NOVEMBER - DECEMBER EDITION 2021
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Contents 14 ONE OF A KIND GIFTS AT THE FANCY GIFT COMPANY IN WINSLOW
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GIFT GUIDE BUY LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS
JAMES DOUGALL, AWARD WINNING SILVERSMITH AND JEWELLER IN WINSLOW
23 MASTER YOUR MINDSET & MARKETING
Book your masterclass place on page 23
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STOWE IS RECRUITING...
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ENJOY CHRISTMAS AT
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HAVE A HEALTHY CHRISTMAS WITH PLACE EIGHT WELLNESS
Check out page 29 for positions available at Stowe
STONELEIGH HOUSE Book a Christmas afternoon tea at Stoneleigh House on page 39
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BEAUTIFUL WOODEN TOYS AT WOOD BEE NICE AND A CHANCE TO WIN A £40 GIFT VOUCHER!
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WRAP UP WARM WITH LOLLY AND THE HARE
SO MANY GREAT PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK LOCALLY
CHRISTMAS RECIPES FROM
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WHAT A WEEKEND AT THE FESTIVAL OF BEER!
THE TWYFORD PANTRY TO ADVERTISE WITH US VISIT COMMUNITYCONTACT.CO.UK OR CALL 07882 194830
Editor’s Note Welcome to the Christmas edition of Community
November and the Christmas Parade will also
be receiving this magazine at the end of October,
December at 10.45am.
Contact magazine! Yes I know, some of you may but there’s nothing like being prepared for the
big day! I love Christmas, and I hope you find this issue helpful for planning ahead.
There are recipes from the Twyford Pantry to
tickle your taste buds, and a pick of our favourite gifts in our ‘Shop Local Christmas Gift Guide’
to encourage you all to look for those unique
presents right on your doorstep! Remember, Buy
Local, Buy Hand-made, buy from people you know, buy from self-employed. The big shops don’t do
a little “Jig” when they make sale. Make someone “jig” this year!
Dates for your Diary
be happening in Buckingham on Saturday 11th
We have the fantastic wooden toy shop, Wood
Bee Nice in this issue – they can be found on the industrial estate in Buckingham and have every
wooden toy you could possibly want to buy – right on our doorstep. We also have in this issue, the
wonderful jewellery designer, James Dougal. You
can find his shop on the market square in Winslow. We are also featuring The Fancy Gift Company
based near the chemist in Winslow. Honestly if you need to find the right gift for someone, head over to see Rosa – her shop is bursting with gifts for everyone in your family!
If you want to share any exciting news you have
Events are back! Local events are back in full force!
with the local community we will do our best to
on Sunday 31st October arranged by Winslow
– simply email laura@communitycontact.co.uk
Farm on 6th November. There is a Meet the
Instagram and Facebook!
bags with locally made gifts and products (my
Wishing. You a very Merry Christmas and a Happy
favourite thing to do) at the Community Centre in
New Year (even if you are reading this in October!)
