Vale Life
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Your free magazine for Aylesbury, Thame and the surrounding area
Take me home
FREE MAGAZINE
Nov/Dec 2010
Inside:
Coffee Culture
When in Haddenham...
Bargains & Ballgowns
Recollections of Chinnor
Bucking the trend
Aylesbury goes back to school Deck the halls Free Xmas tree voucher
plus competitions, shopping and much more... w Vale Ale w Meal at the Greek Taverna w Lush stuff w w Waitrose Hamper w stewed! w handmade chair w
Spire bedroom range by Frank Hudson
The finest selection of Living, Dining, Beds & Bedroom furniture INTEREST FREE CREDIT AVAILABLE* www.lucas-world.co.uk
Rabans Lane, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 8RE Tel: 01296 486255 OPENING TIMES: Monday – Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm, Saturday 9.30am – 6pm Sunday & Bank Holidays 10am – 5pm (Viewing 10am – 11am) *Terms and conditions apply. Interest Free Credit subject to status with a minimum spend of £995 and 1/3 deposit. Offer ends 21st November 2010.
This Christmas get more for your money! CeX buy, sell and exchange technology and entertainment products including DVDs, mobile phones, consoles, video games, computers, Blu Ray movies, digital electronics, CDs, laptops, cameras, iphones, blackberrys, ipods, xbox, ipad, playstation...
Opening Hours Mon: 9:30-18:00 Tue: 9:30-18:00 Wed: 9:30-18:00 Thu: 9:30-18:00 Fri: 9:30-18:00 Sat: 9:00-18:00 Sun: 11:00-17:00 Unit 1, Crown Buildings, High Street, Aylesbury We’re at the top of the High Street Website: www.webuy.com
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Open Morning 10am - 12 noon Saturday 13th November 2010 For a prospectus or to arrange a visit, contact us at: Ashfold School Dorton Bucks HP18 9NG 01844 238237 registrar@ashfoldschool.co.uk www.ashfoldschool.co.uk
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24 hr nursing, Physiotherapy & other treatments English Country House setting All rooms en-suite
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Excellent academic record Superb sport, music, art and ICT facilities
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10am -12 noon Saturday 13th November 2010
For all your present problems For a prospectus or to arrange a visit, contact us at: Ashfold School Dorton Bucks HP18 9NG 01844 238237 registrar@ashfoldschool.co.uk www.ashfoldschool.co.uk
Massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, health screening, hypnotherapy, kinesiology, reiki, aqua detox, hopi ear candling, Bicester 9 miles, Bach flower Oxford &therapies Princes Risborough 14 miles
Tel: 01296 622611
Great rates Great results To advertise in Vale Life Magazine Call Charlie on 07702 006218
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Spread the word across The Vale: see: www.vale-life.co.uk for details
Polished performance
26 Bright side of the road
The stuffing of legends
28
Stone’s throw
30 To give or to get?
‘Til the cows come home
32
Bucking the trend
Come rain or shine
33
Think Pink!
15 One Hungry Man: Matt Brown
34
Penny for the guy: Penny Harper
Coffee culture
35
It’s perfect darling!
It’s the real thing!
36
Deck the halls
The Grape and the grain
37
Shop til you drop!
39
Christmas in Aylesbury
6 8 10 12 14
16 18 19
Pure craftsmanship from the men of Milton Under the covers with the god of sleep The rockin’ place for outdoor types Take your time in the minstrel’s gallery Life on the Farm plus win a Greek meal Festive feasts and the beasts of the field It’s the place to go for the perfect cuppa WIN a pin of Christmas ale
Wined and dined at Ockenden Manor
20 Dealing direct 23 25
The car warranty firm that’s going places
Salon’s step in the right direction
New moon rising
Pauline’s shop of heavenly delights Or maybe the choosing’s the thing? Aylesbury’s specialist schoolwear shop 10% off at Thame’s new card and gift store Our Small Town Girl has a firework phobia What’s on your wishlist?
Handmade decs and a free Xmas tree voucher The shopping event of the year is back! Festive events in the town centre
Powered up
40 Close up and magical
Bargains & ballgowns
41
Turn on to micro-generation
Clever shoppers mix the old and the new
Sylar says: ‘Pick a card’
Cracked it
Make your own Christmas crackers
All hail the Vale!
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elcome to our November/ December edition! The six weekly deadline seems to come around faster and faster! Perhaps there’s just more on at this time of year. I’ve certainly enjoyed attending some exciting events over the last few weeks. From the gala performance of Swan Lake on the opening night of the Waterside Theatre to Thame Food Festival, the opening of Stoneworld’s new gallery in Thame and the Kop Hill Climb, there’s been some fantastic events around here of late, all well supported by the local community. I’d like to thank Waitrose, Thame for
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ongratulations to the following Sept/Oct competition winners! Hopefully your prizes will have arrived by now, let us know if not. Commiserations to those who weren’t so lucky - read on though for more competitions inside this edition, including the chance to win: a £50 Meal Voucher for The Greek Taverna; a Waitrose Christmas hamper; 35 pints of Real Ale; the stewed! cookbook; and some Lush stuff!
Editor and wife, Amanda, ‘papped’ by Frank Millar on the red carpet for the opening night of Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre
donating one of their spectacular Christmas hampers for our competition on page 15 and of course for stocking the Last issue’s prizewinners were: Meal for Four at The Thatch: Beth Boardman, Ickford. Britain’s Next Top Model Tickets: Julie Graves, Aylesbury; Tessa Forgan, Stone; Charlene Harris, Oxford; Zoe Bufton, Halton; Erin Gardner, Thame; Josephine Adcock, Tring; Jill Rogan, Waddesdon; Claudette Dunkley, Aylesbury; Melanie Simpson, Aylesbury; Pauline Cook, Aylesbury; Jeni
magazine in store - it’s a popular collection point for Thame-ites. Finally if any of you enjoy a bit of a knees-up 70s style and would like to party down with live eight-piece 70s soul, funk and disco band Planet Funk, and the Vale Life crew, at our Christmas party on December 11th, you are most welcome. It takes place at The James Figg Stables bar in Thame from 8pm to 1am and tickets are £10 from the magazine or from the bar at The James Figg or the Thatch in Thame. Don’t forget our website at: www. vale-life.co.uk. have a look - send me an email! Enjoy the read. Best wishes
Charlie
Abbott, Naphill; David Simpson, Aylesbury; Rebecca Cox, Aylesbury; Tilly Stubbs, Haddenham Action Cam: Angela Harvey, Bedgrove; Dave West, Princes Risborough; Nicki Gilder, Chinnor. A case of French wine: Victoria Nixey, Thame. Food Show Tickets: Winifred Rice, Pitstone; Vivian Nex, Princes Risborough; Meryl Bird, Thame; Gill Minton, Ford; Lee Ryder, Aylesbury.
Front cover picture: Fireworks over the River Thames at Henley Vale Life Magazine is designed and published by House of Mouse, 23 Glenham Road, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3WD Telephone: 01844 261579 Mobile: 07702 006218 Website: www.vale-life.co.uk Email: editor@vale-life.co.uk Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of Vale Life and we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions or late changes. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the publishers. Printed in the UK by The Magazine Printing Company www.magprint.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
From child-sized Windsor chairs to a king’s bed for Braveheart: it’s all in a day’s work for the craftsmen of Milton Common
W Fitting back sticks
Carved refectory table
Cutting chair banister dovetail
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
hat do Indiana Jones, Downing College, Shakespeare the Tortoise and Braveheart have in common? Or, should I say, have in Milton Common? Confused? Well, the answer is Bates and Lambourne - but that may not enlighten many of you. Let me explain... Tucked away on the Camp Industrial Estate, off Rycote Lane, Milton Common, Bates and Lambourne is a company of craftsmen making the most fabulous timber furniture, using mainly English and European hardwoods. The company was formed in 1979 by Richard Bates of C. R. Bates & Sons (the Wycombe chair manufacturers founded by Richard’s grandfather in 1919) and David Lambourne, who was apprenticed to Bates & Sons as a young man and had became a highly skilled traditional chair maker. In 1985 Tony Smith, an antique restorer, cabinet maker and traditional wheelwright became a partner and the company moved its workshops to the current location at Milton Common, Oxfordshire. The workforce has gradually expanded to around a dozen skilled craftsmen specialising in the different areas of traditional and contemporary solid furniture production. In 2001, with several thousand Windsor chairs behind him, David Lambourne retired and in 2003 Josh Howard-Saunders, who had been a cabinetmaker with the company since 1996 and holds a first class honours degree in furniture design, joined Richard and Tony in partnership. The company takes on a broad portfolio of work, from individual items for private customers to large projects involving much design and development and a
lot of wood. “We have undertaken work for many colleges, churches and institutions, both in association with architects and designers, and directly with the client,” says Josh. “Stylistically, we work to the needs of the client, whether that is a traditional country style, heavily antiqued and aged, or a clean, contemporary look. Whatever the aesthetic, our emphasis is always on quality of workmanship, quality of materials, and durability.” The company has made pieces ranging from a house for a beloved pet tortoise to an entire suite of furniture for the magnificent, recently-refurbished dining hall at Downing College, Cambridge. “We have built furniture for films including Gladiator, Braveheart, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” says Josh. “Many churches in the region have had either refurbishment work, or new furniture, made by us too. “Our workshops at Milton Common were originally built to house Italian prisoners of war during World War II, hence the name The Camp Industrial Estate. “Home comforts have not much improved since then,” he laughs. “We are well equipped with machinery to produce quality timber furniture affordably, but we rely more on the skills of our craftsmen than the use of excessive technology.” With thirty years of furniture making behind them Bates and Lambourne have a number of styles in their portfolio that are tried and trusted. “Certain designs work naturally with solid timber construction and many projects may simply be a re-working of a reliable pattern to fit a given space,” says
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Ash and cherry sideboard Josh. “Others, will require developing from fundamental principles with prototypes and workshop drawings. “Materials are selected and sawn into component form. The wood then goes through its initial machining, being planed and dimensioned before jointing takes place. Further work at the bench will refine the components before assembly. Some parts may require turnings to be patterned and manufactured, or production jigs to be made. After assembly the work is inspected prior to polishing and once polished, elements such as glazing, lighting or upholstery are fitted as appropriate. “Generally, in cabinet work, one maker will produce a piece from the sawn board right through to being ready for polishing. Chair work is more complicated though and other makers will be involved. If we are working to produce a number of similar items, standard parts may be made in batches to be assembled as required.”
Burr oak breakfast table The company has developed strong relationships with a small number of UK sawmills, which helps ensure the quality of the furniture from the beginning. “Our preference is to use European and in particular, English, hardwoods,” says Josh. “Although we also work in American timbers such as maple, cherry and black walnut. English oak is particularly popular, especially the character, pippy, and burr grades, where the idiosyncrasies of each piece are most apparent and, with careful selection and craft, most interesting. “For many of our chairs, especially the ‘Windsor’ styles where the legs and back of the chair are fitted into the solid slab of the seat, we use English ash. It is an ideal timber for chair making being strong, yet relatively light. It can be steam-bent reliably and has a good degree of spring to it (hence its use in carriage-work and in the early days of the motor industry). It is also light in colour, allowing a broad range of
Win a child’s Windsor Chair
A Bates and Lambourne child-sized Windsor chair is a delightful gift; classic, beautiful, durable and useful, an heirloom in the making. It is built from English ash, can be polished in a range of finishes and is available in the simple stickback style, or as a wheelback. A popular option is the ‘blind’ wheelback onto which, for a small additional charge, an inscription can be carved, for example name, initials, date, or year of birth. Stickback £120, Wheelback £130, Blind wheel-back £125. Inscriptions on the blind wheelback cost £2.50 per letter. Packing and delivery can be arranged, if required. Call: 01844 278978. Bates and Lambourne are offering Vale Life Readers the chance to win one of
Child’s Windsor chairs in Ash with inscription their fabulous child’s chairs. To be in with a chance of winning email: editor@vale-life.co.uk with your name, address and telephone number plus the answer to the following question: Where are Bates and Lambourne’s workshops? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries on Nov 30.
