s not YOUR fault. The sugary goodness is MADE to pull you in and have you dreaming of chocolatey sweetness. We crave sugar when we feel down / emotional or in need of a sugary treat. The Science Bit … Why It’s Not Your Fault Sugar is a powerfully addictive substance. It is in processed food... soft drinks, breakfast cereal, soups, salad dressings, spaghetti sauce, energy bars the “naughty” food that you love as a treat. It is not shown in the ingredients as sugar but as anything ending in ‘ose like fructose, maltose, and dextrose. Change that pattern … Jolt yourself away from that same behaviour and find something more positive, such as listening to your favourite song, phone your best friend or take your dog out for a walk. Sugar has been linked with some health problems like obesity, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), attention and memory problems, hyperactivity, anxiety, and depression, as recently seen in the news. Why? It stimulates the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin, in a similar way to alcohol, cocaine, and other drugs, meaning, with continued use, more and more sugar is needed to get the same effect. Nicola Buckley

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Keep sugar and sugar products out of your house. Eat good, healthy foods to fill you up, such as fruit, cherry tomatoes and dates, to satisfy your sweet tooth. Drink plenty of water, too. Add a little lemon juice to flavour water. Eat three regular meals each day, with carbs (veg, grains), lean protein (poultry, fish, meat) and healthy fats (eg olive oil to keep a steady blood sugar level. Take a multivitamin and mineral supplement. For example! Chromium picolinate and l- glutamine help to reduce cravings for some people. When you go out, make sure you are not hungry. For example don’t do the food shop when you’re hungry. Get regular exercise, plenty of sunlight, and adequate sleep (bed 10pm). Learn to identify and manage cravings that are caused by feeling down or stressed so you can change the habit. Let it go. If you do over indulge in sugar, acknowledge that you slipped, let it go and get back on track as soon as possible. Be kind to yourself. Learn to nourish your body well and respond compassionately to yourself. Eat slowly and savour the food you are consuming. You will enjoy the whole natural foods even more.

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Reasons to continue

training during pregnancy

There’s often a lack of clarity when it comes to exercising during pregnancy. Information can be out-dated and at times, conflicting. What we now know if that often, exercising during pregnancy can be advisable. While you should always seek a professional and personal recommendation from a medical professional before exercising, the majority of mums-tobe will benefit hugely from exercising during the build up to child birth.

Here are a few reasons why... Be fit and Strong for giving birth

Giving birth can be a long and tiring ordeal; a variety of suitable yet challenging cardiovascular and resistance work can be a very good way to prepare yourself for the task ahead. If you can control your body and are very aware of how to contract and/or relax relevant muscle groups then you’re much less likely to waste energy during pregnancy. There’s some evidence to suggest that exercising during pregnancy allows a mum-to-be to significantly reduce labour time.

Faster road to recovery

For anyone that has exercised regularly and then taken a holiday, they will understand the discomfort that exercise causes after just a short break. Imagine the discomfort and loss of physical capability if you take a full 9 months off! Your road to re-building your former body and athletic capabilities will be a much smoother and shorter journey if you continue to exercise throughout the entirety of your pregnancy.

Functional Strength for when baby arrives

Your life will change significantly in terms of day-to-day tasks once you give birth. Lifting, carrying, holding and moving this new bundle of joy doesn’t come easy. Gaining suitable, functional strength during your pregnancy can help to prepare you for the new tasks at hand.

Avoid Postural issues caused by your changing body shape

such a significant amount of weight. Your centre of gravity will slowly move forwards and therefore, it can be feel very difficult and uncomfortable to move your new-sized body confidently and safely. Instead, unless encouraged otherwise, a heavily pregnant lady is likely to create their own, convenient and alternative ways of moving and carrying out previously simple tasks like sitting and getting out of a chair. Exercise can be a great way to be more familiar with how your body is changing and adapt your movements to suit your size and capabilities.

Have some “me time”

Everyone is likely to be talking nothing but babies once you become more noticeably pregnant. Why not get some “me time”? Escape the constant tending, fussing and questions; let of some steam and feel happier and more confident throughout pregnancy. Add some endorphins to all of those other new hormones floating around in your body.

As your baby grows a huge strain begins to be placed on your spine and hips. This paired with increasing levels of relaxin (a hormone released during pregnancy that makes your joint less stable) and many women will experience spine discomfort and, often, more serious spine and hip issues. Improving your core strength and practicing maintaining correct spine alignment can significantly reduce the chances of complicated spine problems and lengthy rehab.

IMPORTANT:

Get comfortable with your quickly adjusting body shape Pregnancy is likely to be the fastest you have ever gained

Michael Darren, Personal Trainer and Pre/Post Natal Practitioner

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As I said at the start this is general advise for the majority of pregnant ladies. Before exercising during pregnancy you should always seek approval from your GP. There are a number of contraindications to training and pregnant ladies with things such as high blood pressure, weight issues, previous birth complications (to name a few) should not exercise to a high intensity during pregnancy.

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

Spring the season of fertility Many cultures celebrate this time of year, the Kanamara Matsuri is a Japanese celebration and prayer for fertility, where giant pink penises (yes you did read that right) are paraded around the city, people everywhere have hopes for a fertile future. In fact, since the beginning of time, people have been doing all sorts of things in the name of fertility. Spring is a great time to take advantage of a wide array of seasonal vegetables to boost fertility. According to Chinese and Japanese philosophies, our bodies are naturally drawn to different foods, depending on the season. This is simply nature’s way of nudging us towards food that is most beneficial for us at that time of year. With its sunshine, abundance of wild life and promises of new beginnings this time of year can encourage lifestyle changes that can help overcome fertility issues. Below are my top 7 fertility boosting foods and their benefits for you to add into your diet to boost fertility:

1. Asparagus

In 19the century France, bridegrooms were served three courses of asparagus spears at their pre-nuptial dinners. Asparagus is packed full of the minerals Selenium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, molybdenum, potassium, magnesium, calcium and Vitamins A,C,E, K, B1,B2,B3,B5, B6 and Folate (Folic acid). Folate, B6 and B12 play a critical role in the regulation of homocysteine. Elevated homocysteine is considered a rink factor for recurrent miscarriage and linked to poor egg quality and low fertilisation rates in IVF.

