Living Along the Thames September/October 2018 by Living Along theThames

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A Warm Welcome

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

to our September/October edition

Serena Edwards

Well, it seems like only yesterday that I was writing about Summer and yet here we are in Autumn! The days are getting cooler and shorter, but it’s a great time to get out have a walk in our beautiful area while enjoying the breath-taking autumnal colours on the trees. If you are looking for some inspiration, then head over to page 47 where you can find out about walking through some of local National Trust properties as well as getting an understanding of what causes these beautiful colours.

Editor

ADVERTISING: Living Along the Thames Magazine Studio 108, 5 High Street, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 1JN Tel: 01628 627 488 Office@AlongTheThames.co.uk

Are you looking for something a little different for a holiday, we feature Krakow and a trip to Canada to see Whale Flukes and Lighthouse revivals along with Mermaid tears. If you suffer from jet-lag we have an article on how you may improve your chances of not getting this horrible effect from flying long-haul. We were very fortunate to catch up with Michel and Alain Roux as they near completion of their new Brasserie, ‘Roux at Skindles’ on the Taplow Riverside, on the site of the original Skindles for those of you who may have visited it in its hey-day. You can read all about their new and exciting plans and follow their journey to opening in October of this year on both their website and Facebook page.

CONTRIBUTORS: Dru Ross, Christine Chalklin, Katy Dunn, Jacky & Mark Bloomfield ACCOUNTS: Lisa Dansey Tel: 07863 136951 lisa@sundialaccounting.co.uk DESIGNED BY: Digital Bear Design Tel: 01949 839206 mat@digitalbear.co.uk View our recent editions online at: www.VIVIDTITLES.co.uk

As always, we feature recipes for food and drink, your stars for the next few months, beauty and fashion, home articles and our usual diary dates. Congratulations to Tamara King, who won a pair of tickets to The Ocean Film Festival World Tour, mesmerising and inspiring ocean-themed films, in Reading this September. Our next magazine is November/December and, dare I say, Christmas, so if you are interested in targeting your local market please get in touch.

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Put your feet up, grab a cup of coffee/tea and, as always, happy reading.

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Living Along the Thames is hand delivered into 12,000 ABC1 homes every two months in Maidenhead, Marlow, Henley, Cookham & Bourne End, including High Streets. 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 is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK’s magazine and newspaper industry). We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. If you think that we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint please contact 01628 627488. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit www.ipso.co.uk

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Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Supplying & Installing Qualit y Log Cabins since 1982 Log Cabins, Summerhouses, Home Offices, Garages, Gazebos, Sheds and much more. Quality Garden Buildings are a family-run business and have been established in Berkshire for over 30 years. In addition to supplying your log cabin or summerhouse, we offer a full range of services including base preparation, electrical installation, water and drainage, and a FREE site survey. Based in Hare Hatch, Reading we have an extensive on-site display of sheds, log cabins, garden buildings and we offer FREE delivery. Quality Garden Buildings are authorised main dealers for Lugarde, Shedlands, Regency Garden Buildings and TGB sheds, and can supply their entire ranges of garden buildings. If you cannot find what you are looking for on our website you can download their brochures here - we would be more than happy to give you a FREE Quote. The sizes listed on this website are standard sizes but all of our Lugarde wooden buildings can be made bespoke for your garden and can be fitted with uPVC windows. We can also supply larger buildings for schools and other commercial purposes.

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Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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Cliveden House One of the world’s finest luxury hotels, this grand stately home is the ultimate country escape.

Cliveden is blessed with a supreme location in the heart of the Berkshire countryside, offering panoramic views over the River Thames and 376 acres of magnificent Grade 1 listed formal gardens and woodland, whilst also being located only a short distance from London and Heathrow Airport. Cliveden House is unique. The setting, architecture and interiors all speak eloquently of extraordinary extravagance and remarkable refinement. There is a palpable sense of history from the moment you step foot through the doors and into The Great Hall, with over 350 years of the House’s past having been dedicated to the pursuit of pleasure, power and politics. Since the house was built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham as a hunting lodge in which to entertain his mistress and friends, Cliveden,

infamous for its parties, has played host to numerous notable visitors. No one could resist an invitation to Cliveden; from Churchill to Chaplin, Lawrence to Lennon. Fortunes have been made, plots have been hatched. History has been changed... In 1961, things took an intriguing and infamous turn when John Profumo met Christine Keeler in the House’s notorious outdoor pool, thus igniting the biggest political scandal in British history: The Profumo Affair. The House became a luxury hotel in 1985, opening its doors to a new generation of pleasure-seekers. Now, Cliveden is a privately owned, 5 Red Star award-winning luxury hotel boasting luxurious experiences and lavish facilities. The Cliveden Spa is hidden behind the brick walls of the garden and enveloped in tumbling scented roses

and lavender, offering a real sense of well-being and relaxation. A place to escape, renew and refresh. There’s also the option of leisurely boat trips along the Thames, an afternoon teas in the opulent surroundings of The Great Hall, celebratory meals in the award-winning André Garrett Restaurant which offers a menu of divine dishes, or relaxed lunches with friends and family in The Astor Grill. Staying at Cliveden House is an experience you will never forget: service as personal as it is discrete; food that strives for culinary perfection served in a welcoming, comfortable environment and rooms which, though undoubtedly grand, make you feel as though you’re staying with friends. Can you resist an invitation? clivedenhouse.co.uk Taplow | Berkshire | SL6 0JF

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

LUNCHTIME LUXURY In the André Garrett Restaurant from £36 per person

Taplow, Berkshire, SL6 0JF Tel: 01628 607107 Reservations@clivedenhouse.co.uk www.clivedenhouse.co.uk

Lonely Planet’s top 5 foodie experiences New book ‘Ultimate Eatlist’ from Lonely Planet recommends the top 500 edible adventures around the globe. Food is one of the best ways to delve into the heart of a destination, savouring the flavours of local dishes, and soaking up the atmosphere of a popular bar or restaurant. Increasingly, our travel choices are being driven by our stomachs, and eating a margharita pizza in the boisterous, narrow streets of Naples is just as much a bucket list experience as climbing the Eiffel Tower.

Pintxos in San Sebastian, Spain

Known as tapas elsewhere in Spain, these tiny bites are prepared with an excellent array of local ingredients and are best enjoyed hopping from one bar to the next in this Basque city’s old town. To get the full experience, Lonely Planet (LP) recommends having a lazy day in the city, followed by an afternoon nap, heading out to the bars around 9pm. Chef Juan Mari Arzak suggests seeking out the battered white asparagus at Ganbara (ganbarajatetxea.com).

Curry laksa in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Turmeric, galangal, chilli, candlenut and shrimp paste combine to make this fiery favourite served at hawker centres on Madras Lane. Pick the longest queue, says LP, and choose a plastic chair; although make sure it’s connected to the stall where you bought the laksa, or you’ll be in trouble.

Sushi in Tokyo, Japan

Forget any habits you’ve picked up at Yo! Sushi; in Japan, there’s an etiquette for eating the country’s signature raw fish creations. Most top-end chefs serve their sushi omakase style; meaning they select and prepare it as they see fit. Eat it with your hands, not chopsticks, and don’t dip it in soy sauce.

Beef brisket in Texas, USA

Hungry diners have been known to queue for up to four hours to get a table at Franklin Barbecue in Austin. Really, it’s that good. The main attraction is smoked beef brisket, simply prepared with salt and black pepper and cooked low and slow in oak-wood smoke. Of course, there is occasional queue jumping; Barack Obama dashed straight to the front when he dropped by; although he did buy dinner for everyone waiting behind him.

Yes, it’s essentially a green papaya salad - but it’s still worth a journey halfway around the globe. The spicy dish is best purchased from street stalls, although a more comfortable setting is Somtum Der in Silom, where you can adjust spice levels according to personal taste and chilli threshold. Be warned - spicy salads could knock your socks off! Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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5 minutes with Michel and Alain Roux Living Along the Thames recently caught up with both Michel and Alain Roux at their restaurant, The Waterside Inn in Bray, to chat about their soon to be opened new brasserie, Roux at Skindles at Taplow Riverside. During the interview it was difficult not to be carried away with the passion and love that they both feel towards food. The Waterside Inn was opened by Michel in 1972

and gained its first Michelin Star in 1974. Another followed in 1977 and three awarded in1985. It is the only restaurant outside of France to have retained these three coveted stars for more than 30 years. When you meet both Michel and Alain, you can understand why. With a passion and love for food, its preparation and presentation, they delight in giving their customers an experience not to be forgotten. Both chefs believe in the simplicity of food and enjoy ‘cooking what they like to eat’, letting the fresh ingredients speak for themselves. What were your reasons for opening a new restaurant? “We wanted something different to The Waterside Inn, where patrons could

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enjoy a comfortable, cosy and relaxed atmosphere while enjoying simply cooked food”. Michel and Alain are very excited about the new brasserie on the site of the former Skindles as it is the first time they have looked to open a second restaurant. Its proximity to The Waterside Inn is one of its many benefits, with guests being able to go between the two by riverboat. Again, chosen for its location, on the river, and for its history, the Skindles offering will be split over three floors. The ground floor will be a brasserie style restaurant serving ‘home style cooked food’ and will be broken into three areas – small bar area plus dining room opening onto a riverside terrace. The second floor will be a chic Cocktail bar opening onto a river view balcony and the third floor will have a private dining room for private parties, meetings – seating up to around 14 guests.

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Alain says ”each floor will have a very different feel and the décor will reflect those differences. We want people to come and enjoy all that Skindles will have to offer, so why not start and/or end your evening with a cocktail with us or come and enjoy some casual dining”. Diners will be treated to casual all-day dining. They will be able to grab a cup of coffee and a croissant in the bar area or lounge a little longer on the inviting sofas or take a seat in the restaurant. It’s all about fresh food cooked well. What can we see on the menu? Alain says there will be breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea with or without Champagne and Dinner with platters to share, salads and soups along with daily specials that you would see on any Brasserie Menu in France, such as Coq au Vin, or moules marinere, even frogs legs and snails occasionally! All with a continental twist and a contemporary feel. We will serve brunch and Sunday roasts also. Alain went on to say that “It’s a new challenge for us and we believe there is a gap in the market for simple food cooked well and many of our current patrons can’t wait for us to open. Skindles will have its own identity and we will be putting in a team lead by members of staff from the Waterside Inn and I will be dividing my time initially between the two, but given Skindles proximity we felt that this was the perfect addition to our family, without compromising our offering at The Waterside Inn”.

Why a Brasserie? “My Dad and I believe that this casual and fresh style of cooking is missing from the area and it gives us an opportunity to rekindle French classics in a new way, especially as my Dad (Michel) introduced the brasserie concept into London in 1972, with Brasserie Benoits in the City, before moving out to our present location”. Alain, what is your favourite ingredient? “I love fresh Black truffle, which is on the menu at the Waterside, but will not be on the Skindles menu”, he laughs, “because of its cost, but interestingly we get Black Truffles from Australia in the Summer and France in the Winter”. The casual, simple food we all love and that I seek when out with family and friends, is what we will be serving at Roux at Skindles. We are not seeking stars here, it will be simple food, lovely cocktails, a relaxed vibe and great service.

Why did you become a Chef Alain? “I grew up around chefs all my life, not only has my Dad (Michel) inspired me but also my Grandmother as we visited her regularly in the French countryside, mainly in the holidays, so I was given an understanding of food and its provenance. It all came naturally and to spend time with my Dad, meant that I was always in the kitchen with him, so I was always learning. When I was younger we also had the opportunity to go to different restaurants and try different foods and so my love of food came through this avenue as well’. Again, Alain laughs and says “Dad is always around and, in the kitchen, and I can always bounce ideas off him. Although I learnt from him, I have quite a different style and Dad has always been one to embrace that”. How do you relax? “I love spending as much time with my family as I can and as my wife does most of the cooking at home, it gives me some downtime from my day job. I also unwind by tending to my fruit trees, a mix of apples and pears and they keep me busy as I have forty-eight to look after!” When will Roux at Skindles be open? “We should be open in October 2018, which we are currently on track for, exciting times ahead”. It was fabulous to catch up with Michel and Alain and be whisked away by their passion and we wish them all the best with the opening of Roux at Skindles. If you’d like to follow their progress you can visit both their facebook page, www.facebook.com/ rouxatskindles and website www.rouxatskindles.co.uk.

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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Rum is enjoying a renaissance White: Aldi’s Old Hopking White

Spiced: Bristol Black Spiced

There are some days when all you want from your rum is a pleasant hit of alcohol, a bit of complexity and depth and a sensible price. This may just hit the spot. It may come in at a modest 37.5% ABV but, tasted neat, it drinks fuller than that, and in practical terms, all it means is that your chosen mixer goes further because you won’t be using as much.

If you like spiced rum, fill your boots with Bristol Black Spiced and all shall be well in your world. And if you don’t like spiced rum, buy some anyway and change your mind. This is a blend of aged rums with generous helpings of fruit and spice. Thankfully, it is far from sweet, compared to the spiced rum you may be thinking of, more resembling a liquid Christmas cake with marzipan and dark, brooding, spicy depths.

(£9.99, 70cl, Aldi)

Flavoured: Stiggins’ Fancy Plantation Pineapple

(£34.95, 70cl, Master of Malt) A passing reference in Charles Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers inspired this rum. Pineapples are peeled by hand and the rinds infused with Plantation 3 Stars rum. Separately, the flesh of the peeled fruits is infused for three months in Plantation Original Dark rum and the two liquids married together and then rested in oak.

This is absurdly tasty. What’s more, it’s ridiculously cheap, which, when you consider it, can hardly cover the work involved. Drink it neat, drink it over ice, drink it as a toddy with lemon, but drink it you must.

(£47.95,70cl, Master of Malt)

Dark: Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva

(£37.95, 70cl, The Whisky Exchange)

This is a spirit of truly exceptional quality. The distillery was founded in 1959, remains in local ownership and is one of the largest groups in Venezuela. Right from my first sip, I really was entranced by its power, majesty and balance; this is a rich, fruity and complex spirit. I should add the caveat that it is quite sweet not cloyingly so and not out of balance. Diplomatico is one of those rums that add sugar to the final blend, a practice that deeply offends some purists. Approach it with an open mind and be prepared for a treat.

Extracted from 101 Rums to Try Before You Die by Ian Buxton is published by Birlinn, priced £12.99. Available now.