Finishing seat detail finishes to be applied, from its pale natural state to the very dark.” The firm’s polishers have over fifty years experience between them and are skilled in many different styles and techniques from a simple Danish oil treatment, bringing out the natural beauty of the wood with a low sheen lustre, to traditional French polishing, or for high wear surfaces, an acid catalysed lacquer or polyurethane finish. For pieces with an antique finish, artificial ageing may be carried out using a variety of techniques, stains, and polishes, the work being built up in layers to achieve the final effect. The company has a number of standard finishes, but can also colour match new pieces to a customer’s existing furniture. Upholstery in fabric or leather, rushwork, carving, turning or additional glazing and mirrors can all be incorporated with the assistance of local specialists. Bates and Lambourne have an impressive website (www.batesandlambourne .co.uk) with pictures of their work, a history of the firm and details of the processes involved and likely costs. To discuss your furniture requirements, Josh recommends a visit to the workshop where samples of finished pieces as well as works in progress can be viewed. Site visits can be arranged to assess particular requirements in terms of dimensions, style and function. Delivery times vary depending upon the nature of the work and the time of year, but are usually between eight and twelve weeks from placement of order. l Bates and Lambourne, The Camp Industrial Estate, Rycote Lane, Milton Common, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 2NP. Tel: 01844 278978. Fax: 01844 278678 Email: info@batesandlambourne.co.uk Website: www.batesandlambourne.co.uk
Workshop pictures courtesy of Amy Gallagher, Michael St. Maur Shiel and Graham Barclay Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Hypnos the Greek God of Sleep, Son of Nyx the God of Night, dwelt in a cavern in the land of Cimmerians, surrounded by his sons, the bringers of dreams...
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t’s not surprising Princes Risborough is a sleepy town. It’s the home of Hypnos, ‘makers of the most comfortable beds in the world’ the company which uses the Greek god of sleep’s name as a symbol of purpose. The family-run business is over 100 years old and has built an envied reputation for manufacturing luxury handmade beds and for its expertise in producing handcrafted deep pocket spring beds. Company chairman Peter Keen is the fourth generation of his family to run the business which began with Wycombe chairmaker George Henry Keen a century ago. Two of Peter’s three children now also work in the firm, which has recently moved premises across town to a newly refurbished factory on Longwick Road. “I was 33 when my father died and left me in charge,” says Peter. “We joined forces with bedmaker WH Toms making furniture and beds. As time went by it seemed there was more potential in beds than chairs, so we’ve concentrated on that. It’s very difficult to compete with foreign furniture producers and the UK manufacturers have mostly disappeared over the last 25 years. It’s harder to import a bed, they are much weightier and the fire regulations are more stringent. We also offer a complete service to hotels: assessing their requirements, supplying beds and installing them, which has allowed us to fight off competition from abroad. We probably install around 1,000 hotel beds a week.” It seems Peter was right to specialise, with him at the helm the firm’s annual
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
turnover has increased from £100,000 to arond £25million and he has recruited a small team of directors to head his now international concern. “I couldn’t do everything myself, I’ve only got one O’ Level,” he laughs, “but I’ve got a sense of humour and can get on with people, which is probably all you need in this life!” Born and bred in High Wycombe, Peter went to Wycombe Grammar school, despite having failed the 11+ and claims to have bumped along at the bottom of his class. His organisational skills began to show afterwards at Wycombe College though, where he became chairman of the student union and met his wife Julie. He joined the family firm at 26 after having worked in retail for several years. He now lives in North Dean, not far from Princes Risborough and takes a keen interest in the town. He has helped
Peter Keen
organise the successful resurrection of the Kop Hill Climb, can often be seen at the wheel of the community minibus and is a driving force behind plans to rejuvenate the town’s shopping centre. Peter is rightly proud of his company’s products and the award of their Royal Warrant from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which reinforces Hypnos’s reputation for producing beds of the very best British quality. In fact, Hypnos is the only bed manufacturer to actively supply the British Royal Family and the Royal Household. All Hypnos beds are upholstered using the finest Belgian damask, hand sidestitched and hand tufted for the ultimate tailored finish, quality and durability. This assured craftsmanship and longevity is reinforced by a 10 year guarantee. Each bed is designed to offer different levels of comfort and support and both sides of a Hypnos mattress contain
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Hypnos Heritage Collection
Hand stitching
sumptuous layers of soft fillings, providing double comfort. The finishing touches add luxury and an eclectic mix of stunning headboard designs and finishes are available to suit any room. Headboards and divans can be upholstered in a range of matching, modern colours and textures including three-dimensional narrow cord fabric and stylish tactile faux suede. Divans are also available in the same damask to match the mattress and can incorporate a range of hidden storage solutions. “Our beds are available through a variety of retail outlets, including independents like Green’s Furnishings in Thame and Lucas in Aylesbury as well as John Lewis,” says Peter, “we also have a showroom here where you can see what is available.” The move to the new site was motivated by the delapidated state of the old work-
shops and an opportunity to redevelop the old site with housing. The new factory has provided a more efficient space for the firm’s production processes and a roof that doesn’t leak! There’s also warehouse space and some useful conference facilities, which means retailers can bring their sales staff to Risborough for on site training. Hypnos has just launched the Heritage Collection which uses only ecologically sound and completely sustainable materials and backs Prince Charles’s call to support British sheep farmers, and the natural benefits of wool, by including British wool in every mattress within the range. The beds are 100% recyclable and will never need to go to landfill. These hand crafted mattresses feature new pocket spring systems that focus on ‘intuitive active turns’ for instant comfort and support plus maximum pressure relief. Each bed is individually made to order and designed by the customer who can choose from a range of finishing touches to provide added luxury and a truly
personal design. Hypnos has also launched a sumptuous range of new pocket sprung Pillow Top mattresses which contain an integral pillow top that provides a luxurious soft and comfortable ’cushion’ above the supportive mattress. According to Hypnos ‘deep, uninterrupted sleep not only rejuvenates the body and the mind, but also helps to improve daytime alertness and performance, whilst improving health and wellbeing’. This could explain the firm’s success and may well be a testament to the competitive edge an exceptionally well-rested workforce can provide! l Hypnos Limited, Longwick Road, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire HP27 9RT. Tel: 01844 348200 Email: sleep@hypnos beds.com Website: www.hypnosbeds.com Hypnos Showrooms: Mon to Thurs 9am to 5pm, Fri and Sat 9am to 4pm. Closed Bank Holiday Weekends l Hypnos ex-showroom stock is available from K&S Furniture Outlet, Long Crendon. Call: 01844 202418 or see: www.kands furniture.co.uk for details.
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Hypnos Heritage Collection
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
OK so you’d need an arm like Popeye’s to actually chuck a pebble from Stoneworld’s new gallery in Thame to their external stone store in Great Milton, but to continue our feature Steve Newbury on the firm we’ve made the short trip to their original farmyard headquarters...
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teve Newbury, brother-in-law of Stoneworld supremo Rob Parker, is the man in charge at the company’s Great Milton base. It’s a dusty, dirty place with great piles of rugged rock, bags of gravel and boxes of setts and cobbles, in all shapes and sizes. In a huge barn giant sculptures are ground from enormous lumps of stone and kitchen worktops cut from solid sheets of granite. It’s not surprising Rob decided to open the new showroom in Thame where their stunning range of internal flooring can be shown off and kept clean! “We’ve got a huge range of good quality stone,” says Steve. “We spend a lot of time making sure we have the right products. We offer a good deal, but we make sure our stone is good quality and try to keep ahead of the game getting new products in before the seasons and fashions change. “You can buy paving cheaper on the internet, but it won’t be as good quality. It makes a big difference when a stone is quarried and even from what part of the quarry it comes. “We have looked at buying cheaper stone in the past, but the quality just isn’t good enough for what we want to offer.
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
“We also make sure you get the weight you pay for. It’s surprising how light 1000kg can be from some suppliers!” Steve grew up in Taunton, Somerset, he’s 30-years-old now and was in his late teens when his sister Amanda, Rob’s wife, suggested he move to Thame to find work. He moved in with the couple and found jobs with a variety of local firms in the building trade and with a tool hire firm. When Rob started Stoneworld, Steve was immediately recruited, although he admits that in the early days it wasn’t always easy living and working together! “We’ve got to know each other and how we like to work now,” he says “and I’ve moved out, so we get on much better!” “We started in The Buttermarket researching and sourcing products and then got a portacabin on the farm. We tried selling gravel to garden centres, but it didn’t go well, so we started supplying landscape gardeners. That went much better and our product range grew rapidly. “We’ve evolved from gravels and rockery to water features and paving, internal paving, worktops and now sculpture. “Our website is an increasingly important part of the business. It’s best to come
and physically see the stone, but it gives the customer a chance to see the range and narrow the choice down a bit. “There’s a lot of different paving finishes now from hand-cut to tumbled which looks older, antiqued (even older) to sandblasted, which is a clean-cut, smart look or honed. We’ve got circles and setts, cobbled setts and walling stone, rockery stone, drilled rocks, monoliths... The only man made products we do here are the Silver Stone composite worktops which are made from quartz and come in as a slab like granite, but with a perfect continuous colour. We then cut and polish to the client’s specifications, as we do with granite tops. “We’ve also invested in digital technology and have a Proline digital templater that you can run along a kitchen wall and then our Stone Genie robot cutter will cut a worktop to fit the wall shape.” See the Dec/Jan edition of Vale Life for more about Stoneworld’s amazing Stone Genie robot.
l Stoneworld, Views Farm, Windmill Hill, Great Milton, Oxfordshire, OX44 7NW Tel: 01844 279274. Stoneworld, 43A Upper High Street, Thame, OX9 2DW. Tel: 01844 279307. Web: www.stoneworld.co.uk
K&S
Tel: 01844 202418
F u r n i t u r e O u t l e t www.kandsfurniture.co.uk
www.kand
Hypnos Ex-showroom stock at clearance prices. Hypnos ex-showroom stock at Harrison Brothers contemporary Sets from £499.00 clearance prices. Sets from £499. & traditional bedroom furniture. Harrison brothers Contemporary and Traditional Bedroom Furniture. Sunday Times Special Offer:
Children’s Wardrobe, bedside table and Chest of draw for £359.00 (
Vale Life Magazine Special Offer: Children’s wardrobe, bedside table and chest of drawers only £299 (five different colours).
Make every night a night to remember. Each Hypnos bed is individually handmade by master craftsmen, guaranteeing unrivalled quality and years of sumptuous and comfortable sleep. So, to be sure that you have a great night’s sleep, and awake feeling revitalised and refreshed, visit our showroom and choose a bed that’s just right for you. Hypnos – the God of Sleep. Handmade in
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Visit our Showroom: Longwick Road | Princes Risborough | Bucks HP27 9DN T: 01844 348200 | E: sleep@hypnosbeds.com | www.hypnosbeds.com
1696 Town Council Guide Ad 120x89.indd 1
13/11/09 14:04:45
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
“
You wouldn’t expect to find a sumptuous bathroom suite in an old cowshed, or a luxury kitchen in a hay barn, but here’s one Oakley firm that really has ‘gone to town’...
