Vivid Magazine - Christmas 2015 edition by Living Along theThames

CHRISTMAS

NAUGHTY OR NICE EVERYONE’S INVITED! Festive bubbles, hot-smoked salmon, slow-cooked duck with Christmas spices, roast turkey & trimmings, vanilla pannacotta & home-baked mini mince pies

PUT US ON YOUR LIST 3 courses & nibbles £26.95 November 16th - December 31st

M O N - FRI 6. 30 AM - 11.0 0 PM | SAT 7.30 AM - 11.00 PM | S U N 7.30 AM - 10.00 PM T H E G R E AT H O U S E , T H A M E S S T R E E T, S O N N I N G O N T H A M E S , B E R K S H I R E , R G 4 6 U T 0118 921 9890 | W W W. C O P PA C L U B . C O . U K |

ART CLASS STARTS SOON

N NEWEW YE COU AR RSE

This fun course is a grea t way t o meet ne w frien ds and de velop n ew skills. T he perf e ct Christm as gift !

ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS TO IMPROVERS WILL LOVE THIS COURSE! GREAT NEWS for all our readers looking for something fun to do over the next few months! There is a new 14 week part-time Art Class starting soon near you (3 hours a week, mornings or afternoons).

interesting. Over the course we will explore four different media; pencil drawing & sketching, oil pastel painting and techniques, painting and blending with water colours and acrylics. Step by step tuition in the basic techniques and secrets needed to create beautiful pieces of art.

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

Meet New Friends, Learn New Skills

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

Absolute Beginners to Still Life to Landscapes Places Improvers - Just Like You! By the end of the course, students Limited To maintain a high The course is designed to be fun for absolute beginners who have never picked up a brush before through to Improvers.

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

NEWCLASS ART

Young at Heart

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

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

01483 282 060

Bring out your inner artist • Beginners to Intermediates

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

The Thames Hotel, Maidenhead STARTS SOON CALL NOW FOR DETAILS LIMITED SPACES

01483 282 060

SA0238_15

Step-by-Step Guidance

have created a minimum of 8 pieces of their very own original art they can enjoy forever, from simple still life and flower studies to beautiful countryside landscape scenes.

7 Tips

for Planning the Perfect Private Dining Event Private dining offers an exclusive space and personal service making it an excellent choice for a special occasion. The occasion could be a personal celebration or anniversary, or perhaps recognition of an achievement or a business milestone. Whatever you are celebrating you will want your guests to enjoy the event and remember it for years to come. We¹ve put together some tips to help you create the perfect private dining experience. 1. Choose a Good Location A special event often means gathering a group of people together from far and wide. A venue that is easily accessible will make it easy for people to find and even better if there is plenty of free parking available. It is worth checking public transport connections as well as hotel accommodation nearby if guests need an overnight stay. 2. Book well in advance We always recommend that you book early so that you have the best choice of rooms and times. Look out for early booking incentives it is always worth asking about these when you call. 3. Find the Right Contact A private dining event is about more than just the food and wine, it is a complete experience. You want to be confident that everything will go as planned. It helps to have someone at the venue who will take the time to listen to your requirements and understand what you would like from your event. If you have any special requests is the venue prepared to be flexible? 4. Visit the Venue Beforehand Do you think the venue will suit your event? Is the private dining room

large enough for your party? Would you prefer a round table or an oval or rectangle? Each of our private dining rooms has a very different mood and we always welcome people to look around and choose which room would best suit their event. 5. Enlist the Help of the Venue to Choose Your Food and Wine Your event co-ordinator can help to guide you through the various private dining menus on offer. If your guests have specific dietary requirements these can usually be easily accommodated provided the chef knows beforehand. Are your guests foodies? Would they enjoy a more adventurous tasting menu or is it best to play it safe? Pairing your menu with wines can really enhance your food and wine experience. We always encourage guests to enlist the help of our sommelier to make some suggestions. 6. Consider Your Budget If you have a set budget in mind let the venue know so they can offer you various options to suit. Remember to include food, wine and service charge in your calculation, some venues also charge room hire. To avoid an unexpectedly large bill at the end

make sure you have agreed how much wine may be served before seeking the approval of the host before opening more. 7. Add Some Extra Touches The extra touches can make an event very personal to you. There are plenty of ideas to think about from special flower arrangements to personalised menus or a cocktail created especially for you. A favourite with some of our guests is a private Champagne reception with a cookery demonstration in the demonstration studio before a private party. At Michelin starred L¹Ortolan restaurant in Shinfield we have three beautiful private dining rooms to choose from seating between 8 and 22 guests. The restaurant is also available for exclusive hire for that extra special lunch, dinner or wedding celebration. If you would like to find out more about private dining at L’Ortolan please call us on 0118 988 8500 or email info@lortolan.com and we will put you in touch with our Events Coordinator. L’Ortolan | Church Lane | Shinfield Reading | RG2 9BY. www.lortolan.com VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

I can’t believe this is our last edition of 2015, it seems that each year goes by faster and faster and now the clocks have gone back the days are getting shorter, but the shows on TV improve as we have both X-Factor and Strictly come Dancing heading towards their respective finals. This edition is jam packed with exclusive interviews with Mike Lloyd, Head Chef at the MacDonald Compleat Angler in Marlow, new on the scene Matt Fanthrope, Head Chef at the Coppa Club in Sonning and Giancarlo and Katie Caldesi, from Caldesi in Campagna, Bray. We have a chocolate fondant recipe from the Head Chef at the Black Boys Inn, Hurley, now under new management as is The Golden Ball in Pinkneys Green. These are all fabulous places to go along and try out what they have to offer in the run up to Christmas or for a Christmas event. We have put together a small gift guide, so if your looking for inspiration, head over to pages 50 and 51. Suffering with dry and dehydrated skin? We have put together some of our favourite products for you to try along with some new fragrances and make-up for this Winter season. Our travel article in this edition features the beautiful Seychelles and we welcome Jenny Allen as a contributor, owner of JCA Interiors in London, as an interior design features writer. Our thanks go to Claire Fryer, who has been writing about pets for the magazine over the last few years and unfortunately for us can no longer contimue in this role, but we are glad to welcome Dru Ross, who owns The Big Dog Bed Company, and she will fulfil this role for us. We have several competitions in this edition – to win a Railcard for two and the new book ‘Rome’ by Katie Caldesi, as well as a Turtle Mat for all those ‘mucky paws’. As always visit our website as we often put up news and articles and competitions online that don’t appear in the magazine. We’d like to wish all our advertisers, contributors and of course, you the reader, our thanks for all your support throughout 2015 and of course wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Until next time, happy reading

VIVID is hand delivered into 12,000 ABC homes every two months in Marlow, Maidenhead, Henly, Cookham and Bourne End. VIVID is available to pick up at areas of high footfall, including hotels, golf clubs, libraries and information centres.

Serena Edwards Editor ADVERTISING: 01628 627 488 adverts@VividMag.co.uk CONTACT US: Vivid Magazine Studio 108, 5 High Street, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 1JN Tel: 01628 627 488 Contact@VividMag.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS: Christine Chalklin, Kasia Cole, Karine Jackson, Claire Fryer, Jacky & Mark Bloomfield, Tom Hyland, Heather Harrison, Cassie Everett, Gillian Cumming ACCOUNTS: Holly Hooper 07771 883 442 Holly@hjaccounting.co.uk DESIGNED BY: Digital Bear Design LOVE MAGAZINES?: subscribe to 6 copies for £18 a year www.VividTitles.co.uk/magazine/ View our recent editions online at: www.VIVIDTITLES.co.uk FOLLOW US: @VividMagUK LIKE US: facebook.com/ LivingAlongTheThames

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Produced by Vivid/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 Vivid/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.

VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

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4. 7 Tips for planing the perfect private dining event 8. 5 Minutes with Michael Lloyd, Head Chef at the Compleat Angler. 10. Meet Giancarlo and Katie Caldesi 12. 5 Minutes With Matt Fanthorpe Executive Chef Director at Coppa Club 33. Face the Fture 36. Hair: Party Season is here 40. Keeping Healthy over Christmas 44. Mission Accomplished In The Seychelles To advertise within VIVID Magazine contact us at: Contact@VividMag.co.uk Visit us at www.vividtitles.co.uk VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

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48. Stars for November 50. Christmas Gifts 53. Trishna Bharadia 60. National Trust 61. Beautiful Bedrooms 62. Living Landscape 63. Hedgehogs 64. Helping your dog have a Happy Christmas as well 66. First Drive: Aston Martin DB9 GT 70. Out and About this Christmas FOLLOW US: @VividMagUK LIKE US: facebook.com/LivingAlongTheThames Vivid_Magazine_uk

5 Minutes with Michael Lloyd, Head Chef at the Compleat Angler. We recently caught up with Michael Lloyd, the Head Chef responsible for the beautiful Riverside Restaurant at the MacDonald Compleat Angler, in Marlow. Overlooking the Thames, the Riverside Restaurant is open to both non-residents and hotel guests for breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea seven days a week with outside dining on the terrace, weather permitting. Michael has a wealth of fine dining experience, having worked previously alongside the Executive Chef at Cannizaro House Hotel in Wimbledon, South West London, as Chef de Partie at the Vineyard at Stockcross, near Newbury, and having also worked at Heckfield Place in Hampshire.

Why made you want to become a Chef and what is your inspiration? My Mum was an amazing cook and my Dad loved eating the food he was presented with and so I loved helping out in the kitchen when I could. I gained a degree in Psychology while I was still cooking and came to a turning point where I had to choose and it was my love of cooking that won out. I had also been a fishmonger and had learned a lot about preparing fish, it was this skill that led me to helping out in a local hotel and therefore got me into the world of professional kitchens. My inspiration is seasonality and the constantly changing food that is available. It gives my team and I the opportunity to look for new dishes using these seasonal ingredients and constantly evolve dishes for our guests to dine on. An example of this is the availability of muscat grapes at the moment and I can’t resist a ‘cep’, I really enjoy foraging in the woods when I get the chance. Mushrooms are so versatile and there are now many options available, including Autumn truffle. What keeps you motivated? I am very passionate about food and what you can achieve with flavours and the combinations of those that you can create. I am always working with my team to look at what we can change, how we can improve and be attractive to our guests in this competitive market. VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

How do you unwind? I enjoy being with my wife when I have time off along with spending as much time as I can in the great British outdoors. We are expecting our first child, so I am guessing that this will change our current leisure time, but we are really looking forward to the birth of our Son. Do you design the dishes at the restaurant? In actual fact the whole team plays a part in coming up with the dishes we present in the restaurant. I have a team of 13 in the kitchen ranging in age from 17-26 years old, who are all really keen to learn and we all take inspiration from each other. My team work in pairs and move around the different stations in the kitchen so that they can learn about all parts of each dish not just one. It keeps everyone very motivated and I think that this shows as passion in the dishes we produce. What would you say to anyone wanting to become a Chef? Being in a kitchen is not an easy life as it can have very anti-social hours but it can be very rewarding. Anyone considering this as a career should go in to it with your eyes wide open and be really passionate that this is where you want to be. Make sure you know the type of cuisine you want to be involved with and secure a position accordingly. It is really important that you get the right experience with a good kitchen as this will make a difference in the positions, and the ability to fit into a team, as you progress. With a shortage of Chef’s at the moment there really is a lot of opportunity out there for anyone who shows aptitude and desire for this profession. I’m currently looking at building for the future through the development of the menu, with the aim of putting the hotel back on the map as offering exceptional value and beautifully presented cuisine. We really want our diners to feel comfortable in the Riverside Restaurant and whether you want one course, a full al la carte meal or to relax listening to the Jazz we have on offer once a month, we really believe we have something for everyone. In fact if you want to visit us during the day you can enjoy a cup of coffee and use the free wifi to keep up with your clients. We cater for everyone from the formal to the informal and don’t insist on a dress code, so you can feel right at home! As a result of this philosophy, the Riverside Restaurant has just won its third Rosette, which for Michael and his team is a wonderful accolade to the ingredients they use and the very tasty and beautifully presented meals, whist not forgetting the fantastic customer service from the front of house staff. If you would like to experience fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere then the Gourmand menu is very reasonably priced at £50 per person and will give you the opportunity to taste six different dishes along with an amuse-bouche, pre-dessert, coffee and petit fours. If you would like to come in for a Sunday lunch, you can enjoy a roast, fish or a vegetarian option, but booking is essential. For more information or to book the Riverside Restaurant, please call 01628 484 444 Or visit us at www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/compleat-angler Marlow Bridge, Marlow, Bucks SL7 1RG (SatNav SL7 1RH) VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

Seabass Saltimbocca

ROME CENTURIES IN AN ITALIAN KITCHEN By Katie & Giancarlo Caldesi (Published by Hardie, £25.00 Hardback)

Vivid Magazine caught up with Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi who run two restaurants and a cookery school. How did you meet and why did you set up a cookery school? Initially Giancarlo fell for my artwork (I was commissioned by him to paint murals in his restaurant) and I fell for his pasta. Our lunches together progressed from a beautiful but simple bowl of pasta at the beginning to, after six months of painting, lobster and vintage pink champagne, it was then I knew something was a little more serious than simply feeding the painting crew! We set up a school quite simply because we love to cook and get others doing it and share what we know. What’s different about your cookery school to others – apart from the fact it is Italian? Intimate setting, relaxed environment but we want people to seriously learn and feel confident to repeat the dishes at home. By specialising in our love of Italian food we hope to pass that passion on to others as we have believe we have become experts at what we teach. Where can you sign up for a cookery course and what do they involve? We run courses most days, evenings and weekends at La Cucina in Marylebone and a great selection of courses for adults and aspiring young cooks (from about the age of 8) at our home in Gerrards Cross or at Caldesi in Campagna in Bray. There is honestly something for everyone, from complete amateurs to those more experienced. Pasta making, pizza, Italian street food, the perfect risotto…. to mouth watering puddings. Giancarlo has recently been diagnosed with Coeliacs – how have you changed your eating habits as an Italian diet is high in gluten? Was this a difficult transition and how do you feel now? Very difficult, we have developed our own gluten-free pasta so Giancarlo doesn’t feel so hard done by now! There is almost no difference between the regular and the Gluten-free. The pizza and bread is more difficult but we are working on it….. Do you think it is difficult to cook a gluten free meal, particularly for those at home? No that isn’t as difficult as I thought, most dishes are easy to do gluten free and what isn’t we simply avoid. We eat a lot more brown rice than we used to, but that is no bad thing. There are so many foods that naturally don’t contain gluten it is better to concentrate on those rather than make something inferior to the original containing wheat. How do you both unwind? We watch X- Factor as a family or order an Indian take-away! What is the new book and what was the inspiration for this book? Rome was the third in the series about a region of Italy, Giancarlo used to live there and I have often visited. We love the simplicity of the dishes and found that many of them are unchanged from centuries ago, hence the subtitle. Roman cooking is easy to recreate here and very popular with the Brits, think Carbonara, Osso Buco alla Romana, thin crust pizza, oxtail stew and 3 versions of tiramisu and you can see what I mean! For more information visit www.Caldesi.com

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In ROME: Centuries in an Italian Kitchen, the Caldesi’s uncover the gastronomic gems of the Eternal City and reveal a wealth of ancient recipes set against a backdrop of contemporary life. From fried artichokes from the Jewish Quarter to famous Porchetta from the hills, light bites of Suppli from trendy Testaccio to soulful soups of Minestrone inhome kitchens, the Caldesi’s bring you old and new recipes that set Rome apart from any other popular Italian destinations. Begin a decadent dinner party with an antipasto of Carpaccio di Manzo con salsa de senape e limone [Carpaccio of marinated beef with a mustard and lemon dressing] or flash fry Saltimbocca di Spigola [Sea bass with Parma ham and Sage Leaves] for a speedy supper. A classic Carbonara is a perfect plate of pasta to satisfy a host of hungry mouths and rustic poultry dishes such as Polla Alla Romana [Roman Chicken with Peppers] will warm you on wintry evenings. No meal will be complete without a sweet treat to finish so if you don’t have room for a boozy Chocolate Orange Tiramisu then the Caldesi’s gluten-free Coconut Kisses will go perfectly with a hot espresso to finish. Amongst a chorus of Roman voices found in this culinary compendium there is one philosophy that rings true; ‘Roman cooking is delicious, earthy and full of tradition: it never disappoints the people who live in Rome or those who pass through it.’ For your chance to win a signed copy of ‘Rome’, send your details to competitions@VividMag.co.uk by 4th December.

VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

5 MINUTES WITH MATT FANTHORPE Executive Chef Director at Coppa Club

The Great House in Sonning is currently undergoing an exciting redevelopment programme. Part of this includes the introduction of Coppa Club, a unique all-day dining restaurant. Matt Fanthorpe steps out of the kitchen to speak with Vivid Magazine. Where have you worked before? I cut my teeth in the kitchen of The English Garden working with Brian Turner. Spreading my wings, I then spent time in kitchens across the globe from Australia, where my mother lives, to San Francisco, where my uncle had a seafood restaurant near Golden Gate Park. I later came a little closer to home, moving to France where, although it wasn’t the easiest working as an Englishman in Paris, it was a great foundation. Moving back to London, I worked for Antony Worrall Thompson for 4 years. He gave me my first opportunity to be a Head Chef working across a few of his restaurants. I later ventured across the capital to Great Portland Street to Oliver Peyton’s restaurant, Mash. Oliver’s an interesting character to work for and my time here was certainly not for the faint hearted! Having accumulated a wealth of knowledge, I opened my own

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restaurant in Bath. Then, a short while later, a call came from Jamie Oliver and I simply couldn’t turn down the opportunity. I closed up shop and began the journey working alongside Jamie Oliver. After many happy years with Jamie, it was time for a new challenge, which brings me to where I stand here at Coppa Club. How did Jamie Oliver inspire you? Jamie’s brought quality, interesting food to the high street. Together with his drive and determination to get people eating better food, he also takes a great interest in the provenance of produce. Not only this, it’s also his honesty and integrity as a person. There’s no hidden agenda with Jamie, he’s a true, honest guy. What do you love about being a Chef? Working with great people everyday and that no two days are

the same. Here at Coppa Club, I love being at the heart of something specular and consistently serving up great value food that people love to eat. How would you describe the cuisine at Coppa Club? Honest, simple, Italian food with an inspiration from the whole of the Mediterranean. Coppa Club menus are not limited by the borders of Italy. What is your inspiration for these dishes? What makes them Italian? I look at the ingredients of Italy

VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

and how honest they are with no need to overcomplicate their preparation. That’s core to our ethos here at Coppa Club and something we will never comprise on. Anything that we put on the plate has to be simple. What is your favourite dish and why? Our “Scorched Fingers” Lamb Chops. Cut with the belly on, we smash them out, marinade them with a minty salsa verde and cook them on the Plancha Grill. They are deliciously crispy on the outside and succulent and juicy on the inside. What words would you like your customers to say about the dishes they have eaten? Honest. Simple. Fresh. Great

tasting. Quality. Great value. Italian. How many staff work for you and how do you inspire them? In the Coppa Club kitchen, we’re a team of 14. Inspiring people is about being true to yourself and respecting the people you work with, while passing on your knowledge and skills to them. Also taking the time to see what you can learn from them. I consistently strive to drive our team forward by realising that we all have something to learn from each other. What can visitors expect from Coppa Club at Christmas? We’ll be introducing a Festive Set Menu to accompany our regular menu. This will be available from

16th November to prebooked parties and for everyone from beginning of December. The festive menu showcases a variety of sensational, seasonal winter flavours and local ingredients. We’ve given our Turkey – locally sourced from Maidenhead – a Coppa Club twist, pairing it with a Fennell and Pork Stuffing with Homemade Cranberry Sauce. We hope our Panettone Bread & Butter Pudding with Amaretto Custard will be an absolutely killer dish at Christmas. To top it off, a troop of reindeers will be grazing on the Coppa Club riverbank on Sunday 13th December. From 11am, Henley Children’s Theatre will be singing carols and Christmas songs too. What do you do in your spare time? I love to Scuba Dive when time and location permit. If I could go anywhere, it would be a place called Truk Lagoon. It was the scene of a battle in the Second World War, tanks and planes have been perfectly preserved underwater.

To book a table or for more information call 0118 921 9890 www.coppaclub.co.uk The Great House, Thames Street, Sonning on Thames, West Berkshire RG4 6UT

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The Golden Ball Pub re-opened its doors to guests and friends at the end of August, having undergone a recent transformation thanks to the new ownership of EPIC Pubs. The aim of the Golden Ball is simple, create an epic dining experience featuring fantastic British food and a selection of wines and beers that will leave you always wanting more. A vibrant bar coupled with a sophisticated yet relaxed eatery for you to enjoy. There is great optimism to believe that this will be the new place to enjoy those relaxing summer weekends and cosy winter evenings, with something for everyone on any occasion. What makes the Golden Ball different is the fact they are trying new things with great results. Their soon-to-be-famous Cheese Trolley will have you sampling some of the best cheeses from the British Isles and abroad on a daily basis. Matching that with an

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Team Epic

With General Manager Lewis Kirby taking the reins and Gareth Morgan running the kitchen, both with a wealth of gastro pub experience, it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be long before you see the Golden Ball cement itself as one of the go-to places in the Maidenhead area. epic choice of Ports and you have yourself a match made in cheese heaven. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think you have to sit inside though, as the gastropub also offers a chilled and peaceful beer garden, which certainly comes alive when you sample their vast array of cocktails and delicious drinks list choices.

nager Lewis Kirby, General Ma

The Golden Ball Pub & Kitchen 2 Golden Ball Lane | Pinkneys Green | Maidenhead | Berks | SL6 6NW 01628 580212 thegoldenball@epicpubs.com www.thegoldenballpub.com

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Black Boys Inn Enjoy our Head Chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Serves 6

Ingredients:

125g Unsalted Butter (plus extra to coat ramekins) 135g Dark Chocolate 4 Eggs 125g Castor Sugar 138g Plain Flour 100g Praline Paste

Method:

1. Using the butter, line 6 ramekins in butter then dust heavily with coco powder 2. Place the chocolate & butter in a larger metal bowl and place over a pan of boiling water to melt the chocolate & butter. Stir occasionally. 3. While that is melting, cream together the eggs & butter until turns white in colour. Then add in flour to the mix, slowly as not to make too much of a mess. 4. Once combined, fold in the chocolate mixture in to the flour mixture until all has mixed together well. 5. Leave to cool slightly for 5 minutes 6. Fill moulds half way with chocolate mix 7. Make a small well in the middle and place a small tea spoonful of the praline into it. 8. Cover this with more chocolate mix until just below the top of the mould. 9. Leave in fridge to set for up to 30 minutes before use. This recipe with last 3-4 days in the fridge and the longer you leave it to set the better. 10. Cook in a fan oven at 180c for approx. 10 minutes. Turn out onto plate and serve with cream or ice cream if you feel naughty!!

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The Black Boys Inn, under new management and a new team, is situated on the outskirts of Henley-on-Thames overlooking the beautiful Chiltern Valley, with the River Thames just at the bottom of the lane, the Black Boys Inn is a stylish and relaxing country retreat. With origins, in part, dating back to the 16th Century the Inn is full of atmosphere and charm. Oak beams, nooks, crannies and a wood burning stove welcome guests and act as a reminder of the Innâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heritage, while the modern facilities and contemporary country feel provide a luxurious haven for our guests. With eight guest rooms the Black Boys will delight any visitor dining or staying overnight and the views of the countryside can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you are popping in for a drink, looking for a great meal or after an escape from the hustle and bustle with a longer stay in our delightful guest rooms, we look forward to welcoming you to The Black Boys Inn. Everybody is welcome including walkers, dogs and those just wanting a drink at the bar, where we have an extensive selection of wine to choose from, our local bitter and a range of spirits and soft drinks. All of which can be accompanied by a choice of bar snacks. Opening Hours Lunch: Monday - Saturday 12-3pm Sunday 12-4pm Dinner: Monday - Saturday 6-9.30pm Reservations T: 01628 824 212 E: info@blackboysinn.co.uk W: blackboysinn.co.uk Black Boys Inn | Henley Road | Hurley Berkshire SL6 5NQ VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

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CHRISTMAS IS MORE THAN THE TURKEY... IT’S ABOUT ENTERTAINING FAMILY & FRIENDS

Longhurst’s Your local Family Butcher where Quality & Customer Care come first

We pride ourselves on supplying you the best Roasting Joints: Beef, Pork & Gammon Mince & Stewing meat for heart warming Suppers Game & Turkey to Order

We supply various cuts of meat to Your local ‘Country Store’ in Cookham. ‘Londis’ in Oaktree Avenue, Marlow and ‘Budgens’ in Maidenhead call

01628 488 373

www.longhurstsofmarlow.co.uk OPEN: Mon: 8 .30- 5.30pm (only butchery closed), Tues - Fri: 8.30 - 5.30pm, Sat: 8 - 1pm, Sun: 9 - 12pm 4a Brucewood Parade, Marlow Bottom, Bucks SL7 3PE

CELEBRATE IN STYLE Enjoy the festive season with Crowne Plaza Marlow

Whatever type of celebration you have in mind for the festive season, we offer it at Crowne Plaza Marlow. From Festive Lunches to Christmas Day and Boxing Day Lunch, Festive Family Events with children’s discos, superbly entertaining Tribute Nights and our ever popular ‘Join a Party’ Nights. For a night of glitz and glamour, we cordially invite you to attend our New Year’s Eve Gala Ball, or for a more informal New Year’s celebration, come along to our New Year’s Eve Buffet or ‘agua bar’ New Year’s Eve Disco, all with a stunning firework finale over the lake at midnight to see in 2016!

TO ADD A TOUCH OF MAGIC TO YOUR FESTIVITIES, BOOK ONLINE AT WWW.CPMARLOW.CO.UK, CALL 01628 496 860 OR EMAIL CHRISTMAS@CPMARLOW.CO.UK Crowne Plaza Marlow Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1GJ T: + 44 (0)1628 496 860 E: christmas@cpmarlow.co.uk | W: cpmarlow.co.uk Postcode for Sat Nav: SL7 1LU

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VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

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“In the bleak mid-winter Frosty winds made moan. Earth stood hard as iron, Water like a stone. ” Parents wander through the forest of Christmas trees selecting and reserving the tree of Excited children throng the lawn of the Estate as the red cloaked figure emerges from the Helicopter, his beard blowing their choice from the widest range of trees in in the wind. the Thames Valley: Tractor and trailer await, Nordman, Noble, Fraser, silently, in the field bringing him to the Nursery Korean Fir; Norway, Englemann, Blue Spruce and Lodgepole Pine etc. Pot grown varieties to plant in the garden in the New where he joins Grown Ups Year or the everlasting Artificial trees. All can be reserved and for a free glass of Mulled delivered to the door closer to Christmas. wine as they browse the Christmas The seasonal fayre of the Café awaits tired legs and will be in Emporium full of full swing with hot drinks, mince pies and ‘lite’ lunches Christmas accompanied by seasonal music. decorations and gifts. Santa returns to Stubbings the following week- Mistletoe and holly grown on the adjoining Estate together with the widest selection of Christmas Wreaths will tempt end Saturday 5th/ shoppers with prices ranging from the cheapest to the Sunday 6th December to meet the children in his Grotto amazing full, fruit-laden, wreaths hand prepared in the when they will receive (if they are floral studio of Richard Elder. good!) a “sweet” treat. The Christmas tree forest at Stubbings Nursery awaits the arrival of Father Christmas – descending by helicopter at 11am (sharp) on Sunday 29th November (weather permitting).

Jump In Trampoline Arena Now Open in Slough

Looking for an exhilarating experience? Looking for something for the whole family to do that’s awesome fun and a great workout? Look no further. The most innovative Trampoline Arena in England has opened in Slough, serving the Thames Valley region. The fully air conditioned indoor arena offers 3D Dodgeball, Kid Zone, Foam Pits, tumble tracks, a battle beam and a huge main court where fun-lovers can jump freely between interconnected trampolines and literally bounce off the walls. Jump In has recently launched Wild Jump, a trampoline-based fitness programme built in collaboration with established fitness group Wild Training. Toddler classes are also available mid-week for energetic pre-schoolers. “Flying through the air is one of the most exhilarating experiences whether you’re a child or an adult, and trampolining also happens to be great for your fitness,” says Gavin Lucas, Jump In CEO.

