COMMUNITY CONTACT MAGAZINE
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FEBRUARY - MARCH 2015
Welcome Welcome to the very first issue of Community Contact magazine! Community Contact is a brand new bimonthly magazine for the surrounding villages between Bicester, Buckingham and Aylesbury. We hope to bring together the community both through this magazine and online via the Community Contact website and our social media channels. In this magazine you will find an abundance of interesting articles, exciting competitions, local entertainment, news on sport and education. There will be regular features including fashion, beauty, health and fitness, home and gardening, cooking, book reviews and there’s even an area for little ones! Our first issue looks at the history of Pancake Day and why we celebrate it, where to go on Valentines Day, what to buy your mum for Mother’s Day and we take a trip to Dublin in our Travel Blog. This issue is also packed full of exciting competitions where you could WIN a family of four ticket to watch the MK Dons, WIN a signed book and you have a chance to WIN a £25 gardening voucher! We really want to involve the local community and bring the villages together, so if you have any information you would like us to share through our social media channels or events within our magazine please do get in touch. We hope you enjoy the first issue and don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! Best wishes,
Neil and Laura Copy Deadline Date for the April-May Issue
Friday 6th March
CONTENTS 4
Romantic Things To Do on Valentine’s Day
5
Valentine’s Day Gifts
7
The History of Pancake Day
9
Pancake Day Fun
10-11
Where to go on Mother’s Day?
13
Treat your Mum this Mother’s Day
16-17
Billion Dollar Looks
20-21
Fabulously British Country Fashion
23
Marmalade Season
24-25
Events Calendar
26-27
Dubin Travel Review
29
Noticeboard
30-32
The Twyford Pantry
36-37
In Your Garden - Chris Day
40-41
Be in the know about H20
42-44
The Well Street Walk
45
Free Micro-Chipping
47
Adult Puzzles
49
Win Tickets to the Stadium:MK
50-51
Kids Corner
54
Fathomless Riches - Book Review
55
Win a Signed Book
56-57
Wireless Broadband Connects
58
Be Prepared this Winter
65
Useful Contacts
66
Advertiser Directory
To advertise call 07769 676573 or visit www.communitycontact.co.uk
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COMMUNITY CONTACT MAGAZINE
Romantic Things To Do on Valentine’s Day... For lots of women, Valentine’s Day is an important date in the calendar, and it will be here before we know it! It doesn’t have to cost a lot, or be an extravagant gesture, but you can make it a memorable one by making her feel special this February 14th. Here are some great ideas that will sure to please this Valentine’s Day.
Recreate your first date Think back to your first date and how special that was. Make a reservation (today!) and reminisce about how you both felt on your first date.
Go for an American date Take a look at what films are on at the cinema, but make sure you pre-book you’re your tickets! Why not book into a pizza restaurant to really make this an American style date.
Plan a weekend away If you wanted to stretch out Valentine’s Day to last the weekend, you could try and find a last minute deal and get away for the night in a nice hotel. Some times some time away is exactly what you need.
Cook a romantic candle-lit meal at home Cook your favourite meal for your partner, put your favourite music on, pour your favourite wine, play your favourite music and enjoy an evening in the comfort of your own home.
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Some ideas cost nothing... Go for a long romantic walk Put your wellies on, wrap up warm, get out in the fresh air and enjoy a walk in the country together. Dedicate a day to your partner... Why not dedicate a whole day to your partner? Sometimes the best Valentine’s Day gift is spending a whole day uninterrupted from the world. Turn your phones off and enjoy some time, just the two of you. Create a cheque book full of promises! You could include; “I promise to tell you that I love you everyday.” Just use your imagination!
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Valentine’s day gifts Take a look at our top picks this Valentine’s Day..
Nixon A108 Women’s Kensington Leather Watch, Rose Gold | John Lewis | £100 Celebration Heart Biscuit Box Not on the High Street | £15
The Pink Selection Hotel Chocolat. | £26
Large Heart Ring Pandora | £75
For Her
Pink hearts ½ pint mug Emma Jayne Gifts Winslow |£19.95
Classic Roses Hot Mix Marks & Spencer £35
LYDC Bag | No 8 Boutique Winslow | £26
Brown ‘Rugger’ Old Saddle Leather wash bag Debenhams | £39
Smith and Cavo na leather hip flask, 4oz John Lewis | £35 Jimmy Choo Man Eau de Toilette 50ml Boots | £32
Dinner for two at Middletons Steak House and Grill Milton Keynes £50
Bespoke heart map Not on the high street| £39
For Him
Roll Right Sunglasses r | £170 Taylor Morris Eye wea
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The History of Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday So why do we eat pancakes on Pancake Day? Well Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday, is a significant and ancient tradition in the Christian Calendar. It is the day before Lent; the start of the traditional fast. The tradition of eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday began as a way to use up ingredients including butter, milk and eggs that were not supposed to be eaten and would go bad during the period of Lent. Pancakes, particularly thin and buttery crepes, were a great way to use up these ingredients in one easy and indulgent dish. The tradition of eating pancakes is accessible to many regardless of religion, and the idea of a Pancake Day gets a little more popular every year. Locally, in Olney, every pancake day they host an annual race within the town. Following tradition, only local women who have lived in the town for six months or more can enter the race. It dates back to 1445 and it is believed it all began with a townswoman late for the Shriving service at the Olney parish church. For Olney woman, it was also important to attend the Shriving service before the start of Lent, a time to confess sins before Ash Wednesday. So the story goes, hearing the church bells ring out for the service, one Olney townswoman fled her house fearful of being late. She ran the distance down the High Street to make it to the parish church - still clutching her frying pan and wearing an apron. Now, the event is still commemorated hundreds of years later in the Olney pancake race. The Olney residents (women) compete in traditional apron, cap, and holding a frying pan with a real pancake. They must toss their pancake once at the start (outside The Bull Inn) and once at the finish by the church. The race starts at 11.55am. The Olney High Street is shut, and spectators line the route from the Market Place all the way to Olney’s St.Peter and St.Paul church. For more information visit www.olneypancakerace.org. To advertise call 07769 676573 or visit www.communitycontact.co.uk
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COMMUNITY CONTACT MAGAZINE
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Pancake Day Fun! Put 100g Plain Flour with a pinch of Salt in a bowl, Make a well and crack in 2 Eggs, 50ml Semi-Skimmed Milk and 1 tbsp Sunflower Oil. Start whisking from the centre to draw in the flour. Once all mixed beat into a smooth paste adding a little more milk if necessary. Add more milk to loosen the batter then pour a stream of approx 200ml of Milk whilst whisking to form a batter the consistency of single cream. The batter is now ready to make your lovely pancakes – nicely thin and golden.