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always said I’d never have anything to do with it!,” laughs Watermark managing director Dan Farmer when quizzed about his family business. “I went to University in Nottingham and I was really into snowboarding, so when I left I got a job in a snowboard shop. It only lasted six moths though, as they wouldn’t let me have time off in the winter to go snowboarding, which was the whole point! “I quit, went snowboarding and when I returned my dad offered me a ‘temporary’ job driving the company van. That was about ten years ago!” Dan’s parents Betty and Richard started Watermark in 1989, as a plumbing and ested in joining the business, so gradually heating supplier. The family lived in Shabbington and the business quickly developed I was given more and more responsibility and eventually my parents took into bathroom design and supa couple of extended holidays, plies and then kitchens and they leaving me in charge. About six opened a showroom in 1991 years ago they left altogether in a barn off the Worminghall and retired to France!” Road near Oakley. “It’s good fun though, I “When we started here we really enjoy it. I like dealing had the centre barn of three with people and it’s interesting with cows one side and hay the sorting out any problems that other,” says Dan. “We’ve now arise and making sure things got a large bathroom showDan Farmer run smoothly. room and a kitchen showroom, “I mostly work behind storerooms and office space, the scenes. Martin and Brendan tend to but from the outside it doesn’t look very deal with the kitchens, they’ve years of glamorous. People are always amazed when experience and know their way around the they come in and see the displays.” computer design software and the kitchen “I’ve two older sisters who weren’t intercatalogues. Doug has 20 years experience, he focuses on bathrooms and deals with our builders and architects. I am usually concerned with the general running of the firm and any problem solving.” Dan recently moved to Shepherds Bush and now does a reverse commute to work in Oxfordshire: “The traffic can be a bit
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Bathrooms at Oakley
frustrating,” he says, “but there’s a lot more to do than in Shabbington! I lived in Oxford before, which I really liked. People are nicer round here - you don’t realise how much nicer until you start living in London,” he laughs. “A lot of our business is from recommendation,” says Dan. “We work regularly with several builders and architects and we try and make life easy for them, so they keep coming back. “We’ve also done well from personal recommendation Above and below: Co there’s a street in Worminghall kitchen plans a for example where we have fitted half the road. Neighbours have seen what we’ve done and heard good reports, it’s really nice.” “We have customers who move house and get us back each time they put in a new kitchen or bathroom. I think four times is the record at the moment. We may be called upon to work out of the area, we’ve had jobs in Cornwall and Ipswich recently, but 90 per cent are
within 40 miles of here. “We’re really enjoying being involved with the new Stoneworld Gallery in Thame and working with other local businesses to create something that’s quite unique. Our joint showroom is fabulous and the businesses work well together. Another local firm, tillynilly, has provided some homeware items to furnish our gallery displays, which is a good partnership too.” Dan went to Lord Williams’s School in Thame and took a degree in business economics at the University of Nottingham. At Watermark he works alongside directors: Martin, from Long Crendon and Doug, who lives in Wheatley. Chris takes care of deliveries and Caroline does the accounts. “We’re not massive on volume,” says Dan. “So we do have the time to give a more personalised service. omputer generated We can focus on a customer’s and 3D image project and help them through it, we can cope with making changes. “We specialise in quality, luxury, fitted kitchens and bathrooms
The gallery at Stoneworld, High Street, Thame
from British and European suppliers and we can organise anything from a kitchen tap to the design, supply and installation of an entire project - flooring to units, worktops, lights, painting, whatever is required. “Our kitchen collection includes products by The Wooden Kitchen Company, Beckermann, Hacker and Arthur Bonnett and appliances by AEG, Neff, Bosch and Smeg are popular, but we can supply most brands. “Beckermann is a bespoke kitchen, which means you can have cabinet sizes made to measure rather than just standard units. The English solid wood kitchens are solid oak, pine or maple doors, which can be painted or polished, on a carcass of solid pine. “We do keep an eye on cost though and although there are internet firms offering cheap deals, we can usually match them for price and you can deal with someone you know, not an anonymous website. “We use different suppliers for different items: our solid wood worktops are from Denmark, granite worktops from Stoneworld and glass and composite tops from Germany. You could spend anything from a few hundred pounds to over £3,000 on a wooden worktop so it all depends on client requirements and budget. A complete kitchen starts at £3,000 and can go up to £30,000 plus, while a modern
bathroom ranges from £500 upwards. “Concept Decorum has supplied the majority of the ceramic tiles for our showrooms in Oakley, while in Thame Stoneworld has laid the most impressive stone floors. “We’ve quite an extensive range of baths and sanitaryware, from Imperial to Duravit and Bauhaus to Jacuzzi, the Oakley showroom is vast. “We’ve less stock on show in Thame, but people are welcome to pop in anytime, even if it’s just to see the artwork on display. It’s a lovely old methodist chapel and with the stone floorings, fireplaces and our kitchen and bathroom sets, which are on the first floor gallery, it’s a nice place just to browse around - take your time, the cows won’t be coming home for a quite a while!” l Watermark PHS Ltd, Worminghall Road, Oakley, Buckinghamshire, HP18 9UL. Tel: 01844 338137 Email: sales@ watermark.gb.com Website: www.watermark.gb.com
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Win a £50 voucher for The Greek Tavern Our farm diary from Richard and Rosemary Hilsdon who run Boycott Farm, near Stowe, with its popular farm shop and restaurant.
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here are many changes on the farm as we head into winter. The cattle are now safely tucked up inside and will remain there until the spring. They will happily munch their way through the silage and hay which we prepared on the farm during the summer months. This does create more work for us, as we have to muck them out and feed Rosemary and them regularly but it’s the best Richard Hilsdon way for the cattle to spend the winter months. As the days get shorter the hens are put to bed earlier. It’s difficult getting the timing right because they want to stay out and ‘party’ until nightfall, but if they’re not in by dusk, Mr Fox is on the prowl - he helped himself to 5 hens the other night, unfortunately. Already our thoughts are turning to Christmas and many customers are eager to order their free range Christmas turkeys which we get from a local farm. Rosemary and her team are busy in the kitchen preparing Christmas cakes and puddings ready for our tasting days at the end of November. These are great fun as we always enjoy having time to chat with our customers. Along with a glass of mulled wine or some warm apple and cinnamon, they can sample a selection of our Christmas foods and place their orders. Our new bull “Mr Beefy” thinks Christmas has come early! He is three-and-a-half years old, weighs 900 kilos and has come to take over from our other bull, Black Jack, while he has a wellearned rest. He has 39 cows to keep happy. It’s hard work having so many girlfriends! For the second year running we have been nominated as finalists in the FARMA (Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association ) awards for Best Farm Retail Newcomer. We have worked very hard to get to this stage and would love to win. It would be a fantastic reward for our hard working staff and loyal customers. The results will be announced at a dinner in January. It’s a bit like the Oscars for farm retailers except with bow ties and wellies! In November we will be celebrating our 2nd birthday. Two years ago we sold our produce in a tiny stone shed with an honesty box. Now we have our beautiful barn and 28 staff. It has been a challenging two years but definitely worth all the hard work. Come and visit Boycott for Christmas tastings on Friday 26th November from 5pm until 8pm and on Saturday 27th November from 10am until 4pm. 14
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
‘Opa and welcome’ says George of The Greek Taverna, Aylesbury, which nestles on Walton Street, between the council offices and the new Waterside theatre. A taverna is more than a restaurant - you can pop in for a coffee, or something stronger, enjoy some fabulous, freshly cooked food and even smash a few plates, gyrate with a belly dancer, or boogie Greek style at one of their legendary Friday party nights. The authentic atmosphere will transport you to the land of Plato, Troy and Mama Mia! The taverna uses only fresh and traditional ingredients and each
dish is carefully crafted by the chefs to excite your culinary senses. The Greek Tavern is offering Vale Life readers the chance to win a £50 meal voucher! Simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Which city is the capital of Greece? Winner to be drawn at random and notified by email on November 30. l The Greek Taverna, 23A Walton Street, Aylesbury, Bucks HP20 1TZ. Tel: 01296 431366. Email: info@greek-taverna.co.uk Web: www.greek-taverna.co.uk
Calling all cake decorators Is it difficult to find the supplies you need? Just pick up the phone and give us a call or visit our website to see the vast range of equipment we can supply
Fast and friendly mail order w Our own world renowned flower paste w w Boards w Boxes w Cutters w Tins w w Sugarpastes w Marzipan w lots more...w Telephone: 01844 213428 Email: sales@sugaricing.com Website: www.sugaricing.co.uk 18 Upper High Street, Thame, Oxon, OX9 3EX
l Column: Matt Brown - One Hungry Man
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Matt Brown
put the mockers on the whole flipping caper love Christmas. I really love Christmas. I love it way more than anyone else in the (mmmm capers). We have been using the sheep as a way of teaching our two boys (aged five and history of the world has ever loved Christmas... a little about where the food we eat comes ONE Hungry Man two) from. If Father Christmas and Tiny Tim had ever got it So far our five year old hasn’t shown even the on and had a baby and then swaddled the infant in one of Noel Edmunds’ Christmas jumpers then that slightest trace of squeamishness, or upset, at the prospect of killing Minty in nine months time. Yuletide progeny would only love Christmas half as much as I do. He hasn’t once asked: ‘Why are we doing this Daddy?’ and herein lies the problem. You see, I I had planned this year’s Christmas lunch by 7am have anticipated this question and so far have Boxing Day, 2009. I toyed with the idea of not having turkey. Perhaps some rolled rib of beef, or yet to come up with an adequate answer. I am a a goose. I soon dismissed such thoughts and settled hardened carnivore but the only reason I can come up with as to why we rear, nurture, kill and eat so on a turkey and a ham with all the trimmings. many species of animals is that they are absolutely We’ll have the beef on New Year’s Day. delicious. It isn’t fair and there seems little in the As I write it is late October and in many ways I am so over Christmas (or at least over the planning way of a robust moral or nutritional argument. I of the lunch). I am already thinking about next am at a bit of a loss. On learning the news that we have acquired a March and the spread that will grace the Brown l Listen to Matt Brown on Heart sheep all of my friends have said the same thing. table on Easter Sunday 2011. And the reason that Breakfast With Matt and Michelle (weekdays 6-9am 102.6FM). When it comes to the crunch we won’t go through I am thinking so far ahead has four legs, a lovely Tweet Matt at twitter.com/frazzleddaddy with the kill. That may yet be true. Next Easter a woolly coat and goes by the name of Minty. nut roast could be order of the day as the whole I have bought a sheep that is currently residing family embraces vegetarianism. Well, so be it. in a top-secret location in the Vale. He is proud of What will be will be, I’m already fantasizing about the food I’m going hoof and noble of baa and if the food gods smile and he doesn’t keel to prepare for Bonfire Night 2015. over from clostridial diseases or footrot or Johnes disease between Feel free to get in touch and tell me what you think and if you want now and March, then we shall be feasting on legs and shoulders and you can follow Minty on Facebook, he’s under ‘Minty Sheep’. Who saddles and chops for Easter and beyond, freezer space willing. knows, he might give you a poke. You lucky, lucky thing. Except there is a problem lurking in the pasture of life that could
Win a £110 Waitrose Christmas Hamper!
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aitrose, Thame has been an enthusiastic supporter of Vale Life Magazine since our first edition. We make sure that they are one of the first outlets to have a stock of each new issue and many readers have been able to pick up a copy at the till as they pay for their shopping. Now as a special Christmas treat Waitrose is offering Vale Life readers the chance to win one of their fabulous ‘Wonder Of Christmas’ Hampers. The one pictured above, packed with delicious festive goodies, is on display in store if you’d like a closer look. In addition to a bottle of red wine, a bottle of white and a sparkling bottle of Waitrose Brut Cava, there’s nibbles and sweet treats and a whole host of items that would be most welcome in any foodie’s pantry!
SALE
To be in with a chance of winning this fabulous, festive delight, email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk. Who is the TV chef who writes recipe cards for Waitrose? a) Gordon Oliver, b) Delia Lawson, or c) Heston Blumenthal? Winner to be drawn at random and notified by email on Tuesday, November 30th.
We’ll pay the VAT on kitchen cabinets until the end of the year. Terms and conditions apply - ask in store for details.
In-toto Kitchens 5 Britannia Street Aylesbury HP20 1QS (opposite Wilkinsons) Tel: 01296 337299 Email: aylesbury@intoto.co.uk
www.intoto.co.uk
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Simon and Cathrine Keeley
Coffee is a powerful force in the lives of Little Italy Espresso Bar’s Simon and Cathrine. The couple met over a cup and now run their own café chain
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made Raymond Blanc’s lunch once,” says Simon, “and I was quite nervous! He had a cappucinno and a tuna baguette.” Monsieur Blanc is one of many regular customers at Simon and Cathrine’s Little Italy coffee bar at Thame and Haddenham Parkway station and will often sample a coffee and pastry before boarding the train to London. The couple took on the concession some years ago, serving commuters from a tiny three-wheeled Vespa coffee van they had converted by installing an old espresso machine in the back - the Little Italy Espresso Bar was born!
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Their catering proved popular and when Chiltern Railways decided to extend the ticket office to include a coffee shop and waiting area, Little Italy Espresso Bar was asked to run it. Simon Keeley is originally from Ipswich and used to work in marketing. During the 90s he took a job in Norway, where a decision to stop for a coffee one day would prove a lifechanging one! He was served by Cathrine Tjore, a Norwegian from Kristiansand in the south of the country. She was interested in catering as a career and had been working her way through the industry since the age of 16: “I tried pubs, clubs and restaurants, but I like the coffee bar scene best,” says Cathrine. “I like the fact you can surprise somebody with something that’s maybe small but really good quality. People don’t always expect having a coffee and pastry, or a lunchtime snack, to be so special. “I like the connection you have with people in the daytime. They come in more regularly than to a restaurant and you get to know them and what they like.” The couple clicked and several years and many gallons of cappucinno later found themselves living together in Buckingham. Cathrine had been to university in England and studied marketing and Simon
had returned from his job in Norway to a marketing job in the film industry. “I was ready for a change,” says Simon, “and we thought we’d like to run our own business. We’ve always loved coffee and the culture surrounding coffee. “Cathrine started it off with the Vespa. We approached Chiltern Railways for a site and they offered us a pitch at Haddenham and Thame Parkway Station, as there was no facilities there then. We didn’t even know where it was at the time, as we lived in Buckingham! “That was in 2004. She had to brave snow, ice, wind and rain, but it went really well, she was very busy and then we were approached by The Roald Dahl museum to see if we would do something similar at their museum in Great Missenden. We bought another coffee van and although it was only meant to be for a few months, we ended up doing it for a year. We took on the café at Bicester North station in 2007and we’ve tendered for a couple of other stations for next year.” “It’s a simple concept,” says Cathrine, “but we make sure that the quality is really good with nice fresh pastries and baguettes. People got to know us and soon we were getting meal orders from surrounding businesses and preparing around 70 lunches in addition to serving the commuters. “It was a lot to cope with in a 3m2 kitchen! People wanted to eat there too, but there just wasn’t room! Then we saw the old blacksmiths workshop in Haddenham was available. It needed a lot of work, we had to redesign it, put in heating, lights, everything. It took us six months to complete, but it’s lovely now and we’ve room for people to sit down and relax.
