Look Local Magazine, Issue 123, February 2023

£15 from Thame Town Hall, tel: 01844 212833, or online at thameplayers.co.uk

Exclusive Competition

Hello Readers,

For a chance to win complimentary tickets for a family of four to a Thame Players’ production * answer the following question: Who travels from England to Monte Carlo?

Email your answer with your name and contact details to info@look-localmagazine.co.uk by 31st August

Welcome to the February 2023 issue of Look Local Magazine. How are your New Year’s Resolutions going? Did you take part in Dry January or Veganuary or have you opted for the popular “I will exercise more and shape up in time for summer!” If so, then give yourself a couple of nights off as we celebrate Valentine’s Day on 14th followed by Shrove Tuesday on the 21st February, both of which are not occasions to be worrying about the waist line. For those of you who are opting a plant based lifestyle I’ve included a Pancake Recipe suitable for vegans - see opposite on page 5.

In this months issue you will find more local businesses in our Home & Gardens section. So if you’re currently in early spring cleaning mode, and looking to de-clutter or renovate your home and garden in time for the summer months ahead then be sure to spend some time perusing this section of the magazine.

For those who love the Arts, check out our regular competition (page 17) where you can WIN TICKETS to a show at Thame Players Theatre

I love receiving stories about local residents taking on challenges for local charities - see a fantastic story in our News & Events section which may inspire you to take on a fundraising activity this year. And if you’ve got a feel good story to tell or are hosting an event please do get in touch as I can help you spread the word within my printed magazine as well as online via social media.

Look Local also runs a Leaflet Distribution service so if you’re a local business who prefers this way of marketing your services then drop me an email and I can assist you.

Until next month, enjoy reading...

Love Emma x

For Advertising contact 07707 386034 or

Email: info@look-localmagazine.co.uk

Web: www.look-localmagazine.co.uk

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BOOKING

MArch

Tickets

CONTENTS

05. Recipe

Celebrate Shove Tuesday with Vegan friendly Pancakes.

07. Home & Garden

Loft Ladders you can trust from Home County Loft Ladders.

16. News & Events

Whats On in our local area.

17. Competition

WIN Thame Players Theatre tickets.

18. Sound of music

This months music scene with Simon Markland.

20. health & wellbeing

The benefits of Baby Sensory with Yasmin.

22. INTERIORS

Making the most of off-cuts with Coulon Stone.

24. home & Garden

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. 22 WIN

Tuck into some Vegan Pancakes this Shrove Tuesday...

Pancakes are such a treat, which is totally bizarre given that they’re made with just a couple of ingredients and are essentially fried batter. You would have thought that swapping out two-thirds of said ingredients from such a simple recipe may, well, completely ruin it. For this very reason, I assumed vegan pancakes were tricky to pull off. How wrong I was. Flour, almond milk and oil, it turns out, have exactly the same kind of magic reaction when mixed together as flour, cow’s milk and eggs.

Ingredients

• 220g of plain flour

• 680ml of almond milk, maybe more to loosen

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 5 tbsp of vegetable oil, (or other neutral-flavoured oil) plus extra to cook the pancakes

Method

1. Add the flour and salt to a mixing bowl and make a well in the centre. Gradually pour in the almond milk, whisking as you go until you get a smooth batter

2. Add the oil and whisk until smooth and combined

3. Heat a tiny dash of oil in a non-stick pan. Once hot, add a fine coating of the batter to the bottom and tilt the pan so it spreads out into a nice circle

4. Wait for the batter to firm up – when the wobbly softness goes, pop a spatula under an edge to see how its coming along underneath. Once golden on the underside, flip it!

5. Keep cooking until the underside is also golden. Keep a close eye on it as I noticed that this side burnt a lot easier than the first side.

6. Enjoy...!

Recipe Credit to: Ella Timney of

Aston Hearing have been in Thame for the past 6 years.

We are delighted and excited to welcome you to our new premises in Greyhound Lane, Thame. Please call in to say hello - hope to see you soon.

Kate & Duncan Collet-Fenson Directors of Aston Hearing

NEWS & EVENTS in our region

Florence Nightingale Hospice are looking for people to take on a challenge and help them be there for more patients this year...

Sisters Paula & Fiona are taking on The Conqueror’s Lord of the Rings virtual challenge in aid of Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, aiming to walk over 1800 miles with their much-loved dogs Buzz and Zoe. Already, just a few days into the New Year, they have clocked up 25 miles!

Whether you are looking to test your physical limits or set a personal goal, take on an exhilarating experience or journey across the world on a oncein-a-lifetime trip, the charity is there to support you to make the most of the challenge.

“There’s only one feeling better than that of completing a challenge. And that’s completing a challenge for charity and raising much-needed funds for a local charity, who supports people you know and love.” says Bill Richards, Fundraising Officer at the charity. “We have some really exciting challenges planned over the next year for people to join, or can help you design your own challenge and support you with your fundraising.”