Make ahead! Make pancakes a day in advance or they can be frozen for up to a month wrapped in cling film. Defrost overnight before reheating.
Try these... The fun bit after tossing them (successfully!) is choosing what to put in them – here are some new ideas as well as the traditional ones to tempt you, the list is endless...
Lemon and Sugar, Cherry Pie Filling and crumbled Chocolate Brownie, Nutella and Banana, Peanut Butter and Grated Chocolate, Apple Sauce and Cinnamon, Lemon Curd and Mascarpone, Carnation Caramel and Sea Salt Flakes, Stem Ginger and Vanilla Ice-Cream, Fresh Strawberries and Cream
Written and supplied by Tina Shortland from The Twyford Pantry Like them on Facebook to share recipes, ideas and tips To advertise call 07769 676573 or visit www.communitycontact.co.uk
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COMMUNITY CONTACT MAGAZINE
Where to go on Mother’s Day? On Sunday March 15th we will be celebrating Mother’s Day. It’s the one-day where we can really show our mums exactly what they mean to us. Whether it’s giving her a bunch of tulips and a box of chocolates, or afternoon tea at the Randolph – whatever you do she will really appreciate it. Let’s take a look where you could take your mum this Mother’s Day…
Afternoon Tea at the Randolph? The drawing room at the Randolph is the perfect setting for afternoon tea and is the perfect amount of English style and charm. £17.50 for a basic cream tea £29.50 Full Afternoon tea £36.50 Celebration Afternoon including champagne!
A visit to Stowe Landscape Gardens? Start at the New Inn visitor centre outside the gardens. Treat mum to a delicious slice of cake and a cup of tea in the café before you explore a world of beautiful gardens and 18th Century buildings that Stowe Landscape Gardens has to offer. Your mum will love it! £10 per adult |£5 Child
A spa day at Whittlebury Hall? The Day Spa offers the ultimate in pampering with treatments from the houses of Elemis, ESPA, Jessica and Clarins. A team of specialist therapists are dedicated to your every need. It’s just what she needs! £109 per person
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The View from the Shard for Two Why not treat mum to a day out in London? Take her to London’s highest and best view at the top of The Shard, on floors 68, 69 and 72. At almost twice the height of any other viewing platform in the capital, it offers visitors unparalleled 360-degree views for up to 40 miles. There is even a cocktail bar on floor 52! £59.90
Milton Keynes Theatre The Boot Leg Beatles are the longest standing Beatles Tribute band and if Mum (or you) have ever been a fan then this is a real must see. ‘Frightening Real’ The Sunday Times The Boot Leg Beatles live in concert - £30
Treat your mum at Body Matters! Treat your mum to a manicure at Body Matters! Gift vouchers are available or simply call up and book your mum in. Call Anita 01280 822877 or email bookings@bodymattersbeauty.co.uk
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Treat your Mum this Mother’s Day... Yummy
Bespoke Floral bouquet Jessica Rose Flowers
Holdsworth caramel and salted caramel cups, 115g | John Lewis | £ 9.00
Palmia Necklace o.uk www.stelladot.c £130
Fizzz!!
True Grace White Tea Reed Diffuser | Rhubarb and Roses Winslow | £33.00
Butterfly scar f Not on the High Street | £9
Verve Clicquot Waitrose Cellar £36.99 Orelia Pretty Stone Drop Earrings John Lewis | £15 the moon Mum love you to d candle tin and back scente .99 East of India | £5
ext
Duffle Bag | N £38
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COMMUNITY CONTACT MAGAZINE
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Arthurs Radio first came into business in 1989. We are proud to be able to offer our clients a first class service in cutting, colouring and treatments. We build great client-stylist relationships as we want to get to know you, not just your hair! We always welcome new clients and very much appreciate our existing clientele.
We currently have a NEW ongoing offer valid every Tuesday!
TREAT ME TUESDAYS 50% OFF Any colour service on a Tuesday with Charlotte and Sofie* *When booked with a Cut & blow dry with Charlotte or Sofie. *Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
24 West Street Buckingham MK18 1HE Tel: 01280 817116 www.arthursradiosalon.co.uk
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BILLION DOLLAR LOOKS AT LAST! The importance of eyebrows is finally being recognised by
the nation. Long gone is the fashion of over-plucked, pencil thin brows. Instead, it is being acknowledged that eyebrows are essential in framing your face and shaping your features. Not to mention a fuller, thicker set of eyebrows are proven to create a more glamorous and youthful appearance. Although few of us naturally have ‘perfect eyebrows,’ a few adjustments can make a huge difference:
Shape: Ideally, your brow should start a little past the inner corner of your
eye. This should lead to a gentle arch, which should peak above the outer rim of your iris (the coloured part) and lie on the brow bone. The end of the brow should align with the edge of your nostril and the outer corner of the eye itself.
Regrowth: Leaving your brows to grow can make a huge difference.
Too much tweezing can lead to a permanent facial expression of surprise, anger, bewilderment – to name a few. It takes three to four months to notice a real change, and up to a year for brows to grow back entirely. Clever makeup can help hide the unruly brows that you may be conscious of – but persevere – those little random hairs will eventually form a full brow. If you need a little helping hand, there are lots of brow growth serums on the market. Billion Dollar Brow Boost Serum, is a deep conditioning treatment designed to strengthen and condition thin, overtweezed brows.