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Sophie and James
We opened in 2008 and it seems to appeal to all ages too, we have mums coming in, businessmen, retired people, all sorts. “We make everything from scratch from soups to salads, sandwich fillings; the bread and pastries come in part-baked and we finish the baking as they are needed. Now it’s getting colder we do fresh homemade soup and there’s a selection of filled baked potatoes, paninis, pizza ciabattas and baguettes as well as salads with pasta, beans or cous cous.” Being from marketing backgrounds Simon and Cathrine have been careful to keep the quality consistent across their different locations: “We decided to do things in a stylish modern way, even though we have quite small spaces to work with at the stations,” says Simon. “We have to get in early to prepare food and get the baking going. I get to Bicester at 4.30am to be open for 5.30am, while Cathrine heads down to Thame at a similar time.”
The couple now live in Long Crendon and finally found time to get married last year after being together for ten years. “We’ve been taking on staff with catering experience, so we can do more outside catering now,” says Cathrine. “We already supply a few local firms on a regular basis and we’re looking to do more. It’s a simple formula, but it’s all about the quality of ingredients and the friendliness of the staff - we’ve a team of 15 in all now.” “In Norway we love to celebrate Christmas and here we kick it off on December 1st with a ‘Glug evening’ which is mulled wine and nice things to eat such as warm rice pudding and Scandanavian Christmas cake. We’ve done it for two years now, it’s great fun and we raise funds for a couple of charities. Regulars will know Sophie and James, above right, who work at the Little Italy Espresso Bar in Haddenham: “We get our fruit and veg from Sophie’s mum’s shop Blooming Fruity,”
says Cathrine “and we were lucky enough to find Sophie there too! She’s been with us for two and a half years now and is featured in one of Paul Wilkinson’s photographs on our wall.” Simon and Cathrine clearly love their work, they enjoy meeting people and take a pride in ensuring their tasty snacks and refreshing drinks are of the very highest quality. There’s a lovely, friendly buzz to Haddenham’s Little Italy Espresso Bar and perhaps most important of all, their 100% Arabica house coffee blend, specially imported from an old Italian coffee house, is perfection in a cup. As they say at Little Italy Espresso Bar: ‘Peace Love Espresso! l Little Italy Espresso Bar, 7a Fort End, Haddenham, Bucks, HP17 8EJ. Telephone: 01844 290426. Website: www.littleitalyespressobar.com Opening Times: Mon-Fri: 8.15am-4.30pm, Sat: 9am-4.30pm, Sun: 10am-3pm Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Phil Stevens
You won’t find hobbits in Brill these days, but something’s brewing up on the hill...
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hen Oxford Don JR Tolkein wrote his Lord of the Rings trilogy, he took his inspiration for Middle Earth’s rolling hill area ‘The Shires’, from the hill top village of Brill. If the Vale brewery had been there then, he might have penned a very different tale! It wasn’t until 2007 that the Vale Brewery Company moved to the area, a short journey from it’s original home in Haddenham. Brothers Mark and Phil Stevens founded the business in 1995. Their experience from working with brewers such as Morrells and Allied Breweries and a shared love of traditional ales helped them create the Vale Brewery, where all beers were and still are brewed only with natural ingredients: malted barley, hops, live yeast and water no additives, preservatives or chemicals are added. Beer names were derived from local landmarks, Wychert - after the wattling wall Haddenham is famous for and Grumpling the base stone for the Wychert walls. Sales built well and by 2006 the brewery owned four pubs including Aylesbury’s
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
WIN a Mini Pin of Xmas Beer That’s 17 pints to you - of Good King Senseless - a classic Christmas Ale: dark, meaty and Strong! Traditionally brewed with pale, crystal and chocolate malt and choicest hops. 5.2% To be in with a chance simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Which two Vale beers won awards last month? Winner to be drawn at random and notified by email on November 30th. Hop Pole Inn. The Haddenham site became too small though and the company moved lock, stock and barrels to Brill, an even more rural location some nine miles away and the famous Brill hilltop windmill now forms part of their new logo. The Tramway Business Park on the Ludgershall Road houses the brewery, brewery shop, storage and offices on one site with room for further expansion. Although a larger brewery now, the original philosophy remains - to produce
consistent high quality real ales. Brill brewed real ale is sold to local pubs, and farther afield via distributors and via exchanges with other like minded breweries. Most beers are available bottle conditioned and the brewery shop sells minipins, polypins and bottles, so bringing back the age old tradition of a local brewery supplying locally hand crafted ales. Vale Brewery has recently won two awards for it’s beers VPA and Gravitas. In October at the SIBA Midlands beer competition, VPA, an assertive dry hoppy ale with a pronounced malt background, won silver in it’s class. The following day at Oxford CAMRA Festival, Gravitas, a strong, pale ale packed with hop and citrus flavours, rounded off by a dry malty biscuit finish, was awarded Gold in the Beer of the Festival competition. Congratulations to all at the brewery for some well-deserved recognition. Pop along to their open day on Saturday, December 4th and you’ll have the chance to sample some of the award-winning ales. l Vale Brewery Company, Tramway
Business Park, Ludgershall Road, Brill, Buckinghamshire, HP18 9TY. Tel: 01844 239237 Email: info@valebrewery.co.uk Website: www.valebrewery.co.uk l Brewery shop opening hours are: Mon to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm Saturday 9.30am to 11.30am Closed Sundays and bank holidays.
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
It’s always nice to get away for the weekend, especially if you can combine a little culture with some exceedingly fine dining
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found Ockenden Manor on the internet. I’d been given a voucher for a vineyard tour and wine tasting experience and the closest option was Bookers Vineyard on the Bolney Wine estate in West Sussex. Looking up accommodation options in the area, Ockenden ticked all the boxes. It’s a charming and tranquil Elizabethan Manor House tucked away in Cuckfield, one of the prettiest Tudor villages in England. It’s got history and character, an elegant sitting room with a roaring log fire and a cosy, wood-panelled bar. A wonderful place to escape to without the added attraction of a local vineyard! The hotel is set in nine acres of peaceful gardens and parkland with views across the West Sussex countryside to the South Downs. Manager Adam Smith and his team are friendly and attentive and the hotel’s cuisine has been recognised with AA awards and a Michelin star. In fact under the expert guidance of Head Chef, Stephen Crane, the restaurant serves some of the finest food in southern England incorporating the freshest local ingredients, whenever possible. Guests have a choice of fixed price menus including Stephen’s selected Sussex Menu or the gastronomic seven course Tasting Menu. There is also an extensive wine list. Ockenden Manor’s 22 distinctive bedrooms and suites are individually furnished and each is named after a member of one of the two families that has owned the building since 1520. You can enjoy the intimacy of your own dining room in
Merrick, or a private staircase in Elizabeth. The Charles Room has a huge four poster bed; Hugh, a Victorian-style bath and walkin shower; and Master has oak panelled walls, an original stone fireplace and a cosy private sitting room with views over the secluded garden. Each room has an en suite bathroom and modern amenities. They are comfortable and cosy in a traditional country house way rather than trendily stylish like a modern boutique. We enjoyed the vineyard tour, it was fascinating and informative. The wine tasting afterwards demonstrated some spirited sparklers, a rather thin red and no white they’d run out! Not to worry - we returned to Ockenden where the most magnificent feast was awaiting and a more substantial wine selection! Tortellini, Purée and Confit of Beetroot with Horseradish Velouté - a delight, Wild Balcombe Duck Breast with Confit Duck Potatoes, Roasted Carrots, Rainbow Chard and Salsify - cooked to perfection and Warm Fig and Almond Tart with Honey and Natural Yoghurt Ice Cream, need I say more...? The food really is top notch at
Ockenden. The three course menu costs around £50 per person, but the quality is exceptional. The wine choice is a moot point though. I’ve developed a taste for Argentinian Malbec and thoroughly enjoyed my selection from the manor’s cellar. Unfortunately the lovely Amanda absolutely hated it and had to seek solace in a glass of Chenin Blanc. Coffee, petits-fours and a couple of night caps later though and we were both once again in agreement - Ockenden makes a great place for a weekend break. l Ockenden Manor, Ockenden Lane,
Cuckfield, West Sussex, RH17 5LD Telephone: 01444 416111 Website: www.hshotels.co.uk
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Vehicle owners can now cover themselves against unexpected garage bills with a warranty from a rapidly expanding local firm
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lanning for the unexpected makes good financial sense. If you own, or are about to buy, a car, motorcycle, or light commercial vehicle, then an effective way of insuring against surprise breakdown and repair bills is obviously desirable. The average family car contains between 5,000 and 7,000 parts - that’s a lot that can go wrong! Modern vehicles are highly technical and most people can’t carry out repairs themselves, so the protection offered by a good warranty is essential for peace of mind. The Warranty Management Services Group (WMS Group) based in Haddenham, near Thame is a leading supplier of extended car, motorbike and van warranty cover and boasts more than 75,000 policy holders.
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
The company was founded in 2003 by four friends: John Colinswood, Peter Ginger, Chris Brooks and Eric Stone. All have many years experience in the motor trade and in particular in the car warranty sector. Three of the four live locally, hence the Haddenham base and all are Fellows of the Institute of the Motor Industry FIMI. Having worked with car dealerships, recovery providers and repairing garages while being keen motorists to boot, the four have pooled their knowledge and experience to create a range of affordable warranty products that vehicle owners will appreciate. The WMS Group (www.wmsgroupuk. com) has built a solid reputation in the motor trade and provides dealer warranties to over 3,000 authorised, independent and franchised, used-car, bike and van dealers
across the UK. Many of us buy vehicles privately though and until recently couldn’t be sold warranties directly by WMS Group because of strict regulations controlling the dealership side of their business. In response to the public demand WMS Group has launched a new website www. UsedVehicleWarranty.co.uk which offers motorists a range of warranty products usually supplied through car dealerships, direct from UVW. Products include three levels of car and van warranty for all cars and vans up to 15 years old and with less than 150,000 miles on the clock, motorbike warranties for bikes up to 10 years, breakdown cover and MOT cover. The WMS Group has a national network of approved repairers, checked for their skill and efficiency, to ensure customers receive the best possible service and get back on the road again as quickly as possible. Customers may also use a garage of their own choice - coverage for main dealer rates being at a small premium. WMS Group Marketing Manager Steph Colinswood has been involved in the
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Eric Stone design of the website The Haddenham firm has and has spoken to come a long way since UVW many customers who was launched 12 months ago. have taken advantage “The company was rebranded of the opportunity as the WMS Group,” says Steph. to buy direct over the “We have modern logos and internet: “The WMS websites, a fantastic campaign Group is growing rapin force including advertising Steph Colinswood idly,” says Steph. “We and sponsorship platforms plus are delighted with a business that is going from what we have achieved. Advertising with strength to strength. We are no longer little Auto Trader, Van Trader, Top Marques, old WMS!” Exchange & Mart and JustGoodCars. The WMS Group’s goals for 2011 are to com has brought a fantastic response. Car expand its staff levels and dealer base, furmanufacturers are now using extended war- ther increase its brand awareness and join ranties as a value added benefit for new car forces with a few well-known organisations buyers and the resultant press, radio and to remarket their products. TV advertising has increased the public’s The company will also be launching awareness of the value of a warranty. a brand new product in the first quarter “In these difficult times most drivers of 2011 which is being kept firmly under are hanging on to their cars for longer and wraps for now. It’s release will be supported with our warranty policies available for up by a national marketing campaign incorpoto three years, it makes sense to protect rating TV advertising on the popular chanyourself from unexpected expense, with nels, so the Haddenham firm will be firmly cover for a family car starting at less than in the national eye. 50p per day.” UVW is keen to do what it can for the Director Eric Stone adds: “It makes local area too though and the firm is proud sense to protect your vehicle as so many to be supporting Thame Football Partnerpeople are dependent on their cars for ship (TFP) for the 2010/11 season. The work, or the school run. Our website local club’s new stadium Meadow View provides all the information a customer needs for a bespoke quotation and it is very easy to navigate. From start to finish it takes only four clicks to cover your vehicle against shock expenses. “More and more people are buying direct from our website and with the uncertainty of the economic situation in this country, it is not surprising. “We are known as ‘the nation’s favourite warranty company’ and our reputation for simple, straightforward products and making ratified claims payments within 24 hours underpins that.”
