Vale Life Magazine Dec-Jan 2015 web edition 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 food w fashion w Beauty w health w travel w

Dec/Jan 2015-16

Cover picture: Mayor of Thame Cllr Nichola Dixon and Olympic superstar Victoria Pendleton join Thame’s Lantern Parade at the 2015 Christmas Light Switch-On Photograph by Nick White

Inside:

Get a move on!

Let’s get fit and healthy See our website at: www.vale-life.co.uk

Sharp looks at new salon

Top styles from creative couple

Shining example

Dents firm broaden appeal Free local listings for events and businesses

Plus Katy, Penny, Heather, Naomi, Polly, Amanda, Janice, Jacqui, Cathy, Charlotte, Tracy, Rob, Alan and much, much more...

w A Meal for two at The Pointer, Brill w A Rachael Clegg Calendar w w A Spa day for two at Whittlebury Hall w £500 Fitness and photo Package w

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Vale Life 2 : Nov/Dec 2014 Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2014

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Ruth’s garden was her life. Dahlias. Peonies. Fuscias. Sweet peas. Friends said her garden was a rainbow. So we helped her family to decorate the church with flowers from Ruth’s own garden. The church looked particularly colourful that day. And afterwards, everyone took a flower home.

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Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

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Exciting news! Chalfont Lodge Care Centre has a stylish new look! Following signiﬁcant investment, Chalfont Lodge Care Centre has a brand new look which we’d love to show you! The appearance of our care centre has been carefully designed with the people we care for in mind. Our bright lobby is the perfect spot for socialising or taking part in one of our many daily activities, and our bedrooms are comfortable and tastefully decorated.

Our friendly care team is always on-hand to give tours and answer any questions about the wide range of services including:

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www.barchester.com Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

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January

Thursday 7th Elvis @ the O2: £35 Saturday 16th London Leisure Day: £20, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory: £75 Warhorse: £72 - Miss Saigon: £70 Wed 20th Adinkerke via Eurotunnel: £40

Fabulous 7 day tour based in centrally located La Palmyre Half Board in resort and visits to La Rochelle & Rochefort. Departures in June, July, Aug & Sept. 7 days from £569.

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February

April

Wed 10th London Leisure Day: £20 London Theatres - Lion King: £65 Sunny Afternoon: £50 - Matilda: £60 Wicked: £55 Thursday 11th Strictly The Live Tour, Wembley: £75 Sunday 14th Cadbury World: £32

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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

Benefits of an active life

Grown not flown

That’s the Spirit!

Feelgood way to get ahead

Get a move on!

Woodpiles, walks & fireside stories

New year - new challenge

Are you ready to commit?

Win a spa day for two

The Wychert Way

Hair today...

Greasing the wheels

Road to Mayfair

Make your presence felt

Colour sale

Midas touch

Win an Elemis facial

Positive partnerships

Sharp looks at new salon

Better next year

Win a fitness and photo package

To the rainbows end

Winter warmers

Less is more

Many a tear has to fall

Shining example

15 18 19 21 22 25 25 26 27 29 32

Your 10 page guide to health and fitness Free health club trial for Vale Life readers Improve your wellbeing by keeping mobile Have fun and raise funds for Flo’ Win a day at Whittlebury Hall Laser treatment will make you a smoothie Village salon is top notch Risborough salon has super offer Luxury prize to explore Hidden Beauty Creative couple offer great value service

Fitness classes and photo shoot worth £500 Katy’s guide to cool but cosy

Victorian tears and the art of mourning

Ever thought of becoming a trustee? Fresh flowers grown locally

A selection of books for your Christmas list A dog is for life...

Local route follows the clay FSB puts a word in

Ignore the internet at your peril White and gold for the look of luxury Firms team with Trust on community projects Naomi’s planning a different approach Exciting season in store at Waterside Mazda CX-3 is great combination Dents firm expands offering

Town in mourning

hame has been rocked by the recent and unexpected death of popular local photographer and all round good guy, Nick White. Judging by the many, many comments and messages of condolence on Facebook, Nick seems to have been known and well-liked by virtually the whole town and all of us have been left stunned by the sudden passing of a seemingly fit and healthy 51 year old, saddened by the loss of a kind, generous and witty friend and colleague and distraught for his wife Sarah and daughters Lucy and

ongratulations to the following Nov/Dec edition competition winners! Hopefully your prizes will have arrived by now, please let us know if not.

Martha, who together seemed the most perfect loving family. Nick was originally from Wheatley but had lived in Thame for many years. He ran a design and print business and took photographs. I believe he trained as a medical photographer and worked at the John Radcliff Hospital in Oxford for many years. He was Thame Mayor’s official photographer and could often be seen taking pictures at big events around the town. He seemed a modest, unassuming chap to me, friendly, charitable and generous with his time. He did a lot for

Commiserations to those who weren’t so lucky - read on though for more competitions inside this edition, including the chance to win: A meal for two at the Pointer, Brill; A Rachael Clegg calendar;

Nick White

the community and for the local Round Table and would take photographs for local organisations such as Thame Youth Memorial. He also ran a Camera Club at The Cross Keys where he shared his enthusiasm and expertise. Nick had a variety of interests, he played drums with local pub band Doghouse, took amazing photographs of the clouds and

A spa day for two at Whittlebury Hall; A fitness and photography package worth £500. Last issue’s prizewinners were: A meal for two at Bradmoor Farm: Rachel

Browne, Thame A signed copy of Paul Wilkinson’s ‘Mastering Portrait Photography: Charlene Howlett, Oakley A UKick: Kim Stock, Aylesbury;

stars and I believe enjoyed foraging for edible fungi! This is not an obituary, just some thoughts about a friend I will miss. I didn’t know Nick that well but we’d bump into each other in Waitrose and around the town and at The Cross Keys and generally had a chat. Occasionally I’d ask him if he could take a photograph for Vale Life and he always came up with the goods. His most recent contribution is this issue’s cover taken quite recently at the Thame Light Switch on. Thanks once again Nick, you were quite a guy.

Charlie Charlie Trott, Editor Julie Fenwick, Princes Risborough; Anna Clementson, Chinnor; Karen Nicoll, Waddesdon; Catherine Craig, Winslow £50 John Lewis Voucher: Wendy Crews, Shabbington

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 : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Health & Fitness

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

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WEEK 1 Spring Tennis EASTER TENNIS CAMPS 2014

Aylesbury, Aston Clinton Monday April 7th1- Friday April 11th 2016 &WEEK Cuddington

WEEK 2

Monday April Ages 7th - Friday April For All & 11th Abilities,

beginners WEEK 2 to performance players Monday April 14th - Thursday April 17th/ Adults Tots / Minis / Juniors A typical day at camp includes:

Monday April 14th - Thursday April 17th

A typical coaching session includes: • Learning how to play and score • Learning how • Lots of fun and gamesto play and score • Lots of skills funandand • Racket practicegames drills • Competitive matches... • Racket skills and practice drills • Competition

EASTER TENNIS CAMPS A typic•al day10%atDiscount camp2014 inclforudes:siblings

From £5 per session to £75 for WEEK 1term pick up until 4pm available for just the full (includes membership • Early drop off from 8.30am and late

• Learning how to play and score NEW WEEK 2FOR 2014 NEW FOR 2016 Monday 14th April 17th discount ••• 10% Lot15% s of April funsibling anddiscount games- Thursday for a second session per week Bucks ••Programme Racket skil s andLTA practiccoming eAspirantes dril s to aPerformance school near you! Contact: James Woodwards •Mobile: Competitive mat ches07834 . . 826130

£4 per Monday April 7th hour! - Friday April 11th of Aylesbury Tennis Club)

• 25% Passport to leisure discount

A typical day at camp includes: • • • •

Learning how to play and score Lots of fun and games Racket skills and practice drills Competitive matches...

• 10% Discount for siblings

Email: • Early drop offinfo@jwtcoaching.com from 8.30am and late pick up until 4pm available for just Website: www.jwtcoaching.com

• 10% Discount for siblings • Early drop off from 8.30am and late pick up until 4pm available for just £4 per hour! £4 per hour!

VENUES: Aylesbury Tennis Club, HP21 9NJ NEW FOR 2014Tennis Club, HP22 5HL and Aston Park • 25% Passport to leisure discount Cuddington Tennis Club, HP18 0AJ

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It not only makes you feel more alive, happier and able to cope with life but lowers the risk of life threatening diseases. Kim Pedrick of Evolve Health and Wellbeing tells us more, while over the next few pages we’ve listed some local providers of health, fitness and wellbeing activities to try...

Kim teaches Yoga and Pilates from beginner to advanced level

he beginning of a new year is a peak time for starting a new activity programme such as joining a gym or taking up Pilates or yoga. We promise ourselves that this year we’ll get fitter, loose weight, tone up or enter that triathlon. Gym memberships soar (only to dip again by March) and we are encouraged to detox and become more active as part of a healthier lifestyle. But what are the real advantages of exercise and how and why can every one of us benefit from moving more? Whatever your age, there’s strong scientific evidence that being physically active can help you lead a healthier and even happier life. In fact, exercise effectively treats more illness than any drug and there is hard evidence to support this. If we wanted a miracle cure, exercise is it! “If exercise were a pill, it would be one of the most cost-effective drugs ever invented,” says Dr Nick Cavill, a health promotion consultant. It is medically proven that people who do regular activity have: • • • • • •

Up to 35% lower risk of Up to 50% lower risk of Up to 20% lower risk of Up to 30% lower risk of Up to 83% lower risk of Up to 30% lower risk of

coronary heart disease and stroke colon cancer breast cancer early death osteoarthritis depression

Physical activity has also been shown to boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy. However, modern life means that many adults spend more than seven hours a day sitting down - whether at work, on transport or in their leisure time. Most of us have jobs that involve little physical effort. Work, house chores, shopping and other necessary activities are far less demanding than for previous generations. “Previous generations were active more naturally through work and manual labour, but today we have to find ways of integrating activity into our daily lives,” says Dr Cavill. Government guidelines say that adults should aim to be active daily, with at least 150 minutes of physical activity over the course of a week. For many of us, the easiest way to get moving is to make activity part of everyday life, like walking or cycling instead of using the car to get around. However, the more you do, the better, and taking part in activities such as sports and exercise will make you even healthier.

Health & Fitness

The best way to stay motivated as you increase your activity levels is to find something that you enjoy doing. This might be going for a run in the woods, learning to salsa dance, joining a yoga class or swimming with friends. Make it fun and you’re more likely to stick with it beyond January. Another way to stay motivated is to set yourself goals. These should be personal to you, realistic and achievable. Goals can be as simple as making it to the top of the stairs without getting out of breath or to competing in your first triathlon. Whatever you decide on, stick with it and when you’ve reached your goal, congratulate yourself and set yourself the next one. The rewards of being fitter and more active are endless. Ditch the excuses, find the reasons and enjoy the benefits that come with making exercise a part of your life.

Evolve has a range of Pilates equipment including this Trapeze Table which are fun to use and build flexibility and strength What Kim’s clients say: Jo is doing equipment based Pilates once a week at Evolve: “I really love it. I get back pain but it goes if I do Pilates regularly. The classes keep me toned and in shape and my back OK. It’s good for stretching and strengthening and you put a fair bit of effort in so I find it good for my general fitness too. Kim is a great communicator, she tweaks your positioning and it makes a massive difference. The classes are small so you get really good tuition and it’s a nice place to come, very friendly and welcoming.” Elizabeth is a mature client and has had several joint replacements: “Despite my operations I feel safe exercising with Kim as she is a qualified physiotherapist. She is an excellent teacher and makes sure you are assuming the right positions. She pushes you, but you feel confident she knows what it’s safe to do. I go once a week and I can feel it is doing me good. l Kim Pedrick MCSP HCPC is a Chartered physiotherapist and Pilates and Yoga instructor. Her practice Evolve Health & Wellbeing is based in Princes Risborough and offers daily classes for all levels, ages and abilities, alongside physiotherapy, acupuncture and massage therapies. See page 15 for more information. To contact Kim, email: enquiry@evolvepilatesphysio.co.uk Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Health & Fitness

Column: Fitness Focus with Maria Bray

Banish the Winter blues

s we reach mid-winter and daylight hours are at their shortest; most of us want to spend our time huddled in front of the fire hibernating BUT it’s party season! We’re out socialising, looking our best in glittery garments, standing up on our feet for long periods of time whilst eating and drinking more than we normally would. Phew! What an assault on our digestive systems! Thankfully January is just around the corner when we can cut it all out and detox. BUT it’s still cold and wet and we are not really in the mood for salads and cutting out - DILEMMA! How to survive the party season and winter blues? Pace & balance is key. Be kind to yourself when you can. Mind your portion sizes - never more than a handful. Try to keep away from refined sugars. When you do have a mince pie follow it with some nutrient rich nuts. To balance the alcohol, have a

Try vegetable juicing, to take on vital vitamins and minerals in their raw format. This can be done in a liquidizer or you could get a juicer for a Christmas treat for as little as £30. Energizing juice: Rich in bioflavonoids, vitamin C & fibre - a quick energy boost. (Don’t drink within an hour of taking pharmaceutical drugs) 1 large grapefruit, plus 1 med cucumber: Peel grapefruit & juice with cucumber Papaya Energy drink: Instant energy boost. Full of digestive enzymes for digestive support, vitamin C, antioxidants &

glass of water with each glass of wine/beer/sherry etc. When you have some time to yourself; treat yourself to a protein, healthy fats & vegetable rich snack/ meal. Here are some menu ideas; Breakfasts: Porridge; Muesli; Scrambled egg; Poached salmon with wilted spinach Snacks: Nuts & seeds; Oat cakes

phytonutrients for detoxification ½ med papaya, 1 orange, 4-6 leaves Kale: Peel orange & papaya. Remove seeds for papaya - Juice together Digestive Express Juice: Improves digestive function 2 oranges, ½ cup White cabbage, ½ med lemon,: Peel orange, cut lemon & juice all ingredients together Kale Slimming Elixir: Excellent for fat burning. Rich in vits A,C with fibre & vegetable proteins: 4-8 Kale Leaves, 2 medium tomatoes, 1 medium cucumber: Clean leaves thoroughly & juice together

with hummus/nut butter; Boiled egg with vegetable croutons; Ryvita & pesto/hummus; A piece of fruit with handful of nuts; Olives; Tamari seeds; Chocolate Nuts Lunch & Suppers: Stir fry with chicken and mixed vegetables; Lamb casserole; Dhal with wholegrain rice and broccoli ; Mixed Lentil Stew; Omelette with

Maria Jenny, MelBray & Amy Nutritional Therapist Maria Bray mixed veggies & pulses; Salmon & veggie quiche; Baked sweet potato with mixed pulses; Cod & Chorizo Stew After the party season DON’T dive into a detox. Winter is a time to maintain health not strict diets. January/February is the time to get back to a balanced lifestyle, eating regularly, exercising regularly and sleeping well. Detox time is spring. Enjoy the season of goodwill. l For advice on Juicing and Nutrition contact: Maria Bray Nutritional Therapy 07715 414719 or 01296 581561 Email: mjbfood4health@gmail.com Website: www.mariabray nutritionaltherapy.com

Aylesbury’s only dedicated Yoga Centre. YOGA Teachers, styles and times to help suit your needs. RELAX KIDS Yoga inspired classes for children ages 4-7 years and 8-12 years.

Triathlon Swimming Lessons “Tri hard, swim smart” Cathy Cavender, Head Instructor, Thame and Princes Risborough

Tel 01844 351253 Mob 07886 268745

Email info@onetooneswimming.co.uk Website www.onetooneswimming.co.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/ProgressSwim

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

MEDITATION 4 week courses to help those beginning a meditation practice. YOGA FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS One-2-one sessions to enhance the natural development of babies and young children. CHANTING These sessions can help create a tranquil, less agitated mental state.

BOOK ONLINE:

www.aylesburyyogacentre.co.uk Make the most of your money and your Yoga experience by purchasing a Frequent User Class Card.

161c Cambridge Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1BB t:07799 197 317 e:hello@aylesburyyogacentre.co.uk

Health & Fitness

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Aylesbury’s Anytime Fitness club is a huge state of the art exercise facility open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and has some great New Year membership offers for 2016...

Anytime Fitness members Abbie, left and Carla, right

ylesbury’s Anytime Fitness is an impressive sight. When it opened two years ago at its prime, town centre location on Exchange Street, just opposite Waterside Theatre, it was the third largest Anytime Fitness facility in the UK at just under 9,000sqr.ft. The club boasts a spectacular collection of the latest, cutting-edge, strength training and cardio equipment to which - as the name might suggest - members have access around the clock. “As an Anytime Fitness member you have 24 hour access to a secure gym facility with every kind of high quality fitness equipment you could want,” says Assistant Club Manager Chris Hall. “There’s HD TVs, private changing and showering facilities and an exercise studio.” The club has Signature Life Fitness cardio kit - treadmills, bikes, cross trainers etc all on a system called LF Connect. You can download an app (Android or iPhone) on your mobile then set your goals and once at the gym you plug your mobile into a running machine and it will know who you are and set different programmes for you based on what you want to achieve and what you have been doing. It will even take into account exercise you

· 24 hour gym service · Private bathroom facilities · Conveniently located · Personal Trainers · Join online · Free Wi-Fi · Studio Class program · State of the Art Gym Equipment · January 2016 Membership Offer do outside the gym - you can set it to monitor any walking or running you do by GPS tracker and it factors that in as well! There’s a huge selection of the latest Life Fitness pin-loaded weights machines, for toning different parts of your body, and Hammer Strength free weights, such as dumbbells and barbells, plus a Functional Training Rig with TRX RIP and Suspension Training equipment, Battle Ropes, Rebounders, Land Mine and Plyometric Plate, a Medicine Ball Trampoline and kettlebells... so plenty of fun to be had while training! At the rear of the gym is the studio, where group training sessions are often held. These include Metafit, Armageddon, Indoor Cycling, Circuits and a Women only Weights session. “All new members get a free personal training session - the gym is staffed Monday to Thursday 10am to 8pm, Friday 10am to 6pm and Saturday 10am-4pm with qualified

staff on hand to offer training and advice. Members have their own ‘smart’ keyfobs which will let them in at anytime, day or night. It’s a clever system with CCTV cameras that check the person entering is the person who owns the keyfob and that only that one person goes in. Changing is in one of several private changing rooms, each with its own shower, basin and toilet. If you are thinking of joining sign up in January for only £29.95 per month and you won’t start paying until February, which is great value considering the quality of equipment and facilities on offer. Vale Life readers who would like a free three day trial pass to try out the facilities should call in at Anytime Fitness between 9.30am and 6.30pm, speak to a member of staff and mention this article. Anytime Fitness came to the UK from the USA in 2011 and has a head office in Watford. They have 67 gyms across the UK so far and 2972 across the globe which your membership also allows you to use! l Anytime Fitness, Unit 5, The Exchange, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1UR T: 01296 340087 W: www.anytimefitness.co.uk Please like us on Facebook! Facebook.com/AnytimeFitnessAylesbury

Suspension training

The team at Anytime Fitness Aylesbury

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Health & Fitness

Free trial - That’s the Spirit !

he Spirit Health Club at the Holiday Inn, Weston Turville is a sociable place. Members might attend an exercise class, go for a swim, relax in the jacuzzi and chat over a coffee in the reception area or at the hotel café. The friendly relaxed environment is not just a place to achieve your fitness goals it’s somewhere you will meet people and make friends, relax

Vale Life Magazine

One Day

Free Guest Pass Spirit Health Club, Holiday Inn Aylesbury, HP22 5QT Tel: 01296 734049

and unwind. Membership covers classes in the light and airy dance studio (up to 32 a week, from Spinning to Body Pump, Pilates, Zumba, Yoga, Body Combat, Shape and Tone, Aqua there’s something for everyone) and use of the fitness suite, swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi. Complimentary towels and toiletries are also included. The fitness suite has a good range of equipment from cardiovascular machines to toning and resistance machines and a nice free weights section to add variety. Spirit instructors are qualified and will advise on the correct way of exercising or using the equipment.

To help members achieve their goals, a full lifestyle consultation is offered along with a personal fitness assessment and a personalised exercise programme. Progress can be reviewed and assessed every few weeks and new routines organised to keep things fresh and help you stay motivated. There is also the option of Personal Training. The beauty salon offers a full range of treatments, from massage, to facials, waxing, nails, tanning and more and Spirit members get a 10% discount off beauty treatments and retail products and 25% off the hotel lounge menu. They also qualify for weekend discounts at selected

Holiday Inn Hotels in the UK and Europe. Membership also includes use of other Spirit clubs in the group. If you’d like to find out more about Spirit Health Club Aylesbury cut out our Vale Life free VIP day pass, left, to try out the facilities and see what’s on offer - take a friend along too if you like, or checkout the club’s website and give them a ring, they’ll be happy to show you round. l Spirit Health Club, Holiday Inn, New Road, Weston Turville, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP22 5QT Tel: 01296 734049 Email: Spirit@HInnAylesbury.com Web: www.spirithealthclubs.co.uk/ clubs/aylesbury

NO JOINING FEE THIS JANUARY THAME LEISURE CENTRE Walk, run, swim, or cycle yourself healthy with no contract and no joining fee until 31st January.

