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HOME & GARDENS - HEALTH & WELLBEING - NEWS & EVENTS MOTORING - FEATURES - PUZZLES and more...
December November 2016
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Welcome
Hello Readers,
06 16
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Interviews Alan Ashby
CONTENTS 06. Editorial: Tips for choosing the perfect Christmas tree. 09. Motoring: Tim Barnes-Clay test drives the new Mercedes C Class. 10. Coffee Break: Read our book review, indulge in a Wordsearch and puzzles for the kids. 12. The Sound of Music: Simon Markland updates us on the latest music events in our area. 13. On the Mic: Thame Music Academy’s, Simon Markland interviews local guitarist Alan Ashby. 16. Destination Travel: Wallingford based Travel Experts, Full Circle Travel talks Santorini Hot Spots. 18. News & Events 20. Health & Wellbeing: Jen Webster discusses ways in which to keep healthy over the festive period. 23. Health & Wellbeing: Can Hypnosis clear you of your fears and anxieties? Paul Hughes of Thame Therapy Clinic explains more. 24. Health & Wellbeing: How to cope with the festive noise when you’re hard of hearing, with Aston Hearing Service. 29. Get the Look: Coulon Stone talk fireplaces.
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I can hardly believe that December is now upon us and that we are all busy preparing for another Christmas - where has the last year gone? I do LOVE this time of year with all the festivities, children full of excitement, delicious food, your favourite tipple and family get together’s. In amongst the excitement though it’s easy to forget those less fortunate than us. It is of course the season of giving, so if you are feeling charitable and looking for a way to help out others who are less fortunate, then the local food bank would be a great place to head to. The Thame Foodbank provides emergency supplies of essential food items to those in our community who are struggling financially. More information about this charity and local pick up/drop off points can be found at www.sharinglifetrust.org/foodbank If you are still doing your Christmas Shopping - I’m raising my hand here - then turn to the News & Events section on page 18 where you will find details about a number of Christmas Fairs where you will be able to pick up some lovely, unique gifts, many of which will be handmade by local businesses right here on our doorstep. As usual at this time of the year, I want to thank everyone who contributes to Look Local Magazine. Thank you to my advertisers who use the magazine to promote their businesses, thank you to you (my readers) for using the services provided to you within the magazine and a HUGE thank you to my loyal team of deliverers who post the magazine through your doors each month. Anyone interested in advertising within Look Local for 2017 please do get in touch via the contact details below. And I wish you all a merry (and indulgent) Christmas and a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2017 - if you’re in need of any detox products to help you get off to a cleansed new you in 2017, head to my Forever Fabulous with Emma page on Facebook for information on the Forever Living Weight Management products. Merry Christmas...
Love Emma x
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January 2017 Issue DEADLINE: Friday 9th December 7,000 copies of Look Local Magazine are printed on a monthly basis and delivered to households in Adwell, Aston Rowant, Bledlow Ridge, Chalgrove, Chinnor, Clare, Crowell, Cuxham, Great Haseley, Great Milton, Henton, Kingston Blount, Kingston Stert, Lewknor, Little Milton, Milton Common, Postcombe, Pyrton, Stoke Talmage, Sydenham, Tetsworth, Towersey and Watlington. In addition, the magazine can also be picked up from businesses in these areas and also Thame. All material appearing in this publication is reproduced as supplied. Although every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers/printers cannot accept responsibility for the content of this publication. All artwork is accepted on the understanding that the description of goods and services are fair and accurate and permission has been given for use in this publication. Inclusion of advertisements does not imply endorsement by the publisher or printer. No part of this publication may be reproduced.
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December 2016
Gain Pounds for Christmas Our Natural Wellbeing Business is exploding! Are you:
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Pick of the bunch...
With so many to choose from, picking out your pefect tree might be a harder decision than you realised. Here to help you is a guide to the Top 5 most popular trees.
Nordmann Fir Trees come in lots of sizes. They are bushy and symmetrical and are a lovely colour. They last well too, even in homes where people like the central heating set to toasty levels. The Serbian Spruce,
has a slender trunk with short, gracefully drooping branches and bright green needles. They are often sold as smaller pot-grown specimens here so they can be good for a table-top tree, and can be planted out once Christmas is over.
