Look Local Magazine, Issue 126, May 23'

Hello Readers,

Welcome to the May 2023 issue of Look Local Magazine.

What an exciting and patriotic month we have with THREE bank holidays to enjoy, thanks to the Kings Coronation. There’s so much going on this month from street parties to village events in pubs, parks and community centres. Check out my mini feature on Page 18 for a few ideas and I’ve also included a summer favourite recipe on page 19, which is sure to be a great hit if you’re hosting a party at home.

This issue also features not one, not two, by THREE competitions. Turn to page 14/15 for more information on these great give-aways and how to enter to win some great prizes.

And as its the Kings Coronation on Saturday 6th May I thought i’d share a few fun facts about our new king:

• He was born on 14th November 1948, at Buckingham Palace in London.

• Charles has always been the heir to the throne, and is the longest-serving heir in British history.

• King Charles is a keen pilot having spent time flying planes for the RAF and also flying helicopters for the Royal Navy.

•

• He is also a keen diver and is the first ever British monarch to have a qualification in diving.

• He was the first member of the Royal Family to receive a degree from a British university having graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Trinity College in Cambridge in 1970. He also completed a diploma in anthropology and archaeology.

• King Charles plays three instruments: the cello, piano and trumpet.

Have a great month and enjoy all the Bank Holiday entertainment, lets hope the sun comes out to play too.

Until next month, enjoy reading...

Love Emma x

For Advertising contact 07707 386034 or

Email: info@look-localmagazine.co.uk

Web: www.look-localmagazine.co.uk

Look Local Magazine

7,100 copies of Look Local Magazine are printed on a monthly basis and delivered to households in, Aston Rowant, Chalgrove, Chinnor, Crowell, Great Haseley, Great Milton, Henton, Kingston Blount, Lewknor, Little Milton, Milton Common, Postcombe, Sydenham, Tetsworth, Towersey and Watlington. In addition, the magazine can also be picked up from businesses in these areas and also Thame & Wheatley.

CONTENTS

07. Home & Garden

Loft Ladders you can trust from Home County Loft Ladders.

14. Competition

WIN tickets to Oakfest and Chinnor Players Performance.

15. Competition WIN Thame Players Theatre tickets.

16/17. News & Events

What’s On in our local area.

18. Kings coronation

Local events to celebration King Charles' Coronation

19. Recipe Strawberry Pavlova: a very British summer classic

26. home & Garden

Over the Garden Gate with Mimosa Garden Design.

24. home & garden

Tips from Hartwell Nurseries on how to help your summer garden thrive.

BOOKING DEADLINE for JUNE 2023 issue:

Wednesday 17th May

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

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

Kate & Duncan Collet-Fenson Directors of Aston Hearing

THE IMPORTANCE OF A WILL

Having a will is arguably one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. Not only can a will legally protect your spouse, children, and assets, it can also spell out exactly how you would like things handled after you have passed on.

For further information or experienced advice regarding Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Funeral Plans contact Michael Bradley

Welcome to our farm shop where we stock

Wild Bird Feed

Pet Food - brands include Natures Way & Chudleys

Heygates Farm Animal Feed

Animal Care including, Hay, Straw, Wood

Shavings for Horses, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs

Snowflake range of shavings, Bedmax & Littlemax Animal Bedding

Bulldog Gardening Tools

Garden Sundries & Seeds

Erin and Melcourt Compost & Barks

Opening Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm Saturday, 9:00am - 4:00pm

Tel No: 01865 874636

Address: Old London Road, Wheatley, OX33 1YW

Website: www.wheatleyfarmshop.co.uk

SPECIAL OFFERS ON COMPOST

Mix and Match! Erin multi-purpose / tree, shrub and rose / ericaceous 50 litre bag

£6.99 each or 2 for £12.00

Melcourt Sylvagrow peat free 40 litre bag

£7.99 each or 2 for £15.00

WIN TICKETS to

Following the huge success of the last festival OakFest returns on Saturday 10th June in the grounds of Oakley School (Worminghall Road, Oakley HP18 9QY). The doors will open at 1.00pm when the school drummers will get the music started then 14 bands and artists will entertain the audience through to midnight.

