Vale Life Feb-Mar 2018 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

Feb/Mar 2018

Cover image: Waddesdon wedding Picture by Rob Wheal www.robwhealphotography.com

Inside:

I do, I do, I do!

16 page wedding special

Life on the inside

A glimpse into HMYOI Aylesbury

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

New year, new hue

Pollyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potty for new paints Plus our columnists: Katy, Naomi, Polly, Amanda, Cathy, Johnny, Tracy, Sandra, Shaun, Nigel, Rob, Alan and much, much more...

Free local listings for events and businesses

w A Meal for two at the Three Pigeons, Milton Common w Dog Book w w Tickets to the national wedding show w Pigeon street book w

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Individual surroundings. Individual care care in beautiful beautiful surroundings.

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independent living apartments Coming soon

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A place of ofcare carefor forover over years, Chilton House A place 5050 years, Chilton House is ais a stunning building building in inaabreathtaking breathtakinglocation, location,but butwewealso also set ourselves ourselves apart apartthrough throughthe theattentive attentiveservice service that that wewe deliver, the excellent excellent facilities facilities that thatwe weprovide, provide,and andthe the enormous amount in in nursing andand carecare thatthat enormous amountofofexperience experience nursing we pride we pride ourselves ourselveson. on. Here at Chilton House, werecognise recognisethe theimportance importance Here at Chilton House, we of flexibility flexibilityand andour ourfocus focusis is to tailor your with to tailor your staystay with us us to your your agenda agendaand andyour yourneeds. needs.IfIfyou you in need areare in need of of recovery after family areare recovery afteran anoperation, operation,a abreak breakwhilst whilst family your home here, away or or maybe maybeyou youare arelooking lookingtotomake make your home here, we would allall cases. we wouldbe behappy happytotohelp helpinin cases

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For the opportunity to look around Chilton House where you can meet our physios and nurses, join for afternoon tea or just relax with the wonderful views.

Call us today on 01844 265 200 and book a visit to discover all that Chilton House has to offer.

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

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

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

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

PENSIONS ON DIVORCE How important are pensions in a divorce? Pensions are very important, often people overlook pensionss because they are more worried about finding a new home orr meeting living expenses. This is a mistake as pensions typically ly are the most valuable asset from a marriage. How are pensions valued? The starting point is to obtain a Cash Equivalent (CE) value. This should be provided free by a pension provider upon a special request and is different to an annual pension statement. Sometimes quoted CE values significantly undervalue the pension particularly when occupational (defined benefit) pensions are involved, for example public sector pensions. What is Pension Sharing? The Family Court can provide for a pension to be split meaning a percentage of one spouse’s pension is given to the other, who must then invest the sum in a pension scheme. This new pension will remain in place and provide an income on retirement regardless of whether the former spouse re-marries or dies. Are there alternatives to Pension Sharing? Yes, the Family Court can make Earmarking orders or “off-set” t” the value of a pension against other assets, for example one spouse use might keep their entire pension but receive less than half of value in the family home in exchange. Should I take advice? Absolutely! Pensions are not only valuable but complicated. Expert financial advisors are sometimes needed to help lawyers advise ise on a fair outcome.

For expertise in divorce, separation, finances and child arrangements, nge ements, speak to Mark Studdart today.

01296 432541 mstuddart@kiddrapinet.co.uk

kiddrapinet.co.uk AYLESBURY 4

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

FARNHAM

HIGH WYCOMBE

LONDON

MAIDENHEAD

SLOUGH

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

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

Celebrate Valentine’s day in style at Coco Tamarind! Dine by candlelight and enjoy a special 5 course set Valentine’s meal with complimentary drink and Valentine gift, all for only £29.95 per person. First sitting 5.30pm-8pm Second sitting 8.30pm-late Book your table by phone on: 01844 343111 / 01844 346100 or by email: cocotamarindhp27@gmail.com

Robbie Williams tribute! Come and experience the ultimate robbie show! on Monday, March 5th from 7pm 5 course meal with entertainment only £29.95 Book today to avoid disappointment!

l 10% discount on collected takeaways l Free home delivery within 5 mile radius (min order £15) Become a Coco Tamarind Member and enjoy discounts and special offers l Please book ahead, we are busy all week!

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

01296 01296622975 622975 07711750917 07711 750917

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

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BRITA IN & EUR OPE

BY CO ACH 20 18

Discover 120

exciting holidays across 15 coun tries

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Crusader Holidays 2018

www.crusader-holidays.co.uk

Summer 2016

Cruise on the Blue Danube

www.c rusaderholidays .co.uk 425453

T 01255

/ 01296

336666

120+

FREE JOININGLOCAL POINTS IN THE SOUT H EAST & HOM E COUN TIES

Join our 12 day cruise and coach tour through the heart of Europe on Strauss’ Fri 31st March 2017 Sun 30th October 2016 Romantic Blue Danube! Allow the wonderful sights and cities to come to you, aboard your floating hotel, the MV 4 Days The King of Waltz Returns! André 2 Days Esmeralda - Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Single room supp.£15 Rieu is back in France with a brand Single supplement extra Durnstein and Melk. The optional Lets take a trip back in time - we Insurance £23 new show! André Rieu will give you excursion programme is operated by all loved Fawlty Towers! Come what you’ve come to expect from his Crusader Holidays. and join in the fun as John Cleese performances: the maestro conducting impersonator, Edmond Wells, Bratislava hisDAY 60-piece Johannfor Strauss Orchestra 1: Dover the short sea the only 6’ 7’’ Basil Fawlty look and playing his world-famous crossing to Calais, then continue to Overnight sailing to Bratislava.and sound alike, walks The 63 thecabins walk all have air conditioning, Stradivarius violin to create colourful Germany’s Rhine region fora your first DAY 8: BRATISLAVA - spend thetalks the talk! TV,Typically minisafe, continental plug socket and and the concert full of surprises. The repertoire overnight. morning cruising and arrive in Bratislava en-suite bathroom Fawlty Towers theme night will with shower, toilet and ranges romantic, emotional DAYfrom 2: RHINE REGION - at leisure around lunchtime. Enjoy the afternoon washstand. start withinmeeting and greeting ballads to the most gorgeous with an included excursion toand Remagen. one of Europe’s youngest capitals. Docked The lounge the guests at reception. Basil and reception are located celebrated waltzes. - Drive across Germany, in Bratislava overnight with early morning on the upper deck whilst the tastefully DAY 3: TRAVEL will announce dinner as Manuel Experience the towards magic ofthe André Rieu atold heading south charming departure. restaurant is on the main deck. leads guests to decorated dinner in time acity festive and memorable evening of and of Passau on the confluence the DAY 9: DÜRNSTEIN - cruising all day There is a lift between the promenade honoured fashion. Sybil is her come seethe whyInn André is one of the with today heading towards Dürnstein, the most deck and the main deck as well as a stair Danube, and Rieu the Ilz. Overnight usual self, Manuel will feature most live acts in the world! bed &popular breakfast. famous medieval Danube river town in lift to the sun deck. as a waste of space, whilst Basil DAY 4: PASSAU & LINZ - enjoy the Wachau region of Austria. Docked in The Esmeralda offers the perfect will be giving the sort of service some time this morning in Passau Dürnstein overnight. combination of tradition and modern one would expect from a top with its romantic lanes, then drive the DAY 10: MELK - morning cruise to Melk comforts. class Torquay all without short distance to Linz to board the MV where the Benedictine Abbey perched on a hotelier, Please note: All cabins are located mentioning the war! Room, Esmeralda for your 7 night Danube cruise. hill above the river at Melk dominates the on the outside (no inner) and have two February 10, 2017 – 4 days dinner & breakfast plusbeds live(no bunks). There is onboard Your Full Board starts with a welcome little town. Cruise on through the afternoon single The Feast of Saint Valentine evolved into an occasion in which lovers used entertainment from ‘the staff’. on some nights. cocktail reception and dinner. Docked in to arrive in Linz late that evening. entertainment to express their affection for each other by presenting flowers, offering Linz overnight. Captain’s Farewell dinner this evening with This 2 day tour is from restricted joining points in confectionery and sending greeting cards. These days it is also the perfect DAY 5: CRUISING - spend the day a small gift for the ladies. Highlights Bucks, Beds, Oxon and some Hertfordshire points. opportunity to take your loved one away for a short romantic break. afloat cruising DAY 11: TRAVEL 7 night cruise aboard MV Esmeralda: To ensure an unforgettable and enjoyable Valentine’s, we’ve come up with towards Vienna for - disembark in Linz Welcome cocktail on first night; 3-course ideas that should help you plan your weekend. Your weekend includes a an evening arrival. early this morning set lunch: Dinner with tea / coffee: special forthe the ladies so look for the Valentine. Relax, gift enjoy with a big day of travel Midnight snacks: Morning coffee: scenery and the on ahead to your final Afternoon tea with biscuits board facilities and overnight stop. Bed & Entertainment on some evenings: Look at our new style dining. Docked in breakfast. 2 nights in the Rhine region with dinner 2017 brochure – out in Vienna overnight. DAY 12: Back to and breakfast September. DAY 6: VIENNA Calais and the 2 overnights with breakfast: Dürnstein - spend the day return ferry crossing to Porterage on / off MV Esmeralda Some of our holidays Romantic Wokefield Park, Berkshire withcity Snowdrop £275 exploring Vienna, a wonderful with Walk (HB) Dover, arriving home during the evening. Vienna Guided City Tour: are already on our – Gunton - Toppalaces Tribute Party: £259 aWarner fantastic mixHall, of Suffolk imperial andTake That & Bruno Mars (HB) Optional excursion programme operated by website and don’t residences, Art Nouveau masterpieces Your River Cruise£219 Boat Crusader coach and driver. Mill Rythe - Hayling Island – Moonlight & Roses (HB) forget the earlyDeparture Date: and excellent MV Esmeralda£279 Amsterdam (BB) pedestrian areas. Overnight sailing to Budapest. The 3 Star MV Esmeralda isbooking a firm discount Sunday, July 8th, 2018 Romantic Paris (BB) £279 offer! DAY 7: BUDAPEST - majestic Budapest favourite for river cruising, being a 12 Days - £1349 Luxembourg & Roman Trier (HB) £259 is made up of two parts, Buda and Pest, comfortable vessel decorated in traditional Single cabin supplement and Travel Medieval Bruges (BB) magnificent Danube. £289 separated by the Dutch style. Insurance on request. to book now Visit www.crusader-holidays.co.uk

Andre Rieu Live In France

£385

Fawlty Towers at the 4-Star Orchard Hotel

£125

Valentine Weekends - Love is in the air!

All-New 2017 Brochure

For more information contact our reservations department on 01296 336666 Holidays: www.crusader-holidays.co.uk

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Day Trips: www.mottsholidays.co.uk

4 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, HP20 2LD Crusader Holiday Shop, 4 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1BH Crusader Holidays, 13 Crusader Business Park, Stephenson Road West, Clacton, Essex, CO15 4HP www.facebook.com/mottstravel

Please see our current brochure for booking conditions and trading charter.

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

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

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

Such a perfect day

Stock up on essentials

Choosing your rings

Witch’s heart

Just say cheese

After school options

Win tickets to wedding show

Life on the inside

Making it legal

Teamwork matters

It’s the naked truth

New year, new hue

Key looks for 2018

Blast off the past

Plot hunting

Recipe for happiness

Gardening is good for you

Out of this world

National nest box week

New clinic will have you smiling

Turn it up

A thrilling Spring

Home and away

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 26 29

Top tips for brides and grooms Expert advice from Hester Clarke Deli-cious alternative to wedding cake National event has it all covered Is it time to book the registrar? Lookers can be lovely

Bouquets by subscription

Techno facial gets great results Sarah’s positive she can help And relax... it’s Hartwell Spa

Denture experts open new clinic

30 Non exercise is good 33

‘Just keep active’, says Joe

Love your village hall

What’s at the centre of your community?

Katy’s guide for a stylish Spring Nothing wicked about these collectibles What’s the point of an apprenticeship? There’s a lot going on in Aylesbury prison Pull together with Vicky’s tips Polly’s gone paint potty

Charlotte’s hints for a homelift ‘Take your time’, says Nigel ‘it’s location, location... Even weeding does you good!

Put up a box and give a bird a home Introducing Johnny, our new music guru So much on at Waterside Theatre Green Dragon offers portable parties

New year, mags and all that jazz

ow, wasn’t Christmas over quickly?! It certainly seemed so to me anyway. Possibly because it was grey and drizzly on New Year’s Day? If it had stayed crispy, cold and frosty I could have remained in festive gear for a few more days but it was not to be, sadly. And then seemingly in the blink of an eye it’s February and I’ve barely had a chance to get those new year resolutions going yet. So what’s in store for us all this year? Here at Vale Life Magazine we hope to continue creating an

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

interesting and informative local interest publication. If there’s anything you’d like us to cover in these pages, please get in touch and we’ll see what we can do. Tell us about any events you are promoting, bands you are playing in, businesses you are marketing, restaurants you have been to or charities you are supporting. If it’s local, we want to hear about it! As fair exchange is no robbery, it’s only right I should give you something in return, so here’s a heads up for Jazz fans - The Clark Tracey Quartet of Nadim Teimoori (Tenor/Soprano sax),

if not. Commiserations to those who weren’t so lucky - read on though for more competitions inside this edition, including the chance to win: A meal for two at

Bruce Boardman (Piano), Andrew Cleyndert (Bass) and Clark Tracey (Drums) will be playing a tribute to Stan Tracey’s Hexad at St Mary’s Church, Aylesbury on Thursday March 1st at 8.15pm Clark Tracey has put together this new lineup to pay tribute to his father’s music, from the early 1950s onwards. Stan Tracey belonged to the first generation of British performers who were trying, in those restless, optimistic years after the war, to learn from the inspirations of Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk, despite being 3000 miles

The Three Pigeons, Milton Common; a copy of Pigeon Street; a copy of The Dog: A Natural History; and tickets to the National Wedding Show at Excel.

Last issue’s prizewinners were: A meal for two at the Trough, Orchard View Farm: Allison Rice, Wendover A copy of Whipped and Charred Cookbook:

away from the source, and then develop a style of their own in a culture that had never been hospitable to Jazz. Tracey, one of the undisputed giants of the music in Britain, managed exactly that though Tickets at £14 (adv)/£15 (on door) are available from Aylesbury Music Shop or via: www.facebook. com/jazzupfrontbucks have a great time and happy reading! .

Charlie

Editor, Vale Life Magazine Catherine Britt, Aylesbury A Champneys Spa Day: Alison Spratley, Weston Turville A craft beer course: Verity Yates, Thame

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 : Feb/Mar 2018

Wedding feature

Your wedding day is about the two of you, so be sure to allow your personalities to shine through. There’s a lot to think about but above all, have fun, do it your way...

he New Year is a busy time for many wedding suppliers as newly engaged couples start to plan their big day and want to find out how they can transform their ideas into reality. Every year new wedding trends emerge and wedding planners must be ahead of the game, keeping an eye on the likes of Pinterest, Instagram, wedding magazines and bridal labels to see what people are looking for, from the PANTONE® colour of the year (this year we are embracing PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet, a dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade) to floral, fashion and food trends. Simon Stonehouse, Director of locally based Lamb Catering and Events has his finger on the pulse and has kindly offered to spill the beans as to which wedding trends he thinks are likely to be big this year. “There’s an element of theatre creeping in at the moment,” says Simon. “with a big reveal at some point in the proceedings to create an element of surprise and delight. “With careful planning we can build anticipation on the day the wedding planning process is

01296 423233 | enquiries@theflowerbarbucks.co.uk www.theflowerbarbucks.co.uk / @theflowerbarbucks 8

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Simon Stonehouse

where the magic really happens. There’s a fine line between sharing information and holding back the surprise is an art! “As wedding and party planners we are getting more requests to add an element of reveal to our clients’ events. From hidden seating areas in marquees, wedding dress reveals, extraordinary invitations to cocktails and food that surprises and delights... after all, who doesn’t love a surprise?” Drinks theatre “2017 saw a rise in Pimp Your Cocktail and Pimp Your Prosecco experiences, I think this

Wedding feature

Guides for Brides Customer Service Award winners 2017

Paloma Blanca . Charlotte Balbier . Amanda Wyatt Ellis . Jim Hjelm . White Rose . Ebony Rose . AW Bridesmaids

Sculptural veil ‘Dream Big’ by Awon Golding Millinery - £675 will definitely extend into 2018 and beyond. Wedding guests love interaction and theatre and being able to combine different tastes and choices when it comes to the drinks reception makes it even more fun. Take a classic such as your popular gin and tonic cocktail, offer guests different types of garnish, gin types or even tonic waters. With a Prosecco bar, you can do everything and anything from getting your guests to make their own Bellinis, Mojitos, Prosecco French 77 or a Rose-ecco which was invented by Sophie Dahl. This year it is all about highly visual drinks which are fun to make and taste good.”

Quintessential English ﬂoral bone china, embroidered table linen, vintage lace and handmade bunting for your perfect setting. With over 2,000 trios of cups, saucers and tea plates and hundreds of other items, we have a wide selection of gorgeous colour-themed designs to choose from.

Tablescaping “We are going crazy for artistic arrangements on dining tables this year, the more detail the better. From decadent charger plates, sophisticated florals, rose gold cutlery, and elaborate stationery, the sky is your limit. Work with your caterer and florist to create a truly special table and add your own unique touch to your table setting. “We’re seeing hats, jumpsuits and two piece wedding dresses for brides. More and more are opting for designer hats and shying away from a traditional veil. We’re also seeing more brides opt for tailored, flared white trousers and jumpsuits. Continued on page 10

We offer an inhouse alteration service to ensure your perfect ﬁt

You deserve the best l

We offer a friendly and ﬂexible hire service and welcome you to view our collection with no obligation. We can deliver and collect hired items, offer free cutlery hire with orders over £50 and even do all of the washing up!

87 High Street Tring HP23 4AB 01442 828653 www.confettibridalwear.co.uk

Contact us today to make an appointment. Floral Vintage Crockery Leafield Lee Road, Saunderton Lee Princes Risbrough, Bucks, HP27 9NU www.floralvintagecrockery.co.uk e: sally@floralvintagecrockery.co.uk t: 07875 552132 uk.pinterest.com/vintagechinatea /floralvintagecrockery

- Paloma Blanca - Charlotte Balbier - Ellis - Amanda Wyatt - Hayley Paige - White Rose - Ebony Rose - Kelsey Rose Bridal

ions and celebrat s, weddings for tea partie

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Wedding feature Continued from page 9

but although we chose what our wedding caterer was to cook for our guests, it was still a sit-down three A contemporary twist to the wedding wardrobe which is fabulous course dinner. “Those days are long gone. Every to see. wedding couple that I have spoken Bespoke menus, locally and to over the last few months has asked me to create a bespoke menu seasonally produced food “Food is such an integral part of for them, that isn’t a traditional runa wedding, something that should of-the-mill, three-course wedding banquet of the kind we are used to never be compromised and one of the most memorable parts of seeing. “Couples are choosing food they the wedding day. There is so much going on in the world of food right love to eat or a memorable dish now too, so where do I begin? they had on holiday that they would “When I got married, almost nine like to revisit and share with friends. “The good thing is that wedding years ago, the trend for creating your own menu was slowly creeping in, food this year is bigger, better, healthier and more visual than ever before and 2018 will see many a couple opt for big sharing platters, fabulous seasonal feasting and food trucks with food cooked to order on the spot, such as pizza and pulled pork. “Vegan food is huge this year and we’re seeing more requests for vegan friendly menus, something we are reflecting in our own canapés and menus as much as we can. Guests might have fun making their And another trend still gaining in popularity is the demand for locally own cocktails! Pic Polly Alexandre

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Lane Farm, Brightwell Vineyard and Peach Croft Farm, all based locally to us.”

Mobile Soho Pizza oven on a Mini Cooper base and trailer, can cook up to 8 pizzas at once! produced food. “Before I moved into the world of catering, I trained as a butcher and am used to seeing our cows in the field opposite my family shop one minute and the next being served as fresh, local beef to our customers. “Guests love to discover the story of where their food has come from. I love the fact that couples understand the importance of locally sourced produce which is kinder to the environment and supports local businesses. “Nearly all of the food we supply is grown and sourced from Oxfordshire. We work with incredible suppliers such as Sandy

Theatre “This is my favourite trend and I want it to stay. Guests love immersive theatre - take your guests on a journey of discovery and introduce the trend of participatory theatre to really entertain and entice; from scented napkins, secret gardens set within your wedding venue or create your theatre with food. We recently made and served huge baked Alaskas at a wedding, filled with caramel ice-cream, each table was presented with this classic dessert and then the waiting staff all lit their Alaskas on cue and flambéed in front of the guests at their tables, pure theatre! “My top wedding planning tip though is not to be afraid to do your own thing. There is nothing to stop you from creating your own trends - think outside the box and add your personal stamp to your wedding. Your wedding day is about the two of you, bring as much of your personality, characters and memories into your day as you possibly can.”

Wedding feature

Helen Grace Hats

“

ats frame the face, give you confidence and cause heads to turn,” says Helen Nicholls, who sells and hires a beautiful selection of millinery for wearing to weddings and special events, from her home studio in Shabbington, near Thame. Helen helps her clients find the perfect hat to suit their face shape, hair style, skin colouring and outfit and if it’s not in stock, will go out of her way to find it or make it! “Ladies are welcome to come here with their outfit,” says Helen, “and we can try a variety of colours, sizes, shapes and styles until we find the right hat for her, the occasion and the season. “I have a collection of over 100 Hats and Fascinators in my studio which can either be hired or bought for Weddings, Race Meetings and any other special event. “It’s very relaxed and private here and allows the client to try on a variety of headwear, in a

comfortable home environment to assess what looks best. Sometimes a bride will accompany her mother but often it’s the client on her own.” Helen can make a hat to order and can also dress existing hats to incorporate specific elements or colours to complement a wedding or event theme, or to match an outfit. Elegant hats, fascinators, hair pieces or hair bands can be designed by Helen with her client to create the perfect bespoke result. “Hats are the most personal and

Helen with a selection of her hats powerful of all fashion accessories,” says Helen. “They are worn on the most most visible and most photographed part of the body and they finish off and give an element of glamour and luxury to any outfit.” Helen Grace Hats range from £75 up to around £200 to buy and are presented in a stylish, elegant Hat box. Hat hire is from £40 - a deposit is required too.

Helen can also supply hats en masse for corporate events such as race days and Top Hats can be supplied for gentlemen. For further information or to book an appointment, contact Helen as below. l Helen Grace Hats, Shabbington, Buckinghamshire Tel: 01844 201017 Email: helen@helengracehats.co.uk Web: www.helengracehats.co.uk

With over 35 years experience planning and producing weddings and parties throughout Oxfordshire and beyond, there is nothing more important to us than ensuring every wedding we cater for exceeds expectations. Every menu we create is crafted to fit our couple’s wedding requirements, from the cocktails and canapés served on arrival to the bespoke personal touches we add to our food to add an element of surprise and delight. We have a dedicated team of creative party planners and chefs who add colour, creativity and character to everything they do, so let us know what you’re thinking and we’ll do the rest.

