Dec 2020 Issue 97
Get social with us SAM OSBORN
E
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PHOENIX ELECTRICAL FOR SALES, SERVICE & ADVICE Free Delivery Free Connection (Gas & Built-In, chargeable)
Free Disposal of old machines (Refrigeration: a small charge applies)
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EXPANDING OUR SEARCH
NEW OFFICE NOW OPEN IN THAME
Local knowledge! local offices! In search to find you the perfect buyer or tenant! Chancellors are growing! one of the UK’s leading independent Estate Agents now has 16 branches across Oxfordshire.
CONTACT US TODAY TO DISCUSS OUR OPENING OFFERS CALL US: 01844 808864 EMAIL US: thame.sales@chancellors.co.uk | thame.lettings@chancellors.co.uk Find US: 2 Cornmarket, Thame, OX9 3DR, UK
December 2020
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Hello Readers,
23 CONTENTS 06. Business Stronger together. By Chris Harris of Harris Consultancy. 08. home & garden Look locally over the garden gate, by Lucie Ponsford of Mimosa Garden Design. 13. Get the Look Choosing the perfect natural stone fireplace by Coulon Stone. 17. health & Wellbeing Could Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Be the Right Option for Your Musculoskeletal Problem? By Thame Therapy Clinic. 18. EDucation feature Dyslexia and the pandemic by By Jo Souter, JLS Education 23. food & drink What’s in the Box? Meet Graze Box. 28. The Sound of Music Simon Markland talks us through this months virtual music scenes and groups. 30/54. News & Events What’s On in our region including the Thame Advent event. 11. health & Wellbeing Online PT Classes with Neil Hussey, of NHPT.
At the time of writing this we are just about to come out of the lockdown and enter into the new tier system, with our area (like much of the country) being placed it Tier 2 meaning we can welcome the reopening of some of our much loved businesses. So with December being one of the busiest shopping months of the year lets not be tempted to flock to Amazon and instead support local - go to the local high street (whilst adhering to the social distancing rules), purchase a locally distilled spirit, a food hamper filled with delicious local artisan produce, a meal voucher for someone to enjoy in the new year or a massage with a beauty therapist! I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank the very talented, Sam Osborne, for her amazing illustration featured on the front cover. We really do have such an abundance of fantastic businesses right here on our doorstep, lets use them and do our bit to rebuild our local community. And there are some festive, outside events to enjoy too (with Covid restrictions and safety precautions in place) such as Farmer Christmas and his Big Red Tractor at Green Dragon Eco Farm in Hogshaw, the Cuddington Advent Trail, the Chinnor Christmas Trail and the Thame Advent event which if you turn to page 31 who can read all about each of the 24 festivities they have planned.
So for now, I shall bid you, and this very surreal year, farewell and hope for brighter times ahead as we enter 2021. Stay safe, and enjoy a special Christmas with your loved ones.
Love Emma x For Advertising contact 07707 386034 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk W: www.look-localmagazine.co.uk Look Local Magazine look_local_mag 7,100 copies of Look Local Magazine are printed on a monthly basis and delivered to households in, Aston Rowant, Bledlow Ridge, Chalgrove, Chinnor, Crowell, Cuxham, Great Haseley, Great Milton, Henton, Kingston Blount, Kingston Stert, Lewknor, Little Milton, Milton Common, Postcombe, Sydenham, Tetsworth, Towersey and Watlington. In addition, the magazine can also be picked up from businesses in these areas and also Thame & Wheatley.
BOOKING DEADLINE for January 2021 issue:
Wed 16th December
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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Front cover image is an illustration from Sam Osborne. You can view her work on her website: www.sam-osborne.co.uk
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Welcome to the December 2020 Edition of Look Local Magazine which, due to Lockdown 2, is a bit of a different one this month with it being a digital copy only. This year has been so hard on many small, independent businesses myself included - and for this reason I ask that you download this issue, read it, use the services of all the fantastic local businesses across the next 60 pages and share it amongst your online network as much as you can.