Makeup: Brows, like all hair, go through growth cycles. At times it may
leave you with patchy areas. Or if you are struggling to perfect your shape, then brow makeup is your saviour! Fill in sparse areas with a brow pencil and try to replicate hair strokes. Eyeliners are too creamy and heavily pigmented. Pencil can be softened gently with a brow powder
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FEBRUARY - MARCH 2015
and an angled brush in the direction of your hair growth. Billion Dollar Brow Universal Brow Pencil and Brow Powder are professional brow products designed to last all day and are best in helping to achieve your desired look. If you want all of this done for you, then take yourself to a brow expert. Professionals are trained to help design you the perfect brow for YOUR face shape and individual features. They can even help you with a regrowth programme. In addition, the treatments are a lesson in re-creating your perfect brow at home. For more information or to book in for perfect brows, contact Kate at Tweak Beauty Buckingham. Billion Dollar Brow Growth Serum £25 Billion Dollar Brow Universal Brow Pencil £17 Billion Dollar Brow Powders £18 All available from Tweak Beauty www.tweakbeauty.co.uk
expert eyebrow treatment
We offer regrowth and maintenance programmes to assist in creating perfect eyebrows that totally transform your face. We measure your face and features to expertly create the perfect brow for you.
luxury french waxes
Luxury French waxes are used in premium intimate waxing. We use world famous techniques that contribute to a more comfortable, closer and quicker wax. Together it will totally transform any waxing experience you've had in the past. Located in Buckingham.
07921 504 296 Full treatment list available at:
www.tweakbeauty.co.uk or email kate@tweakbeauty.co.uk
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FEBRUARY - MARCH 2015
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Fabulously British Country Fashion I love country fashion. There I said it. I absolutely love it! From tweed jackets to hunter wellies – who says fashion has to boring when you are walking the dog across the countryside. The fashion opportunities are endless! Take a look at our top picks for you both to look more country, darling…
Women’s Single Breasted Tweed Blazer, Mallory Tweed Joules | £149
Barbour Weyhill Waxed Jacket Barbour | £225
Women’s British Tweed Pencil Boden | £89 | SALE - £26.70
Dubarry Galway Slimfit™ Womens Country Boot Dubarry | £299
Women’s Original Tall Wellington Boot RED Hunter| £90.00 Belstaff Ladies Weskit Quilted Gilet - Sage CountryAttire.com | £169.95
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FEBRUARY - MARCH 2015
Men’s Padded Gilet Joules | £49.95
Premium Country Brogues - Chester Loakes | £225
Purple Blue Gingham Classic Casual Shirt TM Lewin | £30
Harris Tweed Barva Khaki fleck regular fit blazer House of Fraser | £265
Blue Distressed Slim-Fit Jeans | Next | £50
Barbour Men’s Crieff Flat Cap - Olive| Mixed Herringbone | £34.95
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Country Equestrian Horse and Pet Food Store Horse, Pet and Poultry Feed, Pet Accessories, Gifts, Cards and much more! Major brands of cat and dog food. Wild bird seed and poultry feed. Own brand Horse Feed, Spillers, Baileys, Dodson & Horrell, Allen & Page, Haygates and Chudleys. Woodshavings, Equibright, Quality Haylage, Hay and Straw, Stable Equipment, Rug Cleaning and Leather Repairs.
Open 8.30 to 5.00 Monday to Saturday
Ample customer parking HOME FARM, POUNDON, BICESTER, OX27 9AY (Between Marsh Gibbon and Twyford)
Tel: 01869 277742
info@countryequestrianltd.co.uk www.countryequestrianltd.co.uk
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Marmalade Season! Who knew there was a season for marmalade? But there is one, and it’s right now! Last month bitter oranges from Seville started arriving on our shores and into our shops. The season is only very short and lasts around a month – so by the time it’s the end of February the season will be over! But it is these oranges that we need to make a traditional scrumptious marmalade.
Jane’s Home-made Marmalade
Method Wash all the fruit and pare off the peel, avoiding the pith, as finely as you can with a very sharp knife. Cut the peel into fine matchsticks and reserve. Weigh the fruit and measure the right amount of water into a preserving pan. Remove the white pith and discard. Chop the flesh and add it to the water in the pan. Bring to the boil, turn down the heat and cook steadily for 1/2 an hour, stirring every now and again. Strain the contents of the pan through a clean linen cloth.
Ingredients 12 Seville oranges 3 sweet oranges 3 lemons 500ml water per 500g fruit weighed after peeling (about 2 litres) 500g cane sugar to each 500ml juice (you’ll need about 2.5k sugar)
Measure the liquid back into the pan, stir in 500g sugar for every 500ml of liquid and add the reserved peel. Stir over a gentle heat until the sugar melts. Turn up the heat and boil the mixture for 30-35 minutes until the jelly is at setting point. Test the set by pouring a little onto a chilled saucer - it’s ready when it wrinkles and holds its shape when pushed with your finger. Leave to cool and give it a stir. Pot in clean, hot jars.
Find this recipe and more on our website communitycontact.co.uk/recipes To advertise call 07769 676573 or visit www.communitycontact.co.uk
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EVENTS 1st February Buckingham’s Comedy Night – Headline Act: Romesh Ranganathan – 8pm @ Town Hall 5th, 6th, 7th February Pantomime - Punch and Judy, Winslow Players. For tickets contact Divine Diva in the High Street, Winslow or call 07745 233365 7th February MK Dons v Bristol City – 3pm KO – Pick of the games in Feb 8th February Craft Fair - Bee’s Kitchen, Above Buckingham Post office – Serving Tea and Cakes as well as showcasing all sorts of crafts by local crafters.
13th, 14th, February Babes in the Wood, Twyford Amateur Dramatics. For tickets call 01296 738585 or email dizwade@yahoo.co.uk 14th February Michael Bublé Tribute – Romantic Candle Lit Dinner & Show – Villiers 14th - 22nd February Waddesdon Manor, Coach House, The Stables. Knights & Princesses Week. Make your own themed craft and join in for a whole week of medieval fun! Fancy dress strongly encouraged, with fancy dress competitions at 12pm and 2pm. 11.00-4.00.