If you are seeking some catering inspiration, then give us a call.

01865 772446

info@lambcatering.co.uk

lambcatering.co.uk

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

WEDDING INSPIRATION

Sunday 4 March, 10am to 3pm The Dairy and the Five Arrows Hotel, Waddesdon Free entry and welcome drink

@Kate Nielen Photography © Xander & Thea Photography

The must-attend wedding event for brides, grooms – and their bridal parties – seeking ideas and inspiration for their big day. To pre-register visit: www.weddingsatwaddesdon.co.uk 12

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Find us on

Wedding feature

Choosing your rings

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

hen it comes to engagement and wedding rings, there’s few who can rival the wealth of experience and knowledge you’ll find at Hester Clarke Fine Jewellers, on Cambridge Street, Aylesbury. Originally founded on London’s Regent Street, Hester Clarke celebrated their 125th Anniversary last year! Run by sisters Julia and Nicola, the family business is now in it’s fifth generation and firmly established in Aylesbury, having come to the town almost fifty years ago. “Helping couples find the perfect rings is a hugely enjoyable part of our business,” says Julia. “Buying an engagement or wedding ring is a very personal and significant moment, it’s lovely to be a part of that moment and share it with our customers.” So with 125 years in the business, what advice would Hester Clarke offer to prospective ring buyers? “Empower yourself with

knowledge and find out a little about diamonds before starting your search,” says Julia. “Visit a reputable Jeweller with well-trained staff, who can explain the options and terminology and help you find the perfect ring.” “Keep your lifestyle in mind, and make sure your ring is fit for purpose. There is a wide selection of styles available, but not all of them will be suitable for everyone. Someone with a very active

lifestyle or a very hands-on job will need to think carefully about what style of ring will suit their lifestyle. It’s worth seeking professional advice and trying rings on to find one you are comfortable with. Remember, your rings need to last a lifetime! “And plan ahead! Some people leave the wedding rings until quite late in their wedding planning, but you could save yourself a headache by looking earlier. You may find that

you need more time than expected, especially if you are having bespoke rings made for you, and don’t forget to budget for them! Your Wedding Rings are the only things from your big day that are expected to last forever, so it’s worth looking for quality.” “Don’t be afraid to mix it up - the tradition of matching wedding rings for bride and groom has become less and less popular over the years, and now most couples we help choose different rings. It’s a good thing, as now people can wear a ring that truly reflects their individual style, and cherish their ring for a lifetime.” “Try before you buy - customers often have an idea of the style of

Hester Clarke Fine Jewellers

Independent Family Jewellers since 1892 Goldsmiths House 10-14 Cambridge Street Aylesbury Bucks HP20 1RS www.hesterclarke.co.uk 01296 482963 Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Wedding feature Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

ring they would like when they come in, but we always recommend trying on a selection of different styles, even ones you didn’t think you’d like as you never know how a ring will look until you have it on your finger. “When choosing an engagement ring, think about the wedding ring you may want in the future as well. Looking at wedding rings at the same time as engagement rings gives you the opportunity to see how they will sit next to each other on your finger, and a chance to see what styles are available and how much you might be spending in the run-up to the big day.

independent Gem testing Laboratory, and been issued with a certificate outlining the quality of the diamond. “Diamonds are assessed for ‘the four Cs Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat: Cut: Cut is a grading of how well a diamond has been cut. A well cut diamond reflects light back into the eyes of the viewer, giving that famous sparkling brilliance. Cut too deep or too shallow and your diamond will lose much of its potential sparkle.

Colour: Colour is graded on an internationally recognised alphabet scale, from D to Z. Colour absorbs light as it passes through the stone, reducing brilliance, so the less colour the better. D is the complete absence of colour, a perfectly white Diamond.

Prince Harry is said to have designed Meghan’s engagement ring himself “When it comes to the latest trends in Bridal Jewellery, we are seeing people becoming more bold in their choices of precious metals “While Platinum and White Gold are still the most popular choices by far, more and more people are opting for Yellow Gold, especially for gent’s wedding rings. Customers are also a lot more conscious of where and how their jewellery is manufactured and we are seeing a real demand for British made, quality handmade rings. “When it comes to diamond engagement rings, the trend is for quality over quantity. “Our customers no longer wish to sacrifice colour and clarity to get a bigger diamond. We have definitely seen a shift towards certificated diamonds of exceptional quality, in smaller sizes. “A certificated diamond means that the Diamond has been through an

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Clarity: Diamonds that form naturally take billions of years, so it’s no surprise that they can come with a few imperfections. These can affect the passage of light through the stone. Clarity is determined by the number, visibility and size of these inclusions.

Carat: Carat is the unit of weight for Diamonds. 5 carat is equal to 1 Gram. Larger diamonds are very rare, which affects the price of a diamond. A two carat diamond will not cost twice as much as a one carat diamond, it will likely be several times the price due to the scarcity of larger stones.

“If you are looking to buy a certificated stone, we always recommend a GIA Certificate. These come from the Gemological Institute of America, and are regarded across the entire industry as the most trustworthy, accurate and unbiased certificates available.” At their Cambridge Street showroom, Hester Clarke’s friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff are happy to assist you with your bridal jewellery needs. The team are all trained in diamond grading, and can explain the options to help you find that perfect stone and with two qualified gemmologists in the showroom, a range of wonderfully talented craftsmen and designers on hand, and 125 years of experience, you can be confident they can design, make or find your perfect rings. l Hester Clarke, 10-14 Cambridge Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1RS Telephone: 01296 482963. Website: www.hesterclarke.co.uk

Looking for a venue with that WOW! Factor? Aylesbury has a brand new and contemporary multi-function suite – ideal for your wedding reception.

Suitable for dining up-to 140 guests or Party the night away with up-to 160+ guests. Booking fast for 2018 so don’t delay e-mail Libby at enquiries@westonturvillegc.co.uk

THE

WESTON TURVILLE GOLF CLUB

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Wedding feature

How to pick your wedding photographer

You get what you pay for with regards to professionalism, quality and service, so invest accordingly in your wedding photography story!

eciding on a wedding photographer is a daunting task for most couples. There are so many to choose from, all at different price points, with different styles, different approaches... so how do you decide? Marcus from Marcus Charter Wedding Photography suggests the following top five pointers to get you focussed. PORTFOLIO - Take the time to view their portfolio (probably online) to ensure the quality and style is what you are after. Most photographers will show only real wedding stories in their blogs, which is a good way to see how they shoot a wedding day. Make sure the photographer is showing you images and blogs taken at real weddings and not from bridal shoots or portfolio building days. Look for the ‘moments’ and the ‘moment between moments’, these help define your special day and give you memories to last forever. Weddings provide the most demanding of photography environments - dark churches, rainy

days, time pressures - ensure your photographer can cope under the most extreme situations and ask to see examples. BUDGET - It’s the most important day of your lives and the photography will keep those memories fresh for years to come, so budget accordingly. Don’t get drawn in to package systems ensure that you only pay for what you want from your photographer as ‘free’ inclusions such as engagement shoots / pre-wedding shoots and 2nd photographers are normally secretly costed in. Look for the photographers that offer you a price list system, allowing you to include only what you want.

STYLE - Most photographers will talk about documentary, photojournalist, fine art, storytelling, candid... make sure you know what you are after before approaching any photographer. Ensure your photographer has a wide range of skills - working in natural daylight, working with flash, being able to think on their feet to capture those never to be repeated moments. They need to be confident around people, to get the most out of the wedding guests and know when to interact and when not. This all supports a photographers style so get to know them through their portfolio and by meeting them to understand their approach. PROFESSIONALISM - You need someone who is calm, confident, assertive, polite, discrete and can cope under pressure, if it rains do they have a plan B, if the venue is super dark do they have the skills to make your day look awesome.

Aspects should include pre-planning the shots you want with you and reviewing all other arrangements before your day so you can relax and trust your photographer to get on with it on your wedding day Other considerations are to ensure that important aspects such as contracts, receipts, wedding schedule, insurance, professional photography equipment and lighting is a given for the photographer. TRUST - You need to feel comfortable with your wedding photographer and they should want to work with you to understand what you want from your day, not dictate to you. Your photographer should be able to advise from experience on things like locations, and timings for photos. Finally, rely on your ‘gut feeling’ does it feel right to hire them! l Marcus Charter Wedding

Photography Tel: 07778 919589 marcus@marcuscharter photography.co.uk www.marcuscharterphotography.co.uk

Dorton House Dorton, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

If you are looking for a spectacular venue for your wedding which offers unparalleled flexibility and affordability on an exclusive use basis, look no further than Dorton House. Our magnificent 15th century Jacobean mansion is located in the heart of beautiful, quintessential rolling Buckinghamshire countryside and is the idyllic setting for stunning photographs and memories. As part of our award-winning service we offer a dedicated wedding coordinator to guide and support you throughout the whole experience and to work with you to create a bespoke wedding day which is as individual as you are. www.dortonhouse.net T: 01296 339166 E: enquires@dortonhouse.net 16

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Wedding feature l

Column: Deli delights with Joe and Hannah

Just say cheese! A lthough the wedding cheese cake or cheese tower has come into its own over the past few years, it is not a new idea but can in fact be traced back to the ancient Greeks. Cheese moulds have been discovered which date up to 2000 years old - the ancient Greeks would put cheese, wine and honey into the moulds and bake them before stacking them on top of each other. These days people choose a cheese tower because they want something a bit different, because they’re not wild about fruit cake or because they just love cheese and want to get some visual value out of the cheese course. A tiered tower of hand-selected artisan cheeses, makes a fabulous centrepiece with a difference for your wedding breakfast! Wedding cheese cakes are fashioned in the style of the traditional tiered

wedding cake - more usually made from fruit cake and iced. The happy couple were supposed to kiss over the cake and if it didn’t topple then it was a sign of a happy, strong union which would stand the test of time. There are certain cheeses that lend themselves better to a wedding cheese cake stack than others because of the way it is constructed. If you go to your local

The perfect place for your perfect day Reception space for 60 seated, with the option to gain additional space by adding marquee Exclusive use of venue, oﬀering you the freedom to personalise your day Relaxed, farmbased rural location Stunning uninterrupted views Attractive sensory garden

“College Farm was the perfect venue, offering a flexible layout with high quality facilities and a stunning backdrop for our wedding” TRACY & DAVID

The College Farm Chearsley Road, Long Crendon, Aylesbury, Bucks HP18 9AP

Tel: (01844) 201562 07503 212468 www.thecollegefarm.co.uk

cheesemonger or deli they should be able to suggest which cheeses will work best for you. A good balance and contrast of cheese types - hard, soft, blue - with different flavours, colours, textures and intensities is ideal and will satisfy most tastes. Here at The Deli at No 5 in

Joe & Hannah Deli delights

Thame, we offer the opportunity for you and your fiancé to come into the shop after hours and enjoy a glass of fizz whilst tasting and choosing cheeses to compile your very own bespoke wedding cheesecake. Once you have decided on which cheeses work best for you we will mock up the cheese cake and send you photos, so if any tweaking is necessary it can be done well in advance of your special day. l Joe and Hannah run delicatessen and homeware store The Deli at No5 at 5a Buttermarket, Thame, OX9 3EW, pop in or contact them via: hello@thedeliatno5.co.uk Tel. 01844 214229 www.thedeliatno5.co.uk

Weddings at The Railway Have your wedding inside our stunning glass-roofed venue, alongside beautifully restored steam engines, surrounded by pretty Buckinghamshire countryside.

• • • • •

Wedding ceremony licence Up to 150 for a sit down meal Offer your guests a steam train ride! Large dance floor Personalise your special day with suppliers of your choice • Well-lit, large car park on site

For more information, please email Emma at: functions@bucksrailcentre.org

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Wedding feature

Win tickets to National Wedding Show

he National Wedding Show has a spectacular line up for Spring 2018, bringing the nation’s most beautiful, stylish and inspiring wedding specialists and suppliers together under one roof and you can be there too at Olympia London 16th-18th February; NEC Birmingham 23rd-25th February and ExCeL London 14th-15th April. All the bridal party will be entertained with live music, food tastings, shopping hotspots and DIY classes, not to mention a Champagne Bar, Inspiration Lab, Money Matters Theatre, The Entertainment Stage, The Eclectic Boutique, Grooms’ Room and more! Meet hundreds of expert wedding suppliers, enjoy the show’s feature areas, see the latest bridal trends... Find your dream dress! Try on as many dresses as you like from an unrivalled selection of bridal shops and designer labels, with no appointments necessary. The Catwalk shows will showcase the latest collections from the nation’s hottest designers, retailers

• A VIP goody bag • A complimentary glass of fizz • The latest issues of Confetti mag • Reserved seat at Catwalk Show • Fast-track entrance to the show • Exclusive access to the VIP lounge

and boutiques, including looks for the bride, bridesmaids, motherof-the-bride and groomsmen and you can shop the UK’s finest wedding suppliers and bridal brands including the likes of: David’s Bridal, Godminster, Warwick Castle and Cad & the Dandy. With hundreds of wedding suppliers you can be sure to tick off lots of wedding planning ‘to-dos’ in just one day. Talk to dedicated travel

experts and create your ultimate honeymoon or wedding abroad in The TUI Wedding Travel Lounge Set your creative side loose with DIY wedding workshops in The Inspiration Lab. Get essential wedding planning guidance from guest speakers at The Hitched Wedding Planning Platform Why not splash out and enjoy a day of luxury with the VIP experience! Benefits include:

If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to The National Wedding Show at ExCel London in April, simply email your name, address and telephone number along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk When is this year’s National Wedding Show at ExCel London being held? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Mar 4th, 2018. l For more information

or to book tickets, visit: www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk

or call ticket hotline: 0844 874 0486 (7p per minute plus network extras)

facebook.com/nationalweddingshow Twitter: @nationalwedding #TNWS Instagram: thenationalweddingshow

FREE

Sunday Lunch for up to four people, when a deposit is paid on the day of the Wedding Fair.

Wedding Fair Sunday 18th March 11am-4pm

For more information on all our events please call 01296 734030 or email events@hinnaylesbury.com 18

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

For more information or to book any of the above events, contact us on 01296 734000 and quote reference ‘VALE EVENTS 1’

Wedding feature

Making it legal

for wedding breakfasts

s well as being an emotional union, marriage is also a legally binding contract. Once a couple say “I do”, they are bound to each other under law as well as in the eyes of their family and friends. For most marriages, both parties must provide at least 16 days notice of the marriage. You do this at your local register office. A registrar will take information from you and place a notice on a public board in the register office for 15 days. The person you are marrying should do the same. If any member of the public has reason to believe that you should not be married they can object. If there are no objections then the registrar will provide you with a notice of marriage certificate, which you will need in order to get married. You can then have a religious or civil ceremony, at approved premises, after a gap of at least 28 days, at which you must exchange some formal wording or vows. You’ll need at least two witnesses and you and your partner and your two witnesses must all sign the marriage register or civil partnership document overseen by the registrars you have booked for the occasion. To find out more about how to give notice, the documents you should take with you and fees, contact your local register office or visit www.gov.uk/ marriages-civil-partnerships

Buckinghamshire Registration Service marries around 1600 people every year, so have a wealth of experience and expertise to offer and a portfolio of 80 venues licensed for civil ceremonies, from stately homes to modern hotels, rustic barns, woodland weddings or even historic caves! Your Registrar will work with you to ensure your wedding ceremony takes place exactly how you wish. They will meet you ahead of the day to discuss your ideas and priorities, ensuring a bespoke ceremony is created for you. Afterwards, you’ll receive a copy of the script, so that the words which formed the heart of your day will be yours to keep for ever. If you’d like further information on your ceremony or weddings in general, get in touch with the Ceremonies Team as below. l Buckinghamshire County Council

County Hall, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1XF T: 01296 382481 E: ceremonies@buckscc.gov.uk W: www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars

l The Buckinghamshire Registration

Services annual Wedding Fair takes place on Sunday 4th February 2018, 11am – 3pm at the Bucks County Museum, Aylesbury. Free entry and a complimentary goody bag for every couple on the day!

& events

16th Century Inn with menus created by our head chef to suit your individual style, tastes & budget, there’s no doubt this venue gives the wow factor, with beautiful views & stunning sun sets from our large garden. Contact us now to see how we can make your event a perfect memory for you & your guests.

The Black Boy, Church Lane, Oving, (Nr) Aylesbury, Bucks, HP22 4HN T: 01296 641 258 hello@theblackboyoving.co.uk www.theblackboyoving.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL SETTING, GREAT FOOD & DRINK. TAILORED SERVICE. Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Column: ‘Kiss & tell’ with Tracy Kiss

It’s the naked truth

8 months ago I opened a DM on Twitter from a TV producer asking me to appear on a new Channel 4 dating show called Naked Attraction whereby strangers pick their date based purely on naked appearance without any verbal communication! This upturned way of dating focused on instant physical attraction as a way to choose a partner, as opposed to the traditional method of first getting to know a person fullclothed over a panini and bowling. It was certainly an eye opening experience to say the least, especially considering the six men I had to choose from were all completely naked in boxes lit up like a Quality Street tin. But it gave me a fresh perspective on dating and allowed me to understand that the tall, handsome and physicallyblessed men I had always avoided as partners can actually be really nice guys too. The guy I chose for my date has now landed the title of

Tracy and partner

Mr UK in the modelling industry and we remain great friends. When it comes to dating we all have a type, even if we think we don’t and I’ve always had a skill for dating the wrong kind of guy. I hold a good personality above looks when choosing a partner, but the show taught me not to shy away from good looking guys,

stereotyping them as self-centred, shallow or unfaithful. In the past I would see a guy with muscles, nice hair and a dazzling smile and run a mile, automatically expecting him to be texting multiple girls and cheating, as so many swoon and fall at his feet surely he’d be spoilt for choice?! In reality everybody has their insecurities and body hangups no matter how attractive they are and we should never base a relationship or choice of partner on just looks or personality alone but a combination of the two. Nobody is perfect and there’s no winning formula to finding true love but the show has helped me to understand that the type of guy I was always so afraid would break my heart is in fact the type of guy who deserved my heart the most. I feel a very lucky lady to now have met the man of my dreams who is tall, dark and handsome, loves training at the gym with me, enjoys my vegan cooking, is incredible with my children and laughs at my horrendously unfunny

Tracy Kiss

Kiss & tell jokes. Personality wise he is the male version of me and I am the female version of him; he ticks all of my boxes and I literally can’t imagine life without him. If I’d met him a couple of years ago before Naked Attraction I’d have run a mile, but today we run side by side on our treadmills absolutely loving life - proof that you should never judge a book by its cover. l Read Tracy’s blog at: www.tracykiss.com or follow her on: Twitter: @misstracykiss or Facebook: /TheTracyKiss

M o b i le D i sc o S erv i ces

Bespoke candles to create special memories Let me help you create the perfect atmosphere for your wedding day with your own bespoke, hand-poured, luxurious, natural wax, scented candles. Whether you are looking for a unique table decoration or personalised wedding favours to give to your guests as a memento of your special day, I can make the candles to your requirements with the scent of your choice. Anything is possible so if you have any thoughts on what you would like to achieve, please do contact me. Contact Trish Preston-Whyte: 07967 326502 Email: trish@chilterncandle.co.uk

www.chilterncandle.co.uk

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Paul Bailey from DJP Entertainment is an exceptional DJ, who can guarantee your special occasion is an unforgettable success. His professional talents and particular track selection will create the perfect party atmosphere that will be enjoyed by everyone! Visit the website or phone Paul for an informal chat on 07828 109751 www.djpentertainment.co.uk facebook.com/aylesburydiscos T: 07828 109751 E: info@djpentertainment.co.uk

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Fiona Faber’s Floral Design and Country Home Store at Wendover is known for producing the most fabulous arrangements of gorgeously fresh flowers - a beautiful gift for someone special and a lovely way to mark a birthday, or anniversary. Of course you still have to remember to call up and order them in time, or do you...

iona Faber is a clever lady indeed. A skilled florist and floral designer, she not only creates amazing bouquets and floral displays but has curated a wonderful selection of pots, baskets, containers and jugs in which to place her flowers and house plants and also has a variety of home and gift ware on offer, including Soake Umbrellas, small leather goods by Scaramanga and a number of decorative items for your home. Even better Fiona also offers a flower subscription service for homes and businesses which includes free delivery and a discount on flowers throughout the year. Just imagine - you will never forget that special occasion again... Valentines, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Mother’s Day, all taken care of on your behalf! There are three offers you can subscribe to: Forget-me-not: Register 5 dates a year with a sixth date (with only 24 hours notice) for illness/ thankyou or sorry) and a beautiful hand tied

per month and you also receive 10% off all floral products in the shop throughout the year. Peony: A luxury service providing a stunning new display for businesses every week. You can request a specific colour or bloom and know that your office/reception area will always look fresh and attractive! Cost only £133 per month. As a celebration of Fiona’s first year in Wendover she is giving anyone taking out a ROSE or PEONY membership during February their first delivery Completely Free! FORGET-ME-NOT memberships will receive a special gift with the first delivery. bouquet will automatically be delivered. Costs only £17 per month (monthly payments through standing order) and you also get 5% off floral products from the shop throughout the year. Rose: Choose a preferred date and once a month a beautifully arranged bouquet of seasonal flowers will be delivered. Cost only £34

For further information or to place an order or take out a subscription please call Fiona on: 01296 695837. l Fiona Faber Floral Design, 13 High Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 695837 Email: hello@fionafaber.com Web:www.fionafaber.com

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Amanda Trott

l Column

Technology is a wonderful thing and particularly so in the world of beauty right now, where clever new gadgets that lift, smooth, firm and rejuvenate seem to be offering increasingly impressive results. ‘Anyone for collagen?’ says Amanda...

t’s that time of year again when everything feels dull; the post Christmas diet, the grey, damp weather, our skin... But fear not, it’s only weeks away before the clocks jump forward and Spring will be upon us once more. And even better, the answer to fresh, flawless, glowing skin is close too, in fact it’s only a few minutes away at The Belmore Centre in Stoke Mandeville, where recently the lovely team have introduced the Comcit facial to their list of ever expanding treatments and complementary therapies. Comcit (Cryo-Oxygen Microchannelling Collagen Induction Therapy) is the facial all the celebs are talking about at the moment, from the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Moss, Gwyneth Paltrow and even Colin Firth and Jude Law! It’s the ultimate A lister choice for silky smooth, younger looking skin and if it’s good enough for them, then it’s good enough for me! Katherine has been a therapist at The Belmore Centre since last Summer and is a big fan of Comcit. She explained that Comcit has four modes of action designed to stimulate collagen production. It simultaneously delivers Cryo-Oxygen whilst a unique Microchannelling Roller creates thousands of microscopic channels which allow a special serum to be pushed into the skin alongside cold oxygen. This provides instant visible results which improve further as collagen production increases after 4-14 days. The skin becomes fresher, glowing and more taut, it increases skin firmness, replaces lost moisture, provides a more hydrated skin and stimulates collagen production. After a thorough cleanse and tone Katherine began the microdermabrasion by blasting millions of tiny crystals at my face through a special wand to deep clean my skin and remove any dead skin cells. As the crystals were blasted they were simultaneously sucked away, along with the dead cells. Next came the derma roller, scary sounding with its hundreds of microscopic needles, but actually not that uncomfortable, if anything, just a little tingly. Cryo-Oxygen was then pushed into my skin which had a pleasant cooling effect after the Microchannelling. Finally Katherine applied the creamy masque, which eventually set, rubber like, over my face. Before removing it, she gave 22

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Amanda Trott

Beauty Spot

Micro-channeling roller

Microdermabrasion

An initial cleanse

me a super soothing stress busting neck and shoulder massage. I was fully expecting to look red and blotchy but to my surprise I had no redness at all just beautifully plump glowing skin. Normally after a facial, I’m keen to retreat to a dark corner but with the Comcit facial I

Before and after Comcit treatment

Creamy masque which set and peeled off in one piece! actually could have left with only a lick of mascara and returned to work without feeling self concious in any way. Over the next week or so I really felt as though the glow had returned to my skin and in fact, despite a big birthday on the horizon, had several people comment on how good I looked for my age; yippee!! To find out more about Comcit or to book an appointment with Katherine or one of the other therapists at The Belmore Centre, take a look at their website www.belmorecentre.co.uk or call them on 01296 612361 and say goodbye to dull winter skin. l The Belmore Centre, Lower Road,

Stoke Mandeville, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 9DR Tel: 01296 612361 Email: enquiries@belmorecentre.co.uk Web: www.belmorecentre.co.uk Open Mon to Thurs, 9am-9pm; Friday, 9am-7pm; Saturday, 9am-3pm and Sunday, 10am-4pm

l To contact Amanda with regard to Beauty Spot

features please email: editor@vale-life.co.uk

Health & Fitness l Column:

Life Bites with Sarah Virág

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Recipe for happiness?

hat’s The Recipe For Happiness? Ah! If only I had a pound for every time a client had asked me a version of this million dollar question! As a Coach, I’m passionate about guiding others towards their own version of happiness. It can be an elusive beast though; found in unusual places at the most unexpected of times. But one thing I’ve learned? It’s that certain strands of life, when they’re in place, will give all of us the absolute best shot at this delicious state of well being. Start with these 6 universal happiness triggers; 1) Self Belief. Everything in life starts with a great mindset. Believe in yourself and your unique abilities and you can take on just about anything life throws at you. What a great starting point for happiness!