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Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Christmas Dining 2018

Fabulous Festive Cheer Found Here Celebrate the festive season at The Olde Bell with superb food, great service & wonderful entertainment. We are the perfect setting for some Christmas or New Year merrymaking! To book your table please contact our events team on 01628 821702 or email events@coachinginn.co.uk T H E O L D E B E L L , H I G H S T R E E T, H U R L E Y, B E R K S H I R E S L 6 5 L X TEL: +44(0)1628 825 881 | EMAIL: EVENTS@COACHINGINN.CO.UK W W W. T H E O L D E B E L L . C O . U K

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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5 Roses from outside of provence to try now Referencing everything from luxury yachts moored in Saint-Tropez, to glitzy bars and restaurants overlooking the beach, Provence is the bastion for posh pinks, with gleaming ice buckets a telltale centrepiece on tables across the South of France. Fashionably pale, their beautiful, barely-there blush has put the spotlight on this rose region as never before. In fact, what we should be doing is fostering a love for colourful roses outside of Provence, because there are some deliciously fruity styles - at a fraction of the price - that deserve your attention.

M&S Burra Brook Rose 2017, South East Australia

Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Pinot Grigio Dolomiti Blush 2017, Italy (£7, Sainsbury’s)

A thirst-quencher from Down Under, this is a vibrant, fruity style of rose, with ripe red fruits and a core of pink grapefruit. Friendly and engaging, the juicy finish channels plenty of freshness, and the cherry and strawberry aromas send all the right signals.

Wine snobs might not be too keen on the label. Admittedly, ‘blush’ suggests the American term for roses on the sweet side - but that would be wrong in this case. This is a crisp, dry, refreshingly uncomplicated rose, with pretty floral and peachy aromas that follow through on the palate, complemented by a faint strawberry note on a clean, fresh finish.

(£7, Marks & Spencer, in-store only)

Workshop Bench Blend Rose 2017, South East Australia (£6.50, Morrisons)

More New World appeal, with its copper pink highlights and ripe, juicy flavours, this little gem is a blend of aglianico and negroamaro - Italian grapes that are now grown in the warm, sun-kissed vineyards of Australia. It radiates a bright, lively character with a combination of cherry, raspberry and wild berry notes, and a dry, fresh finish.

Vitis Nostra Pinot Noir Rose 2017, Italy (£7, Morrisons)

If you love a plush pinot, why not explore the fruity goodness in a pinot noir rose? Sleek and silky, as you would expect from this variety, the rich, rusty hue captures the varietal notes of wild cherries and floral aromas, with white peaches and dried raspberry flavours accented with a subtle hint of vanilla on the refreshing, peachy finish.

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Brigando Rose 2017, Vinho Regional de Lisboa, Portugal

(£8.49, Laithwaites)

A red wine lover’s rose, here we have a vibrant and vivid rose made from Portugal’s flagship grape, touriga nacional. Instantly inviting, with its soft, round, mouth-filling flavours of raspberry and red cherry fruit, alongside a mixed bouquet of strawberry and redcurrants, there’s enough zippy freshness with a fine thread of acidity to really lift the wine and keep the flavours flowing. Words: Sam Wylie-Harris

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

HOW YOU DO DINNER FOR LOTS OF PEOPLE ACCORDING TO CHEFS Nadiya Hussain

“When we get together, there’s 24 of us, to me that’s a small number, but that’s the number we’re used to. I think the trick to feeding lots of people is to get people to do a dish each, a one dish party, and I’m lucky, I’ve got sisters. Whenever they come to mine, they say, ‘I’ll bring this, I’ll bring that’.” “I like to pre-make things, so if I’m doing a dessert for instance, I’ll do something like a tiramisu which can sit in the fridge for two days; so that’s done and made and out of my head; I don’t even have to think about it. I’ll make ice cream, stick it in the freezer and pop it out when I need it. If I’m doing roast potatoes, I’ll par-boil them beforehand, stick them in the freezer, then just stick them in the oven when I’m ready. (Nadiya’s Family Favourites, Michael Joseph, £20)

Lucy Carr-Ellison and Jemima Jones of Tart London

“We make more dishes, rather than making three huge ones in a massive vat, more like seven dishes, and spread them out so it looks really nice down the table. Then there’s lots of choice and it’s nicer for the cooks as well. “Think about doing a variety of different textures too; we’ll do fun crunchy things like bruschettas, crispy little somethings,

or fresh ceviche bites, so there’s extra little excitements down the table.” (A Love Of Eating, Square Peg, £25)

Anne Shooter

“For traditional Friday night dinner Shooter is Jewish, I start with mezze, followed by a buffet, such as egg, onion and chopped liver to start plus hummus and an aubergine salad and maybe some tabbouleh. “Then it’ll be a roast chicken or two, that everyone can dig into.” (Cherish, Headline Home £28)

Rukmini Iyer

“Traybakes! Scale up a big traybake, because you can do a lot of prep beforehand. Working in a restaurant kitchen made me really keen on doing as much prep in advance as possible; during service you’ve got everything cut and ready, so you’re just cooking and assembling. So if you’re having a party, do a big tray of squash and sweet potatoes, with loads of salady bits on top of them. You could do all the chopping in advance, bag it up and put it in the fridge, and just chuck it into the tin an hour or so before you want it. “When you’re doing home-cooking, unless you’re a wannabe chef, you don’t want to spend hours and hours in the kitchen, your friends will just be like, ‘This is amazing, but we’d rather you were talking to us’.” (The Green Roasting Tin, Square Peg, £16.99)

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Nargisse Benkabbou

“I have nine aunts on my dad’s side, two uncles, six aunts on my mum’s side - a huge family. The way it works is, we have a table for the kids and table for the adults, and we make lots of tagines; that’s one thing you can make very easily for 50 people. We start with salads; zaalouk a smoky aubergine dip, a carrot salad or bakoula spinach and preserved lemons, and in the middle of the table we’d serve the tagine and we’d just help ourselves.” (Casablanca: My Moroccan Food, Mitchell Beazley, £20)

Itamar Srulovich and Sarit Packer of Honey & Co.

“A lot of it is about getting stuff ready before, so that you’re not faffing when people are around, because that is the worst thing; a stressed host in the kitchen. It should all be able to just be popped in the oven or on the stove to reheat, or cold or room temperature is fine.” “Do not take any unnecessary endeavours, make it easy for yourself, and it shouldn’t be a recipe you’ve never, ever tried before, go with something you know. (Honey & Co: At Home, Pavilion, £26)

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Tom Kitchin’s smoked mackerel pate paired with helene’s pickled cucumbers A quick and easy snack that’s happy kept in the fridge. “I’ve sung the praises of mackerel, highlighting just what a versatile fish it is, in other recipes, and here I have another version. For this recipe, you can smoke the mackerel yourself or have a fishmonger fillet

Ingredients (Serves 4) 400g smoked mackerel fillets, skinned 200g cream cheese 1tbsp creme fraiche 1 lemon, halved 2tbsp chopped chives 2tbsp chopped dill Oatcakes, optional, to serve Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper For Helene’s pickled cucumbers: 500ml water 100g sugar 100ml white wine vinegar 2 bay leaves 2 thyme sprigs 350g cucumber

a whole smoked mackerel for you - but I’ve got to say, the supermarkets’ smoked mackerel fillets are not bad at all, especially if you don’t have access to a fishmonger,” says chef Tom Kitchin. “I love to make this in the summer and keep it in the fridge, as it makes

the perfect garden lunch. What I also always have in the fridge is a jar of these delicious pickled cucumbers from my family’s good Swedish friend, Helene. They’re absolutely delicious on just about anything, and I often also serve them as a garnish on crackers or in sandwiches.

Method Make the pate, which needs to chill for at least one hour, but will keep in the fridge in a sealed container for up to three days. Break the mackerel fillets into a blender or food processor, double checking carefully for any small bones. Add the cream cheese, creme fraiche and a squeeze of lemon, and blend until smooth. Transfer to a mixing bowl, add the chopped herbs and season with salt and pepper. Divide the pate among preserving jars and bang the jars on the counter to dispel any air. Place in the fridge for at least one hour, or until required. Make the pickled cucumber. Allow enough time for the brine to cool and the cucumbers to sit in the brine for at least two hours at room temperature and then chill for at least an hour before serving; they will keep in a covered container in the fridge for up to two days. Place the water, sugar, vinegar, bay leaves, thyme sprigs and a pinch of salt in a heavy-based saucepan, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Bring to the boil, then set aside and leave to cool completely. Once the brine is cool, pour it into a non-metallic bowl. Cut the cucumbers into 0.5cm-thick slices, add to the brine and leave for two hours, then transfer to the fridge if not using immediately. When you’re ready to serve, remove the cucumber slices from the brine and pat dry. Spread the pate on pickled cucumber slices and serve with oatcakes on the side, if you like.

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Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Celebrate

Christmas & New Year at

Celebrate the festive season at the Thames Riviera Hotel, with mouth-watering food, great service & superb entertainment. We are the perfect setting for some Christmas or New Year merrymaking!

Christmas Party Nights Christmas Day Lunch

Daily Christmas Menu New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve

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ARE EGG YOLKS ACTUALLY bad for you? Eggs have been demonised by the health-food industry in the past. So are they harmful or healthy? Liz Connor asks a nutritionist to explain. Whether scrambled with avocado on toast, poached with asparagus or boiled with whole wheat soldiers, it’s hard to resist the lure of a perfectly cooked egg for breakfast. They’re easy to whip up, a tasty addition to lots of different dishes but there’s still a lot of confusion about whether eggs are harmful or healthy. Here, we ask Rob Hobson, head of nutrition at Healthspan (healthspan.co.uk) toweigh in on the debate.

Why do people think that eggs are bad for our health? Eggs have got a bad rep in the past; namely, the golden yolks. Fears around chicken eggs date back to the 1970s, during the so-called ‘low-cholesterol’ craze that saw Brits switch out their usual breakfast foods for low-fat diet products. During this time, egg yolks were considered unhealthy because they were thought to contain large amounts of dietary cholesterol, with experts warning that eating too much could raise your risk of heart disease.

Current research shows that for most healthy people, cholesterol in food has a much smaller effect on blood levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the harmful type), especially when compared with saturated fatty acids found in food. Eggs are, in fact, low in saturated fat and The British Heart Foundation now says that moderate egg consumption - up to one a day - does not increase heart disease risk in healthy individuals. In fact, it’s the saturated fat in accompanying breakfast foods like cheese and bacon that we should actually be worried about.

What does a nutritionist say? “Eating naturally high-cholesterol foods such as eggs doesn’t mean you will have raised blood cholesterol. Your liver produces cholesterol in large amounts as it is a necessary nutrient for the cells in your body (it’s also involved in producing vitamin D, steroid hormones and bile acids that digest fat). In the presence of dietary cholesterol, the liver simply produces less.”

The average large egg contains around 200mg of dietary cholesterol, and previous guidelines advised limiting the number of eggs you eat to three to four a week to stay within healthy limits.

Hobson says that egg yolks are both high in protein and contain many micronutrients that are essential to good health. Even better? Nutrients found in egg yolk include calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.

However, since around 2000, major world and UK health organisations have changed their advice on eggs, following research that revealed that dietary cholesterol in eggs does not adversely affect cholesterol levels in the blood.

“Egg yolks also contain the antioxidant compounds called lutein and zeaxanthin that have been shown to be beneficial for eye health by reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration,” he says. ”You will also find a source of choline

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in egg yolks which is important for brain health.” These spherical nutrient powerhouses are also one of the few foods that contain a natural source of vitamin D. “Although levels of vitamin D in egg yolks is not huge, it still contributes to your overall intake,” says Hobson, “which may be particularly useful during the winter months when there is a lack of strong sunshine.” In short? Enjoy your eggs. They’re a good choice as part of a healthy, balanced diet and the NHS says that there is no recommended limit on how many eggs people should eat. However, they say it’s best to avoid frying them, as that can increase their fat content by 50%. The healthiest choice woild be to boil or poach them without added salt, and if you fancy them scrambled? Skip the butter and use low-fat milk instead of cream.

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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Reusable Water Bottles To Take To The Gym Ever since Sir David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II aired scenes of albatross parents unwittingly feeding their chicks plastic last year, plenty of us have been mulling over ways to help clean up the oceans and reduce our plastic footprint. The see-through stuff seems pretty inescapable these days, but if you’re a regular gym-goer, there’s one simple thing you can do to reduce your impact on the environment while you make gains on your six-pack, and that’s invest in a reusable water bottle. Currently, it’s estimated that the average UK household gets through around 480 plastic bottles a year but only recycles 270 of them. The 30 billion plastic bottles used in the UK each year, just 57% are getting recycled, with the average bottle taking at least 450 years to biodegrade in a regular landfill. Thankfully, there are loads of reusable water bottle options that can do everything from insulate your drink to infuse it with added flavour. Today’s drinks vessels have also become a style statement in their own right, and there’s a bottle to suit every type of gym-goer, from attention-grabbing rose gold numbers, to uber-minimal stainless steel versions. If you’re guilty of tossing a single-use bottle in the bin every time you leave the gym, it’s high time to make the switch. Our edit of the best available

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right now are lightweight, affordable, and all free from BPA an industrial chemical commonly found in plastic that some experts believe is bad for health.

4 6

Here are six of the best eco-smart suggestions to get you started... 1. Chilly’s Rose Gold Bottle 500ml, £25, chillysbottles.com This metallic bottle keeps water ice-cold for up to 24 hours, and hot coffee drinkable for 12 hours perfect for workouts and those winter commutes to come.

4. Lakeland Infuser Bottle 500ml , £5.99, lakeland.co.uk Make your H2o less boring with an infuser bottle that can be packed with tasty strawberries, cucumber and mint.

2. Buntu Rose Quartz 400ml, £27, lovebuntu.com Make your yoga practice prettier with a pastel pink water holder. This one is double-walled for maximum insulation.

5. Red Original Insulated Drinks Bottle 750ml, £25, redoriginal.com With no chance of leaking or spilling, this large stainless steel bottle holds 750ml of water (or any hot drink, which it will keep hot all day) - equivalent to a bottle of wine.

3. Klean Kanteen Insulated Classic 592ml, £27.95, kleankanteen.co.uk Sick of having your hands full? This colourful bottle has a handy loop on the lid so you can fasten it onto your backpack.

6. Bobble Water Bottle with Carry Cap, 550ml, £9.99, Currys.co.uk This bottle filters your water as you drink, so you can improve the taste of water from your tap with every sip.

