Look Local Magazine, Oxon Edition: May 2016, Issue 45

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7,000 copies printed every month & delivered to homes & businesses in your area.

MAY 2016 Issue 45.

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May 2016

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Welcome

19

WIN

BEACON FESTIVAL TICKETS

CONTENTS

06. Motoring: Tim Barnes-Clay test drives the Range Rover Vogue SE. 09. Motoring: This is Your Garage celebrate their 1st birthday with the opening of D’s Diner. 10. Fashion Fix: Wedding Special with Jo Baldwin-Trott of ColourFirst. Get the right white. 13. Health & Wellbeing: Eliminate the fears that rule you with Hypnotherapy at Thame Therapy Clinic could hold the key. 15. Health & Wellbeing: Restore your health with Bowen Therapy. 16. Health & Wellbeing: Hear in Thame, Aston Hearing Service introduce their services. 19. COMPETITION: Win Tickets to Beacon Festival 20. News & Events 22. The Sound of Music: Thame Music Academy’s, Simon Markland interviews local drummer, ‘Phil Heard’. 24. Quick Read: The benefits of children learning a musical instrument. 25: Get the Look: Coulon Stone Ltd talk garden magic for spring. 29: Home & Garden: Elliot Oil explain the importance of regular Boiler servicing. 33. Editorial Feature: Rycote Security help protect your home with the use of a Smartphone. 36. Restaurant Review: We head to Thame finest Chinese Restaurant, The Harvest Moon. 39. Business Matters: Focus your mind with tips by Mark Tubb.

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Hello Readers,

I love this time of year as it spells the beginning of the local music and festival scene, the first of which happens on Sunday 1st May at Elms Park in Thame, with MUSIC IN THE PARK. There is also the eagerly anticipated, Status Quo gig which takes place at Kingston House at the end of the month and Beacon Festival returns once more in early June. Our competition this month focuses on this boutique, family festival as we are offering three lucky readers the chance to WIN tickets to Beacon Festival. Turn to page 19 for information on how to enter this fantastic competition. This time of years also marks the start of the wedding season, so if you are a blushing bride-to-be about to start hunting for your perfect dress, purchasing gorgeous gowns for your bridesmaids and the ideal suit for your soon to be husband, turn to page 10. Our resident Colour Consultant, Jo Baldwin-Trott offers some valuable colour advice to help everyone stand out for the right reasons on your big day. Our Interiors Feature this month focuses on the garden, so turn to page 25 for inspiration on how to transform your outside space into a summer haven perfect for relaxing and entertaining in - ready for when the warmer weather does decide to show up and stick around. The Health & Wellbeing section features our regular articles as well as an introduction to one of Thame High Street’s newest additions, Aston Hearing - see page 16, and our Home & Gardens section features an article about money saving tips in the home when it comes to your boiler. Remember you can now find local businesses online via our directory as well as in our printed publication and if you are a business owner interested in being featured online please visit www.look-localmagazine.co.uk/online-advertising for further information. Or if you require a marketing overhaul and are in need of new Business Cards, Leaflets, Brochures etc please do get in touch and I can provide you with a competitive quote. Until next month, happy reading...

Love Emma xx

E: info@look-localmagazine.co.uk W: www.look-localmagazine.co.uk

For Advertising contact 07707 386034. /LookLocalMagazine

/LookLocalMag

June 2016 ISSUE DEADLINE: Friday 13th May

7,000 copies of Look Local Magazine are printed on a monthly basis and delivered to households in Adwell, Aston Rowant, Bledlow Ridge, Chalgrove, Chinnor, Clare, Crowell, Cuxham, Great Haseley, Great Milton, Henton, Kingston Blount, Kingston Stert, Lewknor, Little Milton, Milton Common, Postcombe, Pyrton, Stoke Talmage, Sydenham, Tetsworth, Towersey and Watlington. In addition, the magazine can also be picked up from businesses in these areas and also Thame. All material appearing in this publication is reproduced as supplied. Although every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers/printers cannot accept responsibility for the content of this publication. All artwork is accepted on the understanding that the description of goods and services are fair and accurate and permission has been given for use in this publication. Inclusion of advertisements does not imply endorsement by the publisher or printer. No part of this publication may be reproduced.

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May 2016

ATF

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Booking essential • All pitches landscaped and level, Adults only and dog free location • 10 minutes walk to the Bull Inn

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MOTORING : in the spotlight... Range Rover 3.0 TDV6 Vogue SE Reviewed by Tim BarnesClay, Motoring Journalist

This car is big – and it never lets you forget that. Even behind the wheel you are aware that you’re in charge of a two-tonne luxury machine.

I think that’s a good thing. It keeps you on your toes and stops you

driving like a fool. Mind you, even if you are predisposed to moments of motoring madness, the Range Rover 3.0 TDV6 Vogue SE does its best to placate you. It brings out the gentleman in you and makes you feel good. Not superior – just good. But with every positive, there tends to be a negative. And in the Range Rover’s case it seems that unfortunate false impressions can quickly be born. For example, when parking at the beach with my family, a guy commented that it was “alright for some” to have enough money to buy such a car. And while wafting along the M1 in the fast lane I was greeted with a one finger salute. I don’t get those kind of reactions when driving smaller test cars, so the Range Rover does seem to be the common denominator here. But, if there’s one thing I’ve learnt in life: you can’t control what other’s think. So it’s best to let them get on with it and enjoy what you’re doing. And when you’re driving a Range Rover, it’s hard to be anything other than happy. Inside, it’s tastefully minimalistic with all the key functions controlled through straightforward switchgear. Even the touch-screen infotainment system is clear and uncomplicated to use. Better still, the driving position is first-rate and offers a commanding view of the road. Quite frankly, cabins don’t get much more sumptuous than the Range Rover’s. The workmanship is of a very high standard, meaning the whole kit and caboodle looks and feels good enough to eat. From a handling perspective, the luxury Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), is astonishingly nimble for its size. It feels accurate and self-assured on the straights; but sophistication is the Range Rover’s most obvious characteristic. Particularly remarkable is the way the car insulates you from the world when you’re hustling. There’s barely any wind noise, and the erudite thrum of the V6 diesel soothes, rather than irritates. The Range Rover is just as accomplished off-road, literally crushing any non-tarmac terrain under its huge wheels. Back on the blacktop, it only starts to tell you “enough is enough” when pushed hard around twisty ribbons of road. The large car expresses its distaste like a