December 2020
PROTECT YOUR FAMILY TREE GUARDIANSHIP WILLS WITH INTEGRITY Basic Single Will from £75.00 Basic Joint Will from £125.00 Pre-payment Funeral Plans form £3,900 Lasting Powers of Attorney from £110.00
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Business Support
Stronger Together By Chris Harris, Harris Consultancy As
this year comes to a close, we look back and reflect, certainly a year that will never be forgotten, a year of coming together with family, friends, community and neighbours to support one another and to show strength in working together. There is no doubt that we can all identify a way in which we have helped, no matter how small that may be, was it perhaps a comforting call to a lonely friend or relative or a food parcel to someone in need. Possibly a friendly conversation with a stranger on Facebook. Or maybe a more subtle but meaningful gesture. But what should we be taking away from this challenging year? What could we all do to change the way in which we think and work collectively together? How could we give back and help others? And what can we change for the better once this pandemic is over. For me, seeing the power of working towards one goal, whether that is the work undertaken to achieve a vaccine or the work needed to get to that point with the participation of tests and trials to get there. Now, I’m talking on an international scale but bringing this back to the community what can we do, and what can I do to help everyone locally is at the forefront of my mind. Now, as news develops of several vaccines the fight isn’t over, it will take some time for us to be able to fully emerge to the position of strength prior to the epidemic. And that’s why working together, we’re stronger together and this message has never been so important. There are struggling businesses, with very little income, very little support and businesses that have been hit the hardest are sole traders, family run businesses found in our communities. So, the next time you need something, whether that is a product or service, Think Local and Look Local. There are many individuals setting up schemes to help, which is so wonderful to see. But it will take all of our collective efforts to really support and ensure that local businesses thrive in this period of economic uncertainty. Here at Harris Consultancy, we’ve setup a free support service for those businesses needing some guidance on their strategy, digital presence or consulting. Perhaps you need a review of your social media or website, which we will provide a report for, free of charge to sole traders and businesses in the Chinnor Parish. In addition to this, we are also delighted to announce our new affiliate programme where we are able to reward those individuals whom put us in touch with a business that is in need of a new website or assistance with their social media. Anyone is entitled to register on our transparent easy to use platform – Please visit harris-consultancy.co.uk/affiliate for full details. By helping us to reach those businesses we can work together to support the community, benefiting us all and ensuring that our local businesses can reap the rewards from local custom. We are stronger together If you would like to take advantage of our free social media report or business advice service. Or perhaps register yourself as an affiliate and earn commission from home. Then please visit our website for further information or drop us a line for a chat. M: 07799 282042 | E: hello@harris-consultancy.co.uk | W: www.harris-consultancy.co.uk
06 To advertise, call 07707 386034 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk
Home & Garden
Look locally over the garden gate with Lucie Giselle Ponsford
It’s the festive season; many of our doors are wreathed in evergreen foliage and berries. Hundreds of thousands of wreaths made every year and I feel the warmth and reward of this simple gesture as they greet me on entering a threshold, a symbol as old as civilisation.
Bringing in the bowers is known to be an Elizabethan tradition of adorning the homestead
with the foliage of evergreens. Winters pagan king, more prevalent at the time was symbolised by the Holly bush with its bright red berries also used were native Pines, Holm oak, Ivy & Yew, which were wrapped and hung inside and out of the home. They present hope and endurance as these resilient trees and shrubs stand green in the midst of a native denuded landscape: a welcome sign of life. Before that the early Western heavyweights present the wreath as a celebration of success and prestige: both ancient Greeks and the Roman empire adorned their hero’s and leaders with laurel wreaths, the circle being endurance, victory, honour & strength. The Victorians really embraced the Christmas celebrations bringing us closer to the traditions of today. These traditions paralleled Christian faith, which influences the modern shape and meaning. Christmas trees were brought into the home; branches were trimmed to present a triangular formation reprehensive of the holy trinity. The trimmings gave limbs for wreaths. The evergreen foliage conveniently wrapped into to the circle of the wreath now representing the life everlasting of Jesus Christ; the babe born on Christmas day, red berries the blood shed for us in his ultimate sacrifice. Whatever your reason to celebrate at Christmas the wreath holds its meaning with infinite and everlasting joy. For top tips on planting and flowering or for other garden services see my Facebook page Mimosa Design, email me on info.mimosadesign@gmail.com or call 07737 286784.