12th February MK Dons Children’s road show at The Royal Latin School
20th, 21st February Babes in the Wood, Twyford Amateur Dramatics. For tickets call 01296 738585 or email dizwade@yahoo.co.uk
12th February MK Dons Football forum Buckingham Athletic FC
21st February Saints v Quins – 7.45pm KO – Pick of the games in Feb
13th February 7-10pm - St James & St John C of E Primary School presents a family Bingo & Disco Night at Akeley Village Hall. Everyone welcome. Fun for all the family. All proceeds to the school PTFA. For more info email stjamesstjohn.ptfa@ gmail.com
5th March World Book Day
13th February Ladies Charity Pamper and Shopping Evening, 7-10pm, The Bell Hotel. £5 a ticket, £7 on the door. Tickets include a welcome drink and canapés
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7th March MK Dons v Preston North End – 3pm KO 14th March Ragdolls, Four Seasons Tribute Dinner and Show - 7.30pm - Villiers 19th March Dining Opera Night – Dinner and Show 7.30pm - Villiers
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FEBRUARY - MARCH 2015 15th March Adidas Silverstone Half Marathon @ Silverstone Race Circuit 28th March Saints v Wasps – 3pm KO – Pick of the games in Feb
29th March Craft Fair - Bee’s Kitchen, above Buckingham Post office – Serving Tea and Cakes as well as showcasing all sorts of crafts by local crafters.
Markets Winslow Farmers Market, Market Square, Winslow – 1st Sunday of every month
Aylesbury Vintage and Craft Bazaar Every Tuesday
Winslow General Market, Market Square, Winslow – Every Wednesday
Buckingham Flea market – Every Tuesday and Saturday
Aylesbury Farmers Market, Old Market Square, Aylesbury – last Tuesday of every month
Buckingham Street market – Every Tuesday and Saturday
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Dublin
is one of the most fantastic cities in the World. There is so much history and culture here, a huge flair for music and the people are so friendly. From the pubs and clubs of temple bar, to the vintage shops and the Guinness factory – Dublin really is the perfect weekend away from anywhere in the UK. On 17th March St Patrick’s Day will be celebrated with a huge parade in the heart of the city. The parade exhibits some of Europe’s best street performers and the city is buzzing with a four day extravaganza of World-class entertainment.
Top Things to do The Guinness Factory No trip to Dublin is complete without a visit and every tourist seems to come back at least once. The Guinness Storehouse is an impressive building: the core of the building is shaped like a giant pint glass, and consists of seven floors. Along each floor, you get to see how Guinness is made. The top floor, which holds the Gravity Bar, is the most fun. You get a complimentary pint of Guinness and the most spectacular view of Dublin, which is worth the admission price alone. Tickets: €13.50
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Trinity College Of course, this is best known for the Book of Kells, but it’s worth a visit just to see the “Long Room,” where the book is held. National Gallery of Ireland Although Dublin now ranks as one of the most expensive cities in Europe, entrance to this museum (for the permanent exhibition) is free. The collection includes some 2,500 paintings. Dublin Castle Dublin Castle was formerly the center of British rule in Ireland. Admission is free – so a visit here is an absolute must. St. Patrick’s Cathedral Ireland’s largest church, and, given its close proximity to the city center, a visit here is an essential part of any itinerary. The Docklands The docklands area of Dublin is definitely worth exploring; it has really come into its own and it’s where U2 have their studio. There is the Grand Canal Theatre, lots of bars and restaurants. It’s a great place to go for tapas before going to see some music at the theatre.
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Shopping The main shopping areas include Grafton St and Henry St. They are both located roughly the same distance from O’Connell Bridge, with Grafton St. to the South, and Henry St. to the North. They are about ten to fifteen minutes on foot from one another so you can cover both in one afternoon. There are a handful of good shops for designer clothing in Dublin, but take a turn down any side street and the odds of stumbling across one of the many vintage boutiques are pretty high.
Best places to eat Trocadero The Trocadero has been a fixture on the city’s restaurant scene for over 50 years. It offers plush banquette seating, pleasantly dim lighting and a dreamy intimacy. Drury Buildings Drury Buildings is a new addition to the Dublin dining scene. The bar downstairs is good for weekend brunch and for casual bites too, with salami, olives, cheeseboards and the like available throughout the evening, plus a copious cocktail menu.
Chapter One Justly famed, Chapter One has been serving up contemporary Irish cuisinewith-a-French-twist from its base on Parnell Square for almost 20 years. The food is serious and not cheap: the à la carte prices reflect its Michelin-starred rating – but there are excellent set-price lunch and pre-theatre options too
Places to stay Number 31 An enchanting bed and breakfast in a listed Georgian building that the owners have gently modernised on the inside. There’s a sunken lounge and an upstairs breakfast room in a separate building. The hospitality is very warm, and typically Irish. The Merrion Hotel The Merrion Hotel is for people who like big, comfortable, five-star hotels, and it’s a great place to have afternoon tea, in the lounge by the fire. It also has the only two-Michelin-starred restaurant in the country. The Clarence hotel The Clarence hotel, which the Edge and Bono from U2 own. That’s the place to stay for those who want something quite urban, and a bit wild.
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The Twyford Pantry Culinary delights with Tina Shortland Welcome to The Twyford Pantry – for all of you food lovers out there. Whether it is for ideas for up-coming dates, to test your foodie skills, seeking answers to important food related questions or anything else to tease the taste buds! The next couple of months see some important dates in the culinary calendar with Valentine’s Day (Feb 14th), Pancake Day (Feb 17th) and Mother’s Day (March 15th) all upon us.
Every day is Mother’s Day but Sunday 15th March is an extra special day to say Thank You and show the Mum’s how much they are appreciated. If you’re a Mum leave this page lying around in an obvious places to drop the hint and if you have a Mum to cherish then try making them a gift they can savour. There are full fat and healthy options, just in case there is a diet on the go! Go one step further and cook her lunch too.
Valentine Lovers Chocolate Dipping Set
Nothing says I Love You for Valentine’s Day more than a home-made present to eat together so how about making your loved one your own Chocolate Dipping Set and save pounds on the pocket if not on the waistline!