The Norway Spruce, is what we think of as a traditional British Christmas tree. It has a lovely shape but is notorious for dropping its needles. Try buying a potted tree rather than a cut one, as these hold their needles better. But actually, it’s only for a couple of weeks so a few dropped needles aren’t such a terrible price to pay for a truly lovely tree. The Rocky Mountain Fir, is quite
a narrow tree with a striking blue colouring to the foliage. The Fraser Fir, has an intense festive aroma that lasts well. It’s a It’s also good for pretty shape and slimmer than the Nordmann so is good if you don’t needle retention. have a lot of floor space. It retains its needles well.
Christmas is coming We have a vast selection of
Christmas Trees, Wreaths & Festive Pots Plants for sale!
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Grotto will be open every day except Wednesdays. Santa visits his Grotto on Saturdays & Sundays between 2pm - 4pm.
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December 2016
Harvest HarvestMoon Moon
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Motoring
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In the spotlight...
Mercedes C-Class Coupe C250d AMG Line
MOTORING
Reviewed by Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Journalist.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe is a two-door version of the coveted German manufacturer’s C-Class saloon.
Ushered in during 2016, the Mercedes C-Class Coupe’s
engines range from diesels to the potent AMG C63S. I got to drive the C250d AMG Line version, and my passengers soon discovered rear leg room isn’t as liberal as in, say, the BMW 4-Series, and headroom is also constricted for anyone who’s over 6ft tall. That said; there are no worries in the front, where there’s plenty of space for the driver and passenger. The seats are very supportive, too, making the journey, for those up front at least, very comfortable.
The boot isn’t as big as in the C-Class saloon, but it’s okay for a coupe and has a wide aperture, so you’ll be able to load up a couple of travel cases without issue. The C-Class Coupe might not have as much room as its BMW 4-Series peer, or its saloon sibling, but it’s far more fun to look at. It’s not bad on the road, either, soaking up lumps and bumps well, and munching motorway miles effortlessly. The car’s nine-speed automatic gearbox changes cogs seamlessly, and it helps the car deliver a smooth drive. It’s not all perfect, though, as the diesel, on test here, is a tad noisy under hard acceleration, but it soon calms when cruising at 60-70mph. The C250d variant has a 2.1-litre twin turbo unit under the bonnet, pushing out an impressive 204PS. That helps gives the car a zero to 62mph time of 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 153mph. The great thing is that all this clout doesn’t ruin fuel economy - an average of 67.3mpg is possible from this C-Class Coupe. Two model lines are available: Sport and the earlier mentioned AMG Line. Standard equipment includes LED headlights and tail-lights; Active Park Assist; PARKTRONIC parking sensors; a reversing camera; sports seats, including heated front seats; a seven-inch colour screen; Garmin navigation; electrically folding mirrors; and Mercedes’ Collision Prevention Assist Plus automatic braking system.
@carwriteups
The car isn’t cheap at £37,615 in AMGLine guise. But, as well as the comfort; efficiency; looks and power, this trim adds black ash wood trim, an AMG sports steering wheel with flat bottom, brushed steel sports pedals and a black roof lining. The exterior features an AMG body-styling kit, 18-inch fivespoke alloy wheels, a diamond grille with chrome pins and 15mm lowered sports suspension. In summary, this Mercedes-Benz is loaded with a host of top tech, making the driving experience as sophisticated and as stimulating as possible. The C-Class Coupe’s cabin is state-of-theart, and the car is as sporty to drive as it looks. It’s efficient, too.
PRO’s & CON’s Looks Good Great Cabin Power
Diesel Din Rear Seats
FAST FACTS Max speed: 153mph 0-62 mph: 6.7 secs
Combined mpg: 67.3
Engine: 2143cc 4-cylinder twin turbo diesel Max. power (PS): 204 CO2: 112g/km
Price: £37,615
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09
Coffee Break
Wicked
by Gregory Maguire
We
all know what happened when Dorothy arrived in the Land of Oz courtesy of a cyclone. She killed the Wicked Witch of the East and magically acquired her ruby slippers. Helped by Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, she travelled to the Emerald City with three friends and asked the Wizard to send her back to Kansas. And of course, we know about her green enemy: The Wicked Witch of the West. But do we really know the rest of the story? What DID happen in Oz before this little girl from Kansas carelessly ‘dropped’ in? Wicked, is the story of the witches of Oz as imagined by Gregory Maguire. Familiar to many people these days through the hit West End musical of the same name, this novel is very different in tone to the musical with much more adult themes. It addresses politics, animal rights, outcasts, fate, friendships, and the philosophical question of what makes us bad: are people born wicked or do they become wicked purely by living up to people’s expectations of them?