Join today at www.better.org.uk/thame In partnership with

District Council Terms and conditions apply, visit www.better.org.uk/terms for details. Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no: XR43398

GLL_Globals_2016_Jan_ThameLeisure_190x125mm_FV.indd 14 Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

08/12/2015 10:02

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Whether you are 7 or 70, an athlete or a couch potato, movement is important. It’ll ward off aches, pains and stiffness, improve mobility and flexibility and make you feel a whole lot better...

hen an injury forced dancer Kim Pedrick to change her career she studied physiotherapy with the thought of helping other dancers get over the strains, sprains and tears they often suffer. She qualified with a BSC (Hons) in Physiotherapy in 1998 and since then has undertaken a Masters degree in Sports Physiotherapy. She has trained in both western and traditional acupuncture and in Pilates and Yoga in both the UK and US and is an experienced, qualified instructor who has taught at all levels and regularly lectures and runs workshops for other professionals. Kim, who lives in Thame, set up Evolve Health & Wellbeing in Princes Risborough earlier this year. It’s located behind the Cross Keys GP practice on Risborough High Street in a relaxing modern suite with a spacious reception area, airy exercise studio, office and treatment room. Here a variety of classes and therapies are available, whether your aim is to improve your sporting performance, alleviate back pain, rehabilitate following injury, ease arthritis or simply feel happier in yourself and your body. Dedicated instructors offer daily classes in Pilates, Yoga, Barre, Tai Chi and Movement for all ages and abilities while treatment options such as Physiotherapy, Therapeutic Massage and Acupuncture are available whatever your condition or injury. Kim believes in using movement, not only as part of her treatments but to help everybody move better, whatever their ability and physical fitness level. She uses manual therapy techniques, in conjunction with Acupuncture and Pilates, to treat the musculoskeletal system and believes in a holistic approach to feeling better whatever your needs.

Kim Pedrick “Evolve is here for everyone to experience the benefit of moving,” says Kim. “Our motto is ‘Movement for Every Body’ - it’s all about mobility, flexibility, core strength and toning. If you can only just manage to walk in and do a little bit in a class you will benefit and each week be able to do a little more. If you are in good shape and want to do something more challenging, you’ll also benefit. We have different classes depending on ability and private classes are also available. We never have more than eight in a class though, so all taking part will get personal instruction. “We cater for a wide clientele, from people struggling to be mobile again after a double hip replacement to elite athletes training for triathlons!” Evolve offers a friendly, welcoming, environment where you will receive expert treatment and quality instruction. Pilates and Yoga classes are available daily for all levels - you can drop in and pay as you go or book a short course. It is the only local

facility offering Pilates equipment such as the Trapeze Table, Ladder Barrel, Reformer and Combo chair which are useful not only for rehab exercise but for those who like to stretch themselves literally! In addition to Yoga and Pilates there’s an older adults Music, Mobility and Movement Class on Wednesdays (10.45-11.45am, £6.50), Tai Chi on Thursdays, which is great for balance, movement and preventing falls (9.30-10.30am, £9) and a Healthy Back class with Kim on Mondays to ease those aches and pains (6.30-7.30pm). More classes are planned from January, so check out the Evolve website or phone for details. “Some people come for help with an injury or sore back,” says Kim, “others come regularly for Yoga or Pilates, exercise and enjoyment. Exercise and movement is the best drug there is for all sorts of conditions, and not just for physical ailments either but for depression as well. “All the instructors here are experienced and knowledgeable in their fields while I can provide additional advice on exercising with injuries and medical conditions. “I feel really privileged to do what I do. Whether it’s teaching, hands on treatments, or helping people who haven’t moved for a while or are in pain, I love making a positive difference to people’s lives. “Come and visit us at Evolve. Working together we can help you achieve your goals and leave you feeling better in body, mind and spirit.” l Evolve Health & Wellbeing, Cross Keys House, New Road, Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 0LF Tel: 07793 387272 Email: enquiry@evolvepilatesphysio.co.uk Web: www.evolvepilatesphysio.co.uk

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Health & Fitness

Column: Fitness Focus with Esme Humphries

Treating the whole person

olistic massage is an individually tailored massage treatment designed for a client’s specific needs at the time of the massage. It doesn’t just deal with aches and pains but looks at the causes of tension, working with the whole person - physical, emotional and spiritual - to help ease that tension and restore a natural inner balance. A number of massage techniques are used including effleurage, petrissage and percussion moves. Holistic massage also works to improve circulation and lymphatic drainage, which helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the cells in the body. At the same time toxins in the body are eliminated which helps to release muscular tension and boost the immune system. After a holistic massage clients feel a deep sense of relaxation and a feeling of rejuvenation. The skin can also be left with a glowing feeling due to improved circulation. Sanctuary Blue at Thame is

Esme Humphries Holistic Massage

A number of massage techniques may be used owned and run by qualified massage therapist Esme Humphries: “I have long dreamed of setting up my own holistic therapy practice,” she says. “Helping people to achieve holistic balance in a safe and natural way.” Esme became an Independent Consultant for Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic in February 2014: “Neal’s Yard products are ethically sourced,” says Esme, “and are not tested on animals - they are both kind to you and the planet and are packed full of essential oils, so smell divine as well. It’s a great combination, looking after mind, body and soul as well as the planet.

“I qualified as a massage therapist in November 2015 gaining an ITEC level three qualification in Holistic Massage and Anatomy and Physiology and now, at Sanctuary Blue, I offer relaxing holistic massage treatments and facials using Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic products in a calm, warm treatment room. “There is a range of treatments available priced from £25 for a 30 minute back, neck and shoulder massage to ease tension and relieve stress, to £40 for a one hour full body massage or luxury one hour facial.

“A holistic facial is a gentle and relaxing facial treatment which, using Neal’s Yard products, cleanses, exfoliates, tones and nourishes the skin. “A facial treatment can also help to relax the muscles of the face, head, neck and shoulders. “Please see my website or Facebook page for more details of treatments and prices.” l Contact Esme at Sanctuary Blue on: 01844 214785 or 07971 514033 Email: hello@sanctuaryblue.co.uk www.sanctuaryblue.co.uk Facebook.com/sanctuaryblue

Fergie’s Fitness

Exercise to Music · Shape Up & Tone

MONDAYS Fairford Leys Community Centre - 7.00pm Pilates TUESDAYS Come and join us for a great Shape Up and Tone 7.00pm Weston Turville Village Hall

Private Therapeutic Practice Family Therapy Services Adult Therapy Services Drug and Alcohol Treatment

WEDNESDAYS Bedgrove Pavilion - 7.00pm Pilates 8.00pm Exercise to Music

2016 classes start W/C Mon 4th Jan

FRIDAYS Bedgrove Pavilion - 1.15pm 50+ Exercise to Music 2.30pm Pilates

Services include: Assessments, Reports, Individual appointments, Joint/Family appointments, Home Visits and Phone support.

* Free Phone Consultation * www.homecountiesconsultancy.co.uk 01296 749013 07921 223714 16

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

For more details and to book your Pilates class please call 01296 338140 or email: sandbar1942@yahoo.co.uk YMCA/REPS Level 3 Instructor Pilates Institute. PureStretch Instructor.

Column: Fitness Focus with Antonia Barnes

Health & Fitness

Do you look after your feet?

ntonia Barnes is a Thame based Foot Health Practitioner who has been interested in feet for many years and loves helping people to take care of theirs.

Antonia at work in her Thame therapy room

“Let me share a few amazing facts about feet,” says Antonia: * In the feet there are 250,000 sweat glands. * The human foot and ankle contains one quarter of the bones in your body. * During an average day of walking the total forces on your feet can total hundreds of tons. * The average person will walk around 115,000 miles in a life time that is more than four times around the earth!

in turn cause knee, hip and back pain. In addition, as we get older, it is possible that reaching down to cut nails and being able to see them to cut them carefully can become an issue and we might need some help from an expert such as Antonia. Here are Antonia’s tips for looking after your feet:

Considering what our feet go through, it is not surprising that many people suffer foot problems from time to time. As your feet take the weight of your whole body, foot problems can quickly effect the way you walk and

Kate Walker

Mobile Chiropodist BSc (Hons) Hcpc Registered

General Foot Care l Verruca Treatment l Ingrowing Nails l Biomechanics l

Tel: 078875 51591

Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

Wash your feet often - at least every evening, with soap and water. Dry your feet well. Especially between the toes. Use a moisturising cream although not between the toes as this is the perfect breeding ground for Athlete’s Foot. Remove hard skin - use a foot file or pumice stone. Cut toenails carefully. Always straight across with a very slight curve to follow the shape of the toe. Never at an angle or down the edges as this can cause ingrown toenails. If you suffer from corns, calluses, problem nails or skin, or if you just need general maintenance for your feet, a foot health practitioner is able to take care of these needs. Antonia is a fully qualified and

Antonia Barnes Foot Health Practitioner

insured Foot Health Practitioner who is able to visit you in the comfort of your own home. She offers a caring service and carries out thorough neuro-vascular tests and takes a full medical history, so is able to help anyone suffering from diabetes. “I am also a qualified and insured reflexologist and massage therapist,” says Antonia, “and have been practising for 12 years in Thame. I always finish off a foot treatment with a bit of foot massage! Please get in touch if I can be of help.” l For more details or to book a visit, please call Antonia on: 01844 261766 or 07795 692464. Or visit: www.feetforlifethame.com

Charlotte Mobile Hairdresser Professional Hairdressing for

Everyone All in the comfort of your own home

Over 12 years of salon experience Tel: 07479 939461 www.mobilehairdesign.com charlotte@mobilehairdesign.com • modern cutting techniques • colours (all types) • • colour correction • blow dry • curls & waves • • perms • sets • hair extensions • special occasions •

Maria Bray

Nutritional Therapy

The Science of Health and Vitality l

Eat Well l Live Well l Feel Well

Stella Huxley

Massage Therapist

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

Call for free half hour consultation

Swedish Body Massage Aromatherapy Body Massage Deep Tissue Massage Indian Head Massage

Tel: Maria on 0771 5414719 / 01296 581561

www.mariabraynutritionaltherapy.com

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

supported by

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

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

www.fnhospice.org.uk

01296 429975

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

If you’d like to get fitter, healthier or simply want to take on a personal challenge in 2016, why not do something special and help make a big difference to the life of someone who’s not as lucky as you...

lorence Nightingale Hospice Charity (FNHC), which provides hospice care to local patients battling life-limiting illnesses across Bucks, Beds and Oxon, has a variety of exciting and adrenaline-charged events for you to take on. Take a look at some of the options below: Take to the skies for Florence Nightingale: Saturday 14th May For those who are seeking an adrenaline-charged challenge, how about taking on a sky-dive for Florence? The Charity’s next available group date is Saturday 14th May and will be an unforgettable experience. To get involved, call Teresa King in the FNHC Fundraising Team on 01296 429975, email: challenge@ fnhospice.org.uk or visit: www.fnhospice.org.uk Aylesbury Superhero: Sunday 15th May Superheroes will descend into Aylesbury Town Centre at 10am, for the return of the Aylesbury Superhero Fun Run in aid of Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity. Don your capes and take on the 5km run with all the family. With support from The Works and Mix96, it promises to be a fun day out. To find out more, and to register, visit www.aylesburysuperhero.co.uk. Annual Midnight Walk: Saturday 9th July

EARLY BUNNY OFFER

Register by Midnight on Sunday 31st January 2016 and pay just £15 for a place. Join FNHC’s ‘Glo4Flo’ annual Midnight Walk on Saturday 9th July - now in its seventh year. When the clock strikes 12, over 600 pink ladies will be taking to the streets, 18

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

sure you put your colourful tutus, headbands and socks somewhere safe as they’ll be screaming to be covered in colour come October 2016. Registration to open soon at www.fnhospice.org.uk

Superhero Sunday

Trek Peru: Wednesday 2nd to Friday 11th November Have you ever wanted to experience a different culture, explore remote regions and take part in a life changing challenge? If so, Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity’s NEW trek to Peru could be for you. Immerse yourself in ancient Peruvian culture trekking and exploring the remote Lares region of the Peruvian Andes on this Charity Peru trek of a lifetime.. To find out more about this fantastic event, email challenge@fnhospice.org.uk or visit www.fnhospice.org.uk

Photograph by Derek Pelling Photography

Thames Path Challenge: Sun 10th & Sat 11th September The Thames Path Challenge returns for its fifth year, with 5,000 participants pushing themselves and fundraising for their charity of choice - Why not do it for Florence? You can take on the full challenge - 100km from Putney Bridge to Henley - or three quarter, half or quarter sections. Most challengers will walk it, some will jog, and others will run the whole course as an ultra-marathon.

Glo for Flo Midnight Walk

Parachute jump

to take on either a six or 13-mile walking challenge, with all funds raised supporting the work of Florence Nightingale Hospice. The ever-popular event has already raised over £350,000 since it started in 2008 and is the Charity’s biggest fundraiser of the year. As a sea of flashing bunny ears light up the night sky, the electric atmosphere is unmistakable. Register online at www.gemstonewalk.co.uk or call 01296 429975. London to Paris Cycle Challenge: Wednesday 20th July Channel some pedal power and take a trip across the pond this summer on Wednesday 20th - Sunday 24th July with the London to Paris Cycle Challenge. The five day event covers over 500km, connecting two of the most electric cities. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist, or wanting to challenge yourself with something new, this experience will be a great way of meeting new people whilst testing your limits. By choosing to support Florence Nightingale

Hospice Charity when you register, you will be helping families in the local area who are living with lifelimiting illnesses, receive the care and support they need. To find out more visit www.fnhospice.org.uk/ challengeevents

Colour Rush

Colour Rush: Sunday 9th October SAVE THE DATE! After a hugely successful first event in 2015, Colour Rush is back at the Adventure Learning Foundation (ALF), Green Park, Aston Clinton. 500 ‘rushers’ attended last year and were covered head-to-toe in powder. The ‘mini rush’ will be returning too, so why not get the whole family involved. It’s great fun for all ages and abilities - you can walk, jog, dance or run it. So, make

There’s also the 20km ‘Thames Bridges Trek’ through Central London, and the NEW Oxford to Henley double marathon distance challenge! There’s a challenge here for all go for it in 2016! l Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity Tel: 01296 429975 Website: www.fnhospice.org.uk Email: challenge@fnhospice.org.uk Facebook: /florencenightingalehospice Twitter: @fnhospice

Win a Spa Day for Two at Whittlebury Hall

ome in from the cold and wrap up warm. The awardwinning Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa, set in rural Northamptonshire, near Silverstone, are offering Vale Life Magazine readers the chance to win a Spa Day for Two* including; • Two course Buffet Lunch • Full use of Heat and Ice Experiences • Full use of the Spa and Leisure Club facilities • Plus as an extra treat, a free ESPA Body polish Treatment for Two. Whittlebury Hall’s award-winning The Day Spa incorporates unique

Heat and Ice Experiences, which provide body sensations brought about by dramatic changes in temperature. Facilities include a Sanarium®, Caldarium Hot Room, Aromatherapy Crystal Steam Room, an Ice Cave, Roman Salt Steam, Experience Showers, Foot Spas And Hydrotherapy Pool. If you can’t wait, or miss out on winning this time, you can always buy a One Night Spa Stay this winter and receive an **extra night for free! Simply book online using the promotional code ‘READER15’. To book this great offer, or a spa day, or hotel and spa break online, and to sign up for all the latest offers

Thai Orchid Massage and Spa www.thai-orchid-massage-and-spa.webs.com Traditional Thai Massage, Swedish Massage, Aromatherapy Body Massage, foot massage, herbal hot compress, back, head & neck massage 1 hr Aromatherapy/Swedish Full Body Massage £40 1 hr Traditional Thai Massage £45

Reflexions Health & Leisure Centre

Tel: 01296 330311 Mobile: 07587 172659 Buckingham Road, Watermead, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 0FY

from Whittlebury Hall, visit: www.whittleburyhall.co.uk If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a Spa Day for two at Whittlebury Hall, simply email your name, address and telephone number along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Which racing track is Whittlebury Hall near? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Jan 20th, 2016. l Whittlebury, Nr Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8QH T: 0845 400 0003 E: sales@whittleburyhall.co.uk W: www.whittleburyhall.co.uk

Terms and Conditions apply. *Subject to availability. This prize is non-transferable and non-refundable and has no cash equivalent. This prize cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. This prize is available Sunday - Thursday only. Guests must be aged 18 years or over. This competition is not open to the employees of Whittlebury Hall and their family members. Accommodation is based on 2 people sharing a standard room. Prize to be booked and taken by 30th April 2016, excluding 24th - 26th and 31st December 2015 and 14th February 2016. £40 single supplement applies. Heat and Ice Experiences to be taken on day of arrival. Offer applies to new purchases only. **Offer: Complimentary second day and night stay is on a bed and breakfast basis only, when purchasing a 1 Night Spa Stay for £99 per person and full prepayment is required at time of booking. Offer valid for bookings taken from 1st October 2015 to 31st March 2016, excluding 24th - 26th and 31st December 2015 and 14th February 2016.

Thame Therapy Clinic Complementary Health Therapies from Experienced Practitioners 23 Upper High Street, Thame, OX9 3EX Tel: 01844 215555

www.thametherapyclinic.co.uk

Do you need help with a problem? Hypnotherapy can and has helped many people in many ways. It’s not just for stopping smoking and losing weight, but is very powerful in helping people deal with Fears, Phobias, Confidence, Emotional and Sexual issues and Stress. Much more info at: www.hypnohelp.co (just .co - no uk) Call Angie on: 07775 677796

For all your beauty needs

Eyelash extensions, Elemis facials, Shellac and much more! 07771 330366 laura.gilbey@hiddenbeautyaylesbury.co.uk

Angie Elbourn DHP. MNRAH

Reg Hyp. CNHC

Unit 5, Layby Farm, Stoke Mandeville, Bucks. HP22 5XJ

www.hiddenbeautyaylesbury.co.uk

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Providing the ultimate salon experience

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the news from Wishing you a Happy New Year!

015 has been a great year for us here at Eclipse and we would like to thank all our fantastic customers for your kind support during 2015 and to wish you a happy and prosperous 2016. We have made many small changes during this past year, but we are particularly proud of our newly introduced Express Hair-up service and our two talented, new stylists, Cat and Cara.

was quick to spot and introduce us to the fantastic Olaplex product, which is changing the way hair is coloured. Our customers love it! You can book Cara on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Cat

Cara

putting hair up, and the Express Hair-up service was born. If you are in a hurry and select one of our standard hair-up designs, Shannon commits to doing this in approximately 45 minutes.

Express Hair Up

The Eclipse Hair Design team now boasts 11 stylists and a further five assistants. Look on our website: www. eclipsehair-design.co.uk/meet-theteam to find the stylist to suit your needs.

Cat - Principal Director

Cara â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Salon Director We have known Cara for a long while and have been keen to secure her talents - she finally joined us during December. Trained in London, Cara has worked both in this country and in Australia and boasts almost twenty years experience. Her professional passion for hairdressing is obvious to all, but in marrying a fellow hairdresser, it even extends into her personal life! Cara is a strong all-rounder, but her colouring work is without parallel. Ever-watchful of industry trends, she

Another strong all-rounder, Cat has made a name for herself with her precision cutting and attention to detail. She joined us from a salon in Wendover, where she had worked for several years. Cat is a Principal Director at Eclipse Hair Design and has settled in really well as an important part of the team. She is always watching the new trends, so if you are tired with your look and would like to try something different, a consultation with Cat might be the most productive 15 minutes you could spend. Cat works full time Tuesday Saturday.

Hair-up, by Shannon

We have been successfully running our Express Colour services for a few years now, but this year we realised that within our midst we had a young stylist with an amazing talent for

Shannon Vacancy We have a strong team but we are still looking to recruit at least one more top stylist during 2016 - if this might be you, please get in touch.

Eclipse Hair Design, 56 North Street, Thame, OX9 3BH Tel: 01844 260062 Web: www.eclipsehair-design.co.uk Email: info@eclipsehair-design.co.uk Follow us on Twitter: @eclipsethame and Facebook Eclipse Hair Design

STOP PRESS... online booking service - see: www.eclipsehair-design.co.uk 20

Like us on Facebook for up to date information and promotions: Eclipse Hair Design

l Column

Amanda Trott

Imagine being silky smooth and hairless in all those important places while not having to wax, shave or cream ever again! Yvonne Bone is an expert in Laser Hair Removal and offers fast, effective treatments at her salon in Wendover...