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@carwriteups

stallion. But rather than bucking and whinnying, it lurches and squeals. All versions, including this mid-spec Vogue SE, have all the equipment necessary for happy motoring, and the power unit under the bonnet is hooked up to computerised gadgetry to keep things shiny side up, whether on asphalt or over the rough stuff. Indeed, the car scored the full fivestars when tested by safety body, Euro NCAP. All things considered, the Range Rover is a wonderfully relaxed and utterly competent machine on and offroad. It’s even relatively economical with a V6 oil-burner under the bonnet. Just be aware of other motorists who may judge you due to their inverted badge snobbery. But that’s their problem, right?

PRO’s & CON’s Luxurious Powerful Safe

Efficient Inverted Snob Magnet

FAST FACTS Max speed: 130mph 0-62 mph: 7.9 secs Combined mpg: 40.9 Engine: 2993cc, V6 Turbo Diesel Max. power (bhp): 255 CO2: 182g/km Price: £81,850

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Motoring

01844 D.Tech 281100 Motorcycle Service Centre Motorcycle MOT’s Diagnostic Checks Repairs E: d.tech@tiscali.co.uk

NOW LOCATED IN THAME

• Quality Used Cars Supplied and Sourced • All vehicles Quality Checked and Warranty Included • All Cars Supplied With Service History • Minimum 6 Months MOT • Personal and Business Car or Van Leasing • Cosmetic Repair Service • Valeting Service Carnatics Motor Company Limited 6 Lupton Road, Thame, OX9 3SE T: 01844 853300 W: www.carnatics.co.uk Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.

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NOW OPEN!

The UK’s Premier Self Service Workshop, Car Club and Vehicle Storage Facility, This is Your Garage celebrate a successful first year in business with the storage unit fully booked, a record number of club members and the opening of the brand new D’s Diner.

The concept for TIYG started taking shape

hangers, which have been refurbished to a high standard and only the very best after Dave Ridgway, the Founder of this equipment has been used. innovative organisation, found himself spending a long afternoon lying The Workshop Facility “We set out to underneath his 1973 camper van trying to remove old body sealant create a place for like- At the heart of the business is the modern and professional looking and repaint the frame. minded “Pet�ol Heads” to workshop which caters for all types meet and work on their own of cars, from classics to modified, It was this experience that got the cogs in his head turning! cars. Whilst we are always vintage to hot hatch. It provides What if he could create a space looking for improvements individuals with a comfortable, dry where car enthusiasts, trainee we are well on our way to environment to work on vehicles. mechanics or just the average f�lfilling this goal”. TIYG also now offer fantastic ‘Joe’ who enjoyed tinkering with businesses opportunities enabling motors, could take their vehicles to independent and mobile mechanics to work on them without having to worry utilise this space to work from. about the weather taking a turn for the worst? So what once seemed like a simple dream turned into a reality and one year on, business at This is Your Garage is booming. The unit at the Culham based premises, comprises of two buildings, both ex MOD

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Vehicle Storage Unit The other unit houses the Vehicle Storage arm of the business and although currently full to capacity, Dave and his team are expecting spaces to free up over the next few weeks. So if you have a requirement for

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Motoring

The UK’s Premier Self Service Workshop, Car Club and Vehicle Storage Facility. vehicle storage contact the team and they will do their best to accommodate you. Prices start from £104 per month.

The Club Since opening, the Club has welcomed over 250 members who have all benefited from 50+ car and bike meets and social events as well as being able to unwind, relax and enjoy a refreshment in likeminded company.

**NEWLY NEWLY OPENED** OPENED

This year’s event calendar is already filling up fast and the Club hosts the following regular events on Sunday’s: First Sunday Limitless Car Group meet – open to all cars 4:00pm - 8:00pm Third Sunday Twisted Iron Custom Bike Meet 10:00am - 1:00pm followed by The VDub Social Club meet 1:00pm - 5:00pm Last Sunday TIYG Classic and Vintage meet 10:00am - 1:00pm followed by Oxford Subaru Club meet 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Whether you’re a Club Member, hiring Date for the Diary – TIYG Annual Big Bash! workshop space or just driving past TIYG will be hosting an annual “all comers welcome” our facility why not pop in car meet on 23rd July. and re-fuel at the brand new, There will be good food, a bar, something for the kids and D’s Diner. of course, loads of great cars from all eras. Serving OPENING HOURS delicious For more information about TIYG Mon - Fri: hot food 7am – 2pm 6 days a week for Breakfast Call: 01865 407757 and Lunch your are sure to Sat: Visit: www.thisisyourgarage.com find something that hits the 10am – 2pm Facebook: /thisisyourgarage spot.

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STYLE

FILE Wedding Wow Factor

Shopping for wedding outfits is a major event for so many and a key time when you will be looking for the ‘perfect’ dress, suit or hat, especially as the trend has gone about turn and people are making a real effort at weddings, thank goodness! I could write a whole Look Local Magazine on style advice for wedding wear but instead, here are some tips to creating a great outfit for the Bride, Groom & Bridesmaids.