Elphaba Thropp was born with an unfortunate colour skin tone and right from the start felt rejected like an outcast. She feels as if she has no place in the world but all that is set to change when she arrives at Shiz University. Here she meets her total opposite, Glinda, and despite an initial hatred of each other they do become best friends. But where will that friendship take them? They are destined to follow separate paths: one of good and one of evil. The Good Witch and The Wicked Witch. It is how that happens and how they discover their true purpose and destiny that forms the heart of this immersive fantasy novel. Clearly Oz is not just for children.
WordSearch See how many of these Festive Words you can find hidden in the grid! Angels Bells Bethlehem Candles Carols Cheer Chimney Christ Church December Decorations Elf Feast Gifts
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Goodwill Greetings Holly Ivy Jesus Joy Love Manger Peace Rudolph
Santa Saviour Sleigh Snow Star Sweets Toys Tree Wise Men Wreaths
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Sound of Music
W
elcome to our December Sound of Music feature. Here you will s, find information on local musical event the nd fi to where and rts conce ing upcom best music tuition in the area. s Thame has a variety of fantastic opportunitie for budding musicians who wish to join e. together with other like-minded peopl also We g! ringin bell to choirs to bands From s! host a huge variety of annual musical event ! Thame Christmas Music Workshop to Thame Music Academy is pleased offer their Christmas Music Workshop this coming December 2016! The session will take place on Tuesday 20th December from 9am - Midday with all children aged r 5-11 welcome to join in! We will add furthe en childr The nd. dema on ding sessions depen y will get the chance to learn and sing a variet of Christmas songs, have a go on a large selection of percussion instruments and s play some brilliant Christmas rhythm game ts culminating in a performance for paren at the end of the session! Alongside this we d will be making our own Christmas theme musical instruments out of recycling which the children can use within the sessions and take home at the end. A drink and snack will be provided, our fees are £20 per session/per child with discounts available for siblings. For more info and to book on to the workshop please e-mail Simon at: info@thamemusicacademy.com y Haddenham Winterfest - After the hugel g successful Haddenham Beer Festival durin the summer this Winter event is guaranteed to be a fantastic day out for all the family! Comprising of a whole afternoon of live music along with a large selection of food and drink it can’t be missed!
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The event takes place on Saturday 10th m December from 12-5pm in Haddenha Village Hall.
Do you love live music? Thame offers some wonderful open mic events every month, these include:
The Rising Sun g This fantastic local Thame pub will be hostin some excellent live music this December. The acts include; ‘Glyn Devey’ on Saturday 3rd December and ‘Steve Ling’ on Saturday 10th December. For further information please visit: www.risingsun-thame.co.uk/live-music ‘Friday At The Fish’ Takes place every second Friday of the month at The Old Fisherman, Shabbington. Check out their Facebook page for more info or just come along to play! The event runs from 7:30pm – 11pm ‘Sunday Afternoon At The Swan’ Takes place every third Sunday at The Swan Hotel in Thame town centre. Check out their Facebook page for more info or just come along to play! The event runs from 4pm – 8pm
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on the Mic... Efocussing
month we will be on particular music groups or events in the area and finding out more about our local musicians. In this issue we are going to focus This month we are going to focus on Alan Ashby, a fantastic local guitarist and performer!
discover around this time though that I could come up with tunes and fit a chord sequence to them quite nicely – that was really exciting, realising that it was possible for me to write quite passable songs.
very
did your interest in Q: How music start?