With love, Lucie, Mimosa Design This article can also be found on the back of these gorgeous Christmas Cards, designed by Lucie. They cost £2.50 each or you can get a pack of 5 for £10.00. They can be puchased via the Mimosa Design Facebook Page.
08 To advertise, call 07707 386034 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk
Garden design &
BORDER INSTALLATION
• Small & large renovations on front and back gardens. • Hard landscaping to improve maintenance of borders. • Plans for you to follow or full installation. Award winning designer, Lucie Ponsford will help you make the best use of your space and create a beautiful outdoor room.
Right plant, right place
www.mimosagardendesign.com info.mimosadesign@gmail.com 01844 354 949 / 07737 286 784
Home & Garden
10 To advertise, call 07707 386034 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk
Home & Garden
MJC Electrical Ltd.
Napit&TrustmarkReg.
All Electrical Works undertaken: Electric Car Chargers Extra Sockets & Lights Fuse Board Upgrades Complete Rewire Gate Automation Intruder Alarms Fully Insured Over 20 years experience
Call Matthew
01491 614494 or 07714 236982 mjcelectrical1@btinternet.com
Property Care, Home Improvements & Maintenance By Paul Costin Kitchens | Bathrooms | Plumbing Electrical | Plastering | Brickwork Roofs & Guttering | Flooring Decking | Fencing | Paving Painting | Conservatories Extensions | Double Glazing
Property Care, Home Improvements & **** Established Since 1981 Maintenance By Paul Costin
References available upon request City and GuildsFor a free quote contact Paul Qualified Property Care, Home Improvements & Telephone: 07860 400960 Maintenance By Paul Costin Email: pcostinbuilder40@yahoo.co.uk Public Liability Insurance
✓ Established Since 1981 ✓ References available upon request ✓ City and Guilds Qualified ✓ Public Liability Insurance ✓ Checkatrade Approved ✓ Established Since 1981 ✓ References available upon request ✓ City and Guilds Qualified ✓ Public Liability Insurance ✓ Checkatrade Approved
For a free quote contact Paul Telephone: 07860 400960 Email: pcostinbuilder40@yahoo.co.uk
*Kitchens *Bathrooms *Plumbing For*Electrical *Plastering *Brickwork a free quote contact *Roofs & Guttering *Flooring *Decking M: 07860 400960 *Fencing *Paving *Painting *Conservatories *Extensions E: pcostinbuilder40@yahoo.co.uk *Double Glazing *Kitchens *Bathrooms *Plumbing *Electrical *Plastering *Brickwork *Roofs & Guttering *Flooring *Decking *Fencing *Paving *Painting *Conservatories *Extensions *Double Glazing
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Home & Garden
12 To advertise, call 07707 386034 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk
Home & Garden
GET THE LOOK -
Where to start when choosing your natural stone fireplace.. By Coulon Stone Ltd
One of the best things about winter is snuggling up next to a fire with your favourite movie on and
a delicious hot drink in your hand. Winter bliss. If you’re thinking of adding a fireplace to your home, or you’d like to update the one you have, it can be difficult to know where to start. With hundreds of designs and materials to choose from, and safety and sizes to consider, it can be a lot to think about. Using our 25 years of experience creating and fitting bespoke fireplaces we’ve come up with some important things to consider when choosing one. To get the most out of your fire, it’s important to get the right size for your space. If it’s too big, it will dominate the room and it could be too hot, but if it’s too small, it will be overloaded and could jeopardise the lifetime of the stove or fireplace. When you go to a showroom or contact a fireplace installer, go armed with information – the size and use of the room, the insulation in your home, how many windows are there, potential fire type (for example open fire, wood burning stove, electric fire), fireplace placement and the ceiling height. When choosing a material natural stones are perfect for fireplace surrounds and hearths. They’re non-combustible and hard-wearing. Stones like marble, limestone and slate have been used for fireplaces for centuries. Granite and slate make perfect hearths, they’re heat resistant and if a bit of coal or burning log falls on to them, they won’t be easily scratched or stained. They also come in many different finishes including polished or flame brushed for modern or rustic looks. Fireplaces are the focal point of a room so next you’ll need to think about the design. Some recent trends include using black natural stones like slate and Belgian Fossil or pairing traditional stones like marble or limestone with brightly coloured tiles. Websites like Pinterest provide lots of design inspiration, or visit your local fireplace showroom where you may be able to take samples of stones home which can give you a better idea of how that material will work with the light and colours in that room. If you’re thinking of renovating or updating your fireplace but don’t know where to start, Coulon Stone offer a complete service, from helping you choose a material, providing samples to take home, working with you to create a bespoke design, taking measurements, then creating and fitting the fireplace. We can also sign post you to local stove and flue system companies.
