Vale Life FREE MAGAZINE
Your free magazine for Aylesbury, Thame and the surrounding area
Take me home
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June/July 2016
Cover picture: Captain Ducky Thame Round Table Duck Race Photograph by Julie Tack
Inside:
Follow the herd
Bleat a path to Shepherd’s Crook See our website at: www.vale-life.co.uk
Awnings & art
Firms share Thame gallery
End of an era
40th year is last Art in Action Free local listings for events and businesses
Plus Katy, Penny, Heather, Naomi, Polly, Amanda, Janice, Jacqui, Cathy, Charlotte, Tracy, Rob, Alan and much, much more...
w Meal for two at Coco Tamarind w Penclic ergonomic Mouse w Charger w w Historic Aylesbury photo book w Tickets to countryfile live w
GEWAY
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w w w.ridgewaykitchens.co.uk
A complete kitchen service with a personal touch.
Getting a new kitchen can be a daunting prospect. So we do all we can to make it as pain-free as possible. With Ridgeway Kitchens you get consistent project management throughout and a dependable, inhouse team to carry out all work. Whether you’re working to an architect’s plan, want to replan your living space or simply need a high quality, good value refit, we can help.
“I know it sounds a bit weird but my kitchen makes me happy. I feel genuinely happy when I walk into it.”
Old kitchen carefully removed.
Our in-house team includes: � Designers � Plasterers � Plumbers � Builders � Electricians � Floor tilers
New knock-through space.
� Carpenters � Decorators
Call for a chat, arrange for a tour of our showroom near Thame or, for more information on our German-made and English bespoke kitchens, visit our website.
01844 279900 www.ridgewaykitchens.co.uk RIDGEWAY KITCHENS | Rycote Lane, Milton Common, Oxfordshire OX9 2NZ | info@ridgewaykitchens.co.uk YO U R
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04/12/2015 14:58
Transform your home Our high quality, stylish, modern, secure and energy efficient glazed doors are available as bifolding, sliding, or single and double patio door units. Manufactured in the UK to the highest standards of craftsmanship, Bifold 13 doors come with a ten year guarantee and can usually be made and delivered within 10 working days. Durable, reliable, aesthetically pleasing and made of high quality materials, our doors maximise the natural light, take up very little space and provide great security. They are also easy to clean and maintain and offer great value for money. See www.bifold13.co.uk for further information and call us for a free, no obligation quotation, or for advice and suggestions with regard to your project requirements: 01296 330066..
Why choose Bifold 13? High quality products l Independent, local firm l Ten year guarantee l Excellent customer service l Product delivered within 10 working days l Instant free quote l Free delivery within 10 miles radius of Aylesbury l No call out charges l We supply trade customers and home owners l
Bifold 13 is a leading manufacturer of ALUK and Schuco doors and windows systems. We make, supply and fit all ALUK and Schuco products from doors and windows to glazing.
Bifold 13, 11 Vale Industrial Estate, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 9EW Tel: 01296 330066 Fax: 01296 336819 Email: info@bifold13.co.uk Website: www.bifold13.co.uk Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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
Experts in Mobility and Healthcare Supplies Come and visit our new showroom at Watermead, Aylesbury or, if you can’t get to us - give us a call and we’ll visit you! Specialists in ‘tilt in space’ riser recline chairs Lightweight wheelchairs Wide range of mobility scooters Extensive range of three/four wheeled walkers Bath and shower solutions Aids for daily living Profiling beds and stairlifts Discreet professional advice on continence management Advice and guidance on all aspects of mobility and personal care Equipment Hire Excellent after sales service and customer care 35 Lakeside, Watermead, Aylesbury, HP19 OFX | Tel: 01296 435607 | Web: www.theeasyliving.company Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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Your reliable local family firm Have you been let down lately by your oil supplier on delivery or price? If so call Nolan Oils Now on:
01869 343477
01869 343477 info@nolangroup.co.uk www.nolangroup.co.uk
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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
01454 315050 info@sodburyfuels.co.uk www.sodburyfuels.co.uk
01869 241414 info@nolangasandfuels.co.uk www.nolangasandfuels.co.uk
• Supplier of oils to homes, farms & industry • Payment plans & Top up service available
01869 342101 info@nolanmarquees.co.uk www.nolanmarquees.co.uk
F u n e r a l D i r e c to r s 21 -23 High Street, Wendover HP22 6DU
Bicester (Nolan Oils) 01869 343477 info@nolanoils.co.uk www.nolanoils.co.uk
01869 342100 info@nolanhospitality.co.uk www.nolanhospitality.co.uk
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Vale Life : Jun/Jul26/05/2016 2016 7 10:03
www.crusader-holidays.co.uk Britain & Europe - 120 exciting holidays across more than 20 countries l Free local Joining Points l Top of the range Setra Grand Touring Coaches
July
Mon 4 Tue 5 Wed 6 Sat 9 Sat 9
EMMERDALE – THE TOUR & Visit to Harewood House
Cambridge Leisure Day £22 Longleat Safari Park & House £45 Southend £22 Brighton £22 Medway River Festival £22 Chatham Waterfront is the place to be when yachts and sailing vessels of every kind will join together for the Medway River Festival. There will be river displays and races running all day, along with food stalls, exhibitions and live music.
Medway River Festival Sun 10 Le Touquet – one of France’s most chic northern seaside resorts £42 Tue 12 Fish & Chip Lunch at Kennedys & Covent Garden £29 Tue 26 ‘I Am The Greatest’ Muhammed Ali at the 02 £37 New Releases!
September
Fri 16
Highgrove Garden Tour £51
October
Sat 29 Disney on Ice - Frozen £52
Emmerdale
Harewood House
3 Days - £229 July 22nd 2016: Located in the heart of the spectacular Yorkshire Dales on the Harewood Estate just outside of Leeds, the tour will allow you to explore the village of Emmerdale, a fully operational TV set and home to the programme since 1998. Don’t miss the chance to relive the drama at your favourite Emmerdale village locations, including Smithy cottage, the Vet’s surgery and The Woolpack - tread the tarmac and indulge in a fully guided tour of the popular, fictional village. Tour guides will share secrets and stories and reveal fascinating facts behind the making of the multi award-winning, ITV soap. 2015
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What’s included: This great value weekend includes Luxury Coach Travel, 2 nights with breakfast & dinner, guided tour of the Emmerdale set & Entrance to Harewood House.
