Local ook
01844 281013
FREE
7,000 copies printed every month & delivered to homes & businesses in your area.
JANUARY 2016 Issue 41.
PEARSON INSURANCE SERVICES Your Local Insurance Brokers
Friendly, helpful & free advice from award-winning brokers on your doorstep.
01844 260936
7 Swan Walk, Thame, OX9 3HN
www.pearson-insurance.co.uk Authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
PHOENIX ELECTRICAL FOR SALES, SERVICE & ADVICE
BMW & Mercedes SPECIALISTS Est. over 20 years specialising in repair & Maintenance
- Exhausts - Air Conditioning - Local Breakdown & collection - Brakes - Servicing - Full | Interim | Winter - Diagnostic Testing - 01844 260088 Key Services:
Unit 7 | Station Yard | Thame | OX9 3UH
40 Oakley Road, Chinnor, OX39 4ES
Tel: 01844 353388 Email: johnnixey@btconnect.com
• • • • • •
Free Delivery Free Connection
(Gas & Built-In, chargeable)
Free Disposal of old machines (Refrigeration: a small charge applies)
Station Yard, Thame Tel: 01844 260477 Bosch Car Service Centre Mot’s including Class VII (3.5 tonnes) Service, Repairs, Tyres, Exhausts Now off Air Conditioning ering 4 Whe Diagnostics el Alignme FREE Courtesy Car nt Check
s
The perfect setting for
Valentines Weekend Book early to avoid disappointment.
PRGC. Lee Road, Saunderton Lee HP27 9NX www.prgc.co.uk www.no10restaurant.com
Call:
01844 344242
Friday 12th Feb Join us for an evening of Vintage Jazz & Swing with Kitty Mazinsky* Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th Feb Lover's set Valentine’s Day Menu – Bookings now being taken * Kitty will also be playing on Friday 15th January
Valentines Day Open Mixed Texas Scramble Golf competition. All welcome. To enter call 01844346989
01844
281777
THE SWAN AT TETSWORTH
Wishing you a Happy New Year
Voted best antiques centre in the UK on numerous occasions.
Why not pay us a visit and find out why! Ample Free Car Parking French Restaurant on site
JANUARY 2016 AUCTION DATES Thursday 7th January at Noon Thursday 21st January at Noon Viewings on the Tuesday & Wednesday prior to the sale from 10:30am – 5:00pm.
Opening Hours
10am-6pm (including Sundays & Bank Holidays) High Street | Tetsworth | Nr Thame | Oxon | OX9 7AB
www.theswan.co.uk | antiques@theswan.co.uk
January 2016
S. COOK FIREWOOD QUALITY SEASONED, BARN STORED HARDWOOD
Please call Sam for prompt delivery
07453 896 869 Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.
03
Welcome
Hello Readers, HAPPY NEW YEAR to you! We hope that you are suitably full on mince pies (& if your anything like me, pleased to see the back of them), the festive plonk has all been consumed and your ready to start with the detox.
12 26 Contents
06. Motoring: Tim Barnes-Clay test drives the Jeep Renegade ‘Night Eagle’ on location in Sicily. 07. Motoring: Be prepared this winter. 08. Fashion Fix: Be a Savvy Sale Shopper with Jo Baldwin-Trott brings 12. Health & Wellbeing: Destress at Thame Therapy Clinic with Holistic Massage. 13. Health & Wellbeing: B:Fit in 2016. 14. Health & Wellbeing: A happy & healthy New Year from Bowen Therapist, Jen Webster. 16. News & Events 24. Editorial Feature: The Big Garden Birdwatch. 25. Test your brain: Suduko 26. In the Kitchen: Tassy Bakes cooks up an upside down cake with a difference. 28. A Good Read: The Soup Cleanse & The Healthy Cookbook for kids. 29. Business Matters with Mark Tubb: How to reward good work and incentivise. 30. Editorial Feature: Happy Chinese New Year.
04
January presents us with a chance to start over, to refresh and rejuvenate and to make promises & resolutions to ourselves (which let’s face it, by February will have most probably gone out of the window, but still its good to have the opportunity to try). As you will notice, Look Local Magazine has undergone a bit of a makeover in the form of a fresh colour scheme and contemporary new logo - we hope you like it! Whilst on the subject of makeovers, the new year is a great time to de-clutter, mainly to make room for all the new items received into your household over the festive period, but also to give yourself that feeling of a fresh start. The perfect place to start would be your wardrobe as I bet the majority of us have outfits in there that we haven’t seen the light of day since the millennium but we are saving for that ‘just in case’ moment. Realistically, if you haven’t worn it for a couple of months, chances are you’re not going too. And wouldn’t it be nice to have the space to fill it with some lovely new items purchased in the January Sales. If you need a bit of help doing this, turn to our FASHION FIX feature on page 8 as Jo’s talks you through Wardrobe Weeding and becoming a Sale Shopper extraordinaire . We also have lots of health related features in this month’s issue to help start you on the right path for 2016. B:Fit offer Pilates and a new fitness regime called Ballet Barre. Turn to page 13 for more. If 2016 is your year for tackling your business marketing head on you might want to try advertising in our magazine or talking to me about the other areas of your business such as Social Media, Web Design and Printing. All of these services I offer via my sister company, PRIME Communications. Until next month, enjoy reading.