0 years ago, in 1985, Yvonne Bone, owner of Scruples at Wendover, took a room above Scruples on Wendover High Street and started her beauty therapy business. Within two years she was renting the entire first floor and took on more therapists to cope with the demand. In November 1997, when the Landlord retired, she bought the hairdressing business and combined the salons. Scruples Hair, Body Beauty has grown from strength to strength and now employs 21 members of staff, four receptionists, seven hairstylists, six beauty therapists and four salon assistants offering a range of up to the minute hair and beauty treatments. Yvonne herself is still very involved on the beauty side. She has a particular interest in skin care and is something of an expert in laser hair removal. She was trained by a consultant dermatologist at Amersham Hospital in the use of lasers for skin treatments and hair removal and worked for 15 years in his private practice. In 2013 Scruples became the first non-clinical establishment in the area to register for the use of laser. The Gentle Laser system used at Scruples is different to the Intense Pulsed Light treatment (IPL) you find in many beauty salons and lasering usually only takes around six treatments to dramatically reduce hair growth. Multiple treatments are required to achieve full hair removal because hair grows in three stages: Anagen, the growth stage - laser treatments are most effective; Catagen, the transitional stage, when the hair begins to loosen from its follicle; and Telogen, the shedding stage, the hair falls out to make room for new growth. Yvonne explained that the hairs on your body are not always at the same stage, so youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to undergo a course of treatments an

Yvonne demonstrates the Gentle Laser hair removal therapy

Health & Beauty

Amanda Trott

Beauty Spot few minutes to several hours after treatment. Before you start your treatment your laser therapist will conduct a patch test and consultation to check your medical history and ask when you last went in the sun or used a sunbed, as lasering cannot be carried out if the patient has been in the sun or used a sunbed for up to six weeks before a procedure. The good news is that she will usually suggest you shave the area 24 hours before treatment, so although it may be December, there is no excuse for walking around like a woolly mammoth! If like many you are fed up with constantly shaving, waxing or using smelly depilatory creams then lasering could be for you. The initial outlay may be more costly than a wax but you could find that after only a handful of trips to the salon unwanted hair is no longer a problem! Goodbye wax pot, hello smooth silky legs... l Scruples Hair Body Beauty, 16 High Street, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6EA Tel: 01296 622043 Web: www.scruplesofwendover.co.uk

Before

average of four to six weeks apart, to catch them all in the growth stage. She recommends a course of six treatments and if you buy five you get the sixth free. For a small area, such as a mono brow, prices start at ÂŁ50 per session. The primary principle behind laser hair removal is selective photothermolysis (SPTL). A specific wavelength of light and pulse duration is used to target the hair follicle with minimal effect on the surrounding tissue. The Gentle Laser delivers an intense beam of light into the hair follicle which converts to heat and degrades the

After

root while the surrounding tissue remains unaffected. It works best on paler skin with darker hair as the light is absorbed by the darker object but is ineffective on white or blonde hairs. One of Scruples Laser team can quickly assess if your colouring is suitable for treatment. Laser hair removal, to most people, feels like a rubberband snap against the skin. Particular areas of the body can be more sensitive, such as the underarms, bikini, and upper lip and your skin may be red immediately following the procedure and feel as though you have mild sunburn. This typically lasts from a

l Amanda is a talented and experienced, Vidal Sassoon trained hair stylist, who at one time managed Charles Worthingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Covent Garden salon. If you would like to have your hair cut, styled or coloured by Amanda she is available in Thame from Mondays to Thursdays at Eclipse Hair Design. Call 01844 260062 to book or arrange a free consultation.

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

‘A little bit of Mayfair in Whitchurch High Street’ is how 4beauty owner Ellen Aubrey describes her stylish beauty salon. She’s not wrong, although her prices are a lot more affordable...

hitchurch is a small village on the Buckingham Road about four miles North of Aylesbury. You’d expect to find a pub and maybe a garage or village store in this kind of location but to discover a thriving, award-winning beauty salon is quite a surprise! 4Beauty is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2016. Owner Ellen Aubrey has always been interested in skincare and cosmetics and trained as a Beauty Therapist when she left school. Her career took off in a different direction though and she worked for Virgin Airlines and in PR and Marketing for a variety of motor racing teams, before returning to the village where she grew up. “I’d reached thirty,” says Ellen, “and was ready to trade in my jet-setting lifestyle for something calmer! I was inspired by a local beautician who had a small salon, a husband and a couple of children and seemed to have an idyllic life. I worked with her for about a year and refreshed my qualifications and began to realise what a demand there is for good quality beauty treatments locally, so decided to Ellen open my own salon. “At 4Beauty our strapline is ‘A little bit of Mayfair in Whitchurch

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Reception

Treatment room

High Street’ - we cater for a sophisticated clientelle, many of whom have moved out from London and are used to premium brands and high quality service. Our aim is to treat each and every client as an individual and to meet their expectations every time they visit our salon. We cater for the high end - luxurious treatments and products that have a real feelgood factor and offer great value, accompanied by a friendly, personal and professional service from highly trained therapists. “I love seeing our clients relax and enjoy their time here. It’s an escape from their busy lives and we like to make it a thoroughly pleasurable experience. “We offer a full menu of facial treatments using Decleor and Guinot, along with the very latest nail treatments from Bio Sculpture, Shellac, Minx and OPI. We have a complete

Sophie waxing service plus St Tropez spray tanning with the most advanced spray booth available, plus our ever popular individual Eye Lash Extensions. We stock beauty and skincare products from brands such as Decléor, Guinot and Carita and the Delilah make-up range. There are more details on our website, or just call up and we can discuss your requirements.”

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

First Kelly cleanses Amanda’s face

Rollers apply a mild current for deep cleansing

Light waves and an oxygenating emulsion

Vale Life Beauty Columnist Amanda enjoys a Guinot Hydradermie Facial with 4beauty’s award-winning therapist, Kelly

Foot spa 4Beauty’s stylish modern salon boasts an impressive reception and retail area complete with nail bar, calming and comfortable therapy rooms, foot spa area and three highly trained, experienced and accomplished beauty therapists in Ellen, Kelly Travers and Sophie Fymruk. Kelly and Sophie are both local girls and have been friends since they attended the John Colet School in Wendover together. “Sophie has been at 4beauty for 8 years,” says Ellen. “She arrived pretty much straight out of college having done a short stint in an Aylesbury salon before joining us. She is an integral part of the growth and success of 4Beauty. I often call her my ‘wingman’, I couldn’t have achieved this 10 year journey without her continued integrity, dedication and commitment. “Kelly joined our team two and half years ago, when I found out that I was expecting my daughter. She brought a wealth of experience along with an engaging and enthusiastic personality. She’s the ultimate professional with ambition and drive, which undoubtedly led her to win her coveted Guinot Regional Therapist of the Year Award for 2016 and automatic entry into their National awards. Guinot are very exacting in their critique and

Guinot are renowned for their Hydradermie facials - each of them tailored to suit the individual. Kelly took me through a thorough consultation before she started the treatment, asking about my individual skin concerns. She cleansed my face and neck and carefully analysed my skin, so that she could address the problems that were bothering me and anything else that she felt was necessary. She was then able to customise the products used in the facial accordingly. There are gels for hydrating, gels for purifying oily skin, nutrition for dry skin and so on. Once my face was cleansed and exfoliated, Kelly applied a combination of carefully selected gels and then used rollers to introduce a mild galvanic current (ionisation) for deep cleansing, helping the active ingredients in the gels penetrate down into the skin removing impurities and toxins. An oxygenating emulsion was then smoothed over my face and high frequency light waves applied with a wand, to boost cell have very high standards, so for Kelly to be singled out as Guinot Regional Therapist of the Year is amazing - it covers five counties, which is a lot of salons and beauty therapists! The National award is no easy task either, Kelly had to go to head office and have two assessments, a written exam and an interview. We find out how she did at the awards night in January.” “The Guinot Hydradermie Facial is our most popular facial,” says Kelly. “Your skin just feels superclean afterwards and lovely to touch. It’s my favourite treatment both to do and to have done! If you can have one about once a month it makes a real difference to your complexion.

Finally a soothing massage

renewal, oxygenate the skin and leave a nice healthy glow. The wand gently glided across my face and felt as restful as a traditional hands on facial. Once the ionisation process had been completed, Kelly removed the gels from my face and applied a mask. This was left on my skin whilst she gave me a wonderfully soothing hand, arm and neck massage. The whole treatment ended after an hour with a combination of deliciously scented creams being applied to my face and neck and I was left floating on air with noticeably hydrated and radiantly plumped skin. I can certainly see why Kelly won her award, she does an amazing facial! “Most of our clients are fairly local but we have quite a few who travel in from surrounding towns such as Wendover because they enjoy what we offer here.” At 4beauty Ellen and her team have created a delightful oasis of calm that attracts discerning clients from across the area for their range of high quality treatments and friendly professional service. Happy 10th birthday 4beauty, we hope you have a great year! l 4beauty Ltd, 56 High Street, Whitchurch, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP22 4JS Tel: 01296 640644 Email: admin@4-beauty.com Web: www.4-beauty.com Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Bow House is proud to celebrate the fact that they have been short listed for two prestigious awards Private Dentistry and also Dentistry Awards for...

Best Practice Best Marketing Best UK Practice Treatment carried out by Dr Edward Masheder BDS MFDS RCS PGcert IMPLANTS

We offer a full range of treatment such as:

After Veneers

Before

Cosmetic Makeovers (Veneers) • Implants • Invisible Braces (Invisalign®)

• Sedation • Tooth Whitening (ZOOM!) • Injectable Wrinkle Treatment Before

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State of the art technology Late Evenings & Saturday Morning appointments available

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Simply call now for a friendly no obligation chat Tel: 01442 890 384 Bow House a Centre of Dental Excellence, 75 Western Road, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 4BH

T 01442 890 384 E info@bowhousedental.co.uk W www.bowhousedental.co.uk 24

Colour Sale! P

rinces Risborough hair salon, TwentyFour Hair is celebrating 10 years in business and owner Clare Hobson would like to thank clients old and new for their support and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Clare started her business in tiny Victorian premises at 24 Bell Street at the other end of the town. “There was only three of us in the beginning,” says Clare, “but business grew quickly and with it our team. Three years ago we moved to our larger salon on Duke Street and it’s worked really well for us. It’s light and airy here and we’re more in the centre of things. “Our staff continues to grow - we have another experienced stylist joining us in the new year - and we have expanded our services to include make-up and hair extensions. We have the gorgeous New CID make-up range and the girls have all been make-up trained, so we can cater for hair and make-up for events, weddings and balls, or if you are off out for the evening, you can have your hair and make-up done and leave here ready to party! We also offer Great Lengths Hair Extensions. They are one of the world leaders in hair extensions, producing 55 base colours which

TwentyFour Hair

Call 01844 342444 and book today!

can be combined to add length, volume, colour or texture and transform your look. “We celebrated our tenth anniversary this year - the time has really flown by! We have 15 Clare Hobson members of staff now, a mixture of full and part-time and we new things, so why not take advantage of our run our own training academy, which has been January Colour Sale and book in now to get 25% going well. Our apprentices receive quality off the cost of your hair colour, whether it’s tuition, training and help from some of the best your usual or something completely new! hairdressers in the region and progress through NVQ Level 1 and 2 in hairdressing while they l TwentyFour Hair, 10 Duke Street, Princes work. We had a few of the girls qualify this year Risborough, Bucks, HP27 0AT which is really pleasing - well done to them! Tel: 01844 342444 Web: www.twentyfourhair.com The New Year is often a good time to try out

Win a luxury Hidden Beauty Elemis facial

idden Beauty at the Bucks Goat Farm Centre, Stoke Mandeville is a new venture by beauty therapist Laura

Gilbey. Laura previously ran a successful salon in Bedgrove and is now offering a full range of beauty treatments in a pleasant semi-rural location, just off the Old Risborough Road, not far from The Woolpack. Laura is a fully qualified and experienced Beauty Therapist who has been working in the industry for more than 18 years. She now provides outstanding customer care in her new, relaxing but stylish, vintage-look beauty room. Laura is offering a full range of treatments from Massage and Facials to Nails (OPI Gel, Shellac, Rock Star and Minx), Lashes and Brows, Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, Tinting, Callus Peel (for your feet), Ear-piercing and also Indian Head Massage. “I am again working with Elemis,” says Laura. “Their products are made with the best ingredients and are top quality and much more effective on the skin than many brands. They are the best facials you can have.”

To celebrate starting her new venture Laura would like to offer Vale Life readers the chance to win an Elemis ‘Skin Specific Facial’. “It’s an hour long facial tailored to the needs of the client,” says Laura. “The facial combines skin conditioning plant actives, a prescribed mask and unique eastern facial massage techniques. Your face is deeply cleansed to help renew radiance, nourish and balance skin. When the winner comes in I will assess their skin’s needs and then choose from Exotic Cream Moisture Dew, Fruit Active and Herbal Lavender facial products to make up a personalised treatment. “The facial actually starts with a Thai Foot Ritual, then a skin cleanse and tone, massage and exfoliate, then a mask, a scalp or neck and shoulder massage and finally moisturising. If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning an Elemis ‘Skin Specific Facial’ with Laura at Hidden Beauty, simply email your name, address and telephone number along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Which three skin products will Laura choose from to produce your

customised facial? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Jan 20th, 2016. l Hidden Beauty, Unit 5,

Layby Farm, Stoke Mandeville, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP22 5XJ To book call or text: 07771 330366 Email: laura.gilbey@ hiddenbeautyaylesbury.co.uk www.hiddenbeautyaylesbury.co.uk

Laura Gilbey Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Alex and Kelly Young let their scissors do the talking. They are the creative couple behind Salon Fourteen, Aylesbury’s newest hair salon. Both are highly skilled and experienced hairdressers but have set their prices at half what their previous salon charged - now that’s cutting a deal...

elcome to Salon Fourteen, brainchild of Alex and Kelly Young! The husband and wife team have just opened their first hair salon together on Edison Road, in the heart of Aylesbury’s Rabans Lane Industrial Estate. Called Salon Fourteen well it is in Unit 14 - and previously run as a barbershop, the salon has been given a rapid facelift by the couple, who have embraced the character of the neighbourhood and gone for a gritty mix of industrial chic meets New York loft. Chipboard panels, sporting blow-ups of recent modelling shoots, hang on chains, while shiny chrome shelving contrasts with grey breezeblock walls, black leather barbering chairs and red concrete flooring, it’s refreshingly different. “We’ll be adding bits as we go along,” says Kelly. “It was a bit of a rush moving in, we had nine days to rip it out and redecorate and we’d only been open a week when I was taken into hospital with appendicitis!” Kelly is from Stokenchurch originally and Alex from Chesham They have both worked for a variety of salons and originally met while working together at Jonathan Walker in Amersham. The couple more recently worked for a respected local salon chain, where Alex was Artistic Director at their Beaconsfield salon and Kelly was Regional Education manager for the Thames Valley area, training staff over a wide area. The couple are both talented hairdressers and at Salon Fourteen are offering a highly experienced service at very reasonable prices. Alex is a particularly skilled and creative stylist and in Beaconsfield the

Vale Life : Nov/Dec Dec/Jan 2015-16 2015

Alex and Kelly Young Salon Fourteen salon was charging £74 for him to do a ladies cut and blow dry, £55 for a gent’s, whereas at Salon Fourteen his pricing is much more affordable at £35 for ladies and £12-£20 for men depending on what is involved. “We’re looking forward to putting our own stamp on things,” says Alex. “ Over the years we’ve both seen good and bad things in the way salons are run but now there’s no limit on what we can and can’t do, so it’s very exciting!

“We both offer a full range of salon services, I also do barbering, beards, wet shaves and so on, while Kelly is especially good at hair up and wedding hair.” Why not give Aylesbury’s newest salon a try. There’s free parking right outside, it’s a cool place and Alex and Kelly would be happy to chat over ideas and options for your hair - it’s Number Fourteen, you can’t miss it! l Salon Fourteen, 14 Edison Road, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 8TE Tel: 01296 392880 Email: salonfourteen@gmail.com Web: www.salonfourteen.co.uk Open: Mon-Wed 9am-6pm, Thur 11am-8pm, Fri 9.30am-6pm, Sat 8am-3pm.

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Win a fitness, makeover & photo package worth £500! If you would like a New You this New Year we may have just the package to help you achieve your aim...

oanna Beardsmore-Dilks owner of JBD Fitness and Dance and Bori Bojthe owner of Borbala Bojthe Photography have teamed up to give one lucky reader of Vale Life Magazine the chance of winning a FREE 3 month JBD ‘Weight Loss Accountability Package’ with full support to achieve your weight and fitness goals, plus a before and after photoshoot including full makeover and a copy of your favourite photograph from the session - a prize worth over £500 in total!

The prize includes a FREE JBD Fitness and Dance members pack, regular weigh-in and exercise classes, small group training sessions plus one to one support over the phone and in person. The lucky winner will also have a half day makeover and photo experience with both Bori and Joanna, topped with a wonderful image to celebrate their success and remember this special day. “For one great-value price, our members receive healthy lifestyle coaching and exercise classes all in one,” says Joanna. “So for those not lucky enough to win this fabulous prize, we offer affordable weekly classes to help members lose weight and get fitter and healthier as well as our full accountability service for those who need motivation and want a more personalised approach.” JBD Fitness and Dance have a special New Year Offer on at the moment, whereby you pay ONLY £35 for 5 weeks of classes and also receive a FREE JBD Fitness and Dance members pack and a FREE phone consultation worth £30. Bori says “I offer a complimentary consultation

Left: Joanna now. Above before weight loss and exercise programme

to anyone who is interested in my services, if you are unsuccessful in this competition then please do not hesitate to contact me for your free consultation.”. JBD Fitness and Dance also offer First Wedding Dance / Hen / Stag party packages,

Joanna photographed by Bori Bojthe

especially tailored to your needs. So if you are getting married, a Head Bridesmaid or Best Man and you want to ensure your special day is magical for you and all of your guests, then contact me now for a FREE consultation, there are 5 FREE consultations also available to lucky Vale Life readers! So don’t delay, call me today!!

If you’d like to be in with the chance of winning this amazing fitness, makeover and photo package, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk How much is the prize worth in total? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by January 20th, 2016. l Jo at JBD Fitness & Dance Tel: 01296 485933 Email: Joanna@JBDFitnessDance.co.uk Web: www.JBDFitnessDance.co.uk l Bori Bojthe at Borbala Bojthe Photography Tel: 07873 939382 Email: info@borbalabojthe.com Web: www.borbalabojthe.com

One of Joanna’s classes in action

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

27 3

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01296 415234 01296 415234 www.aylesburydentists.co.uk 01296 415234 www.aylesburydentists.co.uk 45 Buckingham Road, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 9PT 45 Buckingham Road, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 9PT

www.aylesburydentists.co.uk

45 Buckingham Road, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 9PT

with Katy Dyer

Personal stylist and fashion expert Katy scours our local boutiques and passes on tips and tricks for looking your best, plus the latest news on the high street trends

Winter warmers!

inter is a time for cosying up, catching up with friends and loved ones and perhaps taking a little more care of you. But don’t let your style get stuck under a stack of heavy layers - with the best in winter accessories and looks, here’s how to stay warm, stylish and protected against the elements – without compromise.

Pom-pom key ring/ bag charm Baban, Thame: £8

In the Neck Snoods are still huge - and getting bigger! Super-chunky knits are great but layering in luxe cashmere or merino wool will still keep the chill away without adding bulk. Fits like a glove Designs in a range of shades will add a bit of pizazz to your winter coat - and another bonus of brighter colours, your gloves will be easier to find (and less easy to lose). Don’t forget that with the investment purchases neutral shades are the way to go - you will get more wear from a winter coat in a charcoal, black or navy but then ring the changes in trends and seasons by adding accessories in colour. Brighten up Adding colour to your outfit is a brilliant way to brighten up what tend to be darker shades of winter fashion. Buttons, piping or

Duchamp socks for men Gallant, Thame £17

Vue Sur Mer Cashmere Hoody Brookes, Wendover: £187 Bobble Hats to match £62 even a statement lining works a treat for creating a dapper look. Pom poms Pom poms are Faux fur: £18 just everywhere Baban, Thame - on hats, as keyrings, on jumpers and scarves. The perfect way to update you look to stay on trend. Faux Fur So cosy and warm. Fur on hoods as well as in scarves and accessories is a sure fire way to add a touch of glamour to your winter wardrobe. And lots in colour too - as well as neutrals of grey, fawn and black there’s red, orange and moss shades, so something for everyone. Style it up Tweed is classic yet contemporary. A jacket for women or men is a great winter staple for warmth and style, or even just a simple addition of a tweed trim for that traditional touch. And it doesn’t have to be brown - lots of styles have a weave of colour through them, making them unusual and more current all at once.

Mala Alisha snood: Brookes, Wendover: £142

Wool work So many types of knitwear, all designed to keep out the cold. Merino wool soft to the

Sam Edelman grey suede boots, Brookes, Wendover: £165

touch and great for adapting to your body temperature. Cashmere of course is the ultimate in luxurious fabric soft to the touch and glamourous to boot. Pyjamas or a dressing gown in this sumptuous knit is a real indulgence.