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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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
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Summer’s coming
46
Colour of Chelsea
12
Something old, something new
50
Stone’s throw
Go4flo meets Rio
52
Win tickets to Countryfile Live!
Riddled with fleas
54
Hive talking
Take the challenge
60
Ten years of Trust
Let the sun shine
61
Bucks fallen
Walking on air
62
Turn it up!
Climb aboard
63
XYZ to rock town!
30 Designed to please
64
Pure genie-us
California dreamin’
67
The last hurrah
38 Of art and awnings
69
Where there’s a Will
40 Essential picnic guide
70
Float your boat?
44 Improving the landscape
77
Top table
14 15 16 21 25 28
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Katy’s guide to keeping cool
Wedding boutiques are perfect pair Join the all-night carnival!
How to cope with itchy and scratchy Run, swim, cycle... but 2 out of 3 ain’t bad! Ellen’s tips for a perfect tan Massage has Amanda back on her feet Thomas the Tank is just the ticket New centre is homebuild heaven Polly’s high on 007
Firms share Thame gallery
Charlotte’s tips for tasty trips
Stone sales mean cash for charity
Gardens show the future’s bright Showroom success for stone suppliers BBC show booked into Blenheim Bee centre is open for buzziness Housing trust proud of decade’s achievements Remembering The Somme 100 years on. Dan’s listening to local music Music school teams with Aylesbury store Waterside news for panto fans Art event marks 40 years with final show Special year for annual festival Festival boasts titanic line up Treats in store on upper floor
Nice weather for ducks!
T
hame showed great community spirit last weekend when, after a magnificent and well organised Thame Carnival on Saturday, persistent rain threatened to wash out the Annual Thame Round Table Duck Race. Hundreds turned out though, despite the deluge, appropriately dressed to deal with the worst and cheered as around 1,800 rubber ducks were launched from Thame Bridge to start the 2016 race. As always, Captain Ducky was on hand to interrupt proceedings, this year in mini pallet paddle steamer, pursued by Pirate Peter trying not to sink his bath/ boat contraption!
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ongratulations to the following May/Jun edition competition winners! Hopefully your prizes will have arrived by now, please let us know
Pirates, ducks and supporters followed the flow down river, entertained by the spectacle, some truly terrible jokes and the gradually collapsing watercraft! The winning duck ticket numbers for 2016 are: 1st 1727; 2nd 962, 3rd 509. “The Duck Race is an annual highlight for Thame Round Table,” said Race organisers Tim Lancaster and Neil Shorter, “whatever the weather! We are especially grateful to those that came out to support us on the day. It’s all worth it as more than £3,500 was raised, all of which is donated to local groups and charities.
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 Coco Tamarind, Askett; A
copy of Aylesbury Photo Memories book; An Eclipse Charger; Tickets for The National Wedding Show; A Penclic Mouse; A Hape Walk-a-Long Puppy; Tickets to Countryfile Live!
Captain Ducky
“We would also like to thank all friends of Thame Round Table, including the Fire Service, Peach Pubs, Helpful Hirings and KnowledgePoint for sponsoring and supporting the event.” Well done all, especially Stuart ‘Captain Ducky’ Groves for his spectacular paddle steamer and entertaining antics and to Julie Tack who caught him on camera and generously donated the shot for this issue’s cover. Happy reading!
Peter the Pirate
Charlie
Editor, Vale Life Magazine Last issue’s prizewinners were: A meal for two at The Green Dragon: Lisa Williams, Boarstall Tickets for the Trad Boat Fest: Maggie Winship, Long Marston
A copy of Monet’s Garden: Maggie Kaye, Great Kimble A Sky Spinner: Jane Rennie, Aylesbury Weekend tickets for Towersey Festival: Sam Miles, 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 : Jun/Jul 2016
9
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
Summer’s coming...
A
t the time of writing it is most definitely more like late Autumn than high Summer (having just been on holiday near the East Coast which was blessed with more thunder and lightning than sunshine and showers). But we do have the promise of seasonably sunny days ahead, and whether you are heading
cover up. Perfect for shading your skin a little from the sun or when you just want to take a stroll to the bar or coffee shop. Doubling up as an evening blouse and taking up next to no space in your suitcase. Again, choose colour for a bit of a statement in your outfit.
40% silk cover up Baban Boutique, Thame: £28 to the French (or English) Riveria, on simply enjoying summer in leafy Buckinghamshire here are my picks for high summer style. Max out Maxi dresses are perfect for summer. A great way to introduce a summer splash of colour and print to lift you holiday wardrobe. And they’re not just for tall girls - if you are 5ft 3ins or less fear not, many styles are available in a petite fit (and yes, I know a petite maxi is a bit of an oxymoron!). Try it out, and if colour is not your thing go for a neutral and accessorise with a coloured belt or striking long pendant.
Hale Bob Halter neck maxi dress Gallivant, Thame: £310 10
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Cover up Another great piece that’s invaluable in the holiday picks - a
Colour splash One of the easiest ways to make your wardrobe feel more like summer is to make it look that way by adding in colour (take a look at the back of your wardrobe, or sort through holiday items if you’ve packed them away). Put the brights at the front - watch, it will definitely put a smile on your face. If you really do have an aversion to wearing colour and prefer to stay in black or other neutrals then think about adding colour with light, bright and simple accessories. A soft scarf, bag or even sandals will add just a little touch of bright without feeling as if you are going over the top.