Love Emma & Mike xx
Emma Penfold | Editor | 07707 386034 E: info@look-localmagazine.co.uk W: www.look-localmagazine.co.uk For Advertising contact Mike Bradley on 01844 281013. /LookLocalMagazine
/LookLocalMag
FEBRUARY 2016 ISSUE DEADLINE: Friday 15th January 7,000 copies of Look Local Magazine are printed on a monthly basis and delivered to households in Adwell, Aston Rowant, Bledlow Ridge, Chalgrove, Chinnor, Clare, Crowell, Great Haseley, Great Milton, Henton, Kingston Blount, Kingston Stert, Lewknor, Little Milton, Milton Common, Postcombe, Pyrton, Stoke Talmage, Sydenham, Tetsworth, Towersey and Watlington. In addition, the magazine can also be picked up from businesses in these areas and also Thame.
All material appearing in this publication is reproduced as supplied. Although every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers/printers cannot accept responsibility for the content of this publication. All artwork is accepted on the understanding that the description of goods and services are fair and accurate and permission has been given for use in this publication. Inclusion of advertisements does not imply endorsement by the publisher or printer. No part of this publication may be reproduced.
To advertise, call 01844 281013 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk
January 2016
WANTED
We require reliable people to deliver Look Local Magazine monthly to the following areas;
Chalgrove Chiselhampton Chinnor Stadhampton Call 01844 281013
for more information.
roselle@outofthedoghouse.co.uk
We are a small, efďŹ cient and friendly party hire company based just outside Thame.Your hire will be delivered, polished and ready for use, the day before your function and collected unwashed the following day. Prices start from 18p per item with a ÂŁ12.50 delivery charge to Thame and surrounding villages. Please contact Lucy on 07768 351445 Caroline on 07814 755484 Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.
05
MOTORING :EXCLUSIVE... Jeep Renegade ‘Night Eagle’ on location in
Sicily.
By Tim BarnesClay, road test Journalist for Confused.com.
The Jeep was made for battle. In 1940, the looming U.S. involvement in World War II pushed the army to appeal for a new vehicle appropriate for war. And so the Jeep - a workin-progress vehicle - relentlessly evolving on its open patent, tailoring to shifting demands of combat, was produced - and sent overseas to the hostilities.
T
he Jeep name itself is infused with folklore, but the label is most likely derived from GP, or General Purpose, which may have been the initial moniker of the military-design vehicle. Indisputable, however, is Jeep’s far-reaching saga. It’s quite literally a narrative of movement: U.S. soldiers across European borders during World War II; women working on Jeep assembly lines, President Roosevelt sitting in a Jeep in front of lines of black American soldiers. Fast forward seven decades and, on the eve of the 75th anniversary of the first Jeep, I was invited to Sicily to sample Jeep as it is now – and as it will be. The line-up of Jeep concept cars being showcased at the company’s ‘You Don’t Drive it, You Live it’ Italian event perfectly underlined the brand’s natural synergy with customisation, and the desire for personalisation that the brand inspires. Vehicles were on hand for us to drool over and try out around the Italian island, which, by the way, is home to Europe’s highest active volcano, Mount Etna. They demonstrated how Jeep can meet the requests of customers looking for a unique look, combined with the legendary capabilities of the American brand. Hero of the firm’s extreme aesthetic treatment is, perhaps, the Renegade. Launched in September 2014, the model has expanded the Jeep global vehicle line-up massively. By entering the growing small sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment, while staying true to the fun-and-freedom lifestyle Jeep is known for, the Renegade delivers something special. It offers a blend of best-in-class off-road capability, open-air freedom and convenience. The result is an efficient vehicle offered to attract an adventurous customer to the Jeep marque. Taking it up a level is the new ‘Night Eagle’ special edition. Designed to enhance the bold design of the Renegade, it is based on the Longitude mid-range trim. It features black styling cues with satinfinished grey elements - such as the ‘Jeep’ badge on the front grille, the fog light frames, the roof bars and the dedicated badge, combined with exclusive 17” black alloy rims. What’s more, this special edition introduces a new matte paintwork, appropriately named Volcano Sand, which was on the model I
06
@carwriteups
drove. It complements the other four available colours: Carbon Black, Alpine White, Glacier Silver and Solar Yellow. The Volcano Sandliveried Renegade Night Eagle sports a 2.0 diesel 140 engine, combined with a six speed manual transmission and Active Drive 4x4 system. On the inside, a leather steering wheel, exclusive fabric seats with electric lumbar adjustment on the driver’s seat, UConnect with five inch screen, manual climate control system, cruise control and rear parking sensors make for a highly comfortable and technological ambiance. There is an instant charm to the Renegade’s driving behaviour. Thanks to light pedals and its high driving position, from where you can see the swollen American-style bonnet, the Jeep feels authoritative and yet user-friendly. The engine pulls vigorously, although it becomes harsh beyond 3,000rpm. However, this doesn’t matter, because it’s a bona fide resilient off-roader first and foremost, and so sounding tough is part of the appeal. Undeniably, the Renegade is the most capable small SUV on the rough stuff. It’s also a top family motor because the seats are wide and there is ample room for four people. Additionally, the Renegade has a far more appealing character than most cars of its ilk. What’s more, it sports a stout interior design and wide-opening doors that allow good space for fitting child seats. It is expected that a limited number of Night Eagle models will be produced in 2016, so if you’re interested, visit your local Jeep dealer quickly!
To advertise, call 01844 281013 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk
Motoring
BethisPrepared winter
As the weather begins to change, it is key to ensure the condition of your vehicle, in particular your tyres, are road worthy. Icy roads are dangerous because tyres find it harder to grip, it is therefore of paramount importance to ensure your tyres are over the 3mm tread depth. 30% more traffic accidents happen in the winter months. So, before setting off on any journey please check your tyres by using the checklist below, it could just save your life.