Park on the Thame bypass is due to open in December and UVW is helping out with sponsorship for the Under 12’s Boys and Girls teams kit, four perimeter boards around the main pitch and the Thame Boys Festival of Football Tournament in June next year (www.thamefootball.co.uk). Frank Thompson of TFP commented: “We are really excited we will be able to unveil our site to the public soon. Our aims are to provide footballing opportunities for all in a safe environment and meet the long term footballing and sporting needs of the local community. It is essential to ensure that TFP remains financially sustainable so that we can offer our services to a wider area. We are very grateful for the support from UVW and we look forward to maintaining a strong relationship with them in the coming months.” For Vale Life readers UVW are offering a £25 discount on any of their vehicle warranties available at: www.usedvehicle warranty.co.uk or by calling freephone 0800 021 3030 - just enter or quote the promotional code A1047. The offer is not valid in conjunction with any other offer. l UVW, Warranty Suite, Thame House, Thame Road, Haddenham, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8HU. Tel: 0800 021 3030. Email: sales@usedvehiclewarranty.co.uk Website: www.usedvehiclewarranty.co.uk
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
“
They fly batteries to Antarctica and keep Lithuanian Poker Stars powered up, but Thame’s Critical Power Supplies are just as happy advising homeowners how to save on solar panels
W
e’ve only had the National Grid 75 years,” says Jason Koffler, “but everyone expects to flick a switch and lights come on. We’re reaching a crossroads though - we’ll all have to look more critically at our energy consumption, at using power more efficiently, at generating some of our own and at reducing emissions. We’ll have to because cost increases, taxes and incentive schemes will push us to.” Jason has been working in the power industry for over twenty years and recently set up his own company, Critical Power Supplies, to offer consultative based solutions for business and residential power requirements. That’s anything from power protection and critical energy management systems to portable generators and renewable energy solutions, including solar panels, grid connect inverters and fuel cells. “As a senior manager for an international electrical manufacturer I was clocking up 80 flights a year,” says Jason. “I had the
experience, the contacts and the expertise, so I set up my own company in my home town of Thame and now I can keep travel to a minimum!” “I’ve worked for manufacturers in the past and been tied to recommending their products. Now I am able to advise on the best solutions from across the board. His company has been trading for less than a year, but already Jason has built an impressive client list: “We’ve provided mainframe power back-up for the Jaguar R&D centre at Coventry and generators for Travelodge, battery back-up for Klarius Jason Koffler the exhaust manufacturer and for the production line at Rowse Honey in Watlington. “Our website has generated some interesting enquiries too. We supplied a scientist in Antarctica who needed a battery back up system for his instruments to measure the thickness of glaciers and sourced, tested and delivered some clever switching hardware for the Poker Stars Lithuanian-based online gaming website, to help their servers
cope with the country’s fluctuating power supply.” When it comes to generating your own energy, Jason is a mine of information: “There are grants and tax incentives available which more than cover the cost of installing solar panels and you can even feed extra power generated back into the grid and get paid for it,” he says. Critical Power Supplies offer a number of Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) approved products and can help with advice and installations. “With 24 million homes in the country it would have a massive impact if even half of us started generating some of our own energy,” says Jason. “The government thinks so too and offers £900 a year for 25 years to homeowners installing their own solar or powered system and will do the same for wind powered from April 2011.” Jason’s wife Susan the company accountant agrees: “Renewable energy production is not just good for the future it can give a worthwhile return on your investment.” l Critical Power Supplies, Thame, Oxon,
OX9 3WD. Sales: 0845 519 3638 Email: sales@criticalpowersuppleis.co.uk Web: www.criticalpowersupplies.co.uk sales@criticalpowersupplies.co.uk
Sales: 0845 519 3638 Comprehensive Critical Energy and Power Solutions available from stock for a wide range of applications including Residential, Business, Factory or Office Blocks with Optional Installation Service.
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www.criticalpowersupplies.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
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There’s a stylish selection of the old and the new at Recollections, where Emma Rogers mixes dress hire, second hand fashion and fabulous handmade jewellery
Emma Rogers
I
’ve always been interested in clothes,” says Emma Rogers. “As a child I had a big dressing up box and my playroom was constantly being turned into a shop! I’ve always liked fashion and I’ve always liked a bargain!” It’s not surprising that Emma, who was brought up in Kingston Blount and went to Aston Rowant School, now runs her own dress agency and dress hire business, Recollections in Chinnor. “There used to be a great dress agency in Long Crendon called Hang Ups and I loved going there,” says Emma. “I trained as a bilingual secretary, but as I didn’t want to work out of the area, there weren’t a lot of job opportunities and then my shop in Chinnor became vacant, so, encouraged by my mum, I decided to start up a dress agency trading second hand clothes. That was fifteen years ago. “About six weeks before I opened I did a big leaflet drop around the local area saying I would collect any clothes ladies wanted to sell and by the time the shop was ready to
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open I had a good selection of stock, rails and rails in fact and a lot of interest in what I was doing. The opening day was amazingly busy!” “Now I’m known, ladies bring clothes in all the time. They have to be suitable though, in good condition, clean, in season and from a smoke free environment. I look for modern and fashionable items for all ages, teenagers upwards and lots of yummy mummys in their thirties and forties come in to pick up bargains. “Good quality high street brands, or lesser known boutique and designer names are ideal: Hobbs, Sahara, Boden, Laura Ashley, Next... I have customers who come out from London, so it’s not just items bought around this area. “We sell anything that ladies might like from clothes to accessories, hats, bags, shoes and jewellery. Winter boots are popular at the moment and handbags always go quickly. The seller gets 40% of what the Emma and friends in Recollections dresses for a ball at The Lambert Arms last year
item sells for.” Emma also makes her own jewellery using semi-precious stones like dyed purple jade, amethyst, Swarovski crystals, glass beads and fresh water pearls. “I love sourcing and buying beads says Emma. I’ve bought in Egypt and San Francisco as well as at specialist shows.” She obviously has a real talent and has created a unique look with a modern funky take on classic styling. Her handcrafted necklaces, bracelets and earrings are very reasonably priced and she will also make items to order if requested. Emma is taking stalls for her jewellery at several fundraising sales over the coming weeks: she’s at Kingston Blount play area Christmas fair on November 4th, Longwick Pre-School Christmas Fair on Friday November 12th and at Ladybirds Nursery in Sydenham on Friday November 19th. During her first year trading Emma had several requests for evening wear. Two local
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
dress hire shops had closed down about that time and so, as she had some spare space she began to hire out evening dresses and ball gowns. The dress hire has proved very popular and gets especially busy in the spring at School Proms time. Her dresses are all bought in new from specialist suppliers like John Charles, Consortium, Serenade, and Kelsey Rose. Evening dresses can also be bought, either new or from ex hire stock. “We don’t hire out second hand dresses,” says Emma, “all the evening dresses are bought in new. “We have a good selection of colourful dresses in sizes from 6 to 22! The prom girls seem to like the American styles puffy, colourful and blingy, but we have other styles too including classic black dresses, which some ladies prefer. Being a one-woman business it’s not always easy to balance home and working life and when Emma was nine-months pregnant with son Benjy, 9, she was still working and actually in the shop changing the window display while coping with the onset of labour pains! “My shop has been my constant, over the last fifteen years,” says Emma. “During that time I’ve been engaged, married, had my son Benjy and then five years ago got divorced. “At Recollections though many regular customers have become close friends over the years and visit regularly to catch up
while trading some clothes.” Ladies are already bringing in party clothes and cocktail wear for the festive season and Recollections stocks a range of jewellery, accessories and gift items that would make ideal pressies. Emma is launching a Recollections website, which she hopes will help her to reach a wider client base and is enjoying going out and about with her jewellery, but she thinks one shop is quite enough for her to run at the moment: “I enjoy the personal contact, so I’ve no plans to open another shop,” she says. “I like to meet my customers and give them a personal service. I have many regulars, some who come in a couple of times a week and I know the sort of things they like and what has come in that might appeal to them. “That’s what makes it fun. Our range of garments is constantly changing, I never know what is coming in and customers are always welcome to come and browse. We have an extensive range of dress sizes and I think we offer some of the most exciting new and nearly new ladies clothing and accessories that you will find in Oxfordshire.” l Recollections, 1A Lower Road, Chinnor,
Oxon, OX39 4DT. Telephone 01844 351313. Website:www.recollectionsdress hire-agency.co.uk Opening hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: 10am to 5pm, Saturdays 10am to 4pm. Closed throughout January. Large car park.
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Clean lines and cool colours in the new Eclipse salon
Louise and her team at Eclipse Hair Design have only moved a few hundred yards, but the Thame salon owner feels it’s a step in the right direction for her business...
I
n our Aug/Sept edition we reported on Thame’s Eclipse hair salon and how owner Lousie Dockery and her team were eagerly awaiting a move to new premises. Happily after the slow-going legalities had been finalised the actual move was undertaken in record-breaking time. Louise engaged the aptly-named Long Crendon firm Eclipse Building Contracts Ltd to fit the new salon out and within just six weeks Mike Hampshire and his team had gutted the old Flame Lily clothes shop on North Street and created a stylish modern salon. “People think the two businesses are related,” laughed Louise, “but we just happen to both have the same name! Long’s Electrical from Aylesbury worked amazingly hard too and did a brilliant job on the lighting and electrics. “It was all a bit chaotic at the end, we were here until 1am the night before we opened and then back at 7am the next day to finish up, but we just made it! “Our logo has changed and we’ve gone for a new colour scheme inside, which was 26
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inspired by a Laura Ashley wallpaper design. It’s a nice clean look and the lighting has just brought it alive. I’m really pleased. We had to put in new floors and false ceilings and walls too, so it’s been quite a big job! “We’ve now got three extra work stations and much more space. We’ve a nice big colour room and we’ve even got a good-sized staff room, which is much better. “We had a brilliant opening night and I’ve a lovely picture of all the staff which I’m going to have framed for the wall. “We’ve got time to settle in and get used to the new place now before the hectic Christmas season arrives. “We’re launching a new website so clients can see what we’re up to and if there are any special promotions or offers and we’ve two new assistants, Leila and Emma, who we’ll be training from January, so it’s good we’ve got the extra space now. “I’ll be looking to recruit one more stylist soon and open six days a week instead of five, but I couldn’t be happier with the way things are at the moment!”
l Eclipse Hair Design, 56 North Street, Thame, Oxon, OX9 3BH. Tel: 01844 260062.
WHITE LION HOUSE the home of
Following on from our success in
Princes Risborough We are now opening our second shop at
17 High Street, Thame We will soon be offering an eclectic mix of Antique and Contemporary Furniture Inspirational Gifts, Beautiful Garden Ideas Traditional Papers and Paints
Handmade Cards and Gift Wrap, Interior Design Furniture Restoration and Architectural Reclamation.
We look forward to seeing you www.whitelionhouse.co.uk
Take a good look
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Shoppers in Thame may have thought they were seeing double, but fear not it’s just a little lunar activity
P
auline Dowden obviously doesn’t know when to stop! She’s brought up a family of three while assisting husband Rob in a variety of family businesses - she still does the accounts for their coffee shop in Thame’s Buttermarket - and now she’s just opened her second shop! Pauline grew up in Greenford, Middlesex and met her husband of 40 years when still in her teens: “Rob’s mum and step-father had a pub in Northolt next door to my father’s garage,” says Pauline. “There was a party at the pub one night and I went
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Pauline Dowden
along.” Romance blossomed big-time for the couple. They knew they were meant for each other, but despite the fact it was the 1970s Pauline’s father had rather old-fashioned values. Knowing he wouldn’t approve their union - she was 17 and needed his permission to wed under the age of 21 in England - the couple eloped to Scotland and were married at Gretna Green! “We didn’t realise we could have married anywhere in Scotland,” laughs Pauline, “We thought you had to go to Gretna!” “Rob got a job working at Simpsons in The Strand for The Savoy, while I worked for J. Lyons, in accounts. “We moved out to Amersham and then to Devon where we ran a grocery store for a while. We had two children already and the place was too small for a third so we moved back up this way. We’ve always liked Thame, we used to drive out here on a Sunday and window-shop.” Rob had become interested in antiques and was trading at weekend antique fairs. He started helping out at the Coffee House
Pauline imports a range of leather handbags from Italy
in Thame in the week and when Andreas the owner decided to sell the business Rob and Pauline took it on. “I was front of house at first and Rob ran the kitchen,” says Pauline, “Our son has inherited his dad’s talents though and he’s in the kitchen now while Rob is out front more. “We’d been selling Yankee candles in the coffee shop and about four years ago the lady who ran the small wedding shop next door asked if we’d like to take the shop on as she was moving. “We decided to call it Ruby Moon as our 40th wedding anniversary was coming up and we felt like we were due a second honeymoon! “Things evolved, I started with candles then incense, photo frames, handbags, then Italian leather bags which I really love, eventually there just wasn’t enough room! “Then the shop next door became available and we were able to open a second Ruby Moon here in July. “I go to lots of trade shows for fashion and gifts,. I’m trying to offer a range of
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quality items at reasonable prices - things that you don’t usually see on the high street. “A lot of people come in for presents and for homeware items - we stock some lovely lamps, shades and chandeliers and some pretty ornaments and vases. “We live in Oving now, but I enjoy working in Thame, we’ve always liked the town. It’s changed quite a bit, but it still looks like it always did. Even the newer Waitrose building is tucked away. “There’s a great selection of independent shops here, which people really like - a good variety. You could easily do your Christmas shopping in Thame. “There’s lots of ladies fashion shops, but not so much for men, I have a few gift items for men here: wallets, cufflinks, scarves, but there’s more for the ladies:
purses, handbags, Italian leather bags, fashion jewellery, silver and amber jewellery, clothing and homeware items, while next door we still specialise in candles and incense. “We’re open six days a week from 9am to 5.30pm at the moment,” says Pauline, “and we’ll probably open on Sundays in December as well.” Where Pauline finds the energy for all this, we at Vale Life would love to know! It might be those scented candles, or a regular supply of espresso from the coffee shop, but more likely it is the power of love that 40 years on is as strong as ever and keeps Pauline’s ruby moon shining brightly!
