Look Local, Oxon Edition: February 2015, Issue 30. by Look Local Magazine

Oxon Edition Delivered to 7,000 homes across South Oxfordshire.

February 2015 Issue 30. Your FREE Monthly, Community Lifestyle Magazine.

PHOENIX ELECTRICAL

FOR SALES, SERVICE & ADVICE Free Delivery Free Connection

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PEARSON INSURANCE SERVICES Your local Insurance Brokers!

01844 260936

7 Swan Walk, Thame, OX9 3HN

(Gas & Built-In, chargeable)

Free Disposal of old machines

www.pearson-insurance.co.uk

(Refrigeration: a small charge applies)

Friendly, helpful & free advice from award-winning brokers on your doorstep.

Station Yard, Thame Tel: 01844 260477

Authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

• • • • 40 Oakley Road, Chinnor, OX39 4ES • Tel: 01844 353388 Email: johnnixey@btconnect.com •

Bosch Car Service Centre Mot’s including Class VII (3.5 tonnes) Service, Repairs, Tyres, Exhausts Air Conditioning Diagnostics FREE Courtesy Car BMW & Mercedes SPECIALISTS

HUGHENDEN M40 Oxfordshire 01844 279701 Ride away on a new Triumph for less than £99pm T&Cs Apply. Ask within

Milton Common, Thame, OX9 2NU

Est. over 20 years specialising in repair & Maintenance

Key Services:

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THE NEXT GENERATION OF WINDOWS HAS ARRIVED

For more information on Storm call us on 01844 351294 Or call our new Kidlington Showroom on 01865 379944 Visit our website www.silentviewwindows.com 4 Thame Road Chinnor Oxfordshire OX39 4QS

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Hello Readers, How are your New Year’s Resolutions going? Fallen off the wagon already.... I know I have! Fear not though as its never to late to embark upon a healthier lifestyle and if you are thinking of kickstarting your fitness or need a bit of inspiration this month, check out our article from owner of Weights Gym in Chinnor, Tracey Gardener, on page 32. If however you would rather put your diets on hold, just until Pancake Day (which falls on Tuesday 17th this year) is out of the way, turn to pages 12 & 13 and try out our sinfully indulgent recipes this month and once you’ve finished baking why not post your photos on our Facebook Page - we would love to see your efforts. New for this issue is our Motoring and Education section. We have information all about World Book Day (5th March) and the benefits of reading to your children plus, for all you car fanatics out there, we bring you details about a unique new vehicle business opening in our region this spring - turn to pages 6 and 36 to read more. As always, please continue to shop locally and we hope you find some helpful contacts for the fantastic businesses in your area over the next 40 pages of our magazine - brought to you with a smile each and every month by our team of dedicated deliverers. Until next time, enjoy reading...

Emma Penfold

CONTENTS 06 - 07. Motoring: A NEW garage with a difference. 08.

12-13. Recipes: Couronne and Pancakes. 18-23. Local News & Events from our Region. 20-21. Local Event: The Swan at Tetsworth, Auction Dates. 28.

Gardening View: Help the birds.

30.

Beauty Tips, with our regular columnist, Rachael Parrey of Bootiful.

31.

Health & Wellbeing: The Power of combining complementary Therapy treatments with Thame Therapy Clinic.

32.

Health & Wellbeing: Weights Gym has it all.

33.

Health & Wellbeing: Bowen Therapist, Jen Webster explains its beneﬁts.

36.

Education: Expand your childs mind with reading.

Editor M: 07707 386034 W: www.look-localmagazine.co.uk Deadlines for March 2015 Issue; Booking deadline: Friday 13th February Artwork deadline:Tuesday 17th February For Advertising contact Mike Bradley on 01844 281013. 7,000 copies of Look Local Magazine are printed on a monthly basis. They are delivered to households in Aston Rowant, Bledlow Ridge, Chalgrove, Chinnor, Crowell, Great Haseley, Great Milton, Henton, Kingston Blount, 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. 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.

Travel: Greece is the Word.

37-38. Just for Fun: Puzzle Time.

To advertise, call 01844 281013 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk

Motoring...

LES LINEY

VEHICLE HIRE Car & Van Hire

All sizes available including; • Luton Tail Lifts • A.A Cover - Fully Insured • Unlimited Mileage • Customer Parking Also available

24Hr Accident & Breakdown Service

01844 292783 | 07860 795236 les@lesliney.com Old Farm Workshops, Haddenham Road, Kingsey, HP17 8LS

01865 407757

Vehicle Storage

• All vehicles stored in a temperat�re and humidit� reg�lated environment. • Excellent securit�. • Vehicles collected and delivered*. • Valet Ser�ice available*.

*Call or email for prices.

Flexible terms & competitive rates from as little as

£22 per week!

E: storage@thisisyourgarage.com | W: www.thisisyourgarage.com Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.