Tyre Checklist: •
Damage to the tyre walls - cuts, cracks or bulges could lead to slow punctures or blow-outs at high speeds so should be dealt with immediately.
•
Make sure your tyres have plenty of tread to help reduce your stopping distance. A tread depth of 3mm or more will give your tyres more grip in the snow and ship away any extra water lying on the road.
•
You should always check your tyre pressure when the tyres are cold. Your vehicle handbook will have the recommended pressure for your tyres. Under driving conditions the tyres will warm up and give you a false pressure reading.
CASTLE MOTORS Motoring made easy
01844 352135
www.castlemotorschinnor.com Workshop at Manor Farm, Chinnor Hill, OX39 4BG
Service, Repairs, Valeting MOT work & welding Batteries, Exhausts, Diagnostics
Towbars, Trailers, Horseboxes Commercial up to 7.5 tonnes
Family Run, Established in 1980 Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.
07
FashioN
FIX Wardrobe Weeding & Savvy Sale Shopping! SALE YOURSELF SHORT
If you can hang out until a week or two into the sales the prices will really drop especially in the big department stores as they really want to shift the stock from their storerooms. If you are after an ‘out of season’ bargain, for a wedding for example, go early as these items fly off the rails. The January sales are a great time to buy certain items and to maximise the cut-down prices. The items to really focus on snapping up in the sales are the FASHION PIECES which were a bit too hot for the high street this season but guaranteed that next winter they will be uber popular.
Are you a ‘Sales-Scourer’ or a ‘Bag any Bargain’ shopper?
BLANKET COATS are guaranteed to be here to stay. My fave’s this year were New Look’s Wrap Front Coat in rust or burgundy, Burberry’s which comes in various colours, Stella McCartney’s mohair & yak wool version and Very’s Finished Coat. STYLE TIP: For the longer hem length wear with skinny jeans or short skirts & thick tights. For knee length coats add medium to high-heeled boots, ankle are good or knee high for a 70’s look.
“What item should every man have in his wardrobe? A good tie. Preferably a great tie!” Idris Elba.
For really great ties made with silk or wool go to Hackett, Hawes & Curtis and
Thomas Pink (pictured) for the best selections and modern as well as traditional designs.
I couldn’t agree more and as mentioned in my previous feature ties are making a come back. This is great news as it’s an instant way to add colour and brightness to your dark suit or jacket (they look great with jeans, too!) So, join www.mortsandmore.com in their #BRINGBACKTIES CAMPAIGN!
08
To advertise, call 01844 281013 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk
Happy New Red Monkey Year... I hope you all had a wonderful, warm and stress-free Christmas! I personally find January a bit of a gloomy month (being a summer person both on a clothing palette and literally) but luckily there are a few things which help me to keep busy post-festive period: my children’s birthday (I have twins!), having a good clear out in my wardrobe and for some reason my garage; and starting a new hobby. This year (although not until February 8th to be precise) is the Chinese year of the (red) monkey, which apparently will be a good year for financial growth and assessment. What better way to start than with your own wardrobe! Working out your ‘cost per wear’ is one of the key ways to help you sort out the unwanted. As well as some help with wardrobe weeding this month’s feature provides helpful hints for successfully surviving the sales. Armed with these tips hopefully you’ll be prepared for the busiest time in the stores. And if you’re not a sales fan then maybe it’s time for a new hobby! I’m looking forward to starting mine! Have a jolly January, with love, Jo xx
W
ARDROBE EED
Ideally you open your wardrobe to get dressed and have a happy feeling of being able to choose a perfect outfit in colour and style from your blended wardrobe. If, however, it’s more likely that you scour, scorn and procrastinate then it’s time for a WARDROBE RE-VAMP and time to do some weeding. Go through your clothes, shoes and coats and ask yourself the following questions: •
WHEN did I last wear this - If it is more than a year ago, there’s a good reason why so say goodbye.
•
HOW do I feel wearing this - if you know it’s a bit tight and creates discomfort or it drains you and the shape doesn’t work then why keep it, bag it instead.
•
WHAT is it’s COST PER WEAR - if it cost £80 from French Connection and you’ve only worn it once and never felt like wearing it again then it’s cost you £80 per wear, compared to your M&S jumper you have worn with everything and anything, costing maybe a bargain £2 per wear. More importantly every time you look at the FC item you’ll feel guilty that it was a waste of money and that you haven’t worn it which instantly creates a negative feeling. Choosing your clothes should be a positive start to your day!
Finally, If you are trying to lose weight in the new year then I would advise taking out the smaller clothes which don’t fit, put them away in a suitcase and leave only the clothes that you can wear and fit into right now. Constantly seeing the clothes for the ‘slimmer you’ is for most people demoralising and again creates a negative feeling. Buy a few new items of CLEVER CLOTHING which you can wear and feel good in now. Not only will you look good but they will also be wearable when you do loose weight.
20%
OFF
WARD R & CO OBE RE-V LOUR A ANAL MP YSIS Quote : Lo bookin ok Local on g to c laim!
If you would like any help in WARDROBE WEEDING, STYLING for clever clothing or with discovering your colour please get in touch with Jo.
www.colourfirst.eu | 07866 679931 | info@colourfirst.eu Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.