2) Respect for your body. Taking responsibility for your physical wellbeing focuses attention on you. And when you’re at the helm of your own magnificent ship? Life just feels better naturally. 3) Clarity about the future. The pursuit of our dreams brings real purpose to life. Without goals it’s hard to muster real enthusiasm for the future. So pinpoint your target. Draw up the action plan – and make it happen!

Charlotte Mobile Hairdresser Professional Hairdressing for

Everyone

4) A supportive, loving network. True happiness must start from within, but flourishes when you’re in the midst of those who understand and love you the most. Never underestimate how much your background cheerleaders are contributing to your overall sense of contentment. 5) An open, enquiring mindset. I love to witness the transformation in clients who open themselves up to the world around them, and become receptive to new things! Always be prepared to expand your thinking; then watch opportunity and happiness start to flood in. 6) A positive attitude. Having lived in many corners of the world, I’ve often marvelled at the generosity of spirit of some of the poorest souls on earth, such as those in South African townships. You don’t need material things for long term happiness, but

Sarah Vir á g Confidence Coach your attitude? Now that is truly priceless. So. What’s the real recipe for happiness? For me it’s most definitely in cultivating and firing up these 6 elements of day to day life. By changing the ordinary - into the extraordinary. What will make you happy today? Sarah xo l Sarah Virág is a Confidence

Coach, BA (Hons), Writer, former Global Events Manager, Mother of three and lifelong Nomad. Email: sarah@sarah-virag.com Web: www.sarah-virag.com Facebook.com/SarahVirag

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Health & Fitness

Column: Fitness Focus with Andy Roscoe

Unlock muscle trauma

hame Therapy Clinic has a long tradition of using hands-on therapies such as osteopathy, physiotherapy, acupuncture and massage to treat musculo-skeletal problems. One of the problems for people with musculo-skeletal issues is which therapy to chose and which person to go to? Andy Roscoe, co-director and Acupuncturist for 25 years at the clinic has these insights to offer:“I frequently see clients who are in acute muscular pain from a recent injury or accident. In these cases where there is ‘inflamed trauma’ Acupuncture is the treatment of choice as it can remove pain and inflammation without the need to mobilise or manipulate muscles or joints. This makes it a very useful therapy, after doing the initial ‘rest, ice, compression, elevation’, to begin the healing process. Once movement starts to happen more

freely, then other therapies such as osteopathy can take over if needed. “When considering an appropriate therapy, a good differentiation to bear in mind is that pain that is dull and achy is likely to be muscular/soft tissue in origin, whereas pain that is predominantly sharper is likely to

relate to some deeper bone issue. Often the two combine so it is a question of deciding which type of pain predominates. If more achy then Acupuncture/massage could be the best first option; if more sharp, then an osteopathic manipulation or similar may be required first (unless the problem is acute as described above). “The other area where Acupuncture is useful is where a muscular trauma has been stuck for months or even years despite hands-on therapeutic intervention and exercise regimes. Acupuncture can often unlock these problems because it works on different and often deeper connections in the body which are not accessible to other physical therapies. Some of these connections will inevitably be mental and emotional and are often the ‘key that locks the door’ when a longstanding physical complaint has become complex. “Finally, it is important to find

Andy Roscoe Acupuncturist

an Acupuncturist who has not only been trained to work holistically and who examines the pulse and tongue, but also has experience in handling the body and dealing with physical pain. Many nonacupuncturists go on courses to learn how to do ‘dry needling’ for physical pain, but sometimes this relatively limited form of acupuncture will not resolve complex problems that have lasted a long time." l Contact Andy Roscoe at:

Thame Therapy Clinic, 23 Upper High Street, Thame, OX9 3EX Tel: 01844 215555 www.thametherapyclinic.co.uk www.andyroscoeacupuncture.co.uk

Thame Therapy Clinic Fitness, Wellness, Spin Classes Personal Training, Small Group Transformation Packages & Yoga T: 07973 222410 E: barker_emma@hotmail.com

Spininthame beinspiredbyemma

‘Movement for every body’ Welcoming, modern studio offering small group yoga & pilates classes, for all ages & abilities, in friendly, relaxing, professional environment Cross Keys House, New Road, Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 0LF Tel: 07793 387272 Email: enquiry@evolvepilatesphysio.co.uk Website: www.evolvehealthwellbeing.co.uk 24

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

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

www.thametherapyclinic.co.uk

ANTONIA BARNES MCFHP MAFHP FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER

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

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

Health & Fitness l

Column: Fitness Focus with Emma Barker

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Shape up for the big day

o you’ve set the date, booked the venue and are busy organising your big day… but what about you? Are you shopping for that perfect outfit and now want to drop a dress size; or as the groom want to increase your muscle tone? Maybe you just want to look and feel your absolute best on your big day. Well fret not, it’s all achievable with a bit of planning, positive mindset and willpower! First make sure your goal is ACHIEVABLE, I’d love to look like Julia Roberts in the film ‘My Best Friends Wedding’, but she’s 5’9” and I’m 5’2” so that’s never going to happen! Setting a specific, realistic goal that is achievable in your time scale is the first step. Next - PLANNING. What are you going to do and how are you going to do it, to achieve your goal. Most people tend to focus on just one thing - diet but starting a quick fix, faddy diet is NOT the way to go…

trust me I’m a Personal Trainer! You will be so ’hangry’ (hungry/ angry) on a really restrictive diet that you won’t enjoy the build up to your special day and people will call you Bridezilla and Groom of Doom behind your backs! A much better way to look absolutely stunning on the day and enjoy the build up, is to combine healthy eating with exercise. HEALTHY EATING - make small changes - cutting down on sugar, alcohol or processed food, one thing at a time and gradually, will result in weight-loss and so many other benefits from more energy and a happy mood to glowing skin. The best bit is you can look and feel your best not only for your Wedding Day but for the rest of your life! FITNESS - pause for a moment and think which exercise you like doing. It’s no good joining a gym if you actually hate the gym! You want to find an exercise you look forward to doing, one that you will make

Suffering with Anxiety, Feeling Sad & Unhappy, Relationship problems Caring, empathetic & confidential ? help is available. Hypnotherapy can & has helped many many people with these types of issues. FREE initial consultation

Angie Elbourn Reg Hyp. MNRAH. CNHC (CNHC are the only registering body for Hypnotherapy that is recognised by the Dept of Health)

www.hypnohelp.co (just co no uk) 077756 77796

Angie.hypnohelp@hotmail.co.uk

katie banfield BSc (Hons) Ost. Med. ND Registered Osteopath

time for and can be consistent with. If you’re not sure, just start being more active. Things like taking the stairs instead of the lift, going out for a walk or getting on a bike are perfect ways. Finally, ‘those that train together, stay together!’ You both share the same goal of wanting to look your best on your Wedding day, so consider getting fit together - attend a regular class, or gym session or book a personal trainer to put you through your paces! I’ve trained a few couples over the years and the results are amazing. A shared goal, leads to shared commitment, and with a bit of healthy competition thrown in, you get fun, effective training sessions with amazing life changing results. If you’d like to book a ‘Couple’s Training Session’ or need further help and inspiration on looking and feeling amazing on your Wedding day or even if you’re not getting married, visit www.

Emma Barker Spinning & Wellbeing inspiredfitnessandwellness.com or get in touch with me barker_ emma@hotmail.com l Emma Barker is a qualified Level 3 Personal Trainer and Indoor Cycling Instructor. She helps people, one-toone or in small groups, achieve their fitness and wellness goals. Emma also runs spin classes in Thame. Cost is £7.50 per class (discount for block booking) but mention ‘Vale Life Magazine’ and receive your first class for FREE! For more on spin classes or how Emma can help you, email: barker_emma@hotmail.com or see: www.Facebook.com/Spininthame

Maria Bray

Nutritional Therapy

The Science of Health and Vitality l

Eat Well l Live Well l Feel Well

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

Call for free half hour consultation

Tel: Maria on 0771 5414719 / 01296 581561

www.mariabraynutritionaltherapy.com

Aylesbury Sports Massage For all your aches, pains and injuries

Winslow: 01296 714504 Stoke Mandeville: 01296 612361 Enquiries: 07770 917388 www.katiebanfieldosteo.co.uk

20% discount on presentation of this advert (One discount per patient treatment only)

Contact Clare Davies Hartwell, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire Tel: 01296 747477 Email: clare@aylesburysportsmassage.co.uk Website: www.aylesburysportsmassage.co.uk Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

An intensive treatment for ageing skin, including a unique dual layering of intensive masks, with specific lifting, plumping and firming massage. Delivers instantly visible results.

Health & Beauty

ESSENTIAL ROSE FACIALAA

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

55 MINS ~ £66.50 WITH BACK MASSAGE 85 MIN ~ £85 Luxurious rose oils help condition the skin and deeply nourish. The result is a smooth, radiant complexion and a relaxed state of mind.

SKIN SOLUTIONS FACIALAA 55 MINS ~ £66.50 WITH BACK MASSAGE 85 MIN ~ £85 This treatment regulates problem skin, leaving the complexion instantly bright and radiant.

CLEANSE AtDEEP Hartwell Spa youFACIAL can enjoy the finest fitness, health, beauty 55 MINS ~ £66.50 WITH BACK MASSAGE 85that MINis~always £85 and relaxation facilities, in an atmosphere calm, An intensive that incorporates extraction and hot towel relaxed andtreatment uncrowded. Spa membership offers fullcompresses, use of the alongside facial massage and a freshwater mud mask, leaving a super clean facilities plus additional benefits and social events associated and fresh skin. with the historic house and its restaurant... AA

Trina and Shamus

artwell House is only a mile or so from Aylesbury, but a visit there transports you to another time and place altogether. This haven of peace, elegance and tranquillity may be an historic stately home with Jacobean and Georgian features, outstanding decorative ceilings, huge fire places and some 90 acres of picturesque parkland and gardens, but it’s also an impressive four star, Grade I listed hotel, combining stunning rooms, antique furniture and gorgeous paintings, with the kind of creature comforts and contemporary luxury that modern guests dream of. In the main house there’s fine dining and exemplary service, wonderful afternoon teas and great value set price lunches, while a few yards away you can dip a toe into the Hartwell experience by way of the spa. Located in the stylishly converted dairy, with parts that resemble an orangery, Hartwell Spa features an attractive romanesque swimming pool with spa bath, a steam room, saunas, four treatment rooms and a gym and it is open to non-residents. There are also two tennis courts in the grounds and plenty of secure free parking. The spa is staffed by friendly, experienced therapists who offer a wide range of relaxing, restorative, rejuvenating, beautifying, and downright pleasurable treatments that can do just about everything from tidying your cuticles to revitalising your sense of humour. They use a range of Aromatherapy Associates, BIOEFFECT and Jessica products and there’s the option of Spa Day and Half Day packages or individual treatments, which are all available

to guests staying in the hotel and to nonresidents. Between treatments you can relax by the pool, in the steam room, sauna and bubbling waters of the whirlpool bath, or retire to the Hartwell Café - an informal restaurant serving drinks and light meals. “It’s a fabulous setting,” says Spa Manager Rebecca Cade.“We aim to create a unique and exclusive experience for our guests while offering value for money, whether you are visiting for a single treatment or for one of our excellent value half or whole day packages.” Annual Spa Club Membership is from only £98 per month and allows full use of the facilities, while a Single Month Spa Club Membership is available from £135. Membership Benefits are worth over £660.70 per annum when joining Hartwell Spa on an annual subscription. Members receive vouchers for the following: • A complimentary one night Bed and Breakfast stay in a double room at Hartwell House Hotel per membership and on joint membership. (Sunday to Thursday ~ subject to availability and excluding Bank Holidays), value £310. • One free night Bed and Breakfast on any

one stay of two nights or more at Bodysgallen Hall or Middlethorpe Hall per membership or joint membership ~ (subject to availability and excluding Bank Holidays), value £205 • Your choice of either a free two course lunch for one in the Hartwell Café or afternoon tea for one at Hartwell House when you bring a guest, value £30. • A £30 voucher towards a treatment of your choice at the Hartwell Spa • Two complimentary guest vouchers to the Hartwell Spa, value £40 • Two complimentary vouchers for tea or coffee in the Hartwell Café value £5.70 Whether you decide on a day in the Spa, a month’s Spa Club trial, lunch at the House, or a relaxing spa or beauty treatment - you’ll find a visit to Hartwell House will soon have you feeling out of this world... l Hartwell House & Spa, Oxford Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8NR Website: www.hartwell-house.com Tel: 01296 747444 Email: info@hartwell-house.com Hartwell Spa Tel: 01296 746500 Email: spa@hartwellspa.com

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Health & Beauty

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

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

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

Microwave verruca treatment and regenerated. Three or four 15-minute treatments, at monthly intervals, usually does the trick - each one consisting of several timed bursts of microwaves, with each burst just a few seconds long.

Results are outstanding at Feet First Podiatry

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Excellence for all your foot care needsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Feet First, 13a Upper High Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3ER Tel: 01844 261023 Email: enquiries@feet-first.org www.feet-first.org

If you are feeling sad, confused, worried, depressed, anxious, lonely, or just overwhelmed, I can help. Whatever issue is troubling you, why not get in touch and we can find a solution together? I am a qualified Therapist offering a flexible therapeutic service tailored to your needs and requirements.

Jaqui Supple Counselling

Practice Yoga...

Web: www.jaquisupplecounselling.co.uk Email: jaquisupple@gmail.com Tel: 07977904067 Facebook.com/jaquisupplecounselling

...Everywhere

Tring Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic Whether you are an elite athlete or not sporty at all, our aim is to get you back to where you want to be, as quickly as possible. Specialists in: Sports Injuries, Running Injuries, Back Pain, Upper and Lower Limb Injuries, Post Surgery Rehabilitation, Acupuncture and much more... Open Monday-Saturday (including late night appointments).

www.Everythingyogauk.com

Tel: 01442 822547 Email: info@tring-physio.co.uk

W: www.tring-physio.co.uk Facebook/Twitter: @Tringphysio Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Column: Fitness Focus with Cathy Bindoff

Health & Beauty

Respiratory specialist

hysiotherapist Cathy Bindoff is a Respiratory Specialist and Lymphoedema Management Practitioner She has worked for the NHS over the last 17 years and at the Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust since 2003, mainly treating patients with serious heart and lung conditions. “I have developed a deep understanding of the anxieties and frustrations that come with living with respiratory conditions,” says Cathy “More recently I gained a qualification in Lymphodema management and FluroscopyGuided Manual Lymphatic Drainage (FG-MLD) ‘Fill and Flush’ technique. “Working in both these fields my approach is to focus on assisting the body to find balance and ease. I offer a variety of treatments

to assist people to live well with respiratory conditions and also to assist people affected by Lymphoedema. “Treatments I offer for respiratory conditions include: • Secretion clearance techniques • Breathing pattern management • Soft tissue treatments • Muscle balance and posture advice And for Lymphoedema management I offer: • Manual lymphatic drainage • Scar tissue management • Joint range and strength advice “The most important part of my work is understanding my clients’ individual needs and seeking to work together to achieve meaningful improvements in their quality of life. My many years of clinical experience dove-tails with specialist knowledge of anatomy and physiology which I use to tailor

ReturnReflexology to Equilibrium for all ages I combine biomedical knowledge and a calm personality, with the gentleness of reflexology, for a positive impact on your emotional and physical health and to help you feel good about yourself. I am available for home visits or you can come to my peaceful treatment room in the village of Towersey. Please call 07852 923927 for more information or email: tais@returntoequilibrium.co.uk

Tais van Ondheusden

BSc Biomedical Science, ITEC Diploma Reflexology

Kirsten Jane Therapies Natural Wellbeing Therapies for Mind, Body & Spirit

Registered and insured holistic therapist based in Whitchurch Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Holistic facials and nail care Member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists Drew’s Hair Salon, 62 High Street, Whitchurch, HP22 4JS E: wellbeing@kirsten-jane.co.uk T: 07526 596033 W: www.kirsten-jane.co.uk 28

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

each treatment session. “I volunteer at a local NHS lymphoedema service to provide treatments to a wide range of people affected by this condition. “With this training and my physiotherapy manual treatment skills I am able to also help with scar tissue management strategies that may be needed following treatment or reconstruction surgery. “I have helped clients with respiratory issues caused by: Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Cystic Fibrosis, Chronic Bronchitis, Bronchiectasis, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Heart Failure, Chronic Breathlessness Syndrome and Breathing Pattern Disorders. “And I have also helped clients with Lymphoedema caused by: Surgery for cancer, Radiotherapy, Infection such as cellulitis, Venous

Cathy Bindoff Physiotherapist

disease (varicose veins), Trauma and injury, Immobility as a result of neurological conditions, illness and arthritis and Primary inherited diseases affecting the lymphatic system. “My treatment strategies are very flexible and guided by each client, so please contact me to discuss any specific condition or treatments. I look forward to working in partnership with you. I am based in Thame and have offstreet parking available. l For further information or to

book an appointment, contact Cathy on: 07941 805766 Email: info@cathybindoff.com Web: www.cathybindoff.com

Health & Beauty Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

New clinic will have you smiling Oakview Restorations Dental Laboratory has opened a new denture clinic near Princes Risborough offering local people an exceptional service...

akview Restorations Dental Laboratory has been providing quality dental prosthetics to dentists, up and down the country, for more than 25 years. Their laboratory, set amid the beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside at Saunderton, now boasts a new in-house denture clinic, open to the local community and extremely

True to Life removable dentures

handy if your dentures need fixing or replacing. Oakview’s experienced Clinical Dental Technician Roy Davies Dip CDT RCS (Eng) is a master craftsman who creates ‘True to Life’ removable dentures, a technique which incorporates tissue colour mapping and individual tooth and gum characterisation to produce the most natural looking dentures you’ll find. Roy and his team delight in creating the most aesthetically pleasing dentures possible: “When you’re creating something as unique as a tooth you need to be a perfectionist,” says Roy. “At Oakview each one of the team is dedicated to providing you with the very best service and an end product that will exceed your expectations, while having a dental lab on-site, speeds up the whole process, from start to finish. We promise a service that gives you attention to detail, punctuality and value for money.” For further information or to make an appointment, call Oakview Dental on:

Roy Davies in Oakview’s new denture clinic “...truly works of art... Roy’s denture work is some of the best in the country... I confidently recommend to my patients the best dentures they would ever have in their life, the “true to life” dentures” - Dr. Yassir Noorani, BDS MFDS RCS, Hillingdon 01494 569466. There is free customer parking on-site. l Oakview Dental, Units 1 & 2 Ministry Wharf, Wycombe Road, Saunderton, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4HW Tel: 01494 569466 www.oakview-dental.co.uk

Do your dentures need fixing or replacing?

Our clinical dental technician, Roy, is a master craftsman who creates the ultimate in aesthetics for removable dentures. The ‘True to Life’ technique incorporates tissue colour mapping using digital photography and individual tooth and gum characterisation. l

Onsite dental implant lab - fast and reliable service

Easy parking onsite

Call Oakview Dental directly on: 01494 569466 to arrange an appointment

T: 01494 569466

Oakview Dental, Units 1 & 2 Ministry Wharf, Wycombe Road, Saunderton, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4HW

www.oakview-dental.co.uk

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Column: Fitness Focus with Jo Manley

Non exercise is good! W

ant to lose weight, get healthy? Well here’s one thing that is often forgotten, but is very important!! - NEAT or Non Exercise Activity Thermogenasis. What is that I hear you ask!? Put very simply it’s your movement away from exercise. We often focus our attention and effort on burning calories in one hour every 2-3 days, but what about the huge impact of the remaining 23 hours? NEAT makes a big difference to our energy expenditure! There is a good reason I ask clients to take the stairs, walk 10,000 steps a day, park further away, ditch your trolley and carry the shopping, stop a station before and walk, get up and take regular breaks from your desk, avoid the lift and generally move more. The reason is because it has a far bigger effect on your chances of success than whether you have a fast or slow metabolism, or whether you chose a low carb or low fat diet.

