Vale Life Magazine Aug-Sept 2018 by Charlie Trott

Vale Life FREE MAGAZINE

Your free magazine for Aylesbury, Thame and the surrounding area

Take me home

www.vale-life.co.uk

w art w music w people w Motors w homes w gardens w theatre w business w fashion w Beauty w health w Food w

Aug/Sept 2018

Cover image: The Shires, who are to perform at Towersey Festival on August Bank Holiday Weekend www.towerseyfestival.com

Inside:

Spirit of the outdoors Local gin is a real tonic

Celebrate the different

Holy boutique is really unique

See our website at: www.vale-life.co.uk

Going back home

Have you heard about Karma House clinic? Plus our columnists: Naomi, Polly, Amanda, Cathy, Charlotte, Lynnette, Nicola, Sandra, Shaun, Nigel, Rob, Alan and much, much more...

Free local listings for events and businesses

Finally there is a real alternative to timber windows.

A fully stocked showroom including Solidor

ÂŽ

Omega Homestyle has over 25 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience of designing and fitting premium doors, windows and conservatories We firmly believe that by keeping the entire process as stress free as possible, we are adding to your enjoyment of your new windows, doors and conservatories. For an individually tailored service and to find out exactly what we can do for you please contact us or come and visit our newly refurbished showroom. Omega Homestyle, Woodway Farm Industrial Estate, Bicester Road, Long Crendon, Aylesbury, Bucks HP18 9EP Tel: 01844

201888, email: info@omegahomestyle.co.uk or visit:

www.omegahomestyle.co.uk

Lots to see! QuaLity products

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Free parking

The The Old Old The The Old Old Thatched Thatched Inn Inn Thatched Thatched Inn Inn Gastro GastroPub Pub

Gastro GastroPub Pub The TheMain Old Old Main Street, Street,Adstock, Adstock,Buckinghamshire, Buckinghamshire,MK18 MK182JN 2JN Thatched Thatched Inn Inn

Gastro GastroPub Pub Main MainStreet Street Adstock Adstock Buckinghamshire Buckinghamshire MK18 MK182JN 2JN We Weoffer offeraaunique uniqueblend blend of high highquality quality dining, dining,hosted hostedininaarelaxed relaxed Tel Telof 01296 01296 712584 712584 and andcomfortable comfortableenvironment, environment,serving servinglocally locallysourced sourcedfood food

www.theoldthatchedinn.co.uk www.theoldthatchedinn.co.uk Open Openseven sevendays days

Main MainStreet Street Adstock Adstock Buckinghamshire Buckinghamshire MK18 MK182JN 2JN

Open Openseven sevendays days Lunch Lunchfrom from1212noon noon- -2.30pm 2.30pmDinner Dinnerfrom from6pm 6pm- -9.30pm 9.30pm Serving Servingall allday daySunday Sundayfrom from1212noon noon- -9pm 9pm Telephone: Telephone:01296 01296712584 712584 22

Vale Vale LifeLife : Nov/Dec : Nov/Dec 2014 2014

www.theoldthatchedinn.co.uk www.theoldthatchedinn.co.uk

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Welcome to Coco Tamarind Fine Indian restaurant & takeaway at Askett, Princes Risborough

Coco Tamarind serves the finest modern and traditional Indian cuisine, in stylish, comfortable surroundings. The relaxed ambience and efficient service, plus our well stocked bar, will ensure your time with us is a most enjoyable experience, whatever the occasion.

A Tribute to Adele starring Louise James! Tuesday, 18th September from 7pm

5 course meal with entertainment only ÂŁ29.95 Book today to avoid disappointment!

l 10% discount on collected takeaways l Free home delivery within 5 mile radius (min order ÂŁ15) Become a Coco Tamarind Member and enjoy discounts and special offers l Please book ahead, we are busy all week!

Order your takeaway or reserve a table online at www.cocotamarindHP27.co.uk or call: 01844 343111 / 01844 346100 Coco Tamarind, Aylesbury Road, Askett, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 9LY

01296 01296622975 622975 07711750917 07711 750917 4

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

FF uu nn e re ra al lDDi ri re e cctot orrss 2121- -23 23 High Street,Wendover Wendover, HP22 High Street, HP22 6DU 6DU

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How do you protect those who matter most? kiddrapinet.co.uk/myfamilylegacy

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Download our 8 STEP GUIDE TO MAKING A WILL Book a free consultation today on 01296 509985 Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

TOURING EUROPE FOR OVER 40 YEARS

EASTER CRUISES 2019

BRAND NEW FO 2019!

‘LOVE LUXEMBOURG’ SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT BREAK

TH 4 DAYS DEPARTING 19 APRIL 2019 From £369* per person This superb early bird getaway weekend, full of fabulous

fun, marvellous music and divine dining, stays at the ever popular, family-run 3* Grand Hotel in pretty Vianden in the Luxembourg Ardennes. Centrally located in this atmospheric, medieval town complete with fairytale An Easter treat with CMV aboard the intimate Marco Polo optional castle, the hotel haswith long an been a favourite with Crusader customers. the Peverelli family, will ensure you visit to one of Europe’s most fashionable cities, Cork,Your on hosts, the Saturday and have a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Highlights include two to spend Easter Sunday on peaceful St Mary’s in the beautiful Isles of Scilly. evenings of live entertainment, two sparkling breakfasts Relax and enjoy delicious full board with local ﬁzz, two included excursions and a drink each PRICE cuisine, stylish evening entertainment night withINCLUDES dinner. Enjoy this fabulous, value for money getaway break to one of Europe’s ‘secret’ corners! and attentive service.

THE SCILLY EU URING & R OISLES T OIRELAND P E F OF OR OVER 40 YEARS

FOR OVER 40 YEARS

Sunday night – old timer BRAND Marcell Trioen and his Little Red Rooster Band are NEW FOR On Saturday night, resident singer, Lisa, will entertain break Special Entertainment 2019! booked with their superb repertoire of • Marco Polo Cruise as stated > RINGASKIDDY (County Cork) 2019 SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT BREAK with a great mix of popular songs and we have booked a 2019! 60s and 70s favourites. for 3live nights fullthe board fantastic band for Sunday night – old timer Marcell > ST MARY’S (Isles of Scilly) bird getaway weekend, full INCLUDED EXCURSIONS: and hisSuperb Little Redearly Rooster > CARDIFF This superb early bird getaway weekend, full ofTrioen • fabulous Afternoon tea and late Band – always a big hit with their superb repertoire offun, 60s and 70s favourites. of fabulous marvellous music and Luxembourg City - A full day excursion night snacks fun, marvellous music and divine dining, stays at the ever *Based on two people sharing a divine dining, stays at the ever popular, to Luxembourg City, the charming little INCLUDED EXCURSIONS popular, family-run 3* Grand in pretty Vianden • Self-service tea & coffee Category 1 Standard Twin Hotel Inside Cabin; 3* Grand Hotel in pretty Luxembourg family-run City capital with its UNESCO listed Old Town. in the Luxembourg Ardennes. Centrally this (06.00 – midnight) 4 day travel insurance £25 per person;locatedA in full day excursion to Luxembourg City, the charming Vianden in the Luxembourg Ardennes. Moselle River & Scenic Little £250 per person non-refundable atmospheric, medieval town complete with fairytale little capital withentertainment its UNESCO listed Old Town in an • On board Centrally located in this atmospheric, Switzerland A local guide will show deposit required. attractive setting. castle, the hotel has long been a favourite with Crusader & daytime activities medieval town complete with fairytale you the very best of this picturesque Full payment due 3 months before River & Scenic Little Switzerland customers. Your hosts, the Peverelli family, willMoselle you •ensure Porterage of luggage (port castle, the hotel has long been a area including Remich, the ‘Pearl of the departure. A local guide will show you the very best of this have a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Highlights include two to cabin) favourite Crusader Cruise T&Cs apply. Moselle’ and scenic Mullerthal, known as picturesque area includingwith Remich, the ‘Pearlcustomers. of the HIGHLIGHTS Note: Some ports, passengers willsparkling land evenings of live entertainment, two breakfasts Highlights evenings of live Moselle’ scenic Mullerthal,include known astwo the Little • Portand taxes the Little Switzerland of Luxembourg. • Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast & dinner by launch or tender. Switzerland ofentertainment, Luxembourg. with local fizz, two included excursions and a drink each two sparkling breakfasts GRAND HOTEL DE VIANDEN: Popular, Pack your dancing shoes for this weekend! with dinner each night (local beer, wine or soft drink) night with dinner. Enjoy this fabulous, value forACCOMMODATION money with local fizz, two included excursions • A drink family run 3* hotel, centrally located 3 Nights Entertainment – Raffl & Quizzies • 2 Sparkling breakfasts with free flow local bubbly GRAND HOTEL DEaVIANDEN and drink each night withedinner. getaway break to one of Europe’s ‘secret’ corners! in the town. Facilities include bar, TH run 3* Grand Hotel de Vianden • Live musical entertainment on Saturday and Sunday nights The ever popular, family 5 DAYS DEPARTING 19 APRIL 2019 From £599 * restaurant, perEmperors. person Entertainment: Resident singer, lounge and lift. rooms are Caernarfon, was a favourite of Celtic Princes and Roman Explore the All town is centrally located in the town and its facilities include • Porterage & welcome drink on arrival ENTERTAINMENT Lisa, will entertain on Saturday night a en-suite with TV. Please note that single and you’lllounge discover that it truly the Celtic Heart of Wales. You’ll fi nd a warm bar, restaurant, and lift. All rooms areisen-suite • Two included excursions as stated above great mixsingle popular songs and for products. the On Saturday night, resident singer, Lisa, will entertain The perfect way to see the best of Holland the picturesque Dutch with Welsh TV. Please note that rooms are rooms arefrom small. welcome inofshops full ofsmall. traditional Excursions included waterways. Enjoy all the comforts of the attractive 3* river cruise ship, MV with a great mix of popular songs and we have booked to theaIsle of Anglesey & Llanberis.

BRAND • Return coach transfers from Brand Love Luxembourg RG’ ‘LOVE LUXEMBOURG’ ENTERTAINMENT NEW FOR local pick-up points new for BRISTOL

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n ed a Marcell g hit s.

2019 Reunion

Winter Warmer in Cosy Caernarfon

DUTCH BULBFIELD CRUISE

ing 

TH ever changing scenery floating Esmeralda, you admire by. 4 Days fantastic live band for the Sunday night – old timer Marcell 4 DAYS | FRIDAY 15TH –asMONDAY 18the MARCH 2019 From £299 perVisiting person 3 nights with breakfast & dinner in the Celtic Royal Hotel the dazzling rainbow displays tulips in the Spring has always been a PRICE Trioen and his Little Red Rooster Band – always a big hit No single supplement* Travel Insuranceof £34 *limited (Double room for sole occupancy £45) firm favourite of Crusader but why not try this very special Bulbfields HELD FOR with their superb repertoire of 60s and 70s favourites. February 22nd holiday and take to the water for Easter! No overnight sailing. 2019 HIGHLIGHTS 2019 01296 33 66 66 (Aylesbury) 01255 425 453 (Clacton) www.crusader-holidays.co.uk INCLUDED EXCURSIONS DAY 1 Cross the Channel and board at Zaandam • Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast & dinner Visit us: Crusader Holidays 4 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Bucks HP20 2LD Luxembourg Cityeach night (local beer, wine or soft drink) • A drink with dinner DAY 2 Optional visit to Zaanse Crusader Holidays Crusader Business Park, Stephenson RoadPRICE West, Clacton-on-Sea, INCLUDES Essex CO15 4HP • 2 Sparkling breakfasts with free ﬂow local bubbly A full day excursion to Luxembourg City, the charming Schans (open air museum with info@crusader-holidays.co.uk • Live musicalwith entertainment on Saturday and Old Sunday nightsin an windmills) – cruise to Amsterdam. little capital its UNESCO listed Town • Return coach transfers from • Porterage & welcome drink on arrival DAY 3 Full day included excursion attractive setting. local pick-up points plus

£199

2019 Reunion

nden ude ite

Winter Warmer in Cosy Caernarfon

through the glorious bulbfields

• Two included excursions as stated above

Channel crossing

Moselle River & shoes Scenic Switzerland Pack your dancing forLittle this weekend! plus a visit to Keukenhof Gardens. Pack your dancing shoes for this • MV Esmeralda Cruise as A3local guide will show youethe very best of this Re-join the boat in Hoorn (no Nights Entertainment – Raffl & Quizzies TH stated for 3 nights full board weekend! Nights Entertainment ONDAY 18 MARCH32019 From £299 per person included lunch today). picturesque area including Remich, ‘Pearl of theExplore the town Caernarfon, was a(Double favourite offorCeltic Princes £45) andthe Roman Emperors. (no lunch Day 3) – Raffle & Quizzes Travel Insurance £34 *limited room sole occupancy HIGHLIGHTS DAY 4 Full day cruising around Moselle’ and scenic Mullerthal, known theYou’ll Little and you’ll discover that it truly is the Celtic Heart ofas Wales. find a warm • Afternoon tea on 2 days Caernarfon was afull favourite of Celtic the IJsselmeer and onto Alkmaar.& dinner Welsh welcomeof in shops of traditional products. Excursions included • Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast Switzerland Luxembourg. • Late night snacks 01255 425 453 www.crusader-holidays.co.uk Princes Roman Emperors. to the Isle(Clacton) ofand Anglesey & Llanberis. Captain’s Farewell Dinner. 4 Days • A drink with dinner each night (local beer, wine or soft drink)Dinner • Captain’s Farewell

Explore the town you’ll discover days 4 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Bucks HP20 2LD ACCOMMODATION 3 nights with breakfast &and dinner in the Celtic Royal Hotel

ess Park, GRAND Stephenson Road that it truly isWest, the Celtic HeartEssex of CO15 4HP HOTEL DEClacton-on-Sea, VIANDEN

Wales. ﬁndfamily a warm info@crusader-holidays.co.uk The everYou’ll popular, runWelsh 3* Grand

£199

February 22nd 2019

Hotel de Vianden shopsinfull traditional iswelcome centrally in located theoftown and its facilities include bar, restaurant, lounge included and lift. Alltorooms products. Excursions the are en-suite with Please note that single rooms are small. Isle TV. of Anglesey & Llanberis.

DAY 5 Early disembarkation for

• 2 Sparkling breakfasts with free ﬂow local (set bubbly menu) the journey back home.

• On board entertainment for • Live musical entertainment *Based on two people sharingon a Saturday and Sunday nights Lower Cabin; 5 day travel insurance • Porterage & welcome drink on arrival

3 nights with breakfast & dinner in the Celtic Royal Hotel 4 DAYS | FRIDAY 15TH – MONDAY 18 4 days, £199, Feb 22nd, 2019

MARCH 2019

No single supplement* Travel Insurance £34

01296 33 66 66 (Aylesbury)

2 nights

• Tour of Bulbfields & £36 per person; £100 per person • Two included excursions as stated above Keukenhof entrance non-refundable deposit required Full payment due 2 months before • Porterage departure. • Port taxes TH Cruise T&Cs apply.

From £299 per person

*limited (Double room for sole occupancy £45)

01255 425 453 (Clacton)

www.crusader-holidays.co.uk

01255 425453 / 01296 336666 Visit us: CrusaderCall: Holidays 4 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Bucks HP20 2LD 01296 33 66 66 (Aylesbury) 01255 425 453 (Clacton) www.crusader-holidays.co.uk

Crusader Holidays Crusaderwww.crusader-holidays.co.uk Business Park, Stephenson Road West, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex CO15 4HP Visit us: Crusader Holidays 4 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Bucks HP20 2LD Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018 info@crusader-holidays.co.uk Crusader Holidays Crusader Business Park, Stephenson Road West, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex CO15 4HP

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Great rates Amazing results To advertise in Vale Life Magazine Call Charlie on 07702 006218

Spread the word across The Vale: see: www.vale-life.co.uk for details

Let’s hit the beach

The hottest desks

Straight to the point

No rules cool

Celebrate the difference

Styled for a sale

Thursdays are fun!

Absolutely marble-ous

All aboard Vale rail

Summer is dead!

Making a splash

Like a dog with a bone

Fun way to learn French

Turn it up!

Make someone smile

Join the festivities!

Going back home

Spice up your life

Hospice colour chaos

Top of the hops

Our beautiful game

Win a meal at Tres Corazones

Spirit of the Outdoors

15 years of Excellence

11 12 14 15 17 19 20 22 25

Lynnette’s tips for seaside style Is it cool to collect cucumber glasses? Holy boutique is really unique

Family activities in the middle of town Travelling is fun on local heritage lines New festival to flood the basin

French linguist offers local classes Could you walk the MS Mile? Karma House clinic is now open Fun for young fundraisers

Local football has rich history

30 Keep community alive 32

Why not join the men in sheds?

Power to the people

Will your next car be electric?

Join business community at town centre offices “Be yourself,” says Polly. Could your home look Scandi-cool? Charlotte’s rockin’ the latest look “Long live Autumn,” says Naomi! “Dogs love chewing but be careful,” says Lucy. Skanky Chaz and his local music round-up Towersey’s back with a cracking show. Girl power to light up Waterside Beer festival is supping for a great cause What could be better than Tapas in this weather! Local gin is a real tonic

Firm celebrates ‘taking away life’s little knocks’

What a scorcher!

ow it has certainly been warm in the Vale lately and despite the problems a lack of rainfall brings for farmers and gardeners, most of us enjoy being able to relax out of doors and bask in some sunshine for once! We are lucky to have lots of beautiful green/brown countryside around us for walks and picnics and how pleasant it is in shorts and a T-shirt rather than a cagoule and wellies! We have some great spaces in our towns too which the local councils work hard to keep in

ongratulations to the following Jun/Jul edition competition winners! Hopefully your prizes will have arrived by now, please let us know

order and it was great to see that Aylesbury’s Bedgrove Park and Vale Park, along with Buckingham’s Heartlands, were recently recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as some of the very best open spaces in the UK. This week, the awards were celebrated at Bedgrove Park and Vale Park through dedicated Green Flag raising ceremonies. Cllr Paul Irwin, AVDC Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure, said: “I’m delighted we’ve received three Green Flags this year. I understand how important quality green spaces are to residents and

if not. Commiserations to those who weren’t so lucky - read on though for more offers and competitions inside this edition, including the chance

Green Flag raising at Bedgrove Park, Aylesbury visitors, and these awards clearly recognise AVDC’s dedication to keeping our green spaces at the best possible standards. “The flying of the Green Flags in Bedgrove Park, Vale Park and Heartlands will help remind visitors that these parks are some of the best in the country for cleanliness, facilities and overall maintenance. If you haven’t visited these parks

to win: A meal for two at Tres Corazones; a copy of Soundman; a £50 voucher for itsu. Last issue’s prizewinners were: Tickets to Towersey

Festival: Evelyn Daley, Princes Risborough A meal for two at The Russell Arms: Janet Day, Westcott A Dr Oetker goodie bag:

already, I encourage you to do so.” This was Heartlands first award but it’s a testament to Aylesbury Vale District Council’s commitment to providing quality parks and open spaces across the Vale, that this is the ninth year in a row that Bedgrove Park has won the award, and the eleventh year in a row for Vale Park. Well done to them and I hope the lack of rain isn’t proving too much of a problem. For a complete list of Aylesbury Vale parks, green spaces and play areas see: www.aylesburyvaledc.gov. uk/section/parks-and-play-areas Happy reading!

Charlie Editor, Vale Life Magazine Suzanne Gubbins, Thame Carol Smillie Clever Pants: Kay Rackstraw, Dunstable Midsomer Tour tickets: John Bush, Weedon.

Vale Life Magazine is designed and published by Vale Life Magazine, 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. 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 : Aug/Sept 2018

with Lynnette Jackson

Personal stylist and image consultant Lynnette passes on tips and tricks for looking your fashionable best, plus the latest news on the high street trends...

Let’s hit the beach!

i, I’m Lynnette - the new Style Guru for Vale Life Magazine! I’m both excited and delighted to be here, bringing ideas and inspiration from the world of style and fashion. I’d love to hear from you if you have any style queries or tips to share and also if you are a local clothing store who would like to share your latest looks and fashions. If, like me, you are looking forward to enjoying some glorious sunshine, whilst relaxing on your Summer holidays - some of you may already be away (lucky things!) - what to wear around the pool or at the beach can be a daunting question, as many of us will be showing off parts of our bodies which are normally kept under

wraps! Have no fear! Here are some fabulous tips for styling it out at the pool this summer:

Swimwear If you are athletic and slim (that’s small bust and a straight body shape) you need to create the illusion of curves. So think patterns, frills and embellishments. And my, is it the season for these! There are patterns and frills everywhere!

mandco accessories: Flip Flip £24 Trilby £12 Sunglasses £12 Bag £29 Sarong £16

George at Asda, Rainbow Frill swimsuit, £16

George at Asda, Rainbow Frill swimsuit, £16 TK Maxx: Blue halterneck Swimsuit, £29.99 Accessorize: lavender frill bikini top £22, bottom £18

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

River Island: Red Bikini Top £30, Bottoms, £20

If you are curvy (and you will have a fabulous bust line), show off those curves in a stylish swimsuit or bikini. You may well need some support though, so make sure that you get one with support built in! Plain colours or curvy patterns work well - leave the frills to the athletic types! Accessories And like any outfit - it’s not complete without accessories! Lets start with the all important beach bag - this needs to be functional (to store that all important sun-cream and a good book to lose ourselves in!), but

should also add something to our outfit and show our personality. The pattern trend is big in bags too – so if your swimsuit or bikini is plain then rock a patterned beach bag. But if you prefer something plainer, then you can’t beat a natural straw bag! Or if you love colour, then choose a coloured bag in a colour that looks fab on you and you cant go wrong! And if you are a hat kind of girl, then why not get in on the pom pom trend with this fabulous hat, pictured top right, which is a neutral colour so will go with any beach outfit! And last, but by no means least – think about your cover up. Something that you can walk down to the pool in confidence in. A great way of making your holiday packing work harder for you, is to use a cover up that can double up as an extra lightweight scarf/ wrap layer in the evenings.