09
Health & Wellbeing
DISCOVER COLOUR, DISCOVER CONFIDENCE “The best colour is the one that looks best on YOU!” Coco Chanel
The Ultimate Colour and Style Experience Personal Shopping | Wardrobe Re-vamp Colour Analysis Cosmetic Consultation Vouchers available for all services
Contact Jo Baldwin-Trott
SPEC
IAL
OFFE
R 20% O FF RE-VA a WARDR O MP & COLO BE ANAL YSIS UR
07866 679931
info@colourfirst.eu | www.colourfirst.eu
10
To advertise, call 01844 281013 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk
Health & Wellbeing
Thame
Therapy Clinic Complementary Health Therapies from Experienced Practitioners
01844 215555 / 261592 23 Upper High Street, Thame, OX9 3EX www.thametherapyclinic.co.uk
Therapies include Reexology Acupuncture Counselling Osteopathy Homeopathy Holistic Massage Thai Massage and more...
Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.
11
Health & Wellbeing
NEW YEAR new you!
A New Year is upon us once more which is when we look forward and make plans for the future; to do better, to be more, to take control of lives but despite following the season of giving, it is a time where we rarely think about giving to ourselves. Holistic Massage could hold the key to a better you. Here Lara Roberts , of Thame Therapy Clinic explains more about how this form of complementary therapy can give you an all over feeling of wellbeing.
W
e often use the promise of a new year and a new start to decide to cut down on the things that we overindulge in, usually due to stress. We stop the smoking, the drinking, the late-night McDonalds binges, but we don’t replace them with a positive alternative, we don’t decide to self-manage and combat the cause. We know that stress is a killer as we see the toll it takes on our friends and family. We hear about how it raises levels of inflammation within the body, about how it affects our hearts and antagonises pre-existing conditions. We put up with the IBS and the heartburn and the other little ‘niggles’ our day-to-day stresses cause, and we ignore it. In a recent study it was revealed that 60 to 80% of all primary care doctor’s visits are related to stress but that only 3% of patients received stress management help (JAMA Intern Med. 2013;173(1):76-77). I therefore propose a different new year’s resolution this year; one of loving and making time for the self and allowing ourselves a regular space to de-stress, of looking after the whole self and not just our lungs / liver / stomach.
This is the premise behind the concept of Holistic Massage Therapy. Holistic massage uses the idea that the mind and different parts of the body all affect each other and therefore believes that treating the whole is more beneficial and constructive than merely treating a problem area. It takes into account the entire person within treatment, from emotional and mental influences to everyday lifestyle choices and physical posture. It is the backbone behind a centuries old tradition of regular massage in the East; where massage is seen as a way of maintaining health rather than merely improving upon it. So when you make your new years resolution, rather than taking something away perhaps ask yourself - What should I give myself this year?
SPECIAL OFFER 10% OFF HOLISTIC MASSAGE booked in JANUARY with Lara Roberts at Thame Therapy Clinic
Lara runs clinics at Thame Therapy Clinic. For more information about Holistic Massage contact;
T: 01844 215555 | E: Lara.roberts@thametherapyclinic.co.uk
12
To advertise, call 01844 281013 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk
Health & Wellbeing
B:Fit
in 2016
We have made it into the New Year and the holiday season to-do list is complete, now is as good a time as ever to concentrate on your health and reassess your goals and lifestyle. There is countless evidence to show that exercise reduces stress levels and enhances wellbeing by boosting your immune system, boosting blood flow and protecting your heart. A good workout can be far better than a strong coffee to awaken your senses and fill you with energy. B:Fit is close on hand to help you press the reset button
and to help you become the happiest and healthiest version of yourself.
B:Fit focuses on classes that strengthen, mobilise and rebalance the body, through Pilates and now new to the timetable Ballet Barre. Pilates is not only beneficial to your body but also your mind. The concentration and focus
involved in practicing Pilates correctly enables you to switch off from external stresses allowing you to finish a class not only more mobile, but also more relaxed. B:Fit offers a range of Pilates classes suitable for different abilities. The classes are small, resulting in you getting the most out of each class. 1:1 sessions are also available ensuring that your specific needs are met.
Ballet Barre is a fun and deceptively challenging workout based
around ballet moves and Pilates principles. The workout improves your cardiovascular stamina along with toning and sculpting each muscle group. Your bottom will lift, your thighs will get trimmer and your arms will become more defined. You do not need any previous dance or general exercise experience and all classes are entirely suitable for beginners. There’s still time to book into a B:Fit Class so make a fresh start and get in touch with Bonnie at B:Fit by email, phone or checkout the website for more details and the 2016 timetable.
bonniebfit@gmail.com // 07717 368656 // www.bfituk.com
Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.
13
Health & Wellbeing
A HAPPYto& HEALTHY NEW YEAR Look Local Readers! To readers who are unfamiliar with The Bowen Technique, I offer a brief explanation: Bowen Therapy is a hands-on soft tissue therapy. It is non invasive and non manipulative. Treatment takes place through clothing and each session lasts between 50 - 60 minutes. Bowen is a safe, gentle and effective treatment. It is suitable for men, women and children of all levels of health and fitness. Many issues may be addressed and, as every body is different, your concerns are identified during a consultation, which includes taking a full medical history. Over the last year I have been privileged to see many wonderful clients with diverse occupations and lifestyles: most recently I have seen 3 female professional gardeners; others include builders / farmers, a musician, sportsmen, those that are computer ‘bound’, those that drive long distances and elderly clients that care for sick relatives. Many come for treatment on a regular basis: Monthly, 6 weekly or even once every 3 months. This is a plan we make to ensure that past injuries and issues don’t reoccur, or, importantly are manageable given lifestyle constraints. With my Bowen/NST work I am keen to find a sustainable way for clients to enjoy a full and active life.