01865 407757 Do you work on your own vehicle? ~~~~~~ Are you a member of a Car Club looking for a place to meet? ~~~~~~ Do you need somewhere secure and dry to store your vehicle? ~~~~~~ Ever wished you could work in a warm, professional quality garage or needed to get under your vehicle to complete a job? ~~~~~~

This is Your Garage is a unique new business coming to South Oxfordshire soon that will allow you to do all of the above and more. The concept for TIYG started taking shape after David Ridgway, the Founder of this innovative new organisation, found himself spending a long afternoon lying underneath his 1973 camper van trying to remove old body sealant and repaint the frame.

could take their vehicles to work on them without having to worry about the weather taking a turn for the worst? So what once was a simple dream has now turned into reality as David signed the least to a premises in Culham, just outside of Abingdon, allowing people to just that!

“I remember that day very clearly’ comments David! “I completed the task at hand but was ﬁlthy dirty and very frustrated by how long it had taken. I thought to myself, if only I had access to a vehicle lift, I could have done that job in a third of the time and with a lot less stress.”

The unit comprises of two buildings, both ex MOD hangers. One of these buildings is already open for business as a vehicle storage unit. This purpose designed, modiﬁed warehouse is physically secured with post barriers and reinforced doors. The whole site is protected with CCTV and a monitored security gate. A fully monitored alarm system has also been added to ensure vehicles are in even better hands than they would be at home.

It was this experience that got the cogs in his head turning! What if he could create a space where car enthusiasts, trainee mechanics or just the average ‘Joe’ who enjoyed tinkering with motors,

12 06

To advertise, call 01844 281013 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk

Motoring...

The UK’s Premier Self Service Workshop, Car Club and Vehicle Storage Facility. At the heart of the business is the workshop that will be housed in the second building and open for business this Spring. The modern and professional looking workshop will cater for all types of cars, from classics to modiﬁed, vintage to hot hatch. Some of the equipment available to rent is: •

•

• •

• • •

•

Waste oil collectors.

•

Wheel alignment tools.

•

Full exhaust extraction for a cleaner safer working environment.

The workshop bays will be available to rent by the hour, half-day or full day.

The third wheel to the business is “The Club”, a comfortable 7 work bays all with and welcoming space for you professional lifts (3 four to unwind, relax and enjoy post, 3 two post and a refreshment in good TIYG 1 scissor). company. Members of is not just a Extensive tool workshop, in fact the the Car Club will also kits in each be able to utilise the social side of the business space for meetings work bay. is equally impor�ant to us. or social events. Work bench We are car people and want Catering services in each bay. to meet other car people and are available as Specialist have some f�n! So please well as changing tools available & washing facilities on request. do come & join us in for those who wish The Club! Diagnostic tools. to freshen up. For those wishing to purchase Parts Preparation area basic car parts, tools and TIYG with media blasting cabinet Merchandise a retail shop will and parts cleaning tank. be available on the site. Engine / drive train assembly room. In the summer TIYG hope

•

Heavy duty jacking and lifting equipment.

•

Pullers and presses.

it simply, This is your Garage offers everything car people could want or need, after all, they are car people too! Dave and his team look forward to welcoming you soon.

For more infor�ation about TIYG

Call: 01865 407757 Email: info@thisisyourgarage.com Visit: www.thisisyourgarage.com

They can also be found on Facebook.com/thisisyourgarage.

to hold several events and would be happy to discuss any event you and your club might like to put together. Putting

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13 07

Travel..

Greece is the word...

There are so many stunningly beautiful Greek Islands to escape to perhaps the hardest decision is which one to choose! Let us take you on a journey to some of our handpicked favourites to help you make up your mind.

If your idea of a holiday to a Greek island is one where time stands still, then look no further than Meganisi. With its tranquil beaches, steep cliffs honeycombed with caves and a population of less than 2,000, Meganisi is one of the most picturesque and peaceful islands in the lonian. If you prefer something a touch livelier then perhaps Paxos is for you. Equally as restful a holiday paradise as Meganisi, Paxos looks and feels like one big, lush, olive grove. It is a Greek island in miniature, with some fabulous walking routes. These off-the-beaten track locations are just two of the many destinations offered by Traveltime’s partner for the lonian and Aegean islands. Our partner, an independent holiday company, specialises in great-value holidays to the Greek islands and has been named Best Tour Operator to Hellenic Europe at the British Travel Awards for three years running as well as Runner Up in the Telegraph Awards for ‘Favourite Specialist Tour Operator’ category 2013.

Other destination featured include, North and South Kefalonia, Ithaka, Lefkada, Corfu, Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos, as well as Mainland Greece, Parga and the lesser known, Pelion Peninsula. All accommodation - from villas with pools and waterside apartments to family-run pensions and boutique hotels - are handpicked and situated in the less commercialised areas and with over 200 holidays from which to choose, there is something to suit all budgets and tastes. So whether you are looking for a romantic honeymoon retreat, a family villa, a multicentric holiday or a laid-back getaway, your lonian island holiday will surely be a memorable one - for all the right reasons. To ﬁnd out more about holidaying in the Greek Islands visit Traveltime at 6 High Street, Watlington. T: 01491 614614 E: watlington@traveltime.uk.net

To advertise, call 01844 281013 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk

Beach Escapes Cruise Hotels City Breaks Skiing Trips Cultural Escapes

A: 6 High Street, Watlington | W: www.traveltimegroup.co.uk T: 01491 614614 | E: watlington@traveltime.uk.net

roselle@outofthedoghouse.co.uk

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Food & Drink...