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The arena also features private rooms and areas for parties, corporate events, sports teams or any group size up to 160 people. A new café offers local gourmet ice cream and other treats to refresh and re-energise jumpers and onlookers. Jump In is powered by Altitude Trampoline Parks, which is a leading international operator with multiple sites across the US as well as park development in Japan, UAE, South Africa and India. For more info visit www.gojumpin.com VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

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Silver Edge, contemporary jewellery and gifts in Maidenhead is owned by Alejandra and Leonardo Cerrillo who were both born and raised in Mexico City, but now live with their family here in the UK.

As well as running their local Maidenhead Silver Edge shop they also founded More Precious Than Silver, which features a range of products available in their store. The More Precious Than Silver range is designed by Alejandra and the artisans then completed and hand crafted by artisan jewellers back in their native Mexico. The philosophy behind At More Precious Than Silver is not simply about making a profit. It is about providing employment and guaranteed income for the artisan jewellers they work with. It is also about fairness, integrity, non-exploitation and empowerment in every aspect of working together to produce the unique silver jewellery that can be found in Silver Edge. The Cerrillos and the Mexican artisans have built up a close friendship having worked together for over 15 years. With regular visits to Mexico both Alejandra and Leonardo work to facilitate training, discuss design and monitor the manufacture and distribution process of the jewellery. Creating products that are handcrafted to the highest possible standards. Every piece carries a special story as it takes an average of 9 different artisans to finish 1 piece of jewellery, from design to completion. More Precious than Silver also supports the artisans by offering them tailor-made business courses where they are taught how to improve their business practices, promote and sell their products to their

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customers and in so doing improve their own quality of life and the ability to export to other markets. The designs at Silver Edge take into account that women have different styles and tastes and along with the jewellery on show they can create a bespoke piece of jewellery to reflect their own individuality.

on offer. Silver Edge have moved and can now be found at Unit 23 in the Nicholson Centre, Maidenhead, opposite Iceland. 01628 566 296 www.facebook.com/ silveredgemaidenhead

The collections on offer all have beautiful coordinating pieces from earrings, pendants, bracelets, broches and charms. With quality an important feature, all pieces carry a 100% satisfaction guarantee on both the silver used and the workmanship.

Unit 23 Nicholsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lane, Nicholson Centre, Maidenhead SL6 1LB

If you are looking for that special gift or gift vouchers in time for Christmas feel free to come and see what is VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

Contemporary Silver Jewellery & Selective Gifts fairly & ethically traded at affordable prices.

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www.facebook.com/silveredgemaidenhead Unit 23 Nicholsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lane, Nicholson Centre, Maidenhead SL6 1LB

available at www.Swishboutique.co.uk

“Black is back” Black as a colour has never really gone away as it’s not a colour as such but more of an institution! A classic staple that’s always around when we need it. No wardrobe is complete without the LBD (little black dress). It was brought to wide public attention in the 1920s when designers such as Coco Chanel and Jean Patou invented the tailored knee-length cocktail dress and the LBD become an instant hit. The Little Black Dress as we know it today has got many different shapes and forms but it is probably still the most elegant outfit that any woman can have in her wardrobe as a staple from day to evening wear in an instant. But black is not solely reserved for dresses as there are all sorts of alternatives that will look chic and feminine, from tops and jackets to trousers and coats, black goes with everything. It is not only flattering to wear but very slimming as well and who can object to that?

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VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

Spoil your man with some of these gifts this Christmas Jack Black hydrating and soothing products | Epic Moisture Clean Cream Body Wash £17.50 | Erase Ultra-calming face cream £35 | Intense Therapy Hand Cream £14.50 | www.mankind.com

Ferrari Essence Collection - Vetiver Essence with its spicy, deep and warm notes RRP £65 (100ml) | www.Harrods.com

One of a kind pieces designed and created for all occasions Men U Ultra concentrated range D-Tox ‘Deep Clean’ Clay mask £16.45 Matt ‘Skin refresh ‘gel £14.95 Facial Moisturiser lift £14.95 www.men-u.co.uk Joseph Lanzante Aftershave Gel to soothe and Moisturise | £14.95| www.josephlanzante.co.uk

contact Catherine (Windsor based) for a free consultation or visit the website for more information

07502 595720

info@catherinefisherdesign.com

www.catherinefisherdesign.com VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

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keep hydrated this winter

with these fabulous products from some of our favourite brands. Perricone MD Deep Moisture | £71 | www.perriconemd.co.uk Clarins Blue Orchid Face treatment oil | £33 (30ml) | www.clarins.co.uk Clarins Aroma Body Care | £32 (250gm) | www.clarins.co.uk Organic Surge Hot Cloth Cleanser for timeless skin | Every product sold from the extra care range helps ‘Freedom from Fistula’ charity | www.organicsurge.com Dermaviduals range www.facethefuture.co.uk/shop British brand, Katherine Daniels Dry Skin Cream £34.50 (50ml) | www.katherinedanielcosmetics.com Murad – Beautiful skin collections | Rapid Collagen Infusion £65 (30ml) |Collagen Support Body Cream £38 (180ml), | www.murad.co.uk Lotil Lip Balm SPF 30 | £1.39 (4gm) | www.chemistdirect.co.uk Better you Magnesium Body Butter and Magnesium Body Lotion | £9.95 | www.betteryou.com Aveeno Daily Moisturising lotion, £5.10 (200ml), £7.14 (300ml) | Body wash, £9.18 (500ml | Skin relief restore & Protect Hand Cream, £5.10 (75m) | www.aveeno.co.uk Olverum Bath Oil | 125ml £23.50 | 200ml £36.95 | www.olverum.com Modern Herbals Hydra-Vital Serum | £17.60 | www.modernherbals.com

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VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

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Feel glamorous during the Party season with these ‘must-have’ fragrances and make-up! Clarins - Joli rouge lipstick 25 shades | www.clarins.co.uk

Delilah Cosmetics, Intense compact eyeshadows £20 Colour Intense cream lipstick £24 | Volumising & defining mascara £24 | www.delilahcosmetics.com

Lily Lolo Metallic mineral eyeshadow collection, in 3 shades | £14.99 | www.lilylolo.co.uk

Eye of Horus Baked Goddess Eyeshadow palettes www.beautybay.com/eyeofhorus Clarins - The Essentials Mineral eye shadow palette | 10 shades | £35 | www.clarins.co.uk Diva Lipsticks in a pearl finish 14 shades | £7.95 www.milanocosmetics.uk

Ferrari Essence Collection – Pure Lavender | RRP £65 (100ml) | www.Harrods.com

Top Model matte lipstick | 14 shades £6.95 | www.milanocosmetics.uk Angel Passion Edition in a ruby red glass | £65 (50ml refillable) | www.thierrymuglar.co.uk

Botanical EssenceTM No.20 Eau de Parfum from Liz Earle’s | 20th brand anniversary | £49.00 | www.qvcuk.com

Eminence by She Who Dares is a beautiful fresh floral scent | £45 | www.swdfashion.com

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Joan Collins Timeless Beauty | £50 (50ml) | £15 (12ml) www.joancollinsbeauty.com

VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

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Party season is here! Revamp your usual style for the festive season with my top tips on the hottest hair trends. See you in the New Year where I’ll be giving you advice on all things hair for the year ahead.

Tousled Waves Small tousled waves are a great option for any hair length but for stay-all –night curls it’s important to get the foundations right first. Starting with damp, freshly washed hair, apply a little control gel into the roots to give a light lift. Roughly dry your hair and divide into sections – no need to be neat! Take a flat curl iron and curl the sections vertically and loosely. Once you’ve curled the whole head, finish with hairspray and scrunch the hair with your fingers to loosen. Dual Textured Pony Contrasting textures are huge trends right now in fashion so take that trend into your hair with a mix of polished and tactile crimping. Slick the hair into a

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neat high ponytail and secure (this can be done on freshly washed or day-old hair). Spray the tail with a heat protection spray before crimping in small sections. Once you’ve finished crimping, vigorously brush out. If you don’t have a crimper to hand, you can still achieve a cool look by tightly curling the hair and brushing out. Sleek and Sharp Mirror-shine is a party hair staple. Always start with freshly washed hair and apply an argan oil into the hair (avoiding the roots or your hair will just appear greasy) and dry as usual. Apply a heat protecting spray before straightening the hair in small fine sections. Tip your hair upside down and spray with hairspray to finish. Rock and Roll bob If you’ve got a fringe you’re growing out, work with your uneven lengths to create an effortless, rocky look. Start by loosely tonging random sections of hair to give your hair a lived-in shape. Sleek the fringe around behind your ear and pin to secure (a great way of showing off a pair of statement earrings!). Finish with a little wax to add some matte texture. www.karinejackson.co.uk VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

Sara Mayne Lic Ac MBAcC

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

Phone: 01628 673 377

Mobile: 07732 705644

email: saramayne@btconnect.com Web: www.saramayne.com sara mayne jf 15.indd 1 VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

19/08/2015 13:16

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Absolute Homepathy Christmas and New Year can be a stressful time for some. We often have high expectations of this time of year and then try to cram it all into one or a few days and try to please everybody. Inevitably this results in problems! Whether it’s the depressing dark days of winter, pressures of buying presents, entertaining guests or simply richer food and drink, we can all feel the effects. Christmas can be a very happy and positive time. Sometimes though, it can emphasise loneliness, or bring back past griefs and sadness. It can be a time of great emotional tension. This is when Rescue Remedy is so helpful - every home should have some. Rescue Remedy can help you cope with the varied demands in your life whether they are everyday stressful moments or the bigger life-changing events. Sometimes it’s the little things, like sitting in traffic when you know you’re already late, feeding loads of visitors, dealing with difficult relatives, continual interruptions when you’re trying to meet a deadline, or perhaps the kids throwing a tantrum when you’re trying to get around the supermarket.

Here’s my selection of over the counter homeopathic remedies that could help you cope with the festive season: Choose the remedy that best suits your symptoms, and take it in a 30c potency up to three times a day until you feel better. If you feel no better after 5 days, always seek professional advice from your homeopath or GP. Whatever you’re doing, enjoy yourself!

There is also a Rescue Night, this contains White Chestnut which is particularly good for helping switch off mental chatter and allow a restful sleep.

Cassie Everett

www.absolutehomeopathy.co.uk

• Arnica this is a great remedy to help with bruising and that ‘battered’ feeling after Christmas shopping or bargain hunting in the January sales. Also, don’t forget it’s useful to take for actual bruises! • Staphysagria If you are feeling angry and resentful and are suffering in silence, or have difficulty in saying no but feel walked over, then this is an excellent remedy to help verbalise things or process your emotions. Pent up emotions can also be accompanied with urinary tract infections • Carbo veg could help with symptoms brought on by overindulgence (especially wine), especially if you have upper abdomen bloating and wind as a result (or simply too many of mum’s sprouts!) • Lycopodium is useful for symptoms include bloating with wind, a huge appetite. You may also have heartburn with sour burping. • Nux vomica known by some as the ‘hangover’ remedy, also useful for the general symptoms of festive over-indulgence! Can help nausea, headache, sensitivity to noise and light, and irritability. If you’ve been burning the candle at both ends going to a million xmas parties, this remedy could also help reduce that sluggish feeling the next day.

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VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

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

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

A MEMBER OF

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

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19/08/2015 13:17

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Christmas Check List Christmas is the perfect time to spend focusing on spending time with friends and family. However, if you want to keep one eye on your own health and wellbeing during the holiday season, here are 10 other things that you should be focusing on. 1) Exercise:

Obvious right? My advice is just to “Get it done!” Most people will take advantage of the relaxed Christmas schedule and rise a little later than normal. But if their plan is a 10am breakfast of Cadbury’s Heroes then it means you’ll need to be out of the door at 9am and off exercising. One hour less sleep and you can have your workout for the day complete and be home in time to join in the usual festivities. DON’T wait until later or plan to get it done “at some point” it won’t happen!

2) Hydration:

4) Sleep:

Easiest one! Take advantage of the break from work (if you’re fortunate enough to have one) and sleep where possible. Don’t fear a day time nap - embrace it. Sleep is one of the easiest and cheapest medicines going; the value of sleep should never be over looked. DON’T burn the candle at both ends and go back to work after your break, needing a break!

5) R&R:

Following on from the sleep suggestion focus on taking care of your body. Spend some time foam rolling and stretching, doing yoga and pilates and generally making sure you feel in top notch for 2014. you might not have this much spare time or flexibility again for a few months. DON’T waste this opportunity to really let your body recovery and repair ahead of 2014.

6) Fun: Don’t take activity seriously all of the time. In fact, be creative and try

to exercise elsewhere apart from your usual gym. Some of the workouts listed below don’t require any equipment so why not head of to somewhere scenic and workout there for a change? DON’T just head to the gym and go through the motions

7) Next year:

Have a moment of reflection. What did you do with the last 12 months? Where did you start? Where did you finish? Are you in a better place physically than you were 12 months ago? How do you intend to improve again? What is your new “Why”? Get a focus for the year ahead and plan it out with micro plans of 1-3 months that will take you to your end goal stage by stage with no chance of failure. DON’T just do next year what you did this year - life’s too short!

Don’t neglect the simple things. Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day and help your body to ease some of the strains you’re putting on it with your week or so of excess. try to link drinks with daily events; for example: Target a pint of cold water within 10 minutes of waking, before you go to bed, and before lunch and dinner - that’s 4 every day as a minimum. Add a pint of water every time you’re going to leave the house for an extended period to ensure hydration and you’re averaging at least 5 pints a day - make that a minimum. DON’T leave it to chance and realise you haven’t had much water today - ESPECIALLY when alcohol levels will be higher for many of you!

8) Life:

3) Turkey:

Don’t focus on drinking it; focus on being aware of when you’re most likely to drink it. For example, if you’re planning your exercise regime for the week then consider social occasions too. Don’t plan an early morning sprint session on a day when you’ll be recovering from a family gathering where you might drink. Likewise, don’t drink “because it’s Christmas” - you’re not a child; have some self control. Sure, you may drink more than normal but remember, you don’t HAVE TO drink! Try saying “no”, then wake up the next day and workout - you’ll be glad you did it. Just be realistic with your plans and don’t instantly let lose on the alcohol. DON’T see Christmas as a green light for daily drinking!