This year’s line-up includes a 90-minute set of 80’s classics by local legends Sledgehammer. Other bands include Steve Winch and the Inception, Eastern Block Busters, Prog Floyd, Restless Oceans, The Vibe and the fabulous Band with No Name closing the show. As well as the superb talents of the musicians there will be a fully stocked bar featuring a good selection of real ales, local ciders, lots of lager, the deliciously posh ‘OakFeast’ Barbecue as well as a traditional tea tent. For the children there is a tuck shop, bouncy castle, ice creams and festival merchandise plus a free cinema tent in the evening. Sponsor, Rugby-Tots and Premier Sports are both hosting free sporting sessions. Living Willow are offering willow weaving workshops inside a beautiful willow dome.

For your chance to WIN a FAMILY TICKET (x2 adults & x2 children) answer the following question:

Q: What is the name of the band closing the show?

Email your answer with your name and address to info@look-localmagazine.co.uk by 26th May 23’. A winner will be selected at random from all correct entries and notified by 1st June.

This years sponsors include, Windmill Windows who are sponsoring the main stage and roadside signs, and Lovell Fuels, Westfield Fasteners of Long Crendon and Oakley Wood Timber are sponsoring the other main areas. New supporter, Martin & Co Estate Agents are supporting publicity with sale boards in the local area.

Tickets available to purchase from the school office, via the www.cuatoakfest.co.uk or on the day

Ticket Prices: Adults £12.00 | Children, aged 3 -17 £5.00 | Over 65s £7.00.

Enquiries: Call 01844 238364 | Email: office@oakley.bucks.sch.uk

Full details can be found on the school website on Facebook @Oakfest23.

WIN TICKETS to a New Performace by Chinnor Players

Bothered and Bewildered by Gail Young, is a comic drama that follows Irene and her 2 daughters Beth & Louise as they begin a long journey in which the girls lose their Mum in spirit but not in body. As her family struggle to come to terms with her Alzheimer’s, Irene’s past passion for romantic fiction blurs with reality. She discusses with her unseen and witty companion Barbara Cartland. (Irene’s favourite and now deceased world famous novelist) how best to write her ‘memory book’, disclosing to Barbara long kept family secrets that she would never reveal to anyone.

For your chance to WIN TWO TICKETS to the play, answer the following question:

Q: What is the mother’s name in the play?

Email your answer with your name and address to info@look-localmagazine.co.uk by 26th May 23’. A winner will be selected at random from all correct entries and notified by 1st June.

The player takes place at Chinnor Village Hall between Thursday 15th - Saturday 17th June. Profit for the Saturday evenings raffle will be donated to the Forget me knot café who meet on Mondays in the Village Centre. Tickets available on line at wegottickets.com, Cob Cottage or on the door and are half price tickets to all NHS and care workers if they show their ID. Any queries phone Rose 07803 000575.

WHAT’S ON at the PLAYERS THEATRE in THAME

Tuesday 6

Thame Players present

Lucky Stiff

Book and lyrics

music by

A madcap, hilarious romp of a musical that follows Harry Witherspoon’s journey from England to Monte Carlo, based on Michael Butterworth’s novel "The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo".

Tickets

tel: 01844 212833,

Sunday 25

The New Foxtrot

TheThe show is a celebration of the swing era featuring the music of the greatest swing bands and crooners of the 1940s.

Duke Ellington, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra,

Tickets or online at thameplayers.co.uk

Friday 30

Giles Shenton

Lou Fowkes

Spend an evening with the amazing voice of Lou Fowkes singing classics from the likes of Billie Holid Adele, Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack, Beth Hart and Amy Winehouse......plus a

Tickets or online at thameplayers.co.uk

Exclusive Competition

For a chance to win complimentary tickets for a family of four to a Thame Players’ production * answer the following question:

Exclusive Competition

For a chance to win complimentary tickets for a family of four to a Thame Players’ production * answer the following question:

Who will be performing a tribute to Hank Marvin?

Who travels from England to Monte Carlo?

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

For a chance to WIN four complimentary tickets to a Thame Players’ production* answer the following question:

Q: Which play will make all audiences smile?

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

*There are five Thame Players’ productions a year. See website for details.

*There are five Thame Players’ productions a year. See website for details.

Email your answer with your name and address to info@look-localmagazine.co.uk by 31st May 23’.

*There are five Thame Players’ productions a year. See website for details.

NEWS & EVENTS in our region

Calling all Dancing Queens to Take A Chance on the ABBA Sisters...