“It’s not just what you do in the gym,” says Jo. Neat is the the most adaptable/ variable part of our energy expenditure. We is also know that less standingm and less walking leads to lethargy. Have a look at your day - what could you do differently to get more movement in? Research has shown that 10,000 steps per day is a good target to aim for. Studies have shown people who are doing 10,000 steps or

more a day are healthier and also leaner. It doesn’t have to be 10,000 steps, see what you are already doing and start trying to increase it bit by bit. Little things like walking to work, parking further away, taking breaks to get up from your desk and moving around the office, walking meetings, walking during your lunch breaks all help. Also the good news if you’re

Health & Fitness

Jo Manley Personal Trainer

trying to lose weight, the more calories we can expend through NEAT the higher we can keep food and calorie intake when dieting. You might not want to go and exercise 7 days per week - it’s physically and psychologically taxing. However, getting out more, walking, moving and remaining active is achievable. This year get moving! l Joe Manley, ProStart Personal

Training, Aylesbury Grammar School, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP21 7RP Tel: 07946 748582 Email: jm@prostartpersonaltraining.co.uk Web: www.prostartpersonaltraining.co.uk

Experts in Mobility and Healthcare Supplies Come and visit our new showroom at Watermead, Aylesbury or, if you can’t get to us - give us a call and we’ll visit you! Specialists in ‘tilt in space’ riser recline chairs Lightweight wheelchairs Wide range of mobility scooters Extensive range of three/four wheeled walkers Bath and shower solutions Aids for daily living Profiling beds and stairlifts Discreet professional advice on continence management Advice and guidance on all aspects of mobility and personal care Equipment Hire Excellent after sales service and customer care 35 Lakeside, Watermead, Aylesbury, HP19 OFX | Tel: 01296 435607 | Web: www.theeasyliving.company 30

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Matthew Ball

Business Development Manager & Audiologist FdSc BEng & BCom (Hons) MSHAA HCPC Reg.

My name is Matthew Ball. I am a fully qualified audiologist with many years of experience in the hearing care industry. I have previously worked for the NHS and also a leading hearing aid manufacturer prior to joining the team at Aston Hearing.

FOR ALL LOCATIONS 01494 733840 ASTONHEARING.CO.UK

HEARING WELL AT CHAMPNEYS HEALTH SPA We are delighted to announce the opening of our newest hearing centre. Located within the Health & Well Being Centre, Champneys Health Spa, near Tring. This centre opens alongside our already established centres operating in Amersham and Thame.

I specialise in adult hearing rehabilitation, clinical ear care and hearing aid technology. I am delighted to be heading up the team at our new clinic at Champneys Health Spa working closely with Your Doctor, allowing us to manage you and your family’s ear and hearing health.

Your auditory pathway plays an important role in shaping the brain’s development at all stages of life; from pre-lingual toddlers, through school, work and into retirement.

screening, clinical ear care (wax removal and infection management advice) to hearing and communication assessments, hearing rehabilitation and counselling.

We recognise that it is sometimes difficult to talk about hearing or to acknowledge there may be a problem. Often people just want a chat to find out more.

We encourage everyone to take their hearing seriously. If you are unable to hear well, even temporarily, your everyday life and social wellbeing can be affected and you can find yourself vulnerable in many situations.

Services also include tinnitus management and importantly the independent supply and management of all forms of hearing aid technology and ear protection. We also offer an emergency hearing assessment service to assist with any sudden changes in hearing which, if not managed quickly, could lead to long-term hearing difficulties.

At Aston Hearing we run FREE Hear Today events including a monthly drop-in coffee morning. These are held at our offices in Thame and Amersham and offer the chance to speak to our audiologists and those with first-hand experience of living with hearing challenges through sharing thoughts and practical advice over tea and cake in a relaxed, informal setting.

At Aston Hearing we offer a range of hearing and ear care services for all the family. From specialist children’s hearing

For appointments at Amersham, Thame or Champneys or for more information Please call 01494 733840 or visit www.astonhearing.co.uk

TAKING HEARING

Seriously

Hearing & Communication Assessments

Microsuction Wax Removal

Child Hearing Assessments

Ear & Hearing Protection

Hearing Aid Fittings & Aftercare

Tinnitus Advice & Support

Independent Hearing and Ear Specialists working in Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire. Est 1989. Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

‘Good Health’ with Sandra Smith

Feeling anxious? A

nxiety affects people of any age, gender, culture or ethnicity. For some, upbringing or life experiences predisposes them to this distressing mindset, particularly if worrying is a natural personality trait. At the same time, the unexpected may provoke symptoms which hinder the day to day routine of others who, until then, handled life’s challenges. Integrative Counsellor, Natalie McGourty, whose extensive training enables her to offer a variety of counselling methods, explains the different ways in which anxiety manifests itself. “Everyone is unique and will experience anxiety differently. Physically, common problems include headaches, racing heart, dizziness or chest pains. These can feel quite scary. Everyone gets nervous but anxiety is a problem when it interferes with your day to day life, stopping you doing the

Counselling can help with anxiety things you want or need to do.” Individuals may be either unaware of the cause behind their anxiety, or harbour a specific phobia or social anxiety. In addition, a trauma may trigger unease, leaving the person feeling overwhelmed and out of control. Not surprisingly, this mental state reduces the ability to concentrate. Natalie’s self help suggestions include an anxiety diary. “Write down when and what happens and your thoughts around it. Set yourself small, achievable goals. Exercise is also important.

When we’re anxious we have too much adrenalin and exercise not only burns this off and acts as a distraction, but also releases endorphins.” Over consumption of sugar, caffeine and alcohol are best avoided while meditation and relaxation exercises alleviate the muscle tension so common when anxious. Expert help is needed, however, should symptoms continue for a couple of weeks and impede your day to day schedule or have an effect on your normal sleeping or eating patterns. Given that this might be the first time the sufferer has sought professional help, what should they expect? “I provide a friendly environment in which they open up,” says Natalie, “even if it takes a bit of time. We don’t have to talk about anything they don’t want to. I start with general questions. My aim is to build a level of trust and

Health & Fitness

Good Health

Sandra Smith confidentiality.” While eliminating anxiety is never the goal, counselling provides individual strategies so that the person, rather than this debilitating mental attitude, is in control. “No one can change the past,” Natalie concludes, “but having a better understanding informs clients as they go forward. Counselling empowers people to feel they can cope.” www.nmcounselling.co.uk l Sandra Smith is a freelance

writer, follow her on Twitter: @TheCurrentMrsS or visit her website: www.TheCurrentMrsSmith.co.uk

Local author’s book of hope

n the introduction to his book local author and painter David Brown tells of how he had ‘reached the comfort of late middle age with little or no experience of illness in all his adult life. “I had a loving wife, Grace,” he writes, “a beautiful new home which nestled at the foot of the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and a bolt-hole right next to the sea in West Sussex. Weekends away were exhilarating and uplifting; we loved the sea and the coastline. I was proud of my three daughters who were furthering their academic studies, developing their careers and becoming independent. “I had a new career, having started up my own consultancy business not long before. Although the work was challenging and tough, it was also hugely enjoyable and fulfilling. “Then I was told I had cancer. It hit me like a freight train; I knew I could die. I underwent treatment, including major surgery. “Then, only a few months later, when I thought I’d got it beaten, I found out I had secondary cancer. This time, dying seemed inevitable.” 32

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

David I Brown David’s book Cancer Was My Companion: A Memoir, is the story of a man coming to terms with his own mortality. Originally diagnosed with colon cancer, he fought to survive the treatment, only to find that the disease had spread to his liver. Further surgery saved his life again. It was an experience that helped him realise what he thought he already knew, but really didn’t: that he could die. David writes with sensitivity and anger and plenty of black humour, explaining the processes he underwent from diagnosis through

treatment to recovery and provides a harsh but beautifully fierce, almost surreal, understanding of his emotional journey. The book is available as a paperback (Barnes & Noble ISBN13: 9781548074326) and as an ebook from Amazon. David feels that hope plays a vital part in recovery and that his story could be one of hope and understanding for others. David I Brown was born in 1953 and was educated in London. He spent his early career working for large global manufacturing businesses, which took him all over the world. Later, he started his own consultancy in risk management, continuing to travel widely. He is now a semi-retired grandfather, the writer

of a book and also an accomplished artist. You can see his work at: www.facebook.com/fqcsolutions He painted the picture above of gardeners at Chartwell House. “I presented the picture to my oncologist, Dr J in March 2015 for the staff and patients, present and future, of the Stoke Mandeville cancer clinic. My personal experience was that recovery can be aided by hope and I would be delighted if my painting could, in some small way, help instil such a feeling in other patients. “The gift was also to thank the chemotherapy staff for their wonderful support during my treatment when my life was in their skilled hands.”

Column: Nick Phillips ‘Good to give’

Love your village hall

bet you know where your nearest village hall is, but do we really value these quaint buildings that are wrapped up in a mixture of nostalgia and “Vicar of Dibleyness”? Do you think of peeling paint and creaky radiators, dusty rooms and chipped crockery? Or a vibrant place which acts as the hub of your community? There are 10,000 village halls and community buildings in England and in January the first ever national Village Halls Week celebrated their vital role. It’s not every day you get to rub shoulders with a Peer of the Realm but that’s exactly what I found myself doing when Lord Gardiner of Kimble visited us to launch the Village Halls Week. It was a great opportunity to introduce him to some of the amazing volunteers who keep our village halls at the heart of so many communities, and point out that village halls aren’t peeling paint and

Nick Phillips

Good to give

chipped crockery, but places which can address rural isolation and provide local services to people who need them. As a Rural Community Council, we support village halls in many ways. There are over 170 of them in Bucks and you might be surprised to know what they’re used for; libraries, cinemas, puppy training classes, clog dancing, farmers markets… the list goes on. With many villages no longer having a post office or even a

pub, it’s the village hall which has become the social centre. These places may seem like they’re from a bygone era but with a growing ageing population, lack of rural transport and fewer community facilities the day of the village hall is far from over. Dunsmore Village Hall is a great example. Meeting the dedicated committee members with Lord Gardiner we heard how the village relies on its hall as a place to gather together and maintain the friendly,

caring village spirit. From lectures on fascinating topics by national figures to quiz nights, picnics and parties to art classes, it really adds value to the lives of the community! As local councils reduce support to rural parishes and challenge communities to do more for themselves, it’s likely the village hall will increasingly be at the centre of things. But to be vibrant and successful village halls need to be used and managed by their communities - so let’s all question what we could do to keep our local hall alive and kicking. l Nick Phillips is CEO of

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

waitrose.com/thame

Community Matters Every month we give our time and money to local communities. We donate £1000 to be shared by three good causes that you choose.

Waitrose Thame Supporting the community Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

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

Stock up on essentials

ith the end of Winter approaching you may have started making plans for Spring and Summer (oh, and if you haven’t, that’s fine - I’m all for waiting to see what comes up!). How are those new year resolutions going? I’m a firm believer that resolutions, intentions, plans (or whatever you choose to call them) are easier made and easier to stick too in early Spring when the days become longer and it’s more pleasant getting out and about. So how is this relevant to your wardrobe? Well, if you’re thinking of doing some Spring cleaning in your closet, why

not think about the plans you have in the months to come to create a wardrobe that will work really hard for you this coming season. Here are my essentials for a seasonally transitional capsule collection:

The Essential Raincoat for Spring showers A real lifesaver, both for April showers and sartorially too. For the school run, a full day of meetings all over town, the perfect raincoat can brighten your day and save your outfit getting ruined by the elements. Spring is the perfect time to choose a bright colour. There is a range of reds in stores right now, the perfect shade to lighten up a dull day (love the detail in the design by Hush Long Tall Sally, a brand Ellie Pink scarf which comes highly £45 recommended by an avid reader!). If you prefer neutrals, add a splash of colour with accessories – in my book, a great raincoat teamed with a statement scarf and you’re good to go.

Long Tall Sally Shower Resistant Raincoat £100 2 34

Vale Life : Feb/Mar Nov/Dec 2018 2017

Scarves - Put a twist on it Whilst we’re on scarves they can seem a little dated – but it’s all about the style and print you choose. Once you consider the versatility of a fine, large scarf with colour and pattern, you will be converted. From supermarket fashion to designer boutiques, it’s easy to find neckwear that suits your personal style. Wearing scarves in a simple snood, twist, plait or neckerchief tie can transform your look from drab

of design and fabrics to perfectly suit your frame. For a streamlined look, keep your trousers tonal with your top half and for more casual situations, mix up colour for an altogether more creative combination.

White Stuff Brushed Layer Jersey Tee £25

Tee off Quite possibly the quickest and easiest way to update your capsule collection, a simply curated selection of quality T-shirts (long sleeve or short) will be your quick-fix wardrobe staple. Wear under a fine knit coming out of winter, team with a smart tank or on its own come summer with your favourite necklace, denim jacket or soft boyfriend-style blazer. to fab. Trousers & Jeans We’ve all got our favourites and fit is everything. Whilst dark colours in trousers can be flattering, consider soft stripes or a lowcontrast puppytooth check for an elegant silhouette. With jeans being a natural choice and now more than ever, acceptable in the workplace when it comes to the price tag this is often where paying more can have real reweards. Boutiques will have experience in the fit of a variety of brands along with the range

Knitwear knowhow If simple Tees are your workhorses, then quality knits are your investment pieces. For luxury fabrics such as mohair, merino or cashmere consider choosing neutral shades that will team up well with your less expensive garments and

Barbour Leeward Jacket £199

Oliver Bonas Big Circle Print Scarf £29.50

accessories too. For spring, shades of cocoa, charcoal blue, silver grey and sage green are perfect. These will all complement sharper blush pink, daffodil or ultraviolet - Pantone®’s Colour of the Year for 2018. Pack a jacket When considering jackets for your wardrobe, you really need to think hard about the occasions on which you are going to wear them. Office –

Lorine Rubber Coated Necklace £29.50; Ariah 2 Layer Mobile Earrings £16

day-long, without resorting to plasters. You know what I’m going to say – neutrals are key with the Hush investment in time and Frayed Tweed money that shoes and Jacket £99 boots are. Yes – black, tan and chocolate brown will work well, but metallic shades of pewter, bronze and silver co-ordinate and complement all colours beautifully so are certainly something tailored, extremely versatile and these days it doesn’t necessarily definitely worth seeing need to be a suit, but a sharp cut out. is key. For more relaxed looks, a blazer with some texture such as So the starting point – take a ponte, tweed or cotton waffle. look at what you already own. If you are looking for evening Then get moving on creating your attire, a tuxedo style jacket is an shopping list and get out there to absolute must. Piano black or build your perfect Spring capsule midnight blue are the perfect wardrobe to bring you right up to shades for evening glamour. date! Put your best foot forward In my experience, male shoppers tend to be a lot more discerning than women when it comes to footwear – and it’s worth taking some tips about taking time to ensure the fit is good so you feel comfortable

l Katy Dyer is a style coach and corporate image consultant and works with people of all ages, stages and backgrounds to help them present themselves at their very best. Because when you look good, you feel good. Find out more at www.katydyer.com or simply call 01844 872 025.

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Find us on Facebook or pop in to: 25 Duck Farm Court, Station Way, Aylesbury, HP20 2SQ Tel: 01296 706418 Email: sewclaire@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.sewclaire.co.uk Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Column: Nicky Gregory‘Curious World’

The witch’s heart H Ancient witch’s heart talisman

Diamond and ruby encrusted ring straightened out which gives us the heart shape we know today. From the 1700s the meaning changed and the heart became the symbol of love between two people. Many were made of garnets, a symbol of love and affection. The crowned Witch’s Heart was a symbol of loyalty and the flaming heart a symbol of marital love, or burning passion. The double heart came to signify a committed relationship. Some believed Witch’s

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

19thC Singer sewing machine treadle table The actual machine has been removed and the top adapted with old wood to make a table. This is priced at £195 The Old Post Office, 25 High Street, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 625335 Email: antiques@antiquesatwendover.co.uk Website: www.antiquesatwendover.co.uk Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Curious world

telephone number to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Winner to be notified by email.

ANTIQUES AT… WENDOVER

Nicky Gregory

Sapphire and Diamond Witch’s Heart Brooch

Heart meant the wearer had “bewitched” the giver. It was not uncommon in the Victorian period to see vestiges of the Witch’s Heart pinned to a woman’s clothes over her own heart. A ‘bewitching’ gift for Valentines Day! Our Dec/Jan edition’s mystery object was a church offertory box. Can you guess what this one is? Email your answers along with your name, address and contact

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

Mystery object

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

(Hertfordshire dialect) A) the leather strap to bind a hawk’s wing B) a turnstile C) to walk with difficulty

3) Pycle

2) Kyrst

4) Cockamumprin’

(Oxfordshire dialect)

A) a wood B) the second swarm of bees in the same season C) a pathway up to a steep hill

(Berkshire dialect) A) a small field B) to dye one’s moustache C) a small cavity in a rock

(Buckinghamshire dialect) A) wild, unmanageable, obstinate, perverse B) posturing C) not quite drunk

l Adam Jacot de Boinod was a researcher for the

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

ANSWERS: 1C) to walk with difficulty 2A) a wood 3A) a small field 4B) posturing

earts have been a symbol of adornment since Medieval times. A Bronze Age heart was found in Armenia 3000 years ago. It was in Europe in the 15th century that the Witch’s Heart became an item of jewellery, not so much as a love token but because of the belief that this type of heart had talismanic properties and could ward off the evil eye and protect a mother during childbirth and nursing. In Scotland in the 18th century the witch’s heart was called a luckenbooth, named after the closed booths in Edinburgh from which they were sold. They were pinned to babies’ blankets to protect the sleeping child. The original shape had no cleft at the top, but over the centuries the shape changed and witch’s hearts were given a twist to one side. Later the cleft at the base was moved to the top and the twist

by Cathy Soughton

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Straw plaiters

couple of editions ago, I wrote about lacemaking, which was a thriving cottage industry in Buckinghamshire up to the nineteenth century, employing thousands of people in the area, mainly women and children. The chances are, if your Buckinghamshire ancestor wasn’t a lace maker, they may well have been a straw plaiter, making plaits for use in the production of straw hats and bonnets, which were very popular at the time. The commercial centre for straw plaiting was Luton – before they were known as ‘the Hatters’, Luton Town Football Club’s nickname was originally ‘Strawplaiters’ – but the trade was vitally important throughout the region. The industry developed during the 18th century but it really took off during the Napoleonic wars with France when foreign imports were restricted whilst the invention of a straw splitter tool which produced equal sized splints made it easier to

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produce finer straw plaits. The numbers of straw plaiters in the county probably peaked around 1870 when over 3500 straw plaiters were officially recorded in Buckinghamshire in the 1871 census, the vast majority females, although a lot more would have been connected with the trade on a casual basis. In the villages of Edlesborough and Ivinghoe for instance it’s been estimated over half the female population were employed in the trade, whilst in Aston Clinton in 1869 a trade directory names 12 straw dealers. In some cases, the plaiters sold their plait in local markets to dealers; at the market each Friday in Tring the street in front of the church opposite the Rose and Crown was lined with plaiters every week. Since it was comparatively simple to plait straw compared to making lace, children were often taught the basics of the trade from a young age and straw plait schools were established where children would be sent at around 4 years old. Little if any proper education would be provided though and children worked for long hours in

were not well paid although their wages provided a much needed supplement to a family’s income, especially when farm labourers were not guaranteed full time work. In contrast the straw dealers who supplied the plaiters with the straw and the straw manufacturers often became wealthy. The trade declined sharply after 1870 largely due to foreign competition, especially from China. We think of cheap imports being a 21st century issue but the new Straw plait merchant 1885 Chinese plait sold at a much cheaper cramped conditions without a fire to price and the industry in England collapsed, coincidentally at the same keep them warm as the smoke may time as new Factory and Education have discoloured the straw. Acts improved the lives of children Adult female straw plaiters previously forced to work. were also criticised for being poor Both the Bucks County Museum housewives; in an 1868 report they in Aylesbury and Amersham were said to be ‘utterly ignorant of such common things as keeping their Museum have displays about straw plaiting where you can learn more houses clean, mending their own or about the industry. their children’s clothes, and cooking their husbands’ dinners’! They also l Cathy Soughton is a professional had a reputation for loose moral genealogist and architectural historian standards - the vicar for Buckland providing family history and house Common where there were many history research in the local area. plaiters lamented that it had been W: www.bucksresearch.co.uk, long notorious for its immorality. E: soughton@btopenworld.com, As with lacemakers, straw plaiters T: 01296 624845

Win a copy of The Dog: A Natural History

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ublished to coincide with Crufts, The Dog: A Natural History by Ádám Miklósi is a comprehensive exploration of the biology, behaviour and diversity of man’s best friend. There are plenty of books about living with and training a dog but The Dog: A Natural History is something much wider-ranging: an in-depth look at every aspect of the species, from prehistoric origins to its relationship with humankind. An initial chapter on Evolution and Development looks at dogs’ ancestors. Chapters on Anatomy and Biology, Society and Behaviour, and Dogs and Humans follow, accessing the most recent studies on everything canine. From hunting patterns to diversity, and training methods to classification, you’ll find everything you ever wanted to know in this comprehensive study. To finish, a canine Directory offers extended profiles and portraits of a range of the most popular breeds. From first to last, it’s a book that will prove irresistible to anyone curious about how the

dog gained his prime position in the human world. If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a copy of this impressive hardback, simply email your name, address and telephone number along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk From which country do Chihuahuas originate? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by March 4th, 2018. l www.quartoknows.com/Ivy-Press Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Column: Down to business with Philippa Batting

Are you ready for GDPR?

hile ensuring that their business is prepared for life outside of the European Union, is sure to be near the top of a business owner’s to-do list, another pressing issue that businesses need to be preparing for is the implementation of the GDPR on May 25th 2018. The GDPR - General Data Protection Regulation – sets out the requirements businesses must meet in order to protect the personal data and privacy of those whose data they hold in their records. Failure to comply with the regulation could result in fines, but as the UK Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham wrote in a blog post last year, this is a last resort for the Information Commissioner’s Office, the authoritative body on data protection in the UK and the body

responsible for overseeing the GDPR implementation. The GDPR is not designed to collect fines from businesses, it is designed to protect an individual’s privacy and give them more control over who has access to their data. This means that any business that holds personal information like names, phone numbers, addresses or email addresses will be affected. There will be implications for HR and IT departments, and throughout the supply chain, while businesses that engage in direct email marketing are going to be hugely impacted. Currently,

individuals have to specifically opt out of receiving certain email communications from businesses, but under the GDPR this switches to an opt-in system. This is not only likely to result in a far lower rate of consent for email contact, but it also requires businesses to communicate this change, giving people a choice between opting in or out. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ico.org.uk) holds the most comprehensive set of resources on the GDPR. Information includes a ’12 steps to take now’ introduction, and a checklist to help data controllers and data processors gauge what they are already doing to be GDPR compliant, and what they still need to do. The importance of compliance isn’t simply from a legal viewpoint. According to research from the Direct Marketing Association, 59% of customers say that a brand using

Philippa Batting Down to business

their personal data responsibly is important in their decision on whether to use them. Buckinghamshire Business First has signed up as a Data Privacy Day Champion, to reflect our commitment to protecting the data we hold, and to raising awareness of the importance of data privacy. The GDPR kicks in on May 25th. This doesn’t mean that you can wait until May 24th to think about it. You should have been preparing already, but if you haven’t, you need to start now! l Philippa Batting is MD of Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF), working to support and facilitate success within the business community. Membership is free - visit: www.bbf.uk.com