With a growing and ageing population, the charity know that the number of patients across Buckinghamshire and its borders who could benefit from specialist care is going to increase rapidly and are determined to be there to support everyone who needs them.

Helen, a Day Hospice patient says, “Until I needed palliative care, I hadn’t realised how much Florence Nightingale Hospice relied on charitable funding. I am incredibly thankful for those who donate and undertake fundraising activities.”

The charity has dates coming up to take part in an adrenaline filled skydive or train for a once in a lifetime experience by trekking across the Saharan Desert next year. Some supporters prefer to take on their own challenges, in previous years these have included headshaves, pub crawls and egg and spoon races!

Paula tells us “We like to do a challenge each year for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, which has always been close to our hearts –we have had a number of friends who have been looked after by the amazing team. We are so fortunate to have such an excellent facility locally, but like all charities they rely on donations to survive. We are pleased to be able to help in some small way”.

Visit www.fnhospice.org.uk/challenge to start planning your next adventure, or you can email fundraising@fnhospice.org. uk or call 01296 429975.

Sound of Music

Welcome to our February music page. Here you will find information on local musical events, upcoming concerts and where to find the best music tuition in the area.

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 events.

The Spread Eagle - ‘Jazzin Thame’ will be hosting a wonderful evening of live jazz music at The Spread Eagle Hotel (located in the centre of Thame) on Thursday 23rd February, 8:00pm –10:00pm.

The Hugh Turner Quartet will be entertaining you with their highly acclaimed and foot tapping set, guaranteed to blow away the winter blues!

Reading based guitarist, Hugh Turner, is one of the UK’s finest exponents of fund jazz. His guitar playing is forthright, bluesy edged and highly rhythmic. Hugh will be performing a mix of his funk repertoire along with some well know jazz classics to provide and evening of high-octane music that will have you itching to move, tap or grab your air guitar! In addition to this, Hugh will be joined by high accomplished musicians Matt Potts (Pianist & organist), Paul Jeffries (Bass guitar) and

Steve Wyndham (Drums) to create an inspiring set of songs. Tickets are priced at £16 per person on a first come/first served basis.

For further information and to book tickets please visit The Spread Eagle Thame website.

Village Voices, Towersey - Village Voices is a community singing group. They sing songs from many genres from all over the world including; traditional, folk, pop, ballads, gospel, jazz and blues. They practise the songs using ‘listening and copying’ techniques, simple rounds and chants to glorious harmony singing!

Sarah Westcott, the music director, also leads ‘Sounds Fun!’ community choir in Oxford and believes everyone can sing. All are welcome to join and the choir has singers of all ages and both male and female, though they could do with some more men! They have been running since 2009 and do perform at local events including; Towersey Festival, Towersey Fete and Christmas events in Oxford and Chinnor.

If you are interested in joining this fantastic local group they meet every Wednesday evening at Towersey Memorial Hall between 7:30pm – 9:30pm. The charge is £5.00 per week,

£1.00 for students, and your first visit is free! The choir does take some breaks over the summer, Christmas, New Year and Easter.

For further information please contact the group via this e-mail address: Villagevoices.towersey@gmail.com or via their website: www.villagevoicestowersey.com

Thame Concert Band - Thame

Concert Band was formed in 1993 by a small group of local musicians. They pride themselves on being a community band and regularly, in normal times, take part in some of the biggest events in Thame, including Remembrance Sunday and Christmas Carols around the tree.

They have a substantial and varied repertoire and perform several of their our own concerts each year alongside events in Thame. This includes the Last Night Of The Proms concert which is always popular!

The band have grown considerably since their formation in 1993 and now boast around 30 regular members - although they are always keen to welcome new musicians!

Currently, TCB are supporting Thame Day Centre, a local charity.

For further information and also if you are interested in joining please visit: www.thameconcertband.com or search for ‘Thame Concert Band’ on Facebook.

Clockwork Music - This is a fantastic local group for babies and toddlers to enjoy a variety of music and related sensory activities.

Clockwork Music offer independent music classes for babies, toddlers and pre-school children in Thame, Oxford, Abingdon, Headington and Kennington. Tock the Clock and Brown Bear are at the heart of every class and they feature in the groups core songs, these provide structure within

the weekly classes. Children love to wind Tock and Clock and watch him choose the special song of the week!

A few of the many attributes of Clockwork Music are:

- Age specific curriculum written and delivered by qualified and experienced music teachers.

- Four separate age groups are offered on a weekly basis.

- A large variety of musical instruments are available to use during sessions.

- Interactive and sensory props to engage babies and young children.

- Fun and interactive classes for both children and the adults to enjoy!

Regular Local Live Music

The First Thursday Music Club

FTMC have now moved home, after 10 great years at the Stables behind the James Figg pub they have now relocated to a bigger room at Thame Snooker Club in central Thame. The room can hold a lot more people, there is a stage and room for instruments, the artists, and the sound guys. The club have their own dedicated bar and loos. There is also ample free parking right outside.