2. Almonds

Were given to newly weds as a symbol of fertility since roman times. Their aroma is thought to arouse passion in women. Amongst other things Almonds are a great source of magnesium. Magnesium is required by the adrenal glands and so is depleted during periods of stress. Magnesium also assists in the transportation of oestrogens in the body. Signs of low magnesium in the body are: sleep issues, anxiety, depression, cramps, muscle aches and spasms, poor stress management, PMS, infertility and increased risk of miscarriage. Other sources of magnesium include Spinach, sesame/pumpkin seeds, swiss chard, broccoli and other green vegetables.

3. Beetroot

The ancient Romans revered Beetroot as an aphrodisiac. Beetroot is a wonderful liver support, when the liver is supported the body can safely eliminate toxins from the body, which is important for fertility with all the oestrogen mimicking chemicals that we are exposed to. Beetroot can also improve exercise performance and stamina, especially when taken over a period of a few days.

4. Lemons

Lemons are one of the best sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to protect sperm DNA Additional vitamin C has been shown to also increase sperm count. In women vitamin C helps with facilitating ovulation. Finally vitamin C has also been found to increase progesterone levels and aid fertility in women with leuteal phase defect.

5. Eggs

The ancient Egyptians believed their God created the egg from the sun and moon. Eggs are packed full of nutrients and contain the full range of amino acids. They also include a wide range of vitamins including A, B2, B5, B6, B12, folic acid, biotin, D, E and K. Along with the minerals: selenium, manganese, magnesium, iron, potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, Zinc and copper. They used to say that you shouldn’t eat too many for the cholesterol content but now they say its not a problem so I recommend you eat plenty!

6. Oysters

Giacoma Casanova was said to dine on 50 oysters for breakfast every day. Oysters are very high in zinc and selenium both of which are needed for sex hormone production and healthy sperm. They also contain D-aspartic acid and N-methyl-d-aspartate which are the amino acids found to increase testosterone in men and progesterone in women. Spring is when the levels of these amino acids are highest.

7. Avocado

The Aztecs called the avocado ahuacati, or ‘testicle tree’. The catholic priests in Spain found this fruit so obscenely sexual that they forbade it. Avocados are a great source of vitamin E. Vitamin E is a great antioxidant, protects the cell membrane, supports sperm health and motility and it aids sperm penetration of the egg.

Cassie Everett - Homeopathic Practitioner www.becomefertile.com

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

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in March 2016 Aquarius: January 20 - February 19

The Pisces new moon eclipse on the 9th falls in a pivotal sector of your chart. Reassessing your finances, vision and life goals will be an important focus this month. Dynamic Mars stirs up your social life after the 6th bringing some insightful and unique people into your life.

Pisces: February 20 - March 20

The powerful new moon eclipse in your sign on the 9th brings clarity and focus to many areas of your life. This is a potent time for new beginnings and for really getting in touch with your creativity. Venus and Mercury also occupy your sign after the 12th, inspiration is yours for the asking.

Aries: March 21 - April 20

Beneficial Jupiter makes a powerful aspect with transformational Pluto bringing up career issues that need some attention. With the Sun and Neptune in an introspective part of your chart this is an excellent time to start planning a new strategy that you would like to be long-term and prosperous.

Taurus: April 21 - May 21

This month’s powerful Jupiter and Pluto alignment expands your communications and all areas of learning. It’s important that you remain focused and try not to take on too many daily activities or new interests. The new moon on the 9th brings exciting and unusual new friends into your circle.

Gemini: May 22 - June 22

Mercury, your ruler, is travelling forward through your career sector; during this time you are likely to come up with some imaginative and innovative ideas that in turn will bring new benefits and increase your earning power. This should turn out to be a profitable and productive month.

Cancer: June 23 - July 23

The new moon in Pisces on the 9th is important and you should feel a restored sense of peace, gentleness and compassion. Then the Spring Equinox on the 20th highlights your ambitions and brings your confidence and enthusiasm to the forefront. You should feel positive about your ability to push ideas forward.

Leo: July 24 - August 23

March highlights your work, health and wellbeing and all your daily routines. Pluto and Venus in Capricorn challenge you to tune in and examine these areas. Mercury moving forward in your opposite sign of Aquarius ensures that communications in all relationships can be exciting and rewarding.

Virgo: August 24 - September 23

Mercury, your ruler, moves into dreamy and imaginative Pisces on the 5thth. Use this brilliant opportunity to draw on inspiration from within and realise what resilience and power you have deep inside. Romantic relationships are also favoured as love planet Venus arrives in Pisces on the 12th.

Libra: September 24 - October 23

With dynamic Mars entering Sagittarius on the 6th the emphasis is on your contacts and all forms of communication. Life should get easier as your creativity expands and you find yourself working in the most rewarding way possible. The Pisces new moon on the 9th opens up some interesting opportunities.

March brings the zodiac sign of Pisces into the spotlight. Pisces is the sign of imagery, dreams and fantasy and during this month you can let your imagination run wild and connect with your cherished hopes and wishes. At the start of the month the radiant Sun is also in close contact with the mystical planet Neptune, ruler of Pisces; this planetary union emphasises love, compassion and spiritual purpose. The Pisces new moon solar eclipse is on the 9th, this is a particularly special time to tune into your inner self and direct your energies where they are needed most. The Spring Equinox arrives on the 20th, announcing a powerful time to start new projects and initiate new activities that can take your life in an exciting new direction. Spring beckons and health reviews are also in the spotlight, this time of changes reminds you to take your health in hand and look into new diets, fitness regimes or lifestyles that can improve your energy levels, the way you feel about yourself and your vitality.