Email info@coulonstone.com | Showroom (Social Distancing measures are in place): Wycombe Road, Stokenchurch, HP14 3RP - | Call: 01494 484333
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Home & Garden
Hardy Plant Specialists
Quality Thatching Services If you’re looking for a roof thatching company to help in maintaining, re-thatching or re-ridging your thatched roof, trust the experts at Premier Master Thatchers.
Premier Master Thatchers 40 Ardley Road Fewcott Bicester OX27 7PA
Contact us 01869 250 292 07985 842 824 info@premiermasterthatchers.co.uk
- Herbaceous perennials, shrubs, climbers, hedging and hardy annuals - UK grown and peat-free - Wide range of common and unusual plants - Wreath Making, Natural Christmas Decoration Making and other workshops and experiences available Opening Hours Tuesday to Saturday 10am-5pm Summer (BST) 10am-4pm Winter (GMT) www.stottsnursery.co.uk Ibstone Road, Stokenchurch, HP14 3XS 07542 718307
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Home & Garden
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Home & Garden The
50 plus
Home Repairs
• Plumbing • Electrical • Handy • Decorating • Gardening • And more from
- Tap washers - To consumer units (fuse boxes) - Fencing and external works - Plus technology and help at home for the elderly
Call or visit our web site for full details of our broad range of services, helpful advice & pricing
01844 392 823 www.the50plus.co.uk
Serving customers for over 20 years
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Health & Wellbeing
Could Musculoskeletal Ultrasound be the right option for your Musculoskeletal Problem?By Alok, Chartered Physiotherapist We often associate ultrasound scan with pregnancy as it immediately
conjures up image of a baby in utero. However, ultrasound scan has a much larger use as a diagnostic and treatment modality. A Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound uses that same technology to obtain images of the musculoskeletal system. For example, if a patient suffered a shoulder injury, a MSK ultrasound is used to see the structure of the joint and supportive tissue. Looking at prevalence and impact, it is estimated that up to 30% of all GP consultations are about musculoskeletal complaints. Of the annual incidence of all disorders presenting to primary care, shoulder pain accounts for 1.47% of the UK population and is the third most common musculoskeletal disorder after back and neck pain.
Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to produce images of muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints throughout the body. Many conditions can be diagnosed with ultrasound scan as the real time imaging while the patient reproduces his or her symptoms. This is particularly useful for demonstrating causes of pain, muscle and tendon tears. It is safe, noninvasive and does not involve radiation. It is a good tool for guiding minimally invasive procedures such as steroid injections, fluid aspiration and to measure their progress throughout treatment. It has no known harmful effects on humans. Ultrasound images are typically used to help diagnose: •
Tendon tears or tendinopathy of the rotator cuff in the shoulder, Achilles tendon and many other tendons throughout the body.
•
Muscle tears, fluid collections.
•
Ligament sprains or tears.
•
Inflammation or fluid within the bursa and joints.
•
Nerve entrapments such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
•
Ganglion cysts.
Alok completed his MSc from Sheffield Hallam University in 2008 and PG certificate in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound from Bournemouth University in 2018. He has been treating all types of MSK and sports related injuries at Thame Therapy clinic. He will be introducing Ultrasound Imaging in the new year to the clinic as part of the clinical consultations to help you in getting an accurate
diagnosis and to evaluate which treatments are suitable for you, as well as monitoring your recovery over time.