Buckingham on 4th December. Also, don’t forget
the Buckingham Christmas Light Switch on is 27th
Laura x
Hooray! And include a Halloween trail in Winslow
include it in our magazine or on our social media
School and a Fireworks Extravaganza at Blackpit
and follow Community Contact Magazine on
Maker Gift Fair, where you can fill your shopping
Our Contributors
Laura Massey
Jessica Naish
Louise Lambert-Day
Tina Hodges
Editor
@lollyandthehare
@placeeightwellness
Twyford Pantry
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Where did it all begin? With 2 beautiful little girls in our world, that’s where... Lockdown 2020 was a game changer. Both Richard and I were furloughed from our full time jobs and we both just looked at each other and realised there was no better time to start our own business and create something that was a legacy for our girls, Grace 5 and 4 year old Emily - and something we could be proud of. We wanted to help families at a time when childhood experiences are so essential in forming young minds. We launched our family business so we could do something we absolutely believe in, which is to help other families buy quality sustainable toys from likeminded people who hold customer service at the heart of their business. In the beginning the plan was to run the business from home, but as the deliveries kept on coming we soon realised this wasn’t going to work. At one point we had boxes in the kitchen, the spare room, the landing and even around our bed! We needed to get premises……. In September 2020 we moved into 5 Hillcrest Rise, on Buckingham Industrial Park. You can find us there now and we even offer a click & collect service. The website didn’t all happen overnight, there were many hours of research and our biggest concern was to create a website that is as simple and enjoyable as possible. We spent months working with our website designer - Louisa Hales, based in Thornborough to get it right. We eventually went live on November 2nd 2020. We have organised our toys into categories to help you choose, but if there is something that you are particularly looking for please do get in touch through our contact us page, or call us on 01280 821821 and we would be happy to help. We can help make the task of choosing presents for friends and loved ones simpler. Just tell us who you are buying for, their age and what your budget is and we can send you recommendations or talk to you directly on the phone. Just like other parents we want the best for our children and we want to pass the planet down to our children’s generation in the best possible health to safeguard their futures. Currently thousands and thousands of plastic toys are shipped off to landfill every year damaging our planet because they take many hundreds of years to break down. We strongly believe in selecting a range of wooden toys from sustainable sources to help protect the future of our environment. Our toys have been carefully selected to encourage learning, development and bring fun and tradition to their users. They are are durable, robust and timeless so they can be handed down to brothers and sisters and future generations for them to be loved over and over again. We even have 2 little product testers to help! The key to any successful business is customer service and is something both of us have
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excelled at during our previous working lives. We are here to help you select your perfect gift from our range and aim to inspire confidence in you of your choices and our service. We are very approachable and would love to hear any feedback you may have of our family business.
It “Wood Bee Nice” to hear from you soon!! You can come and meet us at the following events: Loving All Things Local Saturday 6th November - Egerton Hall, Brackley Christmas Fair Saturday 20th November - Beachampton Church Loving All Things Local Saturday 4th December - Egerton Hall, Brackley Loving All Things Local Sunday 5th December - Buckingham Community Centre
You can visit our website at www.woodbeenice.co.uk or follow us on social media at @woodbeenice on Facebook or Instagram.
WIN A £40 GIFT VOUCHER... For your chance to win a £40 gift voucher to spend at Wood Bee Nice. Simply visit our contact page, on our website, and send us your full name, telephone number and email address. The winner will be selected at random on Sunday 5th December 2021. Good Luck! WIN A £40 GIFT VOUCHER FROM WOOD BEE NICE ON PAGE 7
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Russell & Butler i n d e p e n d e n t
e s t a t e
a g e n t s
SALES AND LETTINGS
Banbury Tel: 01295 710367 Bicester Tel: 01869 251754 Brackley Tel: 01280 706832 Buckingham Tel: 01280 815999 sales@russellandbutler.com
lettings@russellandbutler.co.uk
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Wedding & Event Venue
Situated in the grounds of a 17th Century Farmhouse, Well Hidden, Worth Finding Winters Tale Country Barn can seat up to 120 guests for
your wedding breakfast and accommodate an additional 80 guests in the evening. Licensed for Civil Ceremonies with a choice of locations in the main hall or in the quiet country gardens. The barn has many features including twinkling fairy lights, a high vaulted and heavily beamed ceiling, a well stocked bar on the ground floor and a cocktail bar on the gallery above.
Adjacent to the barn is a large silk-lined marquee with chandeliers and festoon lighting. New for 2021/2022 is a Secret Garden for photo shoots with a water feature, venue set high in the North Buckinghamshire bridal swing and more...
Winters Tale Country Barn is a spectacular wedding Countryside. Whilst bringing all the elegance and style of a modern wedding venue it has retained the Also theGin night your is on-site charm and feel of the barn that stood there 100 years ago. A included Cocktailon and Barofon thewedding Minstrel’s accommodation just across the courtyard in Harvest Gallery, which has its own lounge provides an area of warmth and comfort for those taking a break Moon Barn and Ember Eve Barn.
Please accommodation call or email for further & availability. included as part of your wedding package is on-site luxury for up details to 6 people.