Visit www.VividTitles.co.uk to see how you can navigate your way to success in April

Scorpio: October 24 - November 22

This month’s planetary activity turns your attention to your love life. Relationships and romance are highlighted, first by the new moon eclipse on the 9th and then by Venus arriving in Pisces on the 12th. You may need to take a deep breath and have the courage to go for what you want.

Sagittarius: November 23 - December 22

March puts the spotlight on your home and family life, you may well be looking at new and creative living arrangements. Dynamic change arrives on the 6th as Mars, the warrior planet, arrives in your sign. Confidence improves as you put your beliefs and your values into action.

Capricorn: December 23 - January 19

Abundant Venus is in the financial sector of your chart until the 12th, use this time wisely to firm up your strategy for career expansion, ambition and advancement on all levels. The new moon gentle Pisces on the 9th brings easier relationships and creative communication into the spotlight.

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Tune into positive and productive planetary cycles and become more successful in life and in business. Chrstine Chalklin has an international client base and all her consultations are available in person by telephone or Skype. Christine Chalklin www.restyleyourlife.co.uk Christine@restyleyourlife.co.uk Telephone: 07813 483549

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

Lottie Tolhurst Taking on the role of Meryl Grove, eldest daughter of Chief of staff Mr Grove (played by Tom Goodman-Hill), in hit ITV period drama Mr Selfridge , bright, young newcomer Lottie Tolhurst tells us what we can expect from her precocious character and reveals her dream roles. Born in Kingston, young actress Lottie Tolhurst has done her fair share of preparation for her breakout role. Studying theatre and dance before settling on acting as her main passion she studied at revered theatre School Italia Conti and has worked extensively in theatre. The fourth series of the show, and set to be the last, sees the return of the magnificent Jeremy Piven as Harry Selfridge and focuses on his inevitable demise as he loses the reins on his beloved department store. Q. How did you feel when you found out you got the role? Lottie: It is strange because you do all these auditions all of the time. You’re going in a few times a week and you’re sent all these scripts and you get so used to investing, doing loads of work and going into the audition saying ‘what will be will be’ then you have to walk away and just sort of forget it. Casting directors often go with big names; there’s just so much that goes into those decisions - even your Twitter following. The fact that I am so new off the block can scare a lot of people. So luckily, really, really luckily, the casting directors and the director were willing to take a risk and not go with ‘a name’. I really just think it felt right. It just suited me so well, and it’s good to see new talent, rather than just the same faces over and over again. Q. Can you tell us a little bit about Meryl? Lottie: She’s Mr Groves’ eldest daughter and she is 19. She’s clever, really caring and really

compassionate, but she’s feisty and always trying to do what she thinks is right and sometimes that really gets her into trouble. She doesn’t really think before she speaks and so does put her foot in it quite a lot. The new series of Mr Selfridge airs on

Q. It sounds like she’s Fridays at 9pm on ITV. quite a likeable character, do you think people will connect with her quite easily? Lottie: I hope so. There are moments when you think she’s a bit of a spoilt brat, but that is from her upbringing; she’s grown up in a household having to be like the mother because she is the eldest of all the siblings. So she’s used to having a lot of power and getting her way and being quite hands on, but suddenly she’s in an environment where she should be observing hierarchal boundaries, but she just ignores it and goes for what she believes in. Q: How was working with Jeremy Piven? Lottie: I don’t want to reveal too much, but most of my scenes were with Tom Goodman-Hill and Amanda Abbington. Most of my experience was working with them so I can’t say what it was like to work with him, because I didn’t. But Amanda and Tom were absolutely incredible and took me under their wings. I learnt so much from them as actors, as professionals and just about the industry. It was just such a beautiful insight. Q. Did you feel like growing up in Kingston helped your career choice? Lottie: I got really involved in theatre. I went to Laines Theatre Arts, GSA (Guildford School of Acting) and Italia Conti at different points, that was a big part of my childhood. And I was very, very into my singing, my dance, all of them. Now I just do the acting part and I absolutely love that. So that area was really good for that. Q: What would be your dream role? Lottie: I really like portraying strong women and I really want to at some point portray the young Queen Elizabeth, or Victoria. Just brilliant female characters who at the time in their life were going so against the grain. Unfortunately these days a lot of the female characters are simply show pieces to the men; the Robin to their Batman. I really want to play those female characters that stand by themselves and have their own stories.

Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

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Thinking of getting a dog?

Think twice, then think again. Deciding to add a dog, or any pet for that matter, to your family is a more than a big decision, it is a momentous one. You will need to make adjustments to routines and lifestyle, and if you are to get the dog you want in terms of temperament and behaviour, you will need to invest a great deal of time. Whatever you imagine it is going to need, it will be a great deal more. A dog is entirely dependent on you for its wellbeing - physical and psychological – you are responsible. Whatever happens, it is not the dog’s fault. Ok, that sounds all a bit heavy, but it really can’t be overstated. The data is hard to interpret, but it appears that there are in the region of 150,000 dogs ‘in rescue’ in the UK at any one time. None of these dogs deserve to be ‘in rescue’. They are not bad dogs. We as a population are responsible for this situation. Between 7000 and 10,000 unwanted dogs are euthanized annually in the UK. Not all dogs in rescue are strays. A large proportion are relinquished by their owners and the reasons given are numerous. A change in working patterns or a split in the family, being common. There is an ever expanding range of dog day care options available that families can explore to help them keep their dog. A landlord being unwilling to accept pets. As patterns of homeownership change, this could become an increasing problem. If you are a landlord, consider reviewing your policy on pets.