Yep, that’s right: “Target The Turkey!” My point being, go big on high protein, lean meats (turkey being one of the best for this)at meal time. It will offer you prolonged energy, aid recovery from exercise (you WILL need to exercise!), keep you fuller for longer and also curb your hunger a little before pudding shows up! Avoid taking your first few bites of any dinner from foods that aren’t high in protein such as roast potatoes. If there’s lean meat left, DON’T save room for pudding! DON’T approach your days differently to your working week. have a plan for rough meal times and meal content ahead of each day. Leaving things to chance and eating “whatever’s going” won’t rub!

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If you want to have a successful year ahead in terms of improving your health then it’s important to have all other areas of your life in balance such as your work, family and other commitments. More often than not people struggle with results as their health isn’t a REAL priority. They may say it is, but they’re not willing to manage other areas of their life to MAKE time for exercise and living healthily. “I didn’t have time to go to the gym this week...” “I was in a rush at lunch so just picked up...” “I don’t have time for breakfast in the morning...” “I had to drink as it was...” “ I’m going to struggle to make the gym next week. I’m running my kids around...” “There aren’t enough hours in the day!..” If you say these things, your health is not your priority. You need to plan in the inevitable and figure out solutions when met with barriers. DON’T “try” to do anything next year... just do it! Plan with accuracy and thoroughness and create a fool proof regime.

9) Alcohol:

10) Embracing your surroundings:

In my opinion, there is no better time of the year to get outside look around and listen to what’s around you. Reflect on the year gone by, think about the year ahead and be grateful for what you have and how fortunate you are. Go for a walk, discover somewhere new, enjoy scenery and spend time absorbing your surroundings. Life can be very go-go-go... stop... be aware! DON’T sit in all Christmas eating chocolate and watching repeats of Christmas films or playing with your newest toy! Michael Darren is a Strength Coach and Personal Trainer

VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

Winter Memberships at Harleyford Golf Club 2015/6 Our Winter Membership is for 5 months from 1st November until 31st March. You will get 7 days per week golf and get a 10% discount off all food and drinks at the Club Bar You can invite a guest and get our special guest rate as any member can. You can also use all the club facilities including discounted use of the driving range. You may Book Tee times using our on-line system and if you upgrade to a Full 7 day membership we will offset £150 against your subscription on April 1st. It just does not get better than this, don’t miss out. You may enter monthly medals and stableford competitions, gaining and maintaining a handicap in the process on your way to becoming a full member next year.

Harleyford Golf Club is set in truly magnificent surroundings, nestled by the River Thames at Marlow. Discovering Harleyford for the first time is like uncovering a hidden treasure. Beautifully crafted in a natural down-land setting, the 6,714 yard par 72 course is both challenging and rewarding to players of all levels. The history of the estate dates back to the 12th century and is designated as “an area of outstanding beauty”. The clubhouse has been developed on a theme from the Victorian farm

buildings and provides stunning facilities for many social occasions. Now a Proprietary owned club Harleyford still maintains a feeling of exclusivity, but with a friendly and sociable atmosphere with plenty of events and competitions to participate in throughout the year. We look forward to welcoming you soon to Harleyford Golf Club for your next golf or social event. For more information contact Kate on 01628 816177 or kate@harleyfordgolf.co.uk www.harleyfordgolf.co.uk

Join us for a Traditional Sunday Roast on 8th November and 10th January. Harleyford Golf Club is open to the public every day from 7am till late. Available for parties, weddings, wakes, functions & any other special occasions Winter memberships also now available.

For more information contact Jack on 01628 816178 or jack@harleyfordgolf.co.uk www.harleyfordgolf.co.uk

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VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

Perkins Serves Up A Slice Of Life Being the famously private person she is, it’s surprising that Great British Bake Off presenter Sue Perkins should decide to write a memoir. Her memoir, Spectacles, ebbs and flows from happy and humorous to dark and, at times, desperate, in a life as multi-layered as the cakes she admires on the hit BBC show. But this is no misery memoir. Many of the excerpts are written like a play, the direct dialogue between Perkins and others creating quick-fire humour, while further chapters see light-hearted moments intertwine with times of intense sadness. When, after moving to London, she fell for actress and presenter Emma Kennedy, Perkins decided to come out to her parents. There’s a hilarious excerpt about how she’d imagined the conversation with her mother would go: Mother: “Oh God, I’m in shock. I’m going into shock. I can’t believe it... I guess my initial worry is that now you’re a lesbian, you’ll have to spend the rest of your life in

VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

a fleece.” The reality was far less melodramatic. Perkins asked nervously if she could come home to talk to her about something, to which her mother, matter-of-factly, replied, ‘Is it about you being gay? Fine, well just whenever you like, no rush’. The media recently pounced on the headline-grabbing fact that Perkins has had a brain tumour for eight years, which has left her unlikely to be able to have children. In the book, she skims over the discovery - it was, after all, benign but focuses more on how, after telling the consultant she was gay, he said: ‘Well that makes it easier. You’re infertile. You can’t have kids.’ “But I try not to dwell on things and I’m an incredibly lucky, fortunate, happy person and the search for meaning is something that human beings are cursed with. I try not to indulge that curse too often.

I prefer the search for happiness it’s a more profound quest.”“I’ve learned that I’ve become incredibly comfortable in my own skin since then. That’s not age, it’s hard work, it’s being thoughtful and mindful.” “As I see it, it’s not to constantly be on television. I love my job, but there needs to be something that runs parallel to that experience. “I’m attracted to fear and pushing myself,” Perkins admits. “There are lots of things in my life that I’ve done that weren’t comfortable, but they’ve always turned out to be the most rewarding, whether it’s a near-death experience in Alaska, or pushing myself in personal relationships or at work.” Spectacles by Sue Perkins is published by Michael Joseph, priced £20

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Hilton Labriz Resort and Spa

Mission Accomplished In

The Seychelles By Sam Wylie-Harris

There’s no time for hesitation as I rush towards the waiting helicopter, clinging tightly to my panama hat as the spinning blades whip up a breeze.

Les Cocotiers restaurant Hilton Northolme Resort & Spa

Once safely buckled into my leather seat, we soar above Mahe, the largest island in the Seychelles group, and head across the shimmering Indian Ocean to our chosen target, Silhouette Island. A 20-minute helicopter ride, 20km northwest of Mahe, it’s just the sort of place James Bond might choose to moor up his power boat in between secret missions. Author Ian Fleming holidayed in the Seychelles in 1958, and even used the sun-splashed paradise as a source of inspiration for some of his famous 007 novels. Two years after his visit, he published a collection of five short stories entitled For Your Eyes Only three of which have been made into blockbuster Bond movies. The final villainous tale in the pentalogy, The Hildebrand Rarity, is set entirely in the Seychelles on-board a luxury yacht named The Wavekrest. Fleming based himself at the Northolme hotel on Mahe, a secluded hideaway on the northwest coast with picturesque views of Beau Vallon Bay and Silhouette Island.

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Originally built by an eccentric, retired English colonel, the Northolme has been revamped several times and is now a boutique resort. Each villa is hidden in the midst of tropical greenery and reflects the Creole architecture of the island. The Seychelles is a sanctuary for rare flora, including the impressive cannonball tree, which shades paths to the suites. I cup my hands around a large, spherical fruit which feels as heavy as a cannonball. As I stroll through the gardens, I imagine a beautiful Bond girl dipping her toes in the water and staring out to the Indian Ocean. Its warm, tropical waters are home to more than 400 species of reef fish and 300 species of coral. From the tranquillity of our sun deck, I spy a hawksbill turtle not far from the shore, where waves lap the granite rocks. As Fleming noted in The Hildebrand Rarity, the marine life here is “a riot of colour and movement”, especially in the Northolme’s secluded beach cove. VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

As I wade into the calm, azure sea, I don’t need a snorkel to see the green parrot fish, schools of reef fish, a baby reef shark and a curious stingray that seems drawn to my lily white legs. Keen to explore more, we take a kayak out for a paddle across the cove and as we skirt the edge of the coral-fringed granite boulders jutting out from the sea, we spot armies of red crabs basking in the midday sun.

If he visited now, 007 would surely give Labriz his seal of approval. I can even imagine Daniel Craig emerging from the crashing waves in those famous blue swimming shorts.

Beach area at Hilton Lab riz Resort & Spa

toria, Beach Market, Vic ort & Spa Sir Selwyn Res iz br La on area at Hilt

Eager to discover more about the history of the Seychelles, we temporarily leave our beach idyll behind and take a tour of Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles located on Mahe. The smallest capital in the world - I count only two sets of traffic lights - it was named after Queen Victoria during British colonial rule. There are still plenty of nods to those years, including the Victoria clock tower in the centre of town. Inspired by Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897, it was shipped from London by mail steam ship and erected in her honour in 1903. Originally black, it was painted silver to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee and is still as shiny as a bullet. Victoria is a bustling port and the Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market is one of the town’s most colourful attractions. Saturday is the busiest day, but we manage to jostle our way into the fishmongers’ corner at the market entrance.

tuna, octopus and red snapper, which are displayed in all their freshly caught glory, while barefoot fishermen hose down their filleting stations. We head to the dry foods section, where bundles of cinnamon sticks, nuggets of ginger and sweet smelling bails of lemongrass are for sale. Overhead, a kaleidoscope of kaftans and sarongs hanging from the first floor balcony souvenir shops entices me to head upstairs to delve into a treasure box of treats. I’d heard that in the 17th century, pirates would use the Seychelles as a base and many believe there are still hoards of treasure hidden on the islands, including Silhouette, our final destination.

Courtesy of our resort, Labriz, we enjoy a private sunset cruise around the island. As we slice through the waves, I sip champagne with my co-star Giles, whose tastes are as refined as Bond’s. We marvel at the sheer beauty and scale of the granite rock formations that emerge from the sea. If he visited now, 007 would surely give Labriz his seal of approval. I can even imagine Daniel Craig emerging from the crashing waves in those famous blue swimming shorts. More than fifty years after Fleming came here on holiday, the Seychelles is still a place of beauty, mystery and intrigue - the perfect hideaway for a Bond girl and their secret agent.

Travel Facts : Sam Wylie-Harris was a guest of Etihad Holidays (0844 557 0646; www.etihadholidays.co.uk) who offers four nights with breakfast at Hilton Labriz Resort Seychelles (King Garden Villa) and four nights with breakfast at Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa (King Hillside Villa) from £1,919pp (two sharing). Includes flights with Etihad Airways from London, Manchester or Edinburgh and group transfers in resort. Prices based on April 2016 departure.

Locals haggle for freshly caught VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

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The Royal Berkshire Shooting School (RBSS) is well known locally for its superb shooting facilities, experienced full-time instructors and stunning location. Another string to its bow is the recently revamped and refurbished 1,000 square foot shop which now features a wealth of new and unusual products, from high end technical shooting clothing through to unique accessories and gifts.

The new shop, which was officially opened by Pippa Middleton in April following a major overhaul, is run by Jessica Evans, RBSS’s Retail Manager, who is responsible for selecting the range of products on offer. “The idea behind relaunching the shop was to open it up to a wider customer base, increase the variety of brands and products, some of which are exclusive to us, and to offer value for money on lots of products. So for example, where we were mainly stocking clothing from the Really Wild Clothing Company now we are also offering highly technical shooting clothing from companies such as Schöffel, Le Chameau and Laksen, which will appeal to our core shooting customers. I’ve also introduced a number of lower priced accessory items that will appeal to our customers either looking for a treat or wanting to buy an unusual gift.” Jessica is keen to differentiate the RBSS shop from other country stores. “Our location is obviously a great asset but I also want to offer unique local products to ensure we are different from other country style shops. I’m always on the look out for new and interesting products and am choosy about which items we hold from particular brands. For example the shop won’t stock a whole collection but items that will particularly suit our customer base of core shooting clients, local people wanting something different and our overseas customers.” New brands include works by renowned artist Clare Brownlow who paints with pheasant feathers

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collected from her local shoot, country sports photography and and gifts from Charles Sainsbury-Plaice, jewellery from BVS, personalised vintage maps from Atlas & I, luxury leather goods from Pioneros, luxury leather goods from Croots and Life of Riley and handmade scented candles from Josephine Montagu. The shop has also recently launched a brand new dedicated shopping website enabling customers to purchase its wide range of items online. The stylish and easy-tonavigate site, which has been designed to complement RBSS’s own website, will also feature a blog, new product offers, unmissable seasonal offers, and will showcase products of particular interest to both RBSS customers and discerning shoppers looking for clothing and gifts with a twist.

“The idea behind the new shopping website is to fully complement the new shop,” explains Jessica Evans. “So it will not only provide an additional service to RBSS’s existing customers, but broaden our reach to new customers and to give

our many overseas customers the chance to purchase from the range of unique and high quality stock.” Future plans for the shop include increasing the product range and taking on new suppliers. “I want to ensure continual growth in the products we offer,” explains Jessica. “I am always on the look-out for unusual items that will appeal to our customers, I go to shows and exhibitions to see what is out there and I’m very open to people coming in to show me products they would like me to consider stocking. The website will also be continually developed so things are extremely exciting at the moment and the feedback we are getting is great. Customers like the more welcoming layout, the new look and feel of the shop and the fact that we are stocking an increased range, including many gifts that will make terrific presents for Christmas!” Visit: www.rbssshop.co.uk. VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

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Cancer: June 23 - July 23

in November Aquarius: January 20 - February 19

Your wealth sector remains in the spotlight this month and some refinancing may well be in order. Mars and Venus move into Libra mid-month, increasing the chance of a new romance, or reviving romance in a current partnership. Your intuition is heightened around the 11th.

Pisces: February 20 - March 20

Stern Saturn is now at the highest point in your chart, keeping you focussed and attentive to any new prospects that may further your career. The new moon in Scorpio on the 11th opens your mind to new horizons, opportunities for earning extra cash could provide a big break.

Aries: March 21 - April 20

With three planets in the work sector of your chart November will surely turn out to be a busy month. Your ruler dynamic Mars shows you that the heat is on, then after the 13th you can begin to take things a bit easier. Financial matters may need some attention around the new moon on the 11th.

Taurus: April 21 - May 21

With Jupiter, Venus and Mars passing through the romance area of your chart this month - be prepared for new encounters or renewing romantic relationships. Venus really gets going when she enters her own sign of Libra on the 9th, harmony and balance are yours for the asking.

Gemini: May 22 - June 22

Three planets occupy the domestic angle of your chart, home and family will be your top priorities this month. Mercury, your ruler, gets deep and soulful after the 9th passing though Scorpio until the 21st. The full moon in your sign on the 25th highlight important decisions that need resolving.