Above: Yankee Candles Below: Reed diffusers
l Ruby Moon, 4/5a Buttermarket, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3EW. Tel: 01844 212561. Email: rubymoonofthame@hotmail.co.uk
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I
Rolls of Buckram cloth
t has been said that amid the festive ebb and flow there is far more to be gained from giving than receiving. To give is to receive - although you shouldn’t be giving to get in material terms - the joy and excitement of planning, choosing, wrapping and finally handing over that perfect pressie, will be reward in itself as the happy recipient excitedly tears away the paper to be left breathless and enthralled by your most excellent selection! They may then chuck it in the corner of course, shouting: ‘can I unwrap that big one under the tree now?!’ but more times than not a little care in the selection will pay dividends and you’ll be left with a warm glow inside. And buy yourself a little gift along the way, after all that effort you deserve it! l White Hart Studio, 15 Churchway, Haddenham, HP17 8AB Telephone: 01844 292308 Open 7 days a week up to Xmas. Late night shopping: Wed 17th November.
Miss Popp-ins! Soft furnishings Made to measure curtains and blinds, alterations, repairs, advice... Call Helen on: 01296 394667 07966 468978 30
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Les Liney
Vehicle Hire Car and van hire All sizes available including Luton tail lifts AA Cover Also available: Fully Insured 24 hour accident and Unlimited Mileage breakdown service Customer Parking
Tel: 01844 292783 Mobile: 07860 795236
Old Farm Workshops Haddenham Road Kingsey, HP17 8LS
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Karen Moore, centre, watches as an Art Deco Couture makeup artist shows off her skills on a model at a recent demonstration evening
Inspired by a shop she visited in Florence, Karen Moore set up Powder, a beacon for seekers of quality skincare and makeup
H
aving lived in Thame for some 18 years Karen Moore has seen shops come and go: “There used to be a Lloyds Pharmacy,” she says, “which offered quite a broad range of toiletries and skincare products, including some premier ranges like Crabtree and Evelyn and nice makeup. When they moved out of Thame it left a hole. You just couldn’t get the mid-to-high range cosmetics and skincare products without going into Oxford or London. “I’ve seen small shops selling good quality skincare ranges in Italy and France and I thought it should work here too. So when this shop unit become available last year, I decided to go for it!” A lady of many talents Karen trained as a microbiologist when she first left school, studied law and then went into HR and has run her own Human Resources consultancy for the last ten years. She is still consulting but now also works in Powder, her stylish skincare and makeup shop on Thame’s Buttermarket. “It’s a really nice feeling walking into work here,” says Karen. “I feel part of the community, there’s a really friendly spirit. Thame’s a great place to come shopping now. There’s such a good combination of stores here from clothes to jewellery, gifts, homeware and now good quality make-up and skincare! “I’ve done a lot of research to find out what people want and also what the
best products are. I'm trying to cater for a broad range of customers, so I've traditional brands like Mavala, and Crabtree and Evelyn, alongside newcomers like Guys or Dolls, and products by leading natural skincare and cosmetic range Dr Hauschka. I hope to bring in more as time goes on and people tell me what they would like to see.” In addition to her current range Karen has some great present ideas for the festive season and gift vouchers too. It’s not just the girls she’s catering for either, there’s skincare and fragrance for men as well. “I have a Mavala nail specialist coming in on Friday, November 19th, who customers can book appointments with and also a celebrity makeup artist available for makeup appointments on November 25th. Our own professional makeup artist is available for lessons and makeup appointments on Saturday 4th, Friday 10th and Wednesday 15th of December. “We try and offer unbiased advice,” says Karen, “and the chance to find out about different product ranges while not being pushed to buy a specific brand, as can happen in department stores: It’s really satisfying when someone comes in wanting to change their look and then leaves happy with their purchase - and then comes back again saying how fantastic it was. Much more satisfying than HR work!” l Powder, 17a Buttermarket Thame, Oxon, OX9 3EP Tel: 01844 214816 Email: karen@powdercfc.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Chris Santry
Bucks Schoolwear’s Chris Santry left the financial world floundering and shows that when it comes to running a school store she’s more class act than classroom clown!
O
riginally from Essex Chris Santry grew up in the Ilford area. She’d wanted to be a doctor, but with science not a strong point she took a degree in Modern European Studies and after a couple of false starts found a career she enjoyed in direct marketing. It lasted for 20 years and at the turn of the millennium she was living happily in Chalfont St Giles and running a small publishing company selling personal finance and investment educational material. Things were about to get tough for the financial sector though and by 2005 Chris decided it was time for a change. She liked the idea of running a business for herself rather than for others and having researched the options decided to take on a franchise with National Schoolwear Centres. “No business is recession proof,” says Chris, “but I thought this might be as safe as it gets!” The closest available territory was Aylesbury, so she took the plunge, opening her shop on Kingsbury Square in March 2007. Business was just starting to build when Chris discovered all was not well with the National Schoolwear organisation. The franchisor went bust in April 2008 leaving its franchisees able to continue trading independently, which is what Chris did.
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Her shop sells schoolwear and accessories - badged uniforms, brownies, cubs and scouts uniforms, dancewear and useful items of children’s clothing like fun dinosaur raincoat and welly sets, or craft aprons. “There aren’t any other specialist schoolwear shops in this area,” says Chris, “We’re getting known now and schools will ring up and ask if I can visit to discuss their uniform requirements, which is great. We’re slowly growing. “It works much better for the school and its parents if we stock their range. Here it’s available all week for parents and someone at school doesn’t have to try and sort it all out during the lunch hour. “Our clients range from a tiny infant school with 27 pupils to bigger schools, like The Grange and Mandeville, with over 1,000 students. We’re currently supplying uniforms for 25 local schools and would love to take on more. “That’s a lot of stock, as there are many sizes these days because youngsters are getting bigger and bigger.” “We aim to give good service both to schools and to the parents and children coming into the store. I source good quality
clothing which can stand up to the wear and tear and washing involved. “We’re a specialist schoolwear shop and people are gradually getting to hear about us. We now get very busy from half way through June to half way through September and it gets so crazy in the second half of August that I have a security guard on the door to help manage the crowds! “We’re open six days a week all year round, so if your son puts his knee through his trousers halfway into the Christmas term we’ll still have a range in stock. We even do some fitting sessions on Sundays in July when the year’s intake can get measured up for their new school uniform. Sadly for Chris one talent she can’t utilise in her new business is her direct marketing skills: “Mail order just wouldn’t work,” she says. Children of the same age can be totally different sizes and many of the clothing lines size up differently too, so pupils really need to come in and try them on. We’ll make sure you get the right fit,” she laughs. Bucks Schoolwear Plus l 48/52 Kingsbury Square, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 2JE. Tel: 01296 422120.
10% discount when you shop before the end of 2010 with this voucher
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Thame trader Di Bone is making a stand for positivity, ‘kick out those recessionary blues,’ she says, ‘here we’re in the pink!’
T
hings have been tough just lately, for a lot of people,” says Di Bone, owner of Thame’s new card and gift emporium, ‘In The Pink’. “We thought that a shop name with a bright, more positive feel, might draw people to it.” An ex-nurse, originally from Derbyshire, Di worked at The John Radcliffe hospital and specialised in children’s terminal care. She came to live in Thame in 1975, met her husband, Stuart, in the town and the couple married, later moving to Worminghall where they have lived for the last 26 years. “I left nursing in 1996 and set up a tea shop, The Farmhouse Kitchen, across the road from here,” says Di. “We sold some craft items, tea and coffee and jam, pottery, and homeware bits, then, when we’d been going about seven years, we decided to concentrate on the gift shop side and in 2003, became ‘Thame Trading’. “The lease was up for renewal this year but the option of moving across the road to the Spread Eagle was more attractive and has given us the chance to relaunch with a slightly different approach.
Di Bone
“I felt like going more girly,” says Di, “We have some lovely dress jewellery which has always done well. We import from Italy, Greece and the USA and have some unusual pieces. I’ve read people are more likely to be buying items with a purpose this year, gifts you can use and we’ll be stocking some lovely-but-useful pieces: nice scarves, wash bags, hot water bottles, jelly wellies, things you probably won’t find elsewhere in the town. “We’ve always specialised in handmade cards and will still be stocking a wide variety of traditional and modern cards for all occasions, including some trendy new designs.
Di Bone at In The Pink
“Thame’s a really thriving town. We’ve got a good selection of independent stores and some nice coffee shops, good places for lunch and free parking, which is really important for the town.” Di is looking forward to welcoming customers old and new to In The Pink and to celebrate her launch she is offering Vale Life readers a special 10% discount during November. Simply cut out the coupon below and present it when you make your purchase. l In The Pink, 16 Cornmarket, Thame, Oxon, OX9 2BW. Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 9.30am-5.30pm, Sat: 9.30am-5pm.
In the pink Vale Life Magazine
10% Off Discount Voucher
Valid until November 30, 2010
Take to store to redeem
In the pink
16 Cornmarket, Thame
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
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l Column: Penny Harper - Small Town Girl
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Penny Harper
B
onfire night was ruined for me at an early age. I blame 1980s public service announcements. I haven’t been able to hold a sparkler since I saw the advert with the girl who picks one up from the wrong end, lets out a bloodcurdling scream and then appears in the next shot in a full body-cast. Then there’s the one where the dad goes back to check on a firework that’s failed to go off and ends up blind in both eyes; another November the 5th ruined. Since then I have only been to organised fireworks displays Aylesbury rugby club usually puts on a good show. I’m perfectly content to ooh and aah from a safe distance...say, Wendover.
I love a good bonfire though. Once I’ve got over my fear that hedgehogs are being cooked alive, I’m usually OK. The tradition of burning a Guy Fawkes you’ve made out of tights and newspaper seems to be dying out a little now and I must say I’m relieved. Bad enough the guy meets that end to start with let alone it gets repeated for centuries after. At school we chanted ‘remember, remember the fifth of November; gunpowder, TREACLE and plot!’ Close enough I suppose. I remember my Dad telling me why a Catherine Wheel was socalled and being horrified that we were so casually nailing one to our shed. Such barbaric behaviour deep in the Warwickshire countryside!
I remember Mum being worried the hedge would go up in flames. I held the biscuit tin with the fireworks in and tried not to think about sparklers. When I worked full-time in local radio, my boss used to bring up the same November competition idea every year. It played on the fact I was eternally single. Instead of ‘Penny for the Guy’ it was ‘A Guy for Penny’. The idea was that I was put through a series of dates with listeners as suitors to see if I could get a mate by November 5th. I seemed to be the only one who was concerned that I’d be paired up with some weirdo. If there’s one thing I will always associate with this time of the year
The years fell away for Sharon when Rosemary Conley classes helped her lose 4 stone in a year
S
haron McDermott from Fairford Leys, Aylesbury did not want to be fat and frumpy at forty. She has now shed over four and a half stone to look fit and fabulous - a super slim size 10, two years ahead of her milestone birthday. With the help of Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs Aylesbury, Sharon, who was a size 20, is now the perfect weight for her 5’ 7” height. Sharon is featured on Rosemary Conley’s new free internet TV channel, www.rosemaryconley.tv and was recently invited to have a full makeover by the staff at Aylesbury’s Eden Hair Design and Beauty to celebrate her wonderful achievements. Sharon initially piled on the pounds after the stress of being 34
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Sharon in April 2009 made redundant in 2006, after which her sedentary lifestyle and desk job with no exercise regime meant that the pounds kept creeping up. “I know that my lifestyle was to blame,” admits Sharon. “I used to overestimate portions for one and then eat the lot rather than freeze half. I went back to working long hours in a job I wasn’t that happy in and it was all too easy to sit on the sofa at night with a bottle of wine rather than exercise or go out. It was a case of too much of everything and not enough activity.