Fat Face,Pom Pom Panama Straw Hat, £28)

go for one main colour and add a neutral, or this season (where we are seeing lots of colour and colour clash) you can be bolder and have two contrasting colours for a bolder look. Enjoy your holidays!

mandco accessories: Sarong £16

l Lynnette Jackson is an awardwinning Personal Stylist and Image Consultant. Her business, My Colour & Style, is about YOU - colours that enhance your natural beauty and style that enhances your body shape. She can help you look good whatever your size, shape, age or budget! Web: www.mycolourandstyle.com Facebook.com/mycolourandstyle Tel: 07971 198047

And my final tip – is to follow a colour theme for your beach outfit and accessories, and you will look effortlessly coordinated. An easy way to achieve this is to

Be the best you

Accessorize, Zoe Glitzy Weave Beach Bag, £32

Helen Grace

Hats and Fascinators to match your outfit available to buy or hire HG

Lynnette Jackson image consultant, personal stylist 07971 198 047 lynnette@mycolourandstyle.com www.mycolourandstyle.com

Bespoke pieces can be designed to perfection HG

Enjoy a one-to-one at our studio in Shabbington To book an appointment

T: 01844 201017 E: helen@helengracehats.co.uk W: helengracehats.co.uk Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Column: Nicky Gregory‘Curious World’

Straight to the point Nicky Gregory

Curious world

Victorian Cucumber Glass Right: Cucumber in glass straightener

riginally called ‘Cucumber Glasses’ they were invented in 1845 by, it is believed, George Stephenson who also invented ‘The Rocket’ steam locomotive and built the first public railway in the world. Apparently, George became frustrated with the crookedness of the cucumbers growing in his glass houses at Tapton House and had hand blown glass cylinders made at his Newcastle factory. The tiny young fruit would be put through the narrow aperture in the neck, forcing the cucumber to grow straight. Some early straighteners may have been laid flat rather than hung, but it is generally accepted

that they had a ‘knop’ or collar from which they could be suspended. Perfectionist Victorian gardeners relied on Stephenson’s glass cylinders to avoid the kinks and bends that not only make a cucumber harder to slice, but can affect its taste by restricting water and nutrients. In the mid 19th century you could purchase your Cucumber Glass from James Phillip’s and Company, Horticultural Glass Merchants, 180 Bishopsgate Street. They could be supplied to any length, 12 inches (30cms) long cost one shilling (5p) and 24 inches two shillings.

This Victorian invention is now a rare collector’s item. Some are clear glass and some are greenish brown. Should you find one make sure it has its knop as many have been damaged and the glass collar ground off - alright if you have your cucumbers growing on the ground, but not a lot of use if you want to suspend them from a frame. And remember, if they have no knop they have little value. Beware of modern reproductions with or without a knop. Our Jun/Jul edition mystery object was a 19thC dental syringe.

Can you guess what this one below is? Email your answers along with your name, address and contact telephone number to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Winner to be notified by email.

Mystery object l Nicky Gregory is the owner of Antiques@Wendover, The Old Post Office, 25 High Street, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 625335 Email: antiques@antiquesatwendover.co.uk Web: www.antiquesatwendover.co.uk

ANTIQUES AT… WENDOVER A Dateline ANTIQUES CENTRE Est. 1987 A QUALITY ANTIQUES CENTRE offering town and country antiques in a Tudor, brick and timber house, with wall paintings and inglenook fireplaces. Park in the Courtyard at the rear, where you will find Garden Antiques, a Tea Room, the Barn Courtyard Shops and an Artist’s Studio. We are open every day from 10am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday and from 11am to 5pm, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Pair of Remex early 20thC Multi-cutting shears £58 The Old Post Office, 25 High Street, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 625335 Email: antiques@antiquesatwendover.co.uk Website: www.antiquesatwendover.co.uk 10

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Hester Clarke Fine Jewellers

Independent Family Jewellers since 1892 Goldsmiths House 10-14 Cambridge Street Aylesbury Bucks HP20 1RS www.hesterclarke.co.uk 01296 482963

Vale Life : Aug/Set 2017

Holy Cow Home is a fascinating delight, a treasure trove of unique and unusual items for the home, for gifts, or to wear, much of which you can now shop online as well as in this colourful boutique...

oly Cow Home, winner of Aylesbury Vale Business Awards ‘Best New Business’ in 2016, is now three years old and a popular town centre destination for those seeking something different. ‘Handmade, Fairtrade, Recycled and Reclaimed’ are the watchwords owner Poonam employs, while her eye for style and quality means her ever-changing, quirky and colourful lifestyle collection will inspire and delight, if you love the different and the unique. Born and brought up in London, Poonam came to Aylesbury when her husband’s job moved to Tring - he is a GP - and when their two children reached school age she started a business selling handmade brass sculptures from India. Holy Cow Home grew from there, at first with a website and then a sublet section at the back of her current shop, before taking over the whole store in 2015. Holy Cow Home is now an eclectic mix of furniture, furnishings, mirrors, traditionally carved screens, ornate benches, amazing chairs, gifts such as; handmade fairtrade silver-plated and gold-plated jewellery; semiprecious stones; vases, pots; scarves and shawls (pure silk and cotton, hand Kanthastitched); Khaddar cotton unisex clothing, greetings cards, drawer and door knobs; colourful, sari-covered handmade Khadi paper notebooks and journals; block printed, handstitched cotton tablecloths; handmade candles, diffusers and deodourisers, Moroccan lamps, lightshades and glasses; incense sticks, cones and burners; hessian bags, and items made from recycled plastic bottles which are turned into thread and then woven into bags, rugs and throws which feel and look exactly like organic textiles!

Poonam and assistant Georgie with a gorgeous Golden Grass necklace from Brazil There are vintage sari quilts and throws; Nepalese goat leather bags; and scented beeswax tea lights in little clay pots, which support a children’s charity helping the Dalit people or ‘untouchables’; plus lovely, decorative sandstone niche shrines; colourful patchwork chairs; and beautiful, traditionallycarved, reclaimed wood screens, tables, benches and cabinets. Holy Cow Home’s impressive Lakree floor, made from blocks of reclaimed Indian hardwoods such as Mango, Teak and Jackfruit, is also on display - the flooring can be supplied for £125 per m2. It’s extremely hardwearing with stunning variations in colour, wellseasoned and held together in one metre squares with a tough canvas backing - instant wow factor for your home! Buying from fairtrade importers to ensure her goods are ethically sourced, Poonam’s

Holy Cow Home products are a diverse global mix. There’s genuine old pieces, new items, new items that are made from old, recycled materials but designed to look new and new pieces made in a vintage style! “It’s a lifestyle shop for those who like things that are unusual and unique, not mass produced,” she says. “There’s items from a few pounds to a few hundred pounds and the stock is constantly changing. Items are not mass produced. If you can’t see what you want here though, please ask, as I am happy to source items for customers too.” With her contacts and experience Poonam is able to furnish a whole house if required, in any style and also offers a service for businesses who wish to create comfortable relaxation areas for staff or customers. Poonam also exhibits at fairs and shows and will have a Holy Cow Home stall at the Bucks Country Show in August. On October 27th she is once again organising the Aylesbury Festival of Lights which was a fabulous success last year. It’s the Hindu New Year or Diwali celebration and will fill the town centre with fun things to do and see from 1pm, culminating in a lantern procession finale at 6pm. See: www.holycowhome/festival-of-lights for details and get in touch if you would like to take part (schools and theatre groups welcome), have a stall, sponsor, or offer a raffle prize for this spectacular celebration. l Holy Cow Home, 6 Cambridge Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1RS Tel: 01296 485158 Email: office@holycowhome.co.uk Web: www.holycowhome.co.uk Social Media: holycowhome Open Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm.

Vale Life : Aug/Set 2017

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Bring your family to town and join in the fun as Aylesbury town centre plays host to a fantastic range of events for youngsters taking place on selected Thursdays during the school holidays...

ack now for their 9th year #Aylesbury Thursdays are once again proving popular with children and parents alike! For 2018 Aylesbury Town Centre Partnership has once again organised a whole host of exciting and interesting activities to keep the kids busy, while the whole family can also enjoy Aylesbury town centre’s fantastic range of cafés and restaurants - and of course the two shopping centres and exciting range of independent stores! Aylesbury Thursdays offer children the chance to experience a range of activities at just £2.50 for up to 4 hours fun. And for this Summer the events that are taking place in Market Square or nearby Kingsbury are as follows:

Bungee Trampolines

Colonel Custard performing in Market Square Thursday 30 August 11am – 3pm Quacker Duck Trail free event Join in the popular Quacker Duck trail taking place around a variety of businesses within the town centre (pick up your trail from The Works, Hale Leys Shopping Centre or Lil Riders. There will also be a Bubble Wizard performing on Market Square, so drop by, get involved and prepare to be amazed! Thursday 26th July Magical Thursday - we’re afraid this one has already taken place but once again Colonel Custard and his awardwinning magic show wowed a packed and sunny Market Square with four fantastic performances. It was great fun and there was a selection of stalls with face-painting by Zoomania, Go-Karts, Cycle Ponies, sweets and drinks. Thursday 23 August 11am – 3pm Adventurous Thursday Test your skill and strength on the Climbing Wall and your bounceability on the Bungee Trampolines in Kingsbury. It will be £2.50 per activity and there will also be a small selection of stalls where you can have your face painted by Zoomania, or purchase sweets, drinks, delicious fudge and baby and children’s handcrafted clothes and accessories 12

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Climbing wall

On all three dates, there are also Go-Karts in lower Market Square and Cycle Ponies on the High Street. There’s a lot of fun to be had at these action-packed days in the town centre, so why not bring your youngsters along and let them join in the children’s activities? Whilst in town the whole family can also enjoy one of the many independent cafés and coffee shops and even extend your day out with a visit to the museum, Roald Dahl Gallery, Cinema or Theatre. Aylesbury aims to delight and engage your children throughout the summer. Bring them to town and join in the fun! More details can be found at: www.visitaylesbury.co.uk l Events organised by Aylesbury Town

Centre Partnership - Tel: 01296 585889 Facebook.com/aylesburyvale

Column: Heather Jan Brunt ‘This farming life’

Memories at museum

hen my children were small I often took them to visit the Chiltern Open Air Museum at Chalfont St Giles. In 45 acres of beautiful woods and parkland they could roam about visiting rescued historic buildings including a 1940s prefab and a blacksmith’s forge. But by far, the most exciting building for all of us was the old cattle byre, and this was for a very personal reason. The barn came from their granny’s childhood home in Borehamwood. So returning to visit the museum recently with my cousin-in-law and her young baby, it was a delight to see the barn still there and the newest member of the family becoming acquainted with his heritage. The museum is an independent charity, run with the help of dedicated volunteers. The buildings have been painstakingly taken from their original locations and rebuilt at the museum so that visitors can get a glimpse into life as it was lived a long long time ago. The tea room, where you can buy

Heather’s cousin and her baby jacket potatoes, quiche, sandwiches and scrumptious homemade cakes, was originally part of a High Wycombe furniture factory built in 1887 for James Elliott and his sons which was dismantled in 1978 by museum volunteers and re-erected on site in two phases. The factory was founded for the assembly of Windsor chairs and later on the whole chair making process took place there. There are all kinds of buildings to explore at the museum and it’s wonderful that the public has full or partial access to many of them, including the Iron Age House and Haddenham Croft Cottage (made

from earth called wychert). Henton Mission Room is a prefabricated church which was constructed originally in Norwich and transported by train to Henton in the parish of Chinnor. It was lovely and cool in there on the hot day when I visited, but the hard chairs the congregation had to endure look mightily uncomfortable. The site is spacious and the buildings are well spread out, there is plenty of parking, but some of the stony pathways were difficult for my cousin to traverse with the buggy, so bear this in mind when visiting. We were there on a very hot dusty dry day but I imagine if you visit following a rain storm it would be a good idea to take sturdy footwear. My cousin appreciated the nappy changing facilities in the toilets near to the tea room and told me that the bulky table was much more secure than modern plastic ones because it had raised sides for added security. There are more than 30 rescued

This farming life Heather Jan Brunt

historic buildings and a working farm, that is home to chickens, sheep, goats, cows and farm cats. There is an adventure playground and special events take place throughout the year. During the school summer holidays there will be opportunities to see classic cars and lorries, meet the highwaymen and learn about life in a medieval household. The museum, at Newlands Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, is open daily from 10am-5pm until October 26th. Admission is £10.50 (adults), £9.50 (concs) and £6.50 (children). For full details of the museum and events diary see the website at: www.coam.org.uk l Heather Jan Brunt is a journalist

and a farmer’s wife. You can follow her on Twitter @HJBjournalist

Summer at Bucks County Museum T here’s an exciting Summer of events coming up at Bucks County Museum in Aylesbury!

Amazing LEGO® brick adventure around the world Take the kids to this sensational summer LEGO® brick exhibition called Civilisations. Discover stunning LEGO models of life-sized human figures, including an Aztec, a Samurai Warrior, Egyptian pharaoh and an ancient Greek philosopher. Pose for ‘selfies’ with the figures and build your own LEGO models to add to the huge world map. Exhibition runs from 25th July to 5th September. Admission charge. Two fabulous events in the Museum’s Walled Garden Gin & Jazz Sunday 5th August, 2.30pm-4.30pm or 6pm-8pm Enjoy a relaxing Sunday afternoon or evening of live jazz in the intimate setting of the

Museum’s garden with the brilliant Swing Train 42, playing two live music sets. Bar and catering from our carefully selected local partners No2 Pound Street, Wendover and Ruby’s Street Food. Tickets £8. Adults only.

Open Air Cinema The Princess Bride Saturday 15th September, A fantastic night of cult cinema on the big screen in the Museum’s garden with 80s romantic comedy fantasy adventure The Princess Bride! Doors open at 6.30pm allowing guests to enjoy food and drink, before the film screening at 8pm. Tickets £13.50 l Tickets for Gin & Jazz and Open Air Cinema can be booked online at www.buckscountymuseum.org Bucks County Museum, Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP. Tel 01296 331441 Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Column: Slow Chilterns with Neil Matthews

All aboard Vale rail

verybody loves a train trip (at least, if it’s not commuting). If you live in the Vale, here are three ideas for days out involving rail journeys with a difference… all old lines restored to use by the valiant efforts of devoted volunteers. CHINNOR-PRINCES RISBOROUGH RAILWAY (www.chinnorrailway.co.uk; open Sundays and some Bank Holidays) Steaming along the ChinnorA heritage rail service running Princes Risborough Railway on diesel and steam, with Chinnor as the start point and terminus – on board. There is also a railway and a new platform due to open at carriage tea room on the platform Princes Risborough on 15th August. at Chinnor. Grown in the Chilterns Grown Some of the locomotives datein the Chilterns A rich source of Vitamin A rich source ofBUCKINGHAMSHIRE Vitamin E E back to the 1930s. The 25-minute RAILWAY 10x more Omega than Oil journey each way gives excellent QUAINTON (www. 10x more Omega 3 3CENTRE, than Olive Olive Oil views of GM the local Free, No or bucksrailcentre.org); opens GM Free,countryside. No artificial artificial flavourings flavourings or colourings colourings Special a ‘titfer 10.30am-4.30pm, Only 6.5% Saturated Fat compared to Olive Onlyevents 6.5%include Saturated Fatday’ compared to 14% 14% in in Mon-Wed, Olive Oil Oil (half price for anyone wearing a 10.30am-5pm selected weekends) hat) and Sherlock Holmes murder The weekdays are ‘static days’, mystery evenings with supper showcasing over 170 items relating

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to locomotives and rolling stock, and the chance to try using a London Underground signal box; it’s more complicated than it looks… At weekends there are Steaming Days when you can ride on a fullsize locomotive or on a miniature railway. The extensive programme of special events features Thomas the Tank Engine, Moving the Mail, a Fire Engine Rally and, on the August Bank Holiday weekend, a heritage transport festival with vintage cars joining the fun. Café open at weekends as well as picnic areas. LEIGHTON BUZZARD RAILWAY (www.buzzrail.co.uk; opens most Sundays, selected Tue, Wed and Sat, standard departures hourly 10.30am-12.30pm, check website for details). A semi-derelict railway, which carried sand from local quarries, is now a working narrow-gauge line (rails two feet apart) and museum. The 80 minute round trip includes sharp bends, cutting through the middle of modern housing estates

Neil Matthews Slow Chilterns

and holding up the traffic at level crossings before reaching open countryside. The collection of locomotives includes a German model built in 1918 for service in World War I. Admire the engines and find out more about the old railways at the Stonehenge Works country terminal and in the ‘Engine Shed’ back at base. Cheery 1940s-themed café and a shop selling Thomas the Tank Engine items, rail-based souvenirs and second-hand books. l Neil Matthews’ book Slow Travel: the Chilterns and the Thames Valley, co-written with his wife Helen, is published by Bradt Travel Guides in early 2019. See slowchilterns.com to find out more.

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11 Market Square, Aylesbury Tel. 01296 873017 aylesbury.adamstravel@gmail.com www.adamstravelaylesbury.co.uk

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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Farm Shop open Thursdays 11am-6.30pm & Saturdays 10am-2pm Fresh organic veg, slow-reared free-range meat & more... Events throughout the year & ‘pop-up’ Seasonal Suppers Visit: www.sandylanefarm.net for more information Find us in Tiddington (between Thame & Wheatley) OX9 2LA

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

A new festival celebrating canal life is to launch at Aylesbury Canal Basin in September. Waterside Festival promises an abundance of colour and entertainment for all in the heart of the town...

or its first year Waterside Festival will host a vibrant mixture of stalls, activities and treats for everyone to enjoy. Here you will be able to indulge your senses at a continental market with more than 30 stalls, or walk along the beautiful canalside and browse the floating craft market with opportunities to purchase a unique gift for a loved one, or even yourself! The festival aims to combine Aylesburyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich canal heritage with a contemporary selection of food stalls, craft exhibits, activities, refreshments and so much more. The Aylesbury canal basin first opened for business in 1815. It was one end of a 6Âź mile arm that flowed from the main Grand Junction Canal (now part of the Grand Union Canal) near Marsworth. The Aylesbury Arm was intended to be part of a through route to the Thames at Abingdon, but the section beyond Aylesbury was never built. The basin soon became busy with narrow boats bringing in cargoes of coal and timber, and shipping out foodstuffs and agricultural products. Canal trade was affected by the opening of the railways to Aylesbury and later by road competition and the last cargo of coal to be delivered by water took place in 1964.

Aylesbury Canal Basin Pleasure boating on the Aylesbury Arm was increased by the establishment of a hire boat business - the Aylesbury Boat Company - in the basin, in the early 1960s, but by the mid 60s the Aylesbury Arm was facing closure through neglect. Aylesbury Canal Society was formed and worked with British Waterways to keep the Aylesbury Arm open and encourage recreational use of the canal, with regular boat rallies and events. In 2013 the Society relocated to a new marina at Circus Fields on

the edge of the town. New investment and revitalised surroundings in the town centre mean the canal basin is now entering a new chapter and the Waterside Festival, a new initiative led by Aylesbury Town Centre Partnership, will be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the past, present and future of this historic space in the middle of Aylesbury. l Aylesbury Waterside festival www.watersidefestival.org

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Column: Nick Andrews ‘Education Matters’

Nick Andrews

Thank you for listening

ou will undoubtedly hear more and more from your child about ‘connectives’ and ‘conjunctions’ as they go through the school years. They are really important for developing language, thinking and life skills and they can be taught and reinforced from a very young age. Connectives link different phrases, sentences and paragraphs together whereas conjunctions link different ideas within a sentence. Don’t worry about the difference – either word describes linking words…and that’s the point! We develop sophisticated language by first linking words, then phrases, then sentences, then paragraphs together to tell a coherent story, write an effective report or complete a set of useful instructions. It is the linking that makes the difference. As with all literacy, it starts by speaking with and listening to your child from a very young age. Here are some examples of words for you to ‘hold’ in your mind;

Connectives – ‘joined up thinking’ not just joining up sentences and phrases! For younger children – and, but, so, when, if, because, while, as For older ones – therefore, although, unless, after, since, despite, consequently, moreover, in addition So; when in conversation with you, the child finishes their statement, description or question, you can put in a connecting word (above) and then be silent. They will then finish their point. Two examples; Young child: I want to go to the park Adult: because…? Young child: my friends will be

there. Adult: So, what you are saying is Education “I want to go to the park because Matters my friends will be there” …Good, let’s go then. If you put in ‘therefore’ you get You will have extended their simple sentence into a complex one, something completely different; “The cart stopped therefore the and that will become a habit and boy fell off.” work its way into their writing and Then simply reverse it. The thinking. effect is extraordinary. Let your child have the time to process the Older child: I’m thinking of profound difference just one word starting to save for a car can make. Adult: although…? In every case you have extended Older child: it might be a bit too the sentences and the thinking by early and I might not really want being a great conversationalist one yet. with your child; you are a prompt Adult: So maybe it needs a bit who listens carefully and whose more thought eh? intention is to extend what the child has started to think, say and will If this becomes a habit you then ultimately write. can turn it into a fun game. For As they say, thank you for example: listening… The boy fell off……………..The cart stopped. l Nick Andrews is a retired If you put ‘because’ in-between headmaster who now works as an you get educational consultant and can be “The cart stopped because the contacted on: nickubiq@gmail.com boy fell off”

Music School for all Marinda de Klerk B.Mus (Hons) M.Mus PGDipEd

Piano lessons, theory and aural training for all abilities and ages

Do you need to pass ABRSM Grade 5 Theory in November 2018? Enrolments for new lesson series now open. A pass guaranteed if you follow instructions. Small classes filling up fast. Call us now: 07504 299202 My Music School For All, 1 Dixon Close, Aylebury, HP21 8FU Tel: 07504 299202 Email: deklerk.marinda@gmail.com Web: www.mymusicforall.co.uk 16

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

The fun way to learn French!