Bowen Therapy is not a substitute for medical advice and treatment.
My clients have ranged in age from a newborn baby to a sprightly 83-year-old lady. I have seen teenagers with sporting injuries, growing pains, chronic fatigue and hormone problems. To my absolute delight several ask their parents to book an appointment with me when THEY feel the need! I have seen mummies through pregnancy and (we believe) helped with conception for 2 ladies with infertility issues. Treatments are not just advised for those with acute, traumatic or sporting injuries but for those with complicated chronic conditions. Usually these people come to see me as a last resort having been through the medical system, with medication to take, no relief of symptoms and a debilitating lifestyle. The effectiveness of Bowen/NST can be outstanding, at the very least my clients report that sessions are deeply relaxing and restorative. The range of presenting problems, over this year has been vast; most commonly though have been both men and women presenting with back, neck and shoulder issues. In several cases Bowen Therapy has relieved the need for invasive medical intervention. There is a time and a place, however, that clients need to get expert medical advice and over the last year I have written referral letters to help speed up a clients pathway through the NHS. I had a lovely note recently from a usually fit and active 40 year old who I met just before the birth of his first child. He was suffering with shoulder and back pain and had this to say;
“I wanted to thank you for helping me back to health. I was honestly in serious pain for 9 weeks, only when I met you did I start to feel an improvement. I would like to believe the Bowen Technique aided the healing and made me well enough to meet my daughter.”
For further information, contact: Jen Webster (BSc, Cert ECBS, Adv NST, MBTPA, CNHC reg.), Bowen Therapist at The White House,Upper High Street, Thame. T: 07768 188664 | E: info@jenwebsterbowen.com | W: www.jenwebsterbowen.com
14
To advertise, call 01844 281013 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk
Health & Wellbeing www.shapers-chinnor.co.uk
Hair & Beauty
01844 353838 OFF
Nails | Hair Make-Up | Tanning Beauty Treatments | Massage | Homeopathy Reflexology & more.
Revive ER tir this Ne ed skin w Year ! 25% O FF FACIA LS in
Gift Vouchers Available.
Januar y!
Opening Hours
Mon: Closed Tues - Thurs: 9:00am - 7:30pm Fri: 9:00am - 7:00pm Sat: 9.00am - 1.00pm
Vouchers also available. Robert House, 19 Station Road, Chinnor, OX39 4PU
BODY CONTROL
PILATES® Centre of Excellence for all your Foot Care needs Our friendly team of Podiatrists are qualified to treat a wide range of foot conditions
SPECIALIST TREATMENTS GAIT ANALYSIS – Orthoses and Insole prescriptions VERUCCAE – Needling and Cryotherapy FUNGAL NAILS – Photodynamic Therapy ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY– Electro Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) HOME VISITS are available Contact our clinic for further information or to make an appointment. Health and Care Professions Council Registered.
www.feet-first.org | 01844 261023 13a Upper High Street, Thame, OX9 3ER
Daytime & Evening Classes in Chinnor & Tetsworth. For more information and to book please contact Sam on masters_12@hotmail.com 07921 928404
Local ook
Advertise here from only £22.50 per month. Call: 01844 281013
Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.
15
NEWS in&our EVENTS region Chill out in the Chilterns this Summer
The Beacon Festival team hope you had a wonderful Christmas and wish you the very best for 2016.
D
on’t forget to put 17th & 18th June 2016 in your diary and come and ‘Chill out in the Chilterns’ at one of the best family music festivals in the area. If you’re reading this right now, it means you’re curious. So let us take you by the hand and lead you on a short journey through the festival, it will only take a minute. Imagine a sunset! You’re thinking the Bahamas, Mauritius maybe? Well what if we told you, that most beautiful sunset is much closer than you think, in fact right under your nose, here in Oxfordshire, near the longest day. Music is playing from the main stage, your child is sat on your shoulders blowing bubbles and the soap keeps dripping on your forehead but you don’t mind, it’s making you laugh, or you are having a drink with your mates, sitting on the hay
bales watching the bands. So you have put your tent up or opted for glam camping and now your ready to face the weekend and there is so much to do and see, not only bands and performers, kids zone, healing and wellbeing area, workshops, stalls, international food stands, local ciders and beers and even a cocktail bar with deckchairs. And then, there’s that sunset that we were talking about! It’s beautiful from this vantage point, just setting over the main stage and you can see for miles, you didn’t realise how far. Then they light the Beacon! And that smiles back again! We will be featuring regular Festival updates right here on our News Pages and on our Facebook page. We will also be teaming up with the festival once more. later this year, to offer you the change to WIN TICKETS, so stay tuned.
/beaconfestival or /looklocalmagazine
VILLAGE NEWS - Great Haseley The Great Haseley Village Hall Committee are delighted to report the success of The Winter Wonderland Ball which took place at the venue on Saturday 21st November in the ‘Winter Barn’! The event raised £885 for local charity, Helen & Douglas House Hospice. The remaining amount raised was contributed to funds for the Hall and The Tennis Courts. To see photos of this amazing event, or to find out about hiring the hall please visit www.facebook.com/GreatHaseleyVillageHall.