And what about the feet? Practical Wellingtons, stylish over-the-knee boots and warm suede abound this winter. Team with soft socks to keep you toasty whilst out and about. Footwear is a great way to add a bit of personality to your outfit, whether in colour or a bold statement print. Something to remember for your own personal style (and one of my favourite quotes) - ‘Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.’ Oscar Wilde l Katy Dyer is an award-winning personal stylist and image consultant. Katy is skilled at helping people discover the confidence to change or develop their personal or professional style and image - whether for a new career, a new stage in your life, to completely reinvent your look, or just to find the right outfit for a special occasion. For more details visit: www.katydyer.com or email: katy@katydyer.com - Gift vouchers and experiences are available. Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

A B C AYLESBURY BULLION COMPANY The Family of Jewellers

11a, High St Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP20 1SH Tel:

01296 423198

Jewellery designed and produced to your specifications, or choose from our extensive range of new, secondhand and antique pieces. l Diamond merchants (certified stones always available) l Antique restorations l Hand engraving

l Valuations: insurance and (carried out on the premises) l Insurance claims advisors l Complete repair service

probate

Servicing of Rolex, Tag, Omega, Raymond Weil, Gucci etc. Batteries fitted and waterproof testing carried out on the premises. Top prices paid in cash for antique and modern jewellery, watches (especially Rolex), coins, gold, silver, platinum and scrap precious metals. Part exchange available.

11a High Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1SH

Tel: 01296 423198 www.aylesburybullion.co.uk

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Fashion sale starts Mon December 21st

Fashion, Jewellery, Gifts & Interiors

Lighting by Amber Bright Creations

ere’s wishing Vale Life readers a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year from all at White Hart Studio. We’ve had a fun year searching out exciting, stylish, fun and unique items to delight White Hart shoppers and have lots more planned for 2016. Our Chic Antiques have been going down a storm and our rather fab and unusual Amber Bright lights will be adding a glow to several local homes this festive season. Don’t forget ladies, our fashion sale begins on Monday, December 21st, so why not pop in and pick up a knock down bargain before Christmas! White Hart Studio, 15 Churchway, Haddenham, Bucks, HP17 8AB Tel: 01844 292308 Open Tue-Sat 10am-5pm & Sun 11am-4pm www.whitehartstudio.com

Open every day in December! Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun: 11am-4pm

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Column: Nicky Gregory‘Curious World’

Many a tear has to fall

he first mention of ‘Tear Bottles’ is found in the Old Testament, Psalm 56:8 which refers to collecting tears in a bottle when David prayed to God in 1020 BC, which predates the birth of Christ by over 1000 years. Lachrymatory, (‘lachrymose’ given easily to tears) or Tear Flasks were used by Roman mourners who would put small cups or glass bottles filled with their tears in the burial tombs as a symbol of respect. Middle Eastern societies used them in ancient times and still do today. The Victorians, who had a fascination with death, used them as an icon of grief and grieving. Mourners would catch their tears in a lachrymatory which had a special stopper and would slowly allow the tears to evaporate. Once the flask was empty the mourning period was over. The collectable Victorian Tear Flasks are usually long and slim, of clear or coloured decorated glass. Tear bottles are still used today

Nicky Gregory

Curious world

Wendover. Email your answers along with your name, address and contact telephone number to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Winner to be notified by email.

Above: Victorian Tear Flasks. Right, a Qajar 19th Century clear green glass tear catcher from Iran as symbolic gifts of emotion to catch tears of joy from occasions such as weddings and the birth of a child. The powerful symbolism continues to inspire poets, glass artists, musicians and writers. The object right was the Mystery Object for November - it is Fisherman’s Priest, for dispatching fish when caught! Some of the incorrect answers were – a skittle, a nutcracker, and a gavel. The January object is pictured far right and can be seen in the Antiques Centre. Can you guess

Fisherman’s Priest

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

what it is? The prize for the winner, chosen from the correct answers, is a £10 Gift Voucher for Antiques at

Mystery object

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 Shop, 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.

An etched Liqueur Decanter £48 James Dixon Plated Teapot C1880 £89 The Old Post Office, 25 High Street, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 625335 Email: antiques@antiquesatwendover.co.uk Website: www.antiquesatwendover.co.uk 32

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Make it a

Happy Christmas with 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

Column: Janice Issitt ‘Making the most of it’

Janice Issitt

Grown not flown

t’s no wonder your blooms don’t give you value for money considering what they have been through, being frozen and treated can result in them not opening properly and lacking in smell, let alone the time you can enjoy them for. So the pressure to have them fresh for your big day can be even more of a worry as flowers are so key to making a great wedding. Considering how we are all now more aware of our carbon footprint, it’s surprising then that we import so many flowers from Africa (rather than Europe) and even more surprising that we grow so few here in the UK. I’ve been looking around for sometime now for British flower farms and finally I have found our nearest one just outside of Milton Keynes. Not only do Field Gate Flowers in Lathbury grow all their own flowers but they are also top notch florists available for weddings, funerals and events. They provide a large range of services including workshops, deliveries and a subscription

Making the most of it

service. The story of how they started this business is really lovely, two families who didn’t know each other moved into the same village with an idea for growing food and flowers, this little seed of an idea has now blossomed into a thriving business where the flowers are grown in fields and poly tunnels around their homes (excuse the puns). The workshops, run from their summer-house, get booked up really fast and range from courses in how to grow your own flower patch, making a seasonal wreath and arranging flowers for different vases. I popped along to the latter

Pardon my English! A local dialect ‘Call My Bluff’ by Jacot de Boinod Can you guess the right definitions of the following words? 1) Vorights (Berkshire dialect) A) more on one side than on the other, ill-balanced, shaky B) opposite C) too much for a wheelbarrow but not enough for a cart 2) Tarblish (Berkshire dialect) A) ) the socket of a precious stone, ornament or jewel B) the leather strap to bind a hawk’s wing C) tolerable

3) Stolch (Hertfordshire dialect) A) to beat up batter for pudding B) to walk through mud or slush C) to grumble 4) Topping (Oxfordshire dialect) A) a tight-fitting cap tied under the chin, usually worn by children B) extremely good C) a large straw hat

and came away with some great ideas and techniques for making hand tied posies and tips on how to make flowers sit correctly in the vase. The vision of these two local families to re-establish the British flower industry is such a great one I urge you to consider supporting them, it makes sense on so many levels. As florists they have such great flexibility particularly in the less formal style of country garden and will go out of their way to

gather from nature the materials needed to bring your dreams to reality. Alternatively you can learn to arrange their flowers yourself, take your Mum along and put the personal touch into your event. Field Gate Flowers are just outside of Newport Pagnell and can be found at www.fieldgateflowers. co.uk and also on 01908 611189. Two other local florists who grow some of their own stock are Jacqueline Anne Florists/Penn's Flowers at Longwick (www. pennsflowers.co.uk) and Fullers Flowers (www.fullersflowers.co.uk) at Princes Risborough. l Read Janice’s blog at: http:// janiceissittlifestyle.blogspot.co.uk where she posts photo tutorials about things to make and lovely pictures of life in the Vale.

The Lily Pot Floristry for all occasions

l Bouquets and arrangements for any occasion: anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, Christmas... contemporary or traditional designs l Floral Tributes: Option for bereaved to assist in creating floral tributes for their loved ones l Children’s Parties: Combining nature with arts and crafts skills in a fun atmosphere l Seasonal workshops: see website for details and dates

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...

4 Lakeside, Watermead, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 0FX Tel: 01296 708095 / Mobile: 07538 296430 Email:info@thelilypot.co.uk Web: www.thelilypot.co.uk Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

ANSWERS: 1B) opposite. 2C) tolerable. 3B) to walk through mud or slush. 4B) extremely good.

Column: Stacey Astley-Clark ‘Good to give’

Feelgood way to get ahead

orget working late and sucking up to your boss. There’s an easier and far more fulfilling way to climb the career ladder: become a Trustee. Trustees are the driving force behind the Not-for-Profit sector, providing strategy, vision and leadership to charities. While the role is voluntary, research shows that Trustees are reaping the rewards, with a whopping 23% being promoted in their day jobs as a result of their board-leading experience. Despite this, one-in-five local organisations are crying out for new Trustees. How can this be so? In my opinion, the answer is simple - most people are completely unaware of their opportunity to lead a charity. Becoming a Trustee is an incredible way to make an active difference to a cause that really matters. And you don’t need a lot of time - around 30 hours per year

Trustees of The Art Fund discuss how money raised is best used to support museums and galleries

Stacey Astley-Clark

Good to give

is all that’s generally required. This role is more about ideas, vision and the drive to lead a Not-for-Profit into the future. Our CEO at Community Impact Bucks, Nick Phillips also serves as Trustee for numerous local charities. ‘Charities and community groups can no longer rely on grants to carry out their work and need to increase their commercial acumen; yet sadly, this is where many boards are lacking. There’s a perception

that Trusteeship is a retired persons’ game, but in fact, it’s the passion and energy of the working generation that lead charities to succeed. When you consider the career benefits and the fact that 82% of Trustees say the role has made them happier, the question is really ‘why would you NOT want to join a board?’ If you’re keen to learn more, please come along to our free Trustee Dating event on Monday 18th January at the Gateway in

Aylesbury. Enjoy a glass of wine and meet some of the charities that would love to have you on-board. RSVP via the ‘What’s on’ section on www.volunteeringbucks.org.uk l Stacey works for Community

Impact Bucks, a charity dedicated to creating a better life for the people of Buckinghamshire. Every year over 900 local voluntary groups rely on their support for funding, volunteers & crisis support. Their hotline is: 0300 1111 250 www.communityimpactbucks.org.uk

Tel: 01296 423233

‘When you want your flowers to be just perfect’

Innovative, contemporary and traditional designs w Weddings w Corporate w Special Occasions w Sympathy w w Birthday Parties w Plants w Presentation bouquets w w Plus Gifts, Chocolates, Soft Toys, Wine and Champagne w w Order online, in store or by phone w 43b Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, HP20 2NQ Tel: 01296 423233 Freephone: 0800 298 8514 Email: suesflowers2@hotmail.com

www.suesflowers.co.uk 34

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Column: ‘Kiss & tell’ with Tracy Kiss

A very merry Kissmas

his Christmas I set out to purchase and deliver £1,000 of food from local stores to feed the elderly and homeless of Aylesbury. With helpful food hampers packed into my modest hatchback, because apparently Rudolph and his trafficskimming sleigh were otherwise engaged, I headed off. Firstly I visited Age Concern Tracy donating food to Northall & District to provide Griffin Place Homeless Shelter a Christmas lunch to feed 40 complementary therapies and elderly people. There I met Peter group support for patients and Williams, who is chairman of the their families dealing with terminal charity, which supports elderly folk faced with social isolation, anxiety, illness. They now have plenty of afternoon teabags and every biscuit frailty and loss of independence. ever invented, along with a cheeky Next up we visited the Florence tipple too! Nightingale Hospice who had On to Griffin Place, a 24hr requested nibbles, drinks and service running a 105 unit snacks for their day patients and accommodation centre for homeless families. individuals and families who arrive The Day Hospice provides a with nothing and don’t know how sociable dining area, creative and long they will be staying. diversional therapies, one-to-one Being a single parent to my psychological and spiritual support,

Tracy Kiss

Kiss & tell

boxes too and fro to charities all afternoon I was left feeling so incredibly thankful for everything we have as a young family and I hope that you too will spare a thought, pocket of change or kind donation to those less fortunate this holiday season. Here’s wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Kisses! l Read Tracy’s blog at: www.tracykiss.com or follow her on: Twitter: @kisstracy4 Facebook: /TheTracyKiss

The Fremantle Trust enjoys national success

Time to celebrate

The Fremantle Trust, proud National winners:

Dementia Care Awards 2015 • Best dementia care manager • Best dignity in care champion • Best interior dementia design

Building Better Healthcare Awards 2015 • Best dementia care development

www.fremantletrust.org For exceptional care or to develop your career as part of a winning team, please call: 01296 393000

A company limited by guarantee. (Company No. 2722437). Incorporated in England. A registered charity and not for profit organisation. (Registration No. 1014986)

two children Millisent, 8yrs, and Gabriele, 3yrs, I know how stressful it can be making ends meet but thankfully we have always had a roof over our heads and a warm bed to sleep in. I can’t even begin to imagine how scared and alone these individuals and families must feel at such an uncertain time in their lives but I hope that a warm meal will bring them the strength and courage they need to carry on and get back on their feet Finally I visited Youth Concern Aylesbury which provides amenities for homeless young people who have nowhere to go and nobody else to turn to. Offering guidance, support, counselling and a safe and friendly environment for youths, the drop-in centre is a bright and energetic relief from the stresses of the outside world and their Nightstop Service provides emergency accommodation for up to seven days with a host family. Despite the blisters on my hands from lugging the plastic bags and

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

FT840

s a local care provider and charity, The Fremantle Trust consistently goes the extra mile when it comes to providing exceptional care. This was recognised in the Trust’s recent successes at the National Dementia Care Awards 2015, winning the Best Dementia Care Manager as well as the Best Dignity in Care Champion. The Trust scooped two national awards for the design of its homes; Mulberry Court in Chalfont St Peter, a care home specialising in dementia care, in the Best Interior Design category at the same event, and Fremantle Court nursing home in Stoke Mandeville, for Best Dementia Care Development at the Building Better Healthcare Awards 2015. Commenting on the charity’s success, Steve Flanagan, chief executive of The Fremantle Trust, said: “Everything we do at Fremantle is driven by a passion to create warm and welcoming home

Hazel Greenway (left) awarded Best Dementia Care Manager and Jodie Smiles (right), Best Dignity in Care Champion, both of Mulberry Court, Chalfont St Peter environments for people, enabling them to maintain independence while supporting their individual needs”. Mr Flanagan added “Investing in real career development for our teams is crucial so they benefit from continuous learning and the latest training, in order to provide the very best possible care.” For a rewarding career in care, please visit www.fremantletrust.org or call 01296 393000. Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

l Column: Catherine Stoker Learning process

Vale Life : Dec-Jan 2015/16

School choice can be a difficult decision Independent education consultant Catherine Stoker’s flags up the forthcoming Future Schools Fairs coming up in Oxford and Aylesbury as a useful aid in deciding on school choices ...

anuary brings to many, the time of making resolutions and a commitment to new beginnings. Many of us will have taken time over the Christmas and New Year holidays to reflect and make important decisions about pastures new. Coupled with this, now is often the time when prep school Heads start talking to year 5 and 6 parents to offer invaluable guidance and support regarding their future school choices, helping you plan for your child’s school transition at age 11 or 13. In my experience, this process often launches a minefield of parent worry and confusion. Suddenly everyone you meet at dinner parties or at the school gate becomes an expert on the best schools for your children. Allegiance to family traditions or first time buyer inexperience of what to expect and the process to follow, can be tricky to handle. I hardly dare mention the 11+ stress for both parents and

Catherine Stoker Learning process children in equal measure! Glossy brochures and fantastic websites are a great way to start your research. Listening to the guidance from your current school is also a must. They know your child well and can give you the most realistic assessment of their strengths and weaknesses and hence suggest schools for your consideration accordingly. Location, transport links, after school clubs, state or independent, day or boarding, single sex versus co-ed, academic level, strengths in music, drama or sport are all important factors to take into consideration when comparing options within your search area. Bearing all the above in mind you might like to consider coming along to

ages 11, 13 or even for sixth form at age 16. The events are free and places at this exclusive event are limited, so take action now and sign up now for your free tickets. It will be a day very well our newly launched Future Schools Fair spent. Visit the website for more details taking place in Oxford in September about dates and venues as well as 2016. Launched in conjunction to sign up for your free tickets: with Country Life Magazine, these www.futureschoolsfair.com regional events for parents offer a free, time saving, one stop shop to support school choices. Offering the l Catherine Stoker is Managing opportunities to meet schools face to Director of the Independent Education face to discuss your child as well as attend free seminars from leading senior Consultants (TIEC): educationalists from across the region, www.inpendenteducationconsultants.co.uk Call Claire on: 01865 522066 these events are a not to be missed occasion for any parent, who is starting or email her via; consultants@ to think about future school choices at independenteducationconsultants.co.uk

Ashfold sChool

“There’s something for every child here” The Good Schools Guide

A prep school for boys and girls aged 3 - 13 years

Open Morning Saturday 6 February 2016 10am – 12 noon Ashfold School Dorton House Dorton Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP18 9NG

36 Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16 ASH_VALE-ED_125-190L.indd

A leading independent prep school set in thirty stunning acres in the Buckinghamshire countryside. Scholarships available for children joining in Year 7. For more information, please contact Mrs Katrina Hartley Registrar E: registrar@ashfoldschool.co.uk T: 01844 238237 www.ashfoldschool.co.uk

04/12/2015 16:51

l Column: Read all about it! Book reviews by The Book House, Thame

Woodpiles, walks and fireside stories and a couple of fried breakfasts. A good hangover should always be a mystery to you. How did this happen? Why do you feel so ill?’ This handy little book should be solving a few problems this Christmas and New Year…

Winter is a season of nostalgia, and Ladybird Books have tapped into that vein with their series of humorous books aimed at adults - Series 999. The Ladybird Book of The Hangover has particular application to this season of goodwill - as page 1 testifies: ‘Sometimes, when we drink too much, we get a hangover. There is no cure for a hangover but it can be treated with a cup of strong coffee

Another quirky seasonal volume with many applications is Norwegian Wood - Chopping, Stacking and Drying Wood the Scandinavian Way by Lars Mytting. This does exactly what it says on the cover but in such a beguiling way! You don’t have to care about woodburning stoves or wood piles to find

this book fascinating. Next time you’re stacking a few logs, try and make them into a fish... Party-perfect Bites by Milli Taylor is full of recipes for delicious bitesized food which is as fabulous to look at as it is to eat. It should play a part in any celebration which ends with the mystery of a hangover... Following on from an evening of indulgence, what could be nicer than a brisk walk? A new book from The Chiltern Society 50 Great Walks in the Chilterns will guide you on your way. Finally, back home with a clear head, and a fire stoked with nice, dry (Scandinavian style) wood, what

Children love books!

could be better than to sit on the sofa with the children and share Fireside Stories – Tales for a Winter’s Eve by Caitlin Matthews and Helen Cann? This beautifully illustrated book radiates warmth from its cover and happiness from its pages. Your day is complete! l The Book House, 93 High

Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3HJ Tel: 01844 213032 anybook@thebookhousethame.co.uk www.thebookhousethame.co.uk Open Mon-Sat: 9am-5.30pm

r nt

Children Learning to Succeed

Maths & English Tuition Come and choose from the best children’s bookshop in the county:

THE BOOK HOUSE

in Aylesbury

Call for a FREE assessment! 07762 886 951 aylesburytown@firstclasslearning.co.uk

93 High Street, Thame, Oxon OX9 3HJ Tel: 01844 213032 Open Mondays-Saturdays 9am-5.30pm

Website: www.thebookhousethame.co.uk Email: anybook@thebookhousethame.co.uk We also sell books for grown-ups... and fantastic cards as well as gift stationery and toys. Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Column: Anna Webb‘Barking blonde’

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Are you ready to commit?

dog is for life, not just for Christmas” or so the famous slogan from The Dogs Trust reminds us every year. It’s a shame that despite being a ‘nation of animal lovers’ we need to be reminded that a dog is a life-long commitment. This year Dogs Trust alone has re-homed over 17,000 dogs nationwide. In addition all the rescues like Battersea Cats & Dogs Home are helping similar numbers. Our local Stokenchurch rescue is always brimful. The Blue Cross in Lewknor alone has re-homed over 570 dogs, cat, rabbits and horses this year. So why are so many pets abandoned? Christmas time doesn’t help. A lot of puppies and kittens are bought as ‘pawfect’ Christmas presents. Once the novelty has worn off tragically many of these ‘presents’ become nothing but an abandoned statistic. In this year’s Christmas

Prudence is ready for Christmas campaign, Dogs Trust aims to reveal why buying a puppy as a gift or as an impulse can end in tears. Here’s just a few of the real reasons why people have given up on their new puppy:

“ All he does is sleep”; He’s scared of tin foil”; He kept the children from revising for their GCSEs”; He got into the fridge and ate the banofee pie”; “He won’t fit in my handbag or wear the clothes I bought him.” Impulse shopping is part of today’s culture. Every dog expert will advise to do your research, never buy a pup online, and be prepared for what is like bringing a toddler into the home. I’ve just taken on a Miniature Bull Terrier pup, named Prudence. She’s the ‘hair of the dog’ cure to distract me from the death of my beloved Molly this year. My secure routine has been blown apart. Of course training features into every second of our daily routine. Trips into London for socialisation

Anna Webb

Barking blonde on the train, in the car, at new places, with people and dogs. A Christmas photo is always good place to start making training fun! For anyone truly committed to the notion of a puppy, the future will be bright indeed for 2016. l Combining a psychology degree with

‘Naturopathic Healthcare & Natural Nutrition’, Anna Webb offers doggy life-coaching, training, natural health and diet advice. Anna contributes expert advice on national radio and TV and cowrites a weekly blog for The Independent (Barking Blondes). Her book ‘Barking Blondes’ co-written with Joanne Good is out now (Hamlyn). www.annawebb.info www.crendoncanines.com