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

What is TRX Suspension Training and are the fitness benefits worth it? Like metcon and AMRAP, TRX is just one of those fitness terms that sounds a lot more intimidating than it actually is. Lots of gyms across the UK now offer suspension classes, but many of us shy away from trying it, for fear that it will involve complicated moves, herculean strength or a good deal of pain the next day. The truth is, everyone can do TRX, and if you’re looking to build a lean, mean and athletic machine, it’s one of the best methods out there for full-body strength.

What is TRX? Ever noticed pairs of black and yellow straps hanging from the ceiling of your gym? That’s TRX. It stands for

‘Total Body Resistance Exercise’, and it’s basically a suspension-based exercise system that uses gravity and your own bodyweight to make exercise more challenging - rather than weights and machines. The method was created by Navy Seal commander Randy Hetrick, who needed a way to keep his troops in shape, no matter where they were stationed. The heavy-duty stirrups/handles are slipped onto either the feet or hands, and the user must use their corestabilisers to complete a set of exercises while staying balanced. Pretty much any basic exercise - like a plank or a push-up - can be made more difficult by incorporating the TRX bands. This means you can get a fairly intense workout in a short amount of time.

What are the fitness benefits? Even though you’re just using two basic suspension straps, there’s an infinite number of different moves you can do. When used in the correct way, it’s a total body workout that delivers a rock-solid core, increases strength, improves posture, boosts flexibility and builds on your endurance. You can also make it as difficult as you want; simply adjusting your body position can add or decrease resistance on each move. This makes it a great Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

option for everyone, from total fitness newcomers to elite athletes.

Where can I do it? Lots of gyms now have TRX suspension ropes and some even have dedicated classes. If you don’t want to fork out on a membership though, you can purchase your own and set them up anywhere, such as in the home or outside in the garden. The beauty of the TRX is in it’s simplicity. The straps are portable and can be attached to any sturdy vertical anchoring spot, such as a pole, beam or tree branch. Afterwards, they can be folded away and thrown into a gym bag, making it a perfect companion for fitness buffs who travel a lot. If you’re not sure where to start, the TRX Fit Suspension Trainer (£99, Argos.co.uk) comes with a basic workout DVD, which offers a demo of some of the core exercises, such as chest presses, rows and knee tucks. Once you’ve got to grips with the basics, you can start adding in some more challenging moves - and of course, there are lots of different follow-along workouts on YouTube to try.

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Malk Dead i 250m Sea Natura l | £7 .99 | l mineral b Boots ody lo tion

Vitag Age d e www.vefence bo itage.c dy thera o.uk py | £ 36

BEAUTY essentials

Yes To Coconut Energising coffee 2-in-1 scrub & cleanser stick | £9.99 Ultra hyrdating moisturising coconut oil stick | £9.99 Coconut oil cleansing balm | £11.99 www.beautybay.com

QMS Med lift-o-fiico revitali www rm body sing .qmsm | £6 edico 8 smeti cs.co m

9 ody Bee Love creamy b l) | £15.9.99 Soft &ther (190mml) | £15 o 0 o 0 sm le oil (1 m Mirac.loveboo.co www

Nail HQ All in one £7.99 | Tesco

Pr N oto ha ouris -col n ww d c hing w.p rea col rot m | lag o-c £8 en ol.c .9 om 5

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Pri Hanori www d & bo .prio dy re riskin plen care isher .co.u | £2 7 k

Time Bomb Hand to hand combat hand cream | 75ml | www.timebomb.com £15

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Make your eyes POP this Autumn ara asc r m .com s love tics etic sh me sm th la iicos i Co eng .m Mi ture l | www Fea 5.50 £1

e.l.f Eye en www.s hance masc uperdru ara g.com | £4.50 No bu d g www.e e retracta lfcosm b etics.c le eyeliner | o.uk £4.50

Mary Kay Lash love lengthening mascara | £16.50 Liquid eyeliner pen | £11 www.marykay.co.uk

.25 7 | £5 No 11 | £5.25 5 Texturee No 101 141 | £5.6s Volum erate No ash Style Exagg e False L 10.95 Eylur.eylure.com er | £ blend www elash y e re & ca Blend.boots.com www

Essence Cosmetics I need a miracle! volumising & strengthening mascara £3.50 | www.wilko.com

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Ardell Fame chaser liquid eyeliner | £7.95 Double up mascara | £9.95 Top & bottom mascara | £11.95 Wispies fibre building mascara | £11.95 www.falseeyelashes.co.uk

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Celebrate Organic Month this September with an array of beautiful skincare as looking after your skin is key during the change from summer to winter

Hempz Aromatherapy Hand and foot crème (milk & honey) | £7.49 www.hempzbeauty.com

ns Lotioder ody n d & Bnge Lave0.49 n a H | Ora | £1 er’s rmint ronn onut Dr B nder Coc e | Peppe e v k im a L ouli L er.co.u Patch .drbronn www

Dr. Paw Paw Everybody hair & body shampoo and conditioner 250ml | £12.99 each www.drpawpaw.com

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Heave by Debn Skincare Divine Corah Mitche (use on ream 15ml ll Cleanse lips & hands) www.hea& Foam 45m| £28 l| venskin care.co £19 m

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Kypwell Triple action hand and nail cream | 50ml | £32 www.kypwell.com

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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NEW SEASON SHOES As the weather gets cooler the change of seasons can only mean one thing! New shoes! The autumn collections are landing in shops now, so it’s the perfect time to pick up some cool courts or on-trend loafers to perk up your work wardrobe. Next Two Part Point Shoes, £36

New Leop Look Bla Shoe ard Print ck Suedet T s, £2 2.99 oe Cap Cte ourt

Lipsy Pa Loafers, tent Gold Trim £29, Nex t

e Shell Tortois Office Boots, £90 le k An JD Co W ur illia tS m ho s B e W la ide ck P Fit oint , £ ed 20 To e

t Shay Smar Monsoon helsea Ankle Brogue C 9 Boots, £6

Heel e Block ary Jan inette M to n n A Dune

0 oes, £8 Court Sh

Dorothy Perkins Yellow ‘Gatsby’ Court Shoes, £28

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Evan Kittens Wide Fit P Heel Cour urple Swe t Sho e es £2 theart 8

g Rin her eat SL & M

£65 rs, afe o L tail De

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Simply Be Red Denim Jacket, £34, and Fern Distressed Denim Shorts, £24

ie Dye astel T Jacket, rous P im Glamod Back Den Front Rippe nd Button £68, a Skirt, £36 Denim

n Leopard New Look BrowDenim Print Cropped9, and Tan Jacket, £27.9 Denim Mini Leopard Print Skirt, £22.99

et, Denim Jack 9 obalt Utility Topshop CBlue Denim Skirt, £2 £46, and

Coloured Denim is making a Comeback Blue jeans take a back seat for summer. While it’s safe to say denim will never go out of style, the way we wear it has certainly changed over the years. In recent years, pale blue denim has ruled. Acid wash ‘mom’ jeans and retro straight-leg styles are now

the celeb and blogger favourite, but this summer we’ve seen the resurgence of denim in every colour of the rainbow. It’s all about co-ordinating, thats the

one rule you must follow with this trend. From bold brights to pastel hues and all kinds of prints, these technicolour two-pieces comprise a denim jacket (usually in a cropped or oversized style) with a matching mini skirt or shorts.

Shell Jewellery Is Trending Oceanic accessories are making waves this summer.

Isabe Earrinl Marant G o gs, £6 0, Net-ld-tone a-Porte r

When it comes to jewellery, it doesn’t get much more summery than shells and the seaside motifs are having a major fashion moment right now.

Links of London 18kt Yellow Gold, Diamond & Pearl Clam Shell Charm, £550

This season’s collections are full of beach-inspired accessories, from luxury to bargain. The great thing about this trend is that it’s so easy to wear. Delicate shell necklaces are perfect for layering with similar gold or silver chains, while fine rings can be stacked and studs can join your ‘ear party’. It’s very much a ‘more the merrier’ kind of vibe, so stock up on ocean-inspired bracelets or bangles and pile them high.

Oliv Set er Bona £3 frOf Three s Shell S om £ , cur hape 9.50 rently s Hair redu ced Grips to Olive Shell r Bonas £29.5Silver RinConch g, 0

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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Fragrance: An Experts Tips By renowned ‘nose’ Nathalie Lorson. When it comes to fragrance, you don’t get much more expert than Nathalie Lorson, the perfumer whose scent-creating career has spanned more than three decades. Having worked with practically every luxury fashion house going (YSL, Versace, Givenchy and Roberto Cavalli to name a few) plus celebrities including Kate Moss and David Beckham, the French ‘nose’ certainly knows her stuff. So when Katie Wright got the chance to sit down with Lorson at the launch of her latest creation, Jimmy Choo Fever, she picked her brains on all things olfactory and made some fascinating discoveries. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new signature scent or want to find out how to wear your current favourite well, these perfume pointers are incredibly useful.

The difference between eau de toilette and eau de parfum isn’t an exact science

“Normally it’s the concentration - the concentration of perfume in alcohol. Eau de toilette may be between 12% and 14% and eau de parfum can be 14% up to 25%, it depends. But sometimes, there is no connection at all between one and the other one,” explains Lorson. “Normally eau du parfum is stronger, so you can use less. But sometimes the eau du toilette version is much fresher. The structure of the formula is a little bit different, so the impression is a little bit different too. When you buy it, you won’t know, you just have to try.”

You can rub your wrists together Some people say that when you apply perfume on your wrists,

you shouldn’t rub them together otherwise you lose the top notes, but Lorson says that’s a myth: “This gesture was done when we were extracting very high-concentration perfume, old perfume. Now it’s not really true as the dilution is much lighter, so really it doesn’t matter.”

Ask a friend for feedback

“I will put on a lot of perfume, but it depends on the person and depends on the perfume,” muses Lorson. “If you have a fresh one you can put on a lot; if you have something very heavy, don’t put on too much. The problem is, when you are wearing your perfume, at the beginning it’s strong and then you don’t smell it at all. You may have to ask the people around you if it is not too much. It’s really a question of taste.”

Discover new favourites but don’t forget the classics

“I wear whatever project I’m working on, so I change each time but I love a lot of Guerlain as they are classic fragrances. I like Prada Infusion D’Iris and Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle along with Dior J’Adore.”

Try before you buy

“You have to try a lot of things and you have to wear them, not just

smell them on blotters. On blotters you smell a lot of the top notes, but the warmth of the skin, all the middle notes and especially the back notes which are more strong,” explains Lorson, “so you have really to use the perfume on your skin for three or four hours to decide if you like it or not. In the shop, make a selection on the blotters and then put two on your skin, later on, if you like the perfume go back and buy it.”

Scent your clothes as well as your skin

“Fragrance lasts longer on clothes than on skin. When I’m perfuming, I spray several times around my neckline so it goes more on the clothing than on the skin. It depends on the person as I like to be very generous.”

Strong foods can affect your fragrance

“When, for example, you are eating a lot of garlic your skin smells, because it comes out of the pores,” says Lorson, explaining that heavily spiced food can have the same impact. “The food changes the smell of the skin and that then affects the perfume.”

How to avoid jet lag when you’re flying long-haul Liz Connor Jetlag, also known as ‘desynchronosis’ and ‘flight fatigue’, is a temporary disorder that causes fatigue, insomnia and sometimes other symptoms, as a result of air travel across different time zones. It’s a disruption to your circadian rhythm - the internal body clock that governs your daily sleep-wake pattern. But can you avoid this one-way ticket to exhaustion?

Stay hydrated and ditch the coffees

Before a flight, it can be tempting to load up on alcohol and caffeine to calm your nerves (or toast the holiday!) or keep you awake. “Hydration can be key,” says Dr Ali Hill, Applied Human Nutrition course leader at Solent University. Your body recovers best when it isn’t depleted of fluids.

When it comes to choosing from the drinks trolley mid-flight, she suggests sticking to plain water, as artificial stimulants will affect your ability to sleep and increase jet lag recovery time. “Drink enough water to make sure your urine is a pale straw colour. You might also find that you get more dehydrated when you’re flying and need to drink more than normal.”

Adjust your sleep pattern slowly

There are some sleeping strategies you can implement before you go away, to help ease you into the change of time zones when you arrive. A few days before your flight, Hills suggests gradually adjusting your bedtime - either earlier if you’re flying east, or later if heading west. There are online tools that can help you to plan the shift. A Jet Lag Calculator (hillarys.co.uk/static/jet-lag-calculator) is really helpful; it analyses the number of time zones your flight crosses, in order to work out how many hours you’ll have to shift your body clock.

Turn off gadgets

When you arrive at your destination, it can be really tempting to start updating your social media channels and checking up on the day’s news, but if you’re planning to get some shut-eye, this can really throw off your sleep schedule. The blue light emitted by your device can trick your brain into thinking it’s daytime even when it’s not.

Bring your own pillow

“Try to maintain your personal sleep routine while you’re away from home,” says Professor Kevin Morgan, director of the Clinical Sleep Research Unit at Loughborough University. “Make time to set out your bedtime stuff, such as your pyjamas and toilet bag, so that things will be ready when you return for the night.” “Also, try to preserve your pre-sleep habits and routines,” he adds. “These are important behavioural cues for sleep, so make sure you pack any items which support these behaviours, like photos, books, blankets or teddy bears - and consider taking your own pillow.”

Adjust your watch

A simple but effective trick you can do during your flight is to change your watch, phone and laptop to match the time of your destination. This will mentally prepare you for the new time zone you’re about to enter.

Snack on cherries

Struggling to sleep in your hotel? Montmorency tart cherries are one of the few natural sources of melatonin, the hormone responsible for the regulation of the body’s internal clock and sleep-wake cycle. To reap the benefits, have either a handful of cherries as a bedtime snack, or swill down a small serving of tart juice you might just find that it stops you from staring at the ceiling all night. Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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Your Stars for September 2018

The carefree summer holidays have come to an end with the autumnal Sun shining in the serious and down to earth sign of Virgo. Our attention now turns to learning and acquiring new skills as schools and colleges start their new term and the focus is once more on hard work and study. Mars is serious and stable in Capricorn until the 10th and then moves into quirky Aquarius for the rest of the month. This is a good time to be practical, but also to act in a more individualistic way as you bring grand ideas and vision to the surface. Heightened passion in relationships and partnerships are favoured as the love planet Venus moves into sexy Scorpio on the 9th. The new moon in Virgo on the 9th is well aspected by serious Saturn, offering new insight into completing any practical projects. The moon is full in the sign of Aries on the 25th. ARIES March 21 - April 20 Adjustments to your health and wellbeing are favoured this month as the Virgo Sun illuminates all things to do with your physical condition. Finances will also come under review as a positive aspect from Jupiter to Neptune offers some inspirational new ways of making money.