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Vet costs particularly with older dogs which the insurance companies will no longer cover. There are charities who can help with vet bills, and vets are introducing payment schemes to spread the load. Older dogs are much harder to rehome and dumping an elderly dog is effectively condemning it to death, or at best the remainder of its life in a kennel. Can we say that the insurance industry has some responsibility here? Dogs end up in rescue because people don’t realise the commitment they are taking on. Owning a dog easily costs £1000 - 1200 a year and that is without regular day care costs or significant veterinary bills. If there is any chance you will hand over your dog to a charity and not know it’s ultimate fate, then do not get a dog. Still thinking about getting a dog? Are you ready for a 12 - 15 year commitment of time and money? Do the homework! Find out the breed characteristics. Be realistic about what type of dog owner you will be because if you make a mistake, it is the dog that suffers the consequences. A dog’s temperament should be suited to your lifestyle and dare I say, stage in life. If you are unable to give over two hours a day to walking and games, do not get something that needs huge amounts of exercise just because it’s good looking. Never buy a dog from a pet shop or online. Fair enough, locate a breeder via the internet, but you must see the mother with the pups and do not accept any excuse for not seeing her. You must walk away from a litter where mum is not present. You are not rescuing the pup, you are condemning the mother to a short and impoverished life of continuous pregnancy which is the problem with puppy farming and unregulated ‘backstreet’ breeders; made worse by the internet and pet shops that sell pups. So what about getting a rescue? It is a much more involved process getting a dog from rescue than it is to buy a puppy, which is slightly counterintuitive and is also a topic for another day. Dru Ross

• Waterproof • Antibacterial • Hardwearing • Comfortable Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

What’s On

at the Cinema

Triple 9 (15) High levels of testosterone course through the bulging veins of Triple 9. At the heart of this man’s world is venomous moll Irina Vlaslov (Kate Winslet), who takes charge of the Russian-Israeli mob while her husband Vassili (Igor Komar) languishes behind bars. She puts the squeeze on private security contractor Michael Belmont (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and his team of dirty cops and Special Ops veterans. Irina insists that Michael and his accomplices pull off the heist of valuable computer files from a safe house. It’s an impossible task, so Michael, homicide detective Jorge Rodriguez (Clifton Collins Jr), street cop Marcus Atwood (Anthony Mackie) and brothers Russell and

Gabe Welch (Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus) decide to buy themselves extra time with a distraction.

Deadpool (15) Former Special Forces operative Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) is a low-rent assassin for hire, who works out of a bar called Sister Margaret’s Home For Wayward Girls run by his wise-cracking buddy Weasel (TJ Miller). A loner by heart, Wade falls in love with sassy sex club worker Vanessa (Morena Baccarin), who shares his passion for creative love-making. The furious bed-hopping ends when Wade discovers he has inoperable cancer. A recruiter (Jed Rees) from an experimental program known as WeaponX invites Wade to undergo a radical procedure, which aggressively attacks the cancerous cells. Sadistic program director Ajax (Ed Skrein) and henchwoman Angel Dust (Gina Carano) torture and abuse Wade, transforming him into a hideously deformed mutant with the power of self-healing. Reborn as Deadpool, Wade moves in with a no-nonsense landlady named Al (Leslie Uggams). Aided by two bona fide X-Men Colossus (voiced by Stefan Kapicic) and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand) - Wade vows revenge on Ajax and his underlings. Relentlessly lurid and unapologetically foul-mouthed, Deadpool is a sinful treat.

Martin adaMs

MARTIN ADAMS:MARTIN ADAMS.qxd 13/04/2010 10:31 Page 1

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Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

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Facts At A Glance

What’s new?

The Bentley Bentayga pronounced with a capital A sound in the middle - is the newest, fastest and most luxurious SUV you can buy. It’s packed with exquisite detailing that lifts it above the rest of the SUV crowd, plus technology that helps it drive shockingly well. It’s more than 5.1 metres long, two metres wide, even excluding the mirrors, and weighs 2.5 tonnes with a driver on board. Under the bonnet is an all-new 6.0-litre W12 engine that shares not a single nut, bolt or screw with its predecessor. Two banks of six cylinders diagonally interlaced provide 600bhp and a creamy 664lb/ft of torque courtesy of two twin-scroll turbochargers. Looks and image Here’s the divisive bit. The back is a little bland and could belong to a few other brands if you squint, but small tweaks to the front since the concept stage have improved it no end. It’s colour-sensitive, though, and you’ll want to pitch for one of the beautiful reds, greens or blues. Bentayga Brown is a choice you might come to regret. Either way, the lustrous paint finishes are utterly gorgeous. There are no image worries here. It’s a Bentley in every way; true to what the modern brand stands for and true to the direction the company’s founder W.O. Bentley would have wanted for it. If you like the idea of a luxury SUV, there’s nothing more appealing in the world. Space and practicality A big boot and useful cabin storage combine to make good on the Bentayga’s promise of space.

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The boot lip is high, but you can customise it with a practical fold-down ledge for sitting on. Beyond that is a capacious boot, three rear seats with loads of legroom and the back half of four-zone climate control. Just be careful with the beautifully soft leather, won’t you? Behind the wheel The 12 cylinders deliver near-instant, crushing, relentless torque that’s seamlessly delivered to the road via four independently electricallycontrolled wheels of up to 22 inches across. It’s breathtakingly quick. You can’t completely escape 2.5 tonnes, but the Bentayga stays implausibly flat through corners thanks to a 48-volt electrical system that tweaks the ever-plush suspension while you drive. Carrying indecent speed through corners without body roll is the big Bentley’s party piece, but the rest of the package is sublime. The multi-way adjustable seats are all-day comfy, the driving position is perfect behind the slightly-toochunky steering wheel and the obviously Volkswagen Groupsourced satnav interface is a dream to use. There’s even a good sense of feel and feedback at the wheel. It’s also so quiet that you’ll think you’ve gone deaf. In traffic, you’d

Matt Kimberley

BENTAYGA

BENTLEY

FIRST DRIVE

If this car was a...: hotel it would have five stars, a peerless interior and tangible heritage in its workmanship.