For more information on how musculoskeletal physiotherapy can help treat your condition, or to book yourself an appointment, please contact us.
Thame Therapy Clinic High Quality Complementary Health Therapies from Experienced Practitioners
Therapies include • Physiotherapy • Reflexology • Osteopathy • Homeopathy • Acupuncture • Holistic Massage • Counselling • Naturopathic Nutritional Therapy and more... 01844 215555 / 261592 23 Upper High Street, Thame, OX9 3EX
www.thametherapyclinic.co.uk
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Editorial Feature
Dyslexia and the pandemic
By Jo Souter, JLS Education
Experienced Specialist Dyslexia teacher and assessor, Jo Souter from JLS Education, reflects on how the pandemic has been particularly challenging for children with undiagnosed dyslexia and why the future’s now looking a lot brighter for them.
This
year has been unpredictable to say the least! But for children living with undiagnosed dyslexia, it has been particularly hard. The sudden introduction of home schooling not only removed teachers’ day-to-day contact with their students but also the chance to observe key dyslexia indicators. Consequently, these children have potentially had to struggle on for more than 10 months without the necessary assessment, diagnosis and support they urgently needed. But, as we emerge into brighter times, so assessments can commence again and these children can finally receive the tailored educational support they deserve. Dyslexia is a neurological difference which mainly affects reading and spelling although it can impact other areas such as memory and organisation. It is thought to affect 1 in 10 people so on average each class is likely to have 3 dyslexic students. The only way to identify Dyslexia is through a diagnostic assessment carried out by a qualified Specialist Teacher like myself or an Educational Psychologist. Unfortunately, assessment can’t be carried out online as much of the skill of an assessor is observing what else is happening as tests are completed. This helps to build a holistic picture of the child’s strengths and difficulties. Consequently, my assessment kit looks a little different to how it did a year ago. It now includes a visor, mask, hand sanitiser and cleaning wipes to ensure I follow Government Covid safe guidance. An assessment is also more than just a diagnosis; it can help improve a child’s self-esteem and confidence in addition to providing recommendations for targeted support. This is so important when children and teachers are trying to catch-up on what was missed during lockdown. Dyslexia is a neurological difference which mainly affects reading and spelling although it can impact other areas such as memory and organisation. It is thought to affect 1 in 10 people so on average each class is likely to have 3 dyslexic students. The only way to identify Dyslexia is through a diagnostic assessment carried out by a qualified Specialist Teacher like myself or an Educational Psychologist. Unfortunately, assessment can’t be carried out online as much of the skill of an assessor is observing what else is happening as tests are completed. This helps to build a holistic picture of the child’s strengths and difficulties. Consequently, my assessment kit looks a little different to how it did a year ago. It now includes a visor, mask, hand sanitiser and cleaning wipes to ensure I follow Government Covid safe guidance.
18 To advertise, call 07707 386034 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk
Heallth & Wellbeing
An assessment is also more than just a diagnosis; it can help improve a child’s self-esteem and confidence in addition to providing recommendations for targeted support. This is so important when children and teachers are trying to catch-up on what was missed during lockdown. In addition to assessments, I am lucky enough to go into schools to train and support teachers. I also teach dyslexic pupils at home and online. I’ve seen first-hand how school closures have affected these children. The removal of intervention groups or one-to-one support was really testing during lockdown, so my online classes offered them the reassurance and help they needed. Even now that schools have reopened, valuable one-to-one time is still limited in the classroom due to proximity issues. So online teaching is proving to be a great way to offer dedicated, personal learning without the health risks. And my students absolutely love it! It’s been fantastic to see them develop and improve their skills despite lock down and I can’t wait to see them flourish in 2021.