Boot The

Country Pub and Eating House

Welcome....... Eat Well, Laugh Much, Drink Often.

A 16th Century Inn with a contemporary twist

Relax....

Andy and Emma welcome you to the newly refurbished modern country pub and eating house. Unwind in the heart of the picturesque Chiltern Hills whilst enjoying fresh locally produced food, local ales and fabulous wines. The menu reﬂects the chef’s desire to create exciting dishes suitable for all taste buds so families can dine in style. The Boot boasts a huge garden for children to play and a stunning outdoor eating area. There is ample room for marquees to cater for larger events too. So, whether you fancy a casual drink, a delicious evening meal or a leisurely Sunday lunch ‘The Boot’ has is all! Chinnor Road, Bledlow Ridge, High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP14 4AW T. 01494 481499 | E. theteam@theboot-bledlowridge.co.uk

•

Music & Party Nights every Thursday & Saturday.

•

Open Mic every 3rd Sunday of the month from 4-8pm.

•

Ensuite bedrooms available.

01844 260399 9 Upper High Street, Thame.

Thame Barns Centre Four beautiful rooms to hire;

Large Barn - 100 people Small Barn - 40 people Room 1 - 25 people Quiet Room - 8 people Suitable for; Business Meetings Away Days Parties Wedding Receptions Funeral Receptions

Bar, Catering, Free Parking & Wiﬁ. We have many groups and classes. Please see our website for more information.

Church Road, Thame, OX9 3AJ - 01844 217308 www.thamebarnscentre.co.uk 10

To advertise, call 01844 281013 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk

The Plough

Join us this Valentine’s Monday’s

VAL E SPE NTINE’ CIA s L 3 cou rses £29. for 9 Satu

rday only.

Bring your Own Wine Night when you book dinner (no corkage)

Tuesday’s

Steak Night - Two 10oz Ribeye Steaks with Mushrooms, Tomato & Fries plus a bottle of House Red or White - Only £30.00!

Wednesday’s

Fish & Chips - Only £8.00!

(available at lunch & dinner time)

01844 279283 | www.the-ploughpub.com Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to| adverts. 09 Rectory Road | Oxford Great Haseley | OX44 7JQ

Food & Drink...

Lemon, Cinnamon and Sultana Couronne... This crown of bread is sweet dough heaven, and the time it takes to create it only makes the end result all the more delicious. To make the dough: •

Mix the ﬂour and yeast together in a mixing bowl then add the sugar and salt and stir.

Pop your milk, vanilla essence and lemon zest in a jug and warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Once warmed, add to the ﬂour etc with the very soft butter and mix until all the ingredients are combined.

Turn this dough out onto a very lightly ﬂoured surface and knead for at least 10 minutes. The consistency will be a little sticky but it should be a nice dough to work with. When it’s ready to prove it will be stretchy with a slight sheen.

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl covered in a damp cloth and leave for 1 and a half hours. It should double in size during this time.

Next, make the cinnamon and sultana ﬁlling. For this, you will need: •

3tsp cinnamon | 70g butter | 50g light brown soft sugar | 2 handfuls sultanas.

Simply beat the cinnamon, butter and sugar together and ﬁnely chop the sultanas.

To assemble the couronne: 1.

Once your dough has proved and your ﬁlling is prepared, you’re ready to put the couronne together.

Roll out your dough into a long rectangle (about 45cm x 20cm) and spread the cinnamon butter across its surface, then sprinkle with the sultanas.

After this, roll the rectangle ﬁrmly into a long sausage (from long side to long side) and seal the long edge with a little water on the tip of your ﬁnger.

Now, listen closely. Make a cut (all the way through and out the other side) lengthways along the centre of the sausage until you almost reach one end.You should now have the base of a sausage with two long separate strands. Adjust the strands so that the open ﬁlling side is facing upwards (this way you won’t lose any).

Now, transfer carefully onto a floured baking tray. To make the crown shape, take the two strands and twist one over the other until the whole sausage is woven together and no dough remains. Once woven (with the filling sides always facing up) tuck each end of the (now complete again) sausage together to form a circle. The bread should now be in a ring formation with visible filling in places and woven strands making up the pattern.

To advertise, call 01844 281013 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk

Recipe Heaven... 6.

Hopefully you have achieved the couronne shape at this stage, so now cover with lightly oiled clingﬁlm and leave for an hour to prove again. Preheat the oven to 180c (fan).

Once proved, wash with 1 beaten egg and bake in the oven for half an hour or until a deep golden colour has been achieved.

For the last decoration you will need: •

200g icing sugar, 2-3 tbsp water and some ﬂaked almonds.

Once your bread has been baked to perfection, mix the icing sugar and water to create an attractive white icing.

Drizzle this over the top of the bread then scatter with almond ﬂakes.