The Moon, your ruling planet, starts the month in your sign, having made spectacular aspects to the Sun and Neptune. Love, romance and getting away from it all are high priorities this month. Communication is good as Jupiter, Venus and Mars ensure that your confidence and self-esteem are high.

Leo: July 24 - August 23

As dynamic Mars powers up your financial sector you’ll be on the lookout for new ways to make money. Abundant Jupiter lends a helping hand and ensures there isn’t much that you can’t achieve this month! The Scorpio new moon on the 11th brings a domestic issue into the spotlight.

Virgo: August 24 - September 23

Three planets in your sign ensure that this will be an important month - high energy, love and luck are the main themes to keep you occupied. Your confidence is strong and you’ll find that you can at last do things your way. Communication is enhanced with the new moon on the 11th.

Libra: September 24 - October 23

With Venus and Mars passing through your sign later this month you’re being asked to be more assertive and to step up into a more important role. Jupiter is strong and connects with Pluto, the planet of transformation. Spiritual and psychological regeneration and growth are important themes.

Scorpio: October 24 - November 22

It’s your birthday month and the new moon in your sign on the 11th brings the start of a brand new cycle of transformation and personal growth. With Jupiter, Venus and Mars all occupying the friendship angle of your chart, it has never been more important to listen to other people.

Sagittarius: November 23 - December 22 Venus has joined Jupiter and Mars at the highest point of your chart, creating opportunities that you never thought were possible. As communicative Mercury enters your sign on the 21st long held dreams

November 2015 Jupiter, Venus and Mars all occupy the industrious sign of Virgo at the start of the month; perfect timing to take stock, get motivated and plan ahead. The Sun is in perfect harmony with mystical Neptune making November a month of idealism, friendship and romance! Mercury, the planet of ideas and communication speeds up the pace of life, entering Scorpio on the 2nd but quickly leaving for Sagittarius on the 21st. Now is the time to invest in education and training, especially when it comes to your career. Energetic Mars enters the well-adjusted sign of Libra on the 13th giving everyone a more harmonious and balanced outlook on life. The new moon is in emotive Scorpio on the 11th, There’s nothing halfway about intense Scorpio energy, so be prepared for some deep emotional delving. The Scorpio new moon is also the perfect time to renew your well-being before the winter sets in. The full moon is in Gemini on the 25th.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to all. and aspirations can begin to take shape, particularly around the 11th.

Capricorn: December 23 - January 19

Jupiter, Venus and Mars are all in Virgo stirring up that side of you that longs to get away. Further education may also be on your mind, perhaps something that takes you abroad. Love planet Venus moves into Libra on the 9th, increasing the chances of meeting someone new.

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

‘Unlock the secrets of your personal birth chart by booking a personal astrology consultation. Tune into positive and productive planetary cycles and become more successful in life and in business + plus change November to December. Christine Chalklin has an International client base and all her consultations are available in person, by telephone or Skype. Contact Christine at www.restyleyourlife.co.uk | Christine@restyleyourlife.co.uk | Telephone: 07813 483549

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VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

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With Christmas just around the corner we have put together a small selection of our favourite gift items to spoil your friends and family Gin & tonic Boozy bath treats | miniature lip balm and bath salts infused with juniper | £9.99 | www.presentsformen.co.uk/ gifts-for-men-and-giftideas-for-men-deptgiftmens_pg1 Kiss the Moon Sleep Recovery Set | includes after dark bath and face oils + silk sleep mask | available in Glow & Love | £28 (20ml) | www.kissthemoon.com Made in the UK, Noble Isle bath & body gift sets | 5 gift sets available | from £15 - £65 | www.nobleisle.com Golf style wash bag | £24.99 www.presentsformen.co.uk/giftsfor-men-and-gift-ideas-for-mendeptgiftmens_pg1 Orofluido Gift Sets Orofluido limited edition includes original elixir & eau de Parfum £25.99 | Orofluido Asia edition includes Asia Zen Elixir & blush £25.99 www.orofluido.com Toni & Guy TGST2998UK Professional XL wide plate straightener | £80 www.toniandguy.com Sabon Bauble gift set | miniature versions of silky body milk & shower oil | Sabon two of a kind gift set | hero shower oil & body lotion | Priced from £19 - £200 | www.sabonuk.co.uk Crabtree & Evelyn moisturizing hand cream set | 2 x 25gm tubes | £8.99 www.presentsformen.co.uk /gifts-for-men-and-gift-ideas-formen-deptgiftmens_pg1 Champs Elysees Gift set indulgent pink bath salts (600gm), body wash (200ml) and body puff from no Inhibition www.milkshakehaircare.co.uk Milk-shake haircare Christmas Hero Duos (£19.99) and Trios (29.99) for good hair days www.milkshakehaircare.co.uk Heir and Grace Candles From Windsor, indulgent scents in English Rose, Citrus & Jasmine, Charlotte, Orange & chilli and Mulled Oranges for Christmas | £18 (75gm) | £36 (200gm) www.heirandgrace.co.uk

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VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

Editors Choice Maui Jim Sunglasses with patented Polarized Plus2Lens giving brilliant colour | Anini Beach (ladies) £165 | Breakers (Mens) £175 | www.mauijim.com

Personalised Steel Phone Stand £29.99 | www.gettingpersonal.co.uk/gifts/personalisedsteel-phone-stand.htm Kobo Aura H2O ereader (waterproof) | £139.99 | www.Kobo.com Leitz Complete XL Universal Multicharger | £50 | Allows users to charge up to three mobile devices and one tablet all at the same time. www.amazon.co.uk/Leitz-Complete-XL-Universal-Multicharger olloclip 4-in-1 A quick-connect lens solution for smartphones |£69.99 | Available at all Apple stores. olloclip Macro Lens for iPhone 6 & iPhone 6 Plus: transforms iPhone camera’s into a digital microscope or loupe | £69.99 | Available all Apple stores. Philips Vivia Collection Juicer compact, easy clean, makes up to 1.5L of juice in one go | green, black, red | £70 | www.amazon.co.uk

VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

Pieminster Pie Making kit cookbook ‘ a pie for all seasons’, oven glove, rolling pin, pie bird and traditional enamel pie tin | £40 | www.pieminister.co.uk Vallebona luxury Italian food wide range of gifts with hampers from £35-£600 | Panettone and nougats, cheese boards, luxury condiments and wine box selections | www.vallebona.co.uk Jimmi Jamms – range of sleepwear for women, from snuggly pyjamas to stylish beauty bands and cosy blankets | from £16 | www.jimmijamms.com Duppy Share Rum well-rounded golden Caribbean Rum | RRP £29.95| www.Thewhiskeyexchange.com Perrier-Jouët ‘Small Discoveries’ Champagne The Grand Brut gift box - £40, Belle Époque 2007 - £130 www.perrier-jouet.com

Cosy Cashmere hat, scarf and glove set in rosy pink, optical white, glacier blue & oyster grey | £157 | www.cosy-cashmere.co.uk Cockburns Special Reserve Port in brightly coloured tins to celebrate its bicentenary, in glossy black, bright red & gold www.cockburns.com Sipsmith London Dry Gin and VJOP gift box | RRP £28 (70cl bottle) www.sipsmith.com Highland Park 12 year old Whisky | single malt boasts a honey sweetness, fruity notes with a hint of gentle smoke | RRP £35.12 | www.highlandpark.co.uk Jack Daniels Single Barrel whiskey personalised on the side or front at no extra cost | £55 | www.whiskyshop.com | www.jackdaniels.co.uk The Macallan Rare Cask soft notes of opulent vanilla and raisin | RRP £200 | www.themacallan.com

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Ring the Changes this Festive Season By Heather Harrison

At this time of year, Britain spends more on wines, spirits and liqueurs than at any other time. As well as entertaining friends, catering for parties, and procuring those special, more premium wines to match the meal on the big day itself, it is also a time when alcohol changes hands as a gift. Don’t get stuck in a wine rut this festive season. Try ringing the changes to your traditional Christmas tipples, making your parties stand out for all the right reasons. Festivities are always associated with sparkle. This season is the time to treat your friends to some English Sparkling Wine. It might not have the same snappy name as Prosecco, Champagne or Cava, but our local fizz is some of the finest in the world. Here in Berkshire, there are several wonderful vineyards producing top quality sparkling wines using the traditional method often known as the Champagne method. Recent research shows this method was actually invented in England. The local chalk soil and climate is very similar to that in the Champagne region, so if you love Champagne’s crisp apple, brioche, toasty and biscuity flavours, you will love English Sparkling Wine. It’s a great gift, particularly for anyone from outside of our region, and makes a perfect accompaniment to festive treats like smoked salmon, gravadlax, crab or oysters. Those with a sweeter tooth may well prefer to stick to Prosecco. It’s Britain’s number one fizz by far. At this time of year, treat yourself and your guests to the premium Prosecco Superiore

from Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG. The DOCG category is the highest level of regional quality guaranteed produce in Italy. Or, brighten up supermarket Prosecco by turning it into a cocktail. Whip up a traditional Bellini by blitzing some canned peaches to a pulp, & adding a spoonful or two to your glass. You might also add a generous slug of peach liqueur. Other liqueurs that work well in fizz are the classic Crème de Cassis (blackcurrant), and there are a wide range of new flavours that work just as well. Try some exotic Lychee, or even Violet if you fancy something more floral. Mulled wine is always a favourite during the festive season, and over the last couple of years, there’s been a trend towards serving mulled cider. Try adding your usual mulling spices to some cloudy apple juice to make a great child (or driver) friendly version. There’s no need to have 2 pots on the go - simply add a shot or two of Calvados (an aged apple spirit,

similar to Brandy), for those who aren’t watching their alcohol intake. Like Brandy, Calvados comes in a range of ages and quality levels. You might also enjoy a glass after dinner instead of a more common Cognac or Whisky. In Normandy, where Calvados originates, there’s even a tradition of taking a small glass of Calvados part way through a large meal as a way of creating a “trou” or hole, allowing diners to finish the meal comfortably. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, try some warmed Japanese saké While warming won’t do much to improve the flavours of a premium Junmai Daiginjo style brew, the inexpensive saké styles readily available in supermarkets will mellow, becoming smoother and rounder on warming. Just remember that it won’t lose its high alcohol content, so be careful not to serve too much. When it comes to after-dinner drinks, you might again consider Japan. Umeshu, a plum infused style of saké, somewhat akin to Sloe Gin, makes a wonderful alternative for fans of Amaretto and is possibly the best drink match for the mince pie I’ve ever tasted. For me though, it’s got to be sherry. No, not the cream style your grandma used to drink in the 1970s. This is the time to uncork the Pedro Ximénez, an unctuous, treacle-sweet sherry with flavours of dried fruit, spice, and caramel. If you’re too full for dessert, this is basically liquid Christmas cake. Sip a glass on its own, or even pour over vanilla ice-cream. Who needs Brandy Butter? Finally, a word on wine gifts. This is not the time to nip down to the supermarket and grab a big brand. Again, think local. Lavish some care on your friends & family, and support one of our local, independent wine merchants. Their survival depends on your support. They’ll help you choose exactly the right bottle, whether it’s a gift, or for matching your most important meal of the year.

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VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

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Advertising Feature

The importance of your designer

athroom design like most things has changed dramatically over the years. Long gone are the simple sanitised utility bathrooms of yesteryear and in are dramatic stylish statement rooms of luxury. The bathroom is the last place in the house where you can truly indulge yourself, relax, unwind and get away from the worries and troubles on the other side of that locked door. The first critical step in bathroom design is usually a process of good space planning. Start by making a list of your needs and wants for your bathroom. ask yourself simple questions and prioritise your desires. Your designer can help with all of these answers and will certainly help guide the questions. But your desires are personal to you, so make sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re aware of what they are before meeting with your designer. TO HELP, HERE ARE SOME POINTS TO CONSIDER BEFORE DISCUSSING YOUR DREAM BATHROOM WITH A DESIGNER.

Shower, bath or both? Do you want a spa experience in the shower with body sprays and a rain-head shower or would you prefer a long luxurious deep soak?

Light and ventilation, Where is the light coming from and what about ventilation, is it ok to open a window or would you rather a fan for those chilly months? Plan enough space for each fixture and function. For example, plan for a place to dry off when stepping out of the shower or bath. Is there enough wall space to hang towels within easy reach of the shower and bath? And consider using wall hanging toilets and basins to create a spacious and more hygenic look. Think through your daily routine. If you and your partner need to get ready in the morning at the same time, you might want separate basins with storage solutions. Consider cleaning and maintenance. What type of flooring and wall finishes are best for you? Some finishes look great but require more cleaning. Chances are youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll make different choices for an ensuite than you might for a busy family bathroom. Think about your luxuries. Do you want heated floors or towel warmers? Should your perfect bathroom have music or even a TV? Have you considered the benefits of a steam shower? This is your chance to make your dreams a reality.

PERFECTION THROUGH DESIGN

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image courtesy of Villeroy & Boch

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

right for them. Our skilled designers can plan a kitchen to suit different budgets, style requirements and spaces. We make every effort to make things right from day one, so that you will be delighted with the end result. Ashford Kitchens & Interiors pride themselves on facilitating a fully project managed service, as not many companies take on the job as a whole. By providing this service, customers can feel at ease that their project is in safe hands; not having to worry about going elsewhere to search for appliances or flooring. The company provide expert knowledge and excellent prices on their high quality cabinetry from leading British manufacturers and a vast range of appliances, specialised worktops, flooring, tiles and lighting - all of which can be viewed in one of our spacious showrooms. Ashford Kitchens & Interiors has been a specialist member of the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) since 1984. We are one of 300 fully accredited, UK based, independent retailers recognised for providing the highest quality advice about key

home improvements. Therefore you can be double assured that we will always offer a highly professional and cost effective service from design to installation. Being a local, family run business Ashford Kitchens & Interiors genuinely care that their customers receive the best possible service and are happy with their experience from the moment they step into the showroom. We welcome you to visit our spacious showrooms in Ashford, Middlesex & Farnham Common, Bucks where you will be able to experience the variety and quality of our extensive displays that will inspire you to create your dream kitchen, bedroom or home office. Ashford Kitchens & Interiors is at The Parade, The Broadway, Farnham Common, and 85, Church Road, Ashford, Middlesex. www.ashfordinteriors.co.uk info@ashfordinteriors.co.uk Ashford 01784 245964 or Farnham Common 01753 642362

The company offer a free, no-obligation, design visit and planning service with computer aided design software, which helps client’s visualise their renovation project and make adjustments

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

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Stump Removal RIDGEBANK FLOORING

The removal of a tree stump from a garden can often be a problematic and timeconsuming exercise without the help of a good Tree Surgeon. The root systems which the tree creates can differ depending on the species and age of the plant. The roots can often extend meters from the tree and within flower beds or lawns.