To find out more information about me and how I can help your child, visit my website www.jls-education.co.uk
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Health & Wellbeing
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Heallth & Wellbeing
Sophie Lacey
MEDITATION TEACHER Online meditation classes and one-to-one lessons, nature-based meditation, beginners’ courses, workplace meditation, workshops & events, and menopause support. Mindful garden schemes, gift vouchers, hand-made meditation candles and anointing oils
Contact: 01844 351919 / 07982 756609 | www.lindentreemeditation.com Email: sophie@lindentreemeditation.com | Facebook: Linden Tree Meditation
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Health & Wellbeing Hi, Sammi here, your local Body Shop at Home Consultant. Please come join my Facebook Group where I have lots of offers, demos, tips and advice. Or feel free to drop me a message on 07411 986963.
All your skincare, Bath & Body, Make Up and Fragrance needs! Get your glow on with Sammi
22 To advertise, call 07707 386034 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk
Food & Drink
What’s in the Box? By Jake Herreros, The Graze Box
BOX GOODIES The Graze Board was established in 2020 amidst the Covid pandemic and surge in food deliveries during lockdown. With Covid and Brexit threatening to change the landscape forever, we, like many others felt it was time to really get behind local independent business’ producing great British produce. Since their inception, business has gone from strength to strength and Christmas delivery slots are booking up fast.
Our aim is not only to deliver tasty food, but also to deliver some
key messages. Not only do we buy locally but we are led by the seasons, 50% of all food waste occurs during the supply chain so it was important for us that we buy English figs, grapes, cranberries and quince throughout autumn. Everything we do has sustainability at the heart of it, we use reusable glass jars rather than plastic packaging, our food is wrapped in beeswax wrap during production rather than clingfilm and our packaging is eco-friendly and fully compostable therefore enabling us to be 100% plastic free and recyclable. We have started working with some fantastic artisan producers, our charcuterie is from the Chiltern’s created using produce from local independent farms, our chutneys are supplied by an oxfordbased company collecting wonky fruit and vegetables that would otherwise end up in landfill. We use Oxford cheeses such as the college white, a brie like cheese originally developed for the oxford colleges, hence its name. Our original cheese and charcuterie box for two was a big hit, we have since listened to our customers and used their feedback to shape our new products, from the 30th November we will start taking pre orders for the cheese and charcuterie box for one. We felt this was especially important due to people not being able to mix during lockdown. In addition to this from the 30th our limitededition festive camembert box for two as will be launched. Our boxes are available to pre order for Saturday delivery. We have also added additional delivery days on Christmas eve and New Year’s Eve due to popular request. We offer free delivery within 8 miles of Thame and can be contacted at
E: enquiries@thegrazeboard.co.uk
Award winning oven ready Camembert contains: milk
Chiltern Charcuterie Contains: celery, mustard & sulphites
Quince Jelly
Caramalised Pecans Contains: nuts (pecans) may contain traces of peanuts and other tree nuts
Sundried Tomatoes Kalamata Olives
Cranberry & Lime Chutney
Red Onion Chutney Contains: mustard
Oxford Sundried Tomato & Olive Crackers contains: gluten
Oxford Chia & Flaxseed Crackers contains: gluten
Oxford Blue Cheese Crackers contains: gluten & milk
Locally Baked Sourdough Baguette the_grazeboard @thegrazeboard
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Food & Drink
Cakes for all occasions Cake decorating supplies Party Supplies ~~~~~~~~~ Contact Us simplypreciouscakes.co.uk 07415 769558
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Food & Drink
We are open for delivery and collection in the areas of Chinnor, Lewknor, Watlington and the vicinity. For Dining In Service please subscribe to our Facebook page or call us on 01491613777.
20 High St, Wallington OX49 5PY www.tajclubhouse.co.uk (Online Order) 26 To advertise, call 07707 386034 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk
NG I K C TO
S
FILLERS
BENNY THE BUNNY
Everyone loves toys, although nowadays they are becoming more and more sophisticated and electronic.
But for really young children, the old favourites are still the best. Teddy bears and all forms of cuddly toys are what the toddlers seek. So what would they give to be able to play with them should they come to life.
Benny and Teddy’s Day Out
Benjamin Roy is a typical fun-loving five-year-old who can’t believe his eyes when a glove puppet in the form of a new grey and white rabbit tips him a wink and comes to life.