Melt 100g broken good quality Chocolate with 50 ml Double Cream in a heatproof bowl over a pan of boiling water (without touching the water). Feel free to add flavouring at this stage if you wish – 2 tsp alcohol, strong coffee, flavoured syrup (for coffee), sprinkle chilli powder, 1 tsp vanilla paste, 5 drops peppermint essence, whatever you choose. Stir well until fully melted and pour into a heatproof container and chill to set. You could always make two pots of contrasting chocolates. Put the chocolate pot in a small cellophane bag and tie with a ribbon. Present this in a pretty box, attractive serving dish or small tray with skewers surrounded by your choice of sweet treats – Marshmallows, small Biscuits, Coconut Macaroons, pieces of Dried Fruit, Pink Wafers, Pretzel Sticks (try them!), Fudge, Cake Squares, or Fresh Fruit (if making up the same day as giving). Wrap as you
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wish with a label giving heating instructions: Reheat chocolate gently either in a microwave, low oven or back in a bowl over boiling water until runny and smooth – do not over heat. Dip and enjoy! Make ahead! Chocolate pot can be made 3 days in advance or frozen 1 month ahead and defrosted overnight before wrapping up.
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Culinary Capers (Check our website for the answers) See how quickly you can solve these sweet treat anagrams – no cheating!
TOOLCACHE HALLWORMSAM LEFTSURF RASCALME PRIMEVAL OATS PILLPOOL BROTHERSAD HERBREST PACKCUES SQUIRREL LILACSOOT
Guilt-free Imitation Ferrero Rocher Truffles Makes approx. 16 (estimated at nearly 2 Slimming World syns each or 3 Weight Watcher Pro Points) Crush 3 Weetabix and mix with 5 level tbsp Nutella Chocolate Spread. Dust your hands with a sachet of Options Hot Chocolate Powder and roll mixture into 16 balls. Roll the balls in the remaining Hot Chocolate Powder – you can also use desiccated coconut. For a real Ferrero Rocher-like treat roll each ball around a whole hazelnut, but this will increase the diet values. Leave to firm up in the fridge for at least an hour then put into sweet cases in a pretty box or cellophane bag and decorate with ribbon and a sprig of small fresh flowers.
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Mother’s Day Lunch Ideas
Let Mum put her feet up and make her either of these tasty lunches …
Easiest One-Pot Roast Chicken ever! (Serves 4) Preheat the oven to 220C/200c fan/Gas7 Put a 1.5 kg Free Range Chicken in a roasting tin. Put 2 Lemon Halves in the cavity. Rub 50g softened Butter, 2tsp Dried Herbs and seasoning all over the chicken. Put 750g washed unpeeled Potatoes cut into roastie size and approx 7 peeled Carrots cut into 4’s around the chicken and drizzle everything with 2 tbsp Olive Oil. Season and toss together. Roast for 20 mins then turn the oven down to 200C/180C fan/ Gas 6 and roast for further 50 mins. Stir 100g frozen Peas with 300ml hot Chicken Stock and 1tsp Marmite and pour into the roasting tin with the chicken and vegetables. Roast for a further 10 minutes and serve and enjoy.
Cauliflower Cheese and Spinach Pasta Bakes (serves 6, see website for details)
Tips From The Jar Some random hints and tips to ease your lives in the kitchen. Feel free to share yours with us for the next issue •Use a teaspoon to scrape fresh ginger – it’s much easier than peeling with a knife and wastes less too! •Freeze left over sauces and reheat to use or add to fresh sauce that needs bulking up •Spray measuring spoons/cups with oil before measuring honey or treacle – less mess and saves time (use this idea for the bowl when making rice krispie marshmallow squares too!) •Lay a wooden spoon over a boiling pan to prevent it boiling over •Freeze left over herbs in olive oil in an ice cube tray to prevent freezer burn and it means they can be used straight into sauces/pasta without unnecessary water •Lay fresh lemon slices on the grill tray to put your fish on top – saving it from sticking whilst giving it extra flavour
Kitchen Quandaries
Have you got a foodie question, culinary dilemma, or need help with cooking? Then contact me at thetwyfordpantry@commuitycontact.co.uk. If you have any ideas or anything else foodie related – we’d love to hear from you.
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Hey, you know that great idea you had for an app? We can make it a reality.
methodandclass.com
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IN YOUR GARDEN Topical advice from Buckingham Garden Centre’s Chris Day Are your fingers itching with the anticipation of the start of the busy gardening season? Well, there’s plenty to be getting on with especially after the long winter. So, dust down the spade, the gloves and the shed key, and let’s get gardening! Start by having a good tidy up of herbaceous plants that will soon be re-emerging after their winter slumber. Simply prune out the old stems from last year and clear any leaves and debris to help light reach the base of the plants. Give them a feed with a granular fertiliser such as Vitax Q4, a good handful to the square metre around each clump. If you have gaps, plant a few new plants of popular garden favourites such as Aquilegia, Delphiniums, Hellebores, Heucheras and Lupins, to provide masses of colour over the next few months. If you grow a few veggies in beds and raised areas, now is a good time to sow directly into the soil, the likes of Broad Beans, Onions, Parsnips and Peas. Rake the soil, clear any weeds and apply some Growmore fertiliser to give them a flying start. Seed potatoes benefit from a period of ‘chitting’, placing them in a seed tray or egg box in a cool light position to help encourage the ‘eyes’ (new shoots) to develop prior to being planted out from late March onwards. If you need advice on growing crops, even in limited spaces, do check out our Potato Weekend over 7th & 8th February, 10am-4pm, both days. Come and chat to vegetable and fruit experts to get sound advice and guidance on the best varieties to grow. If you are intrigued on how fruit trees are grown then you’ll have a chance to observe how a fruit tree is a grafted too! You can fill empty borders with glorious summer colour relatively cheaply by sowing hardy annual seeds directly into well-prepared soil. Just like the vegetable garden, do clear any weeds and work the soil using a rake so it becomes friable and fine, ready for sowing. Flowers such as Cornflowers, Calendula (pot marigold), Godetia, Larkspur, Nasturtium, Nigella (love-ina-mist), Poppies and Sunflowers amongst others will bloom right through until the first frosts. Sowing the seeds thinly in drifts or rows, lightly covered with fine soil will provide colour from late May onwards. Although these seeds are annuals, you’ll find they will ‘set seed’ which may result in a return of the hardy annual display next year!