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Column: Sophie Cockayne ‘Apprenticeships’

After school options

pprenticeships are a great option for school leavers - a combination of paid employment and learning. Working patterns may include one day per week at college, or block release of several weeks, mixed with longer periods of work. Many employers pay significantly above the minimum wage of £3.70 and offer more substantial packages. There are four levels, with Intermediate and Advanced usually accessed by year 11 leavers. Higher and Degree Apprenticeships are open to applicants holding A’ levels or vocational Level 3 qualifications. Entry requirements vary depending on the specific role and industry. Employers are seeking relevant skills and a genuine interest in their business. Apprenticeships are now available in a wide range of industries. Sky for example, is taking on around 200 apprentices across the UK, including customer service, sales

and creative media roles. KPMG are currently recruiting for a degree apprentice, working towards Chartered Accountant status, in collaboration with Durham University. A recent search of local vacancies (via www. findapprenticeship.service.gov. uk/apprenticeshipsearch) found opportunities in Floristry, NHS Administration, Banking, Horse Care, Retail Management, Dental Nursing and more. Deciding whether Apprenticeships are right for you can depend on: 1) How confident you are that the role and its industry are a suitable career match 2) How ready you are to take on job responsibilities and juggle this with learning assignments 3) Whether you are more of an active learner, who prefers to learn by doing, able to adapt to mixed learning environments, including one to one coaching and group

sessions. 4) Work experience (either via school, in your own time, through volunteering or as a part-time job). This gives you confidence in the workplace, develops employability skills and serves as a reality or compatibility check. Employers recruiting school leavers will commonly ask questions about your experiences. Applying for apprenticeships is similar to job seeking. It is important to allocate sufficient time for submitting and tracking multiple applications, preparing for interviews and assessment tests and for requesting dates out of school. Many national companies operate recruitment cycles with application windows up to one year in advance of the start date, so it is never too early to start researching. For companies that interest you search their website directly. For students seeking all types of work, parttime jobs and apprenticeships, a

Sophie Cockayne

Skills Adviser

good source is www.e4s.co.uk. For all levels of apprenticeship vacancies register with www. gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship and try www.ratemyapprenticeship. co.uk. For those looking to start after 6th form or College Level 3 courses try; www.milkround.com/ jobs/apprenticeship and www. notgoingtouni.co.uk. School leavers could try speculative applications too – these show initiative and can be very successful. l Sophie Cockayne is a Skills Adviser to SME businesses in Bucks and has over a decade of experience working as a careers adviser in schools. For more careers and apprenticeship advice go to: www.adviza.org.uk or email: info@adviza.org.uk

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Column: Nick Andrews ‘Education Matters’

Stopping bad behaviour

eaders have asked for specific advice about behaviour and sanctions. I hope this ‘time out’ idea will help keep things quiet, calm and peaceful in the winter months. Life is a ‘game’, with complex rules. The bad tempered, injury prone sports match at school is often the one that is badly refereed. A lawless society is likely to be unhappy and insecure. The same is true of our children; at home and at school. Children must all know their boundaries – and they must be consistently applied. I remember a child who once described to me, with envy, a neighbour’s daughter who had been severely told off for climbing a tree. “At least her dad cares”, she said. So when applying a sanction, remember to put the responsibility firmly into the lap of the child. “If that happens again, then this is exactly what will follow”. The learning for the child is that it

Book reviews Fiction: Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine; by Gail Honeyman One of the most stunning début novels you will ever encounter. Honeyman gives us the story of a girl living in her own little world, where she has shut herself away after a traumatic childhood that left her with both physical and emotional scars. However, she is not your typical sociopath. If you are familiar with the brilliant Doctor Sheldon Cooper, then you have his female counterpart in Eleanor. Heartbreaking, hilarious, and beautifully written, this is a story that will stay with you for days to come. Non-fiction: Nefertiti’s Face: The Creation of an Icon; by Joyce Tyldesley Queen Nefertiti has always sparked our imagination and been the source of both historical investigation and fictional portrayal. This book offers a new approach to the exotic tale of power and intrigue by focusing on the queen’s three-thousand-year-old bust. Approaching the epoch in a comprehensive and non-exhaustive fashion, Tyldesley unravels some 40

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

well develop their own strategies for dealing with yours. For example, they may claim to be going to their room anyway or they may refuse to come out after three minutes. Don’t be fooled and don’t give way; stay clear, calm and specific. If this ‘games-playing‘ starts then it is a subconscious admission that your technique is working, they are is their choice to engage in that simply trying to manoeuvre you out behaviour again. of using it. ‘Time out’ is the most useful After the three minutes, you make sanction that prevents the behaviour escalating. Having given a warning, it clear that they are welcome to re-join the family and if the choice in a quiet and clear voice, if the is made not to do so it is theirs behaviour is still unacceptable to you then the child should be sent to alone. Do not plead and when they their room for, say, three minutes. It re-join you engineer a change of is important that the period of time subject and tone. The bad event or moment is over and there are no is both brief and specific, so that recriminations. life can quickly return to normal. I once worked with a family It is not meant to be a punishment where the child was having that hurts; however it quickly difficulty behaving properly at changes the subject, the location school and also, it turned out, at and dynamic. With ‘time out’ the home. Mum was adamant that she potential conflict has ended before believed in choice above all things it has become a crisis. and the child was being asked how Beware though, your child may

Nick Andrews

Education Matters she wanted to be punished for bad behaviour! The poor little girl was confused and unhappy and had no idea where or what her boundaries were. Your family is a team, yes – but you are unequivocally the manager of the team. You are in charge and discharge that responsibility quietly, clearly, firmly and specifically. The family rules and the application of any sanctions that flow from not obeying them are completely down to you; it’s hard enough growing up without having to work out what’s right and wrong as well! l Nick Andrews is a retired Head teacher, if you have any queries

about education he can be contacted via Avale Tutoring at nickubiq@gmail.com

Column: Bookworm with Waterstones

of the mysteries surrounding the famous bust of Nefertiti, giving us an engaging account of a land that has inspired us for millenia. Children’s: The School For Good and Evil; by Soman Chainani One of the most incredible adventures in Young Adult Fiction of our time. Following the tale of Agatha and Sophie, Chainani offers us a new take on fairy tales. We know how they end, but what happened before the heroes and villains we know became famous?

The School for Good and Evil is the answer. Before Cinderella became a princess she had to graduate. So did Maleficent. Now, it’s Agatha and Sophie’s turn. Follow their adventures on the path to their happily ever afters. Thriller: Grotesque; by Natsuo Kirino Following the deaths of Kazue and Yuriko, we are plunged into a world of darkness, resentment, anger and fall from grace. Told from the point of view of Yuriko’s

sister, who has lived all her life in the shadow of her glamour, this is a new take on psychological thrillers. It is not about the murders, it is about how the victims lived their lives and how they touched the ones around them. Every word is directed at the reader’s heart. Chilling, bitter and stylish, Natsuo Kirino is one of the most refreshing authors of our time. l Reviews by Diana at Waterstones, Aylesbury Tel: 01296 423153 Web: www.waterstones.com

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

There has been a prison or gaol of some description in Aylesbury since 1810. The current Institute for Young Offenders dates back to early Victorian times and was originally modelled on Reading County Gaol. Most of us know where it is but little of what goes on inside - there is in fact quite a community involved in caring for the 440 residents and an amazing range of initiatives and activities taking place...

er Majesty’s Young Offenders Institute Aylesbury with it’s imposing entrance on Bierton Road, first opened as a county gaol in 1847 and served as such until 1890 when it became a women’s prison. Two new wings were added in 1902 serving initially as an Inebriates Centre and in the 1930s as a borstal for girls. In 1959, the prison was converted to house adult male prisoners and in 1961, it changed again to house young male offenders aged between 17 and 21. In 1989, Aylesbury was designated as a long term young offender institution and now holds around 440 18-to-21-year-old male prisoners, serving from four years to life imprisonment the longest sentenced young adult males in the English prison system - in seven residential wings and one segregation unit. Governor Laura Sapwell has been in charge at Aylesbury since June 2016. Previously Governor at HMP Huntercombe near Watlington, it is her second time at Aylesbury as she was in a junior management position at the jail from 2000-2003. “There’s something special about Aylesbury and the people who work here,” she says. “There are staff who have been here since I was here before and others who have left and been drawn back again like me. It’s a nice sized prison, where you will get to know other members of staff, support each other and often mix socially too. “The prison has an amazing history which I feel proud to be part of. Every day is different, it’s never dull, even the routine

Vale Life : Feb/Mar Dec/Jan 2017-18 2018

The con

HM Young Offenders Institute Aylesbury on Bierton Road

tasks don’t feel routine. We work with some of the most complex and challenging young people in custody and it’s fascinating work and a place where individual staff members can make a real difference, helping shape our prisoners’ lives for the future.” Laura joined the prison service in 1996 as a graduate in Law and French. Her father and grandfather had both worked in prisons too, so she knew a bit about it and although she’d considered a career in law, the hands-on practicality and people focussed nature of prison work appealed to her more. She rose quickly through the ranks, worked part-time for a spell while having a family and had positions as Deputy Governor at both Bullingdon and Springhill, before taking her first governorship at Huntercombe in 2014. “The service has changed enormously since

I first joined and often for the better,” says Laura. “The way we interact with prisoners, the drive towards a rehabilitative culture, it’s more professional, respectful and decent for the prisoners, there’s more women employed at all levels and equality in general. Resources may be stretched, public scrutiny is more intense and expectations have risen but it is right that tax payers get value for money. “Prisons get a lot of bad press but we are not constantly unsafe and in crisis! When things are running smoothly it doesn’t make the news! At Aylesbury we have the same operational challenges that all jails face but there is some excellent work being done here. There are staff shortages and we are not delivering everything that we want to but we have plans underway to recruit more staff and we have amazing hard working staff here

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

already, who are doing a great job and changing prisoners lives for the better. “Our core aim is ‘to prevent victims by changing lives’ - we reduce reoffending by rehabilitating the people in our care through education. The cost of reoffending is massive so if we don’t change people’s lives while they are here and they go out and offend again, it is a wasted opportunity and an avoidable cost which effects the victim, the police, the courts... costs which tax payers would want us to avoid. “We have 270 staff here in all kinds of roles, from uniformed prison officers, to uniformed management roles, administrators, a chaplaincy, workshop instructors, caterers/kitchen staff, PE staff, a whole range of different jobs and we are looking to recruit more in a variety of areas. The pay and benefits packages are pretty good - a prison officer at Aylesbury could start at around £27,000 for a 37 hour week. There is a good pension scheme, six weeks annual leave, flexible shifts, a full training and induction programme, uniform, occupational health services, free parking and a free gym! “Applying for employment here is a fairly lengthy process but the first step would be to look on the Prison and Probation Service website: www.prisonandprobationjobs.gov.uk “It is a challenging environment to work in and won’t suit everyone, so we offer familiarisation days for people considering applying to come in and get a feel for what it would be like, talk to staff and talk to prisoners and have a look around. It’s a job that requires a range of skills - men and women who are hard working, professional, honest, resilient, have good interpersonal skills and can listen and communicate effectively and build relationships with people who are hard to engage with. It is very rewarding work though. “Our young prisoners are still growing, developing and maturing and will be relatively young when they leave, so it’s important that we give them the chance to do something positive with their lives once they do, whether through education, vocational training, personal development or emotional support. “We have a library run by Bucks County Council and full and part-time education programmes, run in conjunction with Milton

Keynes College, which range from basic and key skills courses in Maths and English to Art, French and Sociology at A Level and Physical Education. Vocational courses and work programmes include Construction, Painting and Decorating, Bricklaying, General Cleaning, Laundry, Catering, Gardening, Waste management, Barbering, Laser Printing, Music Technology, Bicycle Repair, Computing and Business Skills, Radio Production, Coffee Roasting and Barista Training. Prisoners also have opportunities to pursue award-based courses including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. There are lots of educational opportunities for people of all levels and abilities.” Redemption Roasters One particularly innovative and successful project at Aylesbury is a unique partnership with Catimor Ltd and the Prison Service to create a coffee roasting workshop and café where prisoners can learn how to roast and blend coffee and how to serve it as a barista in a real life work environment. It is hoped that being trained in professional roasting and competition-level barista skills will help the young prisoners successfully reintegrate into society. They roast speciality ‘Redemption Roasters’ coffee in small batches for wholesale and retail customers, and run a café for the prison community and visitors. On their release there is help to find work via Catimor’s coffee

industry contacts. Having tasted Redemption Roasters coffee, Vale Life can vouch for the quality! It can be supplied to organisations in our area, so get in touch (www.redemptionroasters.com) if you have an outlet and try a sample! The prison also runs a bicycle repair workshop, fixing broken cycles for charities to sell, while prisoners learn skills and work ethics and get paid. They also do recycling and waste management and run a laundry which takes in additional laundry from other jails in the region. “Our last HMIP inspection and report did point out some shortfalls which we are working on,” says Laura, “but it also pointed out good things such as the coffee roasting workshop and our Pathways Service, which helps prisoners with emerging personality disorders though group and one to one work and has had some really positive effects, especially in reducing self-harming. In addition our educational offering has improved from an ‘inadequate’ rating to ‘good’. We are making really good progress and we are looking to take on people in all sorts of roles to help improve things even more.” l HM Young Offenders Institute Aylesbury, Bierton Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1EH Tel: 01296 444000 www.justice.gov.uk

Treatment for injuries, poor flexibility and recovery from surgery Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Column: Vicky Reddington ‘Teamwork’

Teamwork matters

icky Reddington and Siâron van Wetten, cofounders of The Amplified Group have both held Global and European Leadership positions in top ten software companies where they recognised the importance of developing a high performance team. Having discovered a proven methodology, they are now excited to help improve local teams and are already working with Pathologists, Software Companies, Charities, Hairdressers and Manufacturing companies - the common denominator across all these industries being people and the importance of uniting individual talents and energy to make a real difference. “Did you come back to work in January with that feeling of trepidation in the pit of your stomach,” says Vicky. “That here we go again! Why doesn’t our team work better together? is there any way we can get on the same page?

I want job satisfaction this year, kind of feeling!? “The good news is that there is a practical approach to uniting the energy and talents of individuals to deliver a common goal. It’s one that is used by 78 of Top Fortune 100 companies, but is still a best kept secret in the UK. “It is a simple but effective methodology based on five interdependent building blocks; • Vulnerability based trust; where the team feels safe enough for individuals to admit a mistake, or be able to ask for help. • Productive conflict; removing artificial harmony, agreeing the rules of engagement enabling individuals to say what they think without fear, ensuring the input of the entire team, so they not only buy into the decision but into delivering the very best outcome for the business. • Commitment; not spending weeks trying to reach a consensus, but make decisions quickly, based

Centre here to help parents & children

any people have never heard of a Child Contact Centre. This may be because it helps parents, often in crisis, who previously would have used the services of legal aid to help them, but may now have no one to speak to. Centres are there to help parents whose relationships have broken down, to sort out access to their children. For the nonresident parent, not seeing their children is often very painful, and equally the resident parent may want to ensure contact with the non-resident parent, to keep life as normal as possible for the children. The Centre provides a place of safety and support where the nonresident parent can have quality time seeing and playing with their children. Volunteers, under the guidance of a Coordinator, provide safety and support for both parents and children whilst at the Centre. Parents often tell us they don’t 44

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

know what they would do without the Centre, and that it has enabled them to regain their greatest loss, that of not seeing their children. The service of the Centre is totally free, and parents can self-refer, merely by phoning the number below and then completing a form, prior to meeting the Coordinator. Maybe as a grandparent, friend or neighbour, you know someone who is struggling to get to see their children. Why not mention the Contact Centre to them? You may make a great difference to their life. Or why not think of volunteering? It’s the most amazing role, and we ask for only 3 hours a month. Working with a great team, dedicated to keeping children happy, and enjoying the rewards of helping families through crisis, maybe this is for you for 2018? l Aylesbury Vale Child Contact Centre: 07722 036873 or visit: www.aylesburyvalechildcontact centre.org

on everyone’s input. Amazon and Intel’s mantra is ‘Disagree and Commit’ • Peer to peer accountability; the hardest of the five principles requires a proactive and reactive approach. Think back to when you last received advice you were able to act on and how grateful you were. With absolute clarity on what has been committed to, and vulnerability based trust, it is easier to hold someone accountable. • Collective results; putting team results first and ultimately delivering business growth. Surprisingly not the most important principle but an automatic positive outcome. “Steps for success; 1) You first need to understand who is on the team. Using one of the various personality tools out there. 2) Take your team through the above methodology using practical exercises to implement. 3) Apply to the business; two

Vicky Reddington

Amplified Group

of the six business questions that require alignment are: a) What is the team/ organisation’s purpose? b) What is most important right now? “If any of the above resonates with you, start by reading Patrick Lencioni’s The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. “The Amplified group’s mission is to Transform Talented Individuals into EXTRAORDINARY Teams - we are one of only a handful of partners accredited to deliver this methodology in Europe.” l Contact Vicky Reddington Co-Founder, Amplified Group Tel: 07747 015614 E: vicky@amplifiedgroup.eu www.amplifiedgroup.eu

Win a signed copy of Pigeon Street thriller

old from the viewpoints of four diverse characters, Pigeon Street, by Thame author Mark Fieldsend, is a dark thriller set in modern day London and has been described as an original and unsettling read. Beginning with an unseen, panic-inducing discovery at a London restaurant, Pigeon Street disturbingly interweaves the stories of its contributors as their lives touch each other in ways that will change everything. Since its publication in December, Pigeon Street has sold several hundred copies and has an average rating of 4.9 on Amazon, including some glowing reviews from some of Amazon’s top-ranked reviewers. Mark Fieldsend is an accountant by trade and Finance Director of a hi-tech engineering

firm in Bicester – but has always indulged in a bit of writing on the side. He helped develop the screenplay for Into The Surf nominated for Best UK Short at the 2015 Raindance Film Festival, and has also selfpublished another novel, Bundle!, a satirical look at early noughties lads and celebrity culture. If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a signed copy, of Pigeon Street, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life. co.uk Where is Pigeon Street set? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by March 4th. l www.amazon.co.uk - 50% of all author royalties go to the SharingLife Trust Charity

Terrace of industrial/office units for sale as investment in Aylesbury

PRESS RELEASE

ast year Alan Chandler, Director of Chandler Garvey was instructed by Kingston Estates to market the Space Business Centre. 8 units have already been sold and a terrace of 16 units is now being sold as an investment, with an income of £121,121.72 including service charge. Units 28-43 total 7,366 sq ft and are of modern construction, having been built in 2009. Their sizes range from 454 to

505 sq. ft and they are each fitted with a mezzanine floor. The site benefits from tax and stamp duty savings plus all units are business rate exempt (small business rate relief), and there is a dedicated unit with shared WC and kitchen facilities, and visitor parking around the site. The freehold is owned by Aylesbury Vale District Council while Kingston Space Ltd are currently the long leaseholders, with

over 130 years remaining. All units on the estate are let on monthly licenses or longer leases and are currently producing a gross annual income in excess of £300,000. Individual units with sizes ranging from 367 sq. ft up to 908 sq. ft are available from £64,000 plus VAT. Further details from Alan Chandler: Email: ac@chandlergarvey.com Tel: 01296 398383.

CHAnDLER GARVEy MARkET nEW COMMERCiAL Buy TO LET OPPORTuniTy in AyLESBuRy

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

8 sold & 7 under oFFer

FOR SALE

The freehold is owned by Aylesbury Vale District Council and Kingston Space Ltd are the long leaseholders, with over 130 years remaining. units are available from £64,000 plus VAT. All units are let on monthly licences and are now producing a gross annual income in excess of £300,000. Further details from Alan Chandler – ac@chandlergarvey.com / 01296 398383.

SPACE

INVESTMENT / OWNER OCCUPIER OPPORTUNITY

BUSINESS CENTRE

367 sqft to 908 sqft

A Y L E S B U R Y

SPACE BUSINESS CENTRE, SMEATON CLOSE, AYLESBURY HP19 8FJ

Units from 367 – 908 sq ft

Dedicated unit and visitor parking

Flexible mezzanine space

Amenity block

Units suitable for industrial, workshop, warehouse, storage and office uses

CCTV and security barrier

Loading access

No Stamp Duty (below SDLT threshold)

A new perspective on property

www.chandlergarvey.com

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Step inside by Polly Gibbs

New Year, New Hue Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Set A New Tone At Home - Introducing Heart Wood - Dulux Colour Of The Year 2018

Heart Wood - Dulux Colour Of The Year 2018

Don’t worry if your home has become stagnant, here’s a quick fix that’ll take you from drab to fab....

change is as good as a rest they say and now is the perfect time to set an invigorating new tone at home for the year ahead. I love paint because it’s a really cost effective way to transform a space, making it a designers buddy, whether it’s a budget or opulent project. A few days graft and you’ve got a whole new look. Introducing Heart Wood, a beautiful warm heathery pink, chosen by the colour specialists at Dulux Global Aesthetic Centre as the paint for 2018, which (whilst I’m not a fan of pink based interiors, even in kids bedrooms) works really well with moody and Nordic hues. It

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

has a smokey taupe quality with a mauve undertone that make it a versatile colour. How are these colours chosen? Well, a collection of colour experts, trend forecasters and design influencers scan the globe for key indicators, from political activism to music and fashion, and select a colour that captures the essence of the present climate. This forecasting then trickles into the consciousness of designers and buyers and influences the products we ultimately buy on the High Street. This is why you’ll notice a particular colour popping up in a lot of shops at the same time (like a big old colour conspiracy, no?!). Continued on page 48

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.