TERRY BALDWIN

Stump grinding is a way of removing a tree stump. The blades cut at the stump creating ‘sawdust and woodchips’ until the stump has disappeared. You can use this organic material to benefit your garden and your beds. The mulch can help to conserve moisture, improve fertility and health of the soil, reduce weed growth and to enhance the visual appeal of the area. Now is a good time to be removing the stumps as the plants will be dormant and there will be fewer disturbances.

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19/08/2015 13:16

At Home with Art – Treasures from the Brinsley Ford Collection This autumn, Basildon Park opens a brand new exhibition of art works including impressive Old Masters, 20th century engravings and paintings of the Grand Tour, on long term loan by Augustine Ford. It is his share of his father, Sir Brinsley Ford’s considerable and highly respected collection and includes important works of art from Tiepolo to Augustus John. At Home with Art - Treasures from the Brinsley Ford Collection wonderfully complements the existing works of art at Basildon Park collected by Lord and Lady Iliffe. The Iliffes rescued the country estate from ruin in the 1950s and faithfully restored the 18th century house, filling it with fine furniture, paintings and fabrics. Visitors have long enjoyed gazing on the rich and varied collection of baroque and

NATURAL GAS

Camp Vaccino in frame

rococo pictures at Basildon Park, including a portrait by Italian Old Master, Pompeo Batoni (1708-1787) and a major work by Anne Valleyer-Coster (court painter to Marie Antoinette). Sir Brinsley’s collected art at the same time as the Iliffes and they shared a taste for Old Master paintings, paintings of the Grand Tour and the 20th century post-war period. They even used the same auction houses and art dealers such as Colnaghi’s and Agnew’s. Like the Iliffes, Sir Brinsley was generous in sharing his works of art with the public. He once said: ‘The pleasure of owning a collection, and sharing it with others, fully compensates for the burdens that it entails.’

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Feast of Flora in frame by Platz

In displaying At Home with Art – Treasures from the Brinsley Ford Collection, the National Trust is continuing Basildon Park’s tradition of welcoming visitors to share in the pleasure of fine art. On a grey Berkshire day, visitors can lose themselves in a tour of Rome in an afternoon, looking on works such as The Colosseum, and the Campo Vaccino by Giovanni Batista Busiri. At Home with Art – Treasures from the Brinsley Ford Collection is on display from 2 November 2015 at Basildon Park South Pavilion, Lower Basildon, Nr Pangbourne, Reading RG8 9NR

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Beautiful Bedrooms Written by Jenny Allan JCA Interiors

The bedroom is one of the key areas in interior design as it is the last room you see at night and the first place you wake up to in the morning. Quality of sleep bears a direct correlation with the room’s environment, design and overall feel. A peaceful space has a big influence on wellbeing and positively influences the mood and the mind. When starting a bedroom design, selecting the colour palette is a good place to begin. It is advisable to choose a restful scheme such as greys, beiges or taupes rather than colours that might jar the senses or be overly bright. Once a colour palette is selected it is then easier to decide on fabrics, pieces of furniture and the layout that will work with the overall design. With the bed being the central focus point of any bedroom the headboard can be designed to be a real “wow” factor. There is a multitude of different designs and styles available but the best way to create a stunning headboard is to have it custom made for the bedroom. Bespoke fabric panels can be manufactured to cover an entire wall while another example would be to have a floor to ceiling headboard with mirrored panels either side of the bed. Once the headboard is designed make sure the cushions and other fabrics complement the look. One of the best ways to make the bed look beautiful is to have a minimum of four cushions. Usually two large and then two smaller in front will balance the scheme but other layouts such as three cushions in a row work equally well. Crisp white sheets are an ideal blank canvas when dressing the bed as it will always look stylish. However choose good quality, high thread count bed linen, Egyptian cotton being a popular choice. A luxurious bedspread VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

A well de signed bedroom is a great investme nt in your wellbeing and will always be money well spen t.

that can cover the entire end of the bed will complete the look. When choosing furniture for the bedroom ensure all pieces are in proportion to the room size and the bed. Make sure the bedside tables are the right size and height with adequate storage and surface area for a glass, book, clock and table lamp. Optional pieces of furniture that can enhance a bedroom are dressing tables and end of bed benches which can really bring some glamour to the space.

Good storage solutions are essential to keeping a bedroom looking good. In an ideal world having a separate dressing room is the perfect solution but understandably this is not always practical. Instead it can be beneficial to commission some quality bespoke wardrobes that are designed to make the most of the space available particularly if the room is a slightly awkward shape. A well designed bedroom is a great investment in your wellbeing and will always be money well spent. It should be an inviting, beautiful and relaxing space which enhances a home and is a welcome sight at the end of a long day.

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Living Landscape The days are getting ever shorter; the weather ever colder, winter is almost upon us. It means only one thing; frost and ice are here. For most of us it means getting up ten minutes earlier, so you have time to find the ice scraper and being extra careful where you walk. As you do daily battle with frost and ice, take a minute. Although it is nasty slidey stuff, it is also magical, beautiful and certainly worth a closer look. Here is our guide on all things frost and ice. To get either frost or ice you need a low temperature. Most of us think they form when the temperature is below freezing. This is not strictly true. Ground frost can form when the air temperature is above zero degrees Celsius; a phenomenon known as radiative cooling. On a clear winter night, after a short day, the ground, plants, trees and other objects have not been warmed by the day. As night falls they all start to cool faster than the surrounding air and frost forms. Clear and black ice the nemesis of many a walker and motorist, only form in very cold conditions. When rain comes into contact with a surface that is below 0°C, Glaze ice is formed. If it continues to rain layers of glaze ice build up, this build up can cause trees and even overhead power line to become so heavy they break. So your journey could be disrupted by a fallen tree or you are plunged into darkness. ‘Black ice’ is another name for glaze ice. When glaze ice forms on roads and pavements, because it is so clear, you don’t see the ice only the surface beneath. It may look like a wet road by in reality its ice. Hoar frost are thin white ice crystals. Which are formed when dew settles on a surface well below freezing point. You get a Hoar frost on nights with little or no cloud and low temperatures. Rime frost is a rough white ice. It forms in foggy or misty weather

62 |VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

when the temperature is very low. The supercooled, tiny water droplets in the mist or fog drift past a surface where they freeze on contact and Rime frost is formed. Vehicle windscreens are a great place to study ice and frost. With a dry atmosphere and a cloudless sky, ice has no chance to build up. If the atmosphere is damp or during the night, the temperature has risen and fallen, ice will form and then melt again. Each warming and cooling builds up

the ice layer. It is time for the scraper and de-icer. Don’t look at frost and ice as a challenge you have to overcome. Stop, take a minute, look more closely, you will be amazed by the beauty. As this is the last Vivid before Christmas may we take this opportunity to wish you all the best of the season. Jacky and Mark Bloomfield wildlife photographers VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015 62

A PRICKLY SUBJECT By Hannah Stephenson

Hedgehog populations are in trouble. They’ve declined by 30% in the last 10 years alone and there are now thought to be fewer than a million left in the UK, according to the RHS.

“There’s going to be an indirect benefit when it comes to plant choice,”says Bostock. “If you increase invertebrates you will encourage the hedgehogs’ natural food sources.”

So, what can gardeners do about it? This year, the RHS and The Wildlife Trusts are teaming up with the campaign Hedgehog Street during Wild About Gardens Week to encourage us to make gardens, schools and community spaces hedgehog-friendly.

At this time of year, just before hibernation, good pollinating plants including asters, dahlias, Japanese anemones, sedums and Verbenabonariensis will all encourage just the type of invertebrates hedgehogs need to get them through the winter.

“Improving your gardens for invertebrate groups will encourage hedgehogs into the garden, as insects, slugs, snails and earthworms are the hedgehog’s natural food source,” says Helen Bostock, RHS senior horticultural adviser.

At other times of the year, a mix of flower shapes will attract a variety of insects, from tall foxgloves, to climbing honeysuckles, ornamental alliums, salvias, single flowered roses and herbs, including rosemary and chives.

“Remove potential hazards. Any steep sides on ponds can lead to hedgehogs drowning. Create a gentle ramp to allow them easy access in and out of the water.

Gardeners should not cut everything back as soon as late autumn arrives, she says. Leave some stems standing to provide effective cover and if you want to buy or make hedgehog shelters, make sure they are sturdy and that their holes are big enough for access, and place them in a quiet spot with natural cover such as leaves, so that rain doesn’t flood the shelter.

“Check bonfire piles before you light them, as hedgehogs may be hiding underneath them and be careful when strimming long grass, where they may be found. Also, don’t leave litter or items like fruit cage netting loose for hedgehogs to get caught up in. Open drains and trenches can also cause problems.”

To illustrate the point, RHS Harlow Carr in Yorkshire is launching three gardens which are each 5m x 5m one contemporary, one formal and the other wild - with small holes in the boundaries to allow hedgehog access, featuring planting which will attract invertebrates and hedgehog shelters.

Wild About Gardens Week will also be encouraging people to create 13cm x 13cm hedgehog holes in fences, walls and other barriers to allow these creatures to access different gardens for food and shelter.

Leafy plants including hostas, which provide both cover and attract slugs and snails, which are food for hedgehogs, are featured in the gardens, as are willow shelters, short grasses and bare soil, where they can forage for worms.

Bear in mind that hedgehogs only have short legs and don’t do well on steep inclines, she says.

Hedgehogs are not herbivores, so will not feast on leaves, flowers or other plant matter, but they will feed on the pollinating insects and other species which are attracted to particular plants. As well as feeding on slugs and snails, hedgehogs also eat groups of beetles, caterpillars, earthworms and even birds’ eggs, as well as meat-based dog and cat food, or dry hedgehog food available from garden centres and online.

VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

“Solid boundaries are problematic for hedgehogs,” says Bostock. “Adults travel between 1-2km per night and need that space to forage.”

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Helping your dog have a happy Christmas too Christmas is fast approaching. As part of your preparations and planning, don’t forget to factor in your dog. Christmas is a time of changed routine, much coming and going of family and visitors and general mayhem. While your dog will certainly enjoy some aspects, there is also the potential for high levels of stress and upset. First of all, your dog should have a place to escape away from overexcited children – or adults for that matter. Do not move their bed to make space for the Christmas tree or for any other reason. If you do, you run the risk of them taking refuge behind the tree, where they might knock it over or chew the light cable, with obvious results. Should you really have to move their bed, do it several weeks in advance so they have time to get use to the new position in a quiet space that they can access easily. Routines such as walking and meal times should be kept as close to normal as possible as this will help minimise stress. A stressed dog is more likely to behave out of character, such as growling or even nipping. Don’t blame the dog, they are coping with a lot of unusual activity, the presence of lots of people, with the accompanying noise can be extremely unsettling. It really is kinder to put them into a quiet room in their own bed where they can relax. They are not missing out, they are having some down time. I keep mentioning stress, but what are the indicators that your dog is stressed? There are many, including yawning, panting, frequent licking of lips, ears pulled back, excessive grooming, chewing of paws, avoidance of eye contact, to name a few. Monitor dog child interactions, especially if the dog does not normally have much contact with children and vice versa. Do not set your dog up to fail by not supporting them during a challenging time of year. With so many adult treats and lefts oversaround please try to avoid inappropriate foods that your dog is not used to or that can be harmful. Chocolate is not a dog appropriate treat as it contains theobromine which

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is poisonous to dogs. Anything containing grapes (raisins, sultanas, currents) such as Christmas pudding, mince pies etc, should not be fed to dogs. Avoid the chance of bins being raided for turkey carcases or other left overs by wrapping them tightly and putting into a sealed bin outside. Try to avoid decorating your house in such a way that the dog cannot act as normal, don’t put candles, or delicate ornaments where they can be swept away by an enthusiasm of wagging. You can’t blame the dog if it all goes horribly wrong! It goes without saying that you should never get a dog at Christmas. If you want to make a new dog part of your Christmas, do the groundwork in advance, and then announce the intention and allow everyone to get involved in choosing who is to join the family after Christmas. Introduce the dog to your home when life is normal, do you really want to be housetraining alongside the demands that Christmas makes on your time? Your dog is part of the family so naturally you want to involve them is the biggest family get together of the year. A bit of forethought and preparation will make sure that it really is fun for everyone. Dru Ross

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What do you buy for the pet with everything?

Treats, toys, a new collar perhaps! All things I’ve bought for my dogs in the past because I can’t possibly leave them out at Christmas time! If you’re looking for some more innovative gifts take a look below for something a bit different. Poppy and Rufus, made in Britain, have a selection of gifts from £10 - £115. We’ve selected a Muffet travel Blanket at £25 from Poppy and Rufus - for the full range visit www.poppyandrufus.co.uk. A Beano Ball or treat bag - £15 and a Muffet travel blanket £25 Turtle Mat pet mats are a great solution for muddy pet paws (perhaps more a present for you than your pet!!) From £29.95 they are a stylish addition to any front or back door! Available from www.turtlemat.co.uk. W&G BB15 A5 Advert 07/09/2015 10:38 Page 1

We have one Posh Paws Dog Mat worth £47.95 to give away to a lucky reader.

For your chance to win the Posh Paws Turtle Mat send your details to Competitions@VividMag.co.uk by 4th December.

Have you ever wanted to see the world from your dog’s point of view?