We would love to show you around - email or call us today for further information
info@winterstalecountrybarn.co.uk - 01296 738040 or 07703 171645 info@winterstalecountrybarn.co.uk 01296 738040
winterstalecountrybarn
NEW ADVERT
Self Catering Holiday Cottages
at Winters Tale Farm, Steeple Claydon, Buckingham With views overlooking rolling English countryside – enjoy peace and tranquillity and still be conveniently placed for visiting numerous places of interest. Call today for further details - we can also provide the above accommodation for weddings booked at Winters Tale Country Barn. Other Cottages also available in Winslow and Evenley Tel: 01296 738040 or 07703 171645 www.harvestmoonbarn.co.uk
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Pomegranate and Sloe Gin (70cl)
The Stitched Picture
Luxury Candle Holders
£55 - Pipcicle
From £10 - Fleur Botanical
£32 - Bucks Brothers
www.pipcicle.co.uk
www.fleurbotanical.co.uk
www.bucksbrothers.co.uk
Christmas Gift Guide
Various Beautiful Candles From £12 - Bougie Lab
Christmas Wreathes and Swags From £40 - Fleur Botanical
www.bougielab.com
www.fleurbotanical.co.uk
Christmas Sparkle Trees £10 Wreathes with Lights £20 www.fleurbotanical.co.uk
The Stitched Pet Portrait £58 - Pipcicle www.pipcicle.co.uk
Bruder Scale Farm Models Fendt 936, scale 1:16. Price £34.85 Country Equestrian, Poundon
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land & estate agents
Land owners The new local development plan… how does it affect you?
The Vale of Aylesbury Local Plan has now been ‘adopted’ and is in force to 2033. With it come a lot of changes and the programme for over 30,000 new homes in our area. So, what does it mean for you and how will it impact land values, land use and the use of
Call us for advice: 01525 382065 land@qualityhomes.co.uk www.qualityhomes.co.uk
existing buildings?
land & estate agents Covering, Herts, Beds, Bucks, Northants and Oxon
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Hi, I’m Rosa. I own and run The Fancy Gift Company on Winslow High Street. A gift shop with heart and a passion for all things gorgeous. For many years I’ve had a passion for gifts and home décor, especially if they are from Fair Trade makers. A change in my personal circumstances made me rethink things and so I decided to dive in and start a new venture. (After all what’s the worst that can happen!!!) In 2017 I started selling Fair Trade home wares and house plants, selling them in local markets and any craft fair I could get to. Soon after a few local creatives asked me if I’d help sell their makes and so ‘The Fancy Gift Company’ was born. 2 years later we opened our little shop in Winslow. I wanted to open a permanent space where I could provide a platform for small independent businesses to get their products onto the high street. Our small but mighty gift shop has been open for 20 months now. Granted most of that we’ve had to close, like many of our local businesses. Thankfully we made it through. We now have a collection of over 40 small independent businesses from all over the UK. With most being from the Buckinghamshire area. Our gift collection ranges from the quirky bags made from recycled material to reusable makeup wipes. Sentiment cards to original wall art. Body butters to hand made soaps. Candles to Pamper hampers and chocolates from 3 times great grandson of Mr Cadbury himself. So much to choose from its hard to list everything. Our quirky Fair Trade gifts, most of which are made from recycled materials, are sourced from suppliers that ensure the artisans who make them, get a fair wage, ensuring there is no exploitation of children, women and men.
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With Christmas just around the corner we believe you’ll find plenty of inspiration. We love what we do and hope that you will too. Pop by for a chat, we’re always happy to help you choose that special gift for your someone special. If you can’t get to us why not take a look at our newly refurbished website (If you have this magazine delivered to you then you qualify for free delivery). Choose the click and collect option at check out for free delivery to your area. Just make sure you fill in your details.
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“There is so much more to Hayley’s treatments than just a foot massage. She has the most relaxing aura about her and techniques that put you at ease and work.”