Velvet Tallulah Print Cover up Gallivant, Thame: £145 the air or for cooler evenings. Summer holidays are a great time to try something a little different - so perhaps go for a new style or shade that you ordinarily wouldn’t have picked. Bag it up I recommend two bags for
Striped scarves £12 each or 2 for £20 Baban Boutique, Thame The Everyday Tops, T-shirts and blouses that can be dressed up or down are a simple summer staple. A cardigan, soft jacket or scarf can easily be added if there is a bit of a chill in
Waterproof rubber Summer tote (with changeable handles) Baban Boutique, Thame
summer holidays - a tote and an combination will take you from elegant clutch. hotel to beach to bar with minimal Your tote should ideally be a effort whilst looking great too. Stick larger size to accommodate beach to natural fabrics to stay cool - think or pool paraphernalia - towel, drink, light linen and soft cotton. snacks and of course your holiday read. Some great new fabrics around Best foot forward too - designs in rubber means that Slick slides or elegant sandals - a there are no worries about getting great way to add a bit of colour to your bag wet or mucky. your summer holiday look. You’ll I’ve been talking about clutch probably be spending quite a bit of bags for four time in them so it’s seasons now worth looking out THE perfect for good quality in way to take your a style that is both daytime outfit comfortable and to evening. And flattering. one with a bit of shimmer or So splash out sparkle takes it for summer and one step further get your holiday (also doubles up wardrobe working as a purse – space perfectly for you, Stipe Tassel Clutch - prices vary wherever your saving too…). Baban Boutique, Thame Try it! destination.
Marc Cain Juicy Fruit Dress Gallivant, Thame: £189
Off duty For holiday menswear, forgo the typified sports shirt and shorts combo and instead invest in quality polo shirts in colour with smart navy shorts teamed with stylish flip flops. This classic yet contemporary
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.
Circle of Gentlemen cotton polo: £89.95 Gant leather sandals: £49 Gallant, Thame
New shop open on ground floor for home accessories and gifts
MADE TO MEASURE BLINDS - CURTAINS - CUSHIONS FABRIC - WALLPAPER - UPHOLSTERY DESIGN STUDIO, SHOWROOM & SHOP 55 NORTH STREET THAME
Telephone or email for design appointment Shop open: Tues-Wed-Fri 9.30-4.30 Thurs 9.30-5.30 Sat 10-4 Join mailing list for special offers and discount www.tillynilly.com/store Motorised and Wood blinds ◦ Bespoke Service ◦ Design
01844 220035 info@tillynilly.com Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Something old,
something new
The luxurious Bridal House boutique at Aston Clinton was set up by Emma and Jenny almost nine years ago. It’s been an amazing success and the girls now boast a second boutique in High Wycombe and have just completed a rather fabulous refurb of their original premises...
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mma and Jenny at The Bridal House have built their business on providing excellent customer service and a fabulous choice, not only of wedding gowns, but also those all important accessories: unique vintage inspired sidepieces or delicate tiaras, veils that sparkle softly or are edged with lace, shrugs and practical bits like storage and travel boxes. Gorgeous finishing touches, that will ensure any bride feels special all over. Following a complete redesign and refurbishment of the Aston Clinton shop, both Bridal House boutiques are now luxurious havens in which brides to be and their guests can enjoy the expert service in a beautiful private suite. Here dresses can be tried and accessories chosen in an exclusive appointment with your personal bridal stylist, who is there to guide and advise throughout the whole appointment. Complimentary refreshments will enhance your experience and ensure you relax and have fun whilst choosing from a stunning range of bridal gowns. “We have gowns by some of the world’s leading bridal designers,” says Jenny, “including Maggie Sottero, Ronald Joyce and Mori Lee. It makes for a stunning, diverse collection with prices from £700. “We think these designers are the best at what they do. Their beautiful gowns incorporate fantastic corsetry and fabrics and ensure a diverse collection that includes something for everyone, whether it’s a traditional, elegant, glamourous, vintage or bohemian look you desire.” “We aim to ensure the bride feels really
Bridal House Aston Clinton private suite
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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Bridal House Aston Clinton private suite
and also has two private viewing suites - the Florentine Suite in soft greys and pinks and the Chantilly Suite in gorgeous vintage teals. “Follow us on Facebookcom/thebridal housebuckinghamshire for our latest news, see our website or pop in and meet our friendly team to see how we can help.”
special and has a lovely time while finding her perfect gown,” says Emma. “It’s what’s important to you and how you wish to look on your wedding day that helps us find your dream dress and those all important finishing touches. We don’t stop there though, we are here to make sure all runs smoothly right up to your wedding day and beyond. “Our second boutique opened in the heart of High Wycombe at the end of April 2014
l The Bridal House, 10a Weston Road, Aston Clinton, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP22 5EG Tel: 01296 632041 The Bridal House, 25 Crendon Street, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP13 6LJ Tel: 01494 258 403 Email: thebridalhouse@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.bridalwearaylesbury.co.uk Opening hours Mon: 12-8pm, Tue/Thur/Fri: 9.30am-5pm Sat: 9am-5pm, Sun: 10am-3.30pm Wed - Closed
Win tickets to Wedding Show T
he National Wedding Show is the ultimate shopping destination for discerning brides and grooms. Returning this autumn to London Olympia (23rd-25th Sept) and Birmingham NEC (30th Sept to 2nd Oct), with a spectacular line-up of the nation’s finest wedding suppliers and the hottest names on the high street, the show offers everything from fabulous flowers and delectable cakes to show-stopping entertainment and exquisite stationery - not forgetting those all-important wedding dresses! Take a seat at the UK’s biggest bridal catwalk production, showcasing the latest trends for the entire bridal party from leading designers and brands such as: Jenny Packham, Vera Wang, David’s Bridal, Ben De Lisi, Alfred Angelo, Allure Bridals, Berketex Brides, Maggie Sottero, Eliza Jane Howell, Maids to Measure, Nigel Rayment, John Charles and many more. It doesn’t stop at the dress though, head to The Wedding Theatre fountain of knowledge for hair, beauty and style advice, where a line-up of award-winning industry experts will divulge their top tips and tricks for creating the ultimate bridal makeup
looks and up-dos. They will also be selecting audience members for a head-to-toe makeovers live on stage. Uncover high-street wonders and bespoke products to make your special day perfect in every way - from top travel experts to groomswear gurus, the show has it covered. Plus get the lowdown on the latest honeymoon hot-spots with the likes of Turquoise Holidays, Sandals, Thomas Cook, Beachcomber Tours and many more. Iconic menswear brand Moss Bros will showcase their autumn 2016 collection, encompassing ready-towear, bespoke and hire collections, while Young’s Hire will offer stylish solutions from traditional morning suits to Scottish highland dress wear