106xx out of the dog house a5 1pp 2 25/10/2013 10:40 Page 1

New Aylesbury store now open! Aylesbury 01296 706403 Winslow 01296 715697 www.uniquepets.co.uk Chamberlain Road, Aylesbury / High Street, Winslow

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Dog Listening is a simple non-confrontational method, for all bark excessively dogs,• through which you can address undesirable behaviours • display nervous, obsessive or aggressive and build a rewarding relationship with your dog. behaviour

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Call 01296 706403 or pop into shop to book your grooming appointment 38

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

The Wychert Way

by Cathy Soughton

inches high and were left to dry before the next layer was added. Houses and cottages tended to be rendered (with a breathable material to keep the wychert well ventilated) but walls were f you overindulge this Christmas generally left with the wychert exposed. and need to work off a few Originally the buildings would have pounds, one good way would be had thatched roofs (and some of the to walk The Wychert Way and walls thatched copings) but by the 20th take in some history en route. century they were generally replaced The Wychert Way is a 12 mile with clay tiles. circular fieldpath walk that passes The material has probably been close to Haddenham and several used for centuries and a number of other wychert villages in the Vale wychert buildings in the area date back of Aylesbury including Chearsley, to the 17th century and are now listed Cuddington, Dinton, Ford, Aston buildings. Haddenham Baptist and generally associated with overseas Sandford and Kingsey. It takes its Methodist chapels were both built of buildings such as adobe houses in name from wychert or witchert which wychert in 1809 and 1822 respectively New Mexico but in a few areas of means ‘white earth’ and is only found and are the tallest wychert buildings Britain the subsoil was suitable for in a short belt which runs from the that have survived whilst it was also Oxfordshire border northeast through construction, notably cob in the south used to build some grand Victorian west of England which is not dissimilar houses in the village. The material Haddenham to Aylesbury where the to wychert. subsoil is decayed Portland limestone continued to be used to build houses, In the area around Haddenham combined with clay, lime and small walls and farm buildings into the wychert was used to make many stones. When soaked in water and early 20th century but by then better mixed with chopped straw it produces buildings and walls. The technique used transportation had made bricks (which a high quality mixture which has similar consisted of building a stone plinth were easier and quicker to use) more known as a grumpling as a base to properties to lime concrete, provides readily available so the practice of excellent insulation and can be used to keep ground water from the wychert using wychert died out. produce organic shapes such as curved which could damage it. The wychert The Wychert Way passes very close was then built up in layers called walls. to Haddenham and can be accessed berries which were typically around 18 at various points near the village. If Structures made from earth are

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

a 12 mile walk is a bit daunting it can easily be walked in sections. It has been way-marked and grants made by Bucks County Council and the Haddenham Beer Festival Trustees have enabled “kissing-gates” to be installed which makes the path more accessible. More information on the way can be found at: www.wychert.org.uk. Various points of interest can be glimpsed along the route including the historic Notley Abbey which was originally founded as an Augustinian monastery in the 12th century, a dovecote (used for nesting doves) near the Abbey, Dinton Hall where one of King Charles I’s regicides Simon Mayne once lived and the imposing Tythrop House near Kingsey which was used in 1938 to house Basque children, refugees from the Spanish Civil War and subsequently Jewish children fleeing from Nazi Germany. l Cathy Soughton is a professional genealogist and architectural historian providing family history and house history research across the local area. Email: soughton@btopenworld.com Family History Gift Voucher A gift voucher for Family or House History research makes a great present. Contact Cathy on: 01296 624845 or see: www.bucksresearch.co.uk

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Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

l Column: Jonathan Vernon-Smith

Consumer Affairs

ticed? Do you need tognge, taffonordable Stunning desi nt customer prices and excelle with us… service. Stick

Award-winning BBC Three Counties presenter Jonathan Vernon-Smith extends his Consumer Hour to report for Vale Life Magazine on consumer issues that could effect you...

he internet has been with us since the mid 90s. Whilst it has of course brought some fantastic benefits to our lives, it has also created some absolute headaches as well. The fact the entire world is accessible from our homes is a wonderful thing, but it is worth noting that there are lots of internet companies out there, particularly those in other countries that can provide a less than desirable service. So how can you protect yourself against these companies, particularly when making purchases for Christmas? The most important thing you can do, is to of course avoid buying items from dodgy internet companies in the first place. It sounds simple, but you’d be amazed how many people still find some weird company online that nobody’s ever heard of and hand over hundreds of pounds. They are then amazed when they find themselves out of pocket without the goods they’ve ordered. Therefore, always make sure you research the internet company you are planning to buy from. Find out where they’re based, look for a UK telephone number, check reviews and complaints about them so you know exactly who you’re dealing with. Ensure that their delivery timeframe will ensure your gifts will arrive in plenty of time for Christmas. Make sure you’re paying a sensible price. If a company is selling an item at a ridiculously low price compared to all other companies, there’s usually a reason why. Often the items are fake. Over the years I’d dealt with my fair share of customers who thought they were getting a great deal with ‘Ugg boots’ or ‘GHD hair straighteners’, only 40

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

to find they’ve bought fakes from a company abroad. You should always pay for goods by credit card but particularly when buying over the internet. It is worth noting that you are not protected by the consumer credit act unless you’re paying over £100, but you’re still more likely to get your money back than debit card, cheque or bank transfer. I would go as far as to say you should NEVER buy goods from a company that asks you to transfer money directly into their account. If you decide you’re going to buy Christmas presents from an online auction site like ebay, it is worth familiarising yourself with their safety advice. You generally have fewer rights when buying goods in this way, particularly if they are second hand. Paying by paypal and ensuring that you NEVER collect items in person will go some way to protecting yourself. Only buy from highly rated sellers, based in the UK. It is worth remembering that when you buy brand new items over the internet, you are protected by the distance selling regulations. Because you haven’t had the chance to see the item in the flesh, you have 7 days from delivery to change your mind and send it back for a full refund. Unless the company specifies their returns postage policy, then they are liable for the postage too. Make sure you order things online in plenty of time to allow for this, after all, you don’t want unhappy friends and relatives whose presents are NOT under the tree. l Listen to The JVS Show

weekday mornings from 9am on BBC Three Counties Radio: www.bbc.co.uk/threecountiesradio

spread the word…

01296 423769

julie@jamtasticdesign.co.uk

Column: Small World with Robyn Bourne

Greasing the wheels

seem to spend a lot of my Fridays meeting with MPs. It is their day for being in their constituency and the ideal opportunity for FSB members to be able to put their issues to them directly. We try to operate meetings in a way that works for everyone. We limit numbers to 15 and are seated around one table enjoying a meal. For me this works perfectly as an informal, but really productive, way of having discussions that matter and can make an impact on the views that an MP has on how small businesses operate and the issues to overcome. We are not ‘talked at’ by the MP, rather an engaging dialogue between a room full of people enjoying some food and interaction on subjects of mutual interest is taking place. Testament to the fact the MPs find them of benefit is the fact that they come back year after year for more. During this time they also contact me asking for help, passing constituents that have a small business related issue to me or

asking if they can be involved with a campaign that the FSB is running. They are happy to sponsor events for us in Westminster and will respond quickly when I put them in touch with a constituent who has an issue that they might be able to help with. I am keen to establish

the FSB as the experts in business that we are, but the majority of MPs are already fully on board with the FSB, small businesses and wanting to help and make a difference if they can. Members also go away with a different perspective, both of MPs and the FSB. We are frequently told that these are meetings where the member actually gets something positive to take home. Be it intervention on an issue that they have; to see an MP from a

different point of view rather than a press portrayal; or what being a member of the FSB can help them with. This is tangible and can make a difference to someone running their own business. It is amazing what comes out of these meetings. Just one example; yesterday at breakfast a member was discussing late payment, a topic that crops up a lot at these meetings. Larger companies forcing their completely unreasonable payment terms on small businesses that can least afford it. This business was owed over £100,000 by a large ‘household name’ company. It was suggested that they could get payment immediately if they ‘offered’ a 10% discount on their invoice otherwise they would just have to wait up to 120 days. This can cripple a business. The MP we met suggested he table a Westminster Hall debate, that the FSB gather case studies for him to use to ‘name and shame’, that we work with neighbouring MPs for more effect and that we take action now. This is exactly

Robyn Bourne Small World

what we shall do, and how the FSB across the country helps MPs on a regular basis. We can provide the case studies to give weight to the argument and hopefully bring about a change for small businesses country wide. Not a bad start to a Friday and definitely worth the 5am wake up. l Robyn Bourne is Development Manager for the Thames Valley region of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) supporting 7,500 local members. The FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in government and aims to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions. www.fsb.org.uk

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We can be the boot camp leader you need and take it all off your hands while you focus on driving your business forward. Make 2016 the year you get off to a flying start by investing in some much-needed administrative support!

www.sanderumcentre.co.uk hello@sanderumcentre.co.uk 01844 211080 ▪ serviced offices ▪ virtual offices ▪ meeting rooms Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Column: Down to business with Philippa Batting

Make your presence felt

magine your business not having a shop window, or refusing to advertise it in the place where most people go. Imagine turning down a place in a £164 billion marketplace. What you are imagining is your business not having a website. Sadly, this is a reality for many businesses. In fact there are two million sole traders and small firms in the UK that have no online presence at all, according to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). This means that many businesses are effectively hiding themselves from potential customers - but it doesn’t have to be this way. The recent Buckinghamshire Digital Summit held at the new University Campus Aylesbury Vale (UCAV) brought the digital revolution straight to the heart of business. It was important to Buckinghamshire Business First to organise this event in order that digital experts could speak directly to businesses with advice on things like how to utilise websites and

Zest Digital Managing Director, Alex Minchin, speaking on the Rise Of Mobile at the Bucks Digital Summit social media to increase sales and visibility with customers, create mobile-friendly websites and use technology to work remotely. The digital revolution is not new, as anyone who has followed the ‘Black Friday’ and ‘Cyber Monday’ trends in recent years knows. UK consumers set a new single-day internet retail record on Friday 27 November with sales of £1.1billion, up a third on last year’s figure. ‘Cyber Monday’ on 30th November was estimated to have produced

nearly £1billion in sales too. It isn’t just one-off days in the calendar that send online sales through the roof - a fifth of money spent on non-food items throughout the year is now spent online. As consumers increasingly live their lives and spend their money online, businesses need to adapt to ensure they are where their customers are. With UK website sales now worth £164 billion annually and search engines and online reviews overtaking word of mouth as consumers’ decisionmaking tool of choice, can any business owner really imagine not having a website anymore? Remember that a website worth its salt will also have to be mobilefriendly as mobile is overtaking computer as the predominant platform for users. This isn’t as difficult as it may sound and with the vast majority of websites incompatible with mobile devices at the moment you can jump ahead of your competitors by doing so. In order to be found by more customers, to make more sales, to

Philippa Batting Down to business

increase the quality of customer service and to improve credibility a business must have a website. So what’s stopping you? Are there barriers in your way that you feel are insurmountable in getting a website? Buckinghamshire Business First can provide advice and support that will help you join the digital revolution. Please get in touch with us at BusinessSupport@bbf.uk.com or on 01494 568941. l Philippa Batting is MD of Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF). Based in Saunderton, BBF works to support and facilitate success within the business community and to create a dynamic environment in which local business can flourish. Membership is free - visit: www.bbf.uk.com for more details.

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Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

l Column: Katy Brown - mix96

Win a Rachael Clegg calendar

P Mix96 Breakfast DJ Katy Brown shares a little of her life in local radio...

hristmas is well and truly upon us and for some reason I’m a bit slow on picking up the pace this year. So today I thought I’ll get my sparkly Christmas jumper on, flick a Christmas movie on tonight whilst decorating the tree and hit the (online!) shops over the weekend to order some presents. That ought to get me into the Christmas spirit! But where to start with presents from Santa? Especially when you have three nephews and two nieces to buy for! It’s easy to get overwhelmed with gift buying at Christmas, particularly for children, but I came across a really interesting article doing the rounds on social media a week or so ago called the ‘Four Present Rule.’ This is where you’re challenged to stick to 4 gift categories - something to wear, something to read, something they want and something they need. The idea is, of course, to cut down on the massive expense of the holidays by scaling back a little on those stockings that are brimming with gifts - heck, if I could apply this to the husband and dog too it could save me a small fortune! The average UK child owns

51 toys but only plays with 5 on a regular basis. However, some less privileged children don’t even receive one present at Christmas not a single gift. This could be down to a whole host of reasons: perhaps they are homeless, maybe they’re in a refuge or simply their parents just aren’t in a financial position to buy them one. This is why the Mix96 Toy Appeal is so special. Each and every year Mix96 ask our listeners to buy one extra gift and donate it to our appeal - imagine what a difference that one wrapped up precious toy will make to a child facing a really difficult time. So here’s my own personal challenge to you - can you stick to The Five Gift Rule this year - all of the above, plus one for a really deserving child? If you can, we’d be so grateful and can’t thank you enough. To find out more about the Mix96 Toy Appeal, the drop off points and the charities who benefit from your generosity, go to www.mix96.co.uk. Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year ahead. l Catch Katy on air weekdays from 6am-9am on 96.2fm www.mix96.co.uk

irelli has ditched the semi naked supermodels for its 2016 calendar and Playboy’s kissed goodbye to its nude centrefold. The trend, it seems, is to keep your kit on - not take it off. That is, unless you’re an eccentric history buff with a penchant for the female form and very famous race circuits. Enter Rachael Clegg, an artist and journalist from Rochdale, whose calendars have become something of a cult in the motorsport world. Clegg’s images are carefullycomposed surreal art nude ‘happenings’, each recreating an event in history. In her latest calendar, each month is a tale about the most dangerous purposebuilt race circuit in the world: the Nürburgring. Der Grüne Himmel: A Nürburgring Calendar, took much planning and research, including interviews with Sir Stirling Moss and Derek Bell. The title translates as ‘the Green Heaven’ - Sir Jackie Stewart called the circuit ‘the Green

Hell’, which Clegg believes a misnomer, given the circuit’s stunning vistas and sweeping bends. If you’d like to be in with the chance of winning a copy of Rachael’s calendar, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@ vale-life.co.uk Which country is the Nürburgring racing circuit in ? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Jan 20th, 2016. l www.rachaelclegg.com

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Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Step inside by Polly Gibbs

The Winter Luxe Edit

A luxury special with all the trimmings. Be inspired by a specially curated mix of the latest Winter White and Gold products from the luxury end of the market.....

here’s nothing like the festive period to make us hanker after luxurious items from cashmere and (faux) fur to diamonds and gold, so I’ve gone all bling with this feature. Inspired by luxury, it’s unapologetically full on, indulgent, opulent and glamorous with a price tag to match… you’ve been warned…

The gold revival continues bringing a warm and seductive charm to interiors that’s particularly uplifting during winter months. Team it with white and you have a magical combination - here are my favourite slices of luxe right now: Boca do Lobo’s Soho modern sideboard, right, is an exquisite work of art and one of

White & Gold collection by Koket 44

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Polly Gibbs

Step inside

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

the best sellers and icons of the brand. Each piece requires joinery, marquetry, carving, glass work, lacquering, application of gold leaf, foundry and varnishing, which goes some way to explaining the circa £7,431 price tag. Also from Boco do Lobo, the Lapiaz table - top of opposite page - takes its name from the rugged, weathered limestone surface and deep crevices found in Karst on the Dalmation coast. The unexpected mix of polished brass, mirror and lacquer make this a beautiful statement piece. (From £3,448 | Boco do Lobo). Luxury brand Koket has mixed exquisite white fabrics with shimmering crystals and gold for their latest collection (see left). Their Spellbound high gloss white cabinet has a feminine beauty with its overlaid lace pattern Continued on page 46

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

N S TA L • I L

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• ST O

Lapiaz coffee table by Boco do Lobo

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Step inside by Polly Gibbs

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Heal’s Brunel range SS16 featuring Samsung Mini Serif TV

Charles Huntington Flooring •Expert Advice •Professional Fitting •Very Competitive for Residential and Commercial work •Carpets to suit all Budgets •Free Quotes •No Obligation •Free Parking

Continued from page 44 in aged brass and their Eternity chandelier is stunning. Swarovski crystals are individually enveloped in gold rings that cast a majestic sparkle that’s simply magical. (Spellbound Cabinet £13,390 | Eternity Chandelier £8,340 | Koket). Everyone loves a new bike right, so here’s a luxury model for the discerning cyclist. It’s made from white coated stainless steel with copper mud guards and a laser cut chain protector will tell everyone you are riding a DelightFull bicycle. (From £1410 | DelightFull). An interior designers bug-bare •Expert Adviceis the humble TV, an essential element that none •Professional Fitting of us like to admit is the main focal point Competitive in a living room.•Very We designers spend hours conjuring up imaginative ways to ‘hide’ for Residential andit by drawing the eye to other elements in the Commercial work room. But interior designers and TV lovers to suit Serif all TV rejoice; the new •Carpets design-led Samsung Budgets in white (obvs) might just be the solution. It’s creators the Bouroullec brothers have worked •Free Quotes for design legends Alessi and Vitra, and •No Obligation their objective was to design a TV that isn’t •Freeor Parking dominant, masculine oversized. Instead it is subtle, functional and beautiful, blending into the room with stylish efficiency. The ‘I’

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Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

comforts

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Step inside by Polly Gibbs Virgin Bike by DelightFull

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design when viewed in profile is inspired by serif typography, these are fonts with decorative lines to embellish the basic letter, the most common being Times New Roman - this article is mostly in Garamond. (Sans Serif fonts are without serifs, e.g. Arial). While it does retain a slim appearance the Serif TV is absolutely designed to be seen, bucking the ‘thin’ trend, offering a retro aesthetic that makes it more like a piece of mid-century furniture when combined with its legs. The lifestyle blend continues

via the ‘curtain mode’, a screen filter that incorporates a clock, apps and Bluetooth speakers. I really, really like this product and think it has all the hallmarks of becoming a design icon and its available at a really accessible price! (Available in three sizes. From £499 | Heal’s). l Polly is an award-winning designer, Decorex100 Interiors Influencer and Amara Interiors Blog Award Finalist. Discover her blog at: www.coco-design.co.uk/blog

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Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

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Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Vale of Aylesbury Housing is committed to supporting its communities and improving lives. It does this through working with partners, local charities and businesses on a range of initiatives; read on for more about two shining examples of this approach in action...

ale of Aylesbury Housing (the Trust) has been teaming up with partners, local charities and businesses for several years now. Here are just two of the many projects that are already improving local lives. The Mix96 Community Challenge For the third year running, the Trust has teamed up with local radio station Mix96, on its Community Challenge. The Challenge aims to help charities, or non-profit organisations in Buckinghamshire, fulfil a dream that will enhance the services they provide to local people and help bring the community together. Andrew Rysdale, Head of Asset Management at the Trust, says: “The Mix96 Community Challenge receives many great and worthwhile applications each year. Each one of them are worthy winners, so it is very hard to choose just one who will receive £2000 worth of labour and materials.” In September, Mix96 announced live on air that Stocklake Park School (including Harding House) and the school Stocklake Park School Sensory Room charity MASKS, were the deserved winners for 2016. difference to all our students as it will Representatives from the Trust give them access to a wide range of have since met with Gill Mullis, Head of activities throughout the year. School, to go through the schools wish list. “Support from local businesses and the Gill said: “We’d like to add a lick of paint community is really important to us as to our wooden playground equipment as well equipment for children who have a number as create lots of outside distinct learning areas and range of special and sensory needs is very that all students, irrespective of their learning expensive. We are extremely grateful for all difficulties, can participate in. We also have the help we receive.” an indoor sensory room, which really needs a The Trust will work alongside local facelift. partners including Travis Perkins to carry out “The transformation will make a huge

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Stocklake Park School outside area

Stocklake Park School outside area the transformation. Andrew Rysdale said: “We work with a range of contractors so we have extensive skill sets and materials available to us. It is an excellent opportunity for our employees to get involved so they too can make a real positive impact to the project. “We can certainly carry out the majority of tasks the school would like. My team and I now need to liaise with our colleagues and

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Liam Ball contractors to ascertain what we are able to do within the given budget. “This is a really exciting project to be a part of. My vision is that there will be quite a dramatic change over the next few months. I’m really eager to get started.” Gill continues: “We are really looking forward to seeing the student’s faces when they start using the brand new areas. I know that this fresh learning environment will really contribute to the quality of the teaching and students’ learning experiences.” The transformation work will commence in early spring 2016. To find out how this year’s Community Challenge is coming along, please visit www.vaht.co.uk. A look back over the years: The first ever Challenge transformed an unused area at the back of Pebblebrook School, Aylesbury into an urban farm, complete with chickens and rabbits. The farm was even integrated into the pupils’ curriculum providing them with the opportunity to gain a qualification. Rainbow Totz and The Gap Youth Group based at Aylesbury Vale Community Church were the proud winners of the second Challenge and received a newly refurbished kitchen area; vital to the operation of the two groups.