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Step inside by Polly Gibbs

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Continued from page 46 Now, with ‘trends’ comes a caveat from me. If you don’t like the trend don’t buy into it. My advice is always to surround yourself with colours, patterns and unique pieces that make you feel comfortable. If that happens to be the latest trend read on… if you think Heart Wood is too ‘feminine’ then the ‘Inviting’ palette is for you - I predict dark blues, teamed with gold or blackened brass will be a big in 2018 and beyond. Dulux says that Heart Wood’s “soft and neutral hues counterbalance the instability of the outside world.” A tumultuous world has been influencing our interior choices in particular in latter years, with the notion of home as a sanctuary in a difficult world. Essentially, when times get tough we want to retreat, we hunker down. Home is about feeling safe, nurtured and welcomed. It’s the only place we can exert true control and express who we really are. With this in mind,

Dulux Comforting Palette Dulux have compiled three different interior personalities using Heart Wood: Comforting - Heart Wood featured with Woven Willow, Wooded Solace and Blossom Tree

An earthy clay base with heritage golds creates a warm cosy look for homes that are private spaces full of meaningful personal objects. A scheme that lends itself to antique rugs, ruby rich velvet cushions,

warm honey based woods, ochre golds, terracotta (try Dulux Cinnamon Sprinkle or Summer Pecan 1), and natural textures like mohair, tan leather, hessian, sisal and wicker. Continued on page 50

‘Mark’s attention to details, such as the plate rack and bespoke drawer dividers, make everything a pleasure to look at and use.’ Unit 23, Kemps Farm, Chapel Road, Ford, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8XG Tel: 01296 706030 Email: mark@markwilliamsonfurniture.com Website: www.markwilliamsonfurniture.com 48

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Step inside by Polly Gibbs

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Comforting Look Kitchen

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comforts

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018 49

Step inside by Polly Gibbs

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Continued from page 48 Inviting - Heart Wood with Pink Parchment, Sapphire Springs 1 and Pine Cone

Dulux Inviting Palette

Personally, I’d ramp this right up by making Blackberry Bush and Pine Cone the main players, with Sapphire Springs 1 and hints of Heart Wood for a deliciously moody scheme (see main image). Sharpen it up with bitter chocolate woods, black framed art and touches of brass or gold for a sassy atmosphere that’s perfect for sophisticated entertaining. To relax it slightly use taupe accessories, linen textiles and warmer reddy woods like cherry or walnut, which I expect to become

: Kitchen by Ramsey Interiors part of furniture manufacturers core ranges over the next year and beyond. Playful - Heart Wood with Golden Sands, Cherished Gold / with Salisbury Stones 5 & Drum

Hide Create a haven of bliss with this cheerful colour palette. Pops of ochre and yellow in Cherished Gold and Golden Sands add a fun energy, grounded with base notes of Heart

Wood and Drum Hide, as pictured. Clean, fresh and uplifting the scheme is stimulating, balanced with muted tones to ease tension and improve concentration. A winner for family rooms, creative types,

Stylish kitchens for modern lifestyles

Book your free design appointment today The Italian sense of beauty is here… Stoneworld Kitchens 43A Upper High St Thame OX9 2DW www.stoneworldkitchens.co.uk 50

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

restless nomads and spaces lacking in natural light. The palette also includes a selection of herbal green shades in Gooseberry Fool, Fresh Artichoke and Celtic Forest 1 that can feature as further accents, or solely for a spa like sanctuary. Work it with bamboo, polished plaster, warm parquet, subtle scent diffusers and oversized plants. Tips: 1. Because of its complex undertones Heart Wood will change colour depending what it’s placed next to, so it’s advisable to use a tester before committing en masse. 2. With matt paint it’s particularly important to bring the space to life by adding layers of textures and lighting, patterns, reflective metals and decorative accessories, to avoid the ‘flat’ look emulsion alone will

: Dulux Playful Spaces bring. Curious for more colour inspo?

Dulux Playful Palette

Hop over to my Pinterest board for more ideas: @Curious_Coco

Source List: Dulux.co.uk Ramseyinteriors.com

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

Looking to warm your home and bring your family together? Call to discuss your ideas and then visit our showroom:

North Mill, North Mill Road, Bledlow, Bucks HP27 9QP (By appointment)

( 01844 342400

www.northmillstoves.co.uk Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Do you live, work or have close family living in the Aylesbury Vale District? Do you live, work or have close family living in the Aylesbury Vale District? You could be eligible to move in to a brand new home, in the District, this Summer. You could be eligible to move in to a brand new home, in the District, this Summer. Over the next two years, Hightown Homes are building affordable one, two Over the next two years, Hightown Homes are building affordable one, two and three bedroom homes in the District, including Tingewick Road, Buckingham, and three bedroom homes in the District, including Tingewick Road, Buckingham, available for Shared Ownership sale. available for Shared Ownership sale. Tingewick Road offers 2 & 3 bedroom, semi-detached houses with contemporary Tingewick Road offers 2 & 3 bedroom, semi-detached houses with contemporary kitchens, private gardens and parking. kitchens, private gardens and parking.

To discuss your eligibility please contact To discuss your eligibility please contact sales@hightownha.org.uk sales@hightownha.org.uk 52

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

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Finally there is a real alternative to timber windows.

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Lots to see! QuaLity products

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

KeyforLooks 2018 Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Real Living

by Charlotte Bolton

Why you should plan ‘new year’ decorating now!

Real Living

Charlotte Bolton

It may be cold and grey outside, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun inside! Here are some of the latest ‘on trend’ homestyle themes of the moment… so get browsing and cheer up your abode this February…

arble looks set to be a big trend for homes this year and it’s not every day that you see a stylish marble table and chair set as inexpensive as this one. Okay, it’s not REAL marble, but it does have a marble effect finish and looks just as smart as the real thing! Plus it comes with a very reasonable price tag. Strata black marble dining table with six Modena black chairs, £499.99 from Furniture Choice.

must-have homeware accessories at Very. The new collection features everything you need for your bedroom including soft furnishings (think gorgeous throws and cushions) and lighting which reflects our favourite winter trends – faux fur, metallic and millennial pinks! Pink embellished cushion (centre of bed), £17.99, Very.

Time to ‘blush’ in your bedroom? Michelle Keegan has just launched a beautiful range of

Zuiver Cupid sidetables

Add cool Origami themes The ancient art of paper folding is making a comeback and origami-style accessories and décor are appearing on the home scene too. Origami metal wall clock, £47.99 (www. maisondumonde.com). Stroma Origami wallpaper, £50 per roll, Graham & Brown. Copper brights Copper continues to be a popular theme in homeware for 2018 and these contemporary side tables would look fabulous in any home. right now: Zuiver Cupid side table, £79.00, www.cuckooland.com.

Michelle Keegan soft furnishings at Very 54

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

St Lucia bedlinen by Clarissa Hulse

Berry shades in bloom The new St Lucia bedlinen range from Clarissa Hulse is gorgeous. The delicate design features tropical plants and trailing vines – as well as one of this season’s most desired shades – berry. When combined with other

Real Living

by Charlotte Bolton

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

warming shades – such as hot pink, deep magenta and a spattering of gold, it creates a gorgeous bedroom scheme. St Lucia double duvet and pillowcase set, from £120, Clarissa Hulse.

Canterbury shelf unit

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Aylesbury estate agency, Woodholls, has been impressing local home sellers with their honest, flexible, high quality service without contracts - MD Grant Nicholls explains...

oodholls, opened on Buckingham Street, Aylesbury last September. The independent sales and lettings agency, is owned and run by Grant Nicholls, an experienced property professional, who feels the public deserves better than the service that most high street and online estate agents offer. His new business is based on the highest quality customer service and a ‘no ties, no lies’ formula. “Most estate agents want their vendors to sign up to an exclusive ‘sole agency’ contract, usually for several months,” says Grant. “Some clients may even agree unwittingly to this as they are more focussed on the value of their property and getting it on the market quickly, than considering the consequences of being tied to a single agent for several months. “One reason for doing this is that if a sale falls through, or the agent has been a little over enthusiastic in their valuation and the property hasn’t sold, they have time to suggest a reduction in the sale price, because the vendor is tied in for a set period. “The vendor may only become aware of being tied in when the property hasn’t sold and they feel its time to enlist another agent only to find they cannot. “The long tie-in contract shows a lack of confidence in being able to sell the property in a reasonable timeframe, possibly as the property has been overvalued from the outset. Some agents habitually overvalue as they fear losing instructions if another agent goes in with a higher figure. It is natural to want to put your property on the market with the agent who says they can get the most for it, but this can often be the worst decision to make as property values are not decided by the agent, but by the market. “Even if a buyer is found at the inflated price, the sale may fall through when their mortgage lenders survey the property and decide it is overpriced and won’t lend the funds required. The vendor finds himself back at square one, he’s lost valuable marketing time and now, unable to move agents, is left with the option of reducing the price of the property and staying with the agent who overvalued in the first place!

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Perfect for the modern family and with no onward chain, this lovely four bedroom linkdetached house is situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac and just a stones throw from a recreational park. The current owners have updated the property throughout with care and attention. Viewing highly recommended. Call Grant or Ross at Woodholls for further details or to book a viewing - 01296 433393. “At Woodholls we don’t do tie-ins - we believe in giving a great service and an honest valuation, so our customers are happy with our endeavours and don’t need to try another agent but if they wanted to, they are free to do so at any time. “Online agents claim they are just like your ‘local’ estate agent but they are not. Your local agent will not charge you until the job is complete, whereas online agents take their fee upfront and then have no real motivation to get your property sold. Sometimes the customer can defer the payment until completion, but if circumstances change and the property is removed from the market

they may find they are signed into a credit agreement which must be settled even though a sale has not actually been made. “Your local agent will always be available to take your phone call or meet face to face, while online agents do not offer these options. They can charge lower rates as a consequence but are not there to help or advise when you need them, as we will be.” l Woodholls, 44 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2LL Tel: 01296 433393 Email: info@woodholls.co.uk Mobile: 07882 625644 Web: www.woodholls.co.uk Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Column: Safe as houses with Nigel Grace

Plot hunting S o, you fancy building your own dream home. It will be hard work and the first stage is probably the hardest bit – finding your plot. You may get lucky but it could take years to find your dream spot – it took us seven to find a plot for our current home! You need to think about locations, size and budget and you may need to compromise, or your search may take longer. It is probably best not to compromise too much on bidget though! So how do you find a building plot? Well there are several ways, but the three most common and successful ways are: Through an estate agent! A lot of building plots are sold through estate agents and these days it is easier than ever to search the internet for a plot on sites such as Rightmove or Zoopia. You can enter your preferred location and price and they will automatically email you details of any plots as soon as they are listed.

If you have a preferred location, then also speak to the area’s estate agents and explain what you are looking for and what your budget is. Show them you are a serious purchaser. The advantage of buying a plot this way is that, in most situations, the plot is sold with planning permission, which not only removes the risk, hassle and expense of getting planning but also means you should be able to start building a lot sooner. Around the country (and locally in Bicester), ‘packaged plots’ are being sold. These normally come complete with all services installed and foundations constructed. They may have certain restrictions on design and layout, but they are a good way to start your self build journey. Look up Graven Hill, Bicester on the internet and you will see how easy they make it. Create one! It is getting harder now, but opportunities still exist to create a plot. Houses can be built in the gardens of existing houses or an existing run-down

house demolished and a new one built in its place. Over the past few years I have twice managed to get planning permission to build a new house in the side garden of an existing house. So don’t just look for plots, look at houses that look a bit tired – could they be knocked down and replaced with your dream homee? Could you build one in the garden? You may have watched Grand Designs and seen people who have built their new home in the garden of their old one – lucky them to have so much space, but it just shows what is possible. Find One! The most satisfying way, and usually the most cost effective too, is to find it yourself. It is also the way that a lot of developers find their sites - I know people who have found their plot when walking their dog! Drive or walk through your desired location and look for potential sites. This may be a tired looking house, or a house with a large side or rear garden. If you find somewhere you could knock on the door and ask them outright if they would be interested in selling. Most people feel a little uncomfortable in doing that. So, take a note of the address

Nigel Grace

Safe as houses

and then, for a small fee, you can use the Land Registry website to find out who owns the land and then write to ask them if they are interested in selling. The odds of finding someone willing to sell are slim so it really is a numbers game – the more you look the better chances you have. If you do find someone who is willing to sell you some land, then get professional advice and a solicitor to protect your interests. The search for your plot can be frustrating and time consuming but it can be exciting, so enjoy it! l Nigel Grace MRICS is an experienced chartered quantity surveyor who has built and redeveloped many houses himself. If you are thinking about starting a building project or need help or advice on your project then he can be contacted on nigel@ nigelgracelimited.co.uk

All Vegan cook book

arah Hrycyk, 21, of Thame, graduated from University in High Wycombe last year and says her eBook, All Vegan, is perfect for anyone looking for tasty, healthy vegetarian recipes. The former pupil of Lord Williams’s School said: “I wrote this eBook for a number of reasons. “Firstly, when I transitioned to a vegan lifestyle I struggled to find comforting, easy, store-cupboardingredient vegan recipes that I would like and my family would too. “Secondly I believe there is confusion surrounding veganism people think we only eat grass, rice and beans and that it’s an exclusive ‘club’. “I want to share with the world that vegan cooking is yummy, flavoursome and easy, and that you can get all of your daily nutrients and it would satisfy non-vegans! “I want to show that the vegan lifestyle is not an exclusive club and that anyone can enjoy scrumptious vegan food.” Sarah’s recipes include lasanga, 58

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Sarah Hrycyk with her eBook pasta carbonara; one-pan veggie fajita pasta; shepherd’s pie; tikka masala curry; paella, mushroom; chestnut and red wine pie; Oreo brownies; chocolate cake; and gooey chocolate chip cookies. It’s been a busy time for Sarah as she and fellow Bucks New University graduate Katie Pink run their own digital marketing consultancy, KAS Digital Insights, specialising in content marketing, social media marketing and SEO. “Things are going extremely well,” says Sarah. “If you had told me at the start of university that by the end of my degree I would be the CEO of a business and a vegan cookbook author though, I would’ve laughed!”

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l Column ‘In the Garden’ with

Naomi MacKay

Gardening is good for you Why spring is the best time for your gardening New Year’s resolutions

ver the past couple of weeks, like other parents with sport-mad children, I’ve been getting up early to head out to football pitches, parkruns and swimming pools for various competitions. And the early mornings, with their fresh breezes and orangetinted sunrises are definitely starting to suggest that spring will make an appearance. Snowdrops have already popped up in places and the air has lost that cold wintry bite and is hinting at the sunny times ahead. Trying to work on New Year resolutions in the depths of winter, when all you really want to do is bury your head back under the duvet and look forward to

Snowdrops: pic by Tejvan Pettinger something warm and comforting at dinnertime, is not easy, but as the first signs of spring start to emerge, this is the perfect time to start dreaming up your plans for

the year ahead. According to the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) lots of the most common resolutions – getting more exercise, eating

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So many of us want to improve our levels of fitness and yet as little as one to two hours of gardening a day, combined with some other forms of moderate physical leisure

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Naomi MacKay

Growing your own veg is double healthy!

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If you’re thinking about how many calories you can burn - 30 minutes physical work in the garden can really help: digging the garden Continued on page 62

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Continued from page 61 burns 250 calories, mowing the lawn 195 calories, weeding 105 calories and common or garden raking – 100 calories. And it’s not just your physical wellbeing that can be affected. Research has shown that 20 minutes spent in green settings such as parks and gardens reduces the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), compared to time spent in concrete recreation areas. Even views of greenery through a window can have a positive impact on symptoms. And we haven’t even begun to mention eating more healthily – growing your own can do you the world of good, thanks to the combination of work required in the garden, and the more ready supply of fresh fruit and veg available to your family, often at a fraction of the cost of the supermarkets. Keeping our brain active is vital too, especially as we get older - and learning more about how to succeed in the garden - maybe looking at taking a course in garden design or the methods of organic gardening – is definitely worth your while. And finally, all that hard work in

Snowdrop days: Enjoy those first tastes of spring by visiting gardens that offer snowdrop days. Head to The National Trust-owned Stowe in Buckinghamshire to make the most of ‘Stowedrop’ days. The snowdrops here can last until the end of February throughout the Elysian Fields, Sleeping Wood and Lamport Garden. Benington Lordship Gardens in Stevenage, Herts, are famous for their snowdrop displays. The 7-acre garden surrounding a beautiful Georgian manor house and the remains of a Norman motte and bailey castle is always worth a visit. After the snowdrops, which blanket the garden in early spring, there come scillas and daffodils around Easter and the summer brings a riot of colour in its herbaceous borders. There’s also a neo-Norman folly built in the 1830s by James Pulham, a walled kitchen garden, formal rose garden, contemporary sculptures and wildlife pond. See the website at www.beningtonlordship.co.uk/snowdrops/ for opening times. Snow Drop Sunday: 18 February 2018, 1:30am to 4pm. Head to West Wycombe Park where you can plant a snowdrop bulb in memory or in celebration, explore West Wycombe Park, take part in a treasure hunt, pop into the Village Hall for hot drinks, cakes, children’s activities and to browse stalls selling locally made goods. In aid of the South Bucks Community Hospice. More details at: www.sbh.org.uk/events/snowdrop-sunday-2017 the garden can pay off if you can use your plot as a place to spend time with friends and family – whether it’s inviting them around for a quick coffee outside in the

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spring sunshine or a barbecue as the weather hots up. l Naomi Mackay is a freelance journalist who helps small businesses with anything to do

with words – writing or proofing brochures and websites, running social media campaigns or producing blogs. Contact her at: naomimackay@gmail.com

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Column: Lucy Ellis ‘Animal Magic’

National nest box week

ational Nest Box Week (NNBW) has been running for 20 years, with the aim of promoting wildlife conservation, by encouraging households to provide suitable places for birds to breed and raise their young. Of course you can put your nest box up at any time during the spring, but NNBW takes place for a week starting on Valentine’s Day; as most breeding pairs start to scout for a suitable nest at the end of February. The initiative is designed to replace some of the natural nesting sites for birds that have disappeared due to building, as well as bringing wildlife into our gardens. There are an estimated 6 million nest boxes in the UK, but many more are needed. Nest boxes are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Ideally boxes should be made from an insulating material such as wood - avoid metal or ceramics which will subject the inside of the box to

Small hole nesting box extreme temperatures. Small-holed boxes are ideal for attracting tits and sparrows as well as nuthatch, redstart and pied flycatcher. Small open-fronted boxes are suitable for robins, pied wagtails and spotted flycatchers, while bigger boxes can bring swifts, woodpeckers, owls and even kestrels into your garden. The internal floor of the box should be at least 20 square inches as birds may lay fewer eggs in a more confined space.

Once you have chosen your box you need to find a suitable place, some distance from any other nests or feeding tables to avoid any defensive conflicts. The box should be sheltered from the worst of the weather; not in strong sunlight all day, away from the prevailing wind, and with the entrance tilted down to stop rain entering the nest. Nests should be placed on a tree trunk, or the wall of a shed, garage or house. While open-fronted nests should be hidden from view by shrubs or creepers, boxes with an entrance hole should not covered by foliage. Boxes should be around 3m off the ground (between 1m and 3m for smaller entrance boxes), and out of reach of cats. It is also best not to get a box with a perch as birds don’t need them for nesting and they can act as a foothold for unwanted predators such as squirrels. Bird Protection Law prevents cleaning out bird boxes until the

Lucy Ellis

Animal Magic breeding season is over, but you can clean out the nest and remove any dead eggs between 1st September and 31st January. If you have nesting sparrows however, you should leave them until later in the autumn as they can have second or even third broods. At Unique Pets we stock nest boxes as well as a variety of bird seed and nesting material. Visit our shops in Aylesbury and Winlsow to find out more about helping wildlife in your garden. l Lucy Ellis is a writer and

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Music Column:

Turn it up! with Paul Adams

Goodbye to Paul Our new music columnist is Johnny Heartbreaker: founder and editor of arts, culture and music e-zines Punked and Love Pirate FM, and contributor to Oxford based Reggae e-zine The Dub. Contact him on: johnnyheartbreaker@hotmail.co.uk Add your gigs to our website what’s on diary for free at: www.vale-life.co.uk

Live Music FEBRUARY 10th Skamungas (Ska) Shootpool, Aylesbury 15th Joanna Gutowska and Matteusz Rettner (Classical: Poland) St. Mary’s Church, Aylesbury 16th Storm Warning (Blues) Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury 16th Smiley & The Underclass The White Swan, Aylesbury 17th Brighton Riot (Mod/Rock) Shootpool, Aylesbury 17th Skamungas (Ska) Cressex Club, High Wycombe 18th Erasure (Electronic Pop) Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury 18th Otway & Barrett (Comic rock) Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury 23rd Kelly Oliver (Folk) Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury 24th Gig Night (Up and Coming Bands) Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury MARCH 3rd Skamungas (Ska) Buckingham AFC Sports & Social Club 4th Reggae Sunday Shootpool, Aylesbury 10th The Reformers (Rock/Ska/Punk) Shootpool, Aylesbury 10th The Dung Beatles (Tribute Band) Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury 10th King Hammond & The Rude Boy Mafia; Queens Head, Aylesbury. 16th The Sharpeez (Blues/Rock) Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury 17th The New Foundations (Tamla) Shootpool, Aylesbury 21st Joe Brown (Country/R’n’R) Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe 22nd Duo Brikcius (Classical) St. Mary’s Church, Aylesbury 24th Thin White Duke (Bowie Tribute) Shootpool, Aylesbury 24th Tring Chamber Music (Classical) Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

monthly Sunday ska sessions at e are about to go back The Queens Head, Aylesbury, and into the studio with our Aylesbury Alternative new live band and record our next Music Society’s new single: Better Honky year, have now resumed Tonk, which was written again: with the latter promising another exciting about a drunken night programme of rock, pop, on Broadway in Music City,” says outgoing Vale metal, thrash, grunge, Paul Adams psychedelia, punk - and Life Magazine music columnist and A Little of course the society’s extremely popular Invasion disco Bit Country guitarist and vocalist Paul Adams, when recently quizzed nights. about what the immediate future Aylesbury’s home-grown held in store for both him and his madcaps El Bronson are proving themselves to be the busiest local musical partner, Harriet Stewart. band to date, with eight out-of-town Meanwhile, in Aylesbury, the upsurge in live reggae and dub gigs already confirmed for this year. Local favourites Callow Saints evenings courtesy of Paul Keenan’s begin the year with a video release: Melody Maker HI-FI sound Kiss is Bliss. system and Ali Zion’s and Ras L’s Reggae Sundays and Melody Up and coming NME and Remix looks set to continue well Radio 1 featured pop, r‘n’b and into 2018; while Greg Tilley’s rock band Blushes, have released

their latest single, the quirky, fun and extremely captivating Honey. Already a definite contender for best single - and accompanying video - of 2018. Nightjar return to the studio soon to record a new E.P. Aylesbury Town Council has now confirmed that its annual music extravaganzas, Live in the Park and Proms in the Park, will indeed be taking place this year - put 25th and 26th August in your diary! Experimentalist/Avant-Garde/ Noise/Jazz free form collective, Structured Disasters/Rack Screams/Lust Rollers, are due to announce new shows soon for April and May. And last but by no means least: “We recently created a singing flash mob in Morrisons in aid of MIND mental health charity. We hit our group target of £500 and are now closer to £1000! So chuffed. We sung Harvest for the World.” Maria Scobey, SING with A BIG VOICE Community Pop Choir.