and contemporary takes on the classic lounge suit. If it’s the sartorial edge you are after then take the time to talk to Savile Row tailors from Cad & The Dandy and Yardsman. Want something unique? Look no further than The Rock ‘n’ Roll Bride Collection! Back by popular demand and quickly becoming a destination in its own right, the collection will feature an even bigger selection of alternative suppliers hand-picked by award-winning blogger Kat Williams. Discover unique favours and venue décor and take part in creative workshops where you can learn how to add your own bespoke touches to your special day. At the heart of this area, you will find The Rock ‘n’ Roll
Café, the perfect pit stop for savvy shoppers. You can make your visit that extra bit special with VIP Tickets. Beat the queues with fast track entrance, relax with unlimited access to the luxurious VIP Lounge, enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly, have the ease of reserved seating at the Catwalk Show and pamper yourself in the build up to your big day with gorgeous beauty products from your VIP goody bag. If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to The National Wedding Show simply email your name, address and telephone number along with your choice of venue (Olympia/NEC) plus the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Which singing superstar is Australian billionaire James Packer about to marry? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by July 31st, 2016. l The National Wedding Show London Olympia 23rd-25th Sept Birmingham NEC 30th Sept-2nd Oct www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk Facebook /nationalweddingshow Twitter - @nationalwedding
ANTIQUES AT… WENDOVER A Dateline ANTIQUES CENTRE Est. 1987 A QUALITY ANTIQUES CENTRE offering town and country antiques in a Tudor, brick and timber house, with wall paintings and inglenook fireplaces. Park in the Courtyard at the rear, where you will find Garden Antiques, a Tea Shop, the Barn Courtyard Shops and an Artist’s Studio. We are open every day from 10am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday and from 11am to 5pm, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
1950s Irish Teddy Bear £65 The Old Post Office, 25 High Street, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 625335 Email: antiques@antiquesatwendover.co.uk Website: www.antiquesatwendover.co.uk
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 : Jun/Jul 2016
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supported by
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Supporting total Hospice care for local families affected by life-limiting illness
www.fnhospice.org.uk
01296 429975
This is a charity event raising funds for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, Registered Charity Number: 1119499
Glo4Flo meets Rio!
The annual Midnight Walk for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity takes on a carnival atmosphere for 2016 when dayglo walkers bring Rio to the streets of Aylesbury on Sat 9th July...
I
f you have ever been in Aylesbury Town Centre at midnight in early July and spotted hordes of brightly dressed, bunny-eared ladies strolling through the streets, talking and laughing as they go, you may well have witnessed The Midnight Walk. This is Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity’s biggest fundraising event, which brings in more than £55,000 each year for the Hospice at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Kicking off with a stage show courtesy of sponsors mix96 and an aerobics warm-up from dance teacher Jo Beardmore-Dilks of JBD Fitness & Dance and with the walkers decked out in dayglo pink and flashing headgear, it looks like a street party - and it’s certainly just as much fun! But this event has a serious purpose: it is an essential way for the Charity to raise funds for vital services at the Hospice, for a community with an ever-increasing demand for end of life care, and support for those with life-limiting illnesses. And many people on the Midnight Walk have a story to tell about how the Hospice has touched their lives. “They cared for my Nana, Joan Weavers, in her last few days and at that all important stage, making someone comfortable can make all the difference,” says Lottie Goodchild, who is doing the Midnight Walk with her mother, Debbie. “Such a friendly, caring group of nurses there that do this on a daily basis they’re troopers and deserve all the support they can receive!” Others take the challenge of an all-night walk as a fun and interesting thing to do for a great cause, or in memory and celebration of a loved one, whether they were cared for in the Florence Nightingale Hospice or not. “It’s a fun, different type of event. It’s still a challenge even if it isn’t a run!” Lottie agrees. And it’s very sociable. “Most people do the Midnight Walk with friends, and the atmosphere is amazing,” says Rachael Hine,
Have fun & support
your Hospice
If wandering the streets at night isn’t your thing, there are loads of events which support the Hospice and provide fun and entertainment for everyone Celebrate Summer: 25th June Bishop of Buckingham’s Garden, Great Missenden Glo4Flo Midnight Walk: 9th July Aylesbury Colour Rush: 9th October ALF Green Park, Aston Clinton Aylesbury Beer Festival: 28th-29th October Bucks CC Sports & Social Club, Lower Road, Aylesbury Flower Arranging with Dorothy Wright: 7th November Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Events Manager at FNHC. “It can be very emotional and uplifting, a real celebration as well as a time to remember special people. If
you haven’t tried it, come along and find out for yourself - and remember to add a touch of Carnival to your outfit this year!” “My mum Debbie decided to do it too when she heard I wanted to,” agrees Lottie, “for obvious reasons. Joan was her mother and her best friend, so Mum feels the motivation to give something back to her. I think it’s so lovely that mother and daughter will be doing this side by side. Wherever Nan is, she’ll be beaming at us both and as proud as ever.” For more information and to sign up for the Midnight Walk go to: www.gemstonewalk. co.uk or find out more about Florence Nightingale Hospice at www.fnhospice.org. uk. For news and updates, like our page on Facebook at /florencenightingalehospice l Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity (FNHC) Unit 2 Walton Lodge, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 7QY Tel: 01296 429975 Web: www.fnhospice.org.uk Facebook: /florencenightingalehospice Twitter: @fnhospice Registered Charity 1119499
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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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Column: Nicky Gregory‘Curious World’
Riddled with fleas! U ntil the 20th Century fleas were a common problem. Everyone was prey to them, regardless of class. Not only were they found in beds and on pets, but in clothes and wigs. Cleanliness for body and clothes is not what it is today and to make matters worse, fat was used to keep hair in place and dress wigs. Water was not readily available to all and was an expensive resource. In the eighteenth-century small ornate flea-traps became a necessary fashion accessory. They were made from hollow objects, most commonly a perforated cylindrical tube. A small piece of cloth or fur, which was easily replaced, would be smeared with blood, to attract the fleas and fat or honey to catch them. Some flea traps were worn on a ribbon as a necklace or hung down inside a dress. Some were ornately carved and made of silver or ivory. The rat flea Xenopsylla Cheopis, became infected with the bubonic plague and was partly responsible
1751-1850 Bamboo flea trap China
Nicky Gregory
Curious world
your name, address and contact telephone number to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Winner to be notified by email.