Benny’ Sports s Day Colouri ng an
Colouring Book
‘Benny and Teddy’s Day Out’ is the second in the series, following ‘Benny’s Arrival’.
d Story
Book
GLYNN LEANEY After serving for over 25 years in the Royal Air Force and over 23 years offering financial advice, Glynn Leaney has turned his attention to converting his hobby into a full-time obsession. His love of writing comic verse started in his teens and over time he has expanded into writing a variety of poetry, plays, pantomimes, scripts and children’s books as well as penning original popular music. Glynn lives with his wife, Kathryn in a village in Oxfordshire.
All proceeds of from the sale go to this book will ities children’s char
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£
5
ceeds All pro o t g l wil o n’s Childre !! s ie it r Cha
Glynn Leaney
All proceeds from the sale of this book will go to children’s chariti es
5
£
Glynn L
eaney
Are you looking for stocking fillers this Christmas? These lovely story books about Benny the Bunny – all written in verse and which you can also colour in – are the perfect answer! Only £ 5 each (f re deliver
y)
e
To order your copies contact Glynn Leaney on 01865 400323 or glynn.leaney@gmail.com
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Sound of Music
elcome to our December music page. Here you will find information on how to find the best musical instrument tuition in the area and what musical activities and workshops are taking place at this time.
W
Thame has a variety of fantastic opportunities for budding musicians who wish to join together with other like-minded people. From bands to choirs to bell ringing! We also host a huge variety of annual musical event’s, these will all be back to provide a wonderful calendar of live music in 2021! In the meantime, have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
Thame Music Academy
TMA gift vouchers now available! Are you wondering what to buy for your loved one this Christmas? Look no further…. Thame Music Academy can provide personalised gift vouchers for musical instrument lessons with any of their fantastic tutors and for any of the instruments they offer tuition in! For further information and to purchase a voucher please contact TMA via the details at the end of this article. Vouchers are valid for up to a year from purchase. The academy has all the required COVID safe measures and procedures in place and these are constantly monitored and updated if needs be according to the latest government
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guidance. More information regarding their measures and procedures can be found via the TMA website and social media platforms. Thame Music Academy provides lessons in a large variety of instruments including; Piano, Keyboard, Singing, Guitar (Acoustic or Electric), Ukulele, Bass Guitar, Drums, Percussion, Violin, Strings, Brass and Music Theory. Why not purchase a unique musical gift this Christmas! For further information regarding lessons and to make a booking please contact the academy via the details at the end of this article.
Char Char Chimps
This wonderful local group is aimed at providing musical fun for babies up to toddler age, they are pleased to announce that sessions are now back up and running in various locations across the county and you can check out their website in order to find one which works for you! The group’s aim is to encourage preschool children to be interactive with music, lights and sounds along with various different props and themes each week. As well as having lots of fun Cha Char Chimps aims to encourage; Language skills,
Entertainment Co-ordination, Cooperation, Confidence and Concentration in order to enhance young children’s learning as they enjoy the journey of their first few years, gaining skills which will be used later on in life. For further information regarding classes and to make a booking please visit: www.ccchimps.com/thame
O
nline live music?
At the current time there can be no live music events taking place within venues. However it doesn’t mean you have to miss out entirely. The First Thursday Music Club Unfortunately at the current time there can be no live music events taking place within venues. However, the First Thursday Music Club is providing fantastic online live sets from some of the countries best musicians, whether local or from further afield! This totally free service can be found via the FTMC Facebook page where regular virtual events are added. Folk in Oxford! This fantastic group have set up a website to promote live, recorded and of course online music which is coming up in December! For further information and to find out more please visit: www.folkinoxford.co.uk Garsington Opera at Home! This acclaimed Oxfordshire based company streams directly to your home. Enjoy full length operas, selected arias, virtual tours, informal music-making and more! For further information please visit: www.garsingtonopera.org/at-home
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra live stream! This fantastic professional orchestra from the South coast will have a while host of live concerts online throughout December. Please visit their website for further information: www.bsolive.com/whats-on The Southbank Centre online events This wonderful venue is a British Institution based on the bank of the River Thames in the centre of London. The centre will be offering a huge variety of online performances during December and beyond, please visit their website for further information and to book your tickets: www.southbankcentre.co.uk/ whats-on/festivals-series/inside-out Oxford Coffee Concerts This excellent group are releasing brand new performances via their website and YouTube page every Sunday morning! If you would love to start off your relaxing Sunday with some wonderful live music whilst you enjoy a nice hot drink please visit their website for further details: www.coffeeconcerts.com Open Micsolate! During Lockdown a group of open mic fanatics wondered if any friends or friends might like to post a video of them having a bash at a song/ performance open mic style! Any style, any standard! Feel free to invite anyone you think may enjoy or contribute. Kind comments only, if you hear anything you don’t like, skip on! All copyrights belong to original artists. It is all totally free of course and you can join them by searching ‘Open Micsolate’ via Facebook!