Brides

GET IT WHITE

The right white will GIVE YOU A GLOW, balance your features and skin tone and bring out the colour in your eyes. It will reduce any lines or shadows and allow you to create a natural make-up palette for your Big Day. The wrong white will do the complete opposite and basically mean that your make-up artist will need to alter and sometimes deepen your natural skin tone and add more blusher than normal in order to change your natural colouring. A good make-up artist will be able to do all the above very easily but wouldn’t you prefer to look a little more natural and just enhance your features and natural colouring? Choosing your gorgeous gown in the RIGHT WHITE will do this for you. Check out my YouTube video about choosing the ‘Right White’, via this link https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zyzdKCcebEU

Bridesmaids GET CREATIVE

This is a chance to really use creative colour, but be kind to your bridesmaids! Blush Pink suits hardly anyone (around 10%* of the UK population). Think, these lovely ladies will be surrounding you all day as well as appearing in many of the photos. You don’t want them looking peaky and pasty or over done in makeup, which is what they’ll need if the dress doesn’t suit their skin tone.

PERFECT NECKLINES Halterneck: Stunning for the smaller frame/chested. Low Scooped neckline with small capped sleeve suits the larger figure. Full gathered skirt is great for a slim figure.

There are some colours that will just about cover all skin tones: Soft Coral will suit most skin tones, as will light Turquoise (when Fitted longer skirt with a it’s stronger in green than blue) as will a slightly deeper Lilac. But wide empire section do they all need to wear the same. The best option to flatter all great for curvier and to create interest and individuality is to put your bridesmaids in women. tones of the same colour. This is SO impactive and will make stunning photos as well as allow your bridesmaids to shine naturally in the tone that suits them. * based on research by Colour First.

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Brides, Maids, Mothers and Men, too! A brides dress can make or break her ‘BIG DAY’, so it is vital to get it 100% spot on from the fit to the length but most importantly the colour,, as it is likely to be the same shade all over. Having been a colour consultant for 7 years it still amazes me is how impactive the ‘right white’ can look on a client, compared to the wrong one! And it continues to amaze my clients - that their complexion looks completely different when they are wearing their perfect white which has the right hue and under tone. A Colour First Colour Consultation will show you what type of skin tone you have - either cool or warm, deep or light - and consequently whether Ivory, Bright Cream, White or Soft white is your perfect white. There’s a lot of it in your dress so it really is worth getting the colour PERFECT for your big day. This month’s feature is wedding-focused so please read and enjoy some great colour and style ideas to have people ‘wowing’ at your outfits. Have a wonderful day! with love, Jo xx

Grooms

SET THE TONE

Similar to brides, choosing the right colour suit will enhance your natural skin tone making you look dapper on your big day. To do this, take the material of your chosen attire to the window with the mirror and hold it under don’t forget some your chin and see how it changes your face. The shirt will then follow and then your chance to add some colour with a cravat, socks that match or tie, bow-tie and/or pocket square, waistcoat etc. On a style front allow yourself to be individual. Clements & Church, Oxford, offer bespoke suits in a stunning range of material. M&S tailor make suits. If you get a great suit you love you’ll wear it again and again. If you’re hiring then try the alternative options. It’s not all about the bride you know!

TOP TIP

are just a tone lighter than your shoes!

GREAT SUIT + ACCESSORY COMBOS Charcoal + aqua/fuscia/silver Soft Bright Grey + apricot/light turquoise/lilac Dark Navy + cornflower blue/silver/bright green.

Check in next month for MotB’s and guests Fashion Tips... LOOKING FOR SOME EXPERT COLOUR ADVICE AHEAD OF YOUR BIG DAY? Contact Jo, www.jobaldwintrott.com | 07866 679931 | info@jobaldwintrott.com

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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 Combine a colour consultation and personal shopping experience all held in the Personal Styling section of your favourite department store!*

SPEC

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Loc Offer al

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Off

Contact Jo Baldwin-Trott

07866 679931

info@jobaldwintrott.com | www.jobaldwintrott.com/services BODY CONTROL

PILATES® Chiropody & Podiatry Clinic Centre of excellence for all your Foot Care needs

Our friendly team of Podiatrists are qualified to treat a wide range of foot conditions SPECIALIST TREATMENTS OFFERED FUNGAL NAILS

Clearanail, Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (PACT)

VERUCCAE

Cryosurgery, Needling

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Orthoses/Insole prescriptions

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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

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Health & Wellbeing

Restore Your Health With Bowen Therapy The Bowen technique is a gentle hands on, non-invasive complementary therapy, which was introduced to the UK from Australia in 1992. Bowen works with the body’s own healing systems. Rather than ‘making’’ the body change, Bowen ‘asks’ the body to recognise and make the balancing changes it needs. With fingers and thumbs the Bowen practitioner makes rolling movements over fascia, at precise points on the body. No hard tissue manipulation or force is used.

As a Bowen practitioner my job is twofold: 1.

To initially address your pain and / or address your pain and the issues you present with moving you to better balance.

2.

To assist in guiding you to achieve the level of health you want.

It is, however, not my job to dictate terms, but to provide options.

The law of Nature requires a balance of the following... •

Physical exercise and good posture, fresh air and sunshine, pure water and proper nutrition, proper sleep, relaxation, recreation.

Utopia? Sadly, this is rarely achieved as we all stray from the path and engage in practices that go against the Natural Laws. Suddenly the presence of pain emerges in our lives and becomes a reality, which comes in a variety of packages e.g. Back Pain, Neck pain, Headaches, Fatigue, Heart problems.

Generally the quickest way to silence a pain is by taking a drug or painkillers; however this is only

a temporary measure at best and it may be more suitably treated by Bowen/NST therapy. Bowen Therapy works to correct the energy balance which will involve working towards: reduction of pain levels, improvement in diet and general feeling of wellbeing. Over the last few months I have treated so many lovely, appreciative clients of all ages, the youngest being 18 months old and the oldest a very sprightly 85 year old. I have treated a range of presenting conditions most commonly back, neck, knees and shoulders; jaw issues and ‘tennis elbows all responding well to Bowen Therapy. My current client list includes 3 ladies I’m seeing through pregnancy. Two ladies are convinced Bowen Therapy helped conception despite fertility issues. In a few cases medical intervention has been necessary, in which I have had an input, and therefore have seen client’s pre and post operatively. Physical therapy alone, however, will not always provide the perfect solution: ongoing clinical work often goes hand in hand with emotional and nutritional support and proper hydration, all of which depend on the willingness of the individual, to whom I will advise accordingly.