LEO July 23 - August 23 September starts with a brilliant aspect between innovative Uranus and the radiant Sun; exciting career opportunities are on the horizon and this could mean that a lucky break is coming your way. The new moon in practical Virgo on the 9th allows you to see things in a very different light.

SAGITTARIUS November 23 - December 21 Your goals and ambitions are the focus for this month as the Sun illuminates your career potential. The Virgo new moon on the 9th sets the pace for new areas of development as mighty Jupiter looks on and boosts your confidence with heightened awareness and intuition.

TAURUS April 21 - May 21 The Sun illuminates the love sector of your chart asking you to be open and honest about your relationships and all things to do with romantic encounters. Venus illuminates important work issues up to the 9th, make sure that you pay attention to any professional opportunities that come your way.

VIRGO August 24 - September 22 Communication is your focus as Jupiter, the planet of abundance and optimism aspects Neptune, the planet of dreams and intuition. Dynamic Mars highlights creativity, be bold and confident as plans and solid foundations for your future are ready to be laid down now.

CAPRICORN December 22 - January 20 September brings plenty of planetary action to the travel and adventure sector of your chart. The Virgo new moon on the 9th signals new beginnings as you prepare for a fresh and more positive phase of existence. Jupiter ensures that you draw original and interesting people into your circle.

GEMINI May 22 - June 21 The first week of September brings love and romance into the spotlight as stylish Venus is determined to create harmony and beauty within your circle. Mercury, your ruler, illuminates your home life after the 6th as tensions and conflicts start to ease and important breakthroughs come to the surface.

LIBRA September 23 - October 23 Venus, your ruling planet, moves into the financial area of your chart on the 9th joining abundant Jupiter in strongminded Scorpio. Business ideas will need to be reviewed and overhauled so that you can reap the rewards with a stronger sense of purpose and clarity.

AQUARIUS January 21 - February 18 This month brings innovative new projects to the forefront as expansive Jupiter illuminates the highpoint of your chart clearing the way for new and exciting career opportunities. Visionary Neptune makes a promising aspect to enhance your imagination and access to higher knowledge.

CANCER June 22 - July 22 The relationship sector of your chart is in the spotlight for September; the practical Virgo new moon on the 9th helps you to see your situation and your options more clearly. This is the perfect time to stand back and see the bigger picture by trusting your intuition to bring greater rewards your way.

SCORPIO October 24 - November 22 The month begins with a challenging aspect from the moon to Jupiter in your sign. This is your opportunity to see new ways to nurture yourself and structure your days based on faith and trust. Your gift of intuition will become more powerful as you begin to believe in yourself and go after what you want.

PISCES February 19 - March 20 This monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s powerful Virgo new moon on the 9th turns your attention to your relationships and partnerships. Communicative Mercury asks you to review any interactions that are not working. Faraway places beckon as both Jupiter and Venus highlight fun and adventure.

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Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Your Stars for October 2018

October brings the balanced sign of the scales into the spotlight. Libra is ruled by Venus the goddess of love and beauty, during October you can allow yourself to feel more beautiful than ever and aim to attract some wonderful people into your life. Evaluating relationships will also be a major theme this month as Venus and Jupiter are both travelling through intense Scorpio, offering some deep insight into anything that needs changing. The new moon in Libra on the 9th offers an excellent opportunity for rebalancing any areas of your life that are not quite as you would like them to be. This Libra new moon is also a great time for starting creative new projects. Your values and your beliefs come into focus at the challenging Taurus full moon on the 24th. ARIES March 21 - April 20 October shines the light on relationships, especially around the Libra new moon on the 9th. Communication is also well aspected, showing you that it’s a good time to get your point of view across. Mercury’s move into Scorpio on the 10th brings a financial issue to the surface.

LEO July 23 - August 23 Communication is thoughtful and balanced during October as the Sun and Mercury pass though the sign of the scales. The Libra new moon on the 9th is favourable for new friendships and romantic relationships, at last you have the chance to put the past behind you and start over.

SAGITTARIUS November 23 - December 21 Dynamic Mars in quirky Aquarius focusses your mind on new ways of communicating during October, tune in and enjoy this innovative and highly creative time. This is also an excellent opportunity to impress people in conversation and communicate with loved ones on new levels.

TAURUS April 21 - May 21 October turns the focus to your health and wellbeing; the Sun and Mercury both occupy the sign of Libra demanding a better balance in all areas of life. The new moon on the 9th offers favourable new insights, but the full moon in your sign on the 24th brings a challenge in relationships.

VIRGO August 24 - September 22 During October both the Sun and Mercury highlight the financial area of your chart. Good communication is the key for providing new solutions and innovations. The Libra new moon on the 9th is particularly beneficial as you find that your words have the power to achieve whatever you set your mind to.

CAPRICORN December 22 - January 20 During October the Libran Sun illuminates your chart at the highest point helping you to find diplomatic solutions to challenging situations. Apply your energies to constructive pursuits – you have the determination and staying power to plan and organise tasks, particularly around the new moon on the 9th.

GEMINI May 22 - June 21 Interesting developments begin to emerge during October as you push ahead in business and work matters. Mercury, in balanced Libra until the 9th helps you to see things with a more objective perspective. The powerful Taurus full moon on the 24th offers an unexpected challenge.

LIBRA September 23 - October 23 October is your birthday month and with Mercury in your sign it’s an ideal time for attracting new friends and relationships into your life. Neptune connects very positively with romantic Venus, helping you to feel at your absolute best, particularly around the time of your personal new moon on the 9th.

CANCER June 22 - July 22 October sees motivational Mars firing up the financial area of your chart; there may well be some challenges, but new ideas and lots of creative energy are at your disposal. The new moon on the 9th triggers your home sector and signals some major changes and the chance for a new beginning.

SCORPIO October 24 - November 22 October puts the emphasis on your home and family life. The harmonious Libra Sun helps you to understand that the best way to succeed is to see things from other people’s perspective. If you’ve lost your way with a creative project the brilliant Venus-Neptune connection helps you to rethink a solution.

AQUARIUS January 21 - February 18 October is a powerful time for you to get your controversial points of view across to others; Mercury is positively placed in balanced Libra and the harmonious new moon on the 9th ensures that you find a positive way to win through. Jupiter works in your favour where getting ahead is concerned. PISCES February 19 - March 20 October brings a different dynamic as Neptune, strong in your sign positively aspects Venus, the planet of love and desire. Faraway places beckon as you pave the way for fun and adventure. The Taurus full moon on the 24th challenges you to get going with some major initiatives.

NAVIGATE YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS

Tune into positive and productive planetary cycles and become more successful in life and in business. All my consultations are available in person, by telephone or Skype. Inspirational Astrologer and Life Coach, Christine@restyleyourlife.co.uk | Telephone: 07813 483549 | www.restyleyourlife.co.uk

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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Grodzka Street

KRAKOW

Could this be the coolest city in europe right now? Cheap, cheerful and edgy, the Polish city now rivals Amsterdam in popularity. The party is in full swing as we walk into Plac Nowy (New Square) in the centre of Kazimierz, a little after 10pm on a hot August Saturday. Tables and chairs from cafes and bars that surround the scruffy but buzzing concrete market area, spill onto the pavements. Almost all of them are occupied by tourists, including groups of lairy ‘nurses’ and ‘convicts’, who look determined to drink the city dry as they shout their way from one drinking hole to the next. Krakow, the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland, plays host to an astonishing 10 million visitors a year; in most of them head for the city’s Main Square or the rejuvenated Jewish quarter, Kazimierz.

Amid diabolical scenes of brutality and depravation, that number nose dived almost immediately after the Nazis swept into town, in September, 1939. Some 52,000 Jews were forcibly deported, suffering atrocities in the nearby Plaszow labour camp (the setting for Steven Spielberg’s 1993 epic film, Schindler’s List) and the Auschwitz-Birkenau and Belzec death camps. After the war, Kazimierz was largely abandoned, many of its buildings becoming derelict and its streets dangerous.

But since 1989, when democracy returned to the country, Polish Jews have been free to reclaim confiscated buildings. Low property prices encouraged entrepreneurs to invest, and students looking for cheap accommodation followed, making their homes among the ancient synagogues and packed cemeteries. The ensuing years have seen a remarkable turnaround; the area is now home to a trendy jumble of tiny galleries, quirky shops, vintage clothing shops and a range of bars and restaurants to suit every taste and wallet.

But these busy old streets were not always a place of such merriment. Krakow’s Jewish community thrived here for more than 500 years and, by the beginning of the Second World War, had swelled to some 68,000 people, about a quarter of the city’s population.

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View of the Old Town

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Wawel Cathedral

Where to stay... Vienna House Andel’s Hotel One of the nicest and handiest hotels is this four-star property, a short walk from Krakow’s Main Square. Built in 2007, it has 159 rooms all big, beautiful and extremely comfortable. The property sits right next to a huge new shopping centre (Galeria Krakowska), opposite Krakow Glowny (the main railway station) and the city’s bus station. The ‘everything you could possibly think of breakfasts’ are a big hit and rooms cost from £72 per night. Visit www.viennahouse.com

Where to eat... Kogel Mogel Restaurant This beautifully furnished traditional restaurant in Sienna Street, near the Main Square, runs a hands-on lesson on how to make pierogi (Polish dumplings). Try them stuffed with potatoes and onion, minced veal and a mushroom sauce, or stewed sauerkraut and mushrooms. Dumplings workshops cost £52 per group (minimum seven people). Pierogi dishes from £6-£8pp. Visit www.kogel-mogel.pl/en Mavericks Restaurant, Vienna House Andel’s Hotel At this brightly coloured restaurant, Chef Marcin Socha and his staff serve up a deliciously eclectic Californian tasting/sharing menu with various Asian, Mexican and European influences, Expect big platters piled high with steak, prawns, cod, tuna, tacos, burgers and various accompaniments. Fine Californian

wines match the food perfectly. A six-course tasting menu for four costs about £18pp. Wine costs from £20-£55 per bottle. Visit www.viennahouse.com

Where to drink... Pijalnia Wodki I Piwa (Vodka and Beer Bar), Old Town No-frills bars, with their trademark old newspapers plastered all over the walls, are springing up all over Poland. Here you can eat, drink, and become very merry on a modest budget. Three pints of good local beer, a small red wine and three shots of lemon vodkas (it’s homemade and tastes just like lemon meringue, with a kick) costs less than a tenner. Snacks at less than £2 include beef tartare (served with a raw egg), herring in oil, white borscht (classic Polish soup) and a selection of toasties. More substantial, similarly low-cost meals are available. Visit www.pwip.com.pl Starka Restaurant & Vodkas, Kazimierz The choice of flavoured vodkas sold here is ridiculous, delicious, and all made by staff member Gabriel. Take your pick from a list that includes delightfully intense concoctions such as cranberry, ginger, raspberry, pear, rowanberry, blueberry, apple, mango, mandarin, pineapple. At less than £2 a pop (for a large glass), it could easily get silly. Visit starka-restauracja.pl

What to do... Krakow Old Town The UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the city’s Main Square (Rynek Glowny). This is the biggest medieval town square in Europe and hosts dozens of festivals every year, including Krakow’s famous Christmas Market. In the middle of the square is the magnificent Cloth Hall, home to upmarket craft stalls, cafes and a museum. On its eastern edge you will find the striking 14th Century brick-built St Mary’s Basilica; listen for the trumpet call played from the top of the tallest tower on the hour every hour. Auschwitz The former Polish military barracks is located in Oswiecim, about 40 miles to the west of Krakow. In 1941, a much bigger camp, Auschwitz II-Birkenau, was built less than two miles away, where up to 1.5 million people are believed to have died. The majority of them in gas chambers immediately after arrival. Visitors are advised to book a full-day tour with an agency (they are everywhere in Krakow; expect to pay between £25-£35pp), who will also arrange transport and a guide. Visit www.auschwitz.org/en Wieliczka Salt Mine Built on nine levels, this 700-year-old mine, a 30-minute drive south-east of Krakow, stretches for more than 180 miles and reaches a depth of almost 1,000ft. The three-hour underground visit includes about two miles of walking, hundreds of steps, and a peek at more than 20 chambers (on three levels, max depth 450ft), all hand-hewn from the glistening rock salt. The chambers include magnificent chapels (including the 100m-long St Kinga’s Chapel), a ballroom, dozens of superb statues (including one of ‘local lad’ Pope John Paul II), and a very good restaurant. Admission and guided tours from £18.50. Visit www.wieliczka-saltmine.com

Words Stephen White. How to get there: Wizzair (wizzair.com) flies to Katowice from Bristol, Doncaster-Sheffield, Glasgow and Luton from £17.99 (one way). Wizzair operates 80 routes from nine UK airports. The bus journey from Katowice Airport to Krakow takes about two hours and costs about £11pp (one way). For more information on the destination, see poland.travel/en and visitkrakow.com

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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Fundy Isles

WHALE FLUKES, LIGHTHOUSE REVIVALS AND MERMAID TEARS The coastal communities dedicated to the sea Generating the world’s highest tides, Canada’s Bay of Fundy is a marine wonder An enormous wave crashing against imaginary shores; a whale’s breath is one of the most soothing sounds in the ocean and it’s cause for excitement in the Passamaquoddy Bay. “There she blows!” cries our skipper Mackie Greene, pointing to a humpback cruising through waters packed with leisure vessels on a sunny weekend in the Canadian maritime province, New Brunswick. Whales are a regular sighting along these Atlantic coastlines, but this year more humpbacks, finbacks and minkes are visiting; all attracted by the movement of herring and word has spread quickly. “I’ve never seen so many boats,” admits Mackie, a rakish shy man with a tuft of moustache resting on his upper lip. During winter months

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he earns money as a lobster fisherman, but in summer his vessel is used for daily whale watching tours. Having not had a day off since the start of the season, he survives on cookies, candies and a passion for wildlife. In the Bay of Fundy, a body of wild water dotted with emeraldgreen islands, communities have learned to live with the sea, bowing to its strength and benefitting from its bounty; never underestimating the power it holds. Mindsets and landscapes have largely been shaped by the phenomenal tides, the highest in the world, with more than 160 billion tonnes of seawater flowing in and out of the bay twice a day. Like so many places on our planet the friction between nature and people is growing as greater pressure is placed on natural

resources; particularly when it comes to fishing.