Sharon today, pictured after her Eden makeover “Soon my health began to suffer. I used to get pain in my joints, especially my knees and back. Sometimes my back problems were so acute I physically couldn’t walk. My increasing weight, coupled with the fact I was unhappy at work, meant my confidence and self-esteem were at an all time low,” adds Sharon. I kidded
Small Town
Girl though it’s the smell of bonfires. I wish they could bottle it. I suppose the General Medical Council would have something to say about that though. This year I will duly bundle- up and go and find a nice organised display. Who knows, I might even go crazy and hold a sparkler.
myself I wasn’t gaining that much weight but really I knew something had to change and only I was able to do that.” When Sharon saw the Rosemary Conley class advertised at Fairford Leys Community Centre, run by local franchisee Joanna BeardsmoreDilks, she joined to get fit before she was forty. On her first week, she lost a staggering 9lbs and has not looked back since. It took Sharon less than a year to lose four stone, before she set about losing the last half stone. “I look and feel better now than I did when I was 30,” says Sharon. “Losing weight and feeling healthy and confident has helped me regain lost decades and I am never going back to my old ways.” l For details of Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs in Aylesbury and the surrounding villages call Joanna Beardsmore-Dilks on 01296 485933, email Joanna.beardsmoredilks@rosemaryconley.com or visit www.rosemaryconley.com. l For details of the services available at Eden Hair and Beauty contact Jo on 01296 485255.
l Column: Alisha Johnson
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
It’s coming to that time of year again, when shops ram their shelves full of miniature chocolates and sparkley decorations, but what should you put in your basket? Vale Life’s Alisha Johnson tips some exquisite gifts for Christmas...
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ith shops starting the celebrations for Christmas extra early this year perhaps now is the perfect time for us ladies to start dropping those ‘subtle hints’ to our other halves as to what’s on our wish lists this winter. It is a well known fact that most men are hopeless when it comes to choosing gifts for others. But we women will always know what they want. Gadgets. And the factory of fun hasn’t disappointed this year with many innovative and exhilarating gizmos being released just in time for Christmas. The most obvious must-have this month is any product by techno-stylists Apple. And you’d be spoilt for choice with the recent release of a new generation of iPods, from the Nano to the Touch they’ve all had a makeover. The Touch now includes features such as FaceTime and HD video recording which will keep your man busy for hours! If you’re looking for a hi-tech high try the new tiny iPod Nano. Reduced in size and free of buttons this touch-screen mp3 player also comes in a variety of
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Left, Cheryl’s Promise ring they all show promise at first!
colours, let’s just hope your other half knows your favourite! For those of you who want to splash out this Christmas Apple has provided the iPad. Whilst most tech-geeks already have one, it doesn’t take the lustfactor out of this device, which ladies may covet too. Enough about what to buy that special man in your life, it’s time to add some spice to your wish list. Of course most men would vote for underwear as the perfect gift and a new invention from Ultimo is sure to impress. The ‘OMG’ bra is the ultimate cleavage bra designed for maximum impact. This revolutionary design creates a natural looking cleavage of up to 2-cup sizes larger than normal. And at only £24 it’s a steal! Just make sure
osmetics firm Lush has been a green pioneer since its inception in 1995. The company has proved that being environmentally aware doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune, or give up all your favourite luxury products. Lush has kindly put together a mini goodie bag of three new products for a Vale Life reader to win. One of the new bath ballistics, ‘the Fizzbanger’ is ideal for this time of year - it’s like Bonfire night in your bathroom: Whizz! Pop! Fizz! Bang! Throw one of these candy apple and cinnamon scented Fizzbangers into your bath and prepare to ooh and aah! ‘9-5 cleansing lotion’ is a liquid cleanser and make-up remover for
Above, the tiny iPod Nano is oh so cute. Top right, How about some Eva scent for your desperate housewife? you drop a few clues about your bra size, otherwise you’ll end up with a serious case of doubleboob! Another fail safe for men is jewellery, as it’s always guaranteed to bring a smile to your face while reminding you of them daily. For those of you expecting diamonds, why not consider adding a little A-List to your bling collection. Cheryl Cole recently launched a ‘Promise’ ring with jewellers de Grisogono. The chunky black pinky ring is sure to stun your friends, as well as
all skin types made with fresh Singaporian orchids for softness and a delicate floral fragrance, along with lashings of almond oil. Finally ‘It Started with a Kiss’ tinted lip balm - Lush’s first ever two in one lip balm and colour. A really sweet flavour topped off with ruby red colouring. If you’d like a chance to win this Lush trio then email us your answer to the following question:
showing off a commitment from your man! If you men out there are really stuck for what to buy your lovely lady, then perfume is always a great gift. But do you go for a classic you know she loves, or something a bit more unique? If you plan on going down the creative route there has recently been an influx of celebrity endorsed sweet smells hitting the shelves. Check up on who her favourite celebrity is and splash out on their scent. From Katy Perry to Eva Longoria your other half is sure to love a little glamour in her daily routine. And guys, whatever you decide to buy, don’t forget that the present is only half the gift - the presentation is important too ribbons and bows is what makes your gift extra special!!
Who wrote the song 9 to 5? Answers with your name, address and contact telephone number should be emailed to: editor@vale-life.co.uk A winner will be drawn at random on Nov 30 - the editor’s decision is final! There are Lush stores in Wycombe, Oxford and Milton Keynes. For shop details call 01202 668 545, or order online at www.lush.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010 35
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Ingrid Hodges with Buttons and Tide, two adult Bull reindeer
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laydon Christmas Tree Farm is in the village of Steeple Claydon, between Buckingham and Bicester, approximately 20 minutes from Aylesbury. The venture is managed by husband and wife team, Joseph and Ingrid Hodges with the help of their toddlers, Oliver and William. The couple met at Berkshire agricultural college near Maidenhead in 1999 and now live on Joseph’s family farm which he runs as a working arable farm. Most farmers are having to diversify these days and the couple decided to combine the farmer’s enthusiasm for growing things with his wife’s passion for Christmas. “We started two years ago,” says Ingrid, “Selling Christmas trees and some wreaths. This year we’ve expanded and will have a marquee, two reindeer, Christmas trees and a Christmas shop with decorations, lights and a lovely selection of traditional, handmade, Scandanavian style decorations. There’s cinnamon sticks and dried fruit, ornaments made from wood, vine, tin and felt and a range from designer Gisela Graham. “Hanging decorations are priced from £1 each. There’s a wide range, something to suit every style and budget, from knitted stockings to tin reindeer and wooden angels - lots of lovely unique, decorations.” The Hodges also aim to supply ‘beautiful, freshly cut trees at sensible prices’ - this year
Planting Christmas trees at Claydon from a farm in the Welsh mountains. They planted an acre of their own Nordman Firs at Steeple Claydon in April though and as they have taken well, will plant more each year, although they won’t be ready to cut for at least five years. Tree prices range from £20 to £60 for their Nordman Firs, Fraser Firs, and Norway Spruce which range from 3ft to 14ft in height. The trees are only cut a few days before they reach the farm, so are much fresher than those at many garden centres. “This year we have two of Santa’s reindeer for you to meet,” says Ingrid. “Our reindeer Dasher and Dancer - won’t be pulling Santa’s sleigh this year, they are still in training being only 18 months old! There’s magic reindeer food for sale in our shop though, which you can scatter over your lawn on Christmas Eve for Santa’s team.” The Christmas Trees will be displayed
inside a carpeted marquee with the reindeer, in case of bad weather and there’s a free chocolate or mince pie to keep you going in the Christmas shop, which is in Ingrid’s converted dining room! The farm’s website tells you more (www. claydonchristmastreefarm.co.uk) and is full of interesting information on reindeer, tree care and the Christmas Tree Farm. Joseph’s mother Catherine is a professional cake maker and you can order her homemade Christmas cakes via the website too. Orders must be placed by December 1st though. “Being a family business, run from our home, we take a real pride in the service that we give our customers,” says Ingrid. “We hope you enjoy your visit and find something to make your Christmas extra special!” “For Vale Life readers we’d like to offer a special gift - your own mini Christmas tree seedling, to take home and plant for future years. Just bring the voucher below with you and claim your mini tree when you make a purchase from the shop.” l Claydon Christmas Tree Farm, Stone Court Barn, West Street, Steeple Claydon, Bucks, MK18 2LJ. Tel: 01296 733646. Web: www.claydonchristmastreefarm.co.uk The shop and Christmas tree sales are open from Saturday, November 27th until Christmas Eve. Opening Times: Monday to Friday: 10am-7pm, Saturday and Sunday: 10am-6pm.
Free Christmas Tree voucher
Grow your own tree! Voucher entitles Vale Life readers to one mini Christmas tree seedling One tree per purchase
Claydon Christmas Tree Farm, Steeple Claydon Valid until Dec 24, 2010 36
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Saturday, Dec 11, meet Father Christmas from 12pm until 4pm, £3.50 per child (includes pressie)
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Rockingpony.co.uk
Creative DeZigns
Don’t miss the fun shopping event that’s a great opportunity to pick up gifts while helping a couple of local charities
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t’s always nice to indulge in a little of what you fancy and when it’s for the benefit of two very good causes as well, then that’s doubly fun! Shop ‘Til You Drop! has become an annual event, a luxury shopping day in aid of Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre in Oxford and Thomley Activity Centre in Worminghall and it’s back, this year at The Oxfordshire Golf Club on Thursday, November 11, from 6-9pm and Friday, November 12, from 9am-3pm. This is a great chance to get an early start on the Christmas shopping! There will be around 50 stallholders, many of whom are not found on the High Street, selling items such as infused olive oils, balsamics and condiments, British cheese and quince products, along with a variety of women’s clothing and accessories, beautiful home ware, leather goods, cashmere, menswear and accessories, books, children’s toys and lots of lovely Christmas gifts and decorations. Breakfast, lunch and refreshments will be available all day in The Oxfordshire Golf Club’s new hotel restaurant and bar areas. On Thursday, doors are open from 6pm for an evening session and on Friday from 8.30am for early birds and breakfast shoppers! Entry is £3 which includes a chance to win a 32”
HD-ready LCD TV generously donated by Sharp, a Bicester Village VIP shopping day and other fabulous prizes. Shop ‘Til You Drop! is organised by Christine Proctor and her friends Karen Kent and Jane Morris. Christine says: “This is our ninth year organising such an event and whilst it has evolved over time we are always keen to support local charities and are very grateful to our loyal supporters and lovely friends who help us run the event on the day. Last year we raised over £8,000 for our charities and despite tough economic times for all, we would love to do as well this year. This would not be possible without the support of the Oxfordshire Golf Club and our sponsors, CPM, Reaston Brown and Centurion Entertainment, who help cover our production costs, so that all proceeds go to our charities. “This year we have lots of fabulous new stalls for gift ideas and pure indulgence, so we are hoping that people will again come and help us to raise as much money as possible for these very worthwhile, local charities.” Don’t miss this fun shopping experience - put Thursday 11th and Friday 12th November in your diary now! The Oxfordshire Golf Club, Hotel and Spa is on Rycote Lane (A329) between Thame and Milton Common, OX9 2PU. See www.shopdrop.biz for further details.
Picture by Ramona Farrelly
l For further information contact Christine Proctor or Karen Kent on 01865 339333. Rockingpony.co.uk
Rockingpony.co.uk
Creative DeZigns
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
A beer lover’s dream! Your own micro-brewery and just in time for Christmas...
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any a beer-lover has dreamt of owning his own micro-brewery. That fantasy can become a reality thanks to a groundbreaking new system! ibrew is a complete, self-contained in-home micro-brewery offering novice or expert the opportunity to brew premium lager, bitter or stout inside just 21 days. Compact and easy-to-use, the ibrew micro-brewery kit contains everything needed to produce top-notch, 4% ABV beer of a quality comparable to the finest artisan products on the market – and at a fraction of the price. In fact, ibrew costs from just 50p a pint – offering superb value for money. ibrew makes 20 pints of beer at a time
at room temperature and can be tucked discreetly away in a cupboard during the brewing process. The beer is stored in two 10-pint bottles until ready to drink. The finished product is dispensed from these bottles using an innovative tap, which also doubles as a clever gas carbonator for the beer. Beer brewed using ibrew is all-natural, containing only malt, hops, water and
Win a copy of new stewed! cookbook 80 Irre
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yeast. ibrew marketing manager, Andy Janes, says: “ibrew is the perfect treat for beer lovers to buy themselves – or a great gift. It tastes as good as beer produced in professional micro-breweries but offers much better value for money.” ibrew is ideal for everyday responsible in-home consumption and also perfect for entertaining this festive period. Available for just £64.99, the ibrew starter kit offers a complete re-usable home brewery with everything you need to begin brewing – including the ingredients to make 20 pints. Refills cost £9.99, again for 20 pints, which means your home brewing costs from just 50p a pint. l ibrew kits and refills are available to buy online at www.ibrew.co.uk and in numerous retailers nationwide (visit website to find nearest stockist – prices may vary between retailers).
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Christmas Lights Switch On
Market Square: Thursday, November 18, from 5.30pm This firm family favourite starts on stage at 5.30pm with festive music and fun with the Mix 96 Roadshow. This year’s entertainment includes the fantastic popular band Chemistry, a brilliant Saxophonist and the amazing Rock Choir. The lights will be turned on at 6.50pm followed by a fabulous firework display from the Fantastic Firework company and of course more from Chemistry. Don’t forget to visit the Funfair in Kingsbury.