English Ivory Flea Traps from great plague of London 1664-1666 for spreading the disease during the Great Plague of London. A German doctor named Franz Ernst Brückmann (1697-1753) designed the first flea trap in the early 1700s. The French name for the flea was ‘la puce’ taken from the colour of a squashed flea full of blood. The story is that this brownish purple was one of Marie Antoinette’s favourite colours and Louis XVI
jokingly compared it to a squashed flea giving us the name we have for the colour ‘Puce’ today. Our May/Jun Mystery Object was a bronze Tibetan Temple Bell ! Can you guess what this one, right, is? The prize for the winner chosen from correct answers is a £10 Gift Voucher for Antiques at Wendover. Email your answers along with
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
Ruth’s garden was her life. Dahlias. Peonies. Fuscias. Sweet peas. Friends said her garden was a rainbow. So we helped her family to decorate the church with flowers from Ruth’s own garden. The church looked particularly colourful that day. And afterwards, everyone took a flower home.
Inc. Heritage & Sons
Because every life is unique Winslow 01296 713 341 • Amersham 01494 434 484 Aylesbury 01296 428 638 • Bletchley 01908 372 700 Buckingham 01280 813 188 • Wendover 01296 620 777 www.cpjfield.co.uk
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Could you do a duathlon or try a triathlon? Rennie Grove is calling on you to step up to the plate this summer and take part in its popular fundraising sporting challenges hosted at RAF Halton...
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ocal charity Rennie Grove Hospice Care has launched its annual sponsored triathlon challenge in partnership with RAF Halton. The event returns on Sunday 31st July after a sell-out last year, and online registration is now open for those who are looking to test their endurance. This year participants will be able to choose from three options, including a newly introduced Duathlon for those who would prefer not to swim. The Duathlon will start with a 5km run, followed by a 23km cycle and another 5km run and costs £40. The extremely popular Mini
Olympic, introduced for the first time last year, costs £45 and will consist of a 600m pool swim, a 34.5km cycle route, and a 5km run to the finish line. If that sounds too challenging, the final option is the original Super Sprint triathlon for £40, which involves a 300m swim, a 23km cycle and a 5km run. Team options are available for both triathlons if you’d prefer to share the distances with friends. Gillian Barnett, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Rennie Grove Hospice Care, said: “This event attracts both experienced triathletes looking to test themselves and set a personal
Craig Fines-Allin, Hilary Westall and Craig Howells, three of last year’s fastest contestants with their certificates
Try a Triathlon or Duathlon
Sun day 31 Ju ly 2
Bethany Kingston, Mini Olympics fastest female 2015, receives her certificate from Group Captain Adrian Burns, RAF Halton Station Commander.
6 01 Mini Olympic 600m SWIM, 34.5km CYCLE, 5km RUN Super Sprint 300m SWIM, 23km CYCLE, 5km RUN Duathlon 5km RUN, 23km CYCLE, 5km RUN
RAF Halton, Bucks
www.renniegrove.org/rafhaltontri 01442 820740 ntr y Team e ble av ail a for the s n triathlo
RUN SWIM
CYCLE
Sponsored by Entrants must be 16 or over
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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Registered Charity No. 1140386
Sign up for one of our three sponsored challenges to test your endurance, strength and stamina and raise money to support local patients and families with life-limiting illness.
best, as well as those who are taking on the challenge of a triathlon or duathlon for the first time. The team option for both triathlons is great if you’re worried about taking on all three disciplines yourself. “The sponsorship money raised will help local families facing the very different challenges of cancer or other life-limiting illness, and this extra motivation will help everyone push on and reach the finish line. “This event has grown each year from its launch in 2012 and we are grateful for the continued support from RAF Halton who give us permission to use the facilities and help with the running of the event on the day. We would also like to thank the event supporters, including Grant & Stone for providing key equipment as well as
a photo board, Dayla for providing us with much-needed water for participants, and performance sportswear company Ashmei for kindly donating prizes to the fastest male and female in each category.” Those wishing to take part are advised to book early as places are strictly limited. Prices for each option vary with individual entry costing £45 for the Mini Olympic, £40 for the Super Sprint and £40 for the Duathlon. For those taking part as a team, entry for three people for the Mini Olympic is £120 and for the Super Sprint is £105. There is no team option for the Duathlon. The fundraiser takes place at RAF Halton near Wendover and the entry fee includes a bespoke medal at the finish line, water at the transition point, full route signage and marshalling. All money raised will help fund the services offered by Rennie Grove to help give local patients with life-limiting illness the choice to be cared for at home surrounded by their families. For more information on the RAF Halton Triathlon & Duathlon and to register, please visit: www. renniegrove.org/rafhaltontri or call 01442 820740. l Rennie Grove Hospice Care www.renniegrove.org
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Column: Nick Phillips ‘Good to give’
What value a volunteer?