A
: Music is a very special part of my earliest memories, either listening to ABBA on family car journeys, being at home with my three older sisters playing the piano, flute or guitar, or sitting with my dad while he pedalled the pianola. My absolute favourite pianola roll was always Take Me Home, Country Roads – whenever I hear that song to this day it invariably has me singing at the top of my voice with tears in my eyes. I always remember being fascinated by music and although I’d bash the keys on the piano and sing I never seemed to have any interest in learning an instrument.
Q: Who influences you musically?
A
: When I was 10 years old, I got a copy of Graceland by Paul Simon, I remember listening to it a lot, even taking it to school to listen to with my friend at break-times. I also remember a mix tape he had with stuff like Ian Dury and the Jam, all really great influences looking back. I picked up the guitar when I was 15 and started getting into things like The Who, Led Zep, Jimi Hendrix and Cream. I then went through quite a long Steely Dan phase and then listened to nothing but The Clash for ages. For some reason, I’ve never got into current music – I’m usually at least 20 years behind!
Q A
: Tell us about the first band you joined?
: When I was about 14 some school friends asked me to join their band as a keyboard player – we were called Archimedes briefly, after the ancient Greek bloke who had something to do with Maths. We met up for rehearsals regularly which always just ended up with us playing football or computer games. I don’t actually remember us playing any music together! I did
Q A
: Where have you been performing recently?
:I’ve had a fairly busy year both playing solo acoustic sets and also with the band I joined a few months ago, The Great Wall of Chinnor. Alongside the occasional beer festival and school fundraiser I’ve played at a Halloween party and quite a few open mics. These were mostly at The Old Fisherman in Shabbington and The Swan in Thame. The open mics have been great fun and have been really helpful at improving my confidence to play solo.
Q A
: What kind of music do you love to listen to?
: I just had a look at my recent playlist on my phone, this includes: Fleetwood Mac, T Rex, Bob Marley, Frankie Valli, Jackie Wilson, Chas ‘n’ Dave, Nina Simone, Dire Straits, The Kinks, Odyssey, 10cc, Ronnie Lane, Kacey Musgraves, The Specials, Alice Cooper, Julian Cope, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Abba, Leonard Cohen, Billy Idol, Vangoffey, The Zombies, Martha Reeves, Paul Weller, Crowded House, Kool & The Gang and John Lennon.
Q A
: How can you be contacted for live performances?
: I use Facebook a lot so that’s the easiest way to make contact. My page is simply called “Alan Ashby’s Music Page”. There also seems to be a famous American musician called Alan Ashby who has a Facebook page so don’t get us confused – he looks a lot cooler than me and has a lot more likes!
/
Alan Ashby’s Music Page
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December 2016
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A postcard from...
Santorini
Full Circle Travel T: 01491 833227 E: holiday@fullcircletravel.com www.fullcircletravel.co.uk
The Best Islands in the Med: Over the next few issues we will be looking at different islands in the Mediterranean which we feel everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. WHY SANTORINI?
This glorious island is just as Greek as you wish - and dream of - on your way here. Cute white houses with Klein blue details line the cobbled streets, the beaches are made up of long stretches of white sand a beautifully turquoise sea, and the food is fantastic. Need any further reasons to book your trip? Didn’t think so. But do read on...
WHERE TO STAY
Katikies. An exclusive, sophisticated hideaway in an impossibly picturesque location which offers wraparound tranquillity, alternative health therapies and spectacular sea and sunset views. Unsurprisingly, it is popular with couples and honeymooners. No children under 13 allowed. A charming little hotel hanging from the cliff, 100 meters above the dazzlingly blue caldera basin, in the picturesque village of Oia (Ia), the most westerly point of Santorini,. Aegean architecture blends past with present in a free form fantasy of stairs, bridges, cubist cottages and infinity swimming pools. Santorini is one of Greece’s more upmarket islands but there is accommodation to suit all budgets.
at its best, this is the place to go. Calamari, lobster, sea bass and snapper are all served fresh from the sea (well, they have passed through the kitchen on the way to your plate, but only just), and the seafront taverna style is charming.