Princes Risborough Council, Brushwood Suite | Friday 5th May | 7:30pm - 11:00pm

This energetic, all singing, all dancing ABBA tribute act have an evening packed with the best known songs from the fabulous Swedish pop sensation in store for you and will round off the evening with a mixed 70s set. As well as iconic costumes, the duo act includes plenty of audience participation to get the party going in true ABBA Style.

The event organised by Princes Risborough Town Council runs from 7:30pm - 11:30pm with the first performance starting at 8:30pm. The Brushwood Suite’s dedicated licensed bar will be open between 7:30pm - 11:00pm.

A limited number of tickets are now on sale for this event. Each attendee will be served one free glass of bubbly or soft drink on arrival as part of their ticket. A valid ticket must be presented on entrance to this event and no tickets will be available on the door. This event is for 18’s and over only. All tickets for this event are unreserved seating.

Secure your ticket today for just £22.00 (including booking fee) from WeGotTickets to avoid disappointment. For the latest information, please go to www.princesrisboroughtowncouncil. gov.uk or search ‘Risborough Town Council’ on Facebook.

The 11th Chilterns Walking Festival returns between 20th May - 4th June ...

This years programme features over 60 walks and events throughout the Chilterns providing you the chance to enjoy the splendour of our local landscape at its springtime best. Here is a selection of them:

• Author and founder of Pause Global Danielle North will be joining Walk Works on their River & Woodland loop from Shiplake on 26th May and will offer a guided meditation from her new book ”Walking Meditations”.

• Birdsong and wildflowers of spring on 21st May: Walk through a range of landscapes with interesting birds and wildflowers and lovely views, taking in the Hartslock Nature Reserve and the Thames Path. At our lunch stop at Path Hill Farm we’ll light our own fire and brew a hot drink, learning how to catch a spark and make a flame.

• Sunrise & Sunset Walks: Enjoy the dawn chorus with an early-morning Skylark Walk on 25th May or watch the sun setting over the beautiful Bradenham Valley on a Bradenham Woods Sunset Walk on 24th May.

For details of all these walks and to view the full programme visit the Chilterns website www.chilternsaonb.org/walkingfest

This year the Abingdon Air & Country Show held at Abingdon Airfield, Dalton Barracks, Oxon. returns to a May slot, being held on Saturday 20th May. After the very sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II two days before last year’s show and the subsequent cancellation of the 2022 event, we are ready to go in 2023!

This year’s three-hour Flying Display is set to include, from WWII; the BBMF Lancaster, doing three passes, 80 years almost to the day since the Dambusters Raid, a Hawker Hurricane Mk I, not one but two P51 Mustangs ‘Miss Helen’ and ‘Contrary Mary’, a PBY-5A Catalina ‘Miss Pick Up’ and a late edition Yak-3UPW. From the not-too-distant past we have the return of the Rockwell OV10 Bronco from Belgium and, from the current RAF inventory, we have flypasts from a C17 Globemaster. We will also have aerobatics from a Pitts Special and the exciting Titan Display Team. On the ground, amongst up to 50 others, will be a Tutor from RAF Benson and hopefully a C130J Hercules, possibly one of the last chances to see this aircraft before it is retired by the RAF in June 2023. Again, helicopters will abound, both flying and on static, including a Gazelle 4-Ship, Wasps, a Scout, a Sioux, a couple of Sud Alouettes and an ex-Army Lynx, now in private ownership at North Weald Aerodrome in Essex, one of only two still flying and giving one of its earliest performances. The everpopular Classic Jets radio-controlled models will give one display before the main flying begins.

Ground attractions will include; the Solent Stars Motorcycle Display Team; Arena Demonstrations of Falconry, The Oxford Caledonian Pipes and Drums and of course the Stars; a Craft Marquee; Live Music; a Red Arrows simulator and a Spitfire simulator from 322 Sqn Royal Netherlands Air Force – a must see and have a go!; Re-enactors; Oxford Wildlife Rescue Owls; miniature Steam Engines; Classic and ex-Military vehicles of all types and sizes; upwards of 75 Trade Stalls; Rescue Husky Dogs; Amusements including Bouncy Castles of all sizes; Military Careers units; aircraft cockpits (the kids can sit in) and much more including food, drink and ice cream outlets.