Serve warm with a cup of tea or leave to cool and have a slice as a sinful breakfast treat. By Tassy Goodall. Like this recipe? Visit www.tassybakes.com or www.twitter.com/tassybakes

Ingredients

ﬂour 115g (4oz) plain Pinch salt 1 large egg t of milk) 285ml (half a pin , melted er tt bu ) oz 115g (4 s, strained on lem Juice from 2 erara sugar to Caster or Dem taste.

Method: 1.

To make the batter: sift the ﬂour and salt into a large mixing bowl and make a well in the centre. Beat in the egg and a little of the milk until smooth. Gradually beat in the remaining milk and add 4 tablespoons of the melted butter. Cover the bowl and leave to stand for one hour.

In a small non-stick frying pan heat some of the butter until sizzling, but taking care not to let it burn. Pour enough batter into the pan to coat the base evenly. Cook over a moderate heat until the

How do you eat yours?

Over the years I’ve tried my pancakes with fruit, maple syrup, and a variety of savoury fillings, but I keep coming back to fresh lemon juice and a sprinkling of sugar...irresistible. Here is my own recipe for perfect pancakes. pancake is light golden brown underneath and looks dry on top. Flip over (try to do this with style!) and cook the other side until golden. Continue until all the batter is used. The recipe should make 10-12 pancakes. 3.

Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.

You can keep the pancakes warm in the oven (Gas mark 1 / 140C) until they are all cooked, but in our house they’re barely out the frying pan before they’re scoffed.

Enjoy!

By Sarah Davey.

Winter draws on...... CGB CHIMNEY SERVICES Specialising in; Cowl Fitting Chimney Repairs Flue Lining Stove Repairs n eys bur save n m i h c Clean ch will i h w , y l cient ping to l ffi e e h e s r a o l m el ey. As w ronment. n o m u vi yo e the en v r e s e r p

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Chimney Sweep

Holds Full Public Liability Insurance

07903 033001

ICS REGISTERED MEMBER

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To advertise, call 01844 281013 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk

Home & Garden...

bring your home back to life... Specialists in upholstery & restoration for both Domestic and Commercial properties. Offering professional advice in all areas of upholstery including Soft Furnishings, Headboards, Curtains, tables and more...

TK Upholstery Full upholstery & soft furnishing service

Contact: 01494 883187 | www.tkupholstery.co.uk | info@tkupholstery.co.uk Watercroft Farm, Cadmore Common, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP14 3PS Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.

Home & Garden...

specialising in French Polishing & all spray ﬁnishing.

Experienced; 20 years in the trade. Flexible to the needs of the customer. High-quality workmanship. Competitive pricing. Domestic and Commercial work welcome.

07915 647677 or 07795 163627 www.beeswaxwoodﬁnishing.co.uk.

N. MARSHALL & SON

Carpenters and General Builders CARPENTRY RENOVATIONS

EXTENSIONS ALTERATIONS

01844 698771

07818 456845

nmarshallnson@hotmail.co.uk

DAB HANDS

No job too small, hourly rate.

Painting & Decorating, Tiling, Laminate Flooring, Shelving, Decking, Fencing, Garden Maintenance and more...

Call Richard Gardner on:

07551 941050

To advertise, call 01844 281013 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk

Home & Garden...

Oil Boiler and Aga Servicing Breakdown Repair

01865 362743 The right care is key for a warm home! Don’t wait for something to go wrong until you take action! Web: www.elliott-oil.com Email: service@elliott-oil.com

HYDRUS PLUMBING & HEATING •

All gas, oil & LPG work undertaken

•

Boiler installations, breakdowns & servicing

•

Bathroom design, supply & install

•

System upgrades

•

Underﬂoor heating

•

Domestic & Commercial

01844 281771 | 07735 085664

hydrus@email.com Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.

News & Events

in our region... region

Shoot over to The Fishes for a top day of sporting fun!

f you fancy showing off with the big guns, why not head over to The Fishes in Oxford on Saturday 28th February for the pub’s first ever clay pigeon shoot in what’s set to be a fantastic day of sporting fun. Don your finest field gear and step out early to the North Hinksey pub where manager Owain Llwyd Jones and his team will welcome you with plates of piping hot sausage sarnies and mugs of coffee. Then it’s time to pile into the minibus and make your way to The Oxford Gun Company on Jericho Farm in Oakley, where you’ll take aim after getting a full briefing. Spend the morning shooting with two action-packed sessions, and a welcome break for bacon butties in between, with some friendly competition and prizes for the best shot. After blowing away the cobwebs, you’ll retire to the pub for even more sport along with some hearty fare. Following the shooting, the pub will be giving the rest of the day over to rugby. On the TV in the snug will be the Scotland vs Italy match at 2.30pm, with an Italian inspired meal at half-time, and then the France vs Wales game at 5pm. “We’ve got a great day of sport planned, with the shooting followed by a spot of rugby and I can tell you the atmosphere will be just as charged out in the field as back in the pub afterwards,” says pub manager Owain Llwyd Jones.