A battle to save the whales Based on ancient methods for catching herring, circular wooden weirs loop around the shores of Campobello Island. Occasionally trapping bigger mammals with their one-way system. More dangerous are the fishing nets, which entangle many whales for up to weeks at a time. Eager to help, Mackie set up the Campobello Whale Rescue Team with his best friend Joe Howlett. “I love the whales,” he states, showing me some of the tools he’s designed to help cut whales free. “We can’t do everything, but we can do our bit. When we free them, they usually swim away quickly, but sometimes the humpbacks breach.

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

They’re so happy and thankful to be free.” Although rewarding, the job is fraught with danger; last year Joe was killed while attempting to rescue a North Atlantic right whale. Operations were suspended for some time, but last month, Mackie’s team made their first successful release - a humpback mother and her calf. “That felt good,” grins Mackie, who still quietly mourns the loss of his friend. On Campobello, an island kissing the US border and chosen as a holiday retreat by former President Franklin D. Roosevelt, I meet Moira Brown, a leading researcher on the North Atlantic right whale; the world’s most endangered whale with a population of just 525. With no calves spotted yet this year, their future hangs in the balance. The Bay of Fundy is a critical habitat for the mammals, although this year, they have shifted slightly further north to the Gulf of St Lawrence. Moira has been instrumental in canvassing the Canadian government to impose restrictions on shipping lanes, to avoid ship strikes. She admits very little is still known about the right whale and encourages tourists to look out for their distinctive V-shaped blow and callus-covered rostrums; any sightings can be registered on the free app Whale Alert - www.whalealert.org.

Don’t let lighthouses fade away The Bay of Fundy is one of the few places in the world where whales can swim past your doorstep; a regular occurrence in the largest island Grand Manan; a 90-minute ferry journey from St Andrew’s on the mainland and operating in its own little world. Houses are covered in cedar shingles, stained blue-grey by the sea air, and lobster buoys in a rainbow of colours are strung up like bunting along picket fences licked by magenta fireweed.

Restored Swallowtail Lighthouse on Grand Manan Island

was to be torn down, they intervened and purchased a 25-year lease on behalf of the community, but only after protesting to authorities. Ken says“We had 14,000 visitors last year, coming day and night to sit and relax,” he says, proudly pointing to benches fashioned from disused lobster cages, angled towards the sea. “I was here at 3am the other morning and I bumped into a group of people. I put a pot of coffee on and we sat up talking until 7am.” Ken has been working on Swallowtail with his friend Chris Mills, a former keeper who once manned a lighthouse perched on a rocky, wind-lashed outcrop known as Gannet Rock. “I miss the sound of crashing surf,” reminisces Chris, who’s wearing a T-shirt decorated with an illustration of his former home. A similar image is inked on his forearm as Gannet Rock is due to be torn down. The faded tattoo - and his cherished memories - could be the only associations Chris has left. Ken hopes to claim the lighthouse’s lamp for Swallowtail. The tower still serves as a beacon of safety for sailors caught in tidal rips; a functional fog horn proves to be an essential instrument in these parts.

white-outs having named a summer music festival in its honour - Fog Fest.

Mopping up mermaid tears Fortunately, by the time I reach Deer Island for my kayak tour with Seascape Kayak Tours, visibility has returned. A small car ferry trundles back and forth from L’Etete, where another community-rescued lighthouse gleams white against the lapis-blue sky. The absence of any wind allows me time to watch sea eagles swoop for fish as well as listen to a pod of synchronised porpoises puff like pistons on an aquatic steam train. Caught in a heat haze, the distant Wolf Islands quiver and levitate above the horizon, melting into a milky soup. We pull ashore for a picnic of wild raspberries and foraged beach peas, followed by games of stone skimming and a hunt for mermaid tears. Softened and shaped by rough waves, the small pieces of washed-up glass twinkle like jewels in a pirate’s chest; coveted ruby and sapphire drops being the hardest to find. Folklore suggests the tears are shed through sadness, but I prefer to think they come from joy.

An octagonal lighthouse built in 1860, Swallowtail, in North Head, is a great place to spot tail flukes and acrobatic seals.

As if on cue, fog curls across the Bay of Fundy - as expected and almost as regular as the tides. Wisps swirl and tumble, settling overnight into a thick, blank fuzz. It could be a cause for irritation, but Maritimers have learned to appreciate these

About six years ago, when Ken Ingersoll and his wife Laurie Murison discovered the iconic lighthouse that

Words: Sarah Marshall For more information on visiting New Brunswick, go to www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca. and Canada, visit uk-keepexploring.canada.travel.

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Although Maritimers and marine mammals are beset by challenges, the sea forms a bond stronger than any glue and inhabitants share one thing in common; an ability to weather storms, no matter how big.

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Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Removing Tree Stumps Is often problematic and a time-consuming exercise without the help of a good arborist, says Calibra Tree Surgeons.

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The root systems which the tree creates can differ depending on the species and age of the plant and often extend metres from the tree into and within flower beds or lawns. Stump grinding is a way of removing a tree stump as the blades cut at the stump creating ‘sawdust and woodchips’ until the stump has disappeared. You can use the woodchips and sawdust in your gardens and beds to conserve moisture, improve fertility and health of the soil, reduce weed growth and to enhance the visual appeal of the area. Stumps are best removed when the plants are dormant.

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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Home Renovation

A new beginning: Starting a building project feels exciting. You’re creating a new section of your home, designed uniquely for you, which is pretty special. Builders: Research the people who are going to take on your work. They’ll all have different work ethics, set-ups and costs. Ask around and find out if anyone can recommend a builder they have used; it’s surprising how many won’t! Contract: Once you’ve made a deal with a builder and the work’s secured, insist on a contract. This should tell you exactly what will be done when (week by week) and how much you need to pay at every stage. Remember to only pay that money when work’s completed as agreed. Dirt: Strap in for a few months of filth as there will be dust everywhere. Some builders are better than others when it comes to protecting you and your garden from the dirt. Extras: Beware - everything will have been priced up for you, but as the build progresses, there will be lots of additional opportunities for you to haemorrhage cash. The builders’ costs, for example, might include uber-cheap, ugly new radiators, but no doubt there’ll be an option to upgrade to much prettier ones, for a price of course. Frayed nerves: Going through a build is incredibly stressful and you might well need to take on the role of project manager, which is almost impossible if you’re trying to work and sort out your family at the same time. Be prepared for difficult conversations with the builders too; if you’re not happy with something, it won’t change unless you speak up.

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Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Getting cash out: If you’re trying to haggle and the only way to make things more affordable is to supply a lump sum of cash; you might be tempted (though we couldn’t possibly recommend it). Getting large amounts of money out of the bank can be troublesome, so beware. Holidays: A holiday feels so good in the midst of a build, but remember builders often work on several jobs at the same time, so if someone else is around and shouting louder, people may get moved off your project onto theirs. Itemisation: When the builder gives you your contract, go through it with a fine-tooth comb to check if anything’s missing. If you’re ordering a new kitchen or bathroom, check the itemised list. You may have spent days in the shop talking through it all and working out what you want with the supplier, but that doesn’t mean they won’t incorrectly order something. Jargon: There will be lots of things you won’t know the names of. When builders, plumbers or electricians litter their updates with words you don’t understand, ask what they mean. Keys: Your builders are likely to need their own set of keys, so be prepared to get a set cut, and to trust them in your home. Otherwise you’ll need to remain in the house the whole time. Lost stuff: Anything you leave on site is likely to end up in a skip if it’s not needed, and things like light fittings or thermostats can easily get mislaid. Mess: Strap yourself in for a messy few months. You’ll have stuff on top of stuff, on top of stuff. It can be a nightmare. Never-ending: The builders might tell you eight weeks, you’ll estimate 12, but when they’re still at it during week 14, you might feel like you want to explode. Building work takes a long time and can often drag on. Open plan: This is the look so many of us are trying to achieve. Open plan living’s what modern life is all about, a real home hub where everyone can be together, perfect for families and entertaining. Think about storage and wall space. Portaloo: They’re not pretty but if having a portaloo stops dusty builders using yours, its worth it. Check if it’s included as standard in your job price.

Queen-size tantrums and emotions: Nothing can really prepare you for the stress building work puts on your life. You’ll be snappy, ratty, emotional and generally quite unpleasant whenever you’re inside the house.

Various people: Building firms use different people for different types of work, so you could see a lot of different faces over the course of the work. It’s a good idea to try and get to know them all as you’ll feel easier about being in the house with them.

Real-life blur: Once you’re a good six weeks into a build something happens to your brain. You’re no longer able to retain any additional information that isn’t written down and have to take each and every day as it comes. Planning ahead can no longer happen.

Wall cracks: When you knock down walls and do extensions, you put the rest of the house under severe pressure. Supports will be put in place to ensure it’s safe but you will discover lots of brand new cracks, around windows, across corners and over ceilings. This can be alarming but it happens. Wait for the house to settle (usually at least six months is advised), then fill in the cracks and redecorate.

Skips: When you’re having building work done, a skip is one of the first arrivals. Don’t get too excited about using it to chuck out some big old bits of rubbish you’ve been hoarding for the last 17 years, though. Generally, builders might let you pop in the odd thing, but if you take advantage, they’ll charge you for the cost of the skip - which can be expensive. Prepare yourself for scavengers too; scrap metal dealers will come and rummage at all hours. Same goes for neighbours looking for matching bricks and tiles, and complete randoms hoping for treasure. Timings: We all know a builder’s schedule is unlikely to go completely to plan. Be prepared to be flexible as it’s worth the wait. Under the ground: You might have to wave goodbye to bits of your garden or a beloved rose bush when it’s dug up to provide the soak away. The tunnels and pipes are often necessary for plumbing work, but rest assured, the garden will grow back.

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

X-rated language: It’s not sweary builders you need to worry about, but your own language. Stay calm by organising time away from the house and go to the gym for example. Yes please: Remember everything you say ‘yes’ to could cost you money. Some builders are more upfront about it than others. So if you’re asked if you’d like something a bit different, be sure to check whether it’s included in the price. Zoo-like behaviour: Most reputable firms will use good staff, but there’s always the odd one - possibly the labourer doing all the horrible jobs - who might not be quite as tidy and polite as you might like. Be sure to give them mugs you’re happy to throw away for their cuppas, prepare for mud getting everywhere and cover up any areas, like stair carpets and hallway with sticky, plastic coverings. You’ll really appreciate it come the end of the build.

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Upgrading Your Shower! A decent shower is one of the most important aspects of our daily routines and they are such a common place feature in our homes that it’s difficult to imagine life without them as it helps us revive, restore and set us up for the day ahead. If you’re thinking of upgrading...

Make sure any new model is compatible with your home’s plumbing system

It’s surprising how many homeowners don’t know the type of plumbing system installed in their home. However, if you’re planning on having a new shower installed, this is the first thing you need to find out, to make the process smoother and ensure the model you choose is compatible with your home’s plumbing. “If you have a cold-water tank in your loft, and a hot-water cylinder in your airing cupboard, then you most likely have a gravity system,” says Roland Boal, lead industrial designer at Mira Showers (mirashowers.co.uk). “If you have a boiler the size of a small kitchen cupboard somewhere in your house, and you don’t have [separate] hot and cold-water tanks, then this is most likely a high-pressure system,” Boal adds.

Design options are endless so do some homework first

More and more importance is being placed on bathroom design, with an array of bathroom designers offering all sorts of shower models, from sleek and modern to functional and eco-friendly.

It’s a good idea to do a little research and get an idea of what you’re looking for before taking the plunge and upgrading. “Walk-in showers are a popular way of optimising space in what is typically a compact room,” Cortes adds. “Using the same material inside and outside the shower evokes a sense of continuity, rather than segmenting the area into smaller sections, creating the illusion of more space than there actually is.”

Little features and design additions can make a big difference

Whether it’s a multi-setting shower head or a wall-mounted storage tray, modern designs allow you to add a variety of useful features to your shower. Margaret Talbot, marketing manager of VitrA UK (vitra.co.uk), says: “A shower seat, either freestanding or a fold-up model attached to the wall, is a comfortable addition. Don’t forget to add a towel rail and a wall-mounted storage basket for shampoo. If you’re planning an over-bath shower though, forget about shower curtains - they don’t contain the water effectively.”

Look for energy-saving options too

According to the Environment Agency, the average UK household uses 140 litres of water each day, with showers being responsible for around 30% of this. Andy Grigor, head of design and innovation at Methven (methven.com),

says: “Making your bathroom more eco-friendly can save you money in the long run. If you’re looking to save on your energy bills, opting for a low-flow shower handset is one of the simplest ways to do this. Alternatively consider trying an ‘air shower head’ instead - these are designed to mix air and water in order to create the feel of a power shower while still being more energy and water-efficient.” Matt Poll, CEO and founder of the UK’s first smart home insurance provider, Neos (neos.co.uk), says: “Smart home technology is a great option to look into when upgrading your shower, allowing you to help prevent leaks escalating. Some insurers now offer smart home technology as part of your package, so it’s worth looking around to see what you can get. “If you’re having complex pipework laid, for example a wet room, it’s a good idea to look into some wireless, Wi-Fi-enabled leak sensors. They can be installed in minutes and mean the smallest of leaks can be detected, both while the work is being carried out and down the line, when the pipework might be hidden away behind tiles.”

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Next Edition November/December 2018 Deadline 10th October Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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Changing A Plug “Changing a plug is a fairly straightforward job but, as always, use common sense and be wary,” says Carl Meredith from MyJobQuote.co.uk “Safety needs to come first, and of course, if you’re not sure, call in the professionals.” Unscrew the plug Unscrew and remove the cover of the plug and the flex clamp using the screwdriver, with the screw located in the centre of the underside of the plug. Loosen the bar Once open, you will see a see a fuse, three terminals with small screws on, and a small bar at the bottom that’s also held in by screws. Loosen this bar, because this is where the wires need to enter the plug. Remove the wires Unscrew all of the terminals to loosen the wires so you can remove them. Do not remove the terminal screw completely, just loosen it until the wire can be pulled out. Note that if you’re changing a factory-fitted plug,

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you’ll need to cut the wires, because factory-fitted plugs are fused, which means the casing can’t be unscrewed to allow you to access the terminals. Trim the wires “If you do have to cut the wires, or if they look a bit straggly at the ends, you’ll need to cut them back a bit so that you’re working with neat ends. Use wire cutters for this.” You should strip roughly 0.5-1cm off of the end of the blue, brown and striped wires, so that the copper insides are clearly visible.