Bucks best Beatles tribute D

escribed recently as ‘pure unadulterated fun’ by Terry Bloxham of The British Beatles Fan Club, and having made quite a considerable noise in 2017, Bucks best Beatles tribute band (ever!) needed further investigation... Step forward drummer, Mike Ashton. How, why and when did the Dung Beatles first get together? We first got together in 2013 with Danny Prendergast on lead guitar and vocal, myself on drums, Steve Hillier on rhythm guitar and lead vocal, and Phil Toler on bass and vocals; Martin Kent on keyboards joined earlier this year. Our first gig was a fun charity event, but the project took on a life of its own and some 200 gigs later we still love playing these fantastic songs. Why a tribute band to the Beatles specifically? It’s simple really - we love the music. What a privilege to perform some of the greatest songs ever written and play them for people who love the music as much as we do. About 120 hits and album tracks feature in our repertoire and with a catalogue of over 200 songs there’s plenty still to go for. We particularly love the challenge of playing songs live that are normally only heard as studio recordings, re-creating the original sound as authentically as possible. Martin joining us on keys, together with our 4-piece horn section

The Dung Beatles

has opened up all sorts of new possibilities. What have been the Dung Beatles most nerve wracking and enjoyable moments? Highlights would have to include playing The Cavern in Liverpool, performing live sets on the BBC, selling out The Elgiva Theatre in Chesham two years running, headlining Thame’s Music in the Park and following Radio One’s Annie Mack to close a Cambridge University May Ball in front of over 1,000 students. Most nerve wracking moment would probably be waiting to go on at the Cambridge University gig wondering whether we’d connect with an audience the same age as our kids or find ourselves playing to an empty room. We needn’t have worried - they sang every word from start to finish… the noise was incredible. The appeal of Beatles music really is timeless. What advice would the band give to any new band/performer just starting out? To be honest we wouldn’t presume

to offer advice to anyone, but what we have found is that while bands may get together because of the music - they stay together because of the friendships that get formed and incredible experiences that are shared. Without wanting to sound too cheesy about it, the DBs have become an extended family of friends with a passion for sharing this wonderful music and we’ve been told it shows in the way we play and try to connect with every audience. So, what can we look forward to next from the Dung Beatles? We’re still only 60% of the way through the catalogue, so we’ll be adding more new songs this year including several from The White Album which was released 50 years ago. And we’re always looking to take the show to new places so this year the DBs go international with our first mini tour, playing 3-4 gigs in the South of France. Can’t wait! For more about the band see: www.the dungbeatles. co.uk and their Facebook page: www.facebook.com /Dung Beatles.

Column: Showtime! with Shaun Nolan

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Step into Spring!

t’s hard to believe but this issue we’re going to be chatting about the theatre that’s going to take us from the snowy depths of Winter and into the sunny heights of Spring. It seems ridiculous to think that we’re now starting to approach the warmer months again (slowly but surely, don’t get your hopes up just yet!) and I can’t wait. In the Vale this month, the fun is only just beginning. In 2018, the Court Theatre at Tring celebrates its 40th anniversary – congratulations to them! The Court Theatre was a place where I performed in multiple shows each year through my early teenage life and it was a very formative place for me. I couldn’t be prouder to share my love for this building and I’m so excited to see even more great stuff from them in the future. To kick off their amazing year, a couple of brilliant one-night-only shows will play through the end of February: Griff Rhys-Jones takes the stage on Feb 20th and singer Harriet steps into the spotlight on

twice now in the past two years! Do not miss your chance to be a part of history this February. Also at the Waterside this month is the new UK tour of Blood Brothers running from February 13th to the 17th, as well as a new production of The Case of the Frightened Lady from the Classic Thriller Company that many know and love (Feb 19th to 24th). The West End is taking it pretty quietly over the month of February – most shows open in London around March time – but there are a couple of notable openings Suranne Jones stars in Frozen that I thought you might like February 23rd. to know about. At the Theatre Over at the Aylesbury Waterside Royal Haymarket, Doctor Foster this month, Mischief Theatre bring star Suranne Jones steps into a their acclaimed Olivier Awardrevival of Bryony Lavery’s play winning comedy play The Play Frozen (not the Disney film!), a That Goes Wrong to the stage in a play about the interwoven lives of fantastic new UK tour (Feb 5th to three strangers and how they come 10th). The play started its life in a to terms with the unimaginable. small pub by the seaside, eventually The play starts performances transferring several times and now on February 9th and is sure to landing up in both London’s West be sensational; with someone as End and on Broadway in New York talented as Suranne Jones at the City (TPTGR runs concurrently in heart of it, it’s certainly going to be both cities as you read this). They a smash. are also the only comedy theatre Further out of town at the troupe in history to have three plays Southwark Playhouse though is running concurrently in London’s a musical to get your teeth into: West End, a feat they have achieved a revival of Pippin transfers down

Shaun Nolan Showtime!

from the Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester. My friend went and saw the show when it was up north and said it was brilliant, so I can’t wait to see what all the fuss is about when it gets to London on February 23rd. What are you planning on seeing this month at the theatre? Are you staging a show later in the year that you would like mentioned in this column? Be sure to tweet me @shaunycat and let me know and I’ll be sure to get back to you! l Shaun Nolan is a freelance writer, writing columns for different publications, and his own fictional stories and scripts. You can find him at @shaunycat on Twitter and tell him about your own theatre experiences or if you want your show mentioned in this column, tweet him and let him know!

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre has a packed schedule already underway for 2018 with an eclectic mix of entertainment for all tastes from dance to drama, music, comedy, thrills and chills. There’s Dusty and Elvis, old Blue Eyes, Mick and Keef, contemporary dance, soap stars and a frightened lady…

t’s time to be captivated by two mustsee thrillers; The Case of the Frightened Lady (Mon 19th to Sat 24th Feb) and Strangers on a Train (Mon 19th – Sat 24th Mar) are both sure to have seats gripped at the Waterside this Spring. Here former EastEnders star Charlie Clement talks about February’s thriller, The Case of The Frightened Lady. How would you describe The Case Of The Frightened Lady? It’s a tense thriller which takes place in a stately home. The play kicks off with a lavish fancy dress party but something happens, and two police officers, Tanner and Totti, who I play, arrive to investigate. People end up dead and nobody knows who’s done it. There are always people moving and there are always people listening, so it creates this constant air of suspicion. What’s your character, Totti, like? He is 37 and came to the police force late as he fought in the First World War. He came back to study law then realised that actually that wasn’t the best thing for him, so he joined the police. He’s a very good police officer very observant and very dedicated.

Charlie Clement stars as Totti in The Case of the Frightened Lady: Mon, 19th to Sat, 24th Feb

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Strangers on a Train: Mon 19th to Sat 24th March) Audiences love a thriller like this one. Why do you think that is? People love trying to guess who has done it; they love sitting down, following the show and trying to work it out. And they love it at the end when they are convinced it’s one character but it’s actually someone else. The Case of The Frightened Lady is a really good thriller that will keep them guessing and on their toes. Is there anything you have to take with you on tour? I’ll take my boxing gloves. I don’t actually box, but I started boxing training when I was in America and there was a boxing gym at the end of the road. I tried hitting the bags and I loved it. Ever since I’ve tried to keep it up as much as possible. I think everybody’s got the exercise that works for them. For me it’s boxing. How do you look back on your time playing Bradley Branning in EastEnders? I look back on it very fondly. It was a great four years of my life. It taught me so much about what to do and about what not to do. It opened up doors to some things and closed doors to others. That’s just the nature of how

soaps can be perceived, I think wrongly. They get a bad rep sometimes. Soaps are hard. To try and keep it fresh is really challenging. What was it that hooked you about performing? There’s something about the buzz of theatre and doing it live. That instant hit. And when people enjoy it, it’s absolute magic. A line-up of familiar faces including Christopher Harper (Coronation Street), John Middleton (Emmerdale), Jack Ashton (Call the Midwife) and Hannah Tointon (Mr Selfridge) tread the boards for spine chiller Strangers On A Train (Mon, 19th March to Sat, 24th March). The masterful and gripping thriller is based on the psychological drama by the celebrated writer Patricia Highsmith (The Talented Mr Ripley, Carol), immortalised by Hitchcock’s Academy Award-winning film. The story tells of a fateful encounter that takes place between two men in the dining carriage of a train crossing America. A daring and dangerous plan develops from this casual conversation, setting in motion a chain of events that will change the two men’s lives forever. In the great tradition of Hitchcock,

Rambert Dance: Thur, 15th March to Sat, 17th March

this spine-chilling tale is a marriage of dark wit and edge-of-the-seat tension. Take a break from the tension! Less a seat gripper more a foot-tapper, don’t miss This Is Elvis (Mon 26th Feb to Sat 3rd Mar), recreating all the drama leading up to ‘The ’68 Comeback Special’ with The King’s greatest hits including Heartbreak Hotel, Blue Suede Shoes, Hound Dog, In The Ghetto, Suspicious Minds and many more. Likewise another musical must-see lands with Son of a Preacher Man ( Tue 6th to Sat 10th Mar) starring Michelle Gayle and Alice Barlow and featuring all the much-loved classics of Dusty Springfield - a sparklingly funny, and sweetly touching new musical

directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood. Try something new... experience contemporary dance courtesy of Britain’s national dance company Rambert (Thur, 15th Mar to Sat, 17th March). With three phenomenal pieces, Ghost Dances, A Linha Curva and Goat, each uniquely different, the evening will include imagery inspired by Day of the Dead, a percussion-fuelled party-piece using 28 dancers and a selection of beautiful Nina Simone songs performed live on stage by jazz singer Nia Lynn. Book for all forthcoming shows by calling 0844 871 7607 (Bkg fee. Calls 7p per min plus your phone company’s access charge) or visit www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury (bkg fee).

Steve Michaels stars as Elvis in this exciting show/concert/play that recreates all the drama leading up to Elvis’s 1968 Comeback Special . Mon, 26th Feb to Sat, 3rd March

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

Coming up at Aylesbury Waterside Your at-a-glance guide to what’s on... The Play That Goes Wrong Blood Brothers

The Case of the Frightened Lady A Country Night in Nashville The Barricade Boys Frankly Sinatra Los Endos – Ultimate Genesis (Second Space) Griff Rhys Jones (Second Space) La Voix’s One Night Only The Rolling Stones Story Pub Quiz for Kids with Patrick Monahan (Second Space)

Mon 5th to Sat 10th Feb Tue 13th to Sat 17th Feb Mon 19th to Sat 24th Feb Sun 11th March Mon 12th March Sun 18th March Sat 24th March Thur 1st March Fri 30th March Sat 31st March Sat 31st March

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Elisabeth Frink exhibition F ans of famous sculptor Dame Elisabeth Frink (1930-1993) will have the opportunity to see a fabulous exhibition of her sculptures, prints and drawings including works of national and international renown at Bucks County Museum in Aylesbury from 10 February to 21 April 2018. This is a unique opportunity to experience sculpture and drawings

l Column: Peter

Elisabeth Frink:

sculptures | drawings | prints

Bucks County Museum, Aylesbury 10th February to 21st April 2018

by Frink exploring themes such as the impact of Eagle (lectern), 1962 © The war on humans Elisabeth Frink Estate from and animals, The Ingram Collection of the expression Modern British Art of emotions and Talk: Elizabeth Frink and the Ingram Collection aggression and links Wednesday 21st March, 2pm to 3pm with mythology. Jo Baring, Director of the Ingram Collection of The idea for the Modern British Art, talks about the life and career of exhibition came Elisabeth Frink. from Frink’s well Tickets £7.50 - booking essential. known bronze Goggle Head, 1969 © The Elisabeth Frink Estate from The Ingram Collection To book tickets please call 01296 331441 or visit life-sized sculpture of Modern British Art www.buckscountymuseum.org and book online. of a black horse outside Lloyds early influences, growing up in Entry to the exhibition is by Bank in Milton Keynes, Suffolk near a military airfield donation. commissioned in 1978. The during WW2. A strong belief in exhibition commemorates the 25th human rights and devotion to nature l Bucks County Museum & Roald anniversary of Frink’s death in have helped shape her work. 1993 and the 40th anniversary of Dahl Children’s Gallery, Church Frink was one of five Women of the Lloyds’ commission. Street, Aylesbury, HP20 2QP Achievement depicted on British Horses, Heads, Human Figures, Tel 01296 331441 stamps in August 1996. Animals and Birds show Frink’s www.buckscountymuseum.org

Purvis ‘Not that Peter Purvis’

Those were the days W hen I was a young boy, in the early 1960s, Saturday was a special day, as I would go into town with my dad, on one of the brand new ‘slam door’ trains from Stoke Mandeville, to get the weekly shopping. !) I looked forward to this time with Dad all week as he worked long hours at the Antiference factory on the Gatehouse during the week. We would both be smartly turned out with polished shoes and brylcreemed hair and Dad would have a rolled-up brown leather shopping bag tucked neatly under his armpit, like a sergeant-major’s baton and another paper and string one (thick Eric Morecombe) folded in his mackintosh pocket. The family budget was tight and we had a strict shopping list. Holding Dad’s hand, we walked up Great Western Street from the station past little houses, bakers, butchers, barbers, tobacconists, haberdashers and the grand Victorian confection of The Railway

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Hotel. There were scores of little town pubs back then, with their tiny opaque windows, yellowing net curtains, tantalising smells of tobacco and beer, and vague air of disreputability. Sadly this part of old Aylesbury was obliterated by hubristic town planners in the late 60s and replaced with the soulless concrete Friars Square mark 1 later immortalised as a dystopian backdrop during the filming of Clockwork Orange! The first stop was The Bacon Shop in Cambridge Street, followed by a walk down the High Street past Narberth’s and Spraggs and the coffee roasters - which gave off the most beautiful aroma - to Woolworth’s to buy a couple of pounds of broken biscuits, sold loose from a tin box. Dad would let me eat a few ‘dead fly’ (Garibaldi) or ‘Nice’ half or quarter biscuits, and then we bought fresh fish from MacFisheries - we regularly had skate, haddock or cod for Saturday tea - fish was much cheaper back then.

Next was ‘The Black Boy’ supermarket on Buckingham Street, past the wonderful Baker’s toy shop and Pages of Aylesbury, an upmarket bakery. Supermarkets were quite a novelty as Aylesbury folk were more used to being served by an obsequious man in a smart brown coat, stood behind a counter in a local grocers. Dad bought loose-leaf tea, lard and sugar - the five 2lb bags bulging in the leather shopping bag and weighing him down on one side until we stocked up on fruit from the market to redress the balance. We ate a lot of salt, lard and sugar back then – and it never did me any harm - apart from the obesity, diabetes and hypertension I developed in middle age. Actually, our diet was pretty healthy - we ate lots of fresh vegetables and fruit from the garden. Before we caught the train home, the expedition would be crowned by a visit to the little café under the stairs at Aylesbury Station. It was a tiny place, with Formica tables

Peter Purvis and plastic tomato-shaped ketchup dispensers and little tin ashtrays with corrugated edges. The windows of the café were steamy from condensation and the air redolent with cigarette smoke, fried bacon and fresh tea. My lovely dad would have a strong sweet cup of tea and I would have a bottle of green Hubbly-Bubbly and – oh, special treat, which I must not tell my sisters about, said Dad – a cheese slice and Branston pickle sandwich. I do not think I have ever been so happy. l Peter is from Aylesbury and performs as stand-up comedian Fred Ferenczi.

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

World's End Garden Centre Restaurant Theatre

2018 Season A moving, poignant story that spans four generations. We follow the relationships between the mothers and daughters of one family.

Drama returns to World’s End Garden Centre Restaurant Theatre again this year with two outstanding Ubiquitous productions ...

For one night only World's End Garden Saturday 17 March 2018 and the officers and their distractTheatre Centrecook Restaurant 7:30pm Tickets £15

2018 Season

themselves in their dugout with talk of food and their past lives. Stanhope, meanwhile, For one night onlywith soaks his fear in whisky, unable to deal Saturday 17 March his dread of the inevitable. A young new2018 7:30pm Tickets £15 officer, Raleigh, has just arrived, fresh out of training and abuzz with the excitement of his first real posting – not least because he is to serve under Stanhope, his former school house monitor and the object of his sister’s affections. Each man is trapped, the days ticking by, the tension rising and the attack drawing ever closer…

“The play of the year that A moving, poignant story that spans should not be missed” four generations. We follow the The Sunday Times

relationships between the mothers and daughters of one family.

My Mother Said I My Never Mother Should Said I

“The play of the year that should not be missed” The Sunday Times

biquitous Theatre first realised the potential of the large restaurant at the Wyevale Garden Centre near Wendover as a unique community theatre venue back in August 2016. With the full backing of by Charlotte Keatley the centre’s events team, a fully costumed production of A Christmas Carol was mounted archetypal 60s rebel. When Jackie can’t face which sold out before the opening night. From the company being a single mother, it is decided that her 100th Anniversary Audience reaction was uniformly positive andthat produced th th Christmas Carol and Bottoms Up. baby, Rosie, will be brought up as Margaret’s November 8 – 11 2018 so it was decided to produce“Outstanding”…“Brilliant a version of A acting”… 7:30pm Tickets £15 by Charlotte Keatley daughter. Midsummer Night’s Dream in July Thiswas wastransformed” “the2017. restaurant Keatley’s play is about the choices we a Theatre/Supper event and again sold out to make which determine the course of our audiences who thoroughly enjoyed both the From thehow company that produced 100th Anniversary lives and it is never too late to play and the food! Ubiquitous is delighted to have Christmas Carol and Bottoms Up. November 8th – 11th 2018 Looking at the social Artistic Director Terry Dean was delighted change. been granted the rights to this “Outstanding”…“Brilliant acting”… 7:30pm Tickets £15 and place of with the reaction and loyalty of the growing “theprofessional restaurant was transformed” production, in the year that women, it explores the audience: “It was clear there was a demand is the 100th anniversary belief that being a for high quality local theatre produced in this of both the play’s mother is at odds with easily accessible venue.” setting and the end of being a professional Martyn Lincoln, manager of the Wyevale the First World War. success. This is a World’s End Garden Centre was equally The team is powerful story of love positive. “Some said it couldn’t be done,” looking forward and jealously between he smiled. “but we were delighted with the to the challenge of mothers and daughters transformation of our restaurant into a creating the tension told through the by stories theatre each evening, our partnership with RC Sherriff of life in an officer’s of four generations of Ubiquitous Theatre and the fact that dugout: “At Ubiquitous women. together we have raised nearly £2,000 for our we are constantly looking to For tickets More information Nick Andrews nominated charity, Marie Curie.” www.ticketsource.co.uk/uttcDirector Call: 0333 666 3366 Email: contact@uttc.info create high quality, unique and by RC Sherriff Endand Garden customer service deskto direct My www.uttc.info said, “I have wanted The partnership continuesWorld’s this year for Centre innovative theatre. Our intention is Mother Said for many years. It’s a timeless and the 2018 Season Ubiquitous will produce that the audience who join us for Journey’s End universal play and it’s the most performedby RC Sherriff two different, but equally outstanding plays at will be moved and shaken by the experiences play ever by a female playwright. It’s got four the World’s End Garden Centre restaurant of these young men.” incredible female characters and of course theatre: My Mother Said I Never Should by The final performance will be on For tickets More information it’swww.ticketsource.co.uk/uttc a play about women but not Charlotte Keatley and Journey’s End by R.C. Call:exclusively. 0333 666 3366 Remembrance Sunday, Email: thecontact@uttc.info 11th of November. Garden Centre customer service desk It’sWorld’s really End about the Larkin truism that “they Sherriff. During that weekendwww.uttc.info the Ubiquitous C ‘muck’ you up your mum and dad, they may Company will be taking part in events and not mean to but they do…” but it improves it. ceremonies in Aylesbury Town Centre and My Mother Said I Never Should by Charlotte The play is ultimately hopeful in that, while it’s Weston Turville. Keatley - for one night only (Book early!) incredibly difficult, it is possible to break the Saturday 17th March 2018, 7:30pm Tickets will be limited and we expect a generational cycles of conflict and abuse in My Mother Said I Never Should is a moving heavy demand – readers who want to reserve which we can so easily become trapped. exploration of the relationships between theirs now should go to: mothers and daughters and the consequences www.uttc.info or call 01296 709077. Journey’s End by R.C. Sherriff. of breaking the most sacred taboo of Credit card bookings can be made directly November 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th, 7:30pm motherhood. Doris, born illegitimate in 1900, via: www.ticketsource.co.uk/uttc It is March, 1918. C-company arrives to exchanges her budding teaching career for l Ubiquitous Theatre, Weston Turville, Bucks take its turn in the front-line trenches in marriage and motherhood. After the war, her Tel: 01296 709077 northern France led by the war-weary Captain daughter Margaret marries an American and Email: contact@uttc.info Stanhope. A German offensive is imminent, they have a daughter, Jackie, who becomes an Web: www.uttc.info

Never Should

J O URNEY ’S END

o u rney ’ s J OJU RE nd N E Y ’S END

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Column: Sandra Smith ‘Our Creative Vale’

Painting by instinct I

“

like the way you build oils; I like the fact I’m working in a medium people have used for centuries.” Mark Stallwood is surprisingly mature in his approach, his thinking. Surprising not because of any question mark over his talent – the numerous portraits in his ground floor studio ooze character – but because he is self taught. “My career has been multi faceted,” the ex teacher casually states. “All the time in the background I’ve been painting. I can’t explain except I know what to do and it just happens. It’s instinctive.” Mark’s appreciation of art, including Caravaggio’s ability to capture light and colours favoured by Pre Raphaelites, is currently boosted by his daughter who is studying a History of Art degree. Jointly shared knowledge and enthusiasm fuel his interest and his willingness to absorb information is as tangible as the subjects he creates in which confident brush

Mark Stallwood strokes reflect an intrinsic gift. This Chearsley artist may not be formally trained but ambition is as evident as his ability to capture personality. A large portrait of George, an ex colleague from St Vincent which is wonderfully vibrant and energetic, has already achieved an enviable measure of

success. “Last summer I applied to the Royal Academy. There’s a limit of 30,000 initial entries which is narrowed down to 2-3,000. I was thrilled that George was shortlisted.” Whether from real life or photographs, Mark’s portraits begin with the shape of the head before eyes and mouth are added. Once proportions are correct (“At that point to me it looks like the person”) details follow. He works on several canvases at a time, appreciating the headspace that comes from waiting for individual paintings to dry. A commitment to the career he started to focus on just a few years ago includes entering competitions and encouraging commissions. There’s a healthy sense of commerce, too, seasons and forthcoming exhibitions driving his subjects. “I’ve sketched dogs, animals on little box canvases and one lady wanted a painting of a hedgehog. I

Creative Vale

Sandra Smith don’t like to see my paintings go. I love the process but selling is important. And I enjoy meeting the public and talking about art. Feedback is useful.” Mark Stallwood blends creative skill with business like proficiency and determination. He’s vowed to enter the RA Summer Exhibition again. Maybe this year he will go beyond the shortlist. www.imagineoils.co.uk l Find out more about Sandra

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

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

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Green Dragon home & away

ith their new Roadshow, Green Dragon can bring all the fun and fascination of the farm to your door. The Green Dragon Animal Roadshow will also now include some of their exotic new pets, so there’s quite a choice – from the cold-blooded to the feathery and furry! And for those who prefer the farm environment, Green Dragon is now offering VIP Animal Encounters for individuals or small groups on the farm. All these exclusive hands-on experiences are led by one of their team of livestock experts, creating an informative, fun experience for birthday parties, groups of all ages and schools.