“The idea came from our guests, who wanted to do some days out with us this year, shooting being top of the list, and no doubt the girls will be giving the guys a run for their money on the day. Being a Welshman, I’ll also be hoping for a result from the rugby, even if it does mean I risk upsetting Mathias Rouvray our French chef! “And as far as the shooting goes, will it be a bolting rabbit or a dropping duck? We’ll have to wait and see. Why don’t you join us for a cracking day out?” he adds. The Fishes clay pigeon shoot and rugby day takes place on Saturday 28th February starting at the pub at 8.15am. Tickets cost £75 and include equipment, tuition, food, refreshments and transport. To book, please go to http://www.ﬁshesoxford.co.uk/events/ The Fishes | North Hinksey Village | Oxford | OX2 0NA. Tel: 01865 249796 Web: www.ﬁshesoxford.co.uk

- Chalgrove Village Hall Saturday 7th February 2015 | Doors open at 7:0)pm for a 7:30pm start

CHURCH QUIZ NIGHT

The questions will be set as usual by Judith Bennett. Entrance £6.50 Bar and free Supper

Please contact Charles Baker (400402) if you would like to reserve a table, as the event is very popular and there is a limit to the number available. If you haven’t a team, we may be able to include you with another small group. The evening is in aid of the life and work of St. Mary’s Church, Chalgrove.

To advertise, call 01844 281013 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk

News & Events...

Christmas Grotto at Penn’s Flower Nursery in Long Crendon raises a massive £1714.95. All proceeds will go to The Iain Rennie Hospice. Staﬀ at the nursery want to thank all their wonderful customers for their support.

THE RIDGE OFF-ROADER RETURNS Sunday 26th April 2015

Starting from Bledlow Ridge School in excess of 500 runners from the South East will race across the Chiltern Hills on footpaths and bridleways. It is a well organised, marshalled and supported event, providing runners with a superb opportunity to enjoy the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and challenge themselves on some killer hills! All proceeds are donated to Bledlow Ridge School. Local sponsors include, The Boot Pub & Restaurant, Bonners & Babington, Grant & Stone, Runner’s Retreat and The Garage. Go to www.RidgeOffRoader.co.uk to ﬁnd out more and REGISTER!

Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.

01844 281777 www.theswan.co.uk

The Swan

The Swan Fine Art 2015 Sale Dates

AUCTION ROOM, & FRENCH Voted Best Antique

SAL

Thursday, February 5th Thursday, March 5th

held on first Thursd

Thursday, April 2nd

FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATIONS 10.30am

Thursday, May 7th Thursday, June 4th Thursday, July 2nd Thursday, August 6th

(or by app

Carried out by TV Antiques Experts, Paul H Home visits can a

Thursday, September 3rd Thursday, October 1st Thursday, November 5th Thursday, December 3rd

Sales start at Noon Viewing is on the Tuesday and Wednesday prior to the sale from 10:30am - 5:00pm and from 10:00am on the morning of the sale.

A: High Street | Tetsworth | Nr Thame | Oxon | OX9 7AB (Junction 6, off M40)

‘Like’ us www.facebook.com/theswanattetsworth

‘Follow’ Us: www.twitter.com/swanattetsworth

Tetsworth

Recent Sale Results

ANTIQUES CENTRE RESTAURANT Centre in the UK

LES

day of every month EVERY TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY - 5:00pm

A 19th Century French Circular Champlevé Enamelled and Four Glass Mantle Dial.

Sold For £2450.00 2.

A VERY RARE CHINESE ZITAN AND ROSEWOOD WAISTED TABLE - The carved

open work border, in the form of a twisted rope, inset with jade discs and raised on plain turned legs, a related table in open work, with the same rope twist and similar jade disc design, along the narrow waist of a Zitan table is in the Qing Court Collection, dated to the Qianlong period, illustrated in furniture of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the palace museum, Hong Kong, 2002, page

ointment)

Hayes (pictured left) or Tom Keane (pictured right) also be arranged.

104, number 42.

Sold for £19000.00 3.

ATTRIBUTED TO A DESIGN GUILLAUME BENNEMAN.

A late 18th/19th Century Desserte Jardinière, The Rouge Marble and Mahogany (Reversible) Top, with Cast Pierced Gilt Bronze Gallery, above Panels Centered with Roundels and Figured with a Classical Scene. The Turned Tapering Legs Entwined with Gilt Vines. 3