Tickets are now available online at www.abingdonairandcountry.co.uk, please note there are no retail sales outlets this year. Car Parks, open at 7:30am, entry into the showground is from 10:00am.

2023 show is kindly sponsored byQdot.Tech, Stein Pilot Insurance, Look Local Magazine and Chancellors.

Head to this years Abingdon Air & Country Show for a fun-filled family day out...

Coronation Big Picnic in The Paddock | Sunday 7th May

11.30am - 3.30pm | Watlington

Supported by Watlington Parish Council and Watlington Primary School PTA, proceedings will kick off with a free show by Bertie Slippers at 11.30am followed by live jazz. There’s lots of fun activities planned along with a licensed bar, pizza, cream teas, face painting, crafts and games.

There will be ad hoc prizes announced on the day for best dressed and most patriotic outfits so please feel free to go all out with the Coronation themed clothing! Don’t forget a picnic, picnic blanket or something to sit on.

If you have any questions, feedback, would like to volunteer to help at this event or perhaps want to bake a cake to enter in the Great Coronation Bake Off please email watlingtonoxonpta@gmail.com

Chinnor Coronation Breakfast | Saturday 6th May

Open 9:30am - 2pm | Chinnor Village Centre

Enjoy a tasty coronation themed brekkie or cream tea whilst watching the Kings Coronation LIVE!

Family Fun Day

|

Sunday 7th May

From 1pm | Chinnor Community Pavilion

Celebrate a full of fun for the whole family! This event will be spread across the Chinnor Community Pavilion, the Playing Fields and a Marquee sponsored by Chinnor Parish Council so there is plenty of indoor and outside space to enjoy all of the planned activities which include, arts & craft stalls, Craft Beer & Ciders, Food Vendors, a BBQ, CHildrens Entertainment, Live Music and and much more. *FREE ENTRY*

Princes Risborough Coronation Big Lunch | Sunday 7th May

12pm - 2pm | Risborough High Street

This is a free event where you are invited to bring your own picnic and join in the merriment of the occasion. There will be tables and chairs set up along the High Street but they cannot be reserved so therefore it’s a first-come, first-served basis. Bezerkaz Circus will also be there offering FREE circus workshops outside of the Library for all ages to enjoy!

The Kings got Soul | Sunday 7th May

2pm - 9pm | The Lamb Pub, Chalgrove

For all you LIVE Music lovers, this is the event for you. Taking place at The Lamb in Chalgrove, LoveXLove & HD Mucis Promotions presents “The Kings got Soul All Dayer”. It’s free entry and there will be live music and DJs throughout the day. Food also available. Free Entry.

Strawberry Pavlova from BBC Good Food

When you find a punnet of perfectly ripe strawberries, showcase them in this irresistible summer pavlova fit for a King...

Ingredients

For the Merginue

• 4 egg whites

• 250g caster sugar

• 1 tsp white wine vinegar

• 1 tsp cornflour

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

For the topping

• 500g strawberries, hulled and halved

• 200g redcurrants, stalks removed

• 3 tbsp icing sugar

• 350ml double cream

1. Heat oven to 150C/130C fan/gas 2

2. Whisk 4 egg whites with a hand mixer until they form stiff peaks, then whisk in 250g caster sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, until the meringue looks glossy

3. Whisk in 1 tsp white wine vinegar, 1 tsp cornflour and 1 tsp vanilla extract

4. Spread the meringue inside the circle, creating a crater by making the sides a little higher than the middle

5. Bake for 1 hr, then turn off the heat and let the Pavlova cool completely inside the oven

6. When the meringue is cool, chop 100g of the hulled strawberries. Mix them with 100g of the redcurrants and 2 tbsp icing sugar

7. Place in a food processor, blitz until smooth, then push the fruit mixture through a sieve

8. Whip 350ml double cream with the remaining 1 tbsp icing sugar and spread it over the meringue. Put the remaining 400g hulled and halved strawberries and 100g redcurrants on the cream and finally pour the sauce over the whole lot

In our guide to transforming your garden from Mucky to Marvellous this month, we will be considering paving! .

It is all-important, in fact, it is crucial for the design of our gardens to have areas of hardstanding in the form of a patio, most probably paved. This will be somewhere to site your dining table, a path from the garage to the back door perhaps or a solid surface from your French doors into the wilderness that is your outdoor space.