16
To advertise, call 01844 281013 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk
News & Events Upcoming Events at
Friday 15th Jan & Friday 12th Feb - Vintage Jazz & Swing Night with Kitty Mazinsky Sunday 14th Feb Special Set Valentine’s Day Menu Saturday 20th Feb Texas scramble- battle of the businesses Sunday 21st Feb Princes Risborough Texas scramble open
Thame receive special certificate at the Great British High Street Awards ceremony!
Thame
High Street was been officially recognised as a ‘Rising Star’ among British high streets, at a prestigious event held at Admiralty House, in Whitehall, London in November. The event was jointly hosted by the Minister for Local Government, Marcus Jones, and Executive Vice-President of Walgreens Boots Alliance and Simon Roberts, who are co-Chairs of the Government’s Future High Streets Forum, which instigated the Great British High Streets Awards. The judging panel said that the Rising Stars particularly impressed them ‘with their commitment to working together to bring new life into their high streets’ and of Thame in particular, special mention was made of its Neighbourhood Plan and for the way Thame
has ‘been put back on the map through the use of social media’. Two of Thame’s GB High Streets team, Helen Johns and Sonja Francis, were at Admiralty House to receive the award on behalf of the town, supported by Thame’s MP, John Howell (pictured above. Photo credit: Thame. net), who was instrumental in formulating the Government’s Neighbourhood Planning policy.
Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.
17
Home & Garden Planting design for garden borders and beds A specialist service if you want to rejuvenate existing garden borders, or would like a new border planted up. Planting plans designed using wide-ranging plant knowledge, to meet your requirements for seasonal or year-round colour, interest and form in your garden borders. Contact Susan: 07977 853522 besgardening@talktalk.net
HANDY MATT
07725 977852 • • • • • • •
Gardening Flat Pack Assembly Painting & Decorating Curtain Poles & Tracks TV Brackets & Shelving For a quote Shed & Garage Clearance Shed Assembly & Roof Repairs
CALL
TODAY
Royal Horticultural Society Diploma holder and registered member of The Gardeners Guild.
N. MARSHALL & SON
Carpenters and General Builders CARPENTRY
EXTENSIONS
RENNOVATIONS
ALTERATIONS
01844 698771 | 07818 456845 nmarshallnsons@hotmail.co.uk
SAME DAY SKIP HIRE AND
GRAB SERVICE
www.bucksrecycling.co.uk 18
To advertise, call 01844 281013 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk
Home & Garden
Tree Surgery Landscaping Fencing T: 01844 698924 M: 07867 522984 Free No Obligation Quote
Fully Insured and Qualified
Tree Surgery
Fencing
Planting | Crown Thining/Reduction Pollarding | Coppicing | Removals Stump Grinding | Hedge Cutting
Featheredge Panels Agricultural/Commercial Fencing Chain Link Fencing
LANDCARE GARDEN SERVICE Family business established 1985
Landscaping Patios & Paving Driveways Turfing Hedging Fencing Tree Pruning Garden Clearance
Call us: 01844 299486 07715 522087
HYDRAFLO PLUMBING & HEATING •
All gas, oil & LPG work undertaken
•
Boiler installations, breakdowns & servicing
•
Bathroom design, supply & install
•
System upgrades
•
Underfloor heating
•
Domestic & Commercial
01844 761923 | 07735 085664 hydrafo@outlook.com
Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.
19
Home & Garden
20
To advertise, call 01844 281013 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk
Home & Garden
Oil Boiler and Aga Servicing Breakdown Repair
01865 362743 07500 039234 Covering: Ayesbury, Chinnor,
Chalgrove, Haddenham, Long Crendon and surrounding areas. Don’t wait for something to go wrong until you take action! Web: www.elliott-oil.com Email: service@elliott-oil.com
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
Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.
21
Home & Garden
22
To advertise, call 01844 281013 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk
Home & Garden Free Phone: 0800 696 5526 Office: 01491 817831 Mobile: 07979 333199
Regatta Roofing Ltd.
FLAT ROOF & MOSS REMOVAL SPECIALISTS Moss Removal & Treatment
BEFORE
AFTER
Slating | Tiling | Flat Roofs | Lead Work | Chimney Re-pointing | Fascias Soffits | Guttering | Chimney Lead Work | Lead Step Flashing | New Roofs All Roofing Repairs - Free Estimates - All Work Guaranteed 24hr Emergency Call Out
regattaroofingltd@outlook.com
www.regattaroofingltd.co.uk
Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.
23
Home & Garden
Big Garden Birdwatch It started back in 1979 when the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) invited its junior members to count the number of birds in their gardens over a weekend in winter. The aim was to work out the ten most common birds in the United Kingdom, and thanks to children’s TV programme Blue Peter, thirty four thousand youngsters took part! The Big Garden Birdwatch has taken place every year since, with over half a million people – adults as well as children - regularly taking part. Last year, more than 8.5 million birds were counted, with house sparrows being the most common sighting, followed by starlings, blackbirds, blue tits and wood pigeons.
For more details on how to get involved, visit www.rspb.org. uk/discoverandenjoynature/ discoverandlearn/birdwatch
The annual survey has identified that certain species of bird are on the decline (such as house sparrows and starlings) whilst others are on the increase (for example blue tits and wood pigeons). By monitoring trends in this way, problems can be spotted early and first steps taken to put things right. This year the Big Garden Birdwatch takes place on the weekend of 30th and 31st January. To take part, you need to watch for one hour the birds that land in your garden or local park, record the highest number of each bird species you see at the same time (not over the entire hour, as you may end up counting some birds twice), then report back your findings.