Hayley Vine Reflexology is based in Steeple Claydon Offering foot reflexology, specialising in lymphatic drainage and hormone support. My tailored one-hour treatments are natural and mindful. You will feel a sense of relaxation and improved wellbeing. Mobile: 07414 837945 hello@hayleyvinereflexology.com www.hayleyvinereflexology.com
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Opening hours Monday 9.30am-8pm Friday 12.00pm-8pm Saturday 9.30am – 12pm
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James Dougall contemporary jeweller & designer silversmith
James Dougall is a multi award winning silversmith and jeweller who has recently opened a new shop selling his exclusive designs on Winslow Market Square. A freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and a freeman of the City of London James has lived around Winslow for over 30 years and has previously sold his silverware and Jewellery at high end shows around the UK and abroad. At a time when many shops are moving away from having a high street presence James has seen that the best way for customers to truly understand what might be a significant investment in gold or silver, possibly to commemorate a special moment like a birthday, wedding or anniversary is to talk to an experienced designer and maker directly, handle items and truly understand what goes into the piece, rather than just clicking on a mouse or tapping a screen to buy something, there really is no substitute for handling things, especially items as personal as jewellery. Increasingly James is finding people have an interest where things they buy come from and are keen to know about the materials used especially gold, silver and precious stones, he takes great care to use 100% recycled gold helping to limit the damage done to the planet from new mining and only buys diamonds that have come from reputable sources and are guaranteed conflict free. He is also aware of the merits of the circular economy and the value of using local suppliers wherever possible to help drive the local economy.
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All of the pieces on display in his shop are made completely by hand, by James, something very rare in the 21st century. Because of this only a relatively small number of pieces can be produced which adds to the exclusivity of the designs, something his customers who include Oxford Colleges, Military Regiments and significant private collectors worldwide appreciate. If all of this sounds like it might be expensive, by being local, doing everything in house and keeping overheads low means that whether you are buying a new design from James, getting him to re model something or commission him to design a piece of silverware for you will often cost much less than you think, he also part exchanges and buys unwanted gold jewellery The new shop is open 10 – 5 Thursday to Saturday although James is available to meet with by appointment at other times.
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Beautifully Different
beautifully different
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WhatsApp or call Kim on 07832 616694
@beautifullydifferentinwinslow
4 High Street Winslow MK18 3HF
@Beautifullydifferentwinslow
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Located in Buckingham and Place Eight Wellness in Swanbourne
McTimoney Chiropractic
A gentle chiropractic approach 01280 499848 www.innatachiropractic.co.uk
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MASTER YOUR MINDSET & MARKETING A 4-hour, hands-on masterclass to help you master your mindset & market your business with ease. We will cover: Limiting Beliefs | Quietening Your Inner Critic | Build Confidence & Self-esteem | Showing Up On Social Media | Establishing Your Marketing Goals | Your Instagram Profile | Stories & Reels... and more. WHEN & WHERE
Donna Jones The Wellbeing Centre
11 NOV 2021 | 10:00-14:30 The Wellbeing Centre, Brackley, NN13 7BW
Camilla Smith Human Edge Marketing
£95 PER TICKET - INC. LUNCH - SPACES LIMITED
BOOK YOUR PLACE: https://mindset_marketing_booking.eventbrite.co.uk/
Home visits available & clinics at MK18 Private Medical Practice, Stowe Castle Rd, Buckingham, MK18 5AB; The Swan Practice, Verney Close, MK18 1JP and Place Eight Wellness Centre, MK17 0SR. Amberly is your local experienced microsuctionist and fully qualified BSc (Hons) PGCert Audiologist with over 15 years extensive experience with adults, children, hearing aids, rehabilitation, ear protection, rehabilitation and tinnitus.
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HA V E A HE AL T H Y CH RI S T MA S !
LOUIS E L AMBERT-DAY PL ACE EIGH T WELLN ES S
After the abrupt end to our Christmas plans last year, it’s probably safe to say we’re all extra excited about this one! Clients always ask me at around this time how they can enjoy their Christmas but avoid the feeling afterwards that they’ve completely over-indulged. Aside from the obvious answer about not over eating and drinking, which let’s face would be a bit “bah humbug” there are small dietary and lifestyle changes we can we make to allow some indulgence without that sinking feeling when you get on the scales in January.