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e all know that becoming a parent is such an exciting and momentous time but also that it brings hard work and sleepless nights. Throw into that mix other difficulties parents might face such as illness of the parent or child, twins or even triplets, relationship breakdown or disability and suddenly those challenges can seem insurmountable. Research has shown that the early years are the most important for the development of a child and Home-Start Aylesbury Vale’s aim is to support parents when they find themselves struggling to cope. They do so through volunteers who give their time and parenting experience to help support families and help change lives for future generations. Their weekly visits are, for many families, the only external support they receive and focus on getting the family back on their feet and signposting further help if needed. Volunteers have been called ‘life-lines’ and even
Nick Phillips
‘angels’ by families they have helped. Home-Start Aylesbury Vale is a local charity which was set up in 2003 in response to an identified need for a support service for Aylesbury Vale families that was free at the point of service and open to all. Affiliated to the national organisation, Home-Start UK, they are independent and autonomous with responsibility for raising their own funding. The trustee board, which is responsible for management and fundraising also consists entirely of volunteers; the charity only has two members of staff. Community Impact Bucks has just been awarded Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation (VCQA), the quality mark for Volunteer Centres Accreditation in recognition of
the high quality and effective service that the Volunteer Centre is providing and one of our jobs is to introduce the idea of volunteering to those who don’t volunteer already. We could share stories of what people do as volunteers but it seems that the last thing most volunteers want is recognition with accolades and halos. (I am not responsible for halos that responsibility lies elsewhere.) I spoke to some of our volunteers yesterday about why they give up their time and it was fairly unanimous - ‘it makes us feel good’, ‘we like doing something different’ and ‘it’s great fun’. They also said it’s a responsibility and hard work sometimes. Research shows that approximately 38% of people don’t volunteer because no one
Good to give has suggested how they can get involved! There are so many things you can do as a volunteer to help change people’s lives. And here is just one opportunity - Home-Start Aylesbury Vale is particularly looking to recruit new trustees, so why not give one of the team a call on: 01296 485615; or visit: www.homestartaylesbury.org.uk or log on to: www.volunteeringbucks. org.uk and see what you can do that will change your life as well as the lives of others? l Nick Phillips is CEO of
Community Impact Bucks, a charity dedicated to creating a better life for the people of Buckinghamshire. Tel: 0300 1111 250 www.communityimpactbucks.org.uk
Win a puppy W
alking helps us keep fit and protects us from heart disease. And walking with your children, say to school and back, is a chance to get out of the car, get active, talk and interact. Walking is fun, healthy and most importantly free! Once we get walking into our routine it is an easy habit to keep. You can even incorporate the family pet, the family dog is always up for a walk. If you don’t have a pet your child could bring along this adorable Hape Walk-A-Long Puppy which will sit, stand and roll! You can teach this cute puppy new tricks whilst walking to school, all without the mess! It also develops your child’s fine motor skills and promotes hand-to-eye coordination, whilst encouraging imitative and imaginary play, creativity and storytelling. A perfect all round toy, that helps everyone walk more, talk and play more. Hape toys are made with sustainable materials and non-toxic paints, with a strong eco ethos, it’s a great way to introduce our children
into a sustainable and healthy world. If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a Hape WalkA-Long Puppy, simply email your name, address and telephone number along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@ vale-life.co.uk What is the Labrador Retriever / Poodle cross breed called? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by July 31st, 2016. l The Hape Walk-A-Long Puppy costs £14.95 from Harrods. See: www.harrods.com Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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Column: Heather Jan Brunt ‘This farming life’
Targetts are event hotshots
H
usband and wife country sports team Ben and Laura Targett are both handy with a gun and an
axe. And when asked about his happy marriage Ben jokes: “We try and keep all the sharp toys away from the house; it’s the best way forward!” The couple, who live in Marsh Gibbon, are both army cadet instructors but their primary business is On Targett Events. A former software trainer, Ben set up the business five years ago. He said: “I’ve been air rifle shooting all my life as a hobby and decided to turn it into a business. We supply countryside activities to venues and country shows. It includes throwing axes at targets, air rifle shooting, clay pigeon shooting and archery.” The business is often hired as an ‘add-on’ service to events venues offering corporate days out, and regularly caters to stag parties. But Ben says there is no typical customer, and especially when
Ben Targett at work on one of his mobile rifle ranges visiting country shows, there is a great mix of people who enjoy trying their hand at the sports. He said: “We get a broad selection of people, the young farmers like to have a bit of a competition between themselves, and we get fathers and sons competing. We get a fair split between men and women taking part.” Ben says he thoroughly enjoys introducing people to country sports and emphasises discipline and selfcontrol. He said: “I like to show what a rifle is capable of and give tuition.”
Safety is paramount whenever he is at work, and when setting up the air rifle range for a country show he will seek an area that is accessible, and entirely safe. The area is marked out with netting and huge big straw bales, with wooden trestles separating the areas where customers take their positions. This is to ensure they, and the air rifle, remain within a specific spot. Customers take aim at little metal targets which are attached by string to the shooting area, so that Ben can pull them back up safely without having to enter the target area. When working with axes he uses a Norse Tomahawke and says the idea is to get the axe to spin and then land into the target. He said: “I found a local club to teach me the sport. You can throw it to achieve one or several spins before it hits the target.” Ben and Laura work seven days a week in their business and travel right across the South East from Oxfordshire to Bucks,
BSc (Hons) Hcpc Registered
General Foot Care l Verruca Treatment l Ingrowing Nails l Biomechanics l
Tel: 078875 51591
Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
Heather Jan Brunt
Herts and Northamptonshire. But they still find time for their other love - army cadets - through which they met. Laura runs the 14 Platoon Bucks Army Cadet Force based at Buckingham while Ben is Regimental Sergeant Major for the whole of Buckinghamshire and travels the county promoting security and discipline and training cadets in military skills. See their website for more information at: www.ontargettevents.co.uk l Follow journalist and farmer’s
wife Heather Jan Brunt on Twitter @HJBjournalist. She and her husband sell their own award winning Terrick Beef on the first Friday & Saturday of the month. See: www.downonthefarm.co.uk
Maria Bray
Kate Walker
Mobile Chiropodist
This farming life
Nutritional Therapy
The Science of Health and Vitality l
Eat Well l Live Well l Feel Well
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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
Reflexology for adults and children
Stella Huxley
Ailments which can benefit from reflexology sessions include:
Headaches and migraines l Stress & anxiety Digestive problems l Menstrual problems l Tiredness & fatigue l Aches & Pains
Massage Therapist
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I’m an experienced Reflexologist treating all ages and a wide variety of ailments in my treatment room at Great Kimble. I also work two days a week in Special Need Schools in Buckinghamshire.