24
To advertise, call 01844 281013 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk
January 2016 DAB HANDS
07551 941050
Painting & Decorating - Shelving Decking - Laminate Flooring Brickwork Fencing - Garden Maintenance & more... Call Richard or Email dabhands82@gmail.com No job too small - hourly rate for small jobs.
Suduko How to Play It’s Simple! Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition. You don’t need to be a genius. These puzzles use logic alone. Watch out though, Suduko is highly addictive! The solution can be found on our website and Facebook page (head there & give us a LIKE). Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.
25
IN THE KITCHEN with
For the topping (wh ich is actually placed in the bottom of the tin because you’re going to turn upside down to serve), you it will need:
Peanut Butter & Banana Upside Down Cake...
150g dark brown soft sug ar, large pinch sea salt, 60g butter, 3 ban anas, 50g milk chocolate and 50g whi te chocolate.
For the batter, you will nee
d:
100g butter, 2 heaped tbs p peanut butter, 2 very ripe banana s, 200g light brown sugar, 180ml natura l yoghurt, Recently in the midst of an unstoppable sugar craving, I gathered 4 eggs, 200g self raising flour, 1tsp some store cupboard ingredients, threw them together and came baking powder, 1 tsp bicarbo up with something so addictive it was consumed rather too nate soda, quickly. It’s hardly surprising that this bake is so tempting though; 1tsp mixed spice, 150g dark chocolate you can’t really go wrong with a banana and peanut butter sponge chips.
studded with chocolate and topped with a salted syrupy brown sugar mix.
I think this cake is really well suited to the season! Served warm with ice cream it makes for a perfect winter warmer on these cold evenings! Whisk thoroughly until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. Then stir through the chocolate chips.
Method for the topping: 1. 2.
Preheat the oven to 150c (fan) and grease a 22cm square tin. Place a square of greaseproof paper in the bottom of the tin. Gently melt the butter and brown sugar in a saucepan until syrupy. Sprinkle in the salt then pour into the square tin and swirl around until it is evenly coated. Slice the bananas in half and place face down in the tin on top of the syrup.
Method for the batter: 1.
Take a large mixing bowl and whisk together the butter, peanut butter, bananas, sugar and yoghurt until smooth.
2.
Add the eggs one at a time and whisk well into the mix (add a little of the flour if the mixture curdles).
3.
Sift the flour, baking powder,bicarbonate of soda and mixed spice into the bowl.
26
4.
Pour the cake batter over the brown sugar syrup and bananas in the prepared square tin and level out. Place on the middle shelf of the oven and bake for 50 minutes - 1 hour (or until golden brown & a skewer comes out with only moist crumbs attached).
5.
Once cooked, cool in the tin for a few minutes, then loosen the edges with a sharp knife and invert carefully onto a wire rack. You should be left with the syrupy-banana bottom as the top of your cake.
6.
Serve warm with ice cream or leave to cool and pair with creme fraiche.
By Tassy Goodall. For more of Tassy’s delicious bakes and recipes visit: www.tassybakes.com
To advertise, call 01844 281013 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk
Food & Drink
Dewani Shah’s Indian & Bangladeshi Cuisine
01844 260066
Take Away & Restaurant Free delivery within 8 miles* 10% discount on collection*
A 16th Century Inn with a contemporary twist Friday Nights
plays 60’s 70’s and 80’s with Adam.
Fresh Local Food
served Monday - Friday From Noon - 2.30pm & 6:30pm - 9:00pm
*Minimum order value applies
Ensuite bedrooms available to book
01844 260399 9 Upper High Street, Thame.
Boot The
Country Pub and Eating House
Relax.... Eat Well, Laugh Much, Drink Often.
Emma, Andy & thier Team welcome you to The Boot
Whether you’re looking for a family lunch or dinner, company celebration or a meal with friends, we have 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.
View our menu on our website: www.theboot-bledlowridge.co.uk
We look forward to seeing you soon..
01494 481499
theteam@theboot-bledlowridge.co.uk Chinnor Road, Bledlow Ridge, High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP14 4AW Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.
27
Book Review
The Soup Cleanse
– Angela Blatteis and Vivienne Vella
It’s that time of year when many of us feel a bit bloated and start to wish we maybe hadn’t eaten quite so many mince pies. The effects of a few too many glasses of wine and selection boxes, are all too apparent in our hair, skin and energy levels.
Detoxes can be a great way to get back on track, but most aren’t exactly pleasurable. Who wants to sip cold juices, or nibble on some lettuce when it’s so bloomin’ cold out? The Soup Cleanse is a great alternative. Choose from a range of detox programmes, starting at a one-day mini-cleanse, and lots of very tempting recipes, from Red Lentil and Caramelised Onion Soup to Pumpkin Miso Soup. Soups are a great way to get a real hit of veggies, providing lots of vitamins, minerals, fibre and protein, with no added ‘junk’. They’re usually low-calorie, so can help with weight loss, as well as helping you to detox and boost your energy. While the book focuses on soups, it does include other healthy meals, snacks and drinks. Baked Wild Salmon with Avocado, Ginger and Mango Salsa anyone? Unlike many health books, The Soup Cleanse is easy to read, and enjoyable. There’s no lecturing, or nagging, just great advice and 50 recipes to choose from.