Sold For £9500.00

E: fineart@theswan.co.uk or antiques@theswan.co.uk

News & Events... Run the Oxford Parks. If you fancy a new outdoor activity this Spring,

why not give orienteering a go. Thames Valley Orienteering Club is organising a series of events around Oxford starting on Saturday 14 February at Hill End Outdoor Centre, west of Botley. You can run, jog or just walk - no experience is necessary to have a go and there will be several courses available, for newcomers, runners, families and children. If you’ve never tried orienteering before, it’s essentially a race to find a series of checkpoints around your chosen course. They’re marked by flags on the ground and you’ll register each one with an electronic timing chip to record your progress, and prove you’ve been to each one! The challenge is to choose your own route between the checkpoints, using a detailed orienteering map. At an elite level, orienteering is a competitive running sport involving long cross country runs across tough terrain. However, there are always shorter courses for all abilities at each event. The introductory Oxford courses will range from 1km to 5km and normally take around 30 to 75 minutes to complete, depending how competitive you want to be. When you return to the finish,

your timing chip will be downloaded and you will receive a print out of your split times between checkpoints. “We’re really excited to be holding our Run the Oxford Parks series of events again” said Mike Shires from TVOC. “Our last series of events around Oxford attracted over 800 people, including runners keen for an extra mental challenge as well as lots of families and children. The courses are ideal for anyone to come and have a go and it’s very easy to take part.” The series of events is supported by Oxford City Council. No experience is necessary and plenty of help will be available for newcomers. The full list of events is: • • • •

Saturday 14 February - Hill End Saturday 14 March - Cutteslowe Park Saturday 11 April - Shotover Country Park Saturday 16 May - University Parks

The cost is £6.00 for adults and groups, or £2.00 for juniors. Just come along on the day between 10:00am - 11.30am and don’t forget your sense of adventure! More details are available at TVOC’s website at www.tvoc.org.uk, on Facebook at www.facebook. com/tvoclub or by email at publicity@tvoc.org.uk.

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Home & Garden...

JB Tree Services

Fully insured, established 1996 All aspects of Tree Work undertaken Felling Dead Wooding Pruning Stump Grinding Logs and wood chip for sale Experienced NPTC qualified tree surgeons

01844 217989 | 07771 784090 E: info@jbtreeservices.co.uk W: www.jbtreeservices.co.uk

To advertise, call 01844 281013 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk

Home & Garden...

SAME DAY SKIP HIRE AND

Building and Landscaping Contractors • • • • • • • • •

GRAB SERVICE

www.bucksrecycling.co.uk

OOSTER CONSTRUCTION

Extensions General Building Excavations Drainage Landscaping Carpentry Driveways Brickwork Paving

T: 01494 481735

E: robwooster@btinternet.com

MARSHALL LANDSCAPES & BUILDING CONTRACTORS Landscaping General Building Groundwork Construction

- Garden Construction / Tree - Lawn - Hedge Cutting - Fencing - Garden Clearance - Drainage - Conservatories - Shed & Garage Bases - Patios - Driveways Extensions & Conservatories Constructed -

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Home & Garden...

Altom Tree Care Ltd Tree Felling Height Reductions Stump Grinding Landscaping - Fencing Grass/Hedge Cutting Paddock Mowing Maintenance Contracts

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Home & Garden...

Feather their nests...

National Nest Box Week, 14th-21st February Did you know that there is a National Nest Box Week? This year it takes place from 14th-21st February. The event is organised by the British Trust for Ornithology. The idea started in 1997 following fears about birds losing their natural nest sites because of lots of trees being cut down, old buildings disappearing, gardens being ‘tidied’ and old houses being repaired.

The Trust wants us to put up nest boxes so that

we can protect the wildlife we have, and encourage even more birds to come into our gardens. It is estimated that there are now over 5 million nest boxes in the UK designed to help everything from Robins to Owls. Different types of nesting box attract different birds. So in a box with small holes, you might get Blue Tit’s, Nuthatches, Redstarts or House Sparrows. Boxes with larger holes may encourage Starlings, Spotted Woodpeckers and perhaps even Little Owls; and in very big boxes you might see Kestrels, Jackdaws, Stock Doves and Tawny Owls. There are also open fronted boxes which appeal to Robins, Spotted Flycatcher and Pied Wagtails.

February is an ideal time to put boxes up, because pairs of small birds prosper towards the end of the month.You are also helping however if you put boxes up at any time of year, although 1 August to the 31 January is the time under Bird Protection Law when nests can be cleaned out, and any dead eggs found destroyed.

Handy Hints for siting your nest boxes: Do not put nest boxes of the same type close to each other. Open fronted boxes should be hidden from view. Make sure cats cannot get into the boxes. Boxes should be sheltered from the weather. Keep the boxes away from bird feeders. Place between 1 and 5 metres high Use screws that will not rust Consider putting a metal plate around the hole to deter squirrels.

Imagine how lovely it would be to watch the birds going in and out of your boxes and hopefully some young ones hatching there. If you are careful and quiet, you can even peek inside the box from time to time when the eggs are incubating, as most birds will sit tight. If you want to count the eggs, observe in the early morning and wait until the female bird ﬂies off for a quick meal. You can choose to buy some nest boxes from your local pet store or garden centre, or make some. Instructions for building boxes are available on many internet sites including www.bto.org. the British Trust for Ornithology site.

By Susan Brookes-Morris.

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Home & Garden...

Tree Surgery Landscaping Fencing T: 01844 698924 M: 07867 522984 Free No Obligation Quote Tree Surgery

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Health & Wellbeing Give your nails the star treatment...