‘Love your pets’ Half-term event: 10th to 18th February Green Dragon celebrates the animals in its care all year round,

New VIP Birthday Parties at 2017 prices!

Wildlife Reserve for 2018 on your doorstep!

from the rare breeds farm animals to those in Pets’ Corner. But over February Half-term there will be a special ‘Love Your Pets’ theme with a variety of educational and fun experiences, including Q & A sessions and pet care workshops and encounters. A special holiday programme will provide fun and informative interaction with all the pets, including the farm animals. Please see: www.greendragonecofarm. co.uk for more details.

This year will see the opening of a British and European wildlife reserve where visitors will be able to get up close to and learn about: red squirrel, deer and birds of prey that will be responsibly-sourced and housed in extra-large enclosures. Funding for the reserve will come from the business, a rural development grant and a fundraising campaign that seeks support from individual nature lovers to corporates. To be a part of this exciting new Buckinghamshire resource go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ greendragon-wildlife-reserve.

Parties at Green Dragon are very popular with visitors as their packages are not only great fun but also excellent value for money. The New VIP Party Package includes an exclusive animal encounter, farm tour, feed for the animals, freshly prepared party food with animal masks and jelly and ice-cream in the New VIP Party Barn space in the Soft Play Barn. Even better, there’s a special VIP Party Packages promotion running at the moment - book your VIP Party Package before 20th March, and pay last year’s price of only £13.95 per child! For more details or to book, contact the Events Coordinator via: events@greendragonecofarm.co.uk or call: 01296 670444. l The Green Dragon Eco Farm, Farm Park, Play Centre & Eaterie, Claydon Road, Hogshaw, Bucks, MK18 3LA T: 01296 670444 E: info@greendragonecofarm.co.uk W: www.greendragonecofarm.co.uk Facebook.com/greendragonecofarm Open daily 10am-5.30pm

Pop-Up Art show New direction at Chilterns MS for Destination

ou are invited to attend an exhibition of work by more than 100 professional and amateur artists on 3rd and 4th of March, when the Chilterns MS Centre at Wendover will be transformed for their annual Pop Up Art Weekend, Art Exhibition and Sale. The event, sponsored by Michael Anthony Estate Agents, is free and all are welcome to visit and see a panorama of high quality art in all media from painting, photography and textiles to ceramics, jewellery and glass. Furthermore, there will be Live Demonstrations from artists taking place over the weekend. To add to the glamour of the event, the Chilterns MS Centre are delighted Gillian Wright, who plays Jean Slater in iconic soap EastEnders, will be opening the Exhibition on the 2nd March 2018. Over the past 12 years the exhibition has been running almost £100,000 has been raised. This

has enabled the Centre to provide an incredible 2,750 hours of physio, hydro, oxygen, occupational and complementary therapies to people in the local community with multiple sclerosis. These life changing and supportive therapies make a real difference to those living with MS. Lunches, homemade cakes and refreshments available. l Pop-Up Art Weekend, Chilterns MS Centre, Oakwood Close, Halton, Bucks HP22 5LX Tel: 01296 696133 www.chilternsmscentre.org Mar 3rd 10am-5pm, Mar 4th 10:30am-4pm

ucks songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Michael Lee has a new album out. Destination is something of a change in direction for this prolific artist, shifting from his previous progressive rock style to a more soulful approach, which Michael feels has led him to create some of his most honest, personal and commercial work yet. Lyrically the album is a collection of songs dealing with love and relationships plus a couple of tracks, Long Term Vision and title track Destination about making the most out of your life. The album is a musically ambitious affair with impressive instrumentation, including a full brass section on several songs. Michael is a talented performer, producer, writer and composer and on Destination the combination of his personal lyrics and complex musical arrangements create a rich listening experience which can be

enjoyed by a wide range of music fans, from the casual listener to those who crave music with depth and substance. The album follows Michael’s 2009 debut album Face Forward - album of the month in Sound on Sound - his 2014 EP Blown Away and numerous single releases. Destination is on sale now through all the major online music stores. l For more information see: www.michaellee.co.uk E: info@michaellee.co.uk Vale Life: Feb/Mar 2018

Column: Nick Coffer ‘In the kitchen’

Sugar-Free Chocolate cake with date & chocolate frosting ‘

ree From’ recipes are increasingly popular on the Weekend Kitchen. Dairy-free, gluten-free, fat-free… but can a cake, a proper tasty cake, be sugar-free? With no added sugar, sweeteners or honey? Well, it turns out it can. Cynthia Stroud, who runs a cake shop in Hertford, is a sugar free baker

(www.sugarfreebaker.co.uk). She started to make sugar free cakes to help her young daughter, who doesn’t do too well on sugar. And this chocolate cake is a firm favourite at home. As well as providing sweetness to cakes, sugar also acts to help make a sponge fluffy and aerated. So, without the sugar,

this cake is a little heavier than usual, perhaps with a consistency more akin to a fruit cake. But it tastes wonderful, and with the only sweetness coming from the dates, is very suitable for anyone who has to carefully watch their sugar intake. If you prefer, you can simply replace the coconut oil with butter.

To make the cake 250 g dates (stoned, soaked in hot water for 10 minutes, drained and pureed) 150g coconut oil, melted 4 eggs 100g self-raising flour 50g ground almonds 50g corn flour 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence Method: Pre-heat your oven to 180C/ Gas Mark 4 (160C for fan-assisted ovens) and line 2 x 6 inch tins. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together with a hand whisk, scrape down the sides, whisk again until smooth, and pour equally into the two tins. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean, and leave to cool on a wire rack.

Method: Mix all of these ingredients with a hand mixer until they go light and fluffy. Spread the frosting between the two fully cooled cake layers and then spread it on the top layer. Decorate with berries of your choice (and a little edible gold spray for added effect if you wish). l Hear wonderful recipes on Nick Coffer’s Weekend Kitchen every Sunday morning on BBC Three Counties radio at 11am. You can also join Nick weekday afternoons at midday for music plus local guests with great stories.

Tastefully decorated, authentic Chinese restaurant, serving traditional dishes to suit every taste. Eat-in and takeaway service. Perfect for parties - we can cater for groups of up to 50 people. Harvest Moon, 1 Pump Lane, Thame, Oxon, OX9 3BT Tel: 01844 215272 / 214834 Email: harvestmoonthame@gmail.com Website: www.harvestmoonthame.co.uk Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Nick Coffer

To make the frosting 150g dates (stoned, soaked in hot water for 10 minutes, drained and pureed) 100g softened (but not liquid) coconut oil 2 tablespoons evaporated milk 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

Harvest Moon

In the kitchen

Win a meal at The Three Pigeons

riginally an 18th Century coaching inn on the London to Oxford turnpike, The Three Pigeons at Milton Common has been host to royalty, place of execution and travellers refuge for some 300 years. Now a restaurant and bar serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Three Pigeons is still a fascinating place. It is owned by the London Architectural Salvage and Supply Company (LASSCO), whose showroom is nestled in the yard, alongside the outdoor dining terrace and gardens, which means there are always unusual artifacts and objets on display and for sale, both inside and out, which add to the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere and quirky shabby chicness of the furnishings and decor. “We have been building things gradually” says restaurant manager Melchiorre Fioravante, (Mel for short), “we can cater for around 70 covers across two dining rooms. On Thursday evenings we

green beans and Romesco sauce; and then on Sundays we are open for Sunday lunch with traditional roasts plus a couple of other options.” If you’d like to be in with the chance of winning a meal for two with a bottle of house wine at The Three Pigeons, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk On which nights is there live music at The Three Pigeons? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Feb 4th, 2018. have live Jazz and on Fridays live music with the Mellow Fellows piano and bass duo and these are proving popular. We cater for private parties too. “We cook everything freshly and source ingredients locally where possible and have our own onsite vegetable and herb garden. There’s a bar menu with pub classics such as sausage and mash, pie, burger or fish and chips, sandwiches and

platters. The evening dinner menu is à la carte and changes regularly with dishes such as Oxfordshire Rib Eye Steak Roast with tomato, watercress and hand cut chips, Lamb Rump with swede, potato croquette, roast beetroot, and a Merlot reduction, Barbery Duck Breast with confit leg bonbon, puy lentils, confit carrot and red wine jus, or Hebridean Salmon with chickpea, red pepper stew,

l The Three Pigeons Inn at Lassco, London Road, Milton Common, Nr Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 2JN Tel: 01844 277183 Email: 3Preservations@lassco.co.uk Web: www.lasscobar3ps.co.uk Open: Mon-Wed, 9.30am-5pm Thur-Sat, 9.30am-11pm Sundays, 12pm-5pm Breakfast, 9.30am-12pm Lunch, 12pm-3pm Dinner, 6pm-9pm Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Column: Heather Jan Brunt ‘This farming life’

Everybody’s vegging out!

here was always a joke in our house as the kids were growing up, warning them never to bring home a vegetarian boyfriend or girlfriend. This is a livestock farm and we eat a lot of meat, especially our own Terrick Beef and Terrick Lamb. We eat a lot of vegetables as well though, sometimes even having a totally vegetarian meal. A vegan diet however seems a step too far. In addition to rejecting meat and fish, vegans avoid dairy products and even honey! So when I received an invitation from Stoke Place, a Grade II listed 17th century Queen Anne mansion and country house hotel in south Buckinghamshire, to taste their Veganuary Dining menu my first instinct was to delete it. On reading the sample menu though, I felt tempted to try it out - if I still felt hungry afterwards I could always pop into the fish and chip shop on the way home! So, I set off with a friend, who really entered into the spirit of the

Butternut squash main course

Soup starter

day by wearing what she considered to be clothes acceptable for a vegan – synthetic footwear with a faux fur lining, cotton trousers, an acrylic and cotton jumper and no pearls! At Stoke Place we were shown to the recently renovated Michelin Recommended restaurant, The King and Lamb - so named because Stoke Place was built in 1690 by Patrick Lamb, the cook for several kings and queens of England. For starters my companion and I both chose carrot, ginger and coconut soup with a dash of

coriander. This was a very colourful dish, beautifully presented and very tasty, the ginger particularly came through, although I found it hard to detect the coconut. My main course was rather disappointing on arrival, it looked like a mountain of cubed butternut squash and I would have liked the butternut fondant and butternut puree to be more abundant, but upon eating it, it was tasty enough, also served with oyster mushrooms and roasted pine kernels and crispy kale. My friend had the mushroom gnocchi with roasted chestnuts, but although it looked very attractive she felt it was a bit dry and on the stodgy side and could have been improved with a sauce. By the end of two courses and a bread roll I was still hungry and welcomed the arrival of a chocolate brownie with berry compote and raspberry sorbet. My friend had poached pear with pear sorbet. By the end of the meal we both felt pleasantly satisfied rather than

This farming life Heather Jan Brunt

uncomfortable and the meal had certainly been colourful and tasty. I’m not sure I could ever cook vegan, the restrictions would be too much, but if someone else is happy to make the meal, then I’m happy to eat it! And as far as farmers are concerned, they basically benefit from everything we eat and drink. It all has to be farmed, so I don’t feel guilty at all for having gone vegan for a few hours. l Stoke Place, Stoke Green, Stoke

Poges, Buckinghamshire Tel: 01753 534790 www.thecairncollection.co.uk/stoke

l Heather Jan Brunt is a journalist

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

Column: Tech spec with Andrew Marshall

Gadget lookahead 2018

s you know, I’m a bit of a gadget person and one of my high points is the Consumer Electronic Show, CES, in Las Vegas which ran this year from 9th-12th Jan. This show is an opportunity for players, both large and small to announce and/or show their key new gadgets for the year. Also, companies preview concept products which may not appear for many years but provide us with a glimpse into where technology is heading. I haven’t actually attended the show in person yet, but it is on my bucket list. So what caught my eye this year? Future Tech (Announced but no clear availability date) Nissan have announced a “Brain to Vehicle” interface which reads your brainwaves to predict what you intend to do between 0.5 and 1 second before your hand and feet move as a driver assist feature.

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Razor Turbo Jett skates

LG presented a rollable 65 inch display which can stow away completely when not in use. The rollable feature also allows the screen to change its aspect ratio when you are watching a film rather than a TV program, so no more big black borders. Ossia demonstrated their Cota Forever batteries which are AA sized batteries that charge wirelessly(!) Basically as long as the gadget containing the batteries is in the same room as the charge station, the batteries will be constantly trickle charged. Tesla Studios showed the Tesla

Andrew Marshall Tech spec

suit - a full body motion capture haptic suit which covers the whole body and basically allows you to get full body feedback from a VR environment. Get you credit card ready (available now or this year) Razor demoed their Turbo Jett skates which are an adult version of those trainers with the wheels in the heels. These have 80 watt electric motors and can reach speeds of 10 miles per hour. They will retro-fit on any shoe up to Size 12 (Spring availability!) Samsung announced “The Wall”

a 165 inch display which you can add others to in a modular fashion (sometime this year). Petrics have a smart, climate controlled bed for your pet. In addition, there is a wearable activity tracker which constantly monitors your pet, helping you to spot health issues early. (Autumn) Bragi Ears have developed a set of earbuds which map your hearing, accounting for tinnitus, hearing loss etc to allow you to hear a whisper from 100 feet (available now). l Software and technology expert Andrew Marshall is Founder of Digitwell Solutions Ltd, a mobile application development company. enquiries@digitwell.co.uk twitter: @DigitwellApps www. digitwell.co.uk

l Column: Alan Candy’s Road to the Future

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Out with the old... Rare breed status for popular runabouts

lind Date, Nokia reissues and a Tamagotchi revival - it’s clear that the 1990s are back with a bang. But the cars that got us from A to B on the roads of ‘Cool Britannia’ are disappearing at an alarming rate. New research from Honest John Classics shows that some of the most popular cars from the ‘dot-com decade’ are on the verge of extinction, set to follow high street giants like Woolworths and Our Price into oblivion. The fact is that cars we grew up with, that our mums and dads drove us around in, are dying

Alan Candy’s

AltomobilES out. For example, 2,613 Rover 400s were taken off the road in 2016 – that’s 20.8% of the total number left. At the current rate of extinction, they will all be gone in five years. It’s a similar story for the Vauxhall Cavalier and Citroen Saxo. Once beloved of sales reps everywhere, 10.2% of 1990s Cavaliers have been scrapped.

The Rover 40 could be extinct in five years The Saxo, which defined modified motoring for the Max Power generation, saw 2,505 destroyed - 24.1% of the total left.

Not even the youngest cars from the ‘dot-com’ decade are safe. The Ford Focus changed car design forever when it was Continued on page 76

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Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18 75 11/01/2018 12:25

l Column: Alan Candy’s Road to the Future

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Continued from page 75 launched in 1998, but examples are vanishing at the rate of 25% a year – if the current rate of decline continues, there will be no 1990s Mk1 Focuses left in just four years. It’s a similar story for the Ford Ka with 29% of examples disappearing every 12 months. Keith Moody, editor of Honest John Classics, said: “Many people think of a classic car as an MGB or an E-Type Jaguar, but the reality is that there’s a huge amount of interest in cars from the 1990s. And I’m not talking about the supercars that adorned posters on bedroom walls, I’m talking about the cars that we grew up with. “The cars that our dads had - that took us to school, to the cinema, on holiday. These cars were part of our lives every single day – and now they’re nearly all gone.” He added: “The startling survival rates of the cars that

The Vauxhall Cavalier is disappearing fast you used to see on every in the past few years, with street and at every everything from Britpop Scrappage service station to Blind Date making a scheme took means that demand comeback, it’s shocking 392,227 cars for them is starting that the cars from this off the road in to outstrip supply. decade of automotive 2009-10 And while we’ve seen history are on the brink of a lot of 1990s nostalgia extinction.”

But why are so many of the cars our dads used to drive on the endangered species’ list? There are several reasons, but one of the biggest is the 200910 scrappage scheme. Here the Government encouraged people to trade-in cars more than 10

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l Column: Alan Candy’s Road to the Future years old for £2,000 off a new the ground to something that is car – a discount that you could appreciated and that the owner have got by haggling. In total, wants to invest both time and 392,227 future classics were money in. This is the decisive taken off the road because of the moment – this is the point where scrappage scheme. values stop falling and prices While some turn their nose start rising.” up at 1990s ‘bangers’ such Currently, cars from the year as the Ford Mondeo and the 2000 have the worst MoT pass Vauxhall Cavalier by rate with 51.5 per cent saying that they will failing. After this point, Mondeos and never be proper the figure improves Cavaliers could classics, research for older cars as they become Classics find their way into the from Honest John Classics shows this hands of enthusiastic simply isn’t the case. owners. In fact, cars from 1993 Honest John researchers have a better pass rate than cars looked at the most recent MoT from 2005, with 56.5% passing data to find out when a car the annual roadworthiness test made the transition from cheap compared to 55.3%. A fact runabout to cherished family that underlines 1990s cars are member. Analysing the data, emerging classics. they were able to see when the Mr Moody added: “Petrolheads rate of cars failing their annual in their 30s and 40s grew up with roadworthiness test stopped these 1990s cars. They learnt declining and started to rise to drive in them. They went on again. family holidays in them. They are Mr Moody said: “This is the the next-generation of classic point at which a car crosses over cars – and they’re being bought from a banger that gets run into Continued on page 78

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

New model scheduled

by Jimney, for 2019!

THE most under-rated small 4x4 has a new model coming out in early 2019. In the case of the Suzuki Jimny, this is like reviving the dinosaur, as the robust threedoor hasn’t really changed design inside or out since 1998. The cult vehicle Jimny is still the antidote for some motorists fed up with manufacturers force feeding drivers every kind of computer creation possible into our motors. New Jimny will be roughly the same size as the present model, making it equally manoeuvrable, but with sharper, more boxy lines more reminiscent of the Mercedes G-Wagen or Jeep Renegade. The best thing is that Suzuki will almost certainly swap the

current long-serving 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol model for a more fuel efficient 1.2 unit. The on-demand two-, fourwheel drive and 4WD low ratio choices remain. After the demise of the Daihatsu Terios and the threedoor Toyota RAV4, it’s hard to think of any other truly compact, proper 4x4 with ground clearance, other than the Renegade. So new Jimny could just forge itself a stronger sales niche.

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11/01/2018 77 Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018 12:24

l Column: Alan Candy’s Road to the Future

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

Continued from page 77 by enthusiasts who want to be reminded of their connection to times, people, and places who

might no longer be with them.” THE new Citroën C4 Cactus hatchback is now available to

order in the UK, priced from £17,265. Benefitting from the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme, this new model

Citroën C4 Cactus

represents a European premiere for the brand’s new suspension system with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions™ and a world first for its Advanced Comfort® seats. Citroen say the new C4 Cactus combines the personality of the original C4 Cactus with the class-leading comfort of the C4. NISSAN have revealed research that will apparently enable vehicles to interpret signals from the driver’s brain, redefining how people interact with their cars. The company’s Brain-toVehicle, or B2V, technology promises to speed up reaction times for drivers and will lead to cars that keep adapting to make driving ‘more enjoyable’. B2V is the latest development in Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the company’s vision for transforming how cars are driven, powered and integrated into society. This breakthrough from Nissan is the result of research into using brain decoding technology to predict a driver’s actions and detect discomfort.

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Nissan Brain to Vehicle prototype driver is wearing brainwave monitoring headwear

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Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

l Column: On

The Road with Rob Auchterlonie

Very hygge

VOLVO V90 Cross Country

reckon Volvo have got it all wrong with the naming of their big luxury estate car. It really shouldn’t be called the V90 Cross Country – Cross Continent would be more appropriate, because it’s the kind of superbly appointed vehicle that you could drive for mile after mile after mile without showing any sign of strain or tiredness. To put it bluntly, it’s bloody brilliant. A car that’s highly efficient, highly comfortable and highly desirable. Born out of a long line of big Volvo estates from the past, Its latest smart new look doesn’t mean they’ve forgotten what most of us buy Volvos for – practicality. There’s still that vast amount of boot space before you even think of folding the rear seats. A pleasant mix of brushed metal inserts, very acceptable quality plastics and soft leather greet the occupants in what is a typical functional Volvo cabin, with a decent amount of room for all the occupants, their luggage and labradors. Strong on practicality and with a truly upmarket cabin where the nappa soft leather upholstery is stitched to perfection, the dash area is more minimalist than a Jamie Oliver recipe, in that there

Rob Auchterlonie

ON The Road

lengthy list of features aimed at keeping you safe behind the wheel. I’ve never known a car to defrost – and I mean DEFROST – as quickly VOLVO V90 Cross Country as this one. Press the necessary buttons and the are no superfluous buttons and front and rear screens are switches to spoil the pure design ready for action in next to no time. and look of the interior. But then the Swedes probably Cross Country Pro trim as don’t like to hang about on a sampled here (£47,905) includes cold and icy morning as they’re kit such as a heated steering wheel an industrious bunch. They’ve got and windscreen, adaptive beam furniture with funny names to headlights, ambient lighting, an design and build for IKEA, and electric memory driver’s seat, best selling albums to produce 19-inch alloys, a 1400 watt if you’re a four piece Eurovision Bowers and Wilkins audio system winning band. and a 12.3-inch TFT instrument And it’s not a car where you display. That’s over and above the can legitimately do an Arsene standard heated leather seats, LED Wenger and say ‘well, it was a bit headlights, keyless start and an of a letdown’ because its 235hp electric tailgate. Never mind the and 480Nm of torque gives it

VOLVO V90 Cross Country 80

Vale Life : Feb/Mar 2018

more than adequate punch when you want to get past something on a twisty A road. Even the extra ground clearance has not had too much of a detrimental effect on the ride quality in my opinion. It kind of alludes to the fact that Volvo have set their sights firmly on a new breed of owner – one a bit younger than past customers and who doesn’t necessarily need a tartan travel rug for the knees of his front seat passenger. I can fully appreciate why people who have hair that’s maybe a bit lighter in colour than some of their neighbours would want to drive a car like a Volvo. But it’s not just silvertops who buy them, as I know a couple of younger humanoids who are very definitely fans of the Swedish marque. They want to feel that they’ve bought into something that is top quality, they want to be comfortable and above all else they want to feel safe at the wheel. Volvo does this quite admirably. Volvo drivers don’t take risks. And you wouldn’t be with one of these. FASTFACTS: Volvo V90 D5 PowerPulse Cross Country Pro; £47,905; Four cylinder diesel, 235hp, 480Nm; Auto transmission; Top speed 140mph, 0-62mph 7.5secs; Fuel – urban 46.3, extra urban 57.6, combined 53.3; CO2 139g/km; Will it fit the garage? (it’ll be a squeeze) 4936/2052/1475 (l/w/h).

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12274 Chiltern Leisure Vale Life Advert.indd 1

07/10/2014 14:38

www.thaiorchidmassageaylesbury.co.uk

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Your complete kitchen service German and English bespoke, quality kitchens, fully ďŹ tted or supply only.

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