The terminal to the right is the brown wire and is labelled with an ‘L’ for live, so you always know this one is connected to the fuse.

Re-wire the plug Pass the wires through the hole or space at the bottom of the new plug and then insert each wire into the correct terminal (they should be labelled).

Tidy it all up Tighten the terminal screws down and ensure there is no copper wire exposed outside of the terminal.

The one on the left is for the blue wire and will be labelled with an ‘N’ - that’s the neutral wire. The terminal at the top - located directly above the main cable - is for the green and yellow wire. It’s labelled with a little lined triangle pointing downwards - a bit like an arrow - that’s the earth wire.

You may have to twist the ends together, so you don’t have frayed ends sitting outside the terminals. Remove the fuse if there is one in place, to give you more room to work.

Screw on the wire holder Lay all the wires flat into their channels, and screw the wire holder at the bottom back down. Finishing touches Insert the fuse, if you removed it and screw the cover back on nice and tight.

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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Choosing your Bespoke Glass Splashbacks Bespoke glass splashbacks are fast becoming the wallpaper of the kitchen. They are one of the first elements of the kitchen you notice as soon as you step inside. So how do you choose what colour, pattern, or picture to have in your new kitchen?

The lovely thing about splashbacks is that you don’t need a large area to make an impact. You can be as bold as you wish and really make your kitchen unique to you. At Ashford Kitchens, there are a range of 44 standard colours to choose from, and that’s just the beginning! Standard colours, also include special effects such as sparkle, satin, metallic and shimmer finishes, if you fancy getting a little bit more out of your backsplash, without taking away from the standard colour you choose! Express yourself with your new glass splashback. You could choose your favourite colour, a pattern that reflects the mood of your new space, a scene of somewhere that means something to you or a pattern that you just absolutely adore and would like to show off to everyone around you. You could even choose one of the many kinetic patterns if you are dying for an abstract splashback in your new kitchen! You can add a natural feel into your new space, by incorporating a splashback such as the one pictured. Adding this can create a much calmer space, and something to really stand out in your kitchen. The beauty of the splashbacks being bespoke means that it does not break up the picture. Unlike tiles, glass splashbacks do not

supply-only option on some singular panel purchases. have grout lines, which means it is easier to keep clean and much more hygienic. Adding a feature such as the ocean splashback, really does add a soothing and calming atmosphere to the kitchen space. We love the idea of these landscape splashbacks and the moods that they reflect. As the kitchen becomes the ‘hub of the home’ making it a welcoming and calming environment is essential; these splashbacks do this effortlessly. Splashbacks also appear to make the room look larger by reflecting the light in the space. They are toughened to withstand a heat source and because they are bespoke, they can incorporate socket cut outs, holes or notches. A full template and installation service is provided when your glass splashback is purchased through Ashford Kitchens & Interiors; we can also offer a

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

If you are looking for a glass splashback in your kitchen and would like to change the look of your kitchen with a bespoke piece unique to you, come into one of our large showrooms to see the range of designs and colours we have on offer and pick the perfect splashback for you! Our showrooms in Ashford, Middlesex and Farnham Common, Buckinghamshire are open 9:00 – 17:30 Monday to Saturday.

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 Ashford 01784 245964 or Farnham Common 01753 642362

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How to be a happier renter Abi Jackson Nobody dreams of renting a house forever - but if this is the situation you’re in, you may as well make the most of it. It’s your home - except, well, it’s not really, is it? Somebody else is the boss of it, which - while there are some pros to this there are plenty of cons too. As somebody who’s been renting for two decades, I’ve learnt (often the hard way) that there are certain things you can do to help make living as a rent-paying tenant the best it can possibly be. Be on good terms with your landlord/letting agent When you’re looking for a place to rent, remember you’re vetting the people you’ll be renting with/from, as much as the property itself. Mutual trust and respect, and an ability to communicate, will count towards a lot. There might be times when things go wrong and need to be fixed, fast. A broken toilet/tap/boiler, for instance. The good thing is, where a plumbing disaster due to wear-and-tear or technical issues is concerned (or any similar scenario), your landlord will be picking up the bill. The sometimes not so good thing is, you’ll be relying on a third party to sort things out. Now, this doesn’t automatically mean you’ve got a headache on your hands; it might be a bit of a nuisance but you’ll be doing yourself a big favour if you get on good communication terms with your landlord/letting agent from day one, rather than waiting until something ‘goes wrong’ to make contact. Streamline, streamline, streamline It’s often said that our European cousins are much better at the whole

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renting game than us, being far more likely to rent their ‘forever home’, while us UK renters might find ourselves moving a lot (I stopped counting at 13), and it sucks. The good thing is you’ll get so sick of packing and unpacking and losing money to removal vans, you’ll reach a point where you just don’t care for ‘stuff’ any more. Do yourself a favour and get strict about the ‘stuff’ you let into your life. The next move will be a lot easier and, without even really trying, you’ll be living a less consumerist lifestyle and will have more money to spend on experiences (tick, tick, tick). Give yourself reasons to get out of the house Live in a shared house? No matter how great your housemates are, there will be times when you desperately wish you could afford your own place. Plus, self-comparison is part of the human condition, and if there are moments of mild (or severe) despair, when you’re wondering how you’ve not managed to bag that mortgage yet, while everyone around you is upgrading their kitchen you’re not alone. Until that day comes, you need to make the best of the situation you’re in now and embracing life outside your four walls. Make dates with friends, join a club, go for walks, volunteer in your local community (no seriously, try it). Your life will be richer, your mental wellbeing will benefit, and you’ll find yourself seething about coming home to an already-occupied sofa a lot less. Make your bed king You might not own the bed frame, or the walls around it - but that does not mean you don’t own the right to a decent night’s sleep. Good sleep is the foundation of so many things!

(your health, your work performance, your overall zest for life and all the people in it) - so prioritise it renting doesn’t have to mean putting up with a, wafer-thin mattress or notquite-right bedding. If your landlord doesn’t feel the same way, save up and invest in the best mattress you can afford (it’ll be some of the best money you’ve ever spent) and a pillow you look forward to sinking your head into every night. Treat yourself to some fabulous bed linen too; as far as ‘home purchases’ go, you can pick up some great designs at reasonable prices, and you’ll get way more pleasure from it than a TV upgrade. Find ways to get personal One of the most frequently-cited phrases among us long-term renters: ‘I just want to be able to hang whatever pictures I want on the walls!’ There’s a general assumption that landlords don’t want tenants to make their house too much of a home (by banging nails into walls, that sort of thing). Have you actually asked your landlord about this though? There’s no harm in asking. Even if nails are out, there are lots of other ways you can personalise a space without permanently affecting the actual walls or structure. Get creative and remember that little touches can make a big difference. Everybody needs some home comforts, even if it’s just a throw from Matalan, a few coloured utensils in the kitchen or a stack of books on the coffee table that light a spark every time your eye catches them. You may not be putting down permanent roots in this property, but right now, it’s home - so don’t underestimate the importance of making it feel that way.

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Autumn colours explained There’s something about trees. They’re solid and dependable, yet never the same. Their changing colours are a barometer of the seasons, inspiring us annually with fresh green shoots in spring and a glorious red-gold autumn display. What causes their extraordinary transformation at this time of year? What’s going on and how do they know when it’s time to turn? Autumn is when our native British trees come into their own in the Chilterns countryside. On a bright October day in the parkland at Hughenden, on the wooded estate at Greys Court or on the steep edge of the Thames at Cliveden, our rolling woodlands are aflame with colour and it’s the perfect time for a walk. Autumn colour in the woodland starts with the kind of summer we have. The leaves are busy soaking up the sunlight of the long days for the tree to use as fuel. The green pigment (cholorophyll) absorbs the light and uses it to process carbon dioxide from the air and water from rainfall to create oxygen and glucose. Through this process of photosynthesis, the sugar is used as energy to grow the tree and the oxygen diffuses into the air that we breathe. ‘After a dry summer with lots of sunshine like this one, autumn comes early and as long as there’s no frost, we’ll get a good autumn colour that lasts,’ says National Trust forester Tony Knight.

After a good summer, the trees have been able to build up plenty of sugars in their leaves. As the daylight hours get shorter towards autumn, the sun is at a lower angle and the air becomes cooler. This triggers changes in the plant chemistry of deciduous trees. The veins that carry fluids in and out of the leaf gradually close off, the chlorophyll breaks down and the strong green pigments fade away. The yellow and orange pigments, which have been there all along, but obscured by the bright green, are freed to flame into colour. We see this in the beech trees which turn glowing bronze in the autumn. Beech likes the chalk soils of the Chilterns and many were planted in the last century to feed the thriving chair-making industry centred around High Wycombe. The industry has largely died out but the trees remain and make lovely walking woods. Beeches, because of their dense foliage prevent the growth of an understorey so the brambles and bracken only tend to grow in isolated clearings. This makes log-balancing, tree-climbing and aimless wandering that much easier!

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Some of the best trees for rich red and purple colours are maples, oaks, cherries and dogwoods. These red and purple shades appear when glucose is trapped in the leaves when photosynthesis stops. Under autumn sunlight and cool nights, the glucose is chemically broken down, causing those bright crimson and plum colours. The brighter the sunlight in the autumn, the greater the production of anthocyanin (red and purple) pigments and the more brilliant the colour display. Different trees, even different parts of the same trees, pass through these changes at slightly differing rates. This gives us the dynamic, shifting range of autumnal colours we enjoy each year. Autumn can come as early as mid-September but if it stays dry, the colours can continue well into November. Make the most of the colour while it lasts with the National Trust’s great range of autumn walks organised into short, moderate and longer routes with step-by-step directions so you can explore without getting lost. Words Katy Dunn

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autumn wildlife Jacky & Mark Bloomfield Autumn is a special time of year as our countryside becomes bathed in beautiful reds and golds as the low sun filters through the turning leaves. About this time, we start our own preparations for the forthcoming winter. The BBQ and the lawn mower are put away and with the longer evenings, thoughts turn to putting the heating on. Just as we prepare, so does our wildlife. Some wildlife starts their migration to warmer climates. For others it’s time to use the autumn bonanza to stock up for the hardships of winter. Several species see out our winters by hibernating and they need to put on enough fat to sleep through the cold weather until spring arrives. One of the most endearing animals that share our gardens is the Hedgehog. These animals, small and loveable all be it in a spiky sort of way, are at their most active during the autumn. The challenge for all Hedgehogs is to put on enough weight during the brief autumn bonanza to sustain them through winter hibernation. Hedgehogs, as the name suggests were often found in hedgerows. These offered a good supply of invertebrates to feed on and plenty of nest sites. As our hedgerows became scarcer, the Hedgehog has to find alternative accommodation – our gardens. With almost half a million hectares of

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gardens in Britain they are now an important refuge. Hedgehogs have become our companions by using our gardens as a place to breed, rest and hibernate. As a result Hedgehogs flourished and then the great garden fashion disaster hit the humble Hedgehog. Gardens became places to park a car. Easy to maintain grass replaced borders. Overgrown corners got cleared up. We wanted privacy to enjoy the decking craze, large Hedgehog proof fences went up all around our gardens. Now, it’s time for us to put something back. If you’ve got a fence all-around your garden, what about cutting a 14 x 14 cm hole in the bottom of one of the panels? Hedgehogs roam about 2km a night; a small hole allows them access to your garden.

You can help your local Hedgehogs, by providing supplementary food. Meat-based cat or dog food, special hedgehog food, along with a few crushed unsalted peanuts, raisins or mealworms are all great for a hungry Hedgehog. Don’t forget to put out some water too. Milk and bread is not good for them, it makes them ill. A Hibernacula, is the name given to the nests in which Hedgehogs hibernate. These can be in log piles, compost heaps, patches of brush or in a specially built hedgehog nest box. Rather than clearing up all those dead leaves, leave some for the Hedgehogs, they make ideal bedding material. In the last 16 years, we have lost 30% of our Hedgehogs. Evidence suggests that the population is decreasing by 5% per year. Before you retreat indoors for the winter, spend a few minutes making your garden a Hedgehog haven.

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio What is it? Yes, that’s right, it’s yet another SUV. However, this is built by a company known for doing things slightly different: Alfa Romeo. The Stelvio is Alfa’s very first SUV, and it enters into an incredibly busy segment. What’s New? Alfa Romeo, being a manufacturer of dynamically capable vehicles, has worked hard to ensure the Stelvio is geared towards ‘sporty’ driving more than other SUVs on the market today. As such, you’ll find it has perfect 50/50 weight distribution and suspension set up to provide a more dynamic drive, rather than an overtly comfortable one. They’ve also carried over many of the features which were popular on the Giulia saloon; the gearshift paddles, for instance, are massive and crafted from aluminium, while the steering rack is quicker than you’d expect . What’s under the Bonnet? This test car came fitted with the most powerful unit, a 2.2-litre, 207bhp turbocharged powerplant. The performance is brisk, with the sprint to 60mph settled in 6.4 seconds with the top speed is set at 134mph. Despite this, the Stelvio still has a claimed economy of 58.9mpg, while emissions are reasonable at 127g/km CO2. Save for the very lowest-output cars, all

Stelvios benefit from four-wheel-drive, with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. What’s It Like To Drive? The ride suffers a little at low speeds, with its overall firmness transferring imperfections on the road surface into the cabin. It means that when pottering around town, the Stelvio feels a little unsettled. However, as you increase in speed, the car’s suspension begins to make sense, where it manages body roll well and allows you to corner confidently. The steering gives the whole car an eagerness when turning at faster speeds. One aspect which threw up a few issues was the fuel gauge on our car, beacuse at one point it showed 40 miles of range remaining, but this dropped to zero after one corner. How Does It Look? There’s the large triangle grille at the front, angled headlights and, of course, the all-important offset number plate. It’s a good-looking design and markedly different to the remaining offerings in the SUV segment. Our test car also featured yellow brake calipers and 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, which aided the overall sporty look. The rear end of the car sports large exhaust pipes giving the car a particularly sporty appearance, along

with front and rear parking sensors, a power tailgate and an eight speaker sound system and infotainment system. What’s It Like Inside? The steering position is good with plenty of adjustment and the electric front seats can be set to exactly the right position with little effort. There are harsher plastics here, for sure, the material used for the gearshift surround is quite hard, and the gearstick has an annoyingly sharp edge to it, but for the most part it’s a comfortable and well-made place to be. The rear seats offer plenty of space, and though the sloped roofline does cut into headroom levels somewhat, there should more than enough for averagesized passengers. The boot space has 525 litres of seats-up capacity trumping that of the Porsche Macan. Verdict The Stelvio does things a little differently compared to usual SUVs. It’s still a comfortable cruiser, but comes alive when the roads get twisty, and exhibits a driving experience like few other cars in its segment. It looks special too, and does well to appear different against the similarly-sized cars currently on the roads. The Stelvio offers up just a touch more involvement for the driver, which is why it’s well worth considering. Jack Evans

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Coffee Break Across 1. Notice dog inside is safe (6) 4. Get right into a party, with it and skilful (6) 9. Leave sauna in a hurry, then come to a halt (3,3,2,5) 10. Secretary placed advertisement in colour and showed off (7) 11. One who has new or used, perhaps (5) 12. Egg-shaped egg and tea drunk after five (5) 14. A member, by the way, will put his foot down (5) 18. Place embargo on nobleman (5)

Down 1. Cast lines about tear in street (6) 2. Provocative rain cover lost in a storm (13) 3. Revolution - one shot fired (5)

7. Sound quality of network in duration (6) 8. Elevated ground in London (5)

21. Anaesthetic for back operation is terrifying (5-8)

16. May show strength (5)

22. Drop in liquid until the egg starts to thin (6)

17. Black bird leading a dog’s life (6)

23. Position is set - can be adjusted (6)

20. Servant put the French in tank (5)

13. Dark chap on the Circle Line (7)

15. A form of transport press 19. Implicate 5 in love trouble (7) chief criticised (6)

5. Stepped up round first twist (7) 6. Small chance of finding a worthy fellow (3,2,1,7)

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Down: 1 Script; 2 Controversial; 3 Round; 5 Distort; 6 One in a million; 7 Timbre; 8 Lords; 13 Tangent; 15 Abused; 16 Might; 17 Beagle; 20 Valet.

