Life in Buckingham Dec/Jan 2021 issue

Dec/Jan 2020 FREE inbusinessmags.co.uk

BUCKINGHAM IN BUSINESS

Life in

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Welcome...

DEC/JAN 2021 ISSUE The aim of the monthly Life in Buckingham Magazine is to support businesses in order that the local community can flourish.

Lets help everyone get in the Christmas spirit! With some traditional Christmas events cancelled as a result of Covid-19, it makes it difficult to support our community and bring people together in the ways we have before. However, don’t forget to support all the business’s in the popular Life in Buckingham.

I thank all my advertisers for there ongoing support and especially to my distributors that make this all possible. Hope we all have the Christmas we long for and a happier 2021.

Next issue FEBRUARY 2021 Copy Date 14th January

Office: 07899 75 74 73

Email: inbusinessmags@gmail.com Events Email: lifeinbuckingham@gmail.com Website: www.inbusinessmags.co.uk 3

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Cloudy2Clear, A Local Family Service With A Smile I think we can all agree that the sooner we see the back of 2020 and this dreadful Corona Virus the better. That said, there are also some heart warming positives that we can take out of this situation. It has often been said that we can only really get to know one another and realise what is truly important in times of crisis. I think few would argue that in this case what has proven to be important is local community spirit and family.

When talking to Trevor & Wendy Skidmore the owners of Cloudy2Clear Northampton & Oxford it became clear that these

values have been held for over 13 years. Since buying the local franchise in 2006 they have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community whilst introducing their 2 sons Lloyd & Ross into the family business along with Dan, Mark & Jo as demand for their service has grown.

using our service.

Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help again”.

For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit cloudy2clear.co.uk.

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Project12_Layout 1 22/12/2017 12:57 Page 1

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The importance of seeking legal advice when making a will The Law Commission reported that around 40% of people don’t have wills.

Due to changing patterns in family life such as partners cohabiting or having second families making a will is becoming ever more important.

Unfortunately, even when a will is made problems can arise if it is not drafted carefully.

Many people believe a DIY will, will be cheap, however if it is incorrectly drafted, the cost to a person’s estate can far outweigh the initial cost had they gone to a professional. Problems may arise as a result of mistakes in the drafting of the will, the meaning of the will being unclear, or issues with the execution of the will.

The Co-operative Legal Services (CLS) have been reported to suggest that ‘poorly drafted or ineffective DIY wills are to blame for a prolonged probate ordeal for 38,000 families a year’.

This risks leaving a legacy of financial and

emotional strain plus potentially higher legal and tax bills.

Even when consulting a professional, be aware that anyone can be a ‘will writer’ without needing legal qualification or regulation. However, solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and must have indemnity insurance, which means that if anything goes wrong, you are protected.

Making a will with a solicitor needn’t be expensive.

At Spratt Endicott, the usual cost for making a single will is £275 plus VAT or £375 plus VAT for mirror wills. If you would like to discuss making, or updating your will please contact Emma Rolfe on 01869 222 315 or erolfe@se-law.co.uk.

Email: inbusinessmags@gmail.com

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Dentistry as it should be Services available at the practice include ❚ General and preventative dentistry ❚ Beauty Spa

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Sudoku

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Simon Attfield of Iron & Wood in Banbury

knows that nothing beats the warming glow and mesmerising flicker of a real fire. In fact, his livelihood depends on it.

Woodburning stoves have a number of known health benefits – they reduce stress, lower blood pressure and bring families together. Modern stoves have an abundance of practical benefits too, providing low carbon, low emission and cost-effective heating using renewable and sustainable fuel.

But local independent retailers like Simon face criticism of the very products they are passionate about. Through a combination of widely reported misconceptions and lack of awareness, woodburning stoves and fireplaces are often portrayed as negative, leaving homeowners confused and misinformed and businesses like Iron & Wood battling to help their customers understand the truth.