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New hedges can be planted now. Check out bare-root plants as these offer excellent value for money compared with potted plants. Many people are removing the much maligned Leylandii conifers and replacing them with native species such as Quickthorn, Blackthorn (Sloe), Field Maple, Rosa rugosa and Spindle. These are perfect, as they are fast growing and will quickly make a good wildlife-friendly replacement hedge which is also an excellent neighbour barrier. There are plenty of hedging options, including evergreen, native, formal and rural horse-friendly mixes too. Good preparation is essential when planning a new hedge, so do ask for specific advice at the Garden Centre to ensure the best results. Indoors, keep a careful eye on the humidity in the home for house plants – dry conditions created by central heating will cause leaves to dry, brown and fall. Regularly mist plants to help reduce the problem.
WIN A GARDEN VOUCHER WORTH £25! We’ve teamed up with the Buckingham Garden Centre, so two lucky readers have a chance to win £25 Garden Centre vouchers! To enter, simply answer the following question:
‘Home Guard’, ‘Rooster’ and ‘Charlotte’ are all varieties of which popular vegetable? Send your answer together with your name and address to Community Contact Magazine Competition, Buckingham Garden Centre, Tingewick Road, Buckingham MK18 4AE. Alternatively, e-mail your answer with your details to:
competitions@communitycontact.co.uk The closing date for entries is 28th February 2015 To advertise call 07769 676573 or visit www.communitycontact.co.uk
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Be in the know about H20 It’s so much easier to drink water in those hot summer months. However, hopefully after reading this, you’ll pour self a nice cold glass of water and make it your new best friend. Water is the most important thing that you give to your body, you can live far longer without food than you can without water. So why is water important? Here are some facts for you. The brain is 70% water Our lungs are 90% water
clogging, reducing heart attacks and strokes. Water is related to brain function and is required for producing neurotransmitters, including serotonin; is necessary for manufacturing hormones needed by the brain, such as melatonin; Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) can be prevented with adequate water intake as well as improve attention span. Water aids in the prevention of loss of memory due aging. Water decreases signs of aging, causing the skin to appear smoother.
The human body is 66% water It cleanses the insides of your body Blood is 82% water
So what does water do? Water is the primary lubricant in the joint spaces and prevents arthritis and back pain. Water helps immune system to function optimally
Initial onset of dehydration (at or before the 2% loss of bodily water volume) has the following symptoms: * flushing of the skin * headache * increased thirst and dry mouth * decreased urination * loss of appetite * dry skin (especially chapped lips)
Water keeps arteries and brain from
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FEBRUARY - MARCH 2015 In terms of weight loss, water has a big role to play too! If we don’t drink enough water, our bodies can’t metabolise the fat properly and we’ll also retain water. So when you’re not drinking enough the body goes geeeeeze I don’t know when I’ll get my next fix of water, so your body grabs all the water it can and doesn’t let it go. The kidneys do not work properly if they don’t get enough water. So the liver has to pick up some of the slack, but then it’s not got enough time and energy to do it’s own job properly – convert stored fat to energy. So in short… when we tell you to drink 2 litres a day it’s for good reason. If you do you’ll be less likely to suffer from side effects, will be a lot healthier and are also likely to lose more weight so get glugging!
Editorial by Ally Nutritianist, at The SLM Diet wecare@thesmldiet.co.uk www.thesmldiet.co.uk
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The Well S Have you taken a stroll around Buckingham lately? If you have, you might have noticed how many independent shops there are now. As you walk down through Bridge Street and into Well Street you will see lots of little shops, from beautiful vintage furniture at Secret Messages, handbags, jewellery and scarfs in Pasha and brightly coloured pottery at Finca El Monte. If you enjoy sewing then you are in for a real treat as Nimble
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Street Walk
FEBRUARY - MARCH 2015
Thimble stocks over 1400 bolts of fabrics and hold regular sewing workshops. You can even buy carpets and flooring, and get your clothes fixed at In Stitches! After all that shopping why not book in for a manicure at Body Matters and grab yourself a drink and some delicious food at the Woolpack! Phew! But if you haven’t been to Well Street in a while, make sure you do, this weekend!
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Free micro-chipping for all dogs, courtesy of the Dog’s Trust
Having your pet micro-chipped is one of the best ways to increase your pet’s chances of getting home. Unlike dog tags and collars, which can all off or be removed, micro-chipping is a more permanent form of identifying your dog. But don’t forget the law says all dogs must wear a collar and tag, with their owner’s name, address and telephone number on it. Dogs Trust are currently offering FREE micro-chipping across the country. Contact Winslow Vets for more information. How does it work? A tiny microchip about the size of a grain of rice is inserted under your dog’s loose skin, on the back of the neck. This gives the dog their own unique code. If your dog becomes lost or stolen and is picked up by the dog warden or turns up at a shelter or vet’s office, the microchip can be scanned and matched to your contact details, which are kept on a database. Now remember - Register the chip and keep your details updated in the future. Source: Dogs Trust
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ADULT PUZZLES SUDOKU
Every row, column and 3x3 square must contain one of each digit 1 to 9.
7 9
6
8
7
6
8
4 8
6
4
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9
7 5
2 6
3 2
1
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How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram ? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may only be used once per word. One word will use all 9 letters...
CROSSWORD
7
8
E
Can you get that one ? There are 52 possible words!!
1
3 4
C
NONAGRAM
7
3
E
Across
7 Puppets on strings (11) 8 Impart knowledge (6) 9 Petition to a deity (6) 10 Deteriorate (6) 12 Cunning (6) 13 Atmosphere (3) 14 Robbery at sea (6) 16 Overindulgence (6) 18 Yearly (6) 20 Innate (6) 22 Star-gazers (11)
Down
17
21
1 Portent (4) 2 Archer’s missiles (6) 3 Scottish New Year celebration (8) 4 Profound (4) 5 Capital of Canada (6) 6 Fire-resistant mineral (8) 11 Eastern (8) 12 One to whom money is owed (8) 15 Grown-ups (6) 17 It’s built by a spider (6) 19 King of beasts (4) 21 Hazard (4)
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MK DOnS Come & enjoy vS
CHESTERFIELD
Tuesday 3rd March 2015 KO 7.45pm
2 TICKETS For £25*
SEASON TICKET HOLDERS £2 SAVING!
*Tickets will be seated in the East Wing, Cowshed or Standard Corner. Offer only valid until 5pm Monday 2nd March 2015.
Tel: 01908 622900
Visit us at: MK Dons Box Office at stadiummk or thecentre:mk 48
TICKET PRICE ALSO INCLUDES
FREE pie & A pint*
*Terms and conditions apply. Other drinks available. See mkdons.com for more details.