Malika

adults, of all abilities, who are interested in French. She offers One to One French lessons in Bierton and, from October 11th, new Group Classes, on Thursday evenings, at Buckingham Park, Aylesbury. One to One lessons are tailored to the needs of the individual. They may be a beginner, someone who can speak French but wants to improve grammar, practise conversation, or even to learn specific areas such as French for business. Some of Malika’s students are at school working for GCSE or A Level French and Malika will support their specific curriculum, coach them alongside the course and help them attain the required standard for a good grade. Some students may just want exam coaching/preparation in the run up to the exam, going over past test papers and coaching for the oral exam and Malika offers this too. The Group Class sizes are small for a more personal approach and

l l a B y l f r Butte A glittering ball is being held at one of the world’s oldest rowing clubs later this year in aid of people with life limiting or life threatening illnesses.

The South Bucks Community Hospice is arranging the ‘Butterfly Ball 2018’ at the prestigious Leander Club in Henley on Saturday October 13. The rowing club is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. Proceeds from the event will go to help patients at the hospice based at Butterfly House, High Wycombe.

Saturday 13th October 2018

Leander Club Henley If you are interested in offering sponsorship or attending, please contact Alan Chandler on 07831 372711 or ac@chandlergarvey.com

Tickets are £95 The price includes canapés and fizz, a three-course meal, entertainment and dancing. Tables of 10 are available.

Dress Black Tie Canapes and fizz from 7pm Carriages midnight Please help us make this a night to remember and raise as much money as possible. South Bucks Hospice is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England and Wales No. 6775584. Registered Charity No. 1128881. Registered office is Butterfly House, Kingswood Park, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP13 6GR.

Malika available for both beginner and for intermediate levels. They are great value too at just £114 for a six week course. “Living in the UK I enjoy keeping my language and culture alive,” says Malika. “So in the group classes we will not only learn about the language but talk about France too. “These are structured classes where you will learn the language and hopefully enjoy the experience as well. Even with beginners, in six weeks we'll cover different

situations, so you learn to hold a conversation, learn pronunciation, some tenses, build confidence. It gives a good basis to build on and if you enjoy it, then come back another time for another six.” Being friendly, likeable, French, a linguist and a teacher, Malika offers a unique opportunity to learn French in an interesting and engaging way and also to find out how to sound more like a native! Pronunciation is very important if you want to be understood and can be better practised in a small group. Malika uses a combination of original teaching materials, teaching textbooks and recordings of genuine French native speakers. Malika also offers translation services for private or business matters. See her website for further details or to book classes.

l Malika Goodwin, 7 Cowley Close,

Bierton, Bucks, HP22 5DQ Tel: 01296-337291 Email: info@youspeakfrench.co.uk Web: www.youspeakfrench.co.uk

Pardon my English! A local dialect ‘Call My Bluff’ by Jacot de Boinod Can you guess the right definitions of the following words? 1) Staed

(Oxfordshire dialect)

3) Palfrey

A) a bank B) of a girl: forward, romping C) silvery grey approaching white

(Hertfordshire dialect) A) a horse for the road B) a single ear of corn C) tawny, yellow tinged with red

2) Mouch

4) Blind-eyes

(Berkshire dialect) A) to walk aimlessly up and down with short steps B) to pilfer C) a drop of mucus at the end of the nose

(Buckinghamshire dialect) A) the windward side of a hedge B) the traces left by a stag in the underwood through which he has passed C) the common red poppy

l Adam Jacot de Boinod was a researcher for the

television series QI and is the author of The Meaning of Tingo and Other Extraordinary Words from around the World, published by Penguin Books. Having researched our rural dialect, he is setting a fun ‘Call-My-Bluff Quiz for Vale Life readers - mind your language now...

ANSWERS: 1A) a bank 2B) to pilfer 3A) a horse for the road 4C) the common red poppy

alika Goodwin has been living locally for many years. Originally from Domont, just North of Paris, she studied languages at La Sorbonne, before coming to England on a university exchange scheme and working as an assistant French teacher at Waddesdon School. She enjoyed living here and decided to stay, training to be a teacher at Aylesbury High School. She has also worked at Berkhamsted Collegiate School and at Amersham College. Malika has now produced her own You Speak French Programme to pass on her language passion and expertise to young people and

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Rated as

GOOD by CQC

Individual Care in Beautiful Surroundings Outstanding care in the heart of Buckinghamshire

A place of care for over 50 years, our focus is to tailor your stay with us to your agenda and your needs. If you are in need of recovery after an operation, a break whilst family are away or maybe you are looking for specialist respite care, we would be happy to help in all cases.

First-class rehabilitation

Delicious, nutritious meals

Relaxing environments

â&#x20AC;&#x153;My stay at Chilton House was outstanding in every aspect, staff were amazingly helpful with positive attitudes, the food was excellent, and the physios worked closely with me allowing me to reach my recovery goal.â&#x20AC;? Mr A, Berkshire

Chilton House, Chilton, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 9LR www.chiltonhouse.co.uk | 01844 265 200 | enquiries@chiltonhouse.co.uk 18

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Could you Walk the MS Mile and Make Someone Smile?! You’d be helping raise vital funds for the Chilterns MS Centre which provides crucial services and treatments for hundreds of local people with multiple sclerosis...

eeping active and being able to walk a short distance may seem fairly easy to most people. But for those living with multiple sclerosis (MS) it can be a real challenge, as fatigue and restricted mobility are key symptoms of this disease. Despite this, members and friends of the Chilterns MS Centre will be walking a mile through Aylesbury town centre on 22nd September and they would love as many people as possible to take part, or to sponsor those involved. Members like Nathan, who was diagnosed with primary progressive MS in 2017. He comes to the Centre regularly for treatment to alleviate his symptoms as drug treatment is not available to him. “The Centre has made a positive impact in my day-to-day life by helping me re-learn how to walk again. There is also the social aspect where I have met others with MS and we share knowledge and ideas together. We completed the MS Mile last year and received a great response from friends, family and members of the public who showed great generosity to this worthwhile cause. This year I will be bringing my two-year-old twins and

Nathan and family my wife, who will be seven months pregnant, as we want to continue to support the Centre, which is a lifeline for us.” The charity offers treatment and support to people with MS, to help keep them mobile and gain greater control over their symptoms, empowering them to lead happy and healthy lives and give them a reason to smile. But it costs over £1m annually to keep the Centre going, and it receives less than 10% of its funding from the NHS. That’s why fundraising events such as ‘Walk the MS Mile’ are vital. Over the past four years, the event has raised more than £100,000 and provided in excess of 2,850 hours of treatment for some of the 1,200 people like Nathan, living in Buckinghamshire.

Socialising: Chilterns MS Centre Atrium

This year’s Walk The MS Mile event, in association with ESRI, starts in Market Square at 11am and will be supported by Mix96. To join Nathan and his family on the walk, or for more information, visit: www.walkthemsmile.org l The Chilterns MS Centre, Oakwood Close, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 5LX Tel: 01296 696133 Email: Fundraising@chilternsmscentre.org Web: www.chilternsmscentre.org Facebook: /ChilternsMSCentre Twitter: @ChilternsMS

Oxygen Therapy: Chilterns MS Centre

Gym session: Chilterns MS Centre

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

l Column

Amanda Trott

Caron Vetter is known for seeking out the latest and best from the world of beauty and making it available locally. She has recently launched Karma House, Amanda Trott a brand new, hi-tech aesthetic clinic, offering a unique range of cosmetic techniques, treatments and procedures from skin care to medical tattooing... Beauty Spot

aron Vetter has been at the forefront of local beauty, aesthetics and complementary therapy for more than 25 years. Originally graduating from Aylesbury College in 1978 (she later taught there from 1984 to 1991) Caron started her first beauty business in 1984, working from her spare bedroom and her latest, Karma House Clinic, in the grounds of her home at Stone, near Aylesbury. “It feels like I’ve come full circle,” says Caron, who won Buckinghamshire’s Business Leader Award in 2014, “It’s been quite a journey too!” Caron worked from home as a beautician and make-up artist, before launching her first beauty salon in 1988, at the now closed Belmore Hotel, on Risborough Road, where she introduced complementary therapies and set up a flotation tank. In 1999, she moved to more spacious premises on Lower Road, where, despite a devastating fire in 2005, the Belmore Centre continued to develop while Caron stretched herself, learning new skills and researching innovative treatments, products and therapies for the centre. Caron trained in cosmetic tattooing eyebrows, eyeliner and lip-liner and realised what a difference it could make to her clients’ lives and confidence. She went to America and did a course in medical tattooing for cleft lips, scars and burns and breast reconstruction, which wasn’t available in this country at the time. With her experience and eye for colour matching and aesthetics, Caron quickly became an accomplished medical tattooist and since 2000 has also been teaching the art of Areola Restoration after breast reconstruction to nurses and doctors. She is now a respected International lecturer in Medical tattooing and

Caron Caron in new treatment room 20

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Caron with receptionists Sheila and Nicola runs training courses around the world, whilst offering the service locally. With help from her stepson James, who joined her at Belmore in 2009 and is now director of the centre, Caron built a dedicated, team of fully trained beauty and complementary therapists and in 2008 launched her second centre, Whitethorn Fields MediClinic, in Stoke Mandeville. This was a state-of-the-art facility using the very latest technology and specialising in aesthetic and anti-ageing treatments, skincare, cosmetic surgery and high-tech non-surgical procedures. Both businesses were going well but unfortunately the HS2 rail route will pass through the Whitethorn site and HS2 has compulsorily purchased Caron’s premises, forcing a move. This has prompted Caron’s ‘fifth and final venture’ as she calls it - Karma House Clinic. Next to her house in Stone, a lovely semirural location, she has established a new purpose built clinic. Similar in many ways to Whitethorn, Karma House Clinic boasts three treatment rooms, a stylish reception area and Caron’s tried and trusted team of medical professionals and experienced aesthetic specialists. “We are continuing as before but without the plastic surgery,” says Caron. “Bethany is Practice Manager, I am doing the medical tattooing and training, Adrian is still our Aesthetic Nurse, Ruth is Head Laseographer and an Aesthetic Specialist with many years of experience, Elyssa is an accomplished Aesthetic Specialist and Makeup Specialist

Karma House providing treatments such as: CACI NonSurgical Facelift, Laser Hair Removal, Skin Tag and Milia removal, AlumierMD Prescriptive Skin Peels, Veinwave for Thread Vein Removal and IPL for Skin Rejuvenation; and Julie is our qualified Nurse who specialises in Sclerotherapy, a treatment that treats veins to the legs. Dr Tam, our hair loss and transplant specialist, will also be joining us soon.” Caron has not lost her enthusiasm for new beauty technology and assures me she will be introducing a couple of amazing cutting edge skin tightening and lifting treatments at Karma House Clinic in the Autumn. “The three circles of our new logo denote Cosmetic and Medical Tattooing; Advanced Skincare and Aesthetics - our three main areas of expertise,” says Caron. “We are a member of the Government Approved ‘Save Face’ Register of trusted clinics for providing treatments such as dermal fillers and botox and we continue to offer a wide range of tailored treatments to suit our clients’ specific needs, from skin rejuvenation and anti-aging to cosmetic tattooing, hair removal, skin tag removal, microblading, non-surgical facelifts and much more. Please see our website for details, or give us a call and come and discuss what you would like to achieve.” l Karma House Clinic, 32 Bishopstone Road, Stone, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8QX Tel: 01296 614441 Email: info@karmahouse.co.uk www.karmahouse.co.uk l To contact Amanda please email:

editor@vale-life.co.uk

Health & Fitness l Column:

Life Bites with Sarah Virág

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Big up the small stuff

his morning, a tiny vase of flowers beside my laptop got me thinking about how the smallest things can make such a big, positive difference to our day. It’s that first, welcome coffee after a tough, sleepless night, or a cute post-it note on the fridge from your other half as they head out of the door. Small everyday objects, words, gestures and actions really can have a big impact on us. On our moods. Our energy levels. Our attitude. Our output. And it’s not just simple things in the here and now that affect us. What about further down the line?

times out of ten, our biggest achievements come from this ‘constant tiny footsteps in the right direction’ approach - as any Life Coach will confirm - after all it took Leonardo da Vinci four years to paint the famed Mona Lisa!

Consider tiny, ongoing efforts: Now you may think that a productive day looks like this: personal goals or ‘things to do’ being rattled off in a dynamic, visible way. But actually the reverse is often true. Never underestimate the cumulative effect of small, seemingly pointless actions. Nine

How about subtle ‘Edge’? What makes us different from our competitors? It’s exactly the question the big boys like Apple, Google, Samsung and Microsoft ask themselves, as they continue to amaze with their re-engineered versions of existing products and services.

Sarah Virág Confidence Coach Constant fine tuning of new technologies might drive us consumers crazy at times – but it sure helps these tech giants stand out from the crowd. Small rituals in our day to day lives: Consider this. How would it be if you stripped away your own handful of small, but important daily rituals? Whether it’s writing in a journal, doing half an hour of exercise or walking the pooch around the block at dusk... just imagine? These seemingly unimportant activities are often the

ones that set us up beautifully for our day. They are the brief, positive interludes of life that add to the overall quality of it, often defining whether we’ve had a good day – or a bad one. The small stuff matters much more than you think. l Sarah Virág BA (Hons), is a

confidence coach, writer, former global events manager, mother of three and author of ‘Wings for Life: Your Pathway To Freedom After Emotional Upheaval’. Website: www.sarah-virag.com Email: sarah@sarah-virag.com

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supported by

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Supporting total Hospice care for local families affected by life-limiting illness

Last chance to join

www.fnhospice.org.uk

01296 429975

This is a charity event raising funds for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, Registered Charity Number: 1119499

Hospice colour chaos! Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity will be holding its 4th Colour Rush at Green Park, Aston Clinton on Sunday 7th October. The Charity urges Colour Rushers (new and old) to sign up quickly as this will be the last year for local people to get covered in colour for their Hospice....

“

ach year that we’ve done the Colour Rush around 600 people have had a hilarious time running through clouds of incredible colour at this hugely fun event,” says the Charity’s Head of Fundraising, Jo Turner. “Sign up very soon to help us make 2018’s event the most colourful ever!” Last year, the event raised just over £6,500 for Florrie’s Children’s Team, which provides

respite care for children with life-limiting conditions in their own homes. Colour Rush has created fantastic memories for families who have done it, and children love it. “It’s the perfect thing to do with all the family, and you’re allowed to bring your parents,” says Hannah, aged 10. “When you come out at the end, you have colours all over you.” “You should do Colour Rush for the charity

of Florence Nightingale because it’s great to help and you can get covered in paint,” says Aidan, aged 13. “My favourite bit about Colour Rush was paint being chucked at me!” “Don’t miss out on the fun,” says Jo Turner. “If you participated before and want to do Colour Rush again, or have been meaning to do Colour Rush and haven’t got around to it yet, get registered this year, or miss out!” To keep their events programme fresh, the Charity will be introducing a new family fun event in 2019 as one of the ways of celebrating the Hospice’s 30th birthday. Colour Rush 2018 is a 5k romp through five colour stations and around Green Park in Aston Clinton at 11am AND 2pm on Sunday 7th October, 2018. See website for more details at: www.fnhospice.org.uk/ colourrush and for news and updates, follow the hospice Facebook page at: facebook.com/ florencenightingalehospice l Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity (FNHC) Unit 2 Walton Lodge, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 7QY Tel: 01296 429975 Web: www.fnhospice.org.uk Facebook: /florencenightingalehospice Twitter: @fnhospice Registered Charity 1119499

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Health & Fitness

Column: Fitness focus with Roo Davies

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Fact versus Fiction How to separate the two and avoid self-sabotage…

hen we’re faced with a new situation it’s natural for us to consider how we got there and how things are going to turn out. How often do you start talking yourself out of things and convincing yourself that it’s not going to go well? You’re not alone. We are all prone to creating fiction… If it’s a job interview: you are probably at the bottom of their list and just there to make the numbers up as they only gave you 48 hours’ notice. If you’re invited out with a group of acquaintances for the first time: you’re sure that they only asked you because you overheard them talking about it. You’ve been asked to give a presentation: no doubt, you’re going to embarrass yourself as you’ve not talked in front of a group for years!

Once you start on this path, it’s easy for self-sabotage to take hold. Absolutely none of these scenarios are based on fact, instead they stem from self-limiting beliefs which you may not even realise that you have. Sticking with the example here, you’ve told yourself that you’re not very good at public speaking purely because you’ve not done a great deal of it recently. STOP! Help set yourself up for success and create a confident you

when facing a new situation by concentrating on the FACTS. What do you know to be true? Let’s take the job interview example. You know that you meet the criteria. You built a good rapport when you popped in with your CV. Just because the facts may be sparse don’t start filling in the gaps with fiction. Take control and write your own life story based on facts. You can do this by focusing your energy on past successes and experiences. Be mindful to recognise the facts and not create a fictional situation which you start to believe as fact. As a life coach, I help people gain clarity around the direction that they want to take in life and how to get there. Every person’s coaching journey is different and can include tackling self-sabotage, building self-belief and confidence, understanding your core values,

Roo Davies Life Coach

goal setting and much more… l Roo Davies (Your Life Journey)

is a member of the Association for Coaching and is based at The White House, Thame, where she offers face to face coaching sessions in a compassionate, safe and confidential space. For more information call: 07753 756512 or email: roo@yourlifejourney.co.uk www.yourlifejourney.co.uk Facebook.com/yourlifejourney.co.uk Instagram: @roo_yourlifejourney The White House, 2 East Street, Thame, Oxon, OX9 3JS

Looking to budget for high quality & affordable Dental Care? or are you an existing Denplan or other dental plan member? • We offer the lowest Denplan monthly rates in Aylesbury, Thame and the surrounding areas. • FREE Denplan transfers for all existing Denplan members 8 Hampden Square, Fairford Leys, Buckinghamshire, HP19 7HT Tel: 01296 398 180 info@fairfordleyssmilecentre.co.uk

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• We also offer our own in-house plan, The Smile Plan, a mirror image of Denplan • Between £22 and £34 per month Call us today to arrange a complimentary consultation to discuss your dental needs. Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Health & Fitness l

“

Column: Health & fitness focus with Charlotte Schuman

Improving your vision

articipants on my natural vision improvement workshops usually start to notice that their vision is improving within less than an hour,” says Bates Method practitioner Charlotte Schuman. “It may be they can read another line (or two or three) further down the distance chart, or that objects they’re looking at have become clearer; their edges sharper, the colours crisper. In another hour or two, they’ll usually find they can also read several paragraphs further down the small print reading chart than they could before. “These observations are always met with surprise, fascination, and joy - the thought of no longer needing reading glasses, varifocals, and glasses for distance is a tantalising - and inspiring one but sadly something that most people believe is totally impossible. “And yet, it really is possible, and is easily within every sighted

person’s reach. Using the Bates Method, you become the master of your own vision; you will actually learn how to manage your own eyesight, not just momentarily, but forever. “By using more relaxed ways of seeing (the equivalent of better postural habits and improved fitness for the body), your eyes will reward you with clearer, healthier vision. And if, due to illness, stress or fatigue, you find your vision dips, you can use the simple techniques of the Bates Method to quickly restore clarity. “Any visual problem or disease can be helped with the Bates Method, despite the disbelief with which this claim is usually met. The method really works - but quite often people are just not prepared to try it, or don’t want to put in the truly minimal effort required to improve and manage their own eye health. And yet, the rewards are very much worth it. Time and again,

my clients tell me: ‘You’ve changed my life’ or ‘Life will never be the same again!’ “Two recent workshop participants (both aged 75 ), who found that their vision had quickly improved during the workshop, had this to say: ‘It was absolutely brilliant and so enlightening!’; ‘It was such a worthwhile day.’ “One of my favourite of hundreds of client quotes is one from a local lay minister and former engineer: ‘Introduced to the Bates Method by Charlotte a few months ago, I am thrilled with the results. As an octogenarian science graduate, my initial attitude was one of profound scepticism – I was wrong! Having worn increasingly strong spectacles for reading since the age of 50, I can now, without glasses, read the Times from cover to cover’ ‘Charlotte, thank you SO much for introducing me to the Bates Method – it has changed my life!’ Please feel welcome to contact

Charlotte Schuman See Naturally

me to chat about your vision and ask any questions you may have, on: charlotte@seenaturally.co.uk There are still places available on my upcoming workshops: Saturday 8th Sept & Saturday 3rd Nov from 9am-1pm at the Thame Barns Centre and Saturday 6th Oct from 9am-1pm at College Farm, Long Crendon. l Charlotte Schuman is a member

of The Bates Association of Great Britain, Bates Method International and the Association of Vision Educators. Tel: 07960 977768 Email: charlotte@seenaturally.co.uk Web: www.seenaturally.co.uk

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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Our beautiful game!

ith England’s achievement in getting to the semifinals of the World Cup fresh in our minds, I thought I’d take a look back and explore the history of football in the county. We tend to assume that football as a game has been around for centuries, but the contemporary version of the game has only been in existence for just over 150 years. The evolution of football as we know it today took place in Britain. Up until the 1860s football in this country was popular but it had many versions and rules were vague, often with an unlimited number of players. In the early 19th century public schools started playing football, although there was still no standard form, and some schools such as Rugby favoured carrying the ball as well as kicking it whilst others including Eton, (which was then in Buckinghamshire) preferred to just

by Cathy Soughton

team for a London company which relocated to the Stocklake Industrial Estate in Aylesbury in 1949. There are several cup competitions for clubs at different Compleat Angler Hotel in 1870 kick the ball. Eventually in 1863, levels but one of the oldest ones followed by Burnham FC in 1878. representatives from various public in the country is the Oving and In High Wycombe a group of young District Villages’ Cup Competition schools met at the Freemason’s Tavern in London to establish some furniture trade workers started a which was originally formed in team in 1884 and in uniform standards 1889 at a meeting in Oving parish 1887 a meeting held and rules that schoolroom. The cup was open at the Steam Engine to all villages within 12 miles of would be accepted public house saw by everyone. Oving and players had to be bone the formation of The meeting fide residents, (so as to exclude Wycombe Wanderers boys at a public school in North marked the birth F.C. – probably of the Football Marston). The founder members named after the Association of the competition were Oving, famous Wanderers and from there Waddesdon, Grandborough, Old Etonians v Blackburn Rovers 1882 Football Club, progress was Quainton, Long Crendon and North (comprising mainly former pupils of Marston. rapid. Within 8 years the FA had the leading public schools), winners attracted 50 member clubs and the Nowadays there are numerous of the first F.A. Cup in 1872. first football competition in the clubs in the county at all levels and In Aylesbury, Aylesbury United world, the FA Cup, was established the World Cup has showed that the FC was founded in 1897 as a merger game is more popular than ever. in 1871. By 1888 the first league of three local sides - Night School, championship was under way. The game quickly spread abroad and the Printing Works and Aylesbury l Cathy Soughton is a professional genealogist and architectural Town. Nicknamed the Ducks, after first World Cup took place in 1930. historian providing family history and the famous white Aylesbury ducks, A number of clubs were house history research in the local the club now play at the Meadow established in Buckinghamshire area. in Chesham. Aylesbury FC was before the end of the 19th century. W: www.bucksresearch.co.uk, The first was Marlow which formed originally established in the 1930s E: soughton@btopenworld.com, as Negretti and Zambra, a works a club following a meeting at the T: 01296 624845

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The Happy Hearing Van will be at World’s End Garden Centre, Wendover the last Friday of every month between the hours of 10:00am and 4:30pm. Come along and talk to our audiologists, we also have our van equipped with specialised equipment to check the health of your ears. All for FREE.