Lead up to Christmas
This can be the secret to being able to enjoy the days over Christmas without suffering the consequences, but it can be a challenge to keep up with regular workouts and healthier eating plans with more going on socially and visits to or from friends and family. However, that doesn’t mean you get to stop moving altogether. A few extra walks, runs or exercise sessions will go a long way to losing a little extra weight before the celebrations start. If you have a few Christmas meals planned try to reduce what you eat at other times. Make healthier options for meal choices, watch portion sizes and stay alcohol aware.
Christmas Day! Eat a good breakfast
Avoid the temptation to miss out breakfast altogether on Christmas morning in an attempt to leave space for all the goodies later on. What can happen, especially if you start to drink, is that you’ll get the munchies and then start on all the naughty bits even earlier. Eating a healthier, high protein breakfast (think porridge oats or natural yoghurt with nuts and berries etc, or an egg omelette with onion, peppers, mushrooms and spinach), will fill you up and means you’ll be less likely to eat too much around and after dinner time.
Eat more veg!
A Christmas dinner can easily run to 3000 calories if not careful! Try to fill up on the vegetables and protein rather than the carbs and sauces. Be mindful whilst you eat, chew properly and eat slowly and you’ll probably feel full way before you finish what’s on your plate. Then stop. You’ve had enough.
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Drink plenty of water
Water really is a miracle worker when it comes to health and fitness. Drinking plenty of water over Christmas can help to keep your metabolism moving, meaning that you are less likely to pile on as many pounds afterwards. What’s more, with more alcohol flowing and later nights, keeping hydrated is essential for staying awake and alert to enjoy all the fun during the day.
Take a walk!
After a big Christmas lunch, why not walk it off for an hour? The movement will help to keep your heart healthy and burn a few extra calories, not to mention the benefits of a breath of fresh, winter air!
After Christmas
Let’s face it…one day of over-indulgence isn’t going to make much of a difference to your waistline or health, but the endless leftovers, nibbles and alcohol can seem to last for days and days, if not weeks and that can start to have an effect. Add lots of salads and vegetables to leftovers and don’t leave your clementines to go mouldy in the bottom of your fruit bowl...eat them! Try to move a bit more during this time, stay hydrated, limit the alcohol consumption and get plenty of sleep and you’ll recover from the excess quickly enough! And don’t wait for the New Year’s resolutions to get back to the healthier habits. They invariably don’t work and you’ll have an even bigger hill to climb!
INTEGRATIVE HEALTH & WELLNESS CLINIC AND YOGA STUDIO Swanbourne, MK17 0SR
Naturopathy, Nutrition, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Herbal Medicine, Bioresonance, Osteopathy, Audiology, Chiropractic, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Deep Tissue Massage, Bowenwww.placeeightwellness.co.uk Technique, Clinical Reflexology, Scar Relief Therapy, 07746 407747Skincare www.placeeightwellness.co.uk 07746 407747
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Why not use your existing frame?
There is a lab on site
Free and Easy Parking
Designer frames from top brands!
Unit 7 Hillcrest way, Buckingham Ind Estate, MK18 1HJ Tel: 01280 824248 Web: www.spektaclesolutions.co.uk Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30-5.00pm, Saturday 9.30-1pm
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Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30-5.00pm, Saturday 9.30-1pm Unit 7 Hillcrest way, Buckingham Ind Estate, MK18 1HJ Tel: 01280 824248 Web: www.spektaclesolutions.co.uk TO ADVERTISE WITH US VISIT COMMUNITYCONTACT.CO.UK OR CALL 07882 194830
ku.oc
co.uk
NEW! Eye tests now available
Energy Effect Community Mag Ad_PRINT.pdf
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STOWE IS RECRUITING! Stowe is an independent co-educational day and boarding school close to Buckingham, with almost 900 pupils and 400 members of staff. Come and work for one of the most successful and beautiful schools in the UK. Chef De Partie £25,500 Kitchen Porter £10.30 per hour Dining Room Assistant £10.30 per hour Kitchen Food Services Assistant £9.04 per hour
For details email: hr@stowe.co.uk
stowe.co.uk
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• • • • • •
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Flower Company
The Granary Giftshop will be open in November as well as December for gifts and Christmas shopping!