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communitycontact
@commcontact
commcontact
IT’S COMPETITION TIME! WIN A FAMILY TICKET FOR 4 TO WATCH THE MK DONS! All you have to do is answer this simple question: How many players are there in a football team? Email your answer across to us at competitions@communitycontact.co.uk Or alternatively tell us on Facebook! Winners will be announced on 21st February 2015. Good luck!
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COMMUNITY CONTACT MAGAZINE
KIDS CORNER FIND THE WORDS IN THIS VALENTINE’S PUZZLE L
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VALENTINE CHOCOLATE HEART LOVE SWEET FRIENDSHIP CARD FEBRUARY CUPID ARROW CANDY FOURTEENTH FLOWERS TREAT
QUICKFIRE QUIZ QUESTIONS - CAN YOU GET THEM ALL RIGHT ? 1. What is the capital of England? 2. How many days are there in a fortnight? 3. In Jungle Book what kind of animal is Baloo? 4. Name Batman’s crime fighting partner? 5. What is the name of Peppa Pig’s brother? 6. What type of animal is Bullseye in the Toy Story films?
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7. How many days are there in June? 8. What was the name of the monk in the Robin Hood legend? 9. What form of aerial transport does a witch favour? 10. Who was created by Gepetto the woodcarver? ANSWERS ON OUR WEBSITE
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HOW MANY RED HEARTS, LIKE THIS ONE, HAVE WE HIDDEN IN THE MAGAZINE ?? (TIP THERE ARE MORE THAN 10)
VALENTINES DAY FACTS !!! About 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year. That’s the largest seasonal card-sending occasion of the year, next to Christmas. 110 million roses, the majority red, will be sold and delivered within a three day time period. To advertise call 07769 676573 or visit www.communitycontact.co.uk
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Charity fun day...
in support of...
Sunday 17th May at
Buckingham Rugby Club For more info www.alecsangels.co.uk alecsangels
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FATHOMLESS RICHES Or How I Went from Pop to Pulpit The Reverend Richard Coles Title: Fathomless Riches Author: The Reverend Richard Coles Format: Hardback ISBN: 9780297870302 Hardback: £20.00 Available from Cole’s Books, Bicester
If you were born in the 60s, spent your childhood (in flares) in the 70s and lived it large in the 80s, then this wonderful autobiography, will be just to thing to reflect on times past and how soon we’ve got to middle age. Written with warmth, candour and humility, Richard Coles shares a life with the reader which goes from one extreme to another and back again. The Reverend Richard Coles is a parish priest in Northamptonshire and a regular host of BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live. He is also the only vicar in Britain to have had a number 1 hit single: the Communards’ ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’ topped the charts for four weeks and was the biggest-selling single of its year. Fathomless Riches is his remarkable memoir in which he divulges with searing honesty and intimacy his pilgrimage from a rockand-roll life of sex and drugs to a life devoted to God and Christianity. Music is where it began. Richard Coles was head chorister at school, and later discovered a love of saxophone together with the magic of Jimmy Somerville’s voice. Against a backdrop of intense sexual and political awakening, the Communards were formed, and Richard Coles’s life as a rock star began. Fathomless Riches - a phrase characteristic of St Paul and his followers - is a deeply personal and illuminating account of a transformation from hedonistic self-abandonment to ‘the moment that changed everything’. Funny, warm, witty and wise, it is a memoir which has the power to shock as well as to console. It will be hailed as one of the most unusual and readable life stories of recent times.
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WIN THIS SIGNED BOOK
ANSWER THIS QUESTION: WHAT BAND DID RICHARD COLES HAVE A NUMBER 1 HIT WITH ? Tell us on your answer on Facebook or email us at competitions@communitycontact.co.uk KINDLY DONATED BY COLE’S BOOKS
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Wireless broadband connects the parts that ordinary providers can’t reach… Much is being made of the Government’s drive to deliver broadband internet connections across the UK. But even the government acknowledges there are problems providing good broadband to the ‘last 5%’, those who live in rural communities. As a reader of this publication, there’s a chance you’re somewhere in that 5%. And you’ll know how frustrating poor internet connections can be. But the solution has actually been around for a while… The irony is that, while rural areas may not represent a good enough return on investment for BT and Openreach, it’s rural communities that actually benefit from broadband most. Work, shopping, education, entertainment, medical help, easy contact with family and friends. All of the things that are so easy for city dwellers can present challenges for those who live – by choice or necessity – outside our cities. Village Networks was founded over ten years ago by a team who believed that rural communities not only deserve better, but that they should have the best. What began then as a small community network in Steeple Claydon, has now mushroomed into a network stretching from the east of Oxfordshire, across Bucks and into Hertfordshire. It’s a wireless network, working on a point-to-point line-of-sight principle. ‘If we can see it, we can connect it,’ says Village Networks MD Paul Firth. ‘We have aerials on rooftops, lattice masts, church towers and chimneys.
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They link more than fifty communities and several thousand users.’ All that’s needed to connect is a very small aerial, usually under the eaves or on a chimney, with a clear line of sight to another link. A standard Village Networks subscription connects users at speeds of up to 10 Mb/s, and the company is already upgrading parts of the network to 24 Mb/s. ‘Our business is providing real broadband wherever the big companies can’t. And, unlike them, we aim to provide a truly personal service, with local support, from real people.’ Is BT’s fibre broadband rollout going to change the future of wireless broadband? Paul Firth doesn’t think so. ‘Fibre only goes to the cabinet. From there, speeds then diminish dramatically over distance. Village Networks wireless goes direct to the home or the office. And speeds stay high, whatever the distance. Fibre simply can’t connect every property, everywhere, so wireless will always have a big part to play.’ If you’d like to know more about Village Networks, and how to get connected, visit www.villagenetworks.co.uk, or call 0845 6860869.
REAL BROADBAND IS HERE, NOW! Village Networks wireless broadband covers the Vale of Aylesbury, bringing speeds of 10Mb/s or more to places where ordinary broadband just won’t go. It’s a simple, affordable service, brought to you by a local company, with friendly support from real people.