Bentley Ben tayga from £1 60,200 Engine: Turb ocharged W 12 petrol producing 60 0bhp and 66 4lb/ft Transmissi on: Eight-spe ed automatic dr iving all four wheels Performan ce: Top spee d 187mph, 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds Fuel Econom y: 21.6mpg Emissions: 296g/km

think it was electric, and even at 70mph and 1,500rpm in the eighth of the buttery-smooth gearbox’s ratios, it’s like two clouds rubbing together. It doesn’t sound as good under power as the Mulsanne and the brakes should be stronger, but otherwise, it’s exceptional. Value for money For a starting price more than double that of the Range Rover, it depends how much you want that exclusivity, that badge and the mind-boggling attention to detail on offer here. But £1,400 to have a craftsman pick up a different colour of thread with which to stitch the dashboard does seem a bit unreasonable - and that’s just one of up to £70,000 worth of options on the press launch cars. Price issues aside, nothing can touch its combination of qualities and a Range Rover seems a bit budget by comparison. Who would buy one? SUVs are so popular the world over, that when you think about it, it’s surprising it’s taken car makers like Bentley so long to build a hyper-luxury one. People with the means will buy the Bentayga simply because it’s the best. This car summed up in a single word: Mighty

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March

Diary Dates

05: ‘4 Men, 3 Legs, 3000 miles – row to recovery’ hear the incredible story of the world’s first all amputee military crew to row the Atlantic at the River and Rowing Museum, Henley, 11:30 -12:30, £5 to book call 01491 415600. 05+06: ‘Mother’s Day Trail’ at Hughenden Manor, follow our special daffodil trail find the 10 daffodils around the gardens and maybe learn something new along the way, 10:00 -16:00, free event but normal admission applies. 06: ‘Mother’s Day’ at Cliveden, free entry for mums and wine tasting from noon. 07: ‘Boutique Cinema “Spectre” at Claytons Marlow, sit back and sip a cocktail or grab some food on a comfy leather sofa and enjoy a film on a big screen, 20:00, booking recommended – 01628 488404. 08: Marlow & District Horticultural Society – Fruit for a Small Garden’ by Grahame Talbot at Liston Hall, 20:00, Members £1, non-members £2. 08: ‘Amy Gentry – Rowing Pioneer’ to celebrate National Women’s Day’ discover her story and learn about her extraordinary experiences in World War II, at the River & Rowing Museum, 11:30 -12:30, £5 to book call 01494 415600. 10: ‘Marlow Archaeological Society – Searching for daily life and community in Anglo-Saxon settlements – Dr Sally Crawford’ at Liston Hall, SL7 1DD, 20:00, £4, members £3, students £1.50 – 01628 523895. 10+24: ‘Vegetable Garden Workshop’ at Cliveden, we’ll cover everything from seed sowing under glass and outdoors, pricking out, planting and much more, free event but normal admission applies, 11:00 -12:30 to book call 0844 249 1895. 12+13: ‘Henley House & Garden Show’,10:00 -18:00, Henley Market Place, Henley on Thames 12+13: ‘Bride: The wedding Show’, Ascot Raceourse, High st, Ascot, SL5 7JX, 10:00 -16:00, www.theweddingshow.co.uk/ ascot 12-20: ‘Henley Youth Festival’, various locations: for details www.hyf.org.uk 19: TWA – Supporting the Developing World ‘Lenten Lunches’ every Friday until and including Good Friday 25th March, enjoy homemade soup (4 choices) plus tea or fresh coffee, £5. Homemade cakes and preserves for sale in Pugin Hall, St Peter’s Church, St Peter’s Street – 12:00 -14:00. 14: Boutique Cinema “Brooklyn” at Claytons Marlow, sit back and sip a cocktail or grab some food on a comfy leather sofa and enjoy a film on a big screen, 20:00, booking recommended – 01628 488404. 17: ‘Marlow Nostalgia’ by Michael Eagleton and Martin Blunkell for The Four Seasons, at Liston Hall, 14:30, £2. 18: TWA – Supporting the Developing World ‘Lenten Lunches’ every Friday until and including Good Friday 25th March, enjoy homemade soup (4 choices) plus tea or fresh coffee, £5. Homemade cakes and preserves for sale in Pugin Hall, St Peter’s Church, St Peter’s Street – 12:00 -14:00. 19: Henley Boat Races; - all day

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Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