This month we

bootiful beauty wellbeing pampering

Love Rach are going to look at giving ael x yourself a proper ‘at home’ manicure. So many people simply slap on some nail varnish and when in a real hurry there is always a time and a place for that. However, by taking a bit of time to properly prepare your nails before painting the result will be a much nicer finish and also a manicure that lasts longer. A Step by Step guide t the perfect ‘at home manicure’: 1) Cleanse the nail with nail varnish remover even if you don’t have any nail varnish on the nail. Make sure you get into the corners to remove all trace of varnish. 2) File the nail, from the outside to the middle and then repeat on the other side of each nail. 3) Buff the nails with a buffer to improve circulation to the nail as well as add shine. 4) Apply a cuticle cream. Rub this into the cuticles and then soak one hand at a time in warm water. This is to help soften the cuticle area which makes the next step easier. 5) Dry your hands with a clean towel and apply cuticle remover. Then with a hoof stick gently push back the cuticles. 6) Next, carefully use a pair of nippers to remove the excess cuticle that has been pushed back. Be careful at this stage not to totally remove all the cuticle around the nail as it performs an important function of keeping bacteria out of the nail. 7) You should then apply cuticle oil to the area and rub in well. Remove any excess oil or grease from then nail with a cotton wool pad soaked in nail polish remover. 8) You are now ready to apply the nail polish. Firstly apply a good base coat, this helps to avoid staining the nail and also improves the appearance of the finished effect.When applying your chosen colour wipe of any excess polish and start in the middle of the nail plate. Push the brush up to the cuticle but leave a small gap so the colour is not touching it. Then do the same to the left side and the right. Apply 2 coats of your chosen colour (you may need another coat for a particularly dark colour) then apply a clear top coat. This gives a really professional finish and helps to protect against chipping and peeling, so your manicure will last longer.

• • • • • • • •

Manicures Pedicures Gel Nails Waxing Facials Eyebrow Tinting Eyelash Tinting And more

www.rachaelparrey-bootiful.co.uk info@rachaelparrey-bootiful.co.uk 01844 261541 | 07841 479444

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

9) Always make sure you apply cuticle oil at least once a day.

23 Upper High Street, Thame, OX9 3EX

Following these steps will help your nails look fantastic for much longer.

www.thametherapyclinic.co.uk

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Health & Wellbeing

The power of massage & acupuncture... If you are looking for a dynamic way to tone up your muscles after a flabby, sedentary January, then Poppy Bowler could be the right person for you.

Poppy has been working at Thame Therapy Clinic as a Sports and Remedial Masseuse for the past 4 years. She has now qualiﬁed in Traditional Acupuncture from the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Reading, and is offering new, exciting treatment combinations at the clinic. Both Acupuncture and Sports Massage therapies can be used to promote mental and physical relaxation which is the precursor to keeping muscles strong but ﬂexible.

Would you like to move more easily with less eﬀort? Speciﬁc muscular complaints can also be addressed with either Acupuncture or Sports Massage. This will be very useful for you if you train regularly and need a quick, drug free way of treating acute injuries or tight muscles. Or you may just need a

way of maintaining fitness and mobility as part of your programme of wellbeing and weight control. What ever you need this is a powerful but gentle way of staying mobile and well. Hands-on massage is often enough to keep the body fit and flexible. If not, then Acupuncture can offer so much more for muscular skeletal health than just needles.You may be given cupping (moving suction cups over the body), quasha ( gentle scrapping and toning of the skin), tuina (manual massage techniques ), or moxibustion (applying heated herbs to energy points on the body ). Acupuncture is of course also useful for the diagnosis and treatment of physical pains which have a deeper organ based source.

** SPECIAL OFFER ** Throughout February Poppy will be offering 10% OFF an initial consultation for all new clients. Come and get toned up and chilled out!

For more information: Visit: www.thametherapyclinic.co.uk Call: 01844 215555

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Health & Wellbeing...

Owner of Weights the Gym in Chinnor, Tracey Gardner, gives us an insight into her inspirational weight loss story and why she feels she can help anyone achieve their fitness goal.

As someone who has always battled with my weight I know exactly how it feels to be unhappy in your own skin. I struggled as a teenager and young woman to manage my weight and when I tipped the scales at 18 ½ then proceeded to stay at that weight for over 3 years I knew I had to do something. I decided I needed to start exercising and change my eating habits, which was a huge challenge for me as I love my food. I felt nervous about attending a gym as I feared I would be ridiculed and judged if my fitness levels didn’t match up to the other hard-core, fitness fanatics I pictured in a fitness centre. I needn’t have worried though as Weights the Gym presented

I took over the gym in 2002 and since then have built up a clientele of people from all walks of life ranging from 14 to 90 in age, all with a common goal of achieving and maintaining a healthier lifestyle in a friendly & sociable atmosphere. We can create individual ﬁtness programmes to suit a clients needs and offer a wide variety of membership levels designed to suit your budget and ﬁt around your schedule. Or you could opt for our pay-as-yougo option giving you the freedom of coming to the gym at your leisure without being tied into a contract that might not be suitable for your needs. Private personal training sessions are available where the client gets sole use of the gym. It always gives me great pleasure helping people train to achieve their personal goals so do get in touch if my story sounds familiar to your own.