THE BEST EXCURSION
Although Fira’s town centre is dire, there is one reason why you absolutely must visit Santorini’s capital: the breathtaking cable-car ride down to the old port. The cable car soars off the edge of the volcano and floats down 300 metres, past extraordinary solidified lava flows and rock formations. It is one of the wildest white-knuckle rides in Europe. And don’t miss the caldera-edge villages such as Imerovigli and Firostefani that are less than a 20-minute stroll from the capital and are far superior. For more information on Santorini or any other holiday destinations please feel free to call us on 01491 833227 or email us sales@ fullcircletravel.com or come and see us in St Mary’s Street, Wallingford.
WHERE TO EAT
Katina is located just below the Santorini’s main town Oia, in picturesque Ammoudi Bay where sunsets are stunning and the atmosphere relaxed. If you want to sample Greek seafood
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& a Happy New Merry Christmas Circle Travel ll Fu m fro Year
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December 2016 Holiday time is precious, spend yours wisely...
Full Circle Travel T: 01491 833227 E: holiday@fullcircletravel.com www.fullcircletravel.co.uk
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NEWS in&our EVENTS region 8th Christmas Tree Festival
St. Leonard’s Church Watlington OX49 5LX
10th - 21st December Grand opening by Father Christmas at 3pm on Sat 10th December Open 2pm-5pm each day + refreshments The event is organised by Friends of St.Leonard’s – with a church full of decorated Christmas Trees it is like walking into Fairyland - Theme this year is ‘Let there be Music’. A wonderful build up to Christmas and a delight to children and adults alike.
Come and fill your Christmas stockings at The Pantry Christmas Market on Saturday 3rd December, in the lovely little village of Piddington, between 10am and 2pm. Handmade crafts and local produce, including pottery, ceramics, glass, jewellery, handbags, accessories, artisan bread, local cheese, jams and chutneys, local beers, homemade cakes and Coffee Shop. Plus there’ll be our own Piddington apple juice, made from village apples pressed at our recent Apple Day. Join us in celebrating our fourth anniversary and help us make it the best Pantry yet.
THE PANTRY Piddington Village Hall, Ludgershall Road, Piddington, Bicester, OX25 1PU
Saturday 3rd December 10am to 2pm
Oxford Christmas Market Oxford Christmas Market will take pride of place on central Broad Street in Oxford - a stone’s throw from the Bodleian Library, Ashmolean Museum and Radcliffe Camera. The market, which takes place from 10th-20th of December, will consist of 50 festive stalls.
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News & Events
Cards for Good Causes Supporting local charities.
Chinnor Parish Council has a shop within the office now selling Christmas Cards, Gift Wrap, Advent items, Gifts, Serviettes and much more. All money goes to a wide range of charities. Pop in and have a look at the Festive shop today! Items are on sale until 6th December.
Forget Me Knot Café
Chinnor Village Centre www.facebook.com/forgetmeknotcafe All welcome - come along with your carer, we would love to meet you. We meet twice monthly, on a Monday, 10.30-12.30pm at Chinnor Village Centre. The meetings aim to help with co-ordination, brain stimulation, and general health and wellbeing, for people suffering with dementia, mental health issues, old age or isolation. On Monday 12th December there will be Christmas Carols sung by the children from the Mill Lane School Choir.
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Maintain your health and wellbeing during the festive Season …. Christmas is a time of happiness and celebration for many, however, the introduction of family and friends for this extended holiday period can be stressful! Our lives do not change just because it’s ‘Christmas’ , issues remain and are often exacerbated during the holiday season. Generally physical and mental issues are inextricably linked … as the tension and stress rises in your daily life your body will respond with a state of ‘DIS-EASE - think the ‘flight and flight response’ - your body is on high alert ! The resulting responses are aches and pains, which may affect daily activities, such as work and sport participation.
Headaches, aching muscles, bad backs, stiff necks, anxiety, depression, disturbed sleep, hormonal imbalances are all symptoms that present regularly . If this state of DIS-EASE is left to progress, the body continues to respond and conditions such as Pain, Fibromyalgia, IBS, Chronic fatigue, Infertility, Frozen shoulder, Slipped disc, Depression and anxiety are often diagnosed by the medics. The usual treatments are painkillers, anti depressants, blood tests and scans. I support all of these medical interventions and investigations absolutely do not purport to change their treatment plans.