For further information or to book a Bowen Therapy appointment for your child contact:

Jen Webster (BSc, Cert ECBS, Adv NST, MBTPA, CNHC reg.), T: 07768 188664 | E: info@jenwebsterbowen.com | W: www.jenwebsterbowen.com

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Bowen Therapy is not a substitute for medical advice and treatment.

Your Good Health...


Health & Wellbeing

Thame Therapy Clinic

www.shapers-chinnor.co.uk

High Quality Complementary Health Therapies from Experienced Practitioners

Therapies include • Physiotherapy • Reflexology • Osteopathy • Homeopathy • Acupuncture • Holistic Massage • Thai Massage • Counselling and more...

Hair & Beauty

01844 353838

Nails | Hair Make-Up | Tanning Beauty Treatments | Massage | Homeopathy Reflexology & more. Gift Vouchers Available.

01844 215555 / 261592 23 Upper High Street, Thame, OX9 3EX

www.thametherapyclinic.co.uk

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Vouch er Availa s ble!

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

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Health & Wellbeing

Cherry Hypnotherapy Tailored just for you

Refresh your mind and body this spring....

Could Hypnotherapy be effective in changing or improving your overall wellbeing? Here, Joe Cherry, a Hypnotherapist at Thame Therapy Clinic explains the power of the sub-conscious mind. “Do you want to eliminate those dirty cigarettes from your life so you feel fitter, stronger within, and breathe fresh unadulterated air” How good would that feel? “Do you want to feel in control of your anxiety or nerves on the day of a test? Or feel confident in outside situations where you feel “vulnerable” or prone to panic attacks? Hypnotherapy can help you identify the triggers and the thoughts which affect how you feel!

“Do you tell yourself you are not confident enough or that you have never been confident? Everything you need is within you, allow Hypnotherapy to help find your special qualities. Isn’t about time you focused on what you are good at and what you can do” Rediscover your inner confidence! “Are you planning for a holiday this summer but find yourself dwelling over the “what if’s” and your fear of flying? You just want to be able to enjoy your holiday and not have to worry about the journey home!

If none of the above apply to you then do not worry! I offer a free consultation which is included during the first part of the session to discuss what you would like to change and if it’s a realistic goal. I can offer you a tailored approach that ensures your welfare and a quick resolution to whatever is holding you back form moving forward, I’ll help guide you throughout the process of hypnosis so you can feel a wonderful change taking place. You will be amazed at just how effective it can really be... For more information about Joe’s tailored approach to the right Hypnotherapy for you call Thame Therapy Clinic on 01844 215555 or visit www.thametherapyclinic.co.uk or www.cherryhypnotherapy.com

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Health & Wellbeing

HEAR

in Thame

From Tuesday 3rd May 2016, Aston Hearing, private and independent team of professional audiologists and hearing specialists will be on hand in Thame offering hearing care for all the family.

Aston Hearing provide a highly personal,

independent service specialising in all areas of hearing care, including hearing assessments for adults and children. They prescribe, fit, adjust and service all makes of hearing aids and ear protection and offer a very popular ear wax removal service (including micro-suction) – emergency appointments always available. The new Thame practice will be the second branch of Aston Hearing which is already firmly established in Amersham in Buckinghamshire and has recently celebrated 25 years in business. Duncan Collet-Fenson, Director and Audiologist at Aston Hearing, said “We are thrilled to share the very latest in hearing technology at our new facilities, serving Thame and the surrounding area. If you know someone struggling with their hearing, please encourage them to come

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in for a chat”, he continues “we want to raise awareness about how important it is to take care of your ears and your hearing, whatever your age – simple steps like having a hearing test, keeping a check on ear wax and ensuring your ears are protected from noise can make a significantly positive impact on your life.” The hearing care specialists at Aston Hearing have years’ of experience in hearing audiology and independently recommend the very latest discreet or invisible hearing technology from manufacturers such as Audibel, Phonak, Oticon, Unitron, Siemens, Widex and ReSound. They have also have invested in advanced fitting technology which gives their audiologists the ability to provide truly bespoke hearing aid fittings, suited to individual physical ear shape and specific

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Health & Wellbeing

hearing level. Other hearing services include gentle micro-suction ear wax removal, advice on hearing protection and tinnitus, and sign-posting to other holistic hearing-improvement services. Aston Hearing’s new full-time consulting rooms are accessed from Thame High Street, through the black door next to Robert Gatward Jewellers, at Cobbles Yard and they provide appointments and drop-in advice clinics every weekday and Saturdays.

WELCOME TO THE LAUNCH As part of the company’s launch in Thame, Aston Hearing are offering ‘Drop-in and Chat’ Open Days Tuesday 3rd May - Saturday 7th May 10:00am until 2:00pm Please call in for any advice on your hearing and meet the team. More formal appointments can also be arranged.

ASTON HEARING Cobblers Yard, 112 High Street, Thame, OX9 3DX T: 01844 396057 | W: www.astonhearing.co.uk | E: Kate@astonhearing.co.uk Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.

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Health & Wellbeing

Mums/Dads: Would you like to own your own business, working from home? Would you like to be able to attend sports day or other events for your children? Would you like to stay at home, guilt free, if your child is sick? Would you like to earn an extra income?

What I found: • Enables me to have a career with progression • Includes training • Is truly flexible For further information or for an informal chat, please call Rachel on 07741475324 or email rachg24@hotmail.com (Independent Distributor of Forever Living Products Aloe Vera drinking gels, supplements, skincare, personal care and cosmetics. Forever Living Products, Longbridge Manor, Warwick. CV34 6RB Members of the Direct Selling Association)

I really wanted the above and looked around at many different options.