Since 2003, hundreds and hundreds of homes, businesses and communities have counted on Village Networks to keep them connected. You can, too! Find out more at info@villagenetworks.co.uk or by calling us, today. You could be connected sooner than you think!
VILLAGENETWORKS
0845 6860869
HIGH-SPEED RURAL BROADBAND, LOCAL SUPPORT
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Be Prepared This Winter Take a look at our easy steps to ensure both you and your car are prepared for the winter conditions: • • • • • • • •
Antifreeze – check coolant level regularly and, if required, top-up with a mixture of the correct type of antifreeze. Your garage should check concentration to ensure adequate cold temperature protection. Battery – the most common cause of winter breakdowns. A battery more than five years old may struggle in the cold - get it checked and replaced if necessary to avoid the inconvenience of an unplanned failure. Fuel – keep at least a quarter of a tank in case of unexpected delay. Lights – check and clean all lights regularly to make sure you can see and be seen clearly. Carry spare bulbs. Tyres – should have at least 3mm of tread for winter motoring. Consider winter tyres for improved safety. Check pressures at least every fortnight. Windscreen – reduce dazzle from the low sun by keeping the screen clean inside and out. Now is a good time to renew worn wiper blades. Screen wash – use a 50% mix of a good quality screen wash to reduce the chance of freezing in frosty weather. Locks and door seals – stop doors freezing shut with a thin coat of polish or Vaseline on rubber door seals. A squirt of water dispersant (WD-40) in locks will help stop them freezing.
Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. As well as the things you should be carrying on every journey regardless of the weather, you should make up a winter emergency kit to keep in the boot – hopefully you won’t need it but you will be very glad it’s there if you do.
Winter Emergency Kit Blanket, rug or sleeping bag Shovel Bits of carpet or thick cardboard to place under driven wheels to help regain traction on ice or snow Salt, sand or cat litter – to help clear snow and ice Reflective jacket(s) Ice scraper and de-icer
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Torch and batteries Tow rope Snow chains (if you live in a remote or rural area) Battery jump leads Bottled water Snacks – chocolate or cereal bars Extra screen wash
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We fully appreciate the support of the advertisers who appear in our magazine and we strive to ensure where possible that the information provided is accurate and honest. Community Contact have not checked the advertisers and accept no liability on work performed or goods supplied. We cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damage caused by errors in the printing or creation of adverts. This publication and its content must not be replicated in any way without prior consent from the publishers. Permission must be obtained prior to the use of adverts created by the Community Contact designers. To advertise call 07769 676573 or visit www.communitycontact.co.uk
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Useful Contacts Doctor’s surgeries Masonic House Surgery: 01280 816450 Norden House Surgery: 01296 713434 Northend Surgery Buckingham: 01280 818600 Northend Surgery Steeple Claydon: 01296 733300 Verney Close Practice: 01280 822777 Winslow Health Centre: 01296 714777 Emergency services Bicester police station: 01865 841148 Buckingham Police – dial 101 for non-emergencies 999 for all emergencies Milton Keynes Hospital: 01908 660033 Stoke Mandeville hospital: 01296 315000 Buckingham Community Hospital: 01280 813243 Wycombe Hospital: 01494 526161 Bicester Community Hospital: 01869 604000 John Radcliffe Hospital – Oxford: 01865 741166 Crime Stoppers: 0800 555111 Drugs Help line: 0800 776600 Anti bullying Help Line: 0808 800 2222 NHS Out of Hours: 111 RSPCA Emergency: 0300 1234999 Anglian Water Flood line: 0800 771 881 Cancer support groups Macmillan Support: 0300 100 0200 Marie Curie: 0800 716 146 Florence Nightingale: 01296 332600 Post offices Tingewick: 01280 848374 Buckingham post office: 01280 813506 Steeple Claydon: 01296 738357 Winslow post office: 01296 712900
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Advertiser Directory P2. David Gibbons Upholstery P6. Dickins Auctioneers P6. Emma Jayne Gifts P6. Pepper Tree P8. Sow and Pigs, Poundon P8. The Crown Inn, Twyford P11. Jessica Rose Floristry P12. Jacuzzi P12 Cygnet Interiors P14. Claydon Dental P14. Claydon Wellness P15. Arthurs Radio Salon P17. Tweak Beauty P18. WJA Rural Practice Ltd P19. Winslow Dental Practice P22. Country Equestrian P25. Voice Fusion P28. The Crown, Gawcott P28. The Black Boy, Oving P31. The Grumpy Bakers, Twyford P33. Russell & Butler P34. Method and Class P34. Imtex Technologies Ltd P35. Proclean Carpet Cleaning P37. Buckingham Garden Centre P38. Earth Mirror Roofing P38. Croft Tree Services P38. Williams Window Cleaning P38. Garden Master P39. Buckimgham Glass P39. Multifold Doors P41. Stockwood Osteopathic P42. The Woolpack P42. Body Matters
P42. Pasha P43. Finca El Monte P43. In Stitches P43. At Home P44. Bridge Street Flooring Ltd P44. Secret Messages Emporium P44. The Nimble Thimble P44. Waggy Works P45. Windmill Vetinary Centre P46. Claydon Racing P46. The Direct Pizza Company P46. The Peri-Peri Company P48. MK Dons P52. Alecs Angels P53. Twyford School P55. Cole’s Books P57. Village Networks P59. BCS Quality Vehicles P59. KGB Car Body Repairs P60. Lovell Fuels - Oil Distribution P61. W.G.Hill & Son P61. RH Tank Services P62. Busy Bees Cleaning P62. Dave O’Dell Carpentry P63. Sam Roberts Plumbing & Heating P63. L.Brooks Plastering P64. Sootbusters 24/7 P67. KJN Rear Cover - Buckingham Ford
Copy Deadline Date for the April-May Issue
Friday 6th March 66
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Adam instantly regretted not booking his MoT He wasn’t that great with trains...
15 £
OFF YO UR Mo T w
hen before Myaou book rch 31 st
“The staff at Buckingham Ford could not have been more helpful... they explained fully everything we needed to know. Smart, polite, helpful and welcoming.” NICKY AND MICHAEL SMITH
...luckily, we collect your car and bring it back!
Call 01280 309 429 to book your MoT today or you can email carol@buckinghamford.co.uk.