Diary Dates 19: Choral Concert by Quire Voices performing Crucifix, concert of choral music for lent & Easter, ChristChurch URC, Oxford Rd, Marlow SL7 2NL, www.musicinmarlow.org.uk 19+20: ‘National Gardens Scheme Day’ at Stubbings House, SL6 6QL, 10:00 -16:00, all admission income will be donated to the National Garden Scheme. 19+20: ‘Marry Mi’, Wedding weekend, Maidenhead, 10:00 - 17:00 20: ‘Marlow choral Society & Princes Risborough Music Society present Gilbert & Sullivan: The Pirates of Penzance’ and the Grand Duke, Conducted by Chris Grant, with Cygnus Orchestra of London. Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe, 19:30 Tickets: 10494 512000, MSC 01628 471 015, PRMS 01844 346916) www.wycombeswan.co.uk 21: ‘Boutique Cinema “This Changes Everything” at Claytons Marlow, sit back and sip a cocktail or grab some food on a comfy leather sofa and enjoy a film on a big screen, 20:00, booking recommended – 01628 488404. 24: Archaeology in Marlow – “Archaeology Treasures Discovered Recently in Bucks” Ros Tyrrell, Bucks Finds Liaison Officer, in The Garden Room of Liston Hall, members £3, non-members £4, 20:00. 24 Mar-12 Apr: ‘Easter Egg Hunt’ at the River & Rowing Museum, Henley, follow the clues to find the eggs in our galleries and claim a mini Easter Egg as your prize, free with admission 10:00 -17:00. 25: TWA – Supporting the Developing World ‘Lenten Lunches’ every Friday until and including Good Friday 25th March, enjoy homemade soup (4 choices) plus tea or fresh coffee, £5. Homemade cakes and preserves for sale in Pugin Hall, St Peter’s Church, St Peter’s Street – 12:00 -14:00. 25-28: ‘Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt’ at Cliveden, can you follow the bunny’s trail to find a yummy chocolate egg at the end? 10:00 -16:00, £3 per child plus normal admission. 25 Mar-10 Apr: ‘Easter Family Fun’ at Odds Farm Park, youngsters can follow the Easter trail around the farm and get a yummy treat. Plus plenty of cute lambs to bottle feed and the return of Tractor and Trailer rides weather permitting. 26: ‘Easter Family Fun Day’, Grenfell Park from Rotary Club of Maidenhead, 11:00 -15:00 29: ‘The Marlow Society – Virtual Tour of Bisham Abbey’ Ann Darracot at Liston Hall, 19:30. 29: ‘Trail Trackers’ at Hughenden Manor, get the kids exploring outdoors, grab a map and compass and explore the estate with our Ranger team, develop orienteering skills, £4 per child plus normal admission, 11:00 -12:30 – 01494 755573. 29 Mar – 10 Apr: ‘Rusty Rabbit’s Activity Trail’ at Hughenden Manor, can you leap as far as Rusty? Follow his trail and complete the challenges around the garden, free event but normal admission applies, 10:00 -16:00. 30: ‘Wild Wednesday – Plant it, grow it, eat it’ at Cliveden, follow a trail, decorate a plant pot and sow a runner bean to take home, £2 plus normal admission, 11:00 -15:00. 31: ‘The BBO Berks, Bucks & Oxon Big Bands Charity Concerts, 17 piece Big Band with two Vocalists at The Royal British Legion. 31 Mar + 01 Apr: ‘Bulb Bonanza’ hop along to Hughenden Manor this Spring and plant a bulb to take home, 10:00 -15:00, £3 per child plus normal admission – 01494 755573.

April

05: Tea Dance at Flackwell Heath Community Centre, 14:00- 16:00, £5 per person – 07891 614491. Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

05: Marlow & District Wine Circle – ‘London Curiosities & Oddities Part 1’ Sally Botwright, we are social club who have an appreciation of wine and who meet on the first Tuesday of every month at Liston Hall, 20:00 - 22:00 – 01628 483294 05: ‘Rebellion Brewery Open Night’, all ales currently being brewed available on the night. Talks also given on brewing history and methods, 19.00 - 21.30, Bencombe Farm, Marlow Bottom, SL7 3LT. All welcome, £12.50pp, BBQ all year round! 05: ‘Ducklings & Daisies’ welcome spring by making a duck shaped container for a real Easter flower, at the River & Rowing Museum, 4-7 years, £8.50, 10:30 -12:30 to book call – 01491 415600. 05: ‘Trail Trackers’ at Hughenden Manor, get the kids exploring outdoors, grab a map and compass and explore the estate with our Ranger team, develop orienteering skills, £4 per child plus normal admission, 11:00 -12:30 – 01494 755573. 05: ‘Springtime Stroll in the Gardens’ a guided walk through the gardens at Cliveden, 14:00 -16:00, free event but normal admission applies. 06: ‘The Four Seasons Club Meeting’ at Liston Hall, 10:15, tea and coffee, raffle, book sale 06: ‘A Whale of a Time!’ learn all about Whales and the unique art form they inspired – Scrimshaw, sculpt your own version of soap at the River & Rowing Museum, £8.50, 7-11 years, 10:30 -12:30 – 01491 415600. 06: ‘Wild Wednesday – Colours of Cliveden’ drop in session 11:00 -15:00 at Cliveden, trail through the gardens, then make your own paper flowers to take them home, £2 plus normal admission. 07: ‘Birds of Prey’ meet the magnificent birds from Millets Farm at the River & Rowing Museum, Henley, a unique opportunity to get up close to hawks, eagles & owls, also enjoy natured themed arts and crafts, 10:30 -16:00. 07+08: ‘Bulb Bonanza’ hop along to Hughenden Manor this Spring and plant a bulb to take home, 10:00 -15:00, £3 per child plus normal admission – 01494 755573.

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Diary Dates 08: ‘Banff Mountain Film Festival’ The Hexagon, Queens Walk, Reading, RG1 7UA: www.banff-uk.com 0118 9606060 09 Marlow & District Wine Circle – ‘Food and Wine Evening’ we are a social club who have an appreciation of wine, meet at Liston Hall, 20:00 - 22:00 – 01628 483294. 12: ‘Marlow & District Horticultural Society – Plant Introductions at NT & other properties by Chris Chadwell at Liston Hall, 20:00, £2, members £1. 12: ‘Macular Society High Wycombe Support Group – Neighbourhood Watch Crime Prevention by Geoffrey Pegg at Wesley Methodist Church Hall, Priory Road, High Wycombe, 14:00 -16:00. 14: ‘The Origins of Wessex: The Archaeology of the Upper Thames Valley 5th-7th Centuries’ speaker Prof Helena Hamerow for the Marlow Archaeology Society, Liston Hall, 19:30. 14: ‘Thames Valley Expo’, 9:00 -15:00, Windsor Racecourse, www.thamesvalleyexpo.co.uk 14+28: ‘Vegetable Garden Workshop’ at Cliveden, we’ll cover everything from seed sowing under glass and outdoors, pricking out, planting and much more, free event but normal admission applies, 11:00 -12:30 to book call 0844 249 1895. 16: ‘The Marlow Society – Tour of Bisham Church + Churchyard (weather permitting) no charge but donations to church fund welcomed, 10:30, booking essential – 01628 482754. 21: Archaeology in Marlow – “Woodland Archaeology – ‘Secrets of the Wildwood’ Stuart King, leader of the Coleman’s Wood Project, in The Garden Room of Liston Hall, members £3, non-members £4, 20:00. 21: ‘Bucks Spies & Subversives’ – Denise Beddows (local author DJ Kelly) for The Four Seasons at Liston Hall, 14:00, £2. 22: ‘Behind the Scenes at Pinewood Studios’ Supper talk by