Across: 1 Secure; 4 Adroit; 9 Run out of steam; 10 Paraded; 11 Owner; 12 Ovate; 14 Stamp; 18 Baron; 19 Involve; 21 Spine-chilling; 22 Dilute; 23 Stance.

VEHICLE SERVICING REPAIRS & MOTs Tel: 01628 850 000 • • • • • •

www.mavs.co.uk

General car repairs and maintenance Free courtesy car available Tyres, exhausts and batteries supplied and fitted Latest diagnostic equipment for all makes of vehicle Air conditioning service available 35 years experience Alexander House, Wessex Industrial Estate, Bourne End email: info@mavs.co.uk

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Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Diary Dates September, October and November Now – 28 Oct: ‘Storytelling in the Secret Garden’ the fairy tale retelling of Lady Brunner’s childhood, the house will be transformed with the memories of its former owner, re-imagined through the stories and tales she so loved growing up, 13:00-13:30 and 14:00-14:30 free event, admission applies, Grey’s Court, Rotherfield Greys, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 4PG, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Now – 30 Oct: ‘Guided House Tours’ to discover more about the fabulous Cliveden House. These tours allow you to see some of the rooms that were once home to Nancy and Waldorf Astor, 11:00-12:30, Adults £2, Child £1, Cliveden National Trust, Cliveden Rd, Taplow SL1 8NS, www.cliveden@nationaltrust.org.uk Now – Nov: ‘A Room of One’s Own’ in partnership with Paines Plough, an audio experience as part of the National Trust’s 2018 programme ‘Women and Power’. You’ll hear the stories and reputations about

four influential women of Cliveden, Cliveden National Trust, Cliveden Rd, Taplow SL1 8NS, www.cliveden@nationaltrust.org.uk Now – 01 Nov: ‘Celebrate the Feminine: Statue Trail’ explore a selection of Cliveden’s world-renowned statuary collection, chosen exclusively by our onsite art curator, 10:00-16:00, Admission Charges apply, Cliveden National Trust, Cliveden Rd, Taplow SL1 8NS, www.cliveden@nationaltrust.org.uk Now – 30 Nov: ‘The Royal Gifts of Hughendon’ Benjamin Disraeli, Hughenden’s famous resident, was Queen Victoria’s favourite prime minister. Discover the stories behind the gifts she gave him, 11:00-15:00, Adults £35, Hughendon Manor, Valley Rd, High Wycombe, HP14 4LA, www.hughendon@nationaltrust.org.uk

September

09: ‘Gravity Grand Prix’ races from 13:30, @ggprix

Now – 30: ’NGS Open Gardens’ Red Kites, Bledlow Ridge, Bucks, 14:00-17:00, Cost £4, Children Free, Homemade teas available. Open until 30th September e: lesterry747@gmail.com

10: ‘The Cliveden Suite’ 10:00-17:30, Celebrate the opening of the Sounding Chamber – 4 pieces of music inspired by Cliveden Women, Cliveden National Trust, Cliveden Rd, Taplow SL1 8NS, www.cliveden@nationaltrust.org.uk, B 0344 249 1895

Now – 30: ’NGS Open Gardens’ Handpost, Berkshire, 14:30-17:00, Children Free, Homemade teas available, Faith@mycountrygarden.co.uk Now – 30: ’NGS Open Gardens’ St Timothee, Maidenhead, 11:00-16:30, Cost £4, Children Free, Homemade teas available, e: pajwanisarah@gmail.com Now – 05 Oct: ‘Surrey Sculpture Society Exhibition’ 10:00, Savill Garden, Wick Lane, Englefield Green TW20 0UU 09: ‘Henley 10k Challenge’ 10:00, starts and finishes at Mill Meadows by the Bridge, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1BF, www.thamespathchallenge.com Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

13: ‘Planting for Autumn Colour – Carolyn Foster’ 19:00, Stubbings Nursery Evening Talks, £29.95 includes the talk, demos and light dinner in café, www.stubbingsnursery.co.uk 13-15: ‘West Wycombe Chamber Music Festival’ now in its eighth year; created by the internationally acclaimed viola player Lawrence Power St Lawrence’s Church, on the hilltop of West Wycombe, www.westwycombechambermusic.org.uk 15: ‘Cookham Dean Village Fete’ 13:00-17:00 The Old Cricket Common, Cookham Dean 15+16: ‘Hughendon’s 1940’s Extravaganza’ Hughendon Manor, Valley Rd, High Wycombe, HP14 4LA, www.hughendon@nationaltrust.org.uk

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17: Boutique Cinema ‘One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ at Clayton’s Oxford Road, cinema caters for 25 people, entrance is free, however bookings are only taken if you are having dinner with us, screening starts 20:00 – 01628 448404, www.claytonsmarlow.com 20: ‘Marlow Archaeology Society + Archaeology in Marlow ‘The Boxford Mosaic – Steve Clark’ at Liston Hall, 20:00: www.marlowarchaeology.org www.archaeologyinmarlow.org.uk 22: ‘Henley Beer Festival’ Henley Rugby Club, Marlow Rd, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2JA, from 12:00 24: Boutique Cinema ‘On Chesil Beach’ at Clayton’s Oxford Road, cinema caters for 25 people, entrance is free, however bookings are only taken if you are having dinner with us, screening starts 20:00 – 01628 448404, www.claytonsmarlow.com 28+29+30: ‘Chiltern Arts Concert Autumn Weekend: Bach & Beyond’ 3 days of exploring the music of Bach, www.chilternarts.com 29+30: Birds of Prey’ spectacular birds of prey take wing and demonstrate their breath-taking flying skills with twice-daily flight displays and the chance to meet the birds and their handlers to learn all there is to know about these magnificent hunters, Wisley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB. 01483 224234 www.rhs.org.uk/wisley 29-07 Oct: ‘Henley Literary Festival’ 10:00, various locations, www.henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk 30: ‘Windsor Half Marathon’ 10:00, Windsor Great Park, www.runwindsor.com

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October 01 - 31: ‘Autumn Festival’ celebrate Hughendon’s countryside and gardens including demonstrations and local produce for sale, Hughendon Manor, Valley Rd, High Wycombe, HP14 4LA, www.hughendon@nationaltrust.org.uk, B 0344 249 1895 02:‘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, www.rebellionbeer.co.uk 04: ‘Marlow Archaeology Society: Monumental Activity at Riding Court Farm, Datchet – John Powell’ at Liston Hall, 20:00: www.marlowarchaeology.org 06+07: ‘Apple Weekend’ located in the Round Garden, a working apple orchard which supplied the Mansion, Cliveden National Trust, Cliveden Rd, Taplow SL1 8NS, www.cliveden@nationaltrust.org.uk, B 0344 249 1895 08: Boutique Cinema ‘Lady bird’ at Clayton’s Oxford Road, cinema caters for 25 people, entrance is free, however bookings are only taken if you are having dinner with us, screening starts 20:00 – 01628 448404, www.claytonsmarlow.com 08: ‘Oktoberfest at Windsor Racecourse’ SL4 5JJ, £5 per adult, Book online 12: ‘Laurie Holoway Concert’ Holy Trinity Church, Cookham, 19:00, tickets Elizabeth House & Stationery Depot, www.cookham.com

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

14: ‘The Twilight Walk, Windsor’ Windsor Leisure Centre, SL4 5JB, 10km walk from 15:00-21:00, to book 01252 749043

if you are having dinner with us, screening starts 20:00 01628 448404, www.claytonsmarlow.com 22-26: ‘Pumpkin Carving’ carve your own pumpkin to take home with you, Hughendon Manor, Valley Rd, High Wycombe, HP14 4LA, www.hughendon@nationaltrust.org.uk, B 0344 249 1895

15: Boutique Cinema ‘The Breakfast Club’ at Clayton’s Oxford Road, cinema caters for 25 people, entrance is free, however bookings are only taken if you are having dinner with us, screening starts 20:00 – 01628 448404, www.claytonsmarlow.com 17-21: ‘Taste of Autumn’ the best of the season at Wisley’s harvest celebration. See the orchard laden with fruit, the garden awash with autumn colour, and prepare to be tempted by a range of delicious local and artisan food and drink stalls, Wisley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB 01483 224234 www.rhs.org.uk/wisley 18: ‘Archaeology in Marlow: Wycombe Museum in the 21st Century – Keith Spencer’ at Liston Hall, 20:00: www.archaeologyinmarlow.org.uk 20: ‘Halloween Trail’ Stonor Park, RG9 6HF 20 – 04 Nov: ‘Room on the Broom’ Half Term Family Fun’, October half term fun with spooky trails around the garden, creepy crafts and a variety of fun activities, including pumpkin carving, Wisley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB. 01483 224234 www.rhs.org.uk/wisley 22: Boutique Cinema ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ at Clayton’s Oxford Road, cinema caters for 25 people, entrance is free, however bookings are only taken

29: Boutique Cinema ‘Ghostbusters (1984)’ at Clayton’s Oxford Road, cinema caters for 25 people, entrance is free, however bookings are only taken if you are having dinner with us, screening starts 20:00 01628 448404, www.claytonsmarlow.com

November 06:‘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, www.rebellionbeer.co.uk 08: ‘Marlow Archaeology Society: Buckinghamshire’s Saxon Prince, the burial at Taplow – Leslie Webster’ at Liston Hall, 20:00: www.marlowarchaeology.org www.archaeologyinmarlow.org.uk For more information or additional events Marlow Information Centre on 01628 483597 Maidenhead Library on 01628 796969 Henley Library on 01491 575278. At time of print all dates are correct.

WE’RE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR FRESH NEW MUSICAL TALENT IN MARLOW AND CLOSE BY WHAT IS ‘UP NEXT’?

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Marlow is full of incredibly creative people that have accomplished incredible things. We at Marlow FM want to be the catalyst for supporting even more talent though some amazing opportunities. Think you’ve got something special? Then apply now for Marlow FM’s ‘Up Next’ and discover where our support can take you.

We’re looking for solo artists or bands who think they have the charisma and talent to go far in the music industry. If you’re starting out, or maybe you’ve been gigging for a number of years, we want to hear from you. All we need is a bio, links to social media, and any tracks you’ve recorded. It doesn’t have to be professionally done; take your phone out and do a quick recording!

Studio T: 01628 488975 Studio Txt: 07900 975 975 E: studio@marlowfm.co.uk

WHAT’S UP FOR GRABS? Each ‘Up Next’ artist will receive a deep-dive interview with one of our in-the-know DJ’s, a chance to hear your tracks all over Marlow FM and perform at some of the biggest events around. We want to highlight your hard work to a new audience and help you get the kickstart you need. Think you’ve got what it takes? Apply @ upnext.marlowfm.co.uk/about/apply-now/

MFMAlong LivingThe Ad 04-2018.indd 1 Living Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

10/4/18 10:32:28

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Ongoing Events Marlow Museum Mar – Oct 13:00 - 17:00: Sat, Sun & Bank holidays Nov – Feb: 14:00 – 16:00 Sun | www.marlowmuseum.uk Maidenhead Heritage Centre 10: 00 - 16:00 Tues - Sat & 2nd Sunday of month www.maidenheadheritage.org.uk Stanley Spencer Gallery 08 Nov – 24 Mar 2019 | Thurs – Sun 11:00 – 16:30 Closed 24 & 25 Dec | www.stanleyspencer.org.uk Marlow Camera Club Tuesday | 19:45 - 20:00 | The Methodist Church Hall, Spittal Street, Marlow, SL7 3HJ Maidenhead Camera Club Tuesday, Cox Green Community Centre | 01628 630861 Henley Photographic Club Tuesday | 20:00 - 22:00 | YMCA Hall, off Waterman’s Road, Henley | www.henleyphotoclub.com High Wycombe Croquet Club April-August | Friday 10:00 -12:00 & Sundays 10:00 - 16:00 Hazlemere Rec Grd, Amersham Rd, Hazlemere, HP15 7QW www.hwcroquetclub.com | 01494 858202

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The East Berks RSPB Group Monthly | 7.30pm to 9.30pm on Thursdays High Street Methodist, Church Hall, Maidenhead www.eastberksrspb.org.uk 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 01494 714486 | www.southbuckshfwalkingclub.co.uk Henley & Goring Ramblers No need to book, just turn up | www.ramblers-oxon.org.uk Maidenhead National Trust Second Thursday, except August United Reformed Church Hall, West St, Maidenhead www.Maidenheadnta.org.uk. Midsomer Murder Filming Locations 17 Mar - 27 Oct | Saturday 11:00 | 1 hour Tour Argyll Pub, Market Place, Henley Kenton Theatre www.kentontheatre.co.uk

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Obsessed with making dogs comfortable Local business owner, Dru Ross tells us how failing to find an adequate bed for her dog turned her into a small business owner. There are many and varied reasons for starting a business, sometimes positive, sometimes born out of economic necessity. Most often there is a combination of stimuli. Some people turn a hobby into a business or spot a gap in the market when they can’t find an item for sale. Sometimes a business will arise out of an inspiration - the creation of a problem-solving piece of equipment, a great gadget, or cool toy. For all those good ideas, what is it that turns them from a lunchtime daydream into something that we actually action? Luck, opportunity, bloody mindedness, a lack of alternative options – well, probably all of these and more. At the start of 2017 there were a record number of small businesses in the UK at 5.7 million. Micro-businesses ie those employing less than 10 people accounted for 96% of all UK businesses. So, there are plenty of people giving it a go. One local person who took the plunge is Dru Ross, Director of the Henley based Big Dog Bed Company. The stimulus in this case was the difficulty of finding a ‘decent bed’ for her German Shepherd – large enough, delivering sufficient support and practical in that it could be washed and didn’t smell every time a wet dog lay on it. Dru’s background is in commercial research in the waste and energy sectors and wasn’t going to be defeated by something as ‘simple’ as making a decent dog bed. So Big Dog Bed Company was born in parallel with fulltime working, which is not uncommon as people test the water to see if there really is mileage in their idea.