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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Health & Fitness

Column: Fitness Focus with Lee Caulfield

Make time for Pilates

ee Caulfield has been involved in the sports and fitness industry for more than 25 years, working with all ages and abilities. She has worked in gyms and fitness centres and for a fitness and nutrition franchise group, helping people to achieve weight loss, toning, fitness and personal development. Over the last 10 years she has developed her own Pilates workout classes to help clients develop core strength and toning. “I really believe in Pilates,” says Lee, “and how it can enhance your life. I am a Pilates teacher and have been doing it for a long time now, so know the benefits. Pilates is basically a method of body conditioning which was developed nearly 100 years ago, in Germany, by Joseph H. Pilates and is now practised all over the world. It is unique as, unlike other forms of exercise, the technique works

on strengthening, lengthening and toning muscle, as well as improving posture and increasing your flexibility and balance. This leads to a stronger and more streamlined physique. Pilates develops strength, flexibility, muscular endurance, coordination, balance, and good posture, all with a much lower chance of injury than many other forms of exercise. It is a way to exercise that uses every muscle in the body without over developing anything or

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creating bulk muscle. The discipline emphasises correct form rather than ‘going for the burn’. If you think Pilates sounds daunting, don’t worry, it can be done at any age. The core Pilates program I teach is not a high intensity workout, but a programme of exercise and stretching that will streamline your body and improve posture flexibility and strength. Classes are mat based and tailored to individual needs. Each class has different ability levels and during the class alternatives are given to ensure everyone is fully comfortable. Exercises include: Shoulder Rolls; Neck Stretches; Bridging; Pelvic Floor; Lower back Stretches; Spine Stretches; Abdominals – core strength; Oblique’s and Hundreds. Classes are suitable for males and females of all ages. For a beginner try to do a class once or twice a week and if you follow the programme you will see results!

Lee Caulfield Pilates Instructor

The key elements worked on are: Core/Centre; Neutral Spine; Pelvic Floor Muscle; Lengthening of the Neck; Shoulder Stabilisation; and Mind and body connection Healthy living is about finding something you like doing and about looking after yourself - so why not take time out of your busy schedule, and reap the benefits of Pilates? l Lee Caulfield Pilates Tel: 07789742130 Email: lee@grahamcaulfield.co.uk Web: www.grahamcaulfield.co.uk Classes at Chinnor Rugby Club, Thame; Thame Barns Centre; Pine Lodge, Little Milton and St Mary’s Church House, Long Crendon.

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Maria Bray

Nutritional Therapy

The Science of Health and Vitality

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II CAN CAN TREAT TREATCorns, Corns,calluses, calluses,cracked crackedheels, heels, nail problems, thickened nails and can treat nail problems, thickened nails and can treat people who have diabetes. people who have diabetes. II CAN CAN OFFER OFFERVisits Visitsininthe thecomfort comfort of of your your own home, a warm attitude, generalroom, foot care own home or atcaring my Thame treatment including regular nail cutting and filing and a a warm caring attitude, general foot care foot massage at the of your including regular nailend cutting and treatment. filing and a foot massage at the end of your treatment. TO ARRANGE A VISIT OR FOR MORE TO ARRANGE A VISIT OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ANTONIA BARNES INFORMATION CONTACT ANTONIA BARNES 01844 261766 or 07795 01844 261766 or 07795 692464 692464 www.feetforlifethame.com www.feetforlifethame.com

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Helping to keep your feet in a healthy condition Based in Thame, I am also a fully qualified massage therapist offering holistic massage and reflexology REGISTERED MEMBER OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONERS

Eat Well l Live Well l Feel Well

New Saturday morning Teen Clinic: £30 for 1 hour session Take charge of your health - I can assist you to achieve your desired health improvements with a mutually agreed and appropriate stepped programme of dietary and lifestyle changes. Diagnostic testing for: l Food intolerances / poor digestion l Vitamin D skin prick - overall health; bones, depression; skin; immunity l Homocysteine testing - heart health; brain health

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Technology targets fungal nails and verrucae Treating fungal nails has long been a challenge for podiatrists. This very common condition causes nails to become unsightly, thick and uncomfortable. Traditional over-the-counter treatments are largely ineffective, because the active ingredients cannot usually penetrate deeply enough into the nail to get at the whole of the infection. For the patient, this means months or years of unsightly and sometimes uncomfortable nails. Clinically proven Clearanail is an innovative new concept using Controlled Micro Penetration, which creates micro pathways into the nail plate, allowing deeper access to the areas of infection without damaging the nail bed

Micro penetration holes beneath. Each of the tiny holes can be drilled in less than five seconds, using an intelligent drill that senses when it is through the nail plate. It is rare for the procedure to be painful or uncomfortable. The holes allow the topical treatment, which must be applied regularly, to reach the infection effectively and clear it up in a shorter time. Usually only one treatment is needed, so this remedy is considerably cheaper than laser treatments.

Swift is a revolutionary new treatment for verrucae. Microwave energy generates heat via a probe and targets the wart/verruca, rapidly elevating tissue temperature to create precise, localised cell destruction. Infected tissue can exist several millimetres below the surface which is difficult to treat with traditional methods. Swift delivers a precise, highly controlled energy dose. As microwaves travel into the tissue, water molecules begin colliding and creating localised heat energy - quickly destroying all infected tissue within a predetermined path. In just seconds, the treatment is complete and the healing begins - treated tissue is quickly replaced, repaired

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Aylesbury Sports Massage For all your aches, pains and injuries Help for carers of elders in Oxon/Bucks If you’re supporting an elder relative or friend, whether a little or a lot, go to: www.maudandmum.com for useful wellbeing, time and money saving info. Also on Facebook and Twitter @maudandmum

‘Movement for every body’ Welcoming, modern studio offering small group yoga & pilates classes, for all ages & abilities, in friendly, relaxing, professional environment Cross Keys House, New Road, Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 0LF Tel: 07793 387272 Email: enquiry@evolvepilatesphysio.co.uk Website: www.evolvehealthwellbeing.co.uk

Contact Clare Davies Hartwell, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire Tel: 01296 747477 Email: clare@aylesburysportsmassage.co.uk Website: www.aylesburysportsmassage.co.uk

The White House Beauty & Holistic Health Clinic 2 East Street, Thame, OX9 3JS

Our team of highly qualified independent practitioners offer a variety of therapies, yoga and fitness classes. For further information please contact

Jen Webster: 07768 188664 or Amanda Supple: 07761 355107 Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Health & Fitness

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Column: Fitness Focus with Kelly Langmaid

Equipped for Pilates

o you want to tone up? Are you recovering from injury and need rehabilitation exercises to get your muscles working properly again? Do you play a sport? Do you have pain in your body? If you answered yes to any of these questions then exercising with pilates equipment is for you. Some people think pilates is not strenuous enough for a proper workout. If that is the case why do elite athletes and sports professionals swear by pilates training? Famous devotees include: golf-pro Tiger Woods, the current England football team, tennis ace Andy Murray, Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton, dancer Darcey Bussell... the list is endless. Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates. Born in Monchengladbach, Germany in 1883, Joe had asthma, rickets and other ailments as a child. He turned to exercise and sport to battle these ailments and

studied many regimes in his search for a healthy body. This led him to develop his own exercise system. Growing into adulthood, Joe was no longer a sickly child and became an avid skier, diver, gymnast, and boxer. In 1912 he came to England, where he worked as a self-defence instructor at Scotland Yard. During the latter part of World War I, he served as an orderly in a hospital on the Isle of Man, where he worked with patients, unable to walk. He rigged springs to hospital beds, enabling bedridden patients to exercise against resistance, an innovation that led to his later equipment designs His method is based on the art of

controlled movement. If practised with consistency, Pilates improves flexibility, builds strength and develops control and endurance through the entire body. It puts emphasis on alignment, breathing, developing a strong core, precision and improving coordination and balance. Pilates mat work is extremely popular and the way most of us learn; but mat exercises are just a part of the Pilates repertoire. On a mat, around 50 exercises can be completed, whereas some 250 movements can be facilitated by a Reformer Pilates machine. The resistance of the pulley and spring system offers more resistance and you can achieve even better posture, increased range of motion and coordination. The different pieces of equipment not only allow you to add resistance to exercises, but to make them more difficult, they can also be used to assist and support

Business Class Gym Membership 2 exclusive group PT sessions at times that suit you Unlimited timetabled exclusive PT sessions Unlimited studio classes anytime Unlimited access to the gym and courts anytime

For more information or to arrange a FREE TRIAL contact info@racquets-fitness-centre.com or pop-in for a chat. 28

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Kelly Langmaid Avenna THF

the body. Pilates exercises can be modified to recreate movement patterns needed for sport or rehabilitation, which allows you the time to focus on your precision in training and reduce the risk of injury whilst competing or performing regular daily activities. Pilates can be suited to everyone, with varying fitness levels and is a great support to everyday life as well as to sport. l Pilates equipment classes are offered at Avenna Therapy, Health and Fitness. For more information, contact them on: 01844 873140 www.avennathf.com

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Health & Fitness

‘Good Health’ with Sandra Smith

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Treatments for acne A t a time when the importance of personal appearance is at its peak, for teenagers and young adults blighted by acne the experience may be both a physical and mental trauma. This common skin condition, recognisable by acute inflammation, has a number of related causes: increased sebum production is the result of testosterone-related hormones; which combined with the growth of bacteria and blockages, can cause pores to become inflamed. Although acne is unsightly, and therefore sometimes induces stress, treatment is available both over the counter and from your GP. Wendover Health Centre’s Dr Charles Todd details some of those remedies. “Treatments for mild acne, notably those containing benzoyl peroxide, which kills the bacteria

and reduces inflammation, are sold in pharmacies. There are many different products such as Panoxyl, Quinoderm and much of the Clearasil range. Other preparations contain salicylic acid. This probably isn’t as effective, although it irritates the skin less. A pharmacist can advise.” More severe cases, categorised by angry looking spots of pus, demand products which are obtained via prescription. “Creams and gels called retinoids,” Dr Todd continues, “are effective but must be used for several months for maximum benefit. “Antibiotics are also commonly used in preparations applied to the skin when they are most effective if combined with benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid.” In addition, oral antibiotics may be prescribed (best when combined with a preparation applied to the

Your yoga practice is....

skin) and the oral contraceptive pill often significantly improves the skin. During teenage years boys are more commonly affected by this skin ailment; the opposite is true amongst adults. Evidence indicates that diets high in dairy or sugar can have a negative effective on acne while smoking is associated with more severe cases. Although sufferers may be tempted to increase facial hygiene, over zealous washing acts as an irritant. Resisting squeezing spots or blackheads, reduces any risk of scarring and water based cosmetics, used in moderation, won’t block pores. Once treatment has stopped, recurrence is common but regular visits to your GP will ensure further medication is prescribed when necessary.

Good Health

Sandra Smith Acne sufferers, Dr Todd suggests, should first of all check out the information on the NHS website. If pharmacist treatments fail to help, then make an appointment at your Health Centre. Suffering from acne can lead to anxiety and depression. Finding the right treatment, however, will improve both your skin and mental health. www.westongrove.com www.nhs.uk l Sandra Smith is a freelance writer, follow her on Twitter: @TheCurrentMrsS or visit her website: www.TheCurrentMrsSmith.co.uk

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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Column: Nick Phillips ‘Good to give’

Keep community alive

eople talk about “community” as a recognised entity. But what does it really mean? To us it means a group of people living near each other that come together to make life better. A road, a village, a town – it really doesn’t matter. The more involved you are in the community, the more you feel part of it. Not only are you likely to make a real difference to people’s lives, you will probably enjoy your home environment more yourself – and there is a growing weight of evidence to support that view. On another level “community” can happen when people with a common cause reach out to likeminded individuals, get together and make a difference. Sometimes it can be the least obvious stimulus such as a collective lobbying against something that is happening locally. Much research has been done into what makes a ‘good’ community

Men in Sheds soapbox cart and interestingly it is the social building blocks which are key to its survival rather than the strength of its businesses. Analysis has shown there are four factors that help build a good community: • Being a member – the feeling of belonging and being welcome • Having influence – the sense that we have a say, that our opinions are valued

• Fulfilling our needs – the belief that our needs are met within the community • Having an emotional connection with the community * A good starting point is to ‘think local’. You could make a huge difference within a three or four mile radius of home. A great example of an existing community group is Aylesbury’s Men in Sheds. Established in 2012 and now with over 40 members, it is run by volunteers and provides a much valued and needed service to the local community. Everyone makes a positive contribution – whether it is producing, assembling or finishing wooden or metal products; fixing electrical items; getting involved with digital photography or the internet; selling the products on the local market stalls, or getting involved in community projects such as the Police Cadets’ Soapbox Derby entry.

Nick Phillips

Good to give Do you have something you could give to your community? Maybe you have time and skills, facilities or equipment to offer: Men in Sheds currently runs out of an industrial unit in Rabans Lane but is in need of a new premise – if you can help, do get in touch with them. Whatever it is, your actions could make a real difference to others and be enjoyable too. For more information on Men in Sheds, Aylesbury, contact Chairman Adrian Shepherd on 01296 709256 or email: misa.shed@gmail.com l Nick Phillips is CEO of

Community Impact Bucks: Tel: 0300 1111 250 www.communityimpactbucks.org.uk

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07/06/2018 16:43

Health & Fitness

‘Chaplaincy’ with Alastair McIver

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Hidden support network

ave any of you folk living in Aylesbury Vale ever spotted one of those people walking around in navy T-Shirts or Jackets with the words, ‘Aylesbury Chaplaincy’ written on the chest, and wondered what on earth it was all about? Spotting chaplains around the town of Aylesbury, indeed nationally, is not as rare as you might think. Aylesbury alone has 45 of them, based in many of the key utilities and facilities of the town. Your writer, for example, is Chaplain at the iconic Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, where every year, thousands of people make their way to watch a wide variety of plays, dramas, musicals and comedies. Mamma Mia!! If you visit the local police station, there is a chaplaincy representation there; as there is in the local university, and not

to mention the High Street and shopping areas of the town. It’s not a 9 to 5 operation however for these Super Troupers. Volunteer chaplains are out and about in the town centre to be a friendly presence for shoppers and others visiting or working in the town. And if you frequent Aylesbury’s clubs and pubs and end up a little worse for wear, perhaps suffering from Saturday Night Fever, you may encounter a pair of chaplains who will help you on your way, with an encouraging word, a taxi perhaps, a bottle of water, and a prayer. The chaplaincy service is a national operation, 95% of which is run by the church. Aylesbury Vale is fortunate to have an impressively large representation which is warmly welcomed by all of the afore-mentioned groups, who see it as an added value service for their particular communities.

Based on the success of similar projects in towns and cities across the UK including Watford, Luton and High Wycombe, Aylesbury Chaplaincy has created teams of trained, community-minded volunteers to offer practical help and spiritual support to those who want it or need it ‘all day, and all of the night.’ There are no time restricted or age related kinks in this operation! Working in close consultation with the police, local authorities and other agencies, much of the help is very simple and practical - a listening ear, giving out water, caring for people in difficulty or distress, helping people get home safely… it’s all part of the service. All volunteers are recruited by the local church and motivated by Christian principles of love and service. They are fully committed to serving people of all faiths - or none.

Alastair McIver So if you ever do come across one of these servant hearted Chaplains – and hopefully not in a needs-based capacity – do say ‘hello.’ They are doing it in their own time, without pay, but with the enormous satisfaction of helping others and serving their local communities. l Alastair McIver is a freelance

writer and chaplain at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Aylesbury Town Chaplaincy c/o Holy Trinity Church, Walton Street, Aylesbury, HP21 7QX Tel: 01296 398110 Email: office@ aylesburytownchaplaincy.co.uk

Experts in Mobility and Healthcare Supplies Come and visit our new showroom at Watermead, Aylesbury or, if you can’t get to us - give us a call and we’ll visit you! Specialists in ‘tilt in space’ riser recline chairs Lightweight wheelchairs Wide range of mobility scooters Extensive range of three/four wheeled walkers Bath and shower solutions Aids for daily living Profiling beds and stairlifts Discreet professional advice on continence management Advice and guidance on all aspects of mobility and personal care Equipment Hire Excellent after sales service and customer care 35 Lakeside, Watermead, Aylesbury, HP19 OFX | Tel: 01296 435607 | Web: www.theeasyliving.company Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Column: Down to business with Philippa Batting

Power to the people

an you feel the electricity in the air? From 10 to 1,800 in six years - the increase in electric vehicles in Buckinghamshire suggests the county is recognising the cost and environmental benefits. Statistics from the Department for Transport show that in March 2018 there were 1,861 electric or plug-in hybrid cars (those that have both an electric engine and petrol/diesel engine), LGVs (light goods vehicles/light vans) and quadricycles (micro cars) licensed for use in the county. This is up from 1,082 at the same point last year, and continues the rise in ‘green’ vehicles since 2012. A bit of competition never hurts, so it’s interesting to note that Wycombe district leads the way with 773 licensed vehicles, followed by Aylesbury Vale (507), Chiltern (310), and South Bucks (271).