Tamiya Mould Traineeships with Aylesbury College The Trust is currently working in partnership with Aylesbury College to give three students aged between 16 and 19 the opportunity to work for the social housing landlord for six months as trainees. Dean Gill, Director of Property and Development at the Trust said: “Our Traineeship offers an education and training programme that is focussed on giving young people the skills and experience that employers are looking for. It can often be seen as a precursor to an apprenticeship, which the Trust are already great advocates of.” The Trust identified a number of areas around the business where it could provide trainee positions. These were within its People and Performance directorate (which incorporates Stakeholder Engagement, Employee Engagement, HR, Business Improvement and Facilities) and its Property and Development directorate - in particular the Development and Asset Management departments. Dean continues: “We held a selection day at the College with Trust mentors of each of the above positions and I am delighted to announce that we successfully chose the three trainees pictured above: Tamiya Mould - Trainee Business Administrator, People and Performance

Morgan Gilson-Banks Morgan Gilson-Banks - Trainee Business Administrator, Development Liam Ball - Trainee Building Surveyor, Asset Management “We are delighted with our trainees. They are engaged, have shown real enthusiasm and are hungry to learn. “We are real supporters of this type of initiative as it enables us to give young people great opportunities and new responsibilities, offer a route to harness fresh talent and help bridge the skills shortage gap.” Trainee Business Administrator Tamiya Mould says: “I wanted to start gaining experience of working while still at College and now I feel like I am getting the best of both worlds. I am learning a lot at the Trust, the work is varied and interesting and I am getting to meet some really great people. I am really enjoying my time here. I would highly recommend a Traineeship as an ideal way to start your career.” If you are interested in finding out more about our Traineeships, please contact Sarah Smith, PA to the Director to Property and Development at the Trust, on 01296 732600. l Vale of Aylesbury Housing, Fairfax House, 69 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2NJ Tel: 01296 732600 Email: contact@vaht.co.uk Website: www.vaht.co.uk

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Real Living

Last minute Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

by Charlotte Bolton

Christmas preparations

Real Living

Charlotte Bolton

Whether you’re got people staying for the big day itself - or over the New Year period - with only a few days left, now’s the time to turn your attention to getting your guest room ready for visitors, creating the perfect tranquil space… hopefully... The planning… There are so many things to remember in the run up to the festive period that making time to accommodate overnight guests can often be left to the last moment. But spend an hour or two getting your spare room ready in advance and it’ll not only save you last minute stress when Christmas approaches but leave your visitors feeling pampered and welcome. Decluttering the space… If you have a spare room or are using one of your own bedrooms, start by clearing out the clutter. It’s never an easy task, but if you invest in a few storage boxes, you can hide bits and bobs you want to keep, and it will give you the chance to get rid of anything you no longer need. Use vacuum bags to tidy away spare clothes, bed linen and towels, and use space under the bed or on top of cupboards. You could also invest in a few plain cardboard or canvas boxes, go for the same size and colour to keep it looking stylish and consistent. If you need to have access to some of the boxes, while your guest are there, make labels – you don’t want to forget where those emergency presents are hidden! Setting the scene… With the hardest bit over, you can enjoy getting the bedroom ready for visitors. If your budget allows, buy some new bed linen to complement the scheme - plain designs are ideal as they can be used in other bedrooms afterwards. You could always add a patterned cushion for a splash of colour and turn up the comfort factor with a snugly throw or two. A foldaway suitcase rack is also a practical 50

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Above: Create a hotel feel with smart bed linen and comfy cushions. Shelves or bedside tables by the bed are handy for lamps and flowers, while vintage-style trunks are a smart way to stow clutter. Right: Make a guest bedroom extra welcoming with soft bedding and cosy cushions - a pretty vase of flowers will also add colour and warmth to the room. storage solution for your guests’ luggage, encouraging them to unpack and make themselves at home. Do a quick check for practical details; make sure bedside lamps have bulbs and are working properly, add any missing curtains hooks, bleed radiators and of course give the room a once over with the duster! Finishing touches… To go that extra mile, why not add a small

Blackthorn (Blackthorn & Artemis)

Five key buys for guest bedrooms 1) STORE IT AWAY: Left, Suitcase/luggage stand, £45, www.aplaceforeverything.co.uk 2) EARLY RISER: Right, Breakfast in Bed Tray, £50, The White Company. 3) GLITZ & GLAM: Right, Cotton flourish beaded/embroidered cushion, £16, Next.

Luggage stand

5) HOTEL CHIC: Below, Laurel table lamp, £70, Bhs.

Put out coat hangers for your guests’ Make sure your guests are extra comfortable with things they might need clothes or clear some space in a cupboard for storage to hand, such as fresh drinking water

basket with mini toiletries for your guests? A hook or coat hanger or two is always handy for coats or clothes, and you could add a spare dressing gown and slippers to really make them feel at home. A vase of flowers, a hot water bottle and a carafe with water and glasses will all

make your guests feel cared for. And since its Christmas, why not drape a stocking at the end of the bed just for fun? Then, you’re all set for the entertaining to begin!

4) SNUGGLE DOWN: Right, Faux-fur throw, £33.99, The Range.

l Contact Charlotte at: www.reallivingspaces.co.uk or email: cjb@charlottebolton.com

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Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

vale_life_advert_Layout 1 21/07/2014 15:54 Page 1

Stoneworld the stone experts

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Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

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01865 361505 www.manorhousestoves.co.uk Featured stoves from JØtul Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

l Column ‘In the Garden’ with

Naomi MacKay

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Planning to do better next year!

his year the garden does not look as I hoped it would - we’ve just run out of time to do anything more than the minimum to keep it in check. As a garden writer the irony never fails to hit me - at the time when my garden needs me most, I am up to my eyes in preparing for and covering the big garden shows, and by the time I get to tend to my own plot it has paid the price for my attention going elsewhere! However, over the winter, life gets a little less busy, and I’m hoping to spend some of the down time over the Christmas holidays getting some gardening work done - and do some planning for the year ahead. I love poring over the garden catalogues and gathering my collection of seeds together ready for the new year ahead. This is the time to really think about where you want your garden to go over the next few years. Ask some questions: Are you happy with the layout? Do you need more space for plants or veg, or, if like me you’re struggling to find

Curved seating feature at last year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show the time to get in the garden, do you need to cut down on borders and introduce some more lowmaintenance areas?

Low-maintenance needn’t mean less colour. You could pave or gravel over a planted area, and create a pot-based display instead - perfect

if you no longer have the time or energy to dig and weed. Yes, it will need more watering, but you could set up an irrigation system to take

Le Chameau Ceres Neo Handmade Boots £130

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ce Tool Kit £120

(Age 2 1/2+) John Deere Children’s Pedal Tractor & Trailer £60

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Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

/FarolLtd @FarolLtd +FarolLtd

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Winter gardening jobs In between planning your newlook garden, don’t forget to take care of the one you have! We’ve been really lucky so far with the weather – it’s been pretty mild with little in the way of harsh frosts. So if you haven’t managed to wrap your garden up for winter, get on it now and ensure it’s protected from winds, frosts and rain. If you have a heated greenhouse, make sure you keep an eye on the temperature – and if the weather is a little milder, ventilate it carefully to care of that for you - ask at the garden centre for advice. Now is also a good time to decide on any hard landscaping, fencing or garden building projects you’d like to start. I would love to create something inspired by the curved edges on this seating area and water feature from last year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. You’ll find some good deals at this time of year on garden furniture and hard landscaping products, and starting

avoid condensation. If you have any plants that are particularly sensitive, make sure they are well away from draughts. Wrap any non frost-proof containers in bubble wrap, fleece or hession so they don’t crack. Tender plants that are kept outside will need a covering of fleece. Put pot feet under containers on the patio to stop them getting waterlogged. Check tree stakes are firm and haven’t been dislodged by high winds. work before the garden springs into life is much easier than having to cut back shrubs and borders when they’re in full growth. l Naomi Mackay is a freelance journalist and publisher of a website for parents of primary-aged boys at www.itsaboything.net. She also helps small businesses with blogs, social media and anything else that needs words! You can contact her at: naomimackay@gmail.com

New for 2016 Hebes are incredibly versatile, evergreen shrubs, that offer foliage colour in winter and flower spikes, usually in shades of blue, purple, pink and white. They hail from New Zealand and are good at coping with most soil types. Bransford Webbs has been producing hebes for the past 25 years. Hebe ‘Rosie’ was the first one – bred by company founder John Tooby, and named after his granddaughter, Rosie – both of whom featured on the label. The company has been responsible for introducing a number of new hebes to UK gardens – including ‘Purple Pixie’ and ‘Pink Pixie’ which you’ll have seen in garden centres in their respective purple and pink pots. For 2016, it is introducing Hebe ‘Red Wine’ and ‘Summer Drinks’ - a collection of eight different varieties.

Hebe Pink Pixie

Hebe White Spritzer part of the new Hebe Summer Drinks range

Telephone: 01844 208401 Mobile: 07732 329118 Email: info@landmarkgardendesign.com Website: www.landmarkgardendesign.com

SAME DAY SKIP HIRE & GRAB SERVICE

The professional design and build service for residential and commercial property

Providing skips in your area since 1997 From fence panels and back door steps, to complete garden redesigns with paving, turfing, excavations, retaining walls and planting, driveways, patios, decking, water features, ponds...

Vacancies for hard landscaper and skilled labourers - contact Rodney on: 07732 329118

We recycle over 95% of waste Call: 01296 651678 Licensed by The Environment Agency EPR/BB3634RA Licensed Waste Carrier CB/YE5439CV Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

l Column: Jacqui

Thorndyke ‘Foodie On Tour’

Tuck in to Christmas!

s a food lover Christmas must involve oodles and oodles of glorious festive eats and drinks. And I’m literally like a kid in a candy shop this year - having managed to be pregnant for two of the last four - I’ve been planning menus and aiming to go all out this time!

Here are my must haves for the festive season. Booze - port and prosecco to be precise. A Christmas Day spent cooking is best done slightly tipsy, don’t get too ‘happy’ though or you’ll burn the dinner and end up with your face in the trifle after an argument with Aunty Gladys. Add some orange juice to the prosecco for pre noon mimosas, au natural with dinner, then a port or two with a cheese plate in the evening. Do Baked Camembert - Oh how I coveted this while growing tiny humans. Last time around I found out I was pregnant about a week before Christmas, and having already planned a big family feast had to watch on while everyone

Open: Tue: 6pm-11pm Wed-Thur: 11.30am-2.30pm & 6pm-11pm Fri: 11am-2.30pm & 5.30pm-11pm Sat: 11.30am-3pm & 5.30pm-11pm Sun: 11.30am-5pm

interesting cheddar should do the trick. Serve up with some great bread, grapes, nuts or some quality cheese biscuits. Don’t forget to take the cheese out of the fridge a little while before serving.

Baked Camembert else enjoyed that round, oozy, dairy delight. Buy the boxed variety, take off the top lid and peel open the greaseproof paper, then spike with rosemary and garlic, drizzle with olive oil and bake in the oven for 15 minutes at 180*C. Enjoy with crusty bread, crudités and anything else you fancy dipping in. Cheese board - Christmas dinner is a great excuse to go out and buy a brilliant selection of cheeses you might never try otherwise. What’s Cooking, Thame, Orchard View Farm,Beechwood Fine Foods, Tring and No2 Pound Street, Wendover are all perfect places to pick out a few choice cheeses - a simple selection of a blue, a soft, and an

Meat - I’m a big fan of these options for Christmas; whole roast duck, rib of beef, or three bind roast. If you’re catering for a large party then maybe all three! Whatever you decide though, get it from a decent local butcher, that way you can guarantee brilliant local produce and more often than not, cheaper than a supermarket. Get the best quality you can afford, free range if possible. Then there’s also pigs in blankets and pates to bring to the mix too. Stretchy pants ahoy! Vegetables - There had better be parsnips and there had better be sprouts. And lots of them. Christmas dinner is guaranteed to bring on the meat sweats (unless you’re vegetarian), so don’t skimp on the veg. The stars of the show though have to be the roast potatoes, make them extra special and roast them

Jacqui Thorndyke

up in some goose fat and fresh herbs for a beautiful crispy shell. Party Food and Snacks - Now this is where you can seriously go to town. Crisps, wheat-based snacks, biscuits, canapés, chocolates, chips ’n’ dips, MINT CHOCOLATES (none of that Terry’s Chocolate Orange nonsense though, ew). The snack choices are simply endless. So there you have it, my perfect Christmas chow down. Now where’s that gym membership card again? l For local food and restaurant reviews and recommendations, visit www.foodieontour.co.uk, or follow Jacqui on Twitter @FoodieOnTour. Email: foodieontour@yahoo.co.uk

4 Pound Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6EJ Tel: 01296 622092 katrina@trescorazones.co.uk

Now open in Wendover: Tapas Bar & Restaurant · Wine Bar · Par ties · Functions · Meetings

NEW: Paella Sunday - no need to book! Choose from Rabbit, Seafood, Chicken or Lobster.

Merr y Christmas and our ver y best wishes for a Happy and Prosperous New Year! Thank you for suppor ting Tres Corazonas during our fir st few weeks. It’s been an amazing time. We only opened in September but we have been so busy we’ve hardly had time to think! We’ve met so many lovely people though and ever yone seems in a real par ty mood at the moment, so we will just keep the food and drinks coming and join in the festivities when we can! We have been getting quite booked up in the evenings, so please phone ahead to reser ve a table - we are booking now for New Year’s Eve and for Valentine’s - yes I know - but it will be here sooner than you can say ‘Potatas Bravas por favore!’ Our new website will be going live soon at: www.trescorazones.co.uk and you can keep up with what is going on here by following us on Facebook and Twitter - or just pop in for a drink or a bite. Thanks again, take care and Santé - Katrina and the Tres Corazonas team.

www.trescorazones.co.uk | www.facebook.com/TresCorazonesLimited 56

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Win a fabulous 3 course meal for 2 at The Pointer

he Pointer at Brill and Head Chef Mini Patel are not only serving fantastic, seasonal British food, utilising local produce from The Pointer’s own farm and butchery, but have been recognised with two AA Rosettes for their efforts. In The Pointer restaurant. Mini’s menus change daily and are founded on carefully sourced produce and simple British classics with creative twists, all cooked and presented beautifully. Expect dishes such as: Cream of Pointer Farm asparagus with poached pheasant egg and garden chives; Dressed Organic tomatoes with buffalo mozzarella, wild garlic and lemon oil; David King’s Ludgershall Lamb Rump with clamped Cheltenham beetroot, Jerusalem artichokes, sheep’s curd and grilled spring onions; Pointer Estate poached outdoor rhubarb with ginger and pear; and leafy lemon posset with ruby grapefruit and Pointer Farm mint. Alongside the food menu is an extensive and thoughtfully selected

wine list, specialising in British and European wines with organic options also available. It’s a pretty pub and the restaurant sports an elegant vaulted ceiling, oak beams, white washed walls, antique Ercol chairs and intricate farm animal paintings by Robert Clarke. Wherever possible, produce comes from The Pointer’s own farm - beef from the very best free range English Longhorn cattle and pork from the

farm’s rare bread Middle White pigs. Vegetables and kitchen garden herbs are grown to keep the kitchen well stocked with the freshest produce. Any additional food is sourced, as much as possible, from the surrounding area and promises to be free-range, sustainable and fresh. The pub serves a paired down version of the restaurant menu and is open seven days a week, being at the heart of the local Brill community.

The menu changes daily with Pointer classics scattered throughout including The Pointer Farm Longhorn Burger – Brioche bun, wholegrain mustard mayonnaise, Hereford Hop cheese, bacon, skinny fries and salad. The bar offers a great range of local and national real ales including a rather pleasant collaboration with the local XT Brewery ‘Pointer Pint’ which is served on tap. If you’d like to be in with the chance of winning a three course meal for two with bottle of house wine at The Pointer, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Who is The Pointer’s Head Chef? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Jan 20th, 2015. l The Pointer, 27 Church Street, Brill, Buckinghamshire, HP18 9RT Tel: 01844 238339 Email: info@thepointerbrill.com Web: www.thepointerbrill.co.uk www.facebook.com/ThePointerBrill

The Bell is a delightful 17th century pub in the pretty village of Hardwick near Aylesbury. Lovingly restored and refurbished it is now an inviting place to enjoy a drink or choose from a wide range of freshly prepared, home-cooked food.

The ever-changing seasonal menu offers delicious light snacks and meals at lunchtime, to a full menu in the evening, all served in a friendly, relaxing and informal pub atmosphere. Our chefs are adding options which are gluten, dairy and sugar free along with vegan specials so all can eat with confidence. A separate dining room and heated marquee in the courtyard are available for parties and functions. Our experienced chefs now also offer external catering, with ‘free-from’ cuisine a speciality. l

Open for food every day except Sunday evening

The Bell at Hardwick, Lower Road, Hardwick, Buckinghamshire, HP22 4DZ | Tel: 01296 640005 | Web: www.thebellathardwick.co.uk Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Stay Warm This Winter!

Welcome... Eat Well, Laugh Much, Drink Often...

Welcome...

Dry Logs

Andy and Emma welcome you to The Boot, modern country pub and eating house, in the heart of the picturesque Chiltern Hills.

Prompt Delivery

Pick Up Only

Pre-Packed Coal

Enjoy fresh, locally produced food, local ales and fabulous wines. Our chef creates exciting dishes suitable for all tastebuds, so families can dine in style.

For Open Fires & Multifuel Stoves

Visit Us For:

Christmas bookings now being taken Christmas menu available from Nov 17th 2 courses £25 / 3 courses £30. New Year’s Eve Party: 3 course meal + live music and disco: £60 per person. Open: Tue-Thur: 11am-3pm & 5pm-11pm, Fri/Sat: 11am-11pm, Sun 12noon-7pm Food served: Coffee & pastries from 11am Tue-Sat: 12noon-2.30pm and 6pm-10pm. Sundays: 12noon-6pm. Closed Mondays

- Large Selection Of Fruit & Vegetables - Extensive Freezer Selection- Home Produced Lamb & Beef - Top Brand Pet Foods & Animal Feeds - Chiltern Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil -

P E Mead & Sons Farm Shop Wilstone, Nr Tring, HP23 4NT 01442 828478 www.pemeadandsons.co.uk

Chinnor Road, Bledlow Ridge, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4AW Tel: 01494 481499 | Email: theteam@theboot-bledlowridge.co.uk Website: www.theboot-bledlowridge.co.uk

Celebrate Christmas at

ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ

Farm - Butchers - Pub - Restaurant ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ

ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ

3 course valentines menu available Ê

ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ

ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ

ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ Ê Ê The is a pub with a difference. We have a beautiful dining room in a converted barn, our own butchers and our newPointer head chef, Mini Patel, brings our JoinÊusÊforÊlunchÊorÊDinnerÊinÊtheÊRestaurantÊduringÊSeptemberÊandÊOctoberÊandÊenjoyÊaÊglassÊofÊbubblesÊonÊus!Ê JoinÊusÊforÊlunchÊorÊDinnerÊinÊtheÊRestaurantÊduringÊSeptemberÊandÊOctoberÊandÊenjoyÊaÊglassÊofÊbubblesÊonÊus!Ê Ê own farm complete with an ever increasing herd of Longhorn cattle, rare breed pigs and lambs. We produce around award winning food to your valentines day. Ê 70 of theTheÊPointerÊisÊaÊpubÊwithÊaÊdifference.ÊWeÊhaveÊaÊbeautifulÊdiningÊroomÊinÊaÊconvertedÊbarn,ÊourÊownÊbutchersÊandÊfarmÊproducingÊaroundÊ ingredients used on our plates and our Head Chef Mini uses the seasons to create classic British food with a TheÊPointerÊisÊaÊpubÊwithÊaÊdifference.ÊWeÊhaveÊaÊbeautifulÊdiningÊroomÊinÊaÊconvertedÊbarn,ÊourÊownÊbutchersÊandÊfarmÊproducingÊaroundÊ 70ÊingredientsÊtoÊuseÊonÊourÊplatesÊincludingÊanÊeverÊincreasingÊherdÊofÊLongÊhornÊcattle,ÊrareÊbreedÊpigsÊandÊnowÊourÊownÊLambs.Ê 70ÊingredientsÊtoÊuseÊonÊourÊplatesÊincludingÊanÊeverÊincreasingÊherdÊofÊLongÊhornÊcattle,ÊrareÊbreedÊpigsÊandÊnowÊourÊownÊLambs.Ê creative twist that showcases the fabulous produce we have Êon offer. Ê OurÊheadÊchefÊMiniÊusesÊtheÊseasonsÊtoÊcreateÊclassicÊBritishÊfoodÊwithÊaÊcreativeÊtwistÊshowcasingÊtheÊveryÊbestÊproduceÊweÊhaveÊtoÊofferÊ Join for a festive Lunch for or Dinner throughout December OurÊheadÊchefÊMiniÊusesÊtheÊseasonsÊtoÊcreateÊclassicÊBritishÊfoodÊwithÊaÊcreativeÊtwistÊshowcasingÊtheÊveryÊbestÊproduceÊweÊhaveÊtoÊofferÊ ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ Ê Ê from £19.50 per person. Lunch: 12pm-2.30pm (5pm Sunday) The us Pointer is available private hire & functions. Ê Kitchen is closed all day Monday and on Sunday evenings. Dinner: 27ÊChurchÊStreet,ÊBrill,ÊBuckinghamshireÊHP18Ê9RTÊ|ÊTelÊ01844238339Ê|ÊEmailÊinfo@thepointerbrill.co.ukÊ 6.30pm-9pm (10pm Friday and Saturday). The JoinÊusÊforÊlunchÊorÊDinnerÊinÊtheÊRestaurantÊduringÊSeptemberÊandÊOctoberÊandÊenjoyÊaÊglassÊofÊbubblesÊonÊus!Ê 27ÊChurchÊStreet,ÊBrill,ÊBuckinghamshireÊHP18Ê9RTÊ|ÊTelÊ01844238339Ê|ÊEmailÊinfo@thepointerbrill.co.ukÊ We are also now taking reservations for New Year’s Eve - a mouthwatering 6 course menu which includes canapés and Ê Champagne on arrival, for £75 per person. TheÊPointerÊisÊaÊpubÊwithÊaÊdifference.ÊWeÊhaveÊaÊbeautifulÊdiningÊroomÊinÊaÊconvertedÊbarn,ÊourÊownÊbutchersÊandÊfarmÊproducingÊaroundÊ Please call or email for more information. 70ÊingredientsÊtoÊuseÊonÊourÊplatesÊincludingÊanÊeverÊincreasingÊherdÊofÊLongÊhornÊcattle,ÊrareÊbreedÊpigsÊandÊnowÊourÊownÊLambs.Ê

www.thepointerbrill.co.uk - info@thepointerbrill.co.uk - 01844 238339 Ê

OurÊheadÊchefÊMiniÊusesÊtheÊseasonsÊtoÊcreateÊclassicÊBritishÊfoodÊwithÊaÊcreativeÊtwistÊshowcasingÊtheÊveryÊbestÊproduceÊweÊhaveÊtoÊofferÊ 27 Church Street, Brill, Buckinghamshire, HP18 9RT Tel: 01844 238339 Email: info@thepointerbrill.co.uk Ê