NOVEMBER
FRIDAY & SATURDAY 10AM- 4PM Supporting local artists, makers and designers, producing quality handmade gifts.
SUPPORT LOCAL
DECEMBER
EVERY DAY UNTIL WEDNESDAY 22ND DECEMBER Including locally grown, freshly cut Christmas trees, beautiful handmade wreaths using our handwoven willow bases, fresh foliage, dried seed heads and flowers from the farm plus indoor scented bulb planters.
Locally grown, premium quality Christmas trees on sale from Sat 27th November For enquiries please call Rosie 07876 394 086 or to order please email rosie@wildroseflowercompany.co.uk Wild Rose Flower Company, Town Farm, Hoggeston, Buckingham. MK18 3LQ
@wildroseflowercompany
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HI, I’M JESS
WRAP UP WARM TIME TO PLAN Things are still happening in the flower field, even though the soil is cold and damp and the nights draw in a bit too early for my liking. On a misty morning the beauty of the dried seed pods and bare trees still make me smile. I also feel no guilt for having many, many tea breaks. The poly tunnel is full of seedlings that are being looked after, ready for their Spring planting out and I have boxes of seeds waiting to be sown too. Life takes on a slower pace during the Winter for me as I catch up on paperwork and plan for the 2022 season. There are jobs however, that still need to be done. I’m only half way through the mulching, each bed gets a good thick layer of well rotted manure or compost to protect the plants under the surface and to improve the quality of the soil. The empty beds get a bit extra as they will be where the hungry annuals get sown next year. I love how different all the seeds are and it has always fascinated me how gorgeous and tall flowers grow from such strange, shrivelled, small seeds.
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I have always loved being outside and noticing the wildlife that plants and flowers bring into our gardens. As a youth I was much happier surrounded by my pets and plants than anything else, this has never changed. Now at the age of 40 I think I’m where I’m meant to be; surrounded once again by plants and pets. For the last 14 years I have been a florist, I have owned my own shop, been studio based and freelanced for some amazing florists,and worked at amazing venues all over the country. During the last 5 years I have had the space to grow my own flowers, often adding the perfect bloom into my floral displays. Get in touch, using any of the contact details below, I look forward to hearing from you. www.lollyandthehare.co.uk @lollyandthehare Jess - 07515 918222
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CHRISTMAS DOOR WREATH Making Christmas wreaths has marked the beginning of the festive period for me for the last 15 years. It doesn’t feel like Christmas until my hands are cracked and sticky from eucalyptus. Making just one wreath for yourself however will not cause much damage so do have a go. Many florists offer group workshops and Preston Bissett Nurseries always run some very good classes too. If you are not keen on making your own then feel free to contact me, I will be taking orders and also selling them at Deddington Farmers Market.
DEAR FATHER CHRISTMAS If, like me, you have a list of gardening items you would like then jot them down and make sure you let the big FC know, you never know what he might surprise you with on Christmas morning. This year I have asked for a new wheelbarrow and a wind up radio. Other useful items I recommend are a good pair of warm boots, www.muckbootcompany.co.uk are where I buy mine from.
FOLLOW @LOLLYANDTHEHARE ON INSTAGRAM For taking care of your gardeners hands the best thing I have found is Neal’s Yard Citrus Hand Softener. By far the best gift is always David Austin Roses vouchers, you can browse their website with a glass of something warming and choose the perfect rose. Happy garden planning, stay wrapped up warm and enjoy planning your garden for next year. Jess
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OPENING HOURS Please check our website for up to date opening hours
TWIGS NURSERIES Windy Ridge, Thornborough, Buckingham, MK18 2DZ twigsnurseries@gmail.com
PREMIUM CHRISTMAS TREES THROUGHOUT DECEMBER
HERBS indoor plants PERENNIALS SUCCULENTS SHRUBS & TREES WINTER BEDDING COMPOST POTS metal work TOOLS ROSES
specialty coffee now serving pizza tea & cake hand made & fair trade gifts and or naments www.twigsnurseries.com WIN A £40 GIFT VOUCHER FROM WOOD BEE NICE ON PAGE 7
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Getting festive and getting you moving Whether you’re selling or buying, letting or renting in Buckingham, Winslow or their surrounding villages, get in touch with Alexander & Co for the best local coverage and knowledge from our team of experts. It’s a wonderful time of the year to get your plans moving, so call or drop into your local office today.