Get your own electric charge point Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles can be up to 90% cheaper to run than conventional vehicles, but it’s not just these savings that can benefit businesses, there’s also money available to cut the cost of purchasing an electric vehicle. For example: take an eligible electric car on sale for £20,000. Deduct £4,500 via the government’s Plugin Car and Van grant, and deduct another £2,500 via the Low Carbon Workspaces programme, and you have an electric car for your business for just £13,000. The government is also running

schemes to make it more affordable to install electric charge points at workplaces, in homes and on the street through the Workplace Charging Scheme, the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme, and the On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme. Aylesbury Vale and Wycombe already have electric charge points installed around their districts, while neighbouring Milton Keynes leads the way nationally. The Transport Secretary Chris Grayling announced in July that new offices and homes may be required to come fitted with electric car charging points. He also announced that the government is considering the same requirement for new street lights in areas with on-street parking, as well as a ban on the sale of new conventional petrol and diesel cars by 2040. What’s the upshot of all of this? It’s a good time to jump aboard the

Philippa Batting Down to business

electric-powered bandwagon! The way things are going, pretty soon we’ll all be living in a fully electric world, so why not be among the first to feel the benefits? Contact the Low Carbon Workspaces team to find out if you are eligible for a £2,500 grant to put towards an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle for your business. Call 01494 927131 or visit: www.lowcarbonworkspaces.co.uk to find out more. l Philippa Batting is MD of Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF), working to support and facilitate success within the business community. Membership is free - visit: www.bbf.uk.com

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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

There are many benefits to sharing office space, whether you are co-working, hot desking or have rooms in a serviced office complex. A local couple’s new venture is giving firms the chance to be part of a rather stylish new business community in Aylesbury town centre - Market House...

arket House is an impressive new serviced office facility on Market Square, in the centre of Aylesbury. Located above the TUI travel store on the corner of the High Street, the complex is on the second floor and several of the eight rooms available offer fabulous views of the bustling town centre. The flexible accommodation is aimed at small businesses and offers a combination of co-working hot desks, fixed desk space and serviced offices of varying sizes that can accommodate up to 24 people. An extensive and sympathetic refurbishment has created a fantastic new managed office space for the town. Market House is now a smart, modern, working environment that makes the best of the building’s heritage with exposed brickwork, a contemporary colour scheme, vintage industrial style lightshades and exposed pipework all adding a little ‘new York loft’ appeal above the clever ‘wood effect’ carpeting. Excellent quality executive chairs and solid work tables with pedestal units complete the package while details such as glossy prints, vintage radiators and solid doors add to the premium feel. There’s business grade broadband, a meeting room, (bookable by the hour) and a kitchen with relaxation area, microwave, dishwasher, fridge etc and a great coffee machine! A state-of the art, smart-phone enabled door system provides access on demand, while once inside a combination of traditional key locks and smart keyfobs enables users to come and go securely throughout the day. Offices range from 167ft2 to 1,000ft2 and can seat from 4 to 24 people. Hot desk users pay a monthly fee (£150+vat) and come and go as they like, utilising whichever desk space is free, whereas in a fixed desk room you get your own desk and pedestal unit, so you can lock stuff away and have a desk top PC if required (£240+vat per month). Room rates vary depending on the size of room from

Andy Bedwell

Andy & Vashti Bedwell

£700+vat per month upwards. In addition Market House has a six seater meeting room with large LED screen, and high speed businessgrade fibre broadband. The meeting room can be used by nonresidents and booked online by the hour (£12). There is no parking at the premises but multi-storey parking at £3 per day is only a short walk away. Membership of Market House also gives you access to the Perch co-working site in Bicester. Surprisingly Market House is not the new branch of a national network but an independent venture by local entrepreneurs Andy and Vashti Bedwell. The husband and wife team from Haddenham have been providing inspiring multi-occupancy homes and co-working spaces in the Bicester area through their Bicester Living and Point of Difference property companies and really enjoy transforming bricks and mortar into desirable places in which to live and work. “For me it’s more about building communities than renting rooms,” says Vashti, “places where businesses can grow together and help and support each other. We found Market House through local agents Christopher Pallett and liked the idea of bringing an old building back to life. It’s got a lovely light airy feel with its high ceilings and

Market House skylights. We have invested in the premises with a high quality refurbishment. It isn’t a listed building but we wanted to make the most of the original features where possible and we are really pleased with the results. “We foresee a range of possible users, such as sole traders who want to get away from home distractions and mix with other local businesses, start ups and small charities perhaps. We aim to be flexible and accommodate sizing up or down once you are here as your needs change and we only require one month notice to leave, so you are not tied in to a long lease. “At Perch in Bicester we have found that people using the co-working spaces get to know each other, help each other out, build relationships, recommend and refer and a lovely supportive business community soon grows, which we hope will be the case with Market House. “I think Aylesbury has a lot going for it now. The centre is picking up, there are some great independent businesses that are really thriving and the town centre management is very supportive and proactive.” To find out more about Market House, see the website or contact Andy and Vashti as below and arrange an appointment to have a look round. l Market House, Market Square, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1TN Tel: 01296 340462 Email: Aylesbury@Exeid.com Web: www.markethouseaylesbury.co.uk facebook.com/markethouseaylesbury Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Regular gifts  ü  ü ü  ü 

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Call 01844 396134 info@profynd.com

fiver here, a tenner there – it’s amazing how you can lose track of what you spend when you lead a busy life seeing friends and family, maintaining a home and getting out and about during the week. So how about adding a local hospice at home charity to your shopping list? That means there will be one small regular item of expenditure that you can account for and that you know is making a really positive difference to local patients. Rennie Grove Hospice Care is asking generous supporters if they could make a regular gift to help fund the charity’s vital work in caring for local children and adults and their families affected by cancer and other life-limiting illness. Rennie Grove nurses have been supporting local patients in their own homes for more than 30 years – relieving pain and discomfort for more than 2,500 patients and their families a year, day

or night, and giving people with life-limiting illness a choice about where they spend their final days. Rennie Grove provides the care at no charge, and so has the growing challenge of raising the £18,000 needed every day to deliver its specialist services. A regular, monthly gift by Direct Debit is a cost-effective way for Rennie Grove to plan the future delivery of care. For instance: • £5 a month will fund the cost of a first assessment visit by a specialist nurse to a hospice at home patient to understand their needs and wishes and draw up a personal care plan. • £10 a month will fund two Family Support Sessions for a bereaved child giving them support when they need it most. If you would like to know more about making a regular gift to Rennie Grove Hospice Care, please get in touch by email: info@renniegrove.org or by phone on: 01442 890222 or visit: www.renniegrove.org/donate

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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

New units to let PRESS RELEASE A

new speculative development of industrial / warehouse units is now under way at Westcott Venture Park with completion due end of August 2018. This development includes new units to let from 3,000 to 12,000 sqr ft. These units are suitable for light industrial / high tech and engineering use on a highly secure 650 acre park, already home to over 70 successful businesses. The units will provide the accommodation below:

CHAnDLER GARVEy MARkET nEW COMMERCIAL Buy TO LET OPPORTunITy In AyLESBuRy

Alan Chandler, Director of Chandler Garvey has been instructed by Kingston Space Ltd to market the Space Business Centre, a development of 27 units located in one back to back terrace and 16 units in the other. TheAccommodation units are of modern construction, having been built in Unit 5 3,075 Sqr Ft 2009. The sizes range from 367 sq. ft. up to 908 sq. ft. and are fitted with a mezzanine floor. Unit 6 3,085 Sqr Ft The total accommodation on the estate is 19,541 sq. ft. The site benefits from tax and stamp Unit 7 3,595 Sqr Ft (under offer) duty savings, cheaper than renting, commercial investment yields will be higher than yields on Unit 11 5,230 Sqr Ft residential buy to lets, all units are business rates exempt (small business rate relief), and Unit 12 7,810 Sqr Ft there is a dedicated unit and visitor parking. Units 11 / 12 - 13,040 Sqr Ft

The freehold is owned by Aylesbury Vale District Council and Kingston Space Ltd are the long Specification leaseholders, with over 130 years remaining. units are available from £64,000 plus VAT. • Three-phase electricity supply • Portal frame construction units are let on load monthly licences •and are now Electric rollerproducing shutter doora gross annual income in excess • ConcreteAll floor with 40kg/m2 capacity ofsteel £300,000. Further details from Alan Chandler – ac@chandlergarvey.com / 01296 398383. • Office and disabled WC • Insulated wall cladding • Yard space available by separate negotiation • Insulated roof with 15% roof lights • Eaves height from 6m to 7.2m

Amenities

Gatehouse Café and Shop

Security – Entrance to the Park is controlled 24/7 by a dedicated security team with barriers and Automatic Number Plate Recognition. The Park is contained within a 9 mile security fence and has a comprehensive network of CCTV cameras monitored by our security team. On Site Management – The guardhouse forms part of a management complex at the entrance to the Park where the

security guards and on site team can offer assistance to all Park occupiers and their visitors.

Café and Shop – There is a shop and café providing a valuable and friendly service to all Park users on weekdays during normal working hours. Drivers Restroom – Based at the guardhouse this is an invaluable and well used facility, for long haul drivers visiting the site, which is available at all hours at no cost. Meeting Room – Within the management suite there is a meeting room facility and adjacent kitchen which can be booked at no cost by occupiers on the Park.

Additional availability at Westcott Venture Park · Pre-Let

Opportunities from 20,000 sqr ft upwards Please contact agents for further information

www.chandlergarvey.com

Alan Chandler / Terri Clarke

Kevin Wood / John McD Peter Bridgman Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Step inside by Polly Gibbs

No Rules Cool

The home of Lucy St George, as featured in Rockett St George: Extraordinary Interiors (Ryland Peters & Small, £19.99) Photography by Debi Treloar

How to Create An Interior With Edge

Like Bryan Cranston in Breaking Bad, Billy Bob Thornton in Goliath (Netflix), or Kate Moss; cool just is. Similarly, cool spaces are interesting and great for hanging out, but what really elevates interiors to a level of other worldly reverence is edge....

he key is of course good taste. Bringing just the right amount of ‘quirk’ and out there sass, edgy interiors are conjured up by style aficionados who set trends rather than follow them. With an eye for pieces that will work together, the result is an eclectic collection that creates restrained drama, just the right combination of grit and glamour that’s just shy of being eccentric. How do they do it? Grab a cuppa, here’s my top tips on how to make your interior edgy:

Grit & Glamour. The home of Michael Minns featured in Rockett St George: Extraordinary Interiors 36

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

1. Attitude - being edgy brings a confident, assertive, uncompromising, certainty. Rulebreaking and rule-making, boundary-pushing, naturally intuitive, cool is calm, seemingly effortless with maximum results. Cool is mysterious, lurking, almost Continued on page 38

Step inside

Polly Gibbs Polly Gibbs, Creative Director at Coco Design, shares her down to earth approach to interiors, from design secrets to trends and everything in between.

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

The intuitive home of Tina Boulton, Rockett St George: Extraordinary Interiors

Living Room, Lisa Dawson Styling

‘Mark’s attention to details, such as the plate rack and bespoke drawer dividers, make everything a pleasure to look at and use.’ Unit 23, Kemps Farm, Chapel Road, Ford, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8XG Tel: 01296 706030 Email: mark@markwilliamsonfurniture.com Website: www.markwilliamsonfurniture.com 38

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Step inside by Polly Gibbs

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Charles Huntington Flooring Charles Huntington Flooring

•Expert Advice •Professional Fitting •Very Competitive •Expert Advice for Residential and •Professional Fitting Continued from page 36 prints of lands you’ve travelled to.work Commercial •Very Competitive Create a dark luxe gallery wall, •Carpets to suit all for Residential and or mix it all up salon style, hung in indefinable. It’s the person wearing Budgets Commercial work stuff that shouldn’t work together, an amorphous layout that brings a yet they carry it off. It’s unapologetic relaxed atmosphere. (Try Rockett •Free Quotes •Carpets to suit all and fearless. Cool is knowing. Edgy St George, Allposters or King & Budgets Above and left New: Norhassel Limited Edition Posters, Ikea •No Obligation Mcgaw for similar artwork). is the result. •Free month limited edition collection of the bank, lookQuotes up Harland Miller, •Free Parking and author best eight striking posters. The collection the British 2. Art - An easy way to create Include an oversized floor•Noartist Obligation known for his large-scale, photorepresents IKEA’s journey in standing piece to bring unexpected an edgy feel that doesn’t have to Parking democratising art, making it more realistic•Free paintings, posters and prints edge. Ikea have just collaborated break the bank.CARPETS Play around with • VINYLS • SISAL • STAIR RODS of vintage Penguin book covers photography, neon slogans, favourite with iconic camera brand Hasselblad accessible and affordable for all. SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES If however, you do want to break Continued on page 40 •Expert to create NORRHASSEL, a six album covers, magazine covers and CARPETS • VINYLSAdvice • SISAL • STAIR RODS Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES

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Oxfordshire • Buckinghamshire • Hertfordshire • Berkshire • and beyond

comforts Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Step inside by Polly Gibbs

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Expect the unexpected. Styled by Lucy St George

Lips / Peace Hand-Beaded Cushions, £95 each, Rockett St George

on kitc Ne di he w sp ns la y

Stylish kitchens for modern lifestyles

Book your free design appointment today The Italian sense of beauty is here… Stoneworld Kitchens 43A Upper High St Thame OX9 2DW 01844 261768 www.stoneworldkitchens.co.uk 40

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Step inside by Polly Gibbs Continued from page 39 that often feature his own invented, sardonic titles. His muted tones and painterly brushstrokes imbue his canvases with the worn character of a used book, and often convey

subversive socio-political critiques. Totally cool. 3. Surprise - Juxtapose old with new and experiment with the odd quirky statement piece like this faux taxidermy zebra, (far left), to bring

the magic ingredient, the element of surprise. Select interesting pieces that have weathered charm, handed down perhaps, with a story that brings happy memories or works well as a talking point. Combine antique rugs with

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

vintage textiles, beloved books, statement mirrors, unusual wall hangings and contemporary artisan furniture (try Swoon Editions), topped with interesting artefacts like vases, carvings, candles or photographs that express your personality and flair. Have an emotional connection to the items, using this as your buying guide. 4. Arrangement - Create a feast for the eyes with interest and personality oozing from every interior orifice. Artefacts are interspersed with foliage that softens. Background colour is hugely important to contrast objects and set a visual tone. Decide between dark and daring or airy bohemian whites. Assemble, stack and layer, avoiding symmetry or ‘matchy matchy’ . Edgy style is organic, it evolves as you do. Life experiences are reflected in possessions from chic travel souvenirs, items picked up from rummaging in flea markets, to wonderful treasures received as gifts. Be careful not to try too hard however or it will show. The outcome must be a true reflection of who you are to be at ease. Trust the process - design is a journey, don’t be in too much of a hurry. For more inspiration browse the Curious Coco Pinterest boards and follow me on social. Source List rockettstgeorge.co.uk lisadawsonstyling.com ikea.com swooneditions.com allposters.co.uk kingandmcgaw.com pinterest.co.uk/curious_coco

Lounge - Lucy St George

l Polly is an award-winning designer, Decorex100 interiors influencer & Amara Interiors Blog Award Finalist. If you’ve got a rockin’ interior or design dilemma, message her and it could feature in the next issue: Email: polly@curious-coco.com Website: www.curious-coco.com Insta, Twitter, FB: @TheCuriousCoco Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Home staging is so effective in Sweden that agents build the service into their packages and property websites look like interiors magazines! ‘It works here too,’ says home stager Marie Westerman-Roberts...

n Sweden professional home staging, known as home styling, has become increasingly popular over the last 20 years. It is thought to increase the sale price achieved by around 10% more than a good clean and tidy up! In the UK we have been slower to embrace the concept, although it has featured on TV shows such as House Doctor. Marie Westerman-Roberts is a Swedish Home Staging Consultant, who married an Englishman and moved to Chinnor, some six years ago. She launched her home staging consultancy, Scandihome, in 2015 and has been helping local vendors and agents make their properties more buyer friendly, so achieving sales without reducing prices. “You are not just selling a home, you are selling a lifestyle,” says Marie. “Most buyers want to imagine their new life in your property will be stylish, effortless and uncluttered, so even if we don’t actually live that way, we can show that life could be like that if they bought your home!” Marie can work from photographs to an extent, but usually for a consultation she will go through your property, room by room, and let you know the best way to attract buyers. She will flag up the weakest areas and give suggestions as to how to enhance them, pointing out items that might be best removed or relocated.

Before staging

After staging

Marie Westerman Roberts “Clients shouldn’t worry about a fresh pair of eyes making suggestions,” says Marie, “because it’s not about their tastes and the things they like as an individual, there’s a science behind where you put things and what they do. What art is on the walls, where plants go, or a light source is placed, can make the best of a room and create a kind of Feng Shui flow that will appeal to a wider market. It really does work! You don’t have to change everything, sometimes a few tweaks is enough to let buyers see the potential and you will

Before staging

After staging

be able to live with them easily. I can just make suggestions or I can bring furniture and accessories in and set them up for you. “Our service usually includes things like displaying accessories and collectibles in a pleasing way and bringing in props that will enhance the overall tone of the space. This could mean adding plants, throws, pillows, baskets and artwork and sometimes furniture. If you have an empty house we can arrange a complete furniture package. “Costs depend on the size of property and what is required but could be from £500 for styling, to include the placing of accessories for the photographs, which would then be there for a up to a month. If still required props would be rented by the week after that.” Home staging can be worth every penny as if the house doesn’t appeal to buyers then the sale price may end up being reduced and that’s usually by thousands of pounds. “Selling a property is one of the biggest things you do in life,” says Marie, “and yet we don’t always invest much time, effort or money in doing it well. You wouldn’t sell your car without making sure it looked its best. You have to make buyers realise this is what they want, they are buying a lifestyle, a new era in their lives, they want to see what that new life looks like.” Marie has already had several successes locally, home staging properties that have quickly sold. She works directly with clients and has also done work for clients selling with estate agents including: Parkers, Chinnor; White Lion, Tetsworth and Penny & Sinclair, Oxford, and has helped with properties from swanky city apartments to country homes, town houses and cottages. To find out more see Marie’s Scandihome website, give her a call or send an email. She can usually organise a consultation within a few days and start staging within a week. If you already have images online, she will be happy to have a look and give you some pointers. l Marie Westerman-Roberts Scandihome Tel: 07880 197521 Email: marie@scandihome.co.uk Web: www.scandihome.co.uk Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Column: Safe as houses with Nigel Grace

Planning Your Build

ow many times have you watched Grand Designs, Building the Dream and other similar property programmes and seen those building asked ‘when do you hope to finish’ followed by the hopeful response: ‘we aim to be in by Christmas!’ And then we see that they rarely make that target! Often we are too optimistic when planning works, and raise our expectations as to when we will have our new home or updated one. As someone once said to me ‘it is not when you start that matters but when you finish’ and that has stayed with me for a long time. Too often we try and start projects too soon and as a result the design is not finalised and materials or labour may not be available and this will lead to delays in the build. Recently I read a quote in a homebuilding magazine ‘Remember: thinking costs nothing – impatience or lack of planning usually costs more!’

The message I want to give is with any project - don’t start until you are ready! One of my previous articles was titled ‘take your time’ and I really believe in that. As the quote says – lack of planning usually costs more and that is so true. Large complex projects have detailed programmes that may list literally thousands of tasks across several months or even years. These are produced by experienced professionals using specialist software. I am not suggesting that you need to do that but it is important to understand the time that will be required. So, before you start talk to your builder and ask them to give you a programme with enough clarity so you can understand what should be happening on site on a week by week basis. On a lot of the projects I work on, the client takes responsibility for ordering certain materials, commonly these include the kitchen, ceramic tiles and sanitaryware. This

is fine - I don’t disagree with this approach but if you need to talk to your builder and agree when each item is actually required on the site. This is not too difficult but you have to be aware of how long it takes to order and deliver these items. Some items such as tiles should be available almost off the shelf but kitchens are a little different. True you can go to Ikea or B&Q and literally pick up your kitchen but this is only a small part of the ordering process. Your builder might not need the kitchen until say the last four weeks of your project but what they will need a lot earlier is the final design. Why is that? Well they will need to arrange for the plumbing and electrics a lot, lot earlier. This might be needed 8-10 weeks earlier. There are several other factors that can affect your programme – both good and bad. Building is an industry that is often affected by the weather as you would expect.

Nigel Grace

Safe as houses

Work can easily be rained off and it often surprises people to hear that it can be too cold – if it is close to freezing then you cannot lay bricks or sometimes work with concrete. Too warm also causes problems particularly with concrete and mortar. You also have to be realistic, most tradespeople are working on more than one project at a time, so don’t be too surprised if they are not on your site every day. However, do keep an eye on this and if you feel progress is slowing then it is time to have a conversation because you want to be in by Christmas – don’t you?!!!! l Nigel Grace MRICS is an experienced chartered quantity surveyor. If you need help or advice on your project contact him on: nigel@nigelgracelimited.co.uk

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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Real Living

by Charlotte Bolton

Absolutely marble-ous Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

This year’s look to knock ‘em stone dead...

hen it comes to trends for the home, marble has been MASSIVE this year.

Marblesque fractal wallpaper

It has featured as a ‘go-to’ textured material for everything from floors to kitchen worktops and interior accessories. Now you can give this classic a twist by changing up colours (bring soft pinks, blues and mint greens into a scheme) and opt for splashes of terrazzo; the ultimate marble mix-up! Sitting Room ‘Get the look’ Add a feature wallpaper or bring in striking pieces of furniture… Marblesque fractal wallpaper in Rose Gold, £.8.99 per roll, www.gowallpaper.co.uk (see main image right). Terrazzo Blue Wallpaper, £50 per roll, Graham &

Terrazzo side table

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Terrazzo wallpaper 46

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Orange ‘Flick’ Terrazzo vinyl flooring

Real Living

Charlotte Bolton

Brown (see image below). Terrazzo Side Table, £195,

Marble crockery

Audenza (see inset image opposite page) Kitchen/Diner ‘Get the look’ Show off the latest homeware trend in your kitchen… Brown and White Marble Crockery - you can find similar at Asda and Next.

by Charlotte Bolton Orange ‘Flick’ Terrazzo Vinyl Flooring, £59 per m2, Atrafloor. Marble and Gold Effect Clock, £27, The House Outfit. Green Marble & Wood Cheeseboard, £40, Oliver Bonas. Bedroom ‘Get the look’ Start off a new scheme with

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funky bedding and accessories… Grey Marble Bedding, £30, Urban Outfitters. Terrazzo Wall Art, from £14, Crowdyhouse. Marble Foil Print Cushion, £8, Matalan. l To find out how your home could be featured in a UK homes magazine visit Charlotte’s website: www.reallivingspaces.co.uk. Share your home interior ideas in a magazine! It’s fun, and free!

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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

l Column ‘In the Garden’ with

Naomi MacKay

Summer is d

Woburn Abbey Garden Show

‘Summer may be on its last legs, but there is plenty to inspire the autumnal garden,’ says Vale Life gardening expert Naomi MacKay...

ell, that’s the big shows season over for another year – all the major RHS Shows have come to a close, but there’s still plenty to enjoy in your own and other gardens. I have been so busy I didn’t manage to get to any of the major events this year, but I did manage a lovely sunny day at the Woburn Abbey Garden Show at the end of June. It has been some time since I last went to this event and it has certainly grown since its early days, offering visitors a good range of quality nursery stands, garden-related trade stands, arts,

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crafts and fascinating talks from Gardeners’ World stalwarts such as Pippa Greenwood and Adam Frost (Adam’s tips on garden design are listed on page 47). New for 2018 was a field kitchen, set up in the kitchen garden with a live cooking demonstration by Celebrity Chef, Rachel Green. It also is one of the rare occasions when the public can access the private gardens of the Duke and Duchess of Bedford. Do put it in your diary for next year, it’s a lovely, relaxed day out and only a short drive away. If, like me, you’ve missed out on some gardening inspiration from the summer shows, see if you can

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l Column ‘In the Garden’ with

Naomi MacKay

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

dead – long live autumn

Vintage shopping at Woburn make it to one of the late-summer/ autumn events instead. I find that my garden is often testimony to the many summer

Plant Shopping at Woburn jaunts I make, but come autumn, you can tell that I have bought summer dazzlers during the shows season, and then had no money left

to stock up on autumn goodies. Ones for autumn include the Rare Plant Fair at Adwell House near Thame on September 2nd,

RHS Garden Wisley’s Flower Show on 4th-9th September and the RHS Harvest Festival Show in London on 2nd-3rd October.