But now, thanks to a new video by the Stove Industry Alliance, consumers can be better informed. The short, animated video uses clear visuals and explanations to convey the real facts about woodburning stoves and help dispel the major misconceptions that surround them. Simon

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commented: “One of the bigges customers is that w banned because the of all small particul video explains why helps consumers to other sources, inclu wildfires, which are sources of particula Another of the mos about woodburning diesel cars, which i analysis of their tes points out, is like co Simon notes: “This comes from by the Air Quality E this test the car is op of 21mph, well bel whereas the stove i at its full nominal b therefore ignores al from the car’s brak the emissions from actually greater tha

bout woodburning stoves...

st misconceptions we hear from woodburning stoves might be ey reportedly account for 38% late matter (PM2.5). The SIA y this figure is not correct and o understand that there are many uding bonfires, incinerators and re significant and unregulated ate matter.” st striking myths perpetuated g stoves is a comparison with is based on a very misleading st results which, as the video omparing apples with oranges.

an interpretation of test results Expert Group (AQEG). During operating at an efficient run rate low normal driving speeds, is tested while it is operating burn rate. This comparison all the small particle emissions kes and tyres, when frequently m a car’s brakes and tyres are an the emissions from the

exhaust pipe. Finally, the difference in the dispersal point of particulate matter from cars compared to woodburning stoves is completely ignored. A car outputs its emissions at face level for a child and therefore there is very little dispersal before it is breathed in, whereas a stove will vent its emissions at the top of a chimney and there is considerable dispersal of any emissions before they are at a human height.”

The final myth tackled by the SIA’s video is the idea that all woodburning stoves and fireplaces are harmful. Morley Sage, chair of the Stove Industry Alliance, explains why this is one of the more pervasive misconceptions: “This view fails to take into account the huge advances that have been made by the woodburning stove industry in recent years. Many critics of woodburning stoves base their assumptions on data linked to open fires, older stoves and poor-quality wood fuel. The SIA would be one of the first organisations to point out that burning wet wood on an open fire, a practice that is still very common today, is one of the least efficient and most highly polluting ways to heat your home. By stark contrast, a modern woodburning stoves emits up to 90% less emissions than an open fire and up to 80% less than a

stove that is 10 or more years old.

“SIA members were among the first manufacturers to develop the technology within their appliances to meet the forthcoming Ecodesign Regulations (SIA Ecodesign Ready), and more recently the SIA has initiated and supported the launch of clearSkies, an independent emissions and energy performance certification scheme for solid fuel stoves and fireplaces.

Appliances certified under clearSkies not only meet the performance levels set out under Ecodesign, many go a significant way beyond.”

Simon concludes: “Iron & Wood is really proud to get behind this new SIA video and we would encourage all homeowners to watch it to learn the real facts about modern woodburning stoves - that they are a future proof, highly efficient, very low carbon and sustainable way of heating our homes and keeping our families warm, and that is something to be truly proud of.”

To watch the SIA video visit:

https://youtu.be/9VQnSgquvp0

and for further information on owning, using and maintaining a wood burning stove go to www.stoveindustryalliance.com

Email: inbusinessmags@gmail.com

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Buckingham & 1All Surrounding Project8_Sk constructionBrackley, 22/12/2017 11:26 Page

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T: 01280 700692 or Brackley, Buckingham & All Surrounding Areas Mobile: 07771863495 throughyourletterbox@gmail.com inbusinessmags@gmail.com 16

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‘Tis the season to prepare for 2021 So, Monty Don has finally put his TV garden to bed for winter on Gardeners’ World.

However, there’s still much to do in our gardens, says Buckingham Garden Centre’s Chris Day. Speaking to our customers this summer we have found that the garden has remained a strong and tangible escape from the woes of lockdown. It has provided the perfect physical outdoor gym for all members of the family to take time to nurture nature and have a go at raising plants.

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The Royal Horticultural Society have already said that around 3 million new gardeners have been bitten by the gardening bug since the first lockdown - so if you and you are one of them – welcome.

December may be one of the quieter gardening months, but it is a perfect opportunity to get building – constructing fences, creating new paths and making raised beds in readiness for next year. On mild days, concentrate on cleaning paths and paving, and clearing leaves, algae and moss, which can become a slip hazard.

Also a mild, dry day will provide the perfect opportunity to give a lick of wood preservative or paint to fences and outbuildings.

BERRY NICE Berries are the jewels of the December garden, offering a festive treat for birds.

Those that will attract our feathered friends throughout the colder months include Holly, Pyracantha, Cotoneaster and Hawthorn – and now is the time to plant these trees and shrubs. When growing Holly, ensure you have a self-fertile variety or plant a male and female specimen to guarantee berries. However, if you have space for only one holly – opt for the variety called Ilex ‘J C Van Tol’, a self-fertile variety with dark green nearly spine-free leaves and plenty of red berries, which will not disappoint. Not only you, but birds will also appreciate Rosehips and Crab apples. Many of the berries that birds enjoy are not suitable for us to eat.