How may Bowen help you to good health… •
To initially address your pain and / or address the issues you present with moving you to better balance
•
To assist in guiding you to achieve the level of health you want
Generally the quickest way to silence a pain is by taking a drug or painkillers; however this is only a temporary measure at best and may be more suitably treated with Bowen / NST. Bowen Therapy works to correct the energy balance which will involve working towards reduction of pain levels and general feel of well being. Your Bowen session is a ‘hands - on’ non invasive, non manipulative gentle therapy. All issues are discussed at appointment. Clients that have responded to my Bowen / NST expertise this year have included those with Chronic fatigue, anxiety, back pain, symptoms of Parkinson’s, jaw issues, infertility / hormones , frozen shoulder, post surgery, sports injuries and many more.
“I would like to wish all Look Local readers a very Happy Christmas and also to take this opportunity to thank Emma for publishing all my articles this year.” Jen Webster Bowen | Advanced NST practitioner (BSc MBTPA CNHC reg) E: info@jenwebsterbowen.com | W: www.jenwebsterbowen.com T: 07768 188664
Bowen Therapy is not a substitute for medical advice and treatment.
As a Bowen Practitioner my job is twofold:
Health & Wellbeing
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Health & Wellbeing
Thame Therapy Clinic High Quality Complementary Health Therapies from Experienced Practitioners
Therapies include • Physiotherapy • Reflexology • Osteopathy • Homeopathy • Acupuncture • Holistic Massage • Thai Massage • Counselling and more... 01844 215555 / 261592 23 Upper High Street, Thame, OX9 3EX
www.thametherapyclinic.co.uk
Centre of excellence for all your Foot Care needs
Our friendly team of Podiatrists are qualified to treat a wide range of foot conditions SPECIALIST TREATMENTS OFFERED FUNGAL NAILS
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BODY CONTROL
masters_12@hotmail.com 07921 928404
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Unlock the deeper levels of
consciousness with Hynotherapy By Paul Hughes, Hypnotherapist at Thame Therapy Clinic.
In 1865 Friedrich August Kekulé, a German chemist, dreamed of atoms forming a string. He’d spent months struggling to determine the molecular structure of benzene, with no success. Over the course of this dream the string of atoms became increasingly snake-like. The snake then took its tail in its mouth and formed a circle. When he awoke, Kekulé recalled this dream and realised that his search was over. Benzene was structured in a circular fashion. How had he come to this conclusion? Was it a co-incidence or was there a part of his mind which had continued working on his problem whilst he slept?
N
euroscience increasingly believes in the existence of an unconscious mind, that our minds operate on several levels and that we are only dimly aware of the totality of how our brains work.
so, whilst she was in a rather deep level of hypnosis, I told her of regulations permitting no more than 90 insect fragments in every 100g of chocolate. In other words, for every square of chocolate you consume, you’re also enjoying a few bits of flies, spiders, beetles and whatever else happens to fall into the mix.
Hypnotherapists reach beyond the topmost levels of awareness and work to help harness the power Hypnotherapy of these deeper levels of In our second session this woman won’t make you consciousness in order told me that she’d zoned out cluck like a chicken! so completely that she had no to help people to make You’re in control at all memory what I‘d said in the first changes happen. timesyou’re in control session. However, whenever I once worked with a young she saw chocolate she felt a wave at all times. lady who wanted to stop eating of nausea and so had no wish or chocolate. I don’t usually do this, desire to eat it. Mission accomplished! for I believe in helping people to enjoy food so much that they need less. Diets I’ve used hypnotherapy to help people don’t work and deprivation generally proves overcome depression, OCD, anxiety, to be counter-productive. Nonetheless, this phobias, addictions, weight-related issues, woman wanted to stop eating chocolate and IBS and performance anxieties of all kinds. so I agreed to help. The list is endless. What would you like to change? I knew she was less than keen on insects and Paul runs clinics at Thame Therapy Clinic. For more information about Hypnotherapy T: 01844 215555 | W: www.thametherapyclinic.co.uk
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Health & Wellbeing
Christmas is coming and the party season is upon us! Sorry, pardon, what did you say ?