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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

l Column ‘In the Garden’ with

Adam Frost’s garden design tips

Naomi MacKay

Adam Frost and Pippa Greenwood

Adam gave a great talk on garden design – and Autumn is the perfect time to start a new design, or redesign what hasn’t worked in your garden over the summer. Here’s some of Adam’s top tips 1. Soil is the most important part of any garden – ‘When you pick up a handful of soil it’s like there’s a whole Disney movie going on in there.’ 2. Test your soil – this is really important. Test it in different places too. Get your hand in it and feel the texture – is it gritty, silky, clay...? 3. Design your garden around the sun. ‘Make sure there’s somewhere for you to have a cup of tea in the morning or a G&T in the evening!’ 4. Be practical about the materials you have in the garden.

‘I have seen people with Limestone terraces and in July they can’t see outside because the sun reflects too much.’

5. Work out how many people you want to entertain. ‘Otherwise, you will have people round, they’ll move their chair back and be in the

border! 6. Always measure up and use a piece of paper to really see the

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l Column ‘In the Garden’ with

Naomi MacKay

Woburn and its Repton connection featured on a recent episode of Gardeners’ World – watch Episode 15 on BBC iPlayer (available until mid-August).

space you have.

Repton revisited Officially opened at the Woburn show were the last structures in the reconstruction from the ashes of Humphry Repton’s design for the aviary, cone house and menagerie. Repton was a great landscape designer, who has been mostly overshadowed by Capability Brown and Woburn has the most complete surviving Repton design in the country. Originally built in 1805, the aviary and cone house represents one of Repton’s most elaborate designs and marked the estate’s first foray into keeping exotic birds and other animals in the surrounding menagerie. When it was originally built, the artistic views of the Red Book had the labourers and agents scratching their heads as to how best to realise Repton’s designs. Sadly, the buildings were burnt down and later deconstructed during the Second World War for

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Don’t forget

The Duke and Duchess of Bedford’s private gardens easier garden maintenance. In 2011, restoration work began to rebuild the aviary, and the final stage was unveiled at the show - green oak open-sided cottages, complete with cedar shingle tiles, situated either side of the aviary to mimic the keepers’ houses. Martin Towsey, Estate Gardens Manager said: “It is fantastic to

reveal the reconstruction of the aviary according to Repton’s plans and it has felt like a true ‘phoenix from the ashes’ project. We have all worked so hard to restore this magnificent structure to its former glory and the aviary is now home to an array of birds once again including golden pheasants, budgies and a quail.”

Hopefully your garden looks lovely this summer, if you have managed to keep on top of the watering, but autumn is not far away – autumn bulbs can be planted once your summer display comes to an end in late September. Bulbs that can be planted then include: Anemone Blanda Crocus Muscari (grape hyacinth) Allium Hyacinth l Naomi MacKay is a Bucksbased freelance writer and editor who specialises in gardens. She also helps small businesses get their message to potential clients using websites, blogs, social media and more traditional printed products. Email: naomimackay@gmail.com

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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Column: Lucy Ellis ‘Animal Magic’

Like a dog with a bone

eeding your dog or cat raw bones is not only good for the health of teeth and gums, but it’s also a great way to occupy them in the hot weather, while the natural chewing action releases calming endorphins. Even if you don’t raw feed, you can still give a bone for oral health and to satisfy their natural urge to chew, just remember to cut back on the daily food allowance accordingly. Here’s a beginner’s guide to feeding raw bones:

Raw, Not Cooked The first, most important, thing to remember is that all the bones you feed must be raw, not cooked. Raw bones are naturally moist, flexible and easily digested by the high acidity of an animal’s stomach. Cooked bones are dry and

brittle, which makes them prone to splintering and causing damage to the throat and stomach as they pass through your pet’s system.

Check They Chew It is advisable to supervise your dog while feeding to make sure he doesn’t choke, and giving raw bones is no different. If your dog has a tendency to gulp food, try feeding the bone frozen and / or start by holding it so that you make sure he chews properly. Don’t panic if he does swallow a large piece – as long as it goes down the windpipe, the stomach acid will process the bone as normal, but if it gets stuck he may need some help to bring it back up. Start Soft When you first start feeding

bones, and particularly with a puppy, begin with necks as they are made up of soft bone, cartilage and connective tissue. You can then progress to wings, which are also softer bone, before moving on to heavier chews, such as ribs and carcass. Keep an eye on your dog’s stools to check you are not overloading her with bone; each dog has its own tolerance level, but remember bone should only make up around 10% of the overall diet. Get The Right Size Choose bones appropriate to the size of your pet – a large dog might be tempted to swallow a small bone whole without chewing it, while a small dog will find a full carcass too much in one sitting. Avoid weight-bearing bones, particularly from large animals, as they are too hard and can chip a tooth. Cats are best with smaller bones such as chicken wings, day old chicks, small fish and mice.

Lucy Ellis

Animal Magic Recreational Bones Some people choose to feed bone as part of their pet’s daily meal, such as a wing, rib or portion of carcass. Others prefer to give a raw bone once or twice a week as a treat, such as a meaty knuckle or marrowbone. Either way, choose bones with meat on them as it will give your dog something to do while he tears the meat off first, and will be less dense for him to digest. If you feed large recreational bones, such as meaty knuckles or marrowbones, you should take it away from your dog once the meat has gone so that he doesn’t overload his body. l Lucy Ellis is a writer and

blogger who with Jenna Tomlins runs Unique Pets (Aylesbury & Winslow), independent pet shops, www.uniquepets.co.uk

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New Wildlife Zone now open! G

reen Dragon Eco Farm near Aylesbury/Quainton has opened Phase One of a brand new Wildlife Zone at the beginning of August, following months of planning and building. This exciting project will enable visitors to view certain British and European native species up close, such as the red squirrel, which is facing an uncertain future with only 140,000 left, and the protected barn owl. Other animals will include the Red Fox, Scottish Wildcat, Reindeer, Fallow Deer, Golden Eagle, Buzzard and other native birds of prey. Pine Martens, European Polecats and Lynx will arrive in Phase Two. “We are absolutely thrilled to open the Wildlife Zone,” says General Manager Jay Wood. “Our mission since opening the farm attraction four years ago has been

Green Dragon Eco Farm

to conserve rare breeds and inspire people to enjoy the great outdoors. The natural next step is to support and celebrate some of our native wildlife. Visitors can now view these wonderful animals, learn about their habitats and take home a positive message about what we can all do for conservation.”

Protection & Conservation The Zone’s aim is to support the protection and conservation of British and European native animals that are ‘conservation sensitive’ according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means they are at risk in the wild and there is a need for active conservation to protect their populations. Green Dragon plans to get involved with conservation breeding programmes for animals such as the Scottish Wildcat and Red Squirrel and secondly for the Zone to become a home for rescued wildlife in need of care, sanctuary, and possibly rehabilitation. Thirdly, for wildlife that has been kept within the pet trade but sadly requires a better home – Green Dragon can provide the facilities, care and support they need. The five-acre Wildlife Zone

consists of extra-large enclosed environments for the animals, a central, covered teaching space, and an outdoor display lawn for demonstrations and flying displays. Interpretation boards and interactive talks will give information about each species, their link to UK native habitats and how conservation can help them in the wild. The animal encounters programme for the summer holidays will include the wildlife once the zone, so visitors wanting a really close encounter should book now for a Ranger for a Day Experience or a Farmer for a Day Experience, which are popular activities for the school holidays. l For more details about the

Wildlife Zone and summer holiday activities at Green Dragon, call: 01926 670444 or email: info@greendragonecofarm.co.uk

l For more details about the summer holiday activities, the new Wildlife Zone, private animal encounters and farm to fork menus, ring 01296 670444 or email info@greendragonecofarm.co.uk The Green Dragon Eco Farm, Play Centre & Eaterie, Claydon Road, Hogshaw, Bucks, MK18 3LA www.greendragonecofarm.co.uk Open daily 10am-5.30pm

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Column: ‘Kiss & tell’ with Tracy Kiss

Lovely fluffy new friends!

eing a family of animal lovers we can’t resist the urge to meet and greet wild and wonderful creatures of every shape and size and have spent many a sunny afternoon at the zoo having picnics and learning about weird and wonderful creatures. When we came across Aston Abbotts Alpacas, whilst looking for local family-friendly activities, the children literally jumped for joy at the prospect of touching ‘soft and fluffy things.’ Set upon a picturesque 22.5 acre family run farm, in the beautiful Buckinghamshire village of Aston Abbotts, Abbotts View Farm lovingly raise their own Alpacas, Greyface Dartmoor and Manx Loaghtan rare breed sheep, Berkshire pigs, guinea pigs, rabbits, Khaki Campbell and Indian Runner ducks and Buckthorn the RSPCA rescue pony. In the Spring and early Summer, they usually have piglets,

Alpacas at Abbotts View Farm lambs and baby alpacas too - along with frequent visits from a barn owl or two, hares, Muntjac deer, foxes, badgers and a pair of doves, who are nesting in the barn! Being off-grid the farm relies on the sun’s energy for electricity, heating and hot water, along with rainwater harvesters to supply the animals with water; a wonderfully rare experience for the children to see up close as they pointed out solar panels and a huge wind turbine whilst eagerly skipping over to the alpaca enclosures. After a safety talk and

introduction we were able to hand feed the alpacas, who were separated into boys and girls. They were absolutely adorable and it made for a family afternoon that we shall always remember fondly. We were able to feed, touch and walk the alpacas on a special route set out for such experience days. These are open to all ages and abilities and are a lovely way to reconnect with nature. The alpacas are wonderfully inquisitive and peaceful creatures. My 11-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son instantly fell in love with them and I enjoyed a few nose touches too as we walked about meeting them all. We were fascinated to discover they originate from Peru, are highly sociable, yet prefer to be stroked on the neck rather than the head and have luxurious fluffy coats, which are sheared in the summer for an allergen-free alternative to wool. The babies were beyond

Tracy Kiss

Kiss & tell

adorable, petite like Bambi and impossibly fluffy with the most heart-melting smiles and curly hair - if we ever move to a bigger house we know what our next pet will be! The quaint on site tea and gift shop overlooks the rolling countryside and was the perfect way to unwind from the excitement of meeting the animals, purchase some books, crafts or souvenirs and indulge in delicious home cooked treats; a wonderfully affordable and unique family day out, that we can’t stop talking about! www.abbottsviewalpacas.co.uk l Read Tracy’s blog at: www.tracykiss.com or follow her on: Twitter: @misstracykiss or Facebook: /TheTracyKiss Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Music Column:

Turn it up! with Skanky Chaz

Betsey fest

Music columnist Skanky Chaz is a musician, songwriter, band manager, agent, sunworshipper and connoisseur of fine lager. Would you trust this man? Well it’ll do no harm to send him details of your local music activities: editor@vale-life.co.uk and don’t forget to add your gigs to our website what’s on diary for free at: www.vale-life.co.uk

Live Music august 11th Joyride: Dukes, Aylesbury 16th Jamnation: Dukes, Aylesbury 16th Kitty Mazinsky: Dukes Winebar, Princes Risborough 16th Sam Kelly’s Station House: Tring Park Cricket Club, Tring 18th The Mid Sensation Soul Band: Dukes, Aylesbury 18th The Wilsons Show: (Rock & Roll) Weston Turville Golf Club 18th Incc: Aston Clinton Park 18th 2 AM Blues: Dukes Winebar, Princes Risborough 19th Smooth Operator: (4-7pm) Anglers Retreat, Marsworth 23rd Jamnation: Dukes, Aylesbury 23rd Nick Breakspear: Dukes Winebar, Princes Risborough 24th Tiny Tina Rock & Blues Band Chinnor Beer Festival, Mill Lane 25th Devestation: Horse & Jockey, Aylesbury 25th Hustler: Aristocrat, Aylesbury 25th Ziggy: Rose & Crown, Stone 25th Leech: The Lion, Waddesdon 25th Karen Cochrane: Dukes Winebar, Princes Risborough 25th HEXX: Chinnor Beer Festival 26th The Measures: The Old Swan, Cheddington (4-7pm) 26th Replica Rockaholics: The Old Swan, Cheddington 26th Courtin a Storm: Brill Hill, Brill 27th Dogmattics: Kings Arms, Tring 30th Jamnation: Dukes, Aylesbury 30th Astronaught Band: Dukes Winebar, Princes Risborough 31st The Deer ,The Mare & The Elephant: Dukes Winebar, Princes Risborough AUGUST 1st Skasouls UK: Dukes, Aylesbury 1st MOJO: Dukes Winebar, Princes Risborough 2nd The Zimmermen: Queen’s Head, Long Marston 8th The Riffs: Aristocrat, Aylesbury

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Prog legends to rock Friars

egendary prog-rock band Camel are touring this Autumn and bring their acclaimed live show to Friars Club at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, on Monday 10th September. The special run of shows features founder member Andrew Latimer (guitar, flute, vocals), Colin Bass (bass guitar, vocals), Denis Clement (drums) and Peter Jones (keyboards, vocals) and the band will be playing the entirety of their bestselling fourth album Moonmadness plus a selection of other classic tracks their fans will be keen to hear once again. On its release in March 1976 Moonmadness made its way into the UK Top 20 albums chart, going on to become certified silver. More recently, in 2014, it was voted to No.58 in the Top 100 Prog Albums of All Time by readers of ‘Prog’

fter the success of the inaugural Swanbourne Music Festival in last year, The Betsey Wynne are proud be bringing the event, affectionately know by locals as ‘Betsey Fest’, back for a second year this August Bank Holiday. Set in the village of Swanbourne, just North of Aylesbury, in the heart of the beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside, Swanbourne Music Festival is a great day out for the whole family, packed with quality food and drink, arts & crafts and live music from local bands as well as charttopping household names. This year Scouting For Girls headline with their unmistakable pop anthems. Their triple platinum selfScouting For Girls titled debut album hit the top of the UK charts back in number 1 ‘This Ain’t A Love Song’. 2007 and produced much loved Supporting are old skool Soul/ hits ‘She’s So Lovely’, ‘Elvis Aint R’n’B party machine Soulfish, Dead’, ‘Heartbeat’ and the UK The Fabulators (a rock, pop,

Camel magazine. Formed in 1971 Camel produced fourteen original studio albums, fourteen singles and numerous compilation and live albums. They never achieved mass popularity but had a strong cult following for their music which combines elements of Jazz, Classical, Baroque, Blues and Electronic music. and indie fourpiece), tribute band Deeper Purple, The Scruff Club, duo Rondeau - Hartup, singer-songwriters Sam Turner and Bee Arnold, The Eclectix, and rock band Ashley Falls. Gates open at 12 noon. Music will start from around 12.20pm and the event will end by 9.30pm. For further details and tickets see: www. swanbournemusicfestival.co.uk

Bands make a difference

uckinghamshire Mind held a benefit gig, Busk for Bucks Mind, on Friday, July 6th at Dukes Aylesbury, to raise funds for its vital mental health services. The event, sponsored by Esri UK Ltd, featured a host of incredible musical talent, both acoustic and electric, and was headlined by El Bronson. Other local performers included Nightjar, The Respites, Harry Quinn, JP&Betty, Suzy Bee,

El Bronson at Busk for Bucks Mind

Jim Marvin, The Recovered and Róisín Johnston. Funds were raised through ticket sales and donations given by the

many generous supporters who attended the event. “Busk for Bucks Mind was hugely successful, particularly in terms of raising awareness and encouraging people to talk about mental health,” said organiser Kaya Mallinder. “Buckinghamshire Mind would like to thank everyone who came along to support us and enjoy the amazing music, we hope they had a great night”

Column: Showtime! with Shaun Nolan

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Welcome to Marvin’s room

his issue, I’m reporting to you live, from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where I’m performing my one-man play, Paper Dolls, for the first week of the month. By the time you’re reading this, I should be almost finished and feeling great, but for now, I’m a mixture of nerves and anticipation... it’s all very exciting! Back at home in the Vale though, quite a few things are coming up over the Summer that I think are well worth your time. This September (4th-8th) at Tring’s Court Theatre, Tring Youth Theatre Project will be taking to the stage with their production of Jonathan Larson’s RENT. I love every version of this I’ve seen, so I’m very excited for this one. TYTP are made up of some of the best rising talent in the Vale, so any production they do is well worth the watch. Talking of talented youth, at the Aylesbury Waterside from August 16th to the 18th is Vivo Darte’s

Shaun Nolan Showtime!

production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Whistle Down The Wind. This is one of the company’s stage experience shows, meaning that once again, it’s packed to the brim with amazing young talent and will be an unmissable smash. Also, if you’re a fan of Jim Steinman, he served as the lyricist on this show – I’m sure a musical by Lloyd Webber and Steinman is bound to tick many of your boxes! There are a few things going on at Queen’s Park Arts Centre over the next few months as well, two of them featuring me! On September

The TYTP cast of RENT

1st, my friend Lianne is hosting a charity showcase called A Splash of Pink in aid of the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity. I’ll be singing two songs in the show, so if you want to see me do that – along with countless other amazing singers and dancers from the local area – then be sure to come on down and support. And two weeks later, I make my Unbound Theatre directorial debut with my new production of Scott McPherson’s Marvin’s Room (September 21st & 22nd). I have been having an absolute ball with my amazing cast

over the past couple of months and I really cannot wait to put this show up in front of the audience. The show (which was later made into a film starring Meryl Streep, Diane Keaton and Leo DiCaprio) tells the story of two middle-aged sisters who are forced to reunite after 20 years in the face of two major family health tragedies. It sounds morbid, but I can assure you that it is absolutely hilarious. Enjoy the Summer sunshine and I hope to see you there! l Shaun Nolan is a freelance writer

and producer who, when he isn’t writing columns, is typically found writing his own fictional stories and scripts. You can find him at @ shaunycat on Twitter and if you want your show mentioned in this column, tweet him and let him know!

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

The 54th Towersey Festival takes place at Thame Showground on August Bank Holiday weekend. This friendly, folky, rootsy, relaxed celebration boasts an amazing line up of superb musical talent, family activities, food, drink, fun, frolics and maybe even sunshine...

Country people just want to sing

Richard Thompson

he 54th Towersey Festival is set to ensure your August Bank Holiday weekend is one to remember. With their biggest line-up to date, headliners include the Richard Thompson Electric Trio, Steve Earle and Waterboys collaborator Sharon Shannon and Wildwood Kin (Fri 24th Aug); the mighty Proclaimers, plus roots supergroup Daphne’s Flight and Big Country, playing an acoustic hit-filled set (Sat); beguiling songstress Beth Orton, chart-busting shanty singers Fisherman’s Friends, songwriter Martyn Joseph, the Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band (Sun); and UK country sensations The Shires (Mon), supported by Blair Dunlop, and Peter Knight (ex-Steeleye Span) with John Spiers (ex-Bellowhead). But Towersey isn’t just about the big names, as there’s plenty for day-trippers and families to enjoy, from films and workshops, to

n the five years since songwriter Ben Earle was introduced to Crissie Rhodes via Facebook, The Shires have become the UK’s biggest country act, hitting the Top 10 with all three of their albums - Brave, My Universe, and earlier this year, Accidentally On Purpose. Such is their success that the esteemed US Country Music Association recognised their achievements with a CMA Award, and they’ve even played The Grand Ole Opry - the very home of country music, in Nashville, Tennessee. For Crissie, the source of their success is simple: “I think that’s a lot down to our fans,” she says. “For such a long time, country music hasn’t been cool in the UK and I think more and more fans are spreading the word about us, and bringing their friends along, who don’t like country music, to our shows. And they say, ‘Oh! I don’t like country music … but I like this band!’ They buy albums for people’s birthdays and for Christmas, and I think all those word-of-mouth things have led to our success.” But that recognition wouldn’t be there without the music. Produced and partially

dedicated activities for younger festival-goers. Or, if you just want to dip your toe in, a Festival Taster Ticket promises a full day of entertainment with great live music in the Bar Stage, where you can also sample a range of real ales and ciders from award-winning independent brewers. Outside, you’ll also find dancers, international street theatre acts, artist and maker demonstrations, storytelling, craft stalls and sellers, and a varied range of street

The Shires written in Nashville, Accidentally On Purpose features more than its’ fair share of hooks. From the pure pop of Echo and sweeping Guilty, to yearning Ed Sheeran write Stay The Night and piano waltz Loving You Too Long - it’s all about the strength of the song. “The song is the building block, everything is about the song,” stresses Ben. “You can put bells, whistles, pop production on, but if there isn’t a great song there, then people aren’t going to like it. “I think with pop stuff and country, people just want to sing, they want a great song that they can sing, basically,” he continues. “That’s why country is so universal.”

food vendors. l Towersey Festival runs from Friday 24th to Monday 27th August, 2018 at Thame Showground, Thame. Weekend Adult tickets £139, Adult Day Tickets £40. Under 5s are free. Festival Taster Tickets are £12/£10 adv, or £15/£13 on the gate, (under 5s free). Details: www.towerseyfestival.com

Wildwood Kin

The Proclaimers

CC Smugglers

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Column: Nicola Lisle ‘Classical Lass’

Last of the Summer

t’s still swelteringly hot as I write this column, but as we head into September we’ll hopefully soon be enjoying some cooler days. Tring Chamber Music might have got it right with the title of their upcoming concert, Last of the Summer, which takes place at Hastoe Village Hall on 15th and 16th September. Their eclectic programme includes Haydn’s Piano Concerto in D minor, Schnittke’s Prelude in Memoriam Dmitri Shostakovich, Bach’s Unfinished Fugue from the ‘Art of Fugue’ and Shostakovich’s Piano Quintet in G minor. The concert features Howard Shelley (piano), Paul Barritt and Catherine Yates (violins), Robin Ireland (viola) and Josephine Horder (cello). Tring seem to be the only ones flying the classical music flag for the Vale area in the coming weeks, but if you scoot down to Oxford there are some fabulous events taking place in and around the city throughout August.