Mike Payne at St Katharine’s, Parmoor, £17.50 including 2 course supper, 19:30. 23: ‘Marlow Transition Town Community Market’ local crafts and produces, refreshments available at Liston Hall, 09:30 -13:00 23: ‘National Gardens Scheme Day’ at Cliveden, all admission income will be donated to the National Garden Scheme. 30 - 01 May: ‘Henley on Food Festival’, Shiplake College, all day www.henleyonfood.com 30 - 02 May: ‘Henley Arts Trail’, various locations - www.henleyartstrail.com

May 01: ‘Tough Mudder’, Culden Faw, Henley-on-Thames, all day, www.toughmudder.co.uk 03: ‘Rebellion Brewery Open Night’, all ales currently being brewed available on the night. Talks also given on brewing history and methods, 19.00 -21.30, Bencombe Farm, Marlow Bottom, SL7 3LT. All welcome, £12.50pp, BBQ all year round! 03: ‘Marlow & District Wine Circle – Call My Bluff’, we are a social club who have an interest of wine and beer, at Liston Hall, 20:00 -22:00 – 07882 102179. 04: The Four Seasons Club Meeting’ at Liston Hall, 10:15, tea & coffee, bring and buy and raffle. 05/12: ‘Spring Wild Flower Walk’ at Cliveden, a free walk through the gardens and beyond to take a close up look at the Wild flowers that bloom here in late spring, 14:00 -16:00, free event, but normal admission applies. 10: Marlow & District Horticultural Society – The productive cut in your own garden (garden flowers) by Chris Day at Liston Hall, 20:00 - 22:00 – 01628 486206 12: ‘Marlow Archaeological Society – Buildings Archaeology: New Evidence at Hampton Court Palace – Deirdre Forde (followed by AGM) at Liston Hall, SL7 1DD, 20:00, £4, members £3, students £1.50 – 01628 523895. 14: Marlow & District Horticultural Society – Plant Sale at Liston Hall. 14: The Marlow Society ‘Town Walk’ meet at Marlow Museum at 10:30, 01628 482754.

At time of print all dates are correct. For more information/changes to schedules as listed or information please call Marlow Information Centre on 01628 483597 or Maidenhead Library on 01628 796969 or Henley Library on 01491 575278. To add an event: office@alongthethames.co.uk

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Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

ONGOING EVENTS - General

Marlow Art & Craft Society 1st Thursday in month | 19:30 Marlow Bottom Village Hall Marlow Antique bric-a-brac fair 1st Saturday of the month at Liston Hall | 9:00 - 16:00 Marlow Museum Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays | 1pm to 5pm | www.marlowmuseum.org | Pound Lane - opposite the Leisure Club Marlow Camera Club every Tuesday | 19:45 - 20:00 | The Methodist Church Hall, Spittal Street, Marlow, SL7 3HJ Henley Photographic Club every Tuesday evening | 20:00 - 22:00 | YMCA Hall, off Waterman’s Road, Henley www.henleyphotoclub.com Stanley Spencer Gallery 2nd April - 1st November 2015 | 10:30 - 17:30 daily Speak Spanish in Beaconsfield, Beaconsfield High School Wednesdays | 19:30 | Suitable for all levels except beginners | Tony on 07947 508755 | anthony.mitchelmore@sky.com Maidenhead Camera Club every Tuesday, Cox Green Community Centre | 01628 630861 The East Berks RSPB Group monthly | 7.30pm to 9.30pm on Thursdays High Street Methodist Church Hall, Maidenhead www.eastberksrspb.org.uk Maidenhead Heritage Centre last Wednesday of the month | WRVS, Maidenhead | 780555 Colenorton Dragon Boat Club Sunday 10.00 - 12.30 | Bray Lake Water Sports, Maidenhead SL6 2EB | www.colenorton.co.uk South Bucks Walking Group Regular walks programme + club weekends, coach rambles, and other social walking events | Di Olden - 01494 714486 | www.southbuckshfwalkingclub.co.uk Cookham & Cookham Dean Horticultural Society last Wednesday of the month from January May & September - November | 19:30 | Cookham Dean Village Hall | clairephillpot@btinternet.com Maidenhead National Trust second Thursday every month but August | 19:45 | Altwood School, Maidenhead | 01753 516502 Jazz Every Thursday | 20:30| Hedsor Social Club, Hedsor Rod, Bourne End, SL8 5ES | £6 Maidenhead Giant Car boot set up from 10am, gates open from noon, A4, exit junction 7 of M4. Sun 13th March until Sun 8th May – 07947 121 336 – www.giantcarboot.co.uk Henley & Goring Ramblers No need to book, just turn up, we are a friendly group and new walkers and non members are always welcome | www.ramblers-oxon.org.uk Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