Even with good hearing, one of the most challenging environments to have a conversation is at a party, pub or restaurant, especially as the evening progresses and people’s spirits rise so does the noise level. Background noise is the biggest challenge for anyone’s hearing but if you have a hearing loss the challenge is so much greater and wearing hearing aids certainly help but there are still challenges to overcome.
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any people, even those with normal levels of hearing, can struggle to understand conversations in particularly noisy environments. If you have reduced hearing ability, even to a small degree you will find that these challenging situations are magnified and make certain social occasions very hard work and extremely fatiguing. Don’t worry you are not on your own, most people from the age of 45 are starting to experience some form of hearing challenge and now, with the increase in exposure to ear-phones the problem is kicking in much younger.
Before the party season kicks off...
Make sure your ears are clear of wax and give yourself the best possible chance of hearing well at this social time of year. Call into Aston Hearing who will look in your ear to see if they are blocked and clear your ears so you are ready to party. The best solution is usually hearing devices, newer technology is better than ever at improving your ability to listen in noise. If you wear hearing aids already - why not book in for a quick check to make sure they are working to the optimum performance. A slight drop in hearing can make a big difference and most hearing aids can be adjusted to suit any change in hearing and this can really help. If possible, select your venue carefully. For instance, in Thame you may find it easier to hear in The Thatch compared to Prezzos, simply due to its softer furnishings, lower ceilings and curtains. Turn down the music! Although music can create a great party atmosphere, sometimes it is so loud it is getting on everyone’s nerves - don’t be afraid to have a word with the proprietor, just turning the sound down slightly can make a significant difference and you will be doing everyone a favour. The single most important point is do not give up on your social life because you can’t hear, social interactions are a vital element to life. It is social isolation that is one of the major factors in speeding up the effects of dementia. We all hear about the benefits of keeping our brains active, well the truth is that social interactions are the single most effective way of doing this. It is important that you keep an eye out for friends that you notice don’t come out anymore - don’t let them give up on life because of their hearing.
Why not call in, email or phone to find out how we can help you prepare for the Christmas party season! 112 High Street Thame | 01844 396057 | www.astonhearing.co.uk
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Free Phone: 0800 696 5526 Office: 01491 817831 Mobile: 07979 333199
Regatta Roofing Ltd.
FLAT ROOF & MOSS REMOVAL SPECIALISTS Moss Removal & Treatment
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Slating | Tiling | Flat Roofs | Lead Work | Chimney Re-pointing | Fascias Soffits | Guttering | Chimney Lead Work | Lead Step Flashing | New Roofs All Roofing Repairs - Free Estimates - All Work Guaranteed 24hr Emergency Call Out
regattaroofingltd@outlook.com
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ATF
All Trees & Fencing
SAME DAY SKIP HIRE AND
GRAB SERVICE
All fencing - supplied and fitted All types of tree work Stump removal Site clearances Firewood & kindling
Please call Sam for a FREE quote
07453 896 869 01844 390438
www.bucksrecycling.co.uk
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GET THE LOOK What’s Your Fireplace Style? By Rachel Blake, Coulon Stone Ltd
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inter’s here and we’ve been so busy installing fireplace surrounds and hearths all over the area. What a difference adding a fireplace to any room makes. It can transform what is a relatively bare wall into a key focal point, and in some instances, you don’t even need a chimney! Over time fireplace design has changed, as they are no longer a thing of necessity, but are now instead one of visual interest. The benefit of which means there is so much more choice. From your hearth’s shape, its style and colour, right the way though to completing the look with a fireplace surround and mantel, but how do you balance function with beauty?
Firstly, understand what your room is all about? The existing look, feel and styling of your chosen room are likely to be the biggest influence on the look of the hearth and fireplace you are trying to achieve. A contemporary home will probably be looking for a more modern style fireplace and hearth to reflect the spirit of the rest of the house. This environment lends itself to a much simpler slate hearth and surround, potentially finished with an elegant slate shelf to frame a neat wood burning stove. Maybe the simplicity of this is not to your taste? Or it may not be appropriate for your home, where a more rustic or traditional look would work better. Generally, sandstone or limestone fireplaces can feature an element of elegant carving, carefully cut and hand finished completing a more classic look.