The dates are on the first Thursday of each month. Please search ‘The First Thursday Music Club’ via Facebook for further information.

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

FRANCHISEFORSALE Pleaseemailformoredetails

Baby Sensory provides ideas for creative play, massage, tummy time, movement, visual development, textures, scents and music in simple practical ways that can be easily repeated at home. We also use a combination of original and traditional songs and rhymes to develop early speech and language skills, and sensory signing activities to help you and your baby communicate from birth.

Why attend one of our award-winning Baby Sensory classes?

An educational, interactive and developmental programme, which will help your baby learn and develop important skills.

Every class has been carefully designed, planned and researched by Dr Lin Day with you and your baby’s needs in mind.

Classes built on your baby’s natural play-rest-play cycle to ensure they are not overstimulated. An ideal place to meet new parents, ask questions, share ideas, experiences and memories together. Highly trained Class Leaders who are all DBS checked.

Received the Gold Award accreditation with the Children’s Activities Association (CAA) - peace of mind for parents.

Making the most of off-cuts... By Coulon Stone

When buying a natural stone surface, for example a granite kitchen worktop, or marble shower tray from your local stone mason, depending on the size of your project, you often have to buy a whole slab of stone, with some off-cuts created in the fabrication process. Most off-cuts are crushed up and used as hardcore in the building trade, or used to create terrazzo, a popular composite stone. But it’s 2023 and sustainability has staying power, both environmental, as well as financial, so why not make the most out of those typically unused pieces of stone.

Stone Trims

If you’ve taken the time to choose a beautifully unique piece of stone, why not carry those natural qualities throughout your home. Using marble, granite, limestone or slate as windowsills, shelves or even door frames highlight the architectural details of your space, as well as adds natural textures and organic shapes. Homes stripped of synthetics and focusing on natures qualities will continue to be a big interior design choice for years to come.

In the Garden

Your garden deserves to be highlighted in natural stone as well. Granite is one of earth’s most durable stones, resistant to cracking, crumbling and generally weather’s elements. Using granite offcuts to create a garden path will fit perfectly into the vegetation and greenery of your garden. You could also use natural stone to create edges for your flower beds, which will limit the growth of weeds too. Just ask your stone mason to cut or break pieces to size. Alternatively create a wildlife oasis with a natural stone bird bath. There are many ways your stone mason can use off-cuts to build a bird bath including sanding a dip in to a lump of stone.

If you’re looking for more natural stone and composite quartz inspiration visit our Instagram (@coulonstoneltd) and Pinterest (@coulonstone) pages, and our website, www.coulonstone.com where you’ll find our gallery.

* Photo Credit: Shelves (Kristen Panitch Interiors)

Look locally over the garden gate with Lucie Giselle Ponsford

February’s design focus is all about considering what is in short supply at this time of year; right now we are channelling the sunshine!

Seating areas that cater for the shifting sun throughout the day will create calming and enjoyable time spent outside. For instance, catching the last rays of sunshine is one of the simplest pleasures you can enjoy in your garden.

We all need hardstanding in our gardens. It is our primary focus when considering upgrading our outdoor space. However, our first thought is to pave outside our patio doors but this may not be the space you want to spend your time sitting in or invest thousands in. If north facing it will be too cold and if in the full sun of a south facing spot that is pretty unforgiving too in high summer.

In the UK, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. At midday, the sun is exactly south on a compass. This is because the UK is north of the equator. So google map your gardens, or get your compass out. The orientation of your garden will be the direction the house faces outwards into your garden.

Top Mimosa Design tip: track the sun around your garden, consider where you want to be at the different times of the day you are likely to have free time and invest in your hardstanding in those areas. For best results get your plan on paper and create curves or shapes you can repeat through the garden space.

With love, Lucie

For more garden tips and information visit my Facebook page @mimosagardendesign

CONTACT ME

Email: info.mimosadesign@gmail.com

Call: 07737 286784

DURING THESE TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES WE ARE MAKING OUR VENDORS THOUSANDS OF POUNDS AND WE GUARANTEE THE LOWEST COMMISSION RATES!

Our sellers fees have not increased since 2002 and we do not intend to now which simply means more money in your pocket when choosing to sell with us.

*** AS SEEN ON TELEVISION ***

Upcoming Auction Highlight 1st February

Lot 480: ‘STUDIO OF THOMAS SPENCER (ENGLAND CIRCA 1730-CIRCA 1763) FLYING CHILDERS, HELD BY A GROOM, A VIEW OF NEWMARKET HEATH BEYOND’

Estimated £15,000 - £25,000

Upcoming Auction Highlight 1st March

Lot 500: LAWRENCE STEPHEN LOWRY R.A (BRITISH 1887-1976) OIL ON BOARD TITLED ‘LADY WAITING’

Estimated: £100,000 - £150,000