When choosing your patio/hard standing, you need to consider your priorities; we are all different and want different things from our gardens. Generally, the division of priorities is colour, price and maintenance!

If minimum effort to maintain is your desire, your favoured choice would be a porcelain product. Porcelain is a fine ceramic material that is fired to make a dense and durable tile. As such the tiles clean well and do not stain easily. However, they are very hard to cut and require special methods to cut and lay, making them expensive to install. They come in many colours and even wood effects. The minimum cost to install would be a riven Indian sandstone. This material is much used; you will recognise it in the above photo. This mined stone comes in various colours from different regions for the most part in India (you can get UK-mined stone though this affects the price): grey, rainbow, autumn-mixed or mint fossil. It is porous and as such is liable to staining from a spilt drink or the build-up of algae in the pores which hold water and can turn into black spots. This can be avoided with regular sealing, though regular jet washing without sealing will exacerbate the problem.

Limestone also behaves very similarly to sandstone but can come in a darker grey colour. Granite is denser, reducing the staining potential and giving a modern look to the space. There are other choices but the above cover general products available for installation and sourcing at a reasonable cost. All these options are from a natural resource and are not therefore renewable. The Landscaping industry is working on alternatives for sustainable options, for the most part, construction has a high impact on the environment and your budget, and good design works to conserve both your finances and the environment with green spaces to offset and selective locations for your seating areas.

There are obviously other options for your hardstanding, for instance: gravel, bonded aggregate, asphalt, rubber surfaces, bespoke concrete or bonded resin.Good design will consider a product that will suit your budget, style and situation.

With love, Lucie

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

CONTACT ME: E: info.mimosadesign@gmail.com | M: 07737 286784

Look locally over the garden gate with Lucie Giselle Ponsford

Help your garden thrive through a summer drought...

Tips from Hartwell Nurseries

Experts have said that we are one hot, dry spell away from a drought returning this summer. Here are some tips on how you can start protecting your garden and help it to grow before the potential drought arrives.

Drought Tolerant Plants

Add hardy plants that thrive and survive in heat and drought conditions. Many of these come from the Mediterranean.

Think about filling your beds and borders with Achillea, Geraniums, Nepeta, Salvia, Sedums and Lavender. For your herb garden try Thyme, Rosemary and Sage. Plants with grey/silver leaves such as Seneco ‘Angel Wings’ reflect the sun’s rays, which helps keep moisture within the plant.

Where possible, plant when they are young, so they have time to get used to their environment.

Create Shade

Simply create shade by using taller plant varieties. Sunflowers are great if grown close together rather than in rows, as their heads and leaves will act as a parasol for smaller plants underneath. Leaf cover also protects the soil and keeps it cool. If soil gets too hot it will negatively affect your plants and their roots. Larger leaves also act as a shelter for insects and small animals.

Compost and Mulch

Keep your soil well fed with compost. It acts like a sponge and will slowly soak up the water and release it when needed.

Mulch (a layer of substances such as compost and bark) will also help. When layered over soil and around plants, it will suppress weeds and lock moisture into the ground.

Grow Your Own

If growing vegetables, try planting earlier than usual and give them more space. This will give them a better chance of survival as they have more room to look for water.

Root crops such as carrots, beetroots, potatoes and parsnips are relatively hardy.

Our expert team is always on hand with advice to help you maximise your outdoor space and enjoy it with friends and family all summer long. Happy gardening!

Come and visit us at Hartwell Nurseries, Ford Road, Stone, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP17 8RZ or visit our website www.hartwellnurseries.co.uk

Voted the Best Antique Centre in the UK

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

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

** NEXT AUCTIONS | 12 NOON **

3rd, 4th & 5th May

Antiques & Interiors to include: Natural History, Curiosities & Meteorites, Jewellery, Silver, Porcelain, Paintings & Furniture

Upcoming 5th May Auction Highlights:

LOT 800 - a late 20th Century

Taxidermy Full Mount Black Bear upon a

Naturalistic Plinth

Estimated £300 - £500

7th & 8th June:

Antiques & Interiors to include: Jewellery, Silver, Porcelain, Paintings & Furniture

LOT 848 - An extremely rare and fine Mummified Head, RadioCarbon dated to between 750 and 800 BC

Estimated £10,000 - £20,000

LOT 900 - A piece of MarsMartian Achondrite

Estimated £5000 - £6000