Santa’s Parade
Sunday, November 21, 10.30am Santa’s arrival is always very exciting and this year will be no exception. Santa and his elves will be joined by jolly Christmas characters, junior cast members of the Cinderella pantomime, a jazz band, stilt walkers, cheerleaders, the Mix Monster and a Duck! The parade starts from the Hale Leys Service Area and winds its way up the High Street, around the Market Square, into Bourbon Street and on to Santa’s FREE Grotto in Friars Square Shopping Centre.
Other Festive Dates for your diary Saturday 6 - Saturday 27 November Bucks Art Society Autumn Exhibition County Museum. Selling exhibition in time for Christmas – paintings, prints and sculptures. Sunday 21 November to Thursday 24 December Visit Santa’s Grotto Friars Square Shopping Centre. Receive a lovely gift from the big man himself (FREE) (closed Mondays – see posters, press and website for opening times)
Saturday 11 December (11am3pm) Christmas Festival County Museum. Get into the Christmas spirit with a day of festive activities for all the family
Sunday 28 November Market Square (11am-3pm) Christmas Charity Market With a wide selection of goods from local charities, brass band and free face painting, what a great way to do your Xmas shopping. Every weekend throughout December The Rotary Club join Santa at Hale Leys.
Saturday 12 December Market Square (10am-4pm) Victorian Christmas Victorian festive fun, story telling, activities and workshops
Saturday 4 December to 26 March, 2011 County Museum Toy Exhibition. Take a nostalgic trip back to childhood remembering toys from your past.
Thursday 16 December Market Square (6.30pm-8pm) Town Centre Carolfest A feel-good traditional carol concert in the wonderful setting of the Market Square
Sunday 5 December Market Square (11am-3pm) Christmas Gift and Craft Fayre, With a wide selection of different crafts and gifts this is the ideal opportunity to buy that extra special pressie. There will be a brass band and face painting to get you in the festive mood.
Monday 20 December Market Square (9am – 2pm) Christmas Farmers’ Market Come to the festive market this month and buy all those luxury items that make your Christmas dinner stand out from the rest! Fresh produce from the farm for your Christmas table. Children can have a free pottery painting session while you browse for that perfect treat.
Sunday 5 December Town Mayor’s Carol Service Lantern Procession and Mayoral party leave Church Street at 5.30pm to parade around town and on to St Mary’s Church for the Town Mayor’s Carol Service (6pm).
Christmas Hours for Friars Square and Hale Leys Shopping Centres Sunday trading every week: 10.30am – 4.30pm
Late night shopping until 8pm every Thursday from 12 November up to Christmas Extra half hour shopping until 6pm every Friday from 19 November (selected stores Friars Square only) Changes to December Shopping hours Mon 6 to Wed 8: 9am-7pm Thu 09: 9am-8pm Fri 10: 9am-7pm Sat 11: 9am-6pm Sun 12: 10.30am-4.30pm Mon 13 to Fri 17: 9am-8pm Sat 18: 9am-6pm Sunday 19: 10.30am-4.30pm Mon 20 to Thu 23: 9am-8pm Christmas Eve: 9am-4.30pm Christmas Day: Closed Boxing Day: 10.30am-4.30pm Bank Holiday Mon 27 Dec: 9am-5.30pm Tue 28 to Fri 31: 9am-5.30pm New Year’s Day: 9am-5.30pm We also have free parking in AVDC town centre car parks from 4pm each Thursday starting on 18 November until the end of December and free parking on Saturdays during December Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Sylar
A new life in a foreign country with not much more than a pocketful of change and a pack of cards you’d need a little magic...
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ylar Magic is the creation of 21-year-old Romanian, Bogdan Mangu. Sylar works at Aylesbury’s Greek Taverna, but after hours has been setting the town alight with amazing displays of close up magic. Incredibly the young man only started doing magic three years ago, while working as a bar tender in a club. He learnt a card trick and found people were fascinated: “The customers got so excited, I loved their reaction, their faces - basically I am doing this for that thrill,” he grins. Sylar is from Constanta, one of Romania’s largest cities and a popular Black Sea resort: “Everybody has a talent for something,” says Sylar, “I tried everything, sports, drawing, singing, then one night I was watching David Blaine on TV and I caught how he did one of his tricks. I started doing that trick and then built up from there. “I practised and practised for a whole year and then started performing. “Close up magic is my speciality. I like mentalism as well, but I don’t have a show together in English at the moment, I have to translate it from Romanian first! “Close up magic is fun though, it’s right
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in front of you, it’s exciting.” “I read David Blaine’s book - he got his TV show by going to the TV station every day for a month doing his magic tricks for people. I did the same for a week, everyday I was there, I met some producers and showed them tricks, then again the next day and the next. Eventually they invited me to do a ten minute slot on a Friday morning show. The audience liked it and I did it for six months. “It became difficult though, I had to keep coming up with bigger and better tricks, eventually you have to buy them in, but there wasn’t the finance. “I got together with some fellow magicians and we formed a magic circle and started travelling around to different cities doing magic. I already had a bit of a name from the TV shows and it went well for a while, I started an events company and put on some shows, but the economy is not so good in Romania. Some friends invited me over to Aylesbury and I thought ‘why not?’, so here I am.” Syler came to England in April and didn’t waste any time promoting his talents. “On my first night I went into the first pub I saw and started doing magic,” he says. “I met loads of people and a week later I
put on my first event. Forty people came along, not bad after one week in a foreign country!” It has to be said Sylar speaks excellent English and has boundless energy, youth and enthusiasm on his side - he is also an excellent magician and will perform seemingly impossible feats right in front of you. He has already performed his close up magic at local venues including The Holiday Inn in Aston Clinton and at Shoot Pool in Aylesbury. “I admire David Blaine,” says Sylar. “He is successful but still goes out on the street with a deck of cards and makes people happy. He is doing it for the love of magic. “I love interacting with people I enjoy street magic. I’m looking for gigs, especially close up table magic at parties or events. It’s easier doing magic here in England, people are more sociable, more open, in Romania sometimes they think you are making fun of them, here people know it’s entertainment, it’s exciting and they want you to do tricks and have fun.” l Sylar Magic: Tel 07939 004685 Email: sylarmagic@yahoo.co.uk. Website: www.sylarmagic.com
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
We always moan about them - so why not get creative and make your own crackers this year!
Christmas Bazaar
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t’s not difficult and no, you won’t blow yourself up! Just get cracking to create your own Christmas Fusion Crackers - with seals made from glue sticks in red, blue, yellow and green. Decorate with animal skin patterned paper and materials such as velvet, embossed leather, feathers and wooden beads. Each one is unique and personalised...
Materials required: Dremel Glue Gun 930 and new solid-coloured glue sticks, clear glue sticks 7mm Baking parchment Seal Metallic ink pad Cardboard tubes from the inside of toilet rolls Selection of decorative foiled, flock and metallic papers for covering Cracker snaps Sequin confetti and small gifts to fit inside crackers Assortment of ribbon in different widths, plus other items for decorating such as fabric flowers, cinnamon sticks, charms, or beads
Step One: To make the decorative seals, fit the Dremel Glue Gun with a coloured glue stick. Dispense a large bead of glue onto the baking parchment and working quite quickly so that the glue remains flexible, press the seal to the surface of the ink pad and then onto the bead of warm glue. Repeat to make more seals. When cool, peel baking parchment from the back of the seals. Practice to establish how much glue to dispense to suit your particular seal.
Saturday 20 November 2010 10am – 5pm The Grange, Saunderton HP27 9NS Tickets on the door £3.00 Contact Hannah Holmes on 01844 348113 No dogs except assistance dogs www.hearingdogs.org.uk Registered charity in England and Wales (293358) and in Scotland (SCO40486)
Step Five: Using the picture above as a guide, decorate the cracker with layered paper, ribbons, trimmings and embellishments as desired. To finish, use your Glue Gun fitted with a clear
Step Two: Cut decorative paper to measure 43 x 18cm. Place face down and score lines 10cm in from each short end, then fold along the lines and glue the flaps down using the Glue Gun and clear glue. This will strengthen the ends of the finished cracker. Use a small bead of glue to secure the cracker snap to the covering lengthways. Step Three: Place three cardboard tubes end to end on the paper and begin to roll the covering tightly around them. Use the Glue Gun with clear glue to run a thin line of glue along the edge, and continue rolling to adhere the paper around the tubes. Step Four: Pull one of the end tubes slightly away from the central tube and tie ribbon between the two tubes, gently manipulating the paper to create a ‘waist’ and tying a secure knot. Insert a small gift and some sequin confetti before repeating at the opposite end of the cracker. Leave the cardboard tubes in the ends while you decorate your cracker. This will help to prevent the ends from getting creased while you work and provide a firmer support if you wish to glue decorations around them.
glue stick to glue short lengths of ribbon to the back of a prepared seal, then glue the seal in place on the finished cracker. Carefully remove the cardboard tubes from each end of the cracker.
Christmas Ideas with Iain Rennie Hospice at Home
Santa Dash
Family fun in Chesham on Sunday 28 November and High Wycombe on Saturday 11 December
Virtual Gifts
For the person who has everything
Santa Letter
Order one for children of any age!
www.irhh.org Iain Rennie Hospice at Home 52a Western Road Tring HP23 4BB 01442 890 222 Registered Charity No. 297847
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
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Sponsored by Snappy Snaps, Aylesbury
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2010
Enter your picture in the Vale Life Snappy Snaps Fab Photo Competition
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any thanks again, to all of you who entered our Vale Life Sept/Oct Fab Photo Contest. Some lovely photographs and a nice display of gritty determination and the ‘if at first you don’t
succeed’ philosophy by Aug/Sept runner up Richard Postance of Thame, who this time grabs gold with this lovely picture of his granddaughter Estelle, looking at summer flowers in a field at Waterperry Gardens, near Wheatley.
Vale Life Magazine and Snappy Snaps are looking for pictures with a local connection: people, places - these can be atmospheric shots, arty close ups or fun pictures, anything goes you must have taken the picture yourself though! Email your entry plus a brief description of the image and your name, address and contact details to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Entries for this issue’s competition should be emailed by November 30th. The winner will receive a free A3 sized canvas print of their picture courtesy of Snappy Snaps, Aylesbury. Don’t forget Snappy Snaps has some great gift ideas - why not create a fun Xmas present with a picture of yourself, or a loved one on a mug, T-Shirt, calendar or greeting card, there’s so many ways to display your pics! l Snappy Snaps, 7 High Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1SH. Tel: 01296 330003. www.snappysnaps-aylesbury.co.uk
Thame based photographer Frank Millar has been out and about snapping the great and the good at work and play across the Vale. Left are some of the stars who attended the grand opening of Aylesbury’s new Waterside Theatre last month, including Cilla Black, far left, who cut the ribbon. Below are local patrons and celebrities photographed at Robin and Dwina Gibb’s home in Thame for Dwina’s ‘Splash of Pink’ show and couture tea in aid of Against Breast cancer. All pictures by Frank Millar: www.frankmillar.co.uk
Richard O’Brien
Jonathan Wilkes and Suzanne Shaw
David Suchet
Ann Hall, Duncan Bannatyne, Dwina and Robin Gibb
Noel Edmonds and Liz Davies
Andy McDonald of ithame fame
Tony and Wendy Lixton with Niki and Richard Green of Connect Scaffolding Theo Paphitis
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BenShephard and JoeMcElderry
Nicky Noakes of Freerange and Katie Phillips
The Vale Life Christmas Party
Live music from Planet Funk 70s soul, funk and disco tribute
Saturday, December 11th
Stables Bar, The James Figg, Cornmarket, Thame, 8pm-1am, ÂŁ10, Tickets from The James Figg or Vale Life Magazine 01844 261579 / 07702 006218
The Tythe Barn
The Tythe Barn at Christmas
Find something different this Christmas
Opening: Thursday, Friday, Saturday 9.30am - 5pm, Nov 18 – Dec 18 Local goodies, gifts, candles, wreaths, etc. Refreshments and homemade cakes The Tythe Barn, Manor Farm, Church End, Haddenham, Bucks, HP17 8AH tel: 01844 291063 web: www.thetythebarn.com email: thetythebarn@yahoo.co.uk
hi gorgeous
Beautiful design and fine craftsmanship have been inspiring people to fall in love with Frank Hudson furniture for over 60 years. Now, you too can view all established and stunning new Frank Hudson ranges in our beautifully refurbished, Victorian chair mill showrooms based in High Wycombe or visit our local stockist Lucas World of Furniture in Rabans Lane, Aylesbury. So, be inspired this weekend and visit Frank Hudson. We would love to see you.
01494 522011 www.frankhudson.com
Frank Hudson Ltd, Rosebery Avenue, Pinions, High Wycombe, Bucks HP13 7AH