However, both birds and humans can feast on Aronia (Chokeberry) berries. These are a little bitter when eaten raw but packed with vitamin C. Look out for these and Blueberries on our potted fruit benches.

CHRISTMAS TREES There is nothing like the smell of a real Christmas tree to signal the arrival of the festive season and our tunnel with seasonal plants is full of this wonderful aroma now. After you have bought your cut tree it should be kept outside in a cool shaded place, preferably with the cut trunk standing in water, until it is required

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indoors. Before bringing the tree indoors it is advisable to cut about half an inch off the trunk in order to open up the pores, letting the tree continue to take up water. Mount it in a water-holding stand and keep the container topped up with water every day; you will be surprised how much it needs! Potted trees need to be kept moist. All trees will last longer if they are kept away from direct heat when they are brought indoors – so well away from radiators. There is a chance that potted trees will survive if planted out after Christmas, but they would need to be hardened off before planting and then they should be watered regularly, especially when they come into growth in the spring and during dry spells later in the year.

ROUTINE Harvest your Kale, Leeks, Cabbages and Brussels sprouts as they mature. As we head towards Christmas, those of you who have been 10% DISCOUNT for over 70’s

growing potatoes in pots will be looking forward to tipping them out of their pots and hopefully enjoying a delicious meal of home-grown new potatoes for the big day. If you love digging and need to burn off a few calories postChristmas, on a dry day when the ground is not frozen get out and turn over the soil on your veg patch to let the frost into help break it up. Turn your compost heap to let fresh air in as this will help the beasties inside turn your waste into compost. Then you can cover your heap with newspapers or carpet to help keep it warm. If you have stored spuds or pumpkins from the garden they should be regularly checked and any which are deteriorating should either be used promptly or discarded. Move plants in pots to a sheltered spot if conditions turn very cold, as their roots are more exposed to the elements than those in the ground. It is also useful to wrap the pots in bubble insulation. Pile straw or bracken around the base of tender shrubs and climbers to protect them from falling temperatures – horticultural fleece can also be used to protect the structure of the plant where necessary.

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PLANTING Whist we are not currently doing much in the way of seed sowing or plant feeding, our attention should be focused on establishing new bare-root plants from no w until March. We actively encourage our customers to consider this option, especially if they are planning to establish a new hedge, a new fruit garden, a rose bed, or an ornamental tree. Bare root generally offers a cheaper option and often provides a much wider range of species and varieties compared with those plants available in containers. Please do contact us if you need specific planting advice – we would be delighted to help you with your planting project whether large or small. Our bare-root plants are available for collection from the Garden Centre, or you can order through our mail order department, either by phone (01280 827625) or through our website www.hedging.co.uk

FESTIVE PLANTS From Christmas Roses (Helleborus niger), to fancy Hellebores, evergreen Hollies and colourful Ivies, there are plenty of ways you can create a seasonal display in pots or in your existing borders.

Why not plant fragrant winter shrubs in pots by your doorstep? Great plants for the pots include Chimonanthus praecox, Sarcococca (Sweet Box) and Daphne odora. You could underplant these shrubs with some winter hardy Violas or Pansies to help extend the season of interest – check our range of bedding plants in our Seasonal Tunnel.

As we approach Christmas utilise and bring indoors cut stems of berried winter shrubs, seasonal flowers and evergreen leaves for festive decorations. However, don’t pinch all the holly with berries for your Christmas decorations – leave some for the birds!

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HOUSEPLANTS Move houseplants onto sunny windowsills over the winter, so they get as much light as possible during the shorter days. Water florists’ cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum), and deadhead and feed regularly to encourage more blooms. Poinsettias, the Popular Christmas favourites, do need warmth with no drafts and careful watering to keep them healthy and happy.

A bright location close to a window suits them best. Watering wise, do give them a good drink and then allow the compost to dry to the point where the plant just starts to wilt and then water again.

This technique will provide a better balance and the plant will flourish for longer. This is because Poinsettias appear to need oxygen and air at the roots as well as water. You can feed the plant once a week with Baby Bio or a Tomato food.