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To advertise, call 07707 386034 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk


WIN

COMPETITION A PAIR

OF TICKETS to the 2016 Beacon Festival

in Watlington.

It’s that time of year again! Let’s don the wellies, fish out our rain macs (just in case, of course), find that ridiculous hat you only wear this time of year and head on over to Watlington’s boutique family event, Beacon Festival to celebrate the longest day of summer high up on The Chiltern Hills of South Oxfordshire. It may be the furthest point from the sea but there will be a hot, holiday feel to this event, sparking the epitome of summer with a weekend of enlightened entertainment and the best sunset for miles! The organisers have some new and exciting items lined up for this year’s festival, which takes place on the weekend of 17th & 18th June, not to mention the regular favourites. There’s yummy food selections in store at the numerous stalls, including burgers, pizzas, cream teas and more. Returning for 2016 will also be the Cider Tent and Cocktail Bar. The improved Kidzone will keep the youngsters amused (not to mention some of the adults) and the Health and Wellbeing Zone is expanding with lots of therapies and experiences on offer.

But there’s more…….. New for 2016 is the Comedy Tent offering some of Oxfordshire’s funniest local talent. So if you didn’t think you already laughed enough over the course of the 2 days, then head here and tickle your ribs some more. Finally there’s the music! That wonderful catalyst that brings everyone together and makes us lose ourselves up in the Oxfordshire hills. If you haven’t already heard on the grapevine, ‘Not the Rolling Stones’, will be treading the boards and getting this community festival off to a flying start on the Friday evening. For the Saturday, super tribute act ‘The UK Foo Fighters Tribute’ will be performing with support from the amazing Van Susans who are presently touring the festival circuits - and these are just the headliners! Over 2 days the festival will be delighting you with some of Oxon/Bucks’ finest talent, national touring bands such as the Van Susans, as well as some amazing acts from around the UK and even from across the world.

You could be a part of this fantastic local festival by entering to WIN a Pair of Tickets. Simply email (competitions@look-localmagazine.co.uk) the answer to this question along with your contact details; Q: WHICH TWO BANDS ARE HEADLINING THIS YEARS BEACON FESTIVAL? Three winners will be selected at random from all correct entries and notified after the closing date of 03.06.16. Please note: Under 18’s can enter the festival for free.

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19


NEWS in&our EVENTS region Get your dancing shoes ready! Music in the Park returns to Elms Park on Sunday 1st May... Featuring more than 30 performers across three stages, Music in the Park offers music and dance acts across a wide range of genres. Topping the bill on the main stage are the popular Dung Beatles, who blend Beatles’ chart hits with some of their beautiful album tracks. The Dung Beatles’ reputation has led to them being invited to play Liverpool’s world famous Cavern Club. With a wide variety of music and dance on offer, there’s sure to be something for everyone. The event will feature two main stages with live music and dance, and an acoustic stage. Have fun dancing the day away or chill out with a leisurely picnic. Of course, there will also be all the usual goodies you’d expect at a festival, including tasty real ales, a wide variety of delicious foods, fun activities for children and adults, and a range of trade stalls. Visit www.facebook.com/MusicInTheParkThame for the full line-up.

Run the Oxford Parks returns... If you’re looking for a run with a difference this summer, or you just want a new outdoor activity, why not try orienteering around some of Oxford’s parks? Thames Valley Orienteering Club is organising a series of monthly races with courses for all ages and abilities and no experience is necessary to have a go. If you’ve never tried orienteering before, it’s a bit like a treasure hunt to find a series of checkpoints around your chosen course. They’re marked by flags around the park and you register each one with an electronic timing chip to record your progress, and prove you’ve been to them. The challenge arises by there being no set route between the checkpoints and you have to choose your own way, using a detailed orienteering map of the park. You can run, jog or just walk around a course. There will be five courses at each event, including a 5k course for runners as well as shorter ones for families and children, ranging from 1km to 5km.

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It’s great fun and the events are supported by Oxford City Council and Up and Running in Oxford. Each event runs from 10am to 1pm, with registration closing at 11.30am. The cost is £6 per family group/solo adults, or £2 for solo juniors. Plenty of help is available for newcomers. Just don’t forget your sense of adventure! The remaining events around Oxford include: - Saturday 7th May - Cutteslowe Park - Saturday 18th June - University Parks - Saturday 23rd July - Headington Parks & Oxford Brookes For more information: Thames Valley Orienteering Club’s website www.tvoc.org.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/tvoclub

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News & Events

‘90 Glorious Years’

I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H U N I T E D TA L E N T A G E N C Y

FLOWER FESTIVAL

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WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

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Fri 20th & Sat 21st May 2016 10.00am – 6.00pm Sunday 22nd May 1:00pm - 5:00pm Followed by Songs of Praise Service at 6:00pm with

Maidenhead Citadel Salvation Army Band. Cream Teas available Entry: Adults £2.00 Children Free.

For further details visit; www.stmarysthame.org.uk www.facebook.com/stmarysthame

5001 FOR DISABLED VIEWING AREA DISABLED BOOKING LINE 0800 640

or Call: 01844 213491

CHINNOR & PRINCES RISBOROUGH

RAILWAY

Enjoy a leisurely heritage train ride on a 7-mile round trip along the Chiltern foothills. Sit back, relax and enjoy the lovely scenery. Open every Sunday & Bank Holiday - see website for additional days, book-ahead fares and timetables. We also offer delicious Cream Teas and Ploughman's Lunches on selected dates*. Free car parking, tea room and souvenir shop at Chinnor station.

What's on - Special Trains and Events 1-2 May - Teddy Bear Days, accompanied 3-15yrs with Teddy rides FREE 14 May - Murder Mystery & Suspense, waiter service evening dining* 22 May - Senior for a Fiver, everyone 60+ yrs only £5 28 May - History & Nature railcar, 3-15yrs (2 per adult) £1 EACH 4-5 June - Centenary Gala steam 4247, 3-15yrs (2 per adult) £1 EACH 4 June - Gala Night with 2 steam locos, curry evening dining* 11 June - Quiz Night, bar onboard and Fish & Chip supper* 19 June - Father's Day, Cream Teas*, Dad travels FREE *Advance booking required

www.chinnorrailway.co.uk Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.