Tel: Rebecca Holmes on 07713355428 Email: rebeccaholmes7@gmail.com website:www.chilternhillstherapies.com 18
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Swedish Body Massage Aromatherapy Body Massage Deep Tissue Massage Indian Head Massage
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Column: Fitness Focus with Jenney Klose
Health & Fitness
Sporty feet need care
J
enney Klose owns and runs Feet First Podiatry and Chiropody clinic in Thame. She enjoys all aspects of podiatry and specialises in biomechanics and gait analysis and has a particular interest in dermatology. She is qualified to perform nail surgery and podiatric acupuncture and is a prescribing podiatrist. Originally from Zimbabwe, Jenney qualified as a podiatrist at the University College Northampton in 2004. She worked full-time for the NHS before moving into Private Practice and then in 2007 purchased Feet First which she has developed into a respected medical centre for foot health care. “When you run, your body weight is multiplied by up to seven times,” says Jenney, “with your feet bearing the brunt of this stress at every stride. Wearing the right footwear for your sport or activity is vital to avoid long term problems and injury. “The College of Podiatry offers the following advice to keep well
Look after your feet and fit. • Maintain healthy feet. Keep your feet clean and dry to prevent blisters. Ensure you shower and dry your feet thoroughly after exercise, to prevent athlete’s foot. Change your trainers regularly to prevent general pain from lack of cushioning or reduction of support. Trainers do not last forever! • Choose the correct shoes for the sport. If running, buy a running
shoe which has adequate cushioning in the midsole and a flared heel for stability. However, if it’s a racquet sport such as squash or tennis, buy shoes designed for racquet sports that give better stability when moving and stopping suddenly around the court – a running shoe wouldn’t be suitable due to lack of lateral support. Find a specialist retailer who can advise on the correct type of trainer for your foot type and sport. • Follow the 1cm rule. When shopping for the perfect type of sports shoes, ensure you can wiggle your toes a little – leave 1cm of room from the top of your longest toe to the end of your shoe. Try on both shoes and walk around the shop to make sure they don’t pinch or rub. • Wear the right socks. The best sports socks are those made from synthetic materials which are designed to wick sweat away from the skin. They don’t absorb moisture like cotton socks, and keep the feet drier and therefore reduce the chance of painful blistering.
Jenney Klose Feet First
Some socks even have silver threads to reduce smell and prevent athlete’s foot infections. • Seek expert advice if necessary. If you have ongoing foot pain that doesn’t go away, see a podiatrist.” For more information on foot health make an appointment to see Jenney or one of her team of qualified podiatrists at Feet First Thame. l Jenney Klose BSc (Hons) Pod MChS Feet First Podiatry and Chiropody Clinic, 13a Upper High Street, Thame, Oxon, OX9 3ER Tel: 01844 261023 Email: enquiries@feet-first.org Web: www.feet-first.org
Win a Penclic smart mouse Support our Pete F
or those of us who spend hours on a computer Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) from constant mouse use can be a real problem. Endless clicking and unnecessary cursor movements can be a thing of the past though! The Penclic Bluetooth Mouse B2 is a smartly engineered alternative to the regular computer mouse, with a pen-like design that’s ergonomically sound and intuitive to use, placing superior navigation at your fingertips and making day to day working more efficient. Penclic Mouse looks, feels and moves like a pen. Simple to use, it offers users the ability to benefit from the natural control we all have in our fingertips and hands. The mouse provides a refreshingly different user experience when compared to a standard mouse. True to its name, the B2 Penclic Mouse puts the functionality of a mouse into a swivelling pen that swings freely on a gliding base, letting you swipe and glide with or without a mousepad. This allows users to be more exact and precise which leads to better results in less time.
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Penclic’s innovative pen grip creates a relaxed and natural working position and counteracts health problems like RSI from using a traditional computer mouse. Features: Unique, intuitive and comfortable design; 5 buttons and scroll wheel; Laser sensor; USB connection; Easy set up - no extra software/driver installation needed; Operates on almost any surface without any pad or tablet
The Penlic B2 costs £80 from Posturite, but if you’d like to be in with a chance of winning one, simply email your name, address and telephone number along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk What is RSI? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by July 31st, 2016. l www.posturite.co.uk
ale Life photographer Pete Griffith ran The London Marathon earlier this year and is now going to climb Mount Kilimanjero to raise funds for Helen & Douglas House. Pete and his wife Rachel suffered the awful tragedy of having two daughters, Misha, 7, and Natalie, 5, die from Late Infantile Batten Disease, a rare neurological degenerative illness. Helen & Douglas House Children’s & Young Adult’s Hospice in Oxford gave care and support though their darkest of times, showing nothing but love, acceptance and compassion to the whole family and it became a place of sanctuary amid the trauma of daily life. Pete has already had some amazing donations from people who have done their own fundraising to boost his cause and you can help Pete’s fundraising in memory of Misha and Natalie, too with a donation large or small at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ Peter-Griffith-50 Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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Column: Fitness Focus with Charlotte Schuman
Health & Fitness
Improve sight naturally
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hen you go to fill in a crossword, read the newspaper or get up in the morning, do you automatically reach for your glasses? Imagine not having to put them on! That is exactly what Natural Eyesight Improvement can help you achieve. It is commonly believed that once 20/20 vision is lost, our sight will only deteriorate further and there is no way back to perfect clarity. But our bodies have a remarkable ability to repair themselves. We can recover from broken bones, torn tendons, sprains, strains, cuts and bruises and many diseases and infections. Isn’t it only logical then that our eyes are able to repair themselves too? I suffered from short-sightedness myself. I hated wearing glasses though and lived life in a blur for many years. Aged 35 my eyesight had deteriorated to -1.5 diopters when I tried The Bates Method, an alternative therapy aimed at improving eyesight, developed by eye-care physician Dr William
Charlotte Schuman
Bates, in the late 1800s. I got his book, worked hard at the exercises and activities and after just a few intensive weeks, had improved my vision back to 20:20. The Bates Method had given me back my good vision and a belief in my own ability to help and heal myself, it was very exciting!
in 2003 I decided to train as a teacher myself, to share this amazing method with others, and attended a course at the Bates College of Vision Education in London. I have since also attended courses led by internationally renowned vision teachers including Leo Angart and Meir Schneider. Strain is often at the root of vision problems. By replacing it with new, relaxed and natural ways of seeing, Bates Method teachers are able to transform poor vision and eye health into comfortable, rested, clear and healthy vision. We use elements of relaxation and exercises which nurture the greater enjoyment of seeing, as well as a conscious connection with what’s actually being looked at. It’s fun and fascinating for all ages - an amazing, life-enhancing technique! I am now an experienced teacher of all age groups, from children to octogenarians, and can help any visual problem. I teach locally in Thame, as well as nationally and internationally, by Skype. Please visit www.seenaturally.
Charlotte Schuman See Naturally
co.uk for testimonials and details about my lessons and workshops, such as this on my last workshop: “As an octogenarian science graduate, my initial attitude was one of profound scepticism - I was wrong! Having worn increasingly strong spectacles for reading since the age of 50, now, without glasses I can read the Times from cover to cover.” “I would definitely recommend Charlotte’s course to anyone who would like to be free of glasses. Thank you Charlotte… the course exceeded my expectations.” l Charlotte Schuman Tel: 07960 977768 Web: www.seenaturally.co.uk Member of The Bates Association of Great Britain and Bates Method International.