The Healthy Cookbook
- Fiona Patchett
Trying to get children to eat healthily can be stressful, to say the least. It can feel that the healthier a meal is, and the longer it takes to prepare it, the less chance there is that the kids will eat it. One way to tempt them is to get them involved with the cooking. Kids are far likelier to eat something if they’ve had a hand in making it. There are a few healthy kids’ cookbooks on the market, but one of the best has to be the Usbourne Healthy Cookbook. Recipes are easy to follow, with clear step-by-step instructions and plenty of photos and illustrations. They’re not too complicated either; some can be completed by a child on their own, while others require a bit of help from adults. There are plenty of main dishes, along with desserts and drinks. Some recipes tempt kids with food they’ve likely tried, such as fruit salad or chicken fajitas, while others may encourage them to be a bit more adventurous. Children are taught about nutrition, portion size and the importance of a varied diet as they learn to cook. A bonus is that the book is spiral-bound, so lies flat, making it much easier to keep in place when they’re cooking. With any luck, it’ll inspire them so much that they’ll be cooking for you regularly, while you relax in front of the TV with a glass of wine. (We can but hope, can’t we?)
28
To advertise, call 01844 281013 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk
Business Matters
As we move into the New Year take a look at your business needs and employees and think about who is doing a good job and who is not and find out why. Reward those who are doing well with praise and encouragement. If you can afford it, find some incentives to put further cash into employee’s pockets in return for even better performance during the year to come. For those who have under performed it’s potentially a good time to look at how to improve matters. By Mark Tubb. Business Mentor and Co-Director at Princes Risborough Golf Club
I have set out seven key areas that you and the employee can look at to solve performance problems. 1. SYSTEMIC ISSUES
Is there anything in your systems or processes that cause the under performance?
2. GOALS AND TARGETS
Is achievement in his mind the same as is pictured in yours? That is does the employee know exactly what you want him to do and understand the targets or output he is expected to deliver?
3. TRAINING AND COMPETENCE
Is she trained in both your view and hers to the point that she has confidence to perform competently?
4. WORK MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES
Is she capable of and actually practicing work management techniques? That is does she know how to break large tasks into small achievable actions to make progress on and actually finishing jobs? Does she have ‘ToDo’ lists and a method for tracking the progress of tasks and projects?
5. FEEDBACK AND RESPONSE
Have you set out a critical path for all tasks the employee has to accomplish? That is the identification of the major milestones at which you need feedback. Do you monitor feedback and keep your commitment to attend meetings at which this feedback is provided? Do you deliver where you need to in response to feedback?
6. TOOLS AND ASSISTANCE
Does the employee have the appropriate and necessary people or tools assisting him? Are other members of the team or the tools delivering and if not, is there something that he or you can do to help the situation?
7. RECOGNITION AND VALUE
Does the employee understand how he fits into the larger scheme of things? Does she appreciate the value her work is adding to the company’s success? Does the employee feel valued for the work he is contributing? Does he feel fairly compensated? Bucks Conferences is located within the grounds of Princes Risborough Golf Club and provides Business Mentoring Services/Sales Training and great value space for local businesses to hold meetings or conferences. Visit us for coffee and have a look around, or call 01844 346989 and ask for Mark or Nick to discuss our facilities. Visit our website www.bucksconferences.com for more details.
Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.
29
Editorial Feature
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR
Chinese New Year has been celebrated for thousands of years. No one knows exactly when the tradition first started, but it is believed to date from at least the Shang Dynasty (1766 BC - 1122 BC), although it may be much older. The Chinese calendar is much older than the Gregorian one we use today, although it has evolved over time. It follows the lunar cycle, with each month beginning with the new moon. Chinese New Year falls between 21st January and 20th February on the Gregorian calendar. This year it will be celebrated on 8th February. Celebrations run from Chinese New Year’s Eve, to the Lantern Festival 15 days later. It is the Year of the Monkey, one of twelve animals associated with Chinese New Year. The others are rooster, dog, pig, rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse and sheep. The colour red is often associated with Chinese New Year. In Chinese folk lore there was once a beast called the Nian who roamed the land at the beginning of each year, terrorising villagers. Red was found to drive the Nian away, so red clothes were worn, and red lanterns and scrolls were hung. The tale goes that the Nian was eventually captured by a monk, but people have continued the traditions. Red packets containing money are also often given to younger people by married couples, to bring luck. Food plays an important role in Chinese New Year. New Year’s Eve dinner is a day for families to gather together to celebrate at home. The type of food served depends on the country and region. Some of the most common food traditionally eaten on or around Chinese New Year include dumplings, fish and spring rolls. Many of the ingredients are chosen because their name is considered auspicious. For example, there is a vegetarian dish called Buddha’s Delight which is often eaten at this time of year. Fat choy is usually included in the dish, due to the last syllables of its name sounding similar to a Cantonese phrase for prosperity. The preparation and way of eating the dishes is also considered very important. Restaurants across the UK will often hang up decorations for Chinese New year and hold their own celebrations, including special menus and entertainment. Many of the cities also host celebrations and activities, from lantern making and martial arts demonstrations to parades and firework displays. The Chinese dragon has become an iconic part of the celebrations. Dragons are said to ward off evil, and bring prosperity and good luck. The dragon dance is performed by a group of dancers carrying a giant, moveable dragon. It is believed that the longer the dragon, the more good luck it can bestow, so some can reach over 70 metres!
30
To advertise, call 01844 281013 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk
DON’T LET YOUR BUSINESS MELT AWAY THIS WINTER increase your profile
advertise with us
from as little as £22 per month call the
Local ook
team on 01844
281013
Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.
31