8 Market Square, Buckingham, 01280 813067 22 High Street, Winslow, 01296 715386
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Your local carpet and flooring showroom
Unit 6 Ball Moor, Buckingham Industrial Est, Buckingham MK18 1RT Tel: 01280 817742 Visit us from 9am every Monday to Saturday
www.mjharrisflooring.co.uk
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Open 8am Tuesday to Saturday for Breakfasts + Lunches manorfarmbourton.co.uk
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In the blink of an eye, we’re fast heading into the end of another year and back in our cosy jumpers with Summer a distant memory. Like it or not we are definitely heading into the Festive Countdown and thankfully in a much freer and safer place than we were this time last year. I looked back at the last Christmas Twyford Pantry and couldn’t believe just how
the
Twyford Pantry
things were for us all and the uncertainty we
Celeriac, Hazelnut and Truffle Soup - serves 6
faced. At least this year we can plan more sociable occasions, share the special time with loved ones or still choose to enjoy it on our
(suitable for Vegans and Dairy Free diets)
own, but because we want to this time, not because we have to! Again, I’ve chosen ideas that can be made ahead to make things easier on you and hopefully give you a bit more time when it matters. All the dishes can be made at any time, not just around the big day. I selfishly chose the starter as an excuse to use up some of our homegrown celeriac… our first year of trying and so far, so good! The main course is a good way to cook Turkey without having to have a whole bird plus it can equally be made for a dinner party or as a buffet dish served cold. The yummy cake just sounded a little bit
Ingredients
different and a good way to use up any leftover
1 tbsp olive oil
mincemeat when Christmas has been and
gone. The homemade Irish Cream can easily be made as a gift or to enjoy at home as a tipple or to pimp up your coffee. A friend in the village had sent me her recipe which inspired me to include it, however I chose a recipe that didn’t use raw eggs to be on the safe side. However you may be spending your festive period I hope you can enjoy more of the planning and preparation this year in the lead up to it. As you sit back to enjoy the fruits of your labour (or someone else’s if you are lucky enough to be cooked for) take a moment to enjoy the moment… cheers to you all. Have a wonderful Christmas (when it comes) and wishing you a healthy and happier 2022 from our kitchen to yours. Tina x (and Leo, Roary & Roma!)
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small bunch thyme 2 bay leaves 1 onion, chopped 1 fat garlic clove, chopped 1 celeriac (about 1kg), peeled and chopped 1 potato (about 200g), chopped 1l vegan vegetable stock 100ml soya cream 50g blanched hazelnuts, toasted and roughly chopped (omit if any nut allergies) 1 tbsp truffle oil, plus an extra drizzle to serve
Method In a large saucepan, heat the oil over a low heat. Tie the thyme sprigs and bay leaves together with a piece of string and add them to the pan with the onion and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 10 mins until softened but not coloured.
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Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 min more, then tip in the celeriac and potato. Give everything a good stir and season with a big pinch of salt and white pepper. Pour in the stock, bring to the boil, then simmer for around 30 mins until the vegetables are completely soft.
FOR THE TOPPING: 200g (6½oz) mincemeat 50g (1¾oz) light muscovado sugar 50g (1¾oz) pine nuts 1tbsp plain flour 25g (¾oz) butter, cubed
Method Discard the herbs, then stir through the cream,
Heat the oven to 180°C (gas mark 4). Grease and
remove from the heat and blitz until completely
line the base of a 18cm (7in) cake tin. Place the
smooth. Stir through 1/2 tbsp truffle oil at a time
cake ingredients into a large bowl and beat with
and taste for seasoning – the strength of the oil
a wooden spoon until combined. Spoon into the
will vary, so it’s better to start with less oil and add
prepared cake tin and bake for 30 minutes.