If so the GoPro Fetch Dog Harness is the stocking filler for you. Strap the harness on to your dog and you’ll be able to see what running through the woods and fields looks like to him! It’s fully adjustable for dogs from 7 to 54kgs and is water friendly too! Available to buy for £48.99 from camerajungle.co.uk Happy shopping!! Claire Fryer

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First Drive:

Facts At A Glance

ASTON MARTIN DB9 GT By Matt Joy

Aston Mart in B9 GT, £140,00D 0

Engine: 6.0litre unit prod ucing 540bhp and 45 Transmissi 7lb/ft of torque on: Six-spee d automatic driving Performan the rear wheels ce: Top spee d 183mph, 0-62mph Economy: in 4.5 seconds 19 Emissions: .8 mpg combined 333g/km of CO2

What’s new? There’s a great number of new things on the horizon for Aston Martin; a new Bond film, a new generation of cars and a new partnership with AMG, all of which are brimming with promise for the British manufacturer. These things are still to come however, and in the meantime, the car that began the Aston Martin rival has been refreshed. This GT version is the final hurrah for the DB9, the V12 grand tourer that has best encapsulated the notion of a modern Aston Martin in the 21st Century. The GT receives unique alloy wheels, black detailing to the front and rear aerodynamic elements, black brake callipers and detail changes to the head and tail lights. The long-serving 6.0-litre engine gets a power boost too. Looks and image Given its age it is remarkable how little the DB9’s shape has changed over the last decade, but that is a testament to just how pretty it was in the first place. The subtle enhancements of this GT version are just that; welcome, but just fresh icing on a delicious cake. The black-finished front splitter and rear diffuser are nice touches and the new wheels are a delight. Those looks are still guaranteed to turn heads, which is part of the reason it has such a fantastic image. British, stylish and relatively discreet - just like a certain secret agent. Space and practicality The DB9 is better than it used to be

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in this respect, although it’s best suited to two adults with the possible occasional inclusion of a pair of small children. It’s a grand tourer in the traditional sense, so there’s an intimate cabin for the two up front and 155 litres of space for your weekend luggage in the boot, and use the rear seats for odds and ends. The latest infotainment upgrade is a welcome addition too, with better responses and more features than before. Behind the wheel The DB9 GT isn’t just a high performance grand tourer, it is a car that delivers a genuine sense of occasion. Sliding behind the wheel into the beautifully finished cabin makes you feel special; firing up the V12 engine confirms it. Driven sensibly, the DB9 GT is low effort and comfortable. The ride is well judged, keeping everything level and stable but filtering out road pimples, while the automatic gearbox marshals the huge amount of torque on offer. Squeeze the accelerator gently and there’s a seemingly infinite amount of urge available, all delivered without any fuss. Really press on and the DB9 GT is ready to play. It’s a relatively big car but there’s three damper settings and three for the stability control too, and should you be feeling brave and talented, it will play the hooligan. As fast (if not faster) than you could possibly need in the UK and beyond, it is a car that delights in so many ways.

Value for money The question of value operates in reverse when discussing a luxury car; it’s not so much whether the car is worth the money, but how often does the car remind you how much it is worth? In the case of the DB9 GT, that is on a regular basis. The quality of the materials is superb; flawless stitching in the beautiful leather, glinting chrome and carpet you want to dig bare feet into. The short of it is you will never feel short-changed for your £140,000. Who would buy one? James Bond would buy one if he didn’t get an Aston in his company car scheme, but for us mortals at least, the DB9 should either be in your underground garage or a poster on your bedroom wall. It’s become an Aston Martin icon in its own lifetime, and while there is a new car on the horizon, it has some spectacularly large shoes to fill. There will be faint tears when it finally moves on. This car summed up in a single word: Bewitching If this car was a...: sculpture mounted on a plinth in Trafalgar Square, it would get more salutes than Nelson. VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

Cryptic Crossword ACROSS

DOWN

1. Give instruction in public transport (5) 2. Link rage with Shakespearean monarch (4,4) 3. Dog made a meal of the cleric! (6) 4. Intends to produce first-class manuscript (4) 5. Shine - like rubbish at Gateshead! (7) 6. Does it shed light on seances? (6,4) 9. It sifts would-be film-stars, of course (6,4) 12. Not carry out, as clashing (8) 14. Again negotiate a withdrawal (7) 16. Claret possibly produced by syndicate (6) 19. Instruct class (5) 20. Bring up the back (4)

Martin adaMs

6 7

11 12

15 16

20 21

23 Across: 1 Take charge; 7 Plain; 8 Remains; 10 Ringlets; 11 Stir; 13 Turban; 15 Course; 17 Asti; 18 Last post; 21 Present; 22 Andes; 23 Star player. Down: 1 Train; 2 King Lear; 3 Curate; 4 Aims; 5 Glitter; 6 Spirit lamp; 9 Screen test; 12 Contrary; 14 Retreat; 16 Cartel; 19 Order; 20 Rear.

1. Accept the fee and assume control (4,6) 7. It’s clear 50 are in acute discomfort (5) 8. What’s left of the marines (7) 10. Telephone call permits curls (8) 11. Rouse some of the worst Irish elements (4) 13. A burnt head-dress (6) 15. There’s nothing in malediction on the race-track (6) 17. It’s a wine (4) 18. Final collection of letters at military funeral (4,4) 21. Give now (7) 22. Also only half sees the mountains (5) 23. Ace astronaut in the team? (4,6)

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

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Out & About A Comprehensive Guide to What’s on in your local area. in&around Marlow, Maidenhead, Henley, Cookham & Bourne End. If you would like your event added, please email us at Contact@VividMag.co.uk

NOVEMBER

hedge laying, £50 for the two day course, 10:00-16:00 – 01494 755573.

05: ‘Circle Dance’ in Lane End Village Hall, come and join in to some gentle dancing to beautiful music from around the world, new dancers always welcome, £4 a session – 01235 520608.

13: ‘The Comedy Club’ at Crowne Plaza, back by popular demand, A night of comedy with chicken and chunky chips in a basket, £29 per person, over 18’s only, 19:00-00:30 – 01628 496800.

05: Archeology in Marlow – The Thames Discovery Programme and the Archeology of the Thames Foreshore at Liston Hall, 20:00, non members £4.

13-22: Brakspear Jazz and Blues Festival: wwwbrakspear.co.uk/jazzandblues

05+06: ‘Hedge Laying’ at Hughenden Manor, learn about the Chiltern’s style of hedge laying, £50 for the two day course, 10:00-16:00 – 01494 755573. 07: Marlow FC v Taunton Town League Match at Oaktree Road, Marlow 15:00. 07: ‘Cookham Scouts Group Fireworks’, Grove Island, Odney Lane, Cookham SL6 9SR from 17:30, bonfire lighting at 18:00, fireworks at 19:00. £5 in advance, £6 on the night. Contact keith-le-page@hotmail.com or www.cookham.com

14: ‘Diwali’ join us to celebrate the festival of lights with Rangoli patterns, lantern making and puppets at River and Rowing Museum, Henley, 11:00-15:00, free with admission. 14: ‘Chiltern Camerata’ a Concert of Concertos at Amersham Free Church, Woodside Road, Amersham, 19:30, £12, under 18’s free tickets from the Marlow Information – 01628 483597. 14: ‘Cookham Bridge Rotary Club presents London Welsh Male Voice Choir at the school hall, Eton College, 19.00. Tickets from £20 – 01753 868449.

21: Marlow Choral Society presents ‘Alexander’s Feast’ by George Frideric Handel at All Saints Church, Marlow, 19.30. Tickets £13 from Marlow Information Centre. 21: ‘ Inner Wheel Charity Christmas Fayre’, in aid of Iain Rennie and other Inner Wheel Charities, 10:30-15:30, Liston Hall, Marlow, with raffle drawn at 13:00, lots of stalls and gifts on offer. 21+22: ‘Hearing Dogs Christmas Market’ at The Grange, Wycombe Road, Saunderton, 11:00-20:00, adults £5, concessions £3, 11:00-16:00 on the Sunday. 22: ‘Christmas Market’ at Crowne Plaza Marlow, get ready for Christmas with fabulously festive stalls, selling original gifts, decorations and scrumptious food, with carol singers, mulled wine and mince pies, free admission, 11:00-16:00.

07: ‘Cookham Dean bonfire & fireowrks party’, 17:00-21:00, lantern ceremony at 18:00, Cookham Dean Village Green

16: ‘The Marlow Society – Talk on “Current Research WWI” at the Garden Room, Liston Hall, 19:30.

22: ‘Big Band Concert’, in aid of The Heart Rehabilitation Organisation of Berkshire, with the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Big Band. 19:30 at The Bourne End Community Centre, Wakemand Rd, Bourne End. Tickets £12 including coffee/tea & mince pies – rodjcrouch@tiscali.co.uk - 01628 671503

07: ‘Firework Night Celebration’ at Crowne Plaza Marlow, with fireworks over the lake, live music and a selection of food and drink, £12.50 adult, £5.50 child, £30 family (2+2), 18:30 – 01628 496800.

17: Marlow FC v Winchester City League match at Oaktree Road, Marlow, 15:00. 19: Free parking in Marlow all day.

24: ‘The Marlow Society – Treasures of the County Museum’ by Will Phillips in the Main Hall, Liston Hall, 19:30.

19: ‘Marlow Switch On & Shop’ from 18:00, switching on of the lights and late night shopping in Marlow.

25: ‘Victorian Christmas Wreath Making’ at Hughenden Manor, ever wondered how the professionals make those stunning Christmas Wreaths? Get in to the festive spirit and create something special this Christmas, all materials provided, 11:00-14:00, £35 to book a place call 01494 755573.

07: Christ Church Music in Marlow presents from the Royal College of Music ‘Theresa Yu’ in a classical recital of music by Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert and Granados at Christ Church URC, Oxford Road, 19:30, £8 – 01628 486227. 10: Careers Bucks – Marlow Support Group – ‘Prevention Matters and Information on other Support Services’ at the Community Lounge, Brooke Furmston Place, Little Marlow Road, 10:00-12:00 – 0300 777 2722. 10: ‘Marlow Jazz Club – Rare meeting of Two Fire Saxophonists, Karen Sharp & Vasilis Xenopoulos at Royal British Legion, £8.

19: ‘Supper Talk – Stories in Stone’ with Dr Jill Eyers at St Katharine’s, Parmoor, have you ever held a rock or a fossil and wondered what’s its story? Jill will unlock the mysteries of how to read the stories in these objects, £17.50 includes a 2 course supper, 19:30, to book call – 01494 881037. 20: ‘Blame it on the Boogie Tribute Night’ at Crowne Plaza, Marlow, a dinner with top UK tribute acts, re-living the disco days of the 70s and 80s, £29 per person, includes a 2 course dinner followed by music until 00:30, from 19:00 – 01628 496800.

12-14: Marlow Players presents ‘Unseen Academicals’, Shelley Theatre, Marlow, 20.00. Tickets from Marlow Information Centre, adult £12, under 12 £5.00.

20-22: ‘Three day Christmas Market‘, Market Place, Henley-on-Thames

12: ‘Monthly Tea Dance’ by the Marlow Community Association, 14.00-16.00, Liston Hall.

21: ‘Christ Church Music in Marlow – Autumn Season’ young musicians from the Chiltern Academy Chamber groups and other small ensembles, at Christ Church URC, Oxford Road, 19:30 – 01628 486227.

12+13: ‘Hedge Laying’ at Hughenden Manor, learn about the Chiltern’s style of

21: ‘St John the Baptist Autumn Fayre’, from 10:00 in Cookham Dean Village Hall

26: Talk by Henry Olonga (International cricketer) at Sir William Borlase School, 20:00. 26: ‘BBO Big Band at Marlow Royal British Legion 20:15. 27-29: ‘Wycombe Arts Christmas Show’ at Hughenden Manor hosts the Wycombe Arts Council’s annual Christmas Show. Join us for exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewellery, glass and felt and see if you can find the perfect Christmas present, 11:00-15:00. 28: ‘Marlow Transition Town Community Market’ local crafts and produces, refreshments available at Liston Hall, 09:30-13:00. 28: Marlow FC v Bishops Cleeve, League Match at Oaktree Road, Marlow 15:00.

For more information/changes to schedules as listed or information please call Marlow Information Centre on 01628 483597 or Maidenhead Library on 01628 796969 or Henley Library on 01491 575278

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VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

Out & About 28: ‘Music and Wine’ at the Pop Up Wine Bar, in Café Copia, 77 High Street, Wine from 20:30 and music from 21:30-11:30, £5. 28: ‘Maidenhead Christmas Lights Switch on’, 16:30 at the Town Hall, live music and entertainment 28:: ‘Visit Santa for free’ in the Nicholson’s Centre, Maidenhead – www.enjoymaidenhead.com 28 Nov – 26 Dec: ‘Free Weekend Parking’ in Maidenhead 28: ‘Cookham Christmas Fayre’, Moor Hall, Cookham, 11:0016:00, in aid of Elizabeth House – www.cookhamfayre.co.uk

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LIVE

Maidenhead

DECEMBER 01: Tea Dance at Flackwell Heath Community Centre 14:00-16:00 £5 per person. 01: ‘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! 01 Dec -01Jan: ‘T’was the Night Before Christmas and all through the manor……’ come and explore the joy of the holiday season at Hughenden Manor as we walk you through this literary family favourite. There’s even a special trail for children, 10:00-15:00 – free but normal admission applies - 01494 755573. 01 Dec -01Jan: ‘Christmas Trail’ at Hughenden Manor, throughout the Christmas period, children can follow our outdoor festive themed trail, 10:00-15:00 – free but normal admission applies - 01494 755573. 01-24: Living Advent Calendar: Various locations, please check details on the following sites: Henley – www.livingadventcalendar.co.uk - Windsor & Eton – www.windsorobserver.co.uk/advent - Maidenhead – www.enjoymaidenhead.com (mini events from 17:00 for approx. 20 minutes)

Tuesday 1 - Thursday 24 December Based on an original idea from Stockholm. Maidenhead town centre will come alive every afternoon from 1st – 24th December with live Christmas themed performances. Each performance will start promptly at 5pm at a different venue around the town. The FREE performance lasts approximately 15 minutes. It could be a song, carol, poetry reading or excerpt from a theatre show. You won’t know until you get there! Every afternoon will be a Christmas themed surprise. For the most up to date information visit www.enjoymaidenhead.com Follow us on Facebook EnjoyMaidenhead

WIN – a TWO TOGETHER RAILCARD Christmas is the perfect time for seeing family and friends, celebrating with loved ones and enjoying the festive spirit. But as well as being the most wonderful time of the year, it can also be one of the most expensive – with the cost of Christmas spending stretching the nation’s purse strings year after year. With the ‘Two Together Railcard’, users can get Christmas spending back on track, by saving a third on rail travel for two named people over the age of 16 when travelling together. At just £15 per person for a year’s unlimited usage, the Railcard is the perfect money saving solution this Christmas. And if Christmas wasn’t magical enough, holders of the Railcard will also receive a number of cost-saving benefits, with exclusive discounts on days out, theatre tickets and UK holiday destinations and get access to 20% off all full-price Virgin Experience Days.

VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

The Two Together Railcard can be used on all Standard and First Class Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance tickets, after 9.30am Monday to Friday and all day on weekends and bank holidays | www.twotogether-railcard.co.uk Railcard and Vivid Magazine have teamed up to give one lucky reader the opportunity to win one ‘Two Together Railcard’. Please send your details to competitions@VividMag.co.uk by 4th December for a chance of winning

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Out & About 02: ‘West Wycombe Festive Fayre’ 02+04+05: ‘Marlow Music Makers Christmas Concert’, Christchurch United Reformed Church, in aid of Helen & Douglas House. Tickets £10 from Leightons Insight opticians, Marlow – 01628484618/01494883392. 03: ‘Circle Dance’ in Lane End Village Hall, come and join in to some gentle dancing to beautiful music from around the world, new dancers always welcome, £4 a session – 01235 520608.

Marlow – www.santasfunrun.org – 01628 476610 07+08: ‘Christmas Workshop Wreath Making’ at Cliveden, make you own beautiful Christmas wreath using fresh foliage from Cliveden Estate. We provide the greenery and expert tuition, but also have items to buy on the day to add to you wreath, Mon- 13:30-16:00, Tues – 10:00-12:30 + 13:30-16:00, £35 – 01628 605069.

03: ‘Marlow Late Night Shopping Night’ 18:00-21:00, stalls and Christmas activities will be lining the High Street.

08: ‘Macular Society – Technology to Enable you to Read and Write Again’ at Wesley Methodist Church Hall, Priory Road, High Wycombe, 14:00-16:00 – 01753 885312.

03+10+17+24: ‘Late Night shopping’ in Maidenhead – www.enjoymaidenhead.com

08: ‘Marlow Jazz Club’ The Willie Garnett Big Band at the Royal British Legion, £8

04: Henley Christmas Festival 17:0021:00, Market Place, Henley-on-Thames

09: ‘Oh What a Night Tribute Night’ at Crowne Plaza, Marlow, a night of top class entertainment with our incredibly popular and entertaining tribute acts, £32.95 per person includes a 2 course meal, followed by music until 01:00, from 19:00 – 01628 496800

04: ‘Christmas in the Village’ organised by Lane End Parish Council, come and see the Christmas lights being switched on, then return to Lane End Village Hall for carols, music by local school children and Lane End Players will entertain you with their ‘Mummers’ play, light refreshments, 18:30-20:30 free event. 05: ‘Art on the High Street’, Maidenhead Town Centre – www.enjoymaidenhead.com 05+06/12+13: ‘Cliveden Christmas Trail, Father Christmas has left some little presents around our gardens. Follow his fun packed festive activity trail to find some early stocking fillers, 10:00-14:30, £5 per child plus normal admission – 01628 605069. 05: Marlow FC v Shortwood United League Match at Oaktree Road, Marlow 15:00. 05: ‘Visit Santa for free’ in the Nicholson’s Centre, Maidenhead 05: ‘Christmas Table Centrepieces’ at River & Rowing Museum, workshop designed for anyone who likes to use their imagination when decorating their home at Christmas, a display will be given by an experienced ‘Bluebells’ florist. A selection of material will be available to choose from to make a unique piece to take home, £45 includes all materials, 10:00-13:00 – 01491 415600. 05+06: ‘Lacey’s Christmas Fayre Weekend’ at Lacey’s Family Farm, Lane End, HP14 3LP, 10:00-16:00, local produce, gifts, wreaths, Christmas trees and more. 05: ‘Lane End Christmas Fayre’ at Lane End Community Centre, 13:00-15:00. 05+06: ‘Victorian Christmas Market’ at Hughenden Manor, come and explore a Dickensian Christmas market with strolling carolers, traditional fair and handmade gifts, 11:00-15:00 free but normal admission applies. 06: Free parking in Marlow all day 06: ‘Cookham Christmas Street Fayre’, Cookham High street 12:00-16:00 06: ‘Santa Fun Run’, Higginson Park,

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10: ‘Monthly Tea Dance’ by the Marlow Community Association, 14.00-16.00, Liston Hall. 11-02 Jan: ‘Peter Pan’ Pantomime at Wycombe Swan Theatre. 11-13: ‘Christmas Tree Festival’ in Maidenhead, Fri & Sat 10:00-19:00, Sunday 14:00-17:30, Christmas Tree service at 18:00 12: ‘Community Lantern Parade – The Carnival of Animals’ – from 16:30 at Maidenhead Town Hall with lantern making workshops in the run up to the event. 12: ‘Reindeer & Reindeer Racing’, 10: 00 – 16:00, Santa and his reindeer on Maidenhead high street and Nicholson’s shopping centre 12+13: ‘Cliveden Christmas Trail, Father Christmas has left some little presents around our gardens. Follow his fun packed festive activity trail to find some early stocking fillers, 10:00-14:30, £5 per child plus normal admission – 01628 605069. 12: ‘Christmas Glass Painting’ at the River and Rowing Museum, Henley, 10:30-12:30, 7-11 years, £8 – 01491 415600

popular and entertaining tribute acts, bring your friends along to rock your favourite tracks of the 80s and 90s, £32.95 includes a 2 course dinner followed by music until 01:00, starts 19:00 – 01628 496800. 17: ‘Carols on the Causeway, Marlow, 18:30. 17: ‘Maidenhead Concert Band Charity Concert’, Norden Farm, 19:45 – www.nordenfarm.org - 01628 788997 19+20: ‘Cliveden Christmas Trail, Father Christmas has left some little presents around our gardens. Follow his fun packed festive activity trail to find some early stocking fillers, 10:00-14:30, £5 per child plus normal admission – 01628 605069. 19: Marlow FC v Tiverton Town FC at Oak Tree Road, 15:00. 19: ‘Music and Wine’ at the Pop Up Wine Bar, in Café Copia, 77 High Street, Wine from 20:30 and music from 21:30-11:30, £5. 19: ‘Come as yourself and leave as an elf!’, trail around Maidenhead town centre to become and elf for a day – www.enjoymaidenhead.com 19: ‘Maveriskcs Christmas Panto is here! – The Brothers Claus’, 14:30 and 18:30, £5 per ticket, OAP’s free, raffles, drinks, snack bar and prizes at Flackwell Health Community Centre – reservations at www.themavericks.org.uk 20: ‘Maveriskcs Christmas Panto is here! – The Brothers Claus’, 14:30, £5 per ticket, OAP’s free, raffles, drinks, snack bar and prizes at Flackwell Health Community Centre – reservations at www.themavericks.org.uk 26: ‘Cookham Dean’s Boxing Day Games’, start at 10am- organise your team, entry fee £25 per team of 8 – 01628 482201 29: Free parking in Marlow all day.

ONGOING EVENTS - MARKETS Maidenhead Produce Market 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month on Maidenhead High Street The Farmers Market, 2nd Sunday of the month from 10:00, Grove Street Car Park

12: ‘Marlow Town Band – Annual Christmas Concert’ at All Saints Parish Church, 15:00-16:30.

Bourne End Country Market product. Small Hall 10 - 12 , Every Friday

13+20: ‘Carol Singing at Hughenden Manor’ join local choirs and sing the festive songs of the season 11:00-15:00, free event but normal admission applies.

Henley Farmers Market, every 4th Thursday in Falaise Square, Henley, 8:30-14:00

13+20: ‘Santa’s Grotto’ on Maidenhead High street, from 11:00 to 15:00 14-24: ‘ Gift Wrapping’, available Nicholsons’s Centre, Maidenhead 16: ‘Rock the 80s and 90s Tribute Night’ at Crowne Plaza, Marlow, A night of top class entertainment with a

Bourne End Community and Craft Market second Saturday of every month 10:00 13:00 in the Jackson Room of Bourne End Library. TTM last Saturday of every month | 9:30 13:00 | Liston Hall, Chapel St, Marlow | 07904 369829

VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

Out & About What’s On at the Regal The weather outside may be cooling down, but it’s definitely hotting up on our screens at the Regal this autumn. We’ll be in double-O heaven with the gorgeous Daniel Craig’s fourth outing as James Bond. Motivated by events deep in his own past, 007 sets out to track down and neutralize the dark force known as SPECTRE. We also have the final installment of The Hunger Games – Mockingjay part 2 to look forward too. And, of course, a Star Wars Christmas is in store. Sun 8 Nov, 3pm Bolshoi Ballet: Jewels Inspired by the famous jewellers of New York’s Fifth Avenue, this triptych is a tribute to women, and to the cities of Paris, New York and St Petersburg. Thu 12 Nov, 7.15pm Royal Opera House Live: Carmen, Viscera and Afternoon Of A Faun Enjoy four short ballets in one evening with this quadruple programme from The Royal Ballet. Live Sat 21 Nov, 5.30pm Encore Mon 23 Nov, 1pm Met Opera: Lulu Acclaimed artist and director William Kentridge (The Nose) applies his unique theatrical vision to Berg’s notorious femme fatale who shatters lives, including her own. Thu 3 Dec, 7.30pm English National Opera: Mikado The Mikado returns to the London Coliseum for what has become for many the definitive production of this much-loved Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera. Mon 7 Dec, 1pm Thu 24 Dec, 2.30pm Branagh Theatre Encore: The Winter’s Tale The first season of the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company Live - broadcast to cinemas from London’s Garrick Theatre With Judi Dench as Paulina. Tue 8 Dec, 7pm NT Live: Jane Eyre Charlotte Brontë’s story of the trailblazing Jane is as inspiring as ever. This bold and dynamic production uncovers one woman’s fight for freedom and fulfilment on her own terms. Thu 10 Dec, 7.15pm Royal Opera House Live: Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci These two short Italian operas are each regarded as the composers’ masterpiece, and are brought together in a new staging by award-winning director Damiano Michieletto. Mon 14 Dec, 6.45pm Discover Arts: Florence And The Uffizi Gallery A journey into the city of the Italian Renaissance through the most beautiful and representative works of art from the period, from Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, Raphael, Leonardo and Botticelli. Wed 16 Dec, 7.15pm Royal Opera House Live: the Nutcracker The Royal Ballet’s classic production of The Nutcracker. Regal Picturehouse, 2 Boroma Way, Henley RG9 2BZ | 0871 902 5738 www.picturehouses.co.uk

VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

ONGOING EVENTS - General

Marlow Art & Craft Society 1st Thursday in month | 19:30 Marlow Bottom Village Hall Marlow Antique bric-a-brac fair 1st Saturday of the month at Liston Hall | 9:00 - 16:00 Marlow Museum | Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays | 1pm to 5pm | www.marlowmuseum.org | Pound Lane opposite the Leisure Club Marlow Camera Club every Tuesday with a prearranged programme on Tuesday evenings | 19:45 - 20:0 | The Methodist Church Hall, Spittal Street, Marlow, SL7 3HJ Henley Photographic Club pre-arranged programme on Tuesday evenings | 20:00 - 22:00 | YMCA Hall, off Waterman’s Road, Henley www.henleyphotoclub.comStanley Spencer Gallery 2nd April - 1st November 2015 | 10:30 - 17:30 daily Speak Spanish in Beaconsfield, Beaconsfield High School Wednesdays | 19:30 | Suitable for all levels except beginners | Tony on 07947 508755 | anthony.mitchelmore@sky.com Maidenhead Camera Club every Tuesday, Cox Green Community Centre | 01628 630861 The East Berks RSPB Group monthly | 7.30pm to 9.30pm on Thursdays High Street Methodist Church Hall in Maidenhead www.eastberksrspb.org.uk Maidenhead Archaeology society last Wednesday of the month | WRVS, Maidenhead, | 630 839 Colenorton Dragon Boat Club Sunday 10.00 - 12.30 | Bray Lake Water Sports, Maidenhead SL6 2EB | www.colenorton.co.uk South Bucks Walking Group Regular walks programme + club weekends, coach rambles, and other social walking events | Di Olden - 01494 714486 | www.southbuckshfwalkingclub.co.uk Henley and Goring Ramblers regular walks programme available www.ramblers-oxon.org.uk/HG.htm Cookham & Cookham Dean Horticultural Society last Wednesday of the month from January May & September - November | 19:30 | Cookham Dean Village Hall clairephillpot@btinternet.com Maidenhead National Trust second Thursday every month but August | 19:45 | Altwood School, Maidenhead | 01753 516502 Maidenhead Heritage Centre ‘Thames Exhibition’ | 01628 780555 www.maidenheadheritage.org.uk

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

471885

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

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

MARLOW Liston Hall 472558 Archaeology in Marlow 72126 Marlow Archaeological Society 523896 Bowls 485274 Boxing 01494 532826 Crafts 473872/473539 Football 483970 Hockey 521830 Plants (Orchids) 486640 Petanque 521783

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Photography 483030 Rugby 483911/477054 Marlow Striders 475548 Four Seasons Club 474095 Tennis 483638 New Marlow Tennis Academy 488438 Rifle & Pistol Club 01494 676676 ALF (Longridge) 486595 Marlow & District Wine Society 483294 Marlow Society/History 476140 MOAS 07899 867757 Rotary Club 01494 530952 LETS 01494 523978 U3A 485220/488865 Community Choir 602581/661182 Railway Society 486433 Choral Society 472998 Marlow Orators 07738 540287 COUNCIL SERVICES MARLOW Bus Services 0871 200 2233 Marlow Information centre 483597/481717 Library 0845 2303232 Town Council 484024 Neighbourhood Watch - Nic Martin 01895 837220 Wycombe Council 01494 461000 RBWM Bus Services 0871 2002233 CIS 507587 Council Tax 683850 Library - Cox Green 673942 Library - Holyport Container 796555 Library - Maidenhead 796969 Library - Cookham 526147 Recycling 796474 Town Hall 683800 Youth & Community Centre 685999 Thames Valley Adventure Playground 628599 HENLEY Henley Library Henley Town Council

01491 575278 01491 576982

BOURNE END Library 524814 Community Centre 527502 HOSPITALS NHS 24 111 St Mark’s Hospital 01628 632012 Wycombe 01494 526161 Townlands Community Hospital 01491 637400 Cookham Medical Centre 810242 POLICE Non Emergency Emergency

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Congratulations to our winner from the September/October Edition for Deborah Heath’s Interior Design Secrets Julie Curtiss

VIVID | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

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