Pay o As You G from only

£3.90n a sessio

GET IN SHAPE NEW

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Why choose Weights Gym..?

itself as a friendly, welcoming environment where I could work-out at my own pace. With hard work and determination combined with a healthy diet cutting down on carbs and fat, I lost 9 ½ stone within a year, halving my dress size from a 22 to 10. It took strong willpower but I have always said if I can do it anyone can.

YEAR

WEIGHTS GYM 24 Church Road, Chinnor

01844 751710 www.weightsgym.com 32

Improve your health & fitness Lose body weight & fat Tone up & define muscle Cardiovascular equipment To advertise, call 01844 281013 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk

Health & Wellbeing

Call Sam:

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07921 928404 Monday’s

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Guardianship Wills • • •

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Health & Wellbeing

Aches, Pains and Fatigue?

Do you: • Suﬀer from chronic aches and pains, and / or restricted range of movement? •

Find that GP prescribed pain relieving medications have no eﬀect?

•

Have concerns that medical investigations such as X-rays and scans show no abnormalities, but you remain worried about your health?

•

Feel tired, unmotivated and have a poor sleep pattern?

•

Suﬀer from headaches?

•

Have a sluggish or over active digestion?

•

Worry that your lifestyle i.e. work, leisure, exercise etc are compromised?

•

Feel stressed, depressed or generally unhappy?

If you answer yes to any of these questions you may beneﬁt from Bowen Therapy. In this article, Therapist Jen Webster explains how her treatment may help change your life. Many of my clients make an appointment in desperation, usually presenting with a painful back, shoulder or neck for example, or with a speciﬁc concern that has not been resolved despite constant visits to the doctors. Without exception lifestyle is affected. A Bowen Treatment includes sensitive questioning, including taking a full medical history, this often reveals further issues and concerns that can be effectively dealt with during a course of treatments. The aim is to achieve sustainable improvements, both physically and mentally, therefore allowing the client to resume a full and active life.

During a session the therapist is not trying to make the body change, but prompting the body to make it’s own changes. The body, therefore, does most of the work itself.

How is this achieved? This hands on approach works deeply on the fascia layer - an important structure of connective tissue that surrounds muscles, nerves, bloods vessels and indeed, all structures under your skin, including all the organs. The fascia binds some structures together and allows others to glide smoothly over each other. By stimulating this vital layer the tissues are able to effectively process nutrients, water and nerve signals thereby promoting the healing process.

For further information please contact;

The best compliment that I receive is when clients come back after a month or two for a Bowen ‘ top up’ treatment saying, ‘Thank you, I now have my life back.’

Jen Webster (BSc, Cert ECBS, Adv NST, MBTPA, CNHC reg.) Bowen Therapist at The White House. Upper High Street, Thame

About Bowen Therapy

M: 07768 188664 E: info@jenwebsterbowen.com W: www.jenwebsterbowen.com

The Bowen Technique is a unique and highly effective, gentle hands-on treatment. It is attuned to the holistic approach to health and wellbeing where the body’s natural balance is recognised as being fundamental to enjoying good health.

Note: Bowen Therapy is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.

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Education...

‘There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.’ So said Jackie Kennedy Onassis.

n support of this philosophy, more than 100 countries worldwide will be commemorating World Book Day on Thursday 5th March. This year marks the eighteenth anniversary of the event, which is designed to encourage children to explore the pleasure of books and reading. Thanks to National Book Tokens and a selection of book publishers and booksellers, World Book Day, in partnership with schools all over the country, will be distributing more than 14 million £1.00 World Book Day book tokens to children (that’s almost one for every child/young person under 18 in the UK and Ireland). When you get your book token, all you need to do is to take it to your local bookshop (Participating bookshops can be found on the World Book Day website) and swap it for one of the ten books pictured (exclusive, new and completely free) for just £1.00! Or, if you’d prefer, you can use your book token to get

£1.00 off any full price book instead. There are many beneﬁts to encouraging a healthy attitude towards reading from an early age. The main one is that it exercises the brain. “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body,” stated Joseph Addison. It improves concentration, builds vocabulary, develops

imagination, teaches about the wider world, is a great form of entertainment and helps relax and calm the body and mind. So, enlarge not only your child’s world but your own too, by discovering the joy of books! www.worldbookday.com The World Book Day Book Tokens are valid from 2nd March—29th March 2015.

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St. Valentine is not the only saint who has a dedicated day in February. Can you find him and the others in the grid...?

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...Why not try something new?

Rent an Office Hire a Desk Take a Virtual HQ

Enjoy the flexibility of a 1 month contract. Capacity from 1 person to 15. Use a workstation with broadband by the hour, day or week. We handle your mail and telephone calls. You use our meeting room and facilities as you need them

Watlington Business Centre, Coaching House, Watlington, Oxfordshire, OX49 5PX Tel: 01491 613311 Fax: 01491 613187 Email: info@watlingtonbusinesscentre.co.uk