Secondly, expand your horizons by taking the hearth to new heights Some prefer the traditional look such as a hearth just proud of the flooring or a popular option now is a hearth flush with the floor. However, it is important to consider the flooring that runs up to your hearth, as for open fires and even wood burning stoves, an apron of marble or granite directly in front of your fireplace is recommended. But you don’t need to be limited by thinking your fire should be at floor level. Many homes are now opting for a raised hearth in some instances, by up to 40cm and even placing it in the centre of the room rather than tucking it into a wall.
Thirdly reflect your flair… and your heat A fireplace is not just about being beautiful and enhancing your room. While the surround can be a statement reflecting your personality and style, if it is marble, granite or some other natural stone it will also efficiently reflect the heat too. If you are unsure about what would work best and would like some help deciding on which natural stone would suit, then either call 01494 484333 or visit our showroom in Stokenchurch. If you send us some measurements and thoughts on design we can put together a free quote.
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Home & Garden Local Carpenter Kitchens Roofing Doors
Flooring Conversions Storage
Call today 07796 683830 www.mjbcarpentry.com
ABREU LANDSCAPES Ltd. Inspire | Design | Create 07590 040093 01844 291364 seanabreu@btinternet.com Covering all aspects of the gardening trade
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Colin’s Oriental Carpets
View Carpets & Rugs in the luxury of your own home
Colin Muttitt also
Non-slip Underlay Washing & Repair crmuttitt@aol.com
M: 0774 8633069 H: 01865 891873
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N. MARSHALL & SON
Carpenters and General Builders CARPENTRY
EXTENSIONS
RENNOVATIONS
ALTERATIONS
MJC Electrical Ltd.
01844 698771 | 07818 456845 nmarshallnsons@hotmail.co.uk
LPB
k & Construction Brickwor New Build Extensions Listed Buildings Renovations
Tel: 07967 991 770
Email: lpbbrickwork@live.co.uk 28
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All Electrical works undertaken; Extra sockets & lights Fuse board upgrades Complete rewire Napit&Trustmarkregistered Gate Automation Intruder Alarms Fully insured 20 years experience
Call Matthew 01491 614494 or 07714 236982
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Bay Window Curtain Tracks & Poles Cord Operated Tracks & Poles Automated Remote/Switch Control Tracks & Poles Traditional Hand Finished Wooden & Metal Curtain Poles Roman Blind Systems Roller, Venetian & Vertical Blinds Room Divider/Cubicle & Shower Systems Covered Lathes Pelmets & Pelmet Boards Shutters Full Measuring, Fitting and Repair Service
Call now to book your free measure on
01494 713621
www.bay-tracks.co.uk
colour match service, matching our poles to any colour of fabric or paint you may have 2 Year Guarantee on all products & 5 Year Guarantee on Silent Gliss products Unit 16A Binders Yard, Cryers Hill Road, Cryers Hill, High Wycombe, Bucks HP15 6LJ
Email:
sales@bay-tracks.co.uk
FREE MEASURE SERVICE WITHIN A 25 MILE RADIUS OF HIGH WYCOMBE
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Oil Boiler and Aga Servicing Breakdown Repair
01865 362743 07500 039234 Covering: Ayesbury, Chinnor,
Chalgrove, Haddenham, Long Crendon and surrounding areas. Don’t wait for something to go wrong until you take action! Web: www.elliott-oil.com Email: service@elliott-oil.com
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THE SWAN AT TETSWORTH
01844 281777
Voted best antiques centre in the UK on numerous occasions.
Why not pay us a visit and find out why!
Antiques make great gifts! We have lots of Christmas Bargains available throughout December.
LAST AUCTION DATE OF 2016 Thursday 1st December at Noon Viewings on the Tuesday & Wednesday prior to the sale from 10:30am – 5:00pm.
FIRST AUCTION of 2017 Thursday 19th January at Noon Dickinsons ‘Real Deal’ will be filming during this sale.
Opening Hours: 10am-6pm (including Sundays & Bank Holidays) High Street | Tetsworth | Nr Thame | Oxon | OX9 7AB
www.theswan.co.uk | antiques@theswan.co.uk