Alternatively, the Fito Poinsettia push-in feed

makes feeding even easier. Plant Amaryllis (sometimes called Hippeastrum) bulbs for spectacular flowers usually after six weeks or so. We do sell gift boxed Amaryllis which make a perfect gift, but you’ll need to be quick as they usually sell out!

Find us at yell.com

NEW CALENDAR We have put together a colourful wall calendar to help you plan your garden through 2021.

We are giving these out FREE to all our customers who spend £15 or more at the Tills.

The calendar is worth £4.99 and is also available for sale.

Happy Christmas from everyone here at Buckingham Garden Centre and fingers crossed for an improved and healthier 2021.

Tel: 01280 822133

WIN A Buckingham Garden Centre Voucher worth £25

Open 7 Days a Week.

To win, simply answer the following question and TWO lucky readers will have the chance to win a Buckingham Garden Centre voucher, worth £25 – perfect for giving the garden a much-deserved treat or two!

Question: Which popular garden flower is featured in the month of August in our new 2021 Calendar?

A: Fuchsia B: Buddleja C: Hydrangea Pop your answer A, B or C together with your name and address to: competition@buckingham-nurseries.co.uk or by post to: Buckingham Garden Centre, Tingewick Road, Buckingham, MK18 4AE.

www.buckinghamgardencentre.co.uk www.facebook.com/BuckinghamNurseries

A quick reminder our revised hours are: Monday to Saturday: 9.00am-5.30pm, Sunday 10.00am–4.00pm.

The closing date for entries is 31st December 2020.

Email: inbusinessmags@gmail.com

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To advertise at a price that’s right for you call 07899 757473

PEER SUPPORT GROUPS Allotment (starting September) Walking Group (starting September) Activities Events our website is www.mentalhealthfriends.co.uk Email:- admin@mentalhealthfriends.co.uk Mobile:- 07840959349 This is the link to our closed Brackley Facebook Community group. https://www.facebook.comgroups/2278024829136675/ We also have a national chat and support group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/2442714289123922/

Across

Petty (5-6) 1 Stump (4) Farm bird (5) 5 6 Degree of excitement during a debate (11) 12 Open space in a forest (5) 7 13 Central Chinese desert (4) 15 Unentitled (11)

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October Crossword 51

2 3 74 6 9 10 11 13 14 12

10 1

2

11 3

slice (4) Large flightless bird (3) Open up12(6) 8 Quantifiable (10) Birthplace (10) 9 In favour15of (3) Dais (6) 11 Present (4) Fenland cathedral city (3)

8

5 7 8 10

4

13 14

4

Across

9

6 Thick

14 15

Make the most of life once you’re no longer in full time work by exploring new ideas, skills and interests with your local u3a. Reg Charity No. 288007 www.u3asites.org.uk/brackley/home Membership Secretary 07444 363494

October Crossword

5 7 8 10

Down

BRACKLEY & DISTRICT U3A

Across 5 7 8 10

Petty (5-6) Stump (4) Farm bird (5) Degree of excitement during a debate (11) 12 Open space in a forest (5) 13 Central Chinese desert (4) 15 Unentitled (11)

Petty (5-6) Stump (4) Farm bird (5) 1 Thick slice (4) Degree of excitement 2 during Largeaflightless bird (3) debate (11) 3 Open up (6) 12 Open space in a forest (5) 4 Quantifiable (10) 13 Central Chinese desert (4) Birthplace (10) 15 Unentitled (11) 6

Down

9 In favour of (3) 11 Dais (6) 13 Present (4) Thick slice (4) Large flightless bird 14(3) Fenland cathedral city (3)

Down

13

1 2 3 4 6 9 11 13 14

Open up (6) Quantifiable (10) Birthplace (10) In favour of (3) Dais (6) Present (4) Fenland cathedral city (3)

Email: inbusinessmags@gmail.com

Please send your free listing for events to lifeinbuckingham@gmail.com

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THE

FARM SHOP

* GRAND OPENING *

5TH DECEMBER 2020 Fresh Fruit & Veg – Free Range Eggs Logs & Kindling – Cheese – Pickles Cakes & Biscuits – and More! * OPENING TIMES *

THURSDAY TO SUNDAY 10AM - 4PM * FIND US AT * COPPER HORSE FARM, PRESTON BISSETT, BUCKINGHAM. MK18 4ND