What’s On at the Regal All the latest films including Secret in their Eyes, Hail Caesar and Trombo. Exhibition On Screen : Renoir – Reviled And Revered The Barnes Collection in Philadelphia has more Renoirs than any other gallery in the world, the search begins here to tell the remarkable story of this artist. Mon 14 Mar, 6.30pm Bolshoi Ballet : Spartacus Grigorovich’s Spartacus was created at the Bolshoi in 1968, the Russian company’s signature ballet. Sun 20 Mar, 3.00pm ROH Live : Boris Godunov Richard Jones and Antonio Pappano’s new production of Musorgsky’s historical masterpiece, in its compact 1869 first version in seven scenes. Mon 21 Mar, 7.15pm The Railway Children York Theatre Royal’s Olivier Award-winning production is directed for the screen by International Emmy Award winner Ross MacGibbon. Mon 28 Mar, 3.00pm Met Encore : Madama Butterfly Two of the world’s foremost Butterflys, sopranos Kristine Opolais and Patricia Racette, share the title role. Mon 4 Apr, 1.00pm ROH Live : Giselle Giselle is the quintessential Romantic classic, a love affair that begins in the real world and continues beyond the grave. Wed 6 Apr, 7.15pm Bolshoi Ballet : Don Quixote The Bolshoi’s panache and excellence are combined in Fadeyechev’s critically acclaimed staging of this exhilarating performance with Leon Minkus’ famous score. Fri 15 Apr, 2.30pm Met Encore : Roberto Devereux Soprano Sondra Radvanovsky takes on the extraordinary challenge of singing all three of Donizetti’s Tudor queens in the course of a single season. Made famous by Beverly Sills - and not attempted on a New York stage since. Mon 18 Apr, 1.00pm Exhibition On Screen : Painting The Modern Garden From the exhibition walls to the beauty of artist gardens like Monet’s Giverny, we take a magical journey to discover how artists used the modern garden to explore radical and wonderful new ideas. Mon 18 Apr, 6.30pm Regal Picturehouse, 2 Boroma Way, Henley RG9 2BZ 0871 902 5738 | www.picturehouses.co.uk

ONGOING EVENTS - MARKETS Maidenhead Produce Market 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month on Maidenhead High Street The Farmers Market 2nd Sunday of the month from 10:00, Grove Street Car Park Bourne End Country Market Small Hall 10 - 12, Every Friday Henley Farmers Market every 4th Thursday in Falaise Square, Henley, 8:30-14:00 Bourne End Community Market second Saturday of every month 10:00 - 13:00 in the Jackson Room of Bourne End Library. Transition Town Marlow last Saturday of every month | 9:30 - 13:00 | Liston Hall, Chapel St, Marlow | 07904 369829

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CLUBS: MAIDENHEAD Rotary Club of Maidenhead 632797 The Maidenhead Players 07879 476301 Maidenhead Drama Guild 635017 Maidenhead Operatic Society 671589 Maidenhead Musical Comedy Society 07813 979894 Grimm Players 820429 Maidenhead Concert Band 624514 Maidenhead Folk Club 448268 Tuesday Singers 629012 Athletics 522797 Maidenhead & Bray CC 07885 240209 North Maid enhead Cricket Club 624137 Rugby 629663 Hockey 622669 Desborough Bowls Club 629403 Rowing 622664 SportsAble 627690 Maidenhead Tennis 623785 Thames Valley Cycling Club 638984 East Berks Badminton 636283 Maidenhead Camera Club 630861 East Berkshire Ramblers 634561 Lions Club of Maidenhead 634333 Maidenhead Golf Club 624693 Five Aces Duplicate Bridge Club 625663 River Thames Society 624025 Belmont Badminton Club 638844 Scottish Dancing Club 628372 Stanley Spencer Gallery

471885

COOKHAM Tennis & Croquet 07968 173757 Line Dancing 486362 Petanque 417453 Cookham Bridge Rotary Club 07724 042708 Cookham & Bourne End Inner Wheel Club 07715 441713 Bourne End & Cookham Rotary 810967 HENLEY Rotary Club of Henley Bridge Henley Rowing Club Henley Players Henley Hawks Rugby Club Henley Cricket Club Lions Club of Henley Henley Bowling Club Henley Tennis Club Henley Hockey Club Henley Wednesday Bridge Club Henley Choral Society HADISC Badminton Club Henley Music School Henley Henley-on-Thames U3A

01491 628284 01491 573943 01491 636253 01491 574499 01491 57774 01491 57671 01491 57927 01491 572230 01491 576988 01491 573958 01491 576929 01491 577909 07989 396210 07901 674779

MARLOW Liston Hall 472558 Archaeology in Marlow 472126 Marlow Archaeological Society 523896 Bowls 485274

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Boxing 01494 532826 Crafts 473872/473539 Football 483970 Hockey 521830 Plants (Orchids) 486640 Petanque 521783 Photography 483030 Rugby 483911/477054 Marlow Striders 475548 Four Seasons Club 474095 Tennis 483638 New Marlow Tennis Academy 488438 Rifle & Pistol Club 01494 676676 ALF (Longridge) 486595 Marlow & District Wine Society 483294 Marlow Society/History 476140 MOAS 07899 867757 Rotary Club 01494 530952 LETS 01494 523978 U3A 485220/488865 Community Choir 602581/661182 Railway Society 486433 Choral Society 472998 Marlow Orators 07738 540287 COUNCIL SERVICES MARLOW Bus Services 0871 2002233 Marlow Information centre 483597/481717 Library 0845 2303232 Town Council 484024 Neighbourhood Watch - Nic Martin 01895 837220 Wycombe Council 01494 461000 RBWM Bus Services 0871 2002233 CIS 507587 Council Tax 683850 Library - Cox Green 673942 Library - Holyport Container 796555 Library - Maidenhead 796969 Library - Cookham 526147 Recycling 796474 Town Hall 683800 Youth & Community Centre 685999 Thames Valley Adventure Playground 628599 HENLEY Henley Library Henley Town Council

01491 575278 01491 576982

BOURNE END Library 524814 Community Centre 527502 Thank you to everyone who entered our competitions in our January/February Edition. Congratulations to our winners: Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ortolan meal for two - Karen Washbourn Lemon Detox - Diane Miller & Catherine Goad Zoflora - Karen Merrin Living Along The Thames | MARCH / APRIL 2016

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