21


Sound of Music W

elcome to our May Sound of Music feature. Here you will find information on local musical events, upcoming concerts in and where to find the best music tuition the area. s Thame has a variety of fantastic opportunitie for budding musicians who wish to join e. together with other like-minded peopl From bands to choirs to bell ringing! Thame Children’s Choir is a fantastic e opportunity for young singers to becom . involved in a friendly and vibrant music group with 2010 ber Novem in ed TCC was found administrative and financial support from . the highly regarded Thame Chamber Choir ctor, condu l ssiona profe local by Directed l Duncan Aspden, the choir offers a specia 7 opportunity for boys and girls aged from a years upwards to learn to sing and enjoy wide variety of music. Members come from g a wide area in and around Thame so joinin the choir is a great chance to make new friends! For further information take a look at: www.tcc2.org If you are a budding instrumentalist who is interested in joining a local group then ! look no further than Chinnor Silver Band South or, Chinn of village the Based in Oxfordshire, the band has its own room in the village where practices take place on in most Wednesday evenings. CSB has been existence for about 160 years (established c1850), and plays a wide range of music from traditional brass Band and classical pieces to modern rock and pop. The band provides entertainment throughout the year at fetes, garden parties, concerts etc, and has also performed on television and in advertisements. For further information please visit: www.chinnorsilver.co.uk In ‘Music currently

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Thame’ running

are their

s’ wonderful ‘International Concert Serie based at St Marys Church in Thame. Their s: next two performances are as follow , Lluna ldric Joan-E with et Quart The Coull Clarinet takes place on 14th May and La Serenissima takes place on 26th June. on: Smith Alison contact Please 07799 556929 or e-mail: alisonjsmith62@ btinternet.com for further information and to book tickets.

Upcoming Music Events

Thame hosts a wide variety of local musical events which everyone is welcome to come along to: The fantastic ‘Music In The Park’ takes place on Sunday 1st May in Elms Park. This one day event is always well attended and provides a large main stage plus an acoustic stage with plenty of choice including local artists and bands: Dung Beatles, Nikki Loy Band, Thame Youth Theatre, Memphis Rattlesnakes, Paul and Martin, Tay O’Lay and many more! For more information on this event please contact: thame@ musicinelmspark.co.uk Beacon Fest takes place on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th June and is a wonderful outdoor musical event taking place in Christmas Common. 3 stages of live acts give you a wonderful choice throughout the weekend.


on the Mic... Emusic groups or events in the area and finding very month we will be focussing on particular

out more about our local musicians. In this issue we are going to focus This month we are going to focus on Phil Heard, a drum tutor and performer from Thame. Phil will be performing at this year’s Music in the Park (Sunday 1st May) and Beacon Fest (Friday 17th and Saturday 18th June).

When Q:drums?

did you first start playing the

A

: My first interest in the instrument came about at the age of 11. I had always watched my father perform in jazz and big bands where I grew up in Essex. I joined the local boy’s brigade and played the snare drum at local events! A friend of mine took up the guitar and we began to jam together, that was the first time I’d ever used a full drum kit. We started gigging in local pubs and at events and I really felt something for it. With drumming as a passion I studied at ‘Drum Tech’ in London to hone my skills which set me up for my career. Around 10 years ago I began to build my 1:1 drum lessons, I now teach full time within local schools and privately

the area at the age of 20 to join and we toured up and down the country for 10 years performing to as many as 15,000 people! All this whilst holding down a job in insurance! We had album sales in the US and Europe, it was a fantastic time. Another great moment was being invited to be in the crowd for the ‘Friends Will Be Friends’ Queen music video at Elstree Studios in London 1986, I was so close to the stage I could almost shake Freddie’s hand!

Q A

: What are you involved in locally?

: I always enjoy going to The First Thursday Music Club and performing there regularly. I am also very excited to be drumming on local artist, Nikki Loy’s, forthcoming album. I will be performing with Nikki at Music in the Park and at Beacon Fest. I will also be performing with ‘The Vibe’. I attend the Cornerstone Church at John Hampden School on a Sunday morning. I am in charge of the music there and a member of the leadership team. The church is a very important part of my life and we have a wonderful variety of people regularly attending.

Q A

: What is coming up in the future?

: I am very excited about the future developments with Nikki Loy’s forthcoming album and hopefully getting back to gigging with ‘As If’!

Q A

: How can you be contacted for drum tuition?

Q: Who influenced you musically?

A

: I have to say my biggest influence was Roger Taylor from Queen. I loved the bands variety of styles and genres and I am still an avid fan to this day! Other influences include; blues, jazz and funk and 80’s rock along with other legendary drummers such as Stuart Copeland and Neil Pert.

Q A

: What are the highlights of your career so far?

: One of the biggest highlights of my career was performing with the band ‘As If’. I moved to

: Yes we can be booked to play; Community events, weddings, birthdays and other social gatherings If you are interested in drumming tuition you can contact Phil on; Tel:

07942 871989

Email: info@philsdrums.com

Brought to you by - Thame Music Academy E-mail: info@thamemusicacademy.com Tel: 07743 032292 Web page: www.thamemusicacademy.com

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23


May 2016

Children benefit from learning to play an instrument...

Music is an important part of life – nearly everyone enjoys listening to it. Yet relatively few of us have the ability to create it. Scientists say that children who play an instrument do better academically than those who don’t. It can benefit their reading age because it enhances comprehension skills. Learning to understand beat, rhythm and scales improves their maths skills as children learn how to divide, create fractions and recognise patterns. Listening to pitch, rhythm and tempo helps to sharpen their concentration and using mnemonic

If your child shows an interest in learning an instrument, be sure to choose one that excites them. Select an instrument that suits their ability and temperament, and make sure it produces a sound that you can tolerate for hours as you listen to them practise.