Opera Anywhere: HMS Pinnafore The inaugural Waterperry Opera Festival is at Jack Gibbons Waterperry House and Gardens, near Thame, from 17th-19th August and includes four brand new productions: Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Jonathan Dove’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park, the family-friendly Peter Rabbit’s Musical Adventures and the ten-minute jazz opera A Hand of Bridge by Samuel Barber and Gian Carlo Menotti. There are also free talks and masterclasses. Visit www.waterperryoperafestival. co.uk for more details.

Can you play? T

hame Concert Band is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The community wind and brass band is based at Christchurch in Thame and meets each week on a Tuesday evening between 7.30pm and 9.30pm The band performs several concerts each year including a popular “Last Night at the Proms” which this year takes place on September 15th. They also play at the Remembrance Day Service, for Christmas Carols around the Tree, at the Switching on of the Christmas lights and for Music in the Park and further afield at venues such as Chesham and Henley bandstands and at various village fetes. This year they have already staged a charity concert raising funds for Thame Youth café and Thame Children’s centre. Band Conductor and Musical Director, Callum Rookes, is an accomplished Tuba player and a member of the Band of the Coldstream Guards. 58

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Thame Concert Band The band’s repertoire includes more than 400 pieces, ranging from well known film themes and show tunes through to Sinatra, Glen Miller, opera, classics and original works. If you wish to book the band a programme can be tailored to your needs and provide background music or be more of a feature/focus. The band are currently seeking new members and wish to welcome anyone who would like have a go. If you are interested and would like to know more, email: thameconcertband@gmail.com or just turn up on a Tuesday! l www.thameconcertband.org.uk Facebook.com/ThameConcertBand

There’s more outdoor opera at Wolfson College, Oxford, on 24th-26th August when Opera Anywhere perform two of Gilbert and Sullivan’s nautical operas, HMS Pinafore and The Pirates of Penzance, on punts. Arrive early to explore the grounds and take a picnic to enjoy on the banks of the Cherwell. The company will also be in the Front Quad with Puccini’s Heroines, which showcases arias, duets and ensembles from famous Puccini heroines and includes a staged performance of the one-act opera Sister Angelica. Find out more at www. operaanywhere.com. The Oxford Proms are back for an eighth season from 10th-23rd August, featuring three concerts in historic buildings with international soloists. Visit www.oxfordproms. co.uk for full details. Baroque ensemble Charivari Agréable also returns for its annual

Nicola Lisle

Classical Lass Early Music by Candlelight summer festival, which takes place in the lovely setting of Exeter College chapel and features seven themed concerts played several times over the course of the season. Full details are at www.charivari.co.uk. Finally, don’t miss Oxford’s star pianist Jack Gibbons, now based in America but back in his former home town for his 31st annual piano recital series at the Holywell Music Room. Visit www. ticketsoxford.com for details. l Nicola Lisle is a freelance writer and author specialising in classical music, genealogy and social history. Follow her on Twitter @NicolaLisle1 and send her a tweet if you would like your concert or show mentioned in this column.

Column: Sandra Smith ‘Our Creative Vale’

Gallery shop at QPC T he evolution of Aylesbury’s Queens Park Centre, situated just south of the town centre in a residential neighbourhood developed during the late Victorian era, includes the former school’s temporary transformation into a hospital during the First World War. The modest looking building, however, would be neither confined to, nor defined by, state education or convalescence. Fast forward several decades and, thanks to vision and fundraising, the creation of an Arts Centre heralded an exciting era in which culture and accessibility coexist to the benefit of artists and public. Grants and donations continue to provide the means for the Centre to develop, not only in terms of modernising the building, but what is on offer there. This financial backbone is complemented by a team focussed on seeking new ways of attracting the public and supporting artists. Their latest venture is Artisan,

Display units at QPC’s Artisan gallery a gallery shop selling local, handcrafted items from jewellery, cards and pens to ceramics, textiles and handstitched bears. For a relatively limited space the range of arts and crafts rivals any retail outlet in the area. “We try to fill every medium,” says Amanda Wheaton, maker of the copper Artisan sign. “Any artist can approach us to sell their work; some things were made here in the Centre.” One of those artists is semi abstract painter, Brenda Hurley. “QPC is where I started my journey,” she reflects. “In 1989 I joined the life class; now I teach. Selling my art at the Centre is

fitting as it’s part of my story.” Nadege Honey’s polymer clay jewellery is as bespoke as it is colourful. A small display case houses her unique, funky earrings and necklaces which begin as sketches before being fashioned into jewellery from manmade clay. Such a sales opportunity is appreciated by this Member of the Northants Guild of Designers Craftsmen. “I choose very carefully where to sell my creations. The Artisan shop at QPC is a great opportunity to showcase my pieces alongside other artists whose work is of a high quality and reveals great craftsmanship. The shop is extremely well curated and

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Creative Vale

Sandra Smith presented.” The ethos - Arts for All - at the heartbeat of Aylesbury’s cultural community remains unchanged. For years there’s been an abundance of classes and entertainment taking place at the county’s largest independent Arts Centre. In addition, Artisan is now selling some of the most attractive handcrafted art you could wish to buy. www.qpc.org l Find out more about Sandra

Smith’s work as a freelance writer by following her on Twitter: @TheCurrentMrsS or visiting her website: www.TheCurrentMrsSmith.co.uk

Win Soundman book! E

ver wondered what it’s like to tour with a famous rock band? Well now you can hit the road with Thame’s John ‘Wilf’ Wilford on a journey through the history of rock‘n’roll sound! Soundman - A Journey Through Rock’n’Roll Sound is the story of John Wilford’s life on the road with a plethora of well-known bands and musicians, tracing thirty years working as a sound engineer, tour manager and production manager. His book is a behind-the-scenes look into what happened on-stage, back-stage and at sound checks, in the TV and recording studios, on the tour bus and in the hotels. But more than that, as John says: “this is also a history book, documenting the evolution of the rock ‘n’ roll sound system as it came to be used in the entertainment industry and by many performers around the world, from the early days of a basic microphone, amp and speaker, through to the digital era and the power of sophisticated,

modern, concert rigs.” It is an insider’s view, covering the good, the bad and the downright disastrous. From the pubs and clubs to Wembley Stadium and The Hollywood Bowl, Soundman is a comprehensive journey through rock‘n’roll sound. John Wilford, also known as ‘Wilf’, was born in North London. After studying Radio, Television and Electronics Servicing he joined a semi-pro group as a roadie before working full time as a professional sound engineer. John worked for Midas Amplification where he built sound mixing consoles for many famous touring artists including Pink Floyd’s Quadraphonic mixing desk. He went on to set up sound

retirement. John lives more quietly now, in Thame, Oxfordshire. If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Soundman - A Journey Through Rock’n’Roll Sound by John Wilford, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Where does John Wilford now live? Winner to be drawn at random and notified by email by Sept 4th. l Soundman - A

companies in Newcastle and Nashville, USA that he later sold, and then worked for Concert Sound up until his

Journey Through Rock’n’Roll Sound ISBN: 9781912362691 www.bookguild. co.uk

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

It’s pleasantly cool in Aylesbury Waterside Theatre’s air conditioned auditorium, an ideal environment in which to escape the Summer heat and enjoy some fun out of the sun! There’s music for rock, swing and pop fans plus cracking comedy, serious drama, an ALW musical and a grumpy old man…

Crooners: Saturday, 25th August Guitar Heroes: Wednesday, 22nd August

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

f the unexpected summer heatwave has left you desperate for relief from the rays, head to the Waterside and chill out with three of the coolest guys around in Crooners (Saturday 25th August). Bringing their wit, charm and a back catalogue of some of the best Big Band hits, this comedy music show with a quintessentially British twist is set to be a truly swingin’ affair. Backed by The Mini Big Band playing Rat Pack anthems including Come Fly with Me, Beyond the Sea, Mac the Knife and many more, you can expect one liners, laugh –out-loud silliness and superb musical numbers sung by the UK’s Number One Dean Martin tribute artist Philip Barley. Whether you listen to rock, pop, folk or

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Live broadcast, Second Space - Thursday, 17th September

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Wannabe: The Story of the Spice Girls - Friday, 14th September reggae, they all have one thing in common; the guitar! The Story of Guitar Heroes (Wednesday 22nd August) highlights many of the prolific artistes that have helped put the instrument, be it electric or acoustic, at the heart of so many revolutions not only in music, but also in culture and society. Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Hank Marvin, Brian May and Slash are just some of the outstanding axemen celebrated in this live concert ‘rockumentary’ featuring more than 20 guitars and taking music fans on a journey from the 1950s, Rock‘n’Roll era through to the most creative and inspirational guitar heroes of today. A must for music lovers of all ages. The 90s are coming home! Dig out your Union Jack dress and travel back to the ultimate Girl Power era with Wannabe: The Story of the Spice Girls (Friday, 14th September). From the chart stomping Spice Up Your Life through to the hip-shaking Who Do You Think You Are, Wannabe pays homage to Ginger, Scary, Posh, Sporty & Baby and promises the biggest 90s party in town! Fancy a laugh? Critically-acclaimed, awardwinning stand-up comedian Chris Ramsey (Thursday, 27th September) prides himself on being the only person to ever put Katie Hopkins in her place, and is ready to tickle some ribs, and there’s the monthly Comedy Club in the theatre’s Second Space for chucklefest with latest, upcoming names. For fans of the National Theatre not keen

Live broadcast, Second Space - Thursday, 6th September

Rick Wakeman - Saturday, 29th September on venturing into the big smoke - fear not! NT Live brings the latest National Theatre productions broadcast live via satellite into the Second Space. The latest screenings include Julie (Thursday, 6th September, 12A), King Lear (Thursday, 17th September, 12A), and The Madness of George III (Tuesday, 20th November, 7pm). And don’t forget to snap up last minute tickets to see this year’s Stage Experience production of Whistle Down the Wind (Thursday, 16th – Saturday, 18th August). The 100-strong cast of local performers will be bringing this classic Andrew Lloyd Webber to life, and look out for The Voice Kids finalist Zoe Forward, who was selected for Team Will.I.Am in the ITV programme last month! For a full programme of events pick up a Waterside What’s On Guide from the theatre or visit: www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury. Call: 0844 871 7607 (bkg fee. Calls cost up to 7p per min plus your phone company’s access charge) to reserve this summer’s hottest tickets!

Chris Ramsey - Thursday, 27th September

l Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1UG Telephone Booking: 0844 871 7607 Website: www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury

Coming up at Aylesbury Waterside Your at-a-glance guide to what’s on... Whistle Down the Wind (Stage Experience) The Story of Guitar Heroes Crooners NT Live Screening: Julie (12A) Wannabe: The Story of the Spice Girls Mix 96 80s Night Chris Ramsey Extreme Championship Improv (Second Space) Rick Wakeman

Thu 16th to Sat 18th Aug Wed 22nd Aug Sat 25th Aug Thu 6th Sept Fri 14th Sept Sat 15th Sept Thu 27th Sept Sat 29th Sept Sat 29th Sept

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Column: Nick Coffer ‘In the kitchen’

Shrimp Burger

o let’s be clear, this is basically a delicious prawn cocktail, slathered onto a light and perfectly formed thick prawn fish cake, served in a brioche burger bun. What’s not to like? And my word it works! Layers and layers of flavour and texture make this a perfect alternative to a traditional burger. And its creator, Tom Bainbridge, a regular guest on my Weekend Kitchen programme, is no traditional chef. He taught himself how to cook when he took over the Tilbury in Datchworth and now holds two AA Rosettes there. He loves playing with the classics and usually cannot resist a sweet twist to his dishes. Here he recommends using sweetened brioche buns to do exactly that….. Ingredients This will make up to 6 burgers 500g raw king prawns (shelled) 100g diced raw cod 100g sweet brioche (failing that just use good quality white bread) 1 x jalapeno chili 50g fresh coriander Zest and juice of 1 lemon 2 large banana shallots 2 garlic cloves Salt, pepper and a squeeze of honey to season For the shrimp cocktail: 200g cooked small prawns 50g mayonnaise

25g ketchup Splash each of brandy, Worcestershire Sauce, Tabasco and Lemon, to taste To Serve: Brioche Buns, iceberg lettuce, sliced tomato, crème fraiche Method Dice up the brioche and toast it under the grill until lightly brown. Roughly chop the shallot, garlic and chili then place all the burger ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth. Take a small piece of the mixture and fry

In the kitchen Nick Coffer

it to check for seasoning. Adjust the seasoning if it needs more. Form the mixture into six individual patties and place them in the fridge to allow them to firm up. Once firm, fry them in a little oil on a medium heat for 6 minutes, turning every minute.

To build the burger, first toast the brioche buns. Once toasted, place some shredded iceberg lettuce at the bottom, then add the shrimp cocktail, followed by the burger and a thin slice of tomato on top. You can finish the burger with a spoon of lime zest crème fraiche, but this is optional.

Meanwhile make the shrimp cocktail sauce. Squeeze any excess moisture from the shrimp, then place all the cocktail sauce ingredients, except the shrimp, in a bowl and mix well. Once mixed, add the shrimp back in.

l Hear wonderful recipes on Nick Coffer’s Weekend Kitchen every Sunday morning on BBC Three Counties radio at 11am. You can also join Nick weekday afternoons at midday for music plus local guests with great stories.

PACKAGELS L TO SUIT A

S ET DG BU Y INN A ID L O H E H T AT

Funeral Wakes, Christenings, Birthday Parties, Baby Showers, Proms, Reunions, Family Celebrations… In fact, any event that requires a venue.

COMMODATION! AC & K IN R D , D O FO

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Phone 01296 734030 Email: events@hinnaylesbury.com

Supporting total Hospice care for local families affected by life-limiting illness

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

A festival of flavours new and old is promised at this year’s special anniversary Aylesbury Beer Festival, which helps raise vital funds for the local Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity...

he 25th Aylesbury Beer Festival will build on the huge success of last year’s move to Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School and the addition of more live music and a greater range of ales, which saw visitor numbers jump by 30%! To mark the 25th anniversary, Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity has teamed up with the Aylesbury-based Hillfire Brewing Company to launch a bespoke beer at the Festival this October. Hillfire owner Neil Coxhead says this new ale will be extra special because it’s brewed in partnership with Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity using the Brewery’s own hops, grown organically in Buckinghamshire. “We feel honoured to have this exciting and unique opportunity to support the Hospice with this special new beer,” says Neil. “It will hopefully help draw enthusiasts to this established and popular Festival because they always like a new beer to sample.” The Festival will take place on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th October, offering real ale fans the chance to try local beers as well as award-winning ales and ciders from further afield, whilst raising vital funds for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity. CAMRA’s David Roe will be selecting the ales to include a range of old favourites and seasonal novelties. Festival-goers can add their own suggestions by clicking the event on the Charity’s Facebook page (www.facebook.

Taste new creations and enjoy old favourites from a range of over 35 real ales

com/florencenightingalehospice) and leaving a comment. In addition to some 35 beers, ciders and perries there will be to taste and judge, a new feature this year is the ‘Local Gin Showcase’, featuring a surprising number of gins made locally within a 25-mile radius of Aylesbury. The Festival also features gourmet sausages, courtesy of local butchers, in the Sausage Festival on Saturday afternoon, while caterer Alena Winters’ delicious homemade classics will be back on Saturday evening to provide some ballast for the alcohol. “Last year we added more music and food, and we had more ales than the previous year,” says Emma Carroll, Community Events

Bands like DéJà Vu and Ukolade will be returning for the 25th Beer Festival

New sponsor for Festival

or the first time ever, the Beer Festival has a headline sponsor in Aylesbury Premier Building Services (APBS). The company’s generous sponsorship is funding many of the costs, which means that more of the money raised at the Festival goes straight into hospice services. Many local businesses and individuals also help hugely by sponsoring barrels of beer - getting their name in front of festival-goers at the bar and in the programme. If your business would like to get involved, contact Emma Carroll on: emmacarroll@fnhospice.org.uk

Manager at Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity. “This year, by popular demand, we have added the Local Gin Showcase to widen the Festival’s appeal. But real ales remain at the heart of the Festival which makes it an unmissable event for any serious ale drinker.” Tickets are just £6 in advance or £8 on the door and include a souvenir Festival pint glass and programme. To book, and for more information go to www.fnhospice.org.uk/ beer-festival or call 01296 429975. l Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity (FNHC) Unit 2 Walton Lodge, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 7QY Tel: 01296 429975 Web: www.fnhospice.org.uk Facebook: /florencenightingalehospice Twitter: @fnhospice Registered Charity 1119499

Last year’s Beer Festival saw over 600 visitors raise nearly £6,000 for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, which is enough to fund three weeks of Day Hospice, offering therapeutic, emotional and physical support for those in our community learning to live with life-limiting illnesses. The Charity needs to raise over £750,000 a year to provide specialist palliative care services which are accessible and free of charge to those with a life-limiting illness and their families in Buckinghamshire and parts of Bedfordshire and Oxfordshire. Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Win a meal at Tres Corazones!

apas bar and restaurant Tres Corazones, celebrates its third birthday in September and is kindly offering Vale Life readers the chance to win a meal for two at the restaurant and join in with the festivities. A popular addition to Wendover’s eating and drinking options, Tres Corazones is a great place to watch the world go by al fresco, eat lunch, brunch, or bring friends and family for a bit of a party. ‘Bebidas Y Tapas’ means drinks and food, or more specifically, ‘little plates’ in Spanish. That’s ‘little plates’ filled with tasty savoury snacks of course, which are a way of life in Spain and a particularly delicious accompaniment for wine, beer or chilled dry sherry. They are great for sharing, especially as Tres Corazones has a team of excellent Spanish chefs in the kitchen, creating really authentic Spanish cuisine, with the occasional modern twist. There’s a relaxed welcoming vibe to the place, a cosy bar area and a sea of tables for two which can easily be pushed together for larger parties. You can of course just pop in for a drink or coffee and then if you feel

like some cheese, olives to nibble, a platter to share or something more substantial, don’t worry! Sit in the bar, or at a table, inside or outside, you’ll be most welcome! And don’t miss the fabulous Tres Corazones cocktails - they are famous locally for their ‘epic’ Porn Star Martinis and there is a 2-4-1 Cocktail Happy Hour on Thursdays and Fridays from 3-6pm. Open Tuesday to Sunday, the menu at Tres Corazones offers contemporary dishes such as the Japanese influenced Tataki de Atún

(seared tuna, wasabi) alongside traditional favourites such as: ‘Patatas Bravas’ (spicy tomato potatoes), ‘Croquetas’ (flavours such as Serrano ham mixed with bechamel), ‘Tortilla Espanola’ (Potato and Onion Omelette) and ‘Calamares Fritos’ (fried squid with garlic mayo). There’s ‘Pintxos de Cordero (marinated lamb skewers with mint yoghurt) or Solomillo (pork loin with caramelised onion, apple puree), Spanish meatballs (Albondigas), cold meats, hams and cheeses, squid and prawns, organic

Harvest Moon

Tastefully decorated, authentic Chinese restaurant, serving traditional dishes to suit every taste. Eat-in and takeaway service. Perfect for parties - we can cater for groups of up to 50 people. Harvest Moon, 1 Pump Lane, Thame, Oxon, OX9 3BT Tel: 01844 215272 / 214834 Email: harvestmoonthame@gmail.com Website: www.harvestmoonthame.co.uk 64

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

bread from The Rex Bakery served with Arbequina olive oils and daily specials... quite a range and all very tasty, plus options to suit vegetarian, vegan, gluten and dairy free dietary requirements. There are also gorgeous desserts and of course the rather addictive churros and hot chocolate dip, which is equally good at brunchtime or dinner! It’s the authentic taste of Spain, which teamed with soulful Latino grooves on the house sound system and Sangria, Sherry and Estrella Galicia at the bar, you’ll soon feel like you’re back on holiday! If you’d like to be in with the chance of winning a meal for two with a bottle of house wine at Tres Corazones, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk What is Albondigas? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Sept 4th, 2018. l Tres Corazones, 4 Pound Street, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6EJ Tel: 07487 856210 / 01296 622092 Email: katrina@trescorazones.co.uk Web: www.trescorazones.co.uk

The Bucks County Show is one of the biggest and best one day agricultural shows in the country and we are lucky enough to have it staged right here on our doorsteps at Weedon Park on Thursday, 30th August...

eedon Park, home of the Bucks County Show, is on the Buckingham Road just a mile or so from Aylesbury. One of Buckinghamshire’s biggest Summer attractions, it showcases the important role our rural economy plays, while informing, educating and entertaining with a diverse programme of exhibits, demonstrations and displays, from livestock classes to country pursuits, home and garden classes to vintage tractors and a host of spectacular Main Ring events - a fascinating combination which makes Bucks

The Metropolitan Mounted Police Activity Ride

Judging the sheep County Show a really fun event for all ages. At this year’s Bucks County Show

you can see: The Metropolitan Mounted Police Activity Ride; The Royal Artillery Band; Giant Tortoises; The Sheep Show and the Dog & Duck show with New Zealander Stuart Barnes; Vintage Tractors; Best of British Livestock; Equestrian Classes including Show Jumping; Home & Garden Marquee; Shopping Marquee; Rural Craft Marquee; Food Hall; Large Countryside Area; plus more than 200 Trade Stands. The Homes & Gardens show entries will include a number of classes for children, including Baking, Handicrafts and Photography, while additional classes for adults include: HomeMade Wine, Sloe Gin, Fruit Liqueur, Cordial, Jam, Baking, Handicrafts, Flowers and Vegetable classes - judging starts at 8.15am with public access from 11.15am Rural Pursuits includes a hounds parade in the Main Ring to include The Old Berkeley Beagles and The Farmers’ Bloodhounds. There will be a display by working gun dogs

and Hearing Dogs for the Deaf. The popular Food Hall will contain a variety of stalls displaying and selling local produce ranging from biscuits to beer. Tickets can be obtained on the day and at various locations in the local area prior to the Show. Prices are: Adult advance £14, gate £17; Child (5-16) (under 5s free) advance £5, gate £6. OAP advance £12, gate £14; Group (2 adults + 2 Child) advance £33, gate £40; All tickets include free car parking. Tickets can be purchased and further information about the show found on the website at: www.buckscountyshow.co.uk On show day a free Bus Service will be in operation between Station Way, Aylesbury and the Showground from 9.30am. l Bucks County Show, Weedon Park, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP22 4NN Thursday, August 30th, 2018 Show Secretary: Tel: 01296 680400 Web: www.buckscountyshow.co.uk Facebook: \buckscountyshow Twitter: @buckscountyshow