This feature is brought to you by Simon Markland of Thame Music Academy Tel: 07743 032292
Email: info@thamemusicacademy.com Web page: www.thamemusicacademy.com
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NEWS & EVENTS
in our region
Give the planet a Christmas present... It’s time to give the planet a Christmas present by planting trees with
Ripple Africa.
This year, for their Christmas campaign, they aim to plant 50,000 trees with the help of you and families like yours. It’s simple. When you are either buying your tree or decorating it at home, you can make a text donation to plant 12, 20 or 40 trees. Ripple Africa are a UK charity, based in Buckingham, and have planted over 15 million trees with families in Malawi. Share the joy and make a difference by helping us plant trees this Christmas. To donate £3 to plant 12 trees text: XMASTREE to 70331 To donate £5 to plant 20 trees text: XMASTREE to 70970 To donate £10 to plant 40 trees text: XMASTREE to 70191 They run other Environment, Education and Healthcare projects in Malawi too. Find out more by visiting www.rippleafrica.org
Buckinghamshire healthcare charities join together to launch Nightingale’s Rainbow... Buckinghamshire
Healthcare NHS Trust Charitable Fund and Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity have teamed up to launch Nightingale’s Rainbow Appeal to raise money for healthcare in Buckinghamshire. The focal point of the appeal is the new Nightingale’s Rainbow installation planned at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Aylesbury which is being funded by local organisations. Members of the public are being asked to sponsor Rainbow Tiles on the structure with the proceeds being shared between the two charities. With fundraising opportunities limited and an increase in the demand for services and equipment this year, the money raised by Nightingale’s Rainbow Appeal will make an amazing difference for both charities and their patients. Rainbow Tiles can be sponsored for a donation of £20 a tile at www.fnhospice.org.uk/ nightingales-rainbow, where you can also find more information about the Nightingale’s Rainbow project.
30 To advertise, call 07707 386034 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk
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December 2020
Scentsy warmers and wax’s will fill your home with beautiful fragrance without a flame insight! This means no soot, no smoke and no worries. Our warmers melt, rather than burn the wax. Meaning they are safe around children and animals.
Come join my Facebook Group ‘Scent-Sational with Sammi’
- RFR Studio -
Rebecca Rason Flor Ferreira Professionally painted portraits in oils, watercolour, charcoal and pastels Commissions welcomed for ALL kinds of pets - furry, feathery and scaled! CONTACT ME www.rfrstudio.com rfrstudio@gmail.com @rebeccarfferreira Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.
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December 2020
58 To advertise, call 07707 386034 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk
High Street, Tetsworth, Oxon, OX9 7AB
01844 281777 www.theswan.co.uk antiques@theswan.co.uk
Voted the Best Antique Centre in the UK Open 7 Days a Week
Mon - Sat: 10:00am - 5:00pm Sun: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Next Auction: Thurs 10th December Followed by Thurs 7th January 21’
** Visit The Swan Restaurant **
On Friday Evenings, Saturdays & Sundays Friday Evening: Themed Nights @ ÂŁ15.00 pp Saturday: Breakfast Club followed by a Lunch Menu Sunday: Traditional Roast Dinner with all the trimmings To make a booking reservation or host a mid-week Private Function, please contact us on 01844 281182 or Email: restaurant@theswan.co.uk