27ÊChurchÊStreet,ÊBrill,ÊBuckinghamshireÊHP18Ê9RTÊ|ÊTelÊ01844238339Ê|ÊEmailÊinfo@thepointerbrill.co.ukÊ 58 Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015

Column: Heather Jan Brunt ‘This farming life’

Helping farm families in need

here is a misconception amongst some people that all farmers are loaded, with their sparkling Land Rovers, massive tractors and land that can be sold for housing. But the truth is so very different. Many farmers live on the breadline, their land mortgaged to subsidise the losses, with huge bank loans. Most farmland is not eligible for building, and the majority of farmers wouldn’t want to see it lost to building anyway. And not all farmers own their land. There are just as many tenant farmers, struggling to pay the rent; and farm managers and workers who work the kind of unsocial hours no office worker would tolerate. What happens to these people when they retire or leave the industry through illness or disability? Well one beacon that can offer help and support is the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I.), and the Buckinghamshire committee recently organised their very first Christmas Carol Evening, held in

Virginia Stollery the auction ring at Thame Cattle Market. It was a fun evening, with input from the Young Farmers, plenty of mince pies and mulled wine, and singing in the ring where cattle are usually auctioned. Entry was simply a donation to R.A.B.I. and there are plenty of other fund raising activities throughout the year. Bucks committee chairman Virginia Stollery has been involved with R.A.B.I. for 28 years, first

SUNDAY

Y VER CAR INN E HOLIDAY AT TH

Why not treat the family this Sunday to a delicious Three Course Carvery Lunch at the Holiday Inn, Aylesbury.

£13.95

becoming involved when she was Aylesbury group secretary of the National Farmers Union. She said: “I was asked to be on the R.A.B.I. committee and I felt it was very worthwhile. I feel very passionately about this incorrect view that all farmers have a Range Rover and are very wealthy. It’s just not true. “And it’s also the kind of job where if you lose your job, you lose your house, so every part of your life is intertwined.” R.A.B.I. has all kinds of beneficiaries, some people require one off help, and others require help short term or long term. Buckinghamshire currently has 10 long term beneficiaries aged between 60 and 92. Mrs Stollery said: “They have not got much money to help themselves. They would be recommended by a farmer in the area or a vet or the NFU secretary who thinks they are not getting on very well. A R.A.B.I. welfare officer talks to them and helps them to get the welfare payments they are eligible for, because a lot of people

This farming life Heather Jan Brunt

find them difficult to understand. Then she will look to see if we can supplement that help with things like Christmas hampers, a winter bonus grant, and a Christmas payment.” Funds in Buckinghamshire are raised through events including an annual cream tea in the summer (with Barclays Bank matching funds raised up to a maximum of £1,000) and an autumn supper. Next year it is hoped to have a farmhouse breakfast, which should prove popular. l Heather Jan Brunt is a journalist and a farmer’s wife. Follow her on Twitter @HJBjournalist. She and her husband sell their own award winning Terrick Beef on the first Friday & Saturday of the month. See: www.downonthefarm.co.uk

Wedding Fair

PER AduLT

£9.95 CHILdREN uNdER 12

Call us to book your table in our child-friendly Junction Restaurant, where we will have a fantastic Three Course Lunch waiting for you at an amazing price!

There’s an ice-cream decoration too! station and a colouring corner Perfect venue for family gatherings, birthdays and anniversaries.

PRIVA T EVENT E AT THE S HOLID A Y INN

Packages available from £25 per person to include Three Course Meal and private room hire.

28th February

2016 For more information on all our events please call 01296 734030 or email events@hinnaylesbury.com For more information or to book any of the above events, contact us on 01296 734000 and quote reference ‘VALE EVENTS 1’ Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16 59

Column: Sandra Smith ‘Our Creative Vale’

Art bursts with life A

dmiring Jane Miller’s portfolio is to absorb an energy that pervades each subject. Whether a momentary glimpse of wildlife or bustling townscape, her paintings ooze with individual and metropolitan intent, a boldness of colour and looseness of style generating a tangible vitality. “I do quite big work and like to experiment,” she muses. “My townscapes begin with blobs of colour where the light and dark are. They look like nothing on earth but I can see the picture forming. I sometimes use a photograph as a reference, adding my own interpretation. It can take a while for me to find the subject matter and get into the flow but once started, I’m keen to keep coming back to work on it.” For an attractive and outgoing personality, Jane is unexpectedly reticent about her artistic talent. She meets compliments with surprise, stressing the value exhibiting and selling paintings contributes to strengthening her

Galleries where it sold. I was embarrassed! At the grand opening I felt a little out of my comfort zone. But I never stop learning and would like to improve. It is most satisfying when you finish something you’re pleased with and people are complimentary about it. But there’s a big difference between someone liking a painting and buying it. Selling is always a bonus and exhibitions offer a chance to show off your work.” Jane regularly takes part in shows, some of which she organises from her studio, a converted Hare by Jane Miller garage next to her confidence. cottage in Wendover. “When I first In this sunlit room started I didn’t surfaces overflow with believe I would sell pots of brushes and anything,” she says. tubes of paint whilst “Then people showed numerous framed a bit of interest in A Rainy Day by Jane Miller pictures lie stacked by my work. I entered an easel displaying a the David Shepherd work in progress. Confessing to the Wildlife Foundation Wildlife Artist challenge of recognising when to of the Year competition and my finish a piece rather than overwork painting was exhibited at the Mall it, the artist adds that although

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Creative Vale

Sandra Smith committed to acrylic for its forgiving qualities, she is keen to explore watercolour techniques. Despite a lack of formal training, Jane’s style continues to mature with every captivating canvas. She may default to modesty but her enthusiasm along with a knack of capturing body language and snapshots in time, affirm a skill which will undoubtedly stimulate ongoing success. www.janemillerart.com l Find out more about Sandra

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

Column: The Flo Show with Florence Grace

Yes is the word! Just do it!

t’s that time of year when we all start to reflect on the last twelve months, what we’ve achieved and what we haven’tand with this in mind, we start to set ourselves new goals. This time last year, I’d had a whirlwind four months, participating in media events and work experience opportunities that I could only ever have dreamed of. When 2015 came around, I hoped and hoped it would somehow be better than 2014 - but I didn’t think this would be possible. Believe it or not, it was! I had my first article published in Vale Life! I got to host a concert, present solo radio shows, meet Katie Hopkins, attend London fashion week as a V.I.P, start my own magazine, develop my blogging skills, start a journalism course, became a paid freelance journalist and, of course, obtain my first ever job as a social media manager. 2015 has blown me away and I have been incredibly lucky. I want to take this moment to remind you that it isn’t about 60

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Florence Grace The Flo Show

Florence on the live audeince show with 4Music presenters Will Best and Maya

luck, though. I have worked pretty much non-stop since January 1st to move on up the career ladder. My boyfriend and family constantly complain I work too much! I push my limits, try new things and say ‘yes’ to everything! I think if there’s one thing you choose to do with 2016, it should definitely be to say ‘yes’ more. If someone offers you a crazy

opportunity you know you’d normally say no to, stop yourself and say a big fat yes! An extra slice of cake? Yes! The chance to go to an event and meet new people? Yes. Should you go to that cheesy pop concert? Yes! You never know where an opportunity - big or small - could take you. I’m a perfect example of what just saying yes can do for you!

If you’re nervous, than start with small things - like that extra slice of cake! And then gradually take on more daring challenges. If you keep saying ‘yes’, then 2016 should be a very exciting year for you indeed! As you get older, there’s no turning back the clock. But it’s never too late to start trying new things and opening new doors to create an even more exciting future for yourself! Remember, at 98 when you’re old and grey, there’ll be no turning back the clock. You don’t want any regrets now, do you? No! So...just say yes! Love from, Florence Grace. l Florence Grace is a freelance journalist, social media manager and blogger from Aylesbury. You can read her blog at: www.lovefromflorencegrace.co.uk

Notley Farm, Chearsley Road, Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire HP18 9ER T: 01844 201226 F: 01844 201226 E: weddings@notleyfarm.co.uk www.notleyfarm.co.uk

Wedding Fayre

Sunday, 31st January 11am-3pm All welcome

To stage a great event today, go back to the 12th century

Notley Tythe Barn is a beautiful, fully restored 12th-century barn set in picturesque gardens within 500 acres of pasture land at the foot of the Chiltern Hills. It is also an elegant and unique Notley Farm, Chearsley Road, Long Crendon, venue for weddings, receptions, parties, Buckinghamshire HP18 9ER T: 01844 201226 F: 01844 201226 functions, celebrations and other special events.

E: weddings@notleyfarm.co.uk Notley Farm,Chearsley Chearsley Road, Road, Long Crendon, Notley Farm, www.notleyfarm.co.uk Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire, Buckinghamshire HP18 9ER HP18 9ER T: 01844 201226 F: 01844 201226 T: 01844 201226 F: 01844 201226 E: weddings@notleyfarm.co.uk E: weddings@notleyfarm.co.uk www.notleyfarm.co.uk www.notleyfarm.co.uk

New deli offers healthy options

new organic and ‘freefrom’ deli and supermarket has opened in Princes Risborough at 7A The High Street, formerly New Image Hair Salon. McCallum’s ‘Enjoy Free From’ Deli and Health Food Store sells goods which are free of gluten, dairy, added sugar, vegetable oil, unfermented soy, parabens, SLSs, and Preservatives. “Come in and feast your eyes on our mouthwatering salad bar,” says owner Alex McCallum, “who also runs The Bell at Hardwick and is planning on offering similarly healthy alternatives in the restaurant there too. “Our ingredients and products are great value we sell them at ‘online’ prices. We have delicious ‘Freefrom’ and organic frozen meals, organic beers, wines, ciders and spirits and organic Ue filter coffee, organic tea and sugarless

hot cocoa.” The store also stocks body and household products the most sensitive skins. “It’s a healthy living venture,” says Alex. “We read all the backs of packets so you don’t have to! You can buy with confidence knowing that items don’t contain dairy, gluten or sugar. Our dried fruits are non-sulphured. Products are generally Organic and free from pesticides and chemicals, unless specified otherwise. “Come and see what we’re all about, we think you’ll like it.”

Crown voted cream of crop

he Crown at Granborough, has been awarded a coveted Silver in the Pub Of The Year category at the Beautiful South Awards 2015. Established over 20 years ago, the Beautiful South Awards celebrate fantastic visitor experiences available across the South and South East of England and reward excellence, quality, innovation and customer service. As a recipient of this prestigious accolade The Crown is now invited to champion the South East at the national VisitEngland awards in 2016. An ancient coaching inn that dates back hundreds of years The Crown was refurbished in October 2013. “We reopened our doors just over two years ago after a total refurbishment,” says Toby Marchant, the owner of The

Crown at Granborough, “and since then we’ve been striving to offer that perfect combination of English hospitality - a genuine village pub with open fires and perfectly kept beers and a restaurant that offers the finest ingredients, skillfully cooked, with great wines in a beautiful, warm and welcoming environment. “Now to be recognised with this award is hugely satisfying and a great credit to the talented and dedicated team at The Crown.” Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Music Column:

Turn it up! with Dan Mordente

Naive debut for local Lucy

Our music columnist is Dan Mordente. Dan is ‘Artist and Events Manager’ at BFS Records, and as an avid follower of the local music scene, is always keen to meet and work with enthusiastic local musicians. Contact Dan and email him local gigs and music news on: dan@vale-life.co.uk Add your gigs to our website what’s on diary at: www.vale-life.co.uk

Live Music

January 19th The Mick Clarke Band, Tring Park Cricket Club 8th U2Baby, Shootpool, Aylesbury 9th The New Foundations, Victoria Club, Aylesbury 9th Mouth On A Stick, The Green Man, Aylesbury 9th Matt Roberts Trio, Rivets Sports & Social Club, Aylesbury 9th Best of Bublé (Michael Bublé Tribute), The Bell, Tring 15th BFS Presents: Haze & support, Thame Snooker Club, Thame 16th Shaken Not Stirred, Rivet Sports & Social Club, Aylesbury 16th Five Fold Kiss, Shootpool, Aylesbury 16th Dogmattics, The Wheatsheaf, Leighton Buzzard 21st Chris Lord & her Blues Express, Tring Park Cricket Club 23rd Yes Please! Players Theatre, Thame 23rd Ellie, Rivet Sports & Social Club, Aylesbury 23rd Mouth On A Stick, The Unicorn, Leighton Buzzard 24th The Cherry Valentines, Victoria Club, Aylesbury 29th Ash Lee, Rose & Crown, Stone 29th The New Foundations, Shootpool, Aylesbury 30th Ray Hue, Rivet Sports & Social Club, Aylesbury 30th Jinx Brothers, Victoria Club, Aylesbury 30th Phil Murray’s Diamond Dogz, Red Lion, Leighton Buzzard 30th Nevermind (Nirvana Tribute), Shootpool, Aylesbury 31st Rick Chase, Victoria Club, Aylesbury February 5th Fawesome, Shootpool, Aylesbury 6th Rob (from Bustin’ Loose), Rivet Sports & Social Club, Aylesbury 6th The Brahmas, Victoria Club, Aylesbury 6th Hustler, Victoria Club, Aylesbury 13th 2tone, Rivet Sports & Social Club, Aylesbury 13th The Reggulaters, Victoria Club, Aylesbury 13th The Brahmas, Shootpool, Aylesbury 13th Chris Baker, Tring & District Conservative Club 13th Stikki Beatz, Red Lion, Leighton Buzzard

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Last month saw the release of ‘Naïve’, the debut EP from local singer-songwriter, Lucy Mair. Lucy is an eighteen-yearold musician from Oxford. Her songwriting uniquely combines aspects of contemporary acoustic-pop and jazz, with a prominent focus upon vocal harmonies and gentle guitar work. She attends Headington Girls School in Oxford and any time that is not spent studying for her upcoming A Levels is spent writing music and gigging around Oxford and London. Lucy signed to Thame-based independent record label, BFS Records, in July 2015 and spent her summer holiday working on

Lucy Mair her debut EP. After months of preparation, the EP was released on the 4th of December and has

been met with unanimous praise from reviewers and bloggers. Lucy has supported the release with a variety of promotional activities including a sell out EP launch event, a live session on BBC Radio Oxford, and a performance at Hyde Park’s extremely popular Winter Wonderland. As we enter 2016, Lucy plans to continue gigging in support of the ‘Naive EP’, getting her music heard by as many people as possible. You can check out Lucy’s EP via iTunes, Amazon and Spotify now. To find out about her upcoming live dates, please visit: facebook.com/lucymairmusic or www.bfsrecords.co.uk/lucymair.

Dan’s picks are six of the best 2015 has been a fantastic year for the local music scene. I had the pleasure of working with almost 100 local acts during the year and in the process I have come across some very talented live performers and recording artists. As we enter 2016, I have put together a list of my favourite 6 studio tracks that have been released by local artists in 2015. In no particular order:

Mirage by The Picture Palace The Picture Palace are a young Indie band from Thame. In the last edition of Vale Life I wrote a review of their debut EP – ‘Mirage’ - and the title track from that EP certainly makes it into my top 6. ‘Mirage’ boasts a punchy and upbeat indierock chorus that aptly demonstrates The Picture Palace’s skilful use of chord structure. The band have recently released their follow up EP, entitled ‘Kedai’ and you can hear both EPs at: www.soundcloud.com/ the-picture-palace-1. All Out At Sea by Andy Robbins Andy Robbins is a singer-songwriter from Oxford. His second album, ‘Proceed With Caution’ hit the shelves early in 2015 and the album’s opening track, ‘All Out At Sea’, stands out as his best song to date, with a simple, acoustic-led melody and superb use of imagery. Check it out at: www.soundcloud. com/andy-robbins. I Will Wait by Lucy Mair As Lucy’s manager, I’m certainly vulnerable to accusations of bias with this inclusion, however the opening track from Lucy’s debut EP – I Will Wait - is undoubtedly

Park by Haze Haze are a young alt-rock band from Longwick. 2015 has seen the band go from strength to strength with recent performances at London’s Dublin Castle, O2 Academy Oxford, O2 Academy Islington, and a live session on BBC Radio Oxford. Back in February, the band released their strongest single to date, entitled ‘Park’. This upbeat pop-rock song demonstrates the bands softer side, carried by a catchy guitar riff and the clever lyrical retelling of an eventful night out. Check out Haze’s music at: www.faceboook.com/ haze97

a special song. Upon tackling this track in the studio, the song was transformed from a piano-led ballad to an anthemic, full composition, complete with a strings section and creative percussion. For more information on Lucy Mair’s recently released EP, check out the article above.

Imagining by Katy Jackson Next on my list is another eighteenyear-old singer-songwriter from Oxford, Katy Jackson, who has been building a name for herself in in the city, gigging regularly over the last four years and continually wowing her audience. Katy released her debut EP ‘Imagining’ - earlier this year, and the title track stands out as the highlight with its guitar-led melody, and Katy’s clever use of lyrics. To hear Katy’s EP in full, visit: www.soundcloud.com/katysthename

Cascade by Littlewing Littlewing are a female-fronted, altpop-rock band from High Wycombe. The bands debut EP effectively combines ambient guitar-work and heavy drumming with breathy vocals and dulcet choruses. Their debut EP - ‘Barricades’ - is short, to the point, and almost flawless in my opinion. The opening song, ‘Cascade’, is the EP’s standout track, skilfully fusing joyous saxophone-lead choruses with up-tempo, yet delicate electric guitar work. Littlewing have evolved since the release of their ‘Barricades EP’, parting ways with their saxophonist and now offering a heavier live sound that permits the electric guitar to play a more prominent role than before. Their follow up EP is likely to offer something completely different to the debut, but Littlewing are certainly a band to keep a close eye on. Visit: www.facebook.com/ littlewing.band

Column: Penny Harper ‘Thoughts of a small town girl’

Running down a dream

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Penny Harper

hen Winston Churchill said, “If you’re going through hell, keep going”, I am pretty sure he wasn’t up to his armpits in the ‘Bog of Doom’ and wondering when he was every going to get the feeling in his nipples back. I say this because, come January… well, you get the picture. I like to run but I don’t like to pound the pavement; it’s extremely dull. I like to spice up my fitness with river crossings, muddy quarries and sandbanks. That’s right: I’m a nutter. I’ve recently been inspired by a former work colleague of mine who emigrated to Oz and then ‘found fitness’. I personally think that what she actually found was an abundance of hunky lifeguards and decided to lure them in with her bronzed buttocks and toned tummy. Either way, she looks amazing, and it can’t all be down to a diet of shrimp and Vegemite. I was looking at her website and apparently it does take an awful lot of work to sculpt your body into something resembling that of a goddess. She tells me that a lot of it is not drinking too much water (wait, I thought I was supposed to drink bucket-

Small Town

loads of water) and a heavy spray Hantan Solo covers a multitude of sins. Whatever her methods, her ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures look amazing. I am currently in the process of working towards my ‘before’ picture - this will be helped along by the Christmas ‘plumping’ and the New Year/ January blues. In the gym at school I hit the treadmill hard and try not to make eye contact with the PE teachers, having carefully selected a machine where they can’t see the read out that indicates I am THAT red after only having run 5K. As my wobbly bits reassure me that they are still there, I recall the recent ‘This Girl Can’ adverts and think, I may have gone a worrying shade of puce, but at least I’m blinking

doing it! So - I have given myself the goal of running the 12 miles of Hellrunner, which is just as pleasant as it sounds. Last time I ran it, it was 2012 and I was a considerably younger and fitter woman then. Sort of. I almost conked out towards the end and had to be rescued by a steward with a piece of flapjack. Cramp in both your legs, simultaneously, as you enter the Bog of Doom, is not a good feeling. It was absolutely perishing cold and felt like the daftest thing to be doing on a freezing morning. I likened it to school swimming sessions, when they make you rescue a brick from the pool, whilst dressed in your pyjamas. My point is, and there actually is

Girl

one (!); my point is that we all do crazy things in the name of fitness, or at least, most of us do. It’s human nature to want to push ourselves to the limit. It’s also human nature to want to say ‘stuff it’ and eat a whole buffalo mozzarella whilst swigging beer and watching Made in Chelsea (we all have our weaknesses). It’s called ‘Hellrunner’ but it’s really a jog around an army training camp, whilst being heckled by your students. As long as I keep things in perspective and the hecklers don’t have anything to throw at me, then it’ll be fine. Plus, I know a shortcut...