LPB

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24

devices to learn musical patterns can improve memory.

Inspire | Design | Create

Covering all aspects of the gardening trade

To advertise, call 07707 386034 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk


GET THE LOOK get your garden summer ready By Jade Coulon, Coulon Stone Ltd

An Enchanted Garden Path

Nothing conjures up more romantic images than wandering down a sun bathed garden path lined playfully by colourful flowerbeds and tall trees. If you have an area of your garden rarely used, why not add a little magic by extending your flowerbeds and building a garden path that snakes through them. For an extra special getaway hide a little bench somewhere along the way. Limestone is a great choice for pathing stones, it’s resilient, versatile and becomes more charming as time passes.

A Wonderful Water Feature

Water features inject life and tranquillity in to gardens large or small. They are diverse in size and design, ranging from the rustic slate pond to the modern canal. They encourage a huge variety of wildlife in to your garden and create a peaceful space even in urban gardens.

The Ultimate Entertainment Space

We may have heard it all before but the Met Office claim summer 2016 is set to be the hottest on record. So with just a few weeks to go, now is the perfect time to get our outdoor spaces party ready. Fire pit areas are a fun way to connect your home and outdoor space. Include seating to enjoy long evenings gathered in the garden with friends and family. Match the building materials with those used in or on your home for seamless continuity.

Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.

25


Home & Garden

26

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Home & Garden

SAME DAY SKIP HIRE AND

GRAB SERVICE

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LANDCARE GARDEN SERVICE Family business established 1985

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

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Landscaping Patios & Paving Driveways TurďŹ ng Hedging Fencing Tree Pruning Garden Clearance

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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 28

To advertise, call 07707 386034 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk


Home & Garden

REDUCE YOUR FUEL COSTS with regular Boiler servicing

S FOR TOP TIP OIL SAVING

r Boiler etting you um

tim g -G Servicin rviced to ensure op nce. e lia s p p a lly

annua of your iency out fuel effic have the sure you - Make ol e system r h t t on ve C , and ha ls ro t ough hot on n c e right give you o t ly t c nt it, set corre ting when you wa a e h r/ e . t wa on’t hen you d and not w tank g your oil ent - Keepin Oil Tank d up prevents sediming t e t p e g op t k l n a ve le et tom of th an in the bot he boiler, which c t o t iency or c ffi e pulled in rs le e the boi decreas akdown. re b o t it cause er r hot wat sulate you ank jacket In n io t Insula tted t - a well fi d £20 -£30 cylinder un ro a ou y water could save if you heat your es e ip or p m r g wate a year, help . Insulatin n lly a a c c d ri t n c a ele energy, e r. or e m k ic ve u ter, q will sa to run hot your taps buy oney and g- Save m uying club in y u B il b O a local oil fuel as part of discounts on your lk u b to get . delivery’s

An annual boiler safety check and boiler

service carried out by a professional service engineer ensures is hugely important as it ensures that the boiler it is functioning efficiently and working to the specifications designed by the manufacturer. This will help prolong the life of the boiler as well as reduce the risk of faults and expensive repairs down the line. The efficiency of oil fired boilers deteriorates with use. There are several reasons for this,

With over 519,000 homes off the gas grid in the South East, many households in our region use oil to provide their main heating source. If you have an oil boiler, Sam Elliot of Elliott Oil offers this advice to help you prolong its life, saving you money long-term. the key ones being: •

Soot production from the combustion process coats the heat exchanger surfaces.

The critical air-to-fuel combustion ratio changes due to gradual component wear. A boiler service will remove any soot and, by adjustment, will re-establish the optimum combustion conditions. But while optimising operating efficiency is paramount in these days of rising fuel costs, there are other important benefits in having your boiler serviced. By checking the safety controls, early failures can be detected and rectified in good time. A variety of operational systems and components will be checked including:

Oil leaks.

Noises that give an early signal of pending component failures.

Boiler start-up performance.

Worn nozzles that increase fuel consumption.

Just like cars, boilers can operate for many years without servicing but generally with fuel consumption penalties, undermining reliability and even safety implications. To book an appointment with Elliott Oil, call: 01865 362743.

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29


Home & Garden

30

To advertise, call 07707 386034 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk


Home & Garden 07551 941050

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31


Home & Garden

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Home & Garden

Secure and Protect your Home via your Phone Imagine you were in a car showroom, and you got a call from the place you bought your last car, who told you that you couldn’t buy a new car until you’d owned theirs for the full three years, and no you couldn’t part-exchange it for a different brand.

via a call centre, and you can make an instant and informed decision on what to do next, reducing the risk of false alarms. You can even set or unset your alarm from your phone. Rycote Security have designed a game-changing offer to free you from aggressive lock-ins.

T

hat unlikely scenario is played out constantly for people who find themselves locked into owning home alarms with call centre contracts. What makes it even more unfortunate for them is that the home alarm business has been turned on its head by new products that make the call centre slower, less efficient, and much more expensive than modern rivals. Rycote Security, a local alarm company, is bringing the revolution to Thame. They supply and fit wireless alarms with built-in cameras that send images straight to your own mobile. You can set them to detect intruders, tell you when the kids let themselves in, or you can just check any time what the dog is up to. What’s more when there is a real alert you get the quickest notification – not

* WHATs THE DEAL * When you buy a Rycote alarm they give you a lifetime guarantee that they will buy it back from you for a pre-set fair price without you needing to explain why. That’s on top of their two year guarantee. Even better than that, once it’s paid for, either in one payment or through their flexible credit, then its completely yours with no monthly fees, no final settlement – nothing more to pay for a top-of-the-range modern alarm. No wonder they’re now the fastest growing security provider in Oxfordshire.