Buy your tickets in advance and save £s! Adult £14/Child £5. www.buckscountyshow.co.uk

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Gin is the drink of the moment but for some it has long been a favourite tipple. The adaptable spirit suits any occasion and is especially enjoyable when crafted at our award-winning local distillery...

ertfordshire’s first gin distillery was launched at Wilstone, near Tring in November 2016. Puddingstone Distillery was two years in the planning but many more in the inception, as founders Ben and Kate Marston distilled their own life experiences - a shared love of travel, adventure, outdoor pursuits and a love for drinking great gin around a campfire, to the conclusion that their talents could be combined on a new creative adventure, producing crafted artisan gins of an exceptional and inspirational nature. “The idea came from two books that Kate bought me,” says Ben, who had previously worked at Tring Brewery: “Simon Difford’s 2nd Compendium of Gin and a Flavour Thesaurus. Within two weeks we’d come up with the idea for our brand. We were excited and made the mistake of telling people about our plans, so we had to then see them through!” Research and preparation ensued, advice was sought and relationships forged with distillers and industry professionals across the globe. Premises were located and the completion of a successful crowdfunding campaign and an Institute of Brewers and Distillers exam, meant the couple could construct their distillery and begin the hard but enjoyable work of creating gins to ‘invigorate the senses and inspire adventures’. “It’s hands on, it’s recipe creation, it’s flavours, colours and smells, it’s tactile and creative, a real change and a challenge that we were both inspired by,” says Ben. Two years on and Puddingstone - named after an unusual local stone conglomerate - is

Gin tasting at Puddingstone Distillery 66

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Ben and Kate Marston

now highly regarded within gin circles as a serious producer adding a contemporary edge to classic gin styles, rather than creating fruity concoctions. “Since we first started gin has really taken off,” says Ben, “but there are so many spinoffs now that it is confusing the market. Our Campfire gins are designed to be served neat, with simple carbonated mixers and in cocktails. It’s all about the taste - our London Dry (42%) is ideal for a gin and tonic, or in a Martini. It was our first gin and picked up an International Spirit award within a few months. Our Navy Strength (57%) launched last year - voted gin of the year in its category at the London Distilling expo - is big and bold with a high botanical level, so ideal for those who like the gin characteristics to punch through. Our Cask Aged gin is aged in old American oak bourbon barrels, so exhibits a yellow tinge and a hint of bourbon amongst the botanicals. It was developed to go in a Negroni but is ideal for drinking neat on the rocks or from a hip flask. Freezing tonic or

ginger ale in an ice tray adds some flavour to your rocks for a refreshing twist.” At Puddingstone a 50 litre still called Isabella and a 200 litre still called Amelia named after two great female adventurers, Isabella Lucy Bird and Amelia Earhart, are used to produce Campfire Gin in small batches of 150 to 500 half litre bottles, each batch taking between 15 and 27 days. Carefully balanced botanicals including: Juniper, Orris root, Coriander seed, Angelica root, Rooibos, Roasted Hazelnut, Golden Berry, Fresh Orange Peel, Fresh Grapefruit Peel and Lavender are distilled with the finest UK wheat spirit to produce a gin that leads with a citrus nose and juniper palate, has a rich middle and sweet end that builds, sip, after sip, after sip... Last year Ben and Kate worked with the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust to help clear Himalayan Balsam, a non-native plant clogging local chalk streams. They harvest the flowers and infuse them into a ‘pink for a purpose’ Campfire Special Edition No 1 Gin and donate £2 from every bottle sold to the Trust. This proved popular and they are now clearing and harvesting this year’s growth, for another limited release. Puddingstone has been awarded a prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) Silver for their London Dry and Cask Aged gins and an IWSC Silver Outstanding for their Navy Strength gin. They are also finalists in this year’s National Rural Business Awards! Campfire gin is available from the distillery shop and online via their website (which also has some great cocktail recipes) plus throughout the local area in discerning restaurants, pubs and independent stores. l Puddingstone Distillery, Unit 1, Artisan Workshops, P E Mead & Sons Farm Shop, Lower Icknield Way, Wilstone, Tring, Hertfordshire, HP23 4NT Tel: 01442 502033 Email: hello@puddingstonedistillery.com Web: www.puddingstonedistillery.com Twitter: @PuddingstoneGin Insta: /campfiregin FB: /puddingstonedistillery Shop Open Fri & Sat: 9.30am to 5pm

Win a £50 voucher for itsu!

sian-inspired, healthy restaurant itsu recently opened its second store in Oxford Westgate Shopping Centre, offering fast food options to health-conscious customers, and creating 19 new jobs for locals. Julian Metcalfe launched itsu in 1997 as an informal Katien Japanese restaurant in Chelsea, London, having previously cofounded and built Pret A Manger into a global brand. itsu became a hit and won Time Out restaurant of the year. Five years later the company opened its first take-away shop in Vogue house, headquarters of Condé Nast’s publishing empire. This little itsu boutique still thrives today and is one of more than 70 itsu venues serving millions of people a year with light, calorie considered, nutritious dishes, to eat-in or take away. This

summer new branches opened

in Oxford and in New York near Times Square. In a crowded marketplace, meals at itsu stand out by being beautifully presented and delicious, as well as nutritious, low-calorie and affordable with 50 dishes under 500 calories - ‘your wellness is our obsession,’ says Itsu. itsu’s team of talented chefs have been inspiring the nation to ‘eat beautiful’ since 1997 and create an evolving, healthy

seasonal menu, all made fresh in-store. The menu includes: sushi, salads, gyozas, Tokyo wraps, soups, rice bowls, potsoup, noodles and udon, created on the spot to bring customers ‘health & happiness in a heartbeat’. The food is high protein, low fat and according to their mantra ‘fresh not fried!’ As all food is prepared fresh, itsu finish each day with a half price sale to clear any leftover items, which runs for the last 30 minutes from 9.30pm-10pm! If you’d like to be in with the chance of winning a £50 voucher for itsu Oxford Westgate, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Who founded itsu? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Sept 4th, 2018.

l itsu, Oxford Westgate, Unit 9A, Westgate Centre, Oxford, OX1 1NZ Tel: 0186 558 7248 Open Mon-Sun 10am - 10pm

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

l Column: Alan Candy’s Road to the Future

Less is more in reliability stakes Top models for each segment

Just how reliable is your car?

City car: 1. Hyundai i10 2. Kia Picanto 3. Vauxhall Viva Compact car: 1. Skoda Octavia 2. Kia c’eed 3. Hyundai i30

n a shock shift of power, South Korean cars are blazing a new trail in the reliability stakes. For the first time, two out of three most dependable cars in the UK are from Hyundai and Korea, according to the J.D. Power 2018 UK Vehicle Dependability Study – the most respected analyst of our home market. The top 13 brands in the UK for vehicle dependability are volume brands. Hyundai ranks highest in overall vehicle, Suzuki comes, followed by Kia with 94 PP100. Mercedes-Benz is the highest-ranking premium

Compact SUV: 1. VW Tiguan 2. Hyundai ix 35/Tucson 3. Nissan X-Trail

Alan Candy brand, and 14th overall. Škoda has two models (Octavia and Yeti) that receive segment awards. Hyundai i10, Volkswagen Tiguan, Mercedes-Benz E-Class (the highest-ranking premium vehicle in the UK), Vauxhall Insignia and Peugeot 208 also receive a segment award. The study, now in its fourth

Large & luxury car: 1. Mercedes-Benz E-class 2. Jaguar XF Midsize car: 1. Vauxhall Insignia 2. Jaguar XE 3. Ford Mondeo Small car: 1. Peugeot 208 2. Hyundai i20 3. Toyota Yaris Small SUV: 1. Skoda Yeti 2. Vauxhall Mokka/ Mokka X 3. Renault Captur year, measures problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of vehicles in the UK after 12-36 months of ownership. The study examines 177 problem symptoms

across eight categories: vehicle exterior; driving experience; features/controls/displays; audio/ communication/entertainment/ navigation; seats; heating, ventilation and air conditioning;

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04/07/2018 14:56

l Column: Alan Candy’s Road to the Future vehicle interior; and engine and transmission. Perhaps surprisingly nowadays, engine starting problems remain a main concern. But all is not quite as straightforward as it seems. ‘Posh’ vehicle brands seems to have dropped down the list mainly because they carry the most advanced technology systems which owners are flagging up as a source of concern over reliability, rather than ordinary mechanical shortcomings. Bluetooth phone/device frequent pairing/connectivity issues and voice recognition failing to recognise commands are both among the six most common problems in the UK. Despite advancements in automotive technology, engine and transmission problems remain. Although not common, owners still worry about engine and transmission problems, as they are the most dangerous or costly. Josh Halliburton, Head of

Clean getaway with new Civic Honda UK has announced pricing for the four-door Civic saloon. Set to hit retail forecourts in August, the entry-level SE petrol model with manual transmission will start from £19,395 rising to £27,120 for a top-spec EX diesel automatic. Starting from 91g/km CO2 for the 1.6 i-DTEC manual, which will deliver up to 83.1mpg, the diesel automatic will achieve up to 68.9mpg and emits 108g/km CO2. The petrol version is equally clean with 107g/km CO2 for the CVT while the manual petrol

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

The new Honda Civic Saloon

emits 110g/km CO2, making the Civic four-door one of the cleanest saloons in its class. The

European Operations at J.D. “It’s imperative for Power, said: “Automotive systems manufacturers to address this are more complex issue in order to improve the New technology level of consumer trust in than they’ve ever been and premium the technology.” problems are brands especially Overall dependability an issue for are incorporating premium brands is determined by the autonomous driving number of problems building blocks - adaptive experienced per 100 vehicles cruise control, lane keep assist, (PP100), with a lower score automatic braking - into their reflecting higher quality. The top models. 13 brands in the UK for vehicle

petrol version is equally efficient, delivering up to 58.9mpg for the manual and 60.1mpg for the CVT.

dependability are volume brands. The study, now in its fourth year, measures problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of vehicles in the UK after 12-36 months of ownership. Among owners who experienced no problems with their vehicle, 54% say they “definitely will” purchase/lease the same brand again. Continued on page 70

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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

l Column: Alan Candy’s Road to the Future

Audi TT

Continued from page 69 Among those who experienced one of the top 10 highest-severity problems, only 37% say they “definitely will” purchase/lease the same brand again. The 2018 UK Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from 13,536 owners of new vehicles registered from February 2015 through February 2017. The study was fielded from February through April 2018. And here’s a sobering thought – Sunny Vara and his new smart charger Land Rover, Audi and Fiat battled it out in the bottom three. Bottom Nation project was reached of the list? You’ll never guess. It’s at the same time that the UK BMW. Government published its ‘Road to Zero’ strategy, which lays out The Electric Nation project has a roadmap for increased EV installed its final smart charger adoption. as part of a trial with electric Plans for higher and faster vehicle (EV) owners. The project levels of EV uptake are likely will now be assessing the smart to lead to challenges with the charging technology and feedback capacity of local electricity from trialists such as Sunny Vara networks at peak electricity (pictured). demand times – smart charging This milestone for the Electric can provide a solution to this

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problem, it is claimed. Smart charging is also due to be mandated in the government’s ‘Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill’ which has now passed through Parliament. This could enable a wide range of services that could reduce the overall cost of charging for EV drivers who predominantly charge at home and also enable local network protection at the same time.

At 20, the Audi TT is in the prime of its life, and to ensure that this remains the case the third generation of the gamechanging Coupe and Roadster has benefited from a comprehensive update. In its double-decade anniversary year, enhancements to exterior design, power upgrades and an equipment uplift make the case for the compact sports car even more compelling, as does the inclusion in the latest range of a special edition ‘TT 20 years’ model drawing inspiration from one of the first concept cars and limited to just 999 examples worldwide. In its first flush the original Audi TT raised the bar for sports car design at virtually every level. It captivated the world from the moment it first appeared

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l Column: Alan Candyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Road to the Future

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

T gifted a birthday update The new Audi TT

as a concept car in CoupĂŠ and Roadster form in 1995, and

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in production form three years later. It remains one of the stand-

out emblems of 20th century automotive design to this day.

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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

The last fifteen years have not been an easy ride for the car industry as a whole, but by focussing on hard work, a great product and exceptional service, one local firm is smoothing out all the bumps...

ll drivers dread spotting a little bump, dink or dent on the pristine paintwork of their pride and joy! Did someone catch your car with a supermarket trolley or open their car door into yours? It’s very annoying and can affect the resale value of the vehicle or cost you at the end of your lease agreement. These ‘accidents’ have a habit of occurring at the most inappropriate moments too, especially if you are in charge of somebody else’s car or have a hire or loan car with a hefty insurance excess attached! Fortunately Excel-Dents is a local, specialist, automotive dent repair company utilising highly skilled techniques to remove dents and creases from your vehicle, if the paint is still intact. The company is celebrating 15 years in business this year, during which time their paintless dent removal (PDR) technique has become the preferred way to deal with unwanted imperfections of this type. The procedure retains the car’s original finish and provides a cheaper alternative to traditional bodyshop repairs. Dents are not ‘sucked out’ but gently massaged away in a skilled manual process which requires comprehensive training, expertise and experience. The Excel-Dents technician will access the rear of the damaged panel and using specially designed tools, work the metal back to its original shape. “Paintless dent removal is a specialist skill,” says Excel-Dents owner and master technician Rob Beesley. “It’s very hard to do and takes years of training, but it’s the ideal way to remove a dent, if the integrity of the paint hasn’t been breached. We’ve a selection of tools designed and made specifically for our purposes and our technicians are highly skilled and experienced. We aim to restore the dented panel to its original condition. “We do a lot of work repairing fleet, leased and hire vehicles, before they are returned, so the customer is not liable for the costs involved with an insurance claim or expensive reconditioning costs. “We have been going for 15 years now but some people still don’t know about the

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Rob Beesley, Excel-Dents service we offer, even though it could save them a lot of money. We supply our services to fleet, trade, business and private customers, dealerships, body shops, car traders, commercial fleets and car collectors and are always happy to assess a vehicle, or discuss an ongoing service arrangement.” “Our main focus is dent removal but we also offer complementary services such as Detailing, Paint Correction, Paint Protection, Alloy Wheel Protection and Window Tinting.” The past decade or so has not been an easy time for many small businesses, especially in the car industry but Rob and his team have maintained their high levels of customer service whilst improving and expanding the company’s appeal with additional services and staff when and where appropriate. “Building the company over the last 15 years has not always been easy but I really enjoy my work,” says Rob, “I’m very lucky to be in a career that I have a passion for. I love what I do and enjoy the different aspects and challenges involved. It drives me on to keep pushing the firm forward and make

sure our customers get the best possible service. If a client needs a job doing I will move mountains to get it done. I never want a customer to feel let down. “I’ve got a great team at Excel-Dents and I think we all feel the same and enjoy being part of a successful business. I am very grateful to them and to our customers for their support over the years, I recognise that I wouldn’t be here without them.” Excel-Dents has a workshop in Stoke Mandeville but also offers a mobile service and can travel to your home or workplace if the extent of the damage allows: “We cover quite a wide area,” says Rob. “Our technicians are self-contained and some live in the regions they service. We work hard to maintain a quick response time and uniformly high quality of work.” Rob grew up in Botley, near Oxford. His father worked for Austin-Rover at Cowley and his mother for JD Barclays a Fiat dealer, so it is perhaps no surprise that he developed an interest in cars. “I’ve always liked cars,” says Rob, “I grew up amid talk of cars

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

Rob Beesley with his Excel-Dents team at a recent 15th anniversary event and I used to tinker around with them as a teenager. I got a job with Dentmaster, who first brought paintless dent removal into the country - it was a new concept here at the time. I trained with them and worked my way up from apprentice to technician, senior technician, advanced technician, and master technician and then worked in training and development.” Working for Dentmaster Rob spent a fair bit of time in France where the damage caused by hail was often quite spectacular. Car manufacturers such as Citroën would find themselves with parking lots full of brand new vehicles covered in marks, something that climate change could see happening here soon. “I worked at the Citroen Factory in Rennes and undertook my Master Technician training in Lyon,” says Rob. “There was a lot of hail damage there - dents all over the cars. It certainly helped me get my skill-set together. With 150-200 dents on a roof and the same on a bonnet and just a day, or a day and a half to make it like new, you soon get better at

what you do!” Rob moved to Aylesbury in 2002, left Dentmaster and started his own firm, ExcelDents in 2003 working from home. Clare, now office manager, was helping and the next year Chris was recruited as a technician and worked alongside Rob for many years. In 2006 Excel-Dents expanded into Oxfordshire and Rob took on an additional couple of technicians, Steve and Tony and opened a workshop with office and reception area in Stoke Mandeville. “The name ‘Excel-Dents’ was coined by Clare,” says Rob. “It’s a play on ‘excellence’. Our motto is ‘Taking away life’s little knocks’ and we can help do that in all kinds of situations. As well as the many vehicles we’ve worked on we’ve also been asked to remove dents in other items, such as stainless steel sinks and bins, cooker hoods, tractors, a Brough Superior motorcycle petrol tank and strangest of all, a stainless steel coffin! “A small knock usually takes an hour or less to fix but more extensive damage could take half a day or more. We can’t always help, but

we try to see a vehicle within a day or so of an enquiry, to assess the damage and repair if possible.” Here at Vale Life we can testify to the quality of the Excel-Dents service having had a ‘ding’ removed from one of our vehicles. The small circular dent, probably made by the corner of another car’s door was invisibly repaired in about 30 minutes by one of Rob’s technicians - very impressive. Excel-Dents continues to expand. They have now taken on an additional unit at Stoke Mandeville and more recently, another technician, David. They continue to keep outgoings tightly controlled though and offer their services at very competitive prices. The company works to ‘approved standards of professional expertise, skill and integrity, to provide the highest-quality service and value for money in the removal of car dents’ and is a member of the National Body Repair Association, which monitors its members to ensure that customers receive high standards of service and repair. Excel-Dents paintless dent removal technique can be used on all types of cars and commercial vehicles, with steel or aluminium bodies. If your vehicle has a dent that you’d like removed you can get a quote by submitting images of the damage via the Excel-Dents website or give Excel-Dents a call and they will organise an alternative method of sending a picture or arrange a time for you to drop by with the vehicle. l Excel-Dents Ltd, Unit 9 Weston Way, Lower Road, Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire, HP22 5GT Tel: 0330 332 0663 / 01296 614447 Email: enquiries@exceldents.co.uk Website: www.exceldents.co.uk

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

l Column: On

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

The Road with Rob Auchterlonie

Moving on up SEAT Arona 1.0 FR

OMEONE at SEAT must have bought a blooming big bag of ‘A’ letters at a Spanish car boot sale a while ago. We’ve had a succession of models with names beginning and ending in that letter: Arosa, Alhambra, Altea, Ateca and now comes the Arona – the latest in a line of cars that have progressively built up the profile of the VW Group owned brand to a level where their popularity is considerably higher than in the past. SEAT are going places – just like the customers who are finding the sporty aspirations of the latest models to their liking. Arona – an Ibiza SUV - is a baby version of the popular Ateca, and the twin exhaust outlets on the FR version sampled here add to the sporty appearance of the newcomer,

Rob Auchterlonie

ON The Road which is further enhanced by the two tone paint finish – copper bronze body topped by a grey roof and tidy alloys. It shares the same chassis and engines as the popular supermini but obviously sits a bit taller on the road. There’s a more than sensible amount of standard equipment on board for your sub 20k price tag. The 115ps 1.0 litre three cylinder engine under the bonnet

SEAT Arona 1.0 FR has had plenty words of praise heaped on it since the VW Group introduced it a while back, and it’s safe to say it does a creditable job of moving the Arona around. Maybe it sounds less refined than you’d expect a smart car like this

to be and there is some noticeable vibration through the pedals quite a lot of the time but it scores on

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l Column: On

The Road with Rob Auchterlonie

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

SEAT Arona 1.0 FR

efficiency, a willing little worker buzzing away and imbibing the Arona with acceptable

performance. The fact the engine is used and adapts well to so many VW Group

products speaks volumes about its useability. A sub 10 second 0-62 and decent torque makes it well able to keep up with and in some instances out-perform the SEAT Arona 1.0 FR rest of the traffic It’ll give you good, honest around it. family motoring and when you Ride quality is more than want it, a bit of dynamic driving acceptable for a car of this ilk too as the drive select button gives and there’s a decent amount of you a few option settings. interior space for the occupants. Matching the claimed fuel It’s maybe not what you’d call luxurious but then that’s not what economy is something you could spend a lifetime trying to achieve, you’re buying into at this level of Continued on page 76 the market. Not yet anyway.

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

l Column: On

Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

The Road with Rob Auchterlonie

Continued from page 75 and if you work the three cylinder hard it develops a thirst, but there are diesel variants that sip instead of gulp at the contents of the tank. SEAT have taken a different approach to the Arona line-up by not having an entry level model with everything extra which traditionally very few people would ever buy anyway, so as a result the residual values are expected to hold up well, as they do with Leon and the popular Ateca. The poor reputation of the past has been successfully dispelled. Variants on offers here in the UK include SE, SE Technology, FR, FR Sport, XCELLENCE and XCELLENCE Lux. Engine choice is a pair of 1.0 three cylinders (95 and 115ps), a 1.5 150ps petrol and two 1.6 diesels (95 and 115ps). The arrival of Arona means the transformation of the company has moved on yet another step. FOR: above average for this class, decent equipment AGAINST: short on thrills

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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2018

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