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Why not treat yourself (or somebody else) to a bite of something delicious. Only the crunchiest biscuits, tastiest cakes, most luxurious desserts and gooiest dipping sauces make it into our Seriously range.

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

If your New Year’s resolution is to see more live entertainment, then read on and we’ll guide you through Aylesbury Waterside Theatre’s spectacular selection, so you can start 2016 in style...

ursting onto the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre stage in 2016 is an eclectic mix of awardwinning West End productions, mesmerising dance, thrilling drama and laugh-a-minute comedy masterpieces, alongside family shows galore. Not only this, but with a programme of One-Night-Only shows ranging from live music to Superslam Wrestling, and even a Roller Disco in store, there should be something to tick everyone’s boxes! The London Palladium’s all-time recordbreaking performer Tommy Steele takes to the stage in The Glenn Miller Story from Tue 19th to Sat 23rd January, and is followed by another brand-new musical - Tom: A Story of Tom Jones from Tue 5th to Sat 9th April, telling the story of the Valleys boy with a heartstopping voice who dreamed of making the big time, no matter what it took. End of the Rainbow: The Judy Garland Story, Tue 1st to Sat 5th March, stars Lisa Maxwell (Loose Women, The Bill) and promises a fiercely funny and emotionally-charged play filled with Garland’s legendary tenacity, razor-sharp wit,

Goodnight Mr Tom

Lisa Maxwell

and most memorable songs: The Man That Got Away, Come Rain or Come Shine, and of course, Somewhere Over The Rainbow. If a thrilling plot with a story to be unravelled is your thing, don’t miss Rehearsal For Murder, Mon 22nd to Sat 27th February. Starring leading stage and TV actor Robert Daws alongside his wife and co-star from The Royal, Amy Robbins, with a cast also including Drop The Dead Donkey’s Robert Duncan, Brookside’s Steven Pinder and Ben Nealon from ITV’s award-winning Soldier

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Soldier, this captivating drama is not-to-bemissed. A major new production of Noel Coward’s best-loved comedy Private Lives starring Tom Chambers and Laura Rogers promises an elegant evening of wit and glamour, and for those looking for a more classical touch, book early for Ellen Kent Opera and their productions of Die Fledermaus and Carmen on Fri 1st and Sat 2nd April. Never failing to raise a smile and pelvic thrust(!) the inimitable Rocky Horror Show

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Fairport Convention

brings the ultimate party to town from Mon 18th to Sat 23rd April. With Diana Vickers Factor, Little Voice) as Janet, Ben The Glenn(XMiller Story: Freeman Tue 19th to(Wicked, Sat 23rd Emmerdale) Jan, 2016 as Brad and Paul Cattermole (S Club 7) as Eddie, the wrold’s favourite rock ‘n’ roll musical never disappoints. Family shows are in abundance with Lesley Joseph set to play the tyrannical Miss Hannigan in Annie from Mon 14th to Sat 19th March, the show with the stunning core

Jethro

and hits galore including the unforgettable Tomorrow. Returning to tug at the heartstrings once more and reunite young and old, is the uplifting tale of Goodnight Mister Tom from Tue 12th to Sat 16th April, before the young and young-at-heart get enchanted by the greatest musical of all time, The Sound of Music from Wed 18th to Sat 21st May. With Peppa Pig also paying a visit in May, the world of family theatre has never been more flourishing!

Clare Teal Anton & Erin - Just Gotta Dance! Sun, Feb 7th 2016

Tickets for all Spring season shows are available now. Visit Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Box Office, call 0844 871 7607 (bkg fee) or visit www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury (bkg fee). l Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1UG Telephone Booking: 0844 871 7607 Website: www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury

Coming up at The Waterside Your at-a-glance guide to what’s on... Big Band Dance Night

Fri 8th Jan

Silver Wheels Roller Disco

Sat 9th Jan

The Glenn Miller Story starring Tommy Steele

Tue 19th to Sat 23rd Jan

Fairport Convention

Tue 2nd Feb

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac

Wed 3rd Feb

Let’s Twist Again

Thur 4th Feb

Jethro

Fri 5th Feb

Clare Teal

Sat 6th Feb

Rambert

Thur 11th to Sat 13th Feb

Big Country in concert

Sat 20th Feb

Rehearsal For Murder

Mon 22nd to Sat 27th Feb

End of the Rainbow

Tue 1st to Sat 5th Mar

Annie starring Lesley Joseph as Mrs Hannigan

Mon 14th to Sat 19th Mar

The Rocky Horror Show

Mon 18th to Sat 23rd Apr

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

l Column: Alan Candy’s Altomobiles

Less is more Mazda CX-3 2.0 120PS 2WD SE-L

etting the right balance between an SUV’s size and handling ability can be a headache. Despite their versatility and useful extra space, large SUVs generally drive less well because of their height and bulk. But if you come down in size a little, the rewards are obvious. Take the small but perfectly formed Mazda CX-3, which wins my vote as the best handling of all the compact crossovers. The 2.0 120PS 2WD SE-L Nav Auto model ticked all my boxes, the icing on the cake being a silksmooth petrol engine and seamless auto gearbox that add a certain edge of refinement to the overall driving experience. Mazdas are the unsung heroes of Japanese cars - unfailingly reliable, modest in their claims, designed with driving pleasure paramount and beautifully built.

Alan Candy’s

AltomobilES German cars always seem to win the rave reviews for quality and build but the top Japanese brands run them close and in some cases, exceed their Teutonic rivals. Historically, Mazda build great smaller cars. After all, the first Mazda was the attractive little R-360 coupe way back in 1960 and the ever popular MX-5 is still the world’s best selling roadster. The CX-3 – little brother of the CX-5 – is also a honey. The chunky compact SUV has plenty of strong road presence and

Mazda CX-3 character. Small windows and a high beltline give it a look of mystery, with a perky D-shaped grille, swirly driving lamps and a majestic bonnet line. Mazda wisely follow the current trend for downsizing headlamps to a more discreet horizontal slash, rather than some of the more outrageous design offerings of some rivals, which look a bit desperate by comparison. Build quality is also excellent. Doors shut with a subtle click

for perfect fit, unlike the dubious clatter of some Korean offerings, and interiors are simple, uncluttered and smartly finished, with generous amounts of tactile soft surfaces. Mazda rightly prioritise the speedo centrally through the steering wheel, flanked by retro spidery digital readouts for rev counter and fuel gauge. The heat-vent cluster is traditionally operated by Continued on page 69

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offering dealership style service Fully equipped workshop using the latest diagnostic equipment l Comfortable waiting area with free hot drinks, tv, wifi and newspapers l Warranty safe servicing on all makes and models l Tyres, tyres, tyres all makes at guaranteed unbeatable prices l MOT testing on class 4, 5 and 7 l All repairs undertaken from clutches to total engine rebuilds l

Motologic Autocentre Unit 7, The Point, Gatehouse Way Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 8DB Tel: 01296 422226 www.moto-logic.co.uk Tyres l Brakes l Batteries l Servicing l Exhausts l MOTs 66

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

40 Oakley Road, Chinnor, Oxfordshire, OX394ES (to rear of Claremont Automatics) Email: johnnixey@btconnect.com

Telephone: 01844 353388 l Bosch Car Service Centre l MOTs including Class VII (3.5 tonnes) l Servicing, repairs, tyres, exhausts and air

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long wheelbase vans, campers and trucks

Factfile: Model tested: Mazda CX-3 2.0 120PS 2WD SE-L Nav Auto. Price: £20,795. Power: SKYACTIV-G petrol unit, four cylinder in line, DOHC, 16V, 1,998cc. Performance: 0-62mph in 9.9 secs; top speed 116mph. Gearbox: Six-speed automatic. CO2: 136g/km. Economy: Combined 48.7mpg. Spare wheel: Tyre repair kit. Servicing: Every 12,000 miles or 12 months.

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Book a test driveº today, call us on 01296 770245 Lodge Garage Bicester Road, Kingswood, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0QJ Tel: 01296 770245 www.lodgegarage.co.uk

The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Mazda Range: Urban 30.4 (9. 3) – 74. 3 (3.8). Extra Urban 51.4 (5. 5) – 88. 3 (3. 2). Combined 40.9 (6.9) – 83.1 (3.4). CO 2 emissions (g/km) 161 – 89. The mpg fi gures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results obtained through laboratory testing. These are provided for comparability purposes only and may not refl ect your actual driving results. Personal contract hire offer on Mazda CX-5 165ps 2WD SE-L Nav and all-new Mazda CX-3 120ps 2WD SE on vehicles ordered between 02.12. 2015 and 21 .12. 2015 and registered between 02.12. 2015 and 31 .12. 2015 at participating dealers, subject to availability and status. Age 18+ only. Mazda CX-5 figures based on a non-maintenance contract hire package with advance rental of £1 ,794, then 36 monthly rentals of £299. Excess miles over contracted mileage of 9,000 over 36 months charged at 15 pence per mile. All-new Mazda CX-3 figures based on a non-maintenance contract hire package with advance rental of £4,101 , then 36 monthly rentals of £179. Excess miles over contracted mileage of 9,000 over 36 months charged at 12 pence per mile. Excess charges also apply if you breach manufacturer servicing or maintenance guidelines or if the car exceeds BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear guidelines for its age/mileage when it is returned to Mazda Contract Hire. Package includes road fund licence and Mazda Assistance. Guarantee/indemnity may be required. Prices and details are subject to change without notice. For full specification and T&Cs contact your local retailer. You will not own the car. ALD Automotive Ltd, trading as Mazda Contract Hire, BS16 3JA. Models shown: Mazda CX-5 165ps 2WD SE-L Nav, OTR from £23,195 and all-new Mazda CX-3 120ps 2WD SE, OTR from £17, 595. Mazda CX-5 model shown features optional Crystal White Pearlescent paint (£540) and all-new Mazda CX-3 model shown features optional Soul Red Metallic paint (£660). OTR prices include VAT, number plates, delivery, 12 months’ road fund licence, first registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years’ European Roadside Assistance. °Test drives subject to applicant status and availability. Details correct at time of going to print. Not available in conjunction with any other offer unless specified. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. *3 years free servicing offer is for Mazda CX-3 and Mazda CX-5 models ordered between 7 December 2015 and 31 March 2016. Offers apply to qualifying retail customers only. Expires at 36 months or 30,000 miles (whichever occurs sooner). Start date for Servicing is original date of vehicle registration. Full details of the terms and conditions will be supplied when placing the vehicle order.

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

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Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Continued from page 66 rotary knobs while the main infotainment display can be operated on touchscreen (a bit of a stretch when driving) or via a master command disc on centre console. Thankfully, it’s all a simple operation. Sporty high backed seats and a quality ride mean consistently comfortable travel and the boot is surprisingly generous when maximised – a ‘false floor’ reveals extra space below. On the move the CX-3 is a delight to handle, with electronic power assist steering that puts the driver in full control right through every manoeuvre while progress is smoothly progressive and refined, with quiet cruising. Similarly, the auto gearbox offers silent, seamless changes.

For all your vehicle repairs, servicing & MOT testing a first-class service at competitive prices We are opposite Tesco Broadfields, Aylesbury Family run garage All makes & models l Servicing & repairs l MOT Testing (class 4 & 7) l Tyres l Exhausts l Brakes l Air-Con Regas l 4 Wheel Alignment l Cam belts l l

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Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Excel-Dents has long been the place to go if you have dents or creases you would like invisibly removed from your vehicle. The firm also now offers exciting new Excel Auto Enhancement services from Detailing to Paint Correction, Alloy Protection and a range of high quality car care products...

e all dread those little dents, dings and creases that ruin the otherwise pristine paintwork of our pride and joy! Whether your car is older or relatively new, dents are annoying and can affect the resale value of your vehicle. These little ‘accidents’ have a habit of occurring at the most inopportune moments and are even worse if you are in charge of somebody else’s car - especially a hire or loan car, or a company vehicle which may have a hefty insurance excess attached! Fortunately local company Excel-Dents is a leading specialist in cosmetic car body repairs, and has a team of highly skilled technicians who can remove dents and creases from your vehicle, if the paint is still intact. Paintless dent removal (PDR) retains the car’s original finish and provides a cheaper alternative to traditional bodyshop repairs. The dents are not ‘sucked out’ but gently massaged away, in a highly skilled manual process which requires comprehensive training, expertise and experience - using specially designed tools an Excel-Dents

Mal Wroe ‘detailing’ a customer’s Porsche

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Before

After

Rob Beesley outside the Excel-Dents workshop

Master Technician will access the rear of your damaged panel and work the metal back to its original shape. The company has a workshop in Stoke Mandeville but offers a mobile service and can travel to your home or workplace if preferred. “Paintless dent removal is a very hard thing to do and takes years of training,” says ExcelDents owner and Master Technician Rob Beesley, “It’s the ideal way to remove a dent if the integrity of the paint hasn’t been breached. We have a selection of tools that we’ve made and designed specifically for our purposes and our technicians are highly skilled. We cover quite a large geographical area, but our technicians are self-contained, some living in the regions they service. We work hard to maintain a quick response time and uniformly high quality of work. “We aim to restore the dented panel to its original condition, without the need for it to be repaired and painted, thus saving hundreds of pounds in potential body shop costs. “Our main focus is dent removal but we have introduced several new aspects to the services we provide. Under the banner of Excel Auto Enhancement we now offer the ultimate in car body presentation. It

includes Detailing, Paint Correction and Paint Protection, plus Alloy Wheel Protection, Window Tinting and Bouncer’s high end car care products. “Mal Wroe is our detailing specialist. He has 20 years experience creating perfect finishes on some of the world’s most glamorous cars.” “We do a lot more than just polish the car,” says Mal, “We go deeper and take out any imperfections in the paintwork such as scratches, swirls and bird lime marks and use Bouncer’s specialist hand-blended waxes to shine and protect your perfect finish. These waxes will protect your car for much longer than a standard product does. Bouncer’s Fortify ‘Winter protection’ wax will protect your car for at least four months. It’s handblended and hand-poured locally and designed to harden on the car, adhere and protect against the winter elements, snow, rain, road contamination, rock salt etc. It not only looks amazing, when we’ve polished it to a gorgeous deep, mirror finish, but protects your investment as well. “To keep your alloys looking good we use Bouncer’s ‘Looking Sweet’ - a highly durable, fully synthetic, high temperature wheel wax, which helps repel road dirt and brake dust,

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Mal ‘detailing’ a customer’s Audi

Applying ‘Looking Sweet’ wax to protect the alloy Rob working a dent out from the inside of the door panel Alloy with red KerbSafe protector attached

keeping your alloys ‘Looking Sweet’ for longer.” “We can give your car the ultimate showroom finish,” says Rob, “and we offer this service to trade, retail and fleet customers, members of car clubs, collectors and enthusiasts. We work on all makes of vehicle, from Ford to Ferrari, BMW to Bugatti, classic cars, supercars and regular runabouts.” “The Excel Auto Enhancement services we provide don’t just help your car look great,” says Mal, “they also serve a purpose in keeping the car protected against the elements and looking smarter for longer. “KerbSafe Alloy Wheel Protection is a clever new invention by a local company which can be fitted to almost any alloy and protects both the lip and face of your wheels from scuffing, or can cover up scuffing that has already occurred. They come in silver which blends in or for a stylish contrast, red or black. They are often now fitted by dealers to new cars as an added extra to protect the pristine alloys and they look pretty cool too!” Rob has been in the dent removal business for more than 20 years. He worked for companies doing training and development up until 2003 when he founded Excel-

Dents, working from home. Over the last 12 years he has built the company into a thriving business with workshops and offices in Stoke Mandeville and a team of skilled mobile technicians covering Aylesbury, Tring, Leighton Buzzard, Dunstable, Milton Keynes, Banbury, Bicester, Chipping Norton, Oxford, Didcot, Thame, Great Missenden and surrounding areas The name ‘Excel-Dents’ is a spin on ‘excellence’ while the company’s motto: ‘Taking away life’s little knocks’ is something they do expertly, offering a six-day-a-week service with a dent clinic at the workshop in Stoke Mandeville on Saturday mornings, for vehicle owners who aren’t available during the week for a visit. Customers can phone for an appointment and then wait while their car is repaired or leave it and return later. “A small knock usually takes an hour or less to fix,” says Rob, “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 whether repair is possible.” Rob is still hands-on and enjoys getting to grips with a good dent himself: “I really enjoy my work,” he says, “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 to keep pushing the firm forward. I want to provide the best results and the best quality of service and I’m lucky I have people around me who support me in that.” Excel-Dents’ PDR technique can be used on all types of cars and commercial vehicles, with steel or aluminium bodies, to remove car body dents, dings, bumps and all too common damage by shopping trolleys. The company is a fully accredited member of The Guild of Master Craftsmen and holds a coveted Certificate of Quality and Service which means they work 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.’ ExcelDents is also a member of the Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association and a verified member of the Trading Standards Institute. l Excel-Dents Ltd, Unit 9 Weston Way, Lower Road, Stoke Mandeville, Bucks, HP22 5XB. Tel: 0330 332 0663 / 01296 614447 Email: enquiries@exceldents.co.uk Website: www.exceldents.co.uk Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

l Column: On

The Road

Best of both worlds VW Golf GTE

S there really any car that can be the master of all normal roadgoing situations? One that can close the gap between performance and caring for the environment at the same time? Be fun to drive but leave you with a big smug grin on your chops because you’re also doing your bit for the general wellbeing of the planet? Here’s one. It might look like any other Volkswagen Golf at a quick glance, and it’s as smart inside as any Golf has been in the past. Only it’s a bit different when you lift the bonnet. The GTE is one of a growing band of plug-in hybrids, and is driven by two engines – a 1.4 litre 150ps TSI petrol engine and a 102ps electric motor. Together they give a theoretical range of 580 miles, and up to 31 miles in pure electric mode when it can reach 81mph very swiftly thanks to the instant availability of its electric power. Using the petrol side of the equation gives it a healthy sprint to 62mph in 7.6 seconds and on to 138mph. Here’s the box ticker if you’re looking for something that won’t have its hand in your wallet all the time – 166mpg on the combined cycle and just 39g/km on CO2 emissions.

VW Golf GTE

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2015-16

Rob Auchterlonie

ON The Road

The Golf – dubbed the second people’s car (the Beetle was the first) – has a long history of firsts, the latest being the first car to be available with five power sources: petrol, diesel or CNG engines (not UK though) a pure electric engine (e-Golf) and now the plug-in hybrid GTE. It has a six speed DSG gearbox specifically developed for hybrid use and it operates in five different modes – E mode, GTE mode, battery hold, battery charge and

hybrid auto – so you pick what’s best for the prevailing conditions or the particular journey you’re setting off on. The 8.8kWh lithium-ion battery charges up in three and three quarter hours off a domestic mains

outlet, or two and a quarter from a domestic wallbox. In the UK there’s only one five door bodystyle and spec, but you won’t be disappointed by the array of kit that comes in the £28,035 package (that’s including the Government’s £5000 plug in car grant) and of course it’s exempt from VED and the Congestion Charge. Where the traditional GTI features red, GTE has blue accents like the line across the front grille, and inside too red turns to blue in the tartan pattern on the superbly supportive sports seats, the steering wheel, gear lever gaiter and steering wheel stitching. It’s all uber smart. The speedo and rev counter are as you’d expect, but the latter also has a power meter in the central display showing the state of the battery, whether or not power is being used and the intensity of any regeneration that’s going on. There’s a big and clear touch screen infotainment system and the optional sat nav comes with EV features like being able to map charging points. GTE also has an e-manager which lets you preset charging, as well as interior cooling or heating, courtesy of a Car-Net e-remote app on your smartphone. The GTE has a classic car dashboard, very neat and tidy and with the car being so quiet it accentuates how well it is all put together. All you’ll hear is a little bit of wind noise and, depending

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