• Home Security • Camera Alarms • CCTV • Safes • No Contract, no lock-in and no early-finish charge

• No monthly fees

• 12 months interest-free credit • Free annual service contract

For a limited period we are offering a FREE digital safe fitted with every installation.

01865 522602 www.RycoteSecurity.co.uk Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.

33


Home & Garden

N. MARSHALL & SON

Carpenters and General Builders CARPENTRY

EXTENSIONS

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01844 698771 | 07818 456845 nmarshallnsons@hotmail.co.uk

34

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Home & Garden

Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.

35


Restaurant Review

A TASTE OF THE ORIENT...

If you’re looking to set your taste buds alive with fine oriental cuisine then head no further than Pump Lane in Thame where, set back from the main High Street of the picturesque Market Town, you will find The Harvest Moon.

Almost

a year after reopening under the new ownership of Jo (and her family team) and having undergone an extensive makeover inside the restaurant, The Harvest Moon (formally known as The Drunken Chef) can now comfortably seat 50 diners all eager to sample the fusion of oriental dishes on offer across the vast menu.

With such a diverse selection of mouth-watering dishes on offer, we opted to sample the ‘chefs special’ on recommendation from our very welcoming waitress and we were not disappointed with the food we received. First came a delicious array of traditional Imperial Hors D’oveures which included a combination of spring rolls, chicken satay, (very succulent and meaty) spare ribs, crispy seaweed and prawn toast artistically presented on a rustic wooden board decorated with crispy noodles and a carrot which was hand carved to represent a Chinese temple - it was a nice finishing touch! This was followed by a perfectly cooked scallop with rice noodles served in its shell with a flavoursome garlic sauce as well as dishes of sizzling satay king prawns, almond coated chicken, stir-fried salt & pepper squid and a mixed seafood zone. This was a particularly tasty and unique dish containing rice, squid and prawns served with lettuce leaves, which we used to wrap around the ‘seafood zone’. It tasted very fresh and healthy which is something we noticed about all the food we sampled, unlike other Chinese food we’ve eaten in the past, which often feels greasy and fatty. All this was washed down with a nice cold glass of Tsingtao Beer because as the saying goes, “you can’t understand the try culture of a country without first experiencing its food & drink!” Another credit to The Harvest Moon is how well it caters for vegetarians, vegans and diners with allergies including common ailments such as nuts gluten and dairy intolerances to less common aversions to crustaceans, mustard and celery. They also offer a variety of lunchtime specials from as little as £6.80 for the ‘Express Lunch Menu’ which is perfect for those looking to grab a quick bite in their lunch hour. For those with a little more time on their hands but still on a budget The Harvest Moon provide the ‘3 Course Specials Set Lunch’ for £10.80, offering a vast selection of classic Chinese dishes. The evening A La Carte menu is a little pricier than your average Chinese but this is reflected in the quality of the food, which is first class, and the hospitality of the staff is efficient, accommodating and friendly which in my opinion is something money can’t buy. We had a thoroughly lovely experience in this intimate, classy local restaurant and would return in a heartbeat.

The Harvest Moon, 1 Pump Lane, Thame, OX9 3BT 01844 215272 | 01844 214834 36

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May 2016

A 16th Century Inn with a contemporary twist Friday Evening

Party night with MC Lee.

Open Mic Night third Sunday of the month with Simon & Brian

Fresh Local Food

served Tuesday - Saturday From Noon - 2.30pm Sunday: Noon - 3:00pm

En-suite bedrooms available to book

01844 260399 9 Upper High Street, Thame.

Crockery, cutlery, glassware and more

We are a small, efďŹ cient and friendly party equipment 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 www.laythetable.org hire@laythetable.org

roselle@outofthedoghouse.co.uk

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37


FOCUS is everything if you want to succeed. Here, Mark Tubb, Business Mentor and Co-Director at Princes Risborough Golf Club explains why. DON’T PROCRASTINATE: DO!

If it needs doing – find the energy (it will be there) and get it done there and then.

FOCUS ON MINUTES, NOT HOURS AND DAYS.

There is nothing more valuable than time. Try to break your day into minutes and focus on getting work done within minutes. Move on to a “next task” straight away. To be clear, I don’t mean rush your work. A three-hour job might still take you 180 minutes (but it might well be less - you will be amazed at how much more focused you can be when you think in minutes). Also many small but essential tasks can fill just a few minutes each. So many people say “there is no point in starting something new now” and give up with perhaps still 80 minutes of time to go before lunch or at the end of the day. Over five days with that attitude its 400 minutes gone. Over a 48-week year that’s 19,200 non-productive minutes.

FOCUS ON ONLY ONE THING AT A TIME.

Know what your next “Most Important Task” is and work on it without interruptions. Take a break if you need it when the task is done.

USE A TO DO LIST AT THE FRONT OF A DIARY AND A SMALL NOTEBOOK.

This might seem like a pain but it works. List everything on your main to do list then write in your diary when you will do each task. Keep this updated and accurate. Also keep a small notebook and pen with you at all times. Productive people free their minds by writing everything down as the thoughts come to them. Don’t wait or the thought will be gone but will trouble your mind and sleep. NB: You can do all this on your phone or tablet if you have some smart technology available.

ENERGY LEVELS ARE VITAL.

You can’t make more minutes in the day, but you can increase your energy to increase your attention, focus, and productivity. The right food is fuel, some laughter reduces stress, breaks allow you to recharge and think in order to get more done and good sleep clears the mind.

AND FINALLY...

If you would like to attend a course on becoming more productive we will add you to our lists and try to schedule you into a Bucks Conferencing Training Session. Bucks Conferences are based at a lovely venue and can provide space for between 2 and 120 people to meet. If you just want to pop into the Café or bar area without booking, we have comfortable chairs for you to use while you sit and talk quietly over coffee. Come up and see us. We are at HP27 9NX. Check out our website on www.bucksconferences.com. Call us and ask for Mark or Nick on 01844 346989. We will be very pleased to work with you.

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