Turning an idea into reality is no easy task. Prototyping and testing can easily eat up time, cash and enthusiasm. Then, if you are not manufacturing directly yourself, finding the right manufacturing partner can be extremely difficult. For Dru, it soon turned out that making a dog bed for large dogs that fulfilled all her requirements was more complicated than first envisaged and probably the reason why they were not already on the market. In five years, Dru has worked with over ten different manufacturers trying to achieve the required quality and consistency of product. She says, “Manufacturing in the UK is very important to me both from general principle, but also because it allows me to keep a close eye on quality offer bespoke products when asked and to develop new product lines.”

The Big Dog Bed Company specialises in beds for large dogs mainly with issues such as arthritis, elbow and hip dysplasia and similar issues. “Every now and then I am tempted to stray into making beds for small dogs, but then I lose all the differentiators that make our large beds special”.

Flexibility is a key attribute in those who start their own business. It is important to research the market and understand what motivates purchasers. Knowing when to swim against the tide and retain individuality and uniqueness and when to give something up that isn’t working is the challenge. “There are no guarantees, when to spend money on new product development, what marketing strategy to adopt and when to walk away - only you can decide” Says Dru.

It is important to keep an open mind and explore opportunities that present themselves. Not all will deliver benefits, but if you don’t look, you may miss out.

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Identifying and staying true to your USP is extremely important to success. Working with veterinary physiotherapists on beds for dogs undergoing rehabilitation has opened the door to the veterinary market for the Big Dog Bed Company, who is now designing and manufacturing specialist veterinary bedding and physiotherapy equipment. We never envisaged moving into the veterinary sector, but it is entirely in keeping with this initial objective”.

There will be frustrating and tedious activities, but if you’re inclined to run your own business, don’t be afraid to scratch the itch. Tel: 01491 818460 www.bigdogbedcompany.co.uk

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Cliveden Literary Festival 29th and 30th of September

Cookham and Maidenhead Arts Trail 15th and 16th of September 10am – 6pm daily

The Cookham and Maidenhead Arts Trail (CAMAT) is returning for its fifth consecutive year and includes 16 venues with over 30 contributing artists specialising in painting, sculpture, jewellery, glass, photography and ceramics including new participants photographer Bob Barker, jeweller Barb Goodbun, painters Gill Griffiths, Clare Rowan and Mandy Nester and scrap metal sculptor Steve Woodbridge. “People often comment on the quality of the work on show” says Maidenhead painter and trail organiser Sarah Luton, “we hope to make the trail an accessible and worthwhile experience for art-lovers and anyone who is curious to know more about their local community.” Trail-goers will see local artists at work in their studios, group exhibitions at Norden Farm and the Gantry Barn in Cookham. “It’s a much more interesting way to buy art” says architectural glass artist Kirsty Brooks who’s been involved in the Landing Development in Maidenhead, “you get to see how it’s been created and talk with the artist about the ideas behind their work, plus it’s an affordable way for artists to showcase new work.”

Cliveden Literary Festival, the political and literary salon for the 21st century, returns for its second year. “Probably the world’s best small literary festival” Ian McEwan Speakers include Sir Antony Beevor, Sarah Waters, Edmund de Waal, Hanif Kureishi, Paula Byrne, Niall Ferguson, Dambisa Moyo, Alain de Botton, Sir Simon Schama, Priti Patel, David Olusoga, Cherie Blair and Armando Iannucci Panel topics and sessions for this year’s festival include: reflections on WWI in its centenary year; Russia and espionage in the 21st century; women and power; female monarchs; great literary adaptations for film and television; as well as the festival mainstays of history and politics, with a closing debate on Brexit between Philip Collins, Jonathan Freedland, Anne McElvoy, Kwasi Kwarteng, Stephen Pollard and Sarah Vine. Tickets available from clivedenliteraryfestival.org Day Tickets £99 per person per day Weekend Ticket (both days): £180 per person Student discounts available Pricing is subject to a booking fee at the time of purchase

The participating homes and sites are all well-marked with signs, everyone is welcome and entry is free. There are refreshments on offer as well as demonstrations and original artwork for sale. Maps and brochures available from the website www.camat.org.uk/ | www.facebook.com/artstrail twitter.com/camat_artstrail and Bovilles art shop in Maidenhead, The Stationery Depot in Cookham or local libraries.

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Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

ACTION POINT Jackass prankster Johnny Knoxville performs his own bone-crunching stunts in a madcap misadventure directed by Tim Kirkby, who worked on the very first episode of award-winning comedy Fleabag.

Nureyev – All The World His Stage (12A) This striking and moving documentary from BAFTA nominated directors, Jacqui and David Morris, traces the extraordinary life of Rudolf Nureyev, the most famous male dancer that transcended fame in the dance world to become a pop culture icon of his time. Mon 1 Oct, 6.15 & Wed 3 Oct, 12.00

Deshawn Carver (Johnny Knoxville) - known as DC to friends - owns a ramshackle amusement park called Action Point, which is badly neglected and flouts safety laws on many of its rides.

The Winter’s Tale: Live From Shakespeare’s Globe (12A) Staged at the beautiful and iconic Globe Theatre in London, this new production is directed by Blanche McIntyre. Thu 4 Oct, 7.15

The park is a home for DC and his teenage daughter Boogie (Eleanor Worthington Cox) who visits every year to spend quality time with her old man.

Met Opera: Aida (12A) With heart-stopping music and spectacular set pieces, including the famous Triumphal March, Verdi’s towering masterpiece opens the new Met Live in HD season with a bang. Live: Sat 6 Oct, 5.55 Encore: Mon 8 Oct, 1.00 Cliff Richard: 60th Anniversary Tour (12A) Britain’s Ultimate Pop Star, Sir Cliff Richard is celebrating 60 years in the music business and he wants to invite you to the most fabulous big screen party of the year! Sun 14 Oct, 3.00 & Mon 15 Oct, 12.00 Met Opera: Samson et Dalila (12A) Tony Award-winning director Darko Tresnjak gives Saint-Saëns’s biblical epic its first new Met production in twenty years. Live: Sat 20 Oct, 5.55 Encore: Mon 22 Oct, 1.30 Wed 24 Oct, 7.30

When a rival park with rollercoasters and a working chairlift opens nearby, attendance at Action Point drops 45%.

Met Opera: La Fanciulla Del West (12A) Puccini’s gunpowder western returns to the stage where it premiered under Arturo Toscanini. Live: Sat 27 Oct, 5.55 Encore: Mon 29 Oct, 1.00

DC rallies the troops, including Benny (Chris Pontius), advocating a radical plan of action to fend off the competition.

ROH Live: Die Walkure (12A) Antonio Pappano conducts an international cast in the second opera of Richard Wagner’s epicder Ring Des Nibelungen. Sun 28 Oct, 5.00

“Every ride: no rules, no speed limits, just pure fun,” DC instructs his staff and they hurriedly modify rides to provide a hair-raising experience that none of the visitors will ever forget.

For Bookings: 0871 902 5738 | www.picturehouses.com Regal Picturehouse, 2 Boroma Way, Henley RG9 2BZ

Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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Useful Numbers CLUBS MAIDENHEAD Rotary Club of Maidenhead 01628 632797 The Maidenhead Players 07879 476301 Maidenhead Drama Guild 01628 635017 Maidenhead Operatic Society 01628 671589 Maidenhead Musical Comedy Society 07813 979894 Grimm Players 01628 820429 Maidenhead Concert Band 01628 624514 Maidenhead Folk Club 01628 448268 Tuesday Singers 01628 634124 Athletics 01628 522797 Maidenhead & Bray CC 07885 240209 North Maidenhead Cricket Club 01628 624137 Rugby 01628 629663 Hockey 01628 622669 Desborough Bowls Club 01628 629403 Rowing 01628 622664 SportsAble 01628 627690 Maidenhead Tennis 01628 623785 Thames Valley Cycling Club 01628 638984 East Berks Badminton 01628 636283 Maidenhead Camera Club 01628 630861 East Berkshire Ramblers 01628 634561 Lions Club of Maidenhead 01628 634333 Maidenhead Golf Club 01628 624693 Five Aces Duplicate Bridge Club 01628 625663 River Thames Society 01628 624025 Belmont Badminton Club 01628 638844 Scottish Dancing Club 01628 628372 Stanley Spencer Gallery 01628 471885 COOKHAM Tennis & Croquet Line Dancing Cookham Bridge Rotary Club Cookham & Bourne End Inner Wheel Club Bourne End & Cookham Rotary 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

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07968 173757 01628 486362 07724 042708 07715 441713 01628 810967 01491 628284 01491 573943 01491 636253 01491 574499 01491 577743 01491 576717 01491 579271 01491 572230 01491 576988 01491 573958 01491 576929 01491 577909 07989 396210 07812 998318

MARLOW Liston Hall 01628 472558 Archaeology in Marlow 01628 481792 Marlow Archaeological Society 01628 523896 Bowls 01628 485274 Boxing 01494 532826 Crafts 01494 473872 /473539 Football 01628 483970 Hockey 01628 521830 Plants (Orchids) 01628 486640 Photography 01628 483030 Rugby 01628 483911 /477054 Marlow Petenque Club 01628 440808 Marlow Striders 01628 475548 Four Seasons Club 01628 484528 Tennis 01628 483638 New Marlow Tennis Academy 01628 488438 Rifle & Pistol Club 01494 676676 ALF (Longridge) 01628 486595 Marlow & District Wine Society 01628 483294 Marlow Museum 01628 482515 Marlow Society/History 01628 476140 MOAS 07899 867757 Rotary Club 01494 530952 LETS 01494 523978 U3A 01628 485220 /488865 Community Choir 01628 602581 /661182 Railway Society 01494 488283 Choral Society 01628 472998 Marlow Orators 07738 540287 COUNCIL SERVICES MARLOW Library / Information Centre Town Council Neighbourhood Watch - Nic Martin Wycombe Council

0845 2303232 01628 484024 01895 837220 01494 461000

RBWM CIS 01628 507587 Council Tax 01628 683850 Library - Cox Green 01628 673942 Library - Holyport Container 01628 796555 Library - Maidenhead 01628 796969 Library - Cookham 01628 526147 Recycling 01628 796474 Town Hall 01628 683800 Youth & Community Centre 01628 685999 Thames Valley Adventure Playground 01628 628599 HENLEY Library 01491 575278 Town Council 01491 576982 BOURNE END Library 01628 524814 Community Centre 01628 527502 Living Along The Thames | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Cruise the picturesque Thames in comfort FOR SALE: £122,950

BOADICEA: 60ft 7in x 10ft 10in wide beam Dutch barge with 5 berths: permanent double, permanent single, double on sofa bed; shower over bath, cassette wc; solid fuel stove, compact diesel central heating, 230V underfloor heating; gas cooking, 12V fridge, washer/ dryer; 2.1kW inverter, 3.7kW generator. Ideal craft to cruise the waterways of Europe. Hardwood wheelhouse (hydraulically operated) gives all round superb visibility. Would prove ideal for static residential use with her present mooring available for a suitable applicant. The separate aft cabin would make a great office, studio or childs bedroom. Steelwork by Belpro Engineering Services and fitted out by present and previous owners. 90hp Perkins engine. Built 2003.

FOR SALE: £76,000

ROMILLY: 59ft 7in x 10ft 0in wide beam cruiser with 2 berths: permanent double; shower, pump-out wc; solid fuel stove, compact diesel central heating; gas cooking, 12V fridge, washer; 3kW inverter, solar panels. For some reason many people think that wide beam boats are purely for residential use without cruising, but this is certainly not the case. Situated in the right area there are many miles of tranquil canals and rivers to explore. Romilly, with a beam of 10ft, falls into CRT’s future Band 2 licensing fees, which will be 10% cheaper than wider boats, so there will be a significant saving. 70hp Isuzu engine. Shell by Liverpool Boats with a fit-out by the first two owners. Built in 2007.

FOR SALE: £135,000

DOWN THE HATCH: 70ft 2in x 13ft 6in wide beam cruiser with 4 berths: permanent double, 2 permanent singles; 2 showers, 2 pump-out wc’s; compact diesel central heating; electric cooking, 230V American style fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washer, tumble dryer; twin 3kW inverters, 14kW generator. Have you ever dreamt of earning your living whilst cruising in luxury? Down the Hatch was designed by her present owners to carry two paying guests, and they are now prepared to pass on their business to a new owner. Reverse layout, GAS FREE boat. Built and fitted out by Burscough Boats in 2016, with a turbo charged 114hp Vetus diesel engine and bow thruster.

FOR SALE: £76,000

IONA: 54ft 11in x 10ft 0in wide beam cruiser with 3 berths: permanent double, single on sofa bed; shower, pump-out wc; diesel stove, compact diesel central heating; gas cooking, 230V fridge, washer; 3kW inverter. A contemporary feel by the use of light hardwoods, and painted finishes to headlining and cabin sides in this reverse layout. The current liveaboard owners have kept the boat well maintained repairing or replacing equipment, and repainting as and when it’s been needed. If looking for a boat with proven, comfortable, residential abilities able to cruise the wide canals and rivers including the picturesque Thames you may have found her. Built by Simon Piper in 2009.

Call or email to arrange a viewing on any of the boats listed above www.abnb.co.uk • admin@abnb.co.uk • 9.30 to 5.30 every day • Tel: 01788 822 115 or 01788 822 508