a little at a time. Meanwhile, combine topping ingredients in a To serve, reheat the soup until piping hot, then
bowl. Carefully remove the cake from the oven and
ladle into bowls and top with the hazelnuts, some
gently spoon over the topping (don’t go all the way
black pepper and an extra drizzle of truffle oil.
to the edges) and take extra care to make sure it
source: bbcgoodfood.co.uk
Mincemeat Cake (serves 8)
Can be frozen ahead and thawed to serve
doesn’t sink into the cake. Return the cake to the oven and bake for a further 40-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cover loosely with foil or baking parchment for the last 10 minutes to prevent it colouring too much. Leave in the tin for about 15 minutes before cooling completely on a wire rack. Enjoy with friends and a cup of tea or warm with cream or brandy butter as a lighter dessert. source: House and Garden
Visit communitycontact.co.uk
Ingredients
175g (6oz) self-raising flour, sifted 150g (5oz) light brown sugar 100g (3½oz) unsalted butter, softened 100ml (3½fl oz) milk 200g (6½oz) mincemeat 2 eggs, beaten Zest of 1 orange
or follow us on Facebook
or Instagram for these other great Christmas recipes...
Turkey Wellington to serve 10 & Homemade Irish Cream
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WHAT A
W E E K E ND AT
THE F E S TIVAL O F BE E R !
The Festival of Beer, brought to you by the lovely people of Blackpit Brewery just outside Stowe, was magical! Right from the outset the vibe of the festival was on point. It all kicked off on the Friday afternoon, with campers setting up their homes for the weekend. I didn’t actually camp this year, but we are planning to next year. The Festival of Beer is a real family friendly festival and there is so much to do with the kids. Every finer detail has been thought about. As you walk into the festival you can feel the excitement build as you hear the music playing from the main stage. Your first beer tent is on your left as you walk down from the campsite and opposite is a fabulous tent full of festival clothes. Think sequins, sunglasses, bum bags and a place to get your face painted with glitter, should you so wish! You can also see all of the beautiful yurts for glamping! As you reach the main area you see the brightly lit Ferris Wheel, kids enjoying the authentic Helter Skelter and the main stage is alive with music! Just behind the Ferris Wheel is the lake where you can paddle board, canoe and kayak. We went canoeing on the lake with our two little boys, which was great fun! Around the perimeter of the main area and up towards the courtyard there were lots of little independent street food vendors, from Greek, Mexican and Italian pizzas to name just a few, there really is something for everyone. Then of course the BEER! Lots of beer talks were happening over the course of the weekend, including beer and food pairings and live brewing! As you arrive at the main gates, you are given your festival beer guide to tick off, I wonder how many people tried all the beers! I have to say I was more into the gin and tonic and the cocktail bar over the weekend, but Neil managed to tick a fair few of beers off the list over the course of the weekend! Follow the path down into the woods and will find a cocktail bar and a super cool woodland area playing dance music into the early hours! The woods at night are lit up with lasers and glitter balls, it looked so pretty! And yep, there is even a roller disco! As you can probably tell, The Festival of Beer isn’t just your average festival, there was a theatre production for kids in the woods, a Loco cricket match on a Sunday morning (along with pitch side bloody mary’s of course), comedy from Milton Jones and other comedians, a chilli eating contest, wild swimming, and so much more! I would thoroughly recommend getting your hands on a timetable prior to the event to plan out your whole weekend, as I missed some really fun bits of the
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festival, mainly because I was juggling children and childcare for a child free Saturday night! There is also a huge tree that kids can climb, safely of course, with a safety harness. Highlights for me were the Cuban Brothers, canoeing with the boys, the woodland music bar, and eating probably the best steak ever! Next year I really would like to try the bottomless brunch and yoga in the woods! Blackpit Brewery are also hosting a Huge Bonfire and Fireworks night on Saturday 6th November! It all kicks off from 1pm in the afternoon with live music, delicious street food and children’s activities throughout the day. Their bonfires are pretty impressive having previously built a 10 metre space-rocket, a 12 metre Hawk, and 2019 saw a giant human head, lit by a theatrical torch procession! Early bird tickets are currently on sale for £19 per adult and £5 per child.
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