ANTONIA BARNES MCFHP MAFHP FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER
Natural vision education for everyone, long-sight, short-sight; whatever your vision problem and whatever your age, relaxation and improved seeing habits can help you gain better clarity and eye health. Book a lesson today at: charlotte@seenaturally.co.uk or Tel 07960 977768 Private 1:1, group lessons and courses ww.seenaturally.co.uk | www.seeing.org | www.batesvisioneducation.org
EAR WAX REMOVAL If you are troubled by excessive ear wax causing discomfort or loss of hearing, CV Health Aural Care Service can offer you a very effective treatment at its Haddenham Medical Centre. Micro-suction is the most up-to-date procedure for removing obstructions in the ear and compared to syringing, it is safer, quicker, better tolerated and more effective. What does it cost? CV Health offers a competitively priced service at £80.
Call now 01494 412525 Monday to Friday (9 am to 5 pm) or email for an appointment: c.v.health@nhs.net 2 20
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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 end of your treatment. including regular nail cutting and 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
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. 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
@angieelbourn
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Sunshine, holidays and alfresco living - how we love Summer! But sunburn and the damaging effects of the sun can lead to premature skin aging, age spots, and worse. The key is to be prepared says Ellen Aubrey of Whitchurch salon, 4beauty...
T
he Spring/Summer season is such achieve the perfect balance of protection and an exciting time in beauty, everyone oxygenation. has a renewed interest in their “We also have our firm summer favourite skin, body and well-being,” says from Decléor - Aromessence Solaire, Face 4beauty salon owner Ellen Aubrey. “There’s & Body serums, to prepare the skin for sun an undeniable expectation of good things to exposure. We start mentioning these a little come as the longer, warmer days arrive and ahead of time to encourage our clients to we begin to think about the added pleasures prepare in advance of their summer holidays. the Summer months will bring. These Decléor offerings are Expert “Getting our skins ready for Tan Activators that are 100% the Summer is an important natural, 100% active ingredients for annual challenge and one we a glowing, safer, longer lasting tan. are happy to assist with here at “The key ingredients in these 4beauty, whether we’re advising magical products are Chamomile on how to prepare our skins and Geranium Essentials Oils, to for exposure to the sun or boost the skin’s natural defence just getting the radiance back system against the sun’s harmful into weather-dulled winter rays, whilst Carrot Oil promotes complexions. a more even, long lasting tan and Salon owner Ellen Aubrey Argan Oil and Rose Essential Oil “With this in mind we have a couple of relevant seasonal promotions helps prevent premature ageing.” which will really help... Guinot’s offering is 4beauty is celebrating its 10th anniversary ‘Spring Clean Your Skin’ with their beautiful this year. The stylish, friendly salon is located BiOxygene range. It’s so important to in Whitchurch, not far from Aylesbury on the stimulate oxygenation to reveal a healthy, road to Buckingham. See their website for radiant glow. Environmental stresses and more information on treatments and products pollution can be harsh on the skin and it’s and their impressive new Guinot Hydraderm vital to protect the cells whilst still allowing Cellular Energy machine, which uses state of them to breathe. Guinot’s Creme BiOxygene the art technology to perform amazing anticontains Vitamin E and Pro-Oxygene to ageing treatments that stimulate energy within
Free Decléor Tote bag with the purchase of any two suncare products
the skin cells to repair damage and stress, accelerate cellular regeneration and eliminate toxins, revealing a brighter more youthful complexion, with visible results after just one treatment. l 4beauty Ltd, 56 High Street, Whitchurch, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP22 4JS Tel: 01296 640644 Email: admin@4-beauty.com Web: www.4-beauty.com
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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Special hair for your special day Emma styling Leanne
Sam styling Gina
Beverley styling Natasha
W
e all like to look great whatever the occasion but when a wedding comes along, whether you are the bride, a bridesmaid or a guest of honour, it’s even more important. Picking your outfit is tough enough, but deciding on a hairstyle can be even harder. You want something that is fashionable, but also timeless, so that in years to come, those old photographs won’t make you cringe! From tousled waves to chic up-dos, glorious hair accessories and cute bobs, it is important that your styling suits you and complements your outfit too. Your hair is as important as your dress in creating the stunning bridal look you’re aiming for. Whether you yearn for a chic, sleek chignon, romantic tumbling tresses, the dreamiest of up-dos or a quirky, cool boho vibe, put yourself in the experienced hands of the Eclipse Hair
Abbie applies Leanne’s makeup
Leanne
Stylist: Emma Model: Leanne Makeup: Abbie Photographer: Caz Emma says: I wanted to show that short hair can look just as glamorous as long hair. I’ve applied the creative curl Design wedding team and our talented experts will create your dream look and ensure you’re picture-perfect for your big day. We’ll melt the stress away and make your dreams come true by ensuring you look your dazzling best. You can sip a glass of bubbly surrounded by friends in our salon or we can travel to your home or venue if you prefer - the choice is yours. Here are a few examples of what
wand to curl Leanne’s hair and used some green jumbo Velcro rollers in the top to give it body. I then added height by putting half of it up to create a glamorous and sophisticated bridal look.
some of our talented team can achieve. If you’d like to find out more and chat over what they could do for you, call: 01844 260062 or email us to book your complimentary bridal consultation. The bridal consultation is an important part of the process as it gives us the chance to find out what you would like and to see what might suit you and your dress. Bring a photo of your dress if possible and any veil
Eclipse Hair Design, 56 North Street, Thame, OX9 3BH Tel: 01844 260062 Web: www.eclipsehair-design.co.uk Email: info@eclipsehair-design.co.uk Follow us on Twitter:
@eclipsethame and Facebook
Eclipse Hair Design
Book online via our website at: www.eclipsehair-design.co.uk 22
Like us on Facebook for up to date information and promotions: Eclipse Hair Design
Stylist: Sam Model: Gina Makeup: Abbie Photographer: Caz Sam says: to accentuate Gina’s beauty, I created a simple chignon to one side, with a slight parting to add softness and compliment Gina’s face shape. Gina is getting married in September so this was a perfect opportunity to trial an idea she may like to have on her actual wedding day! or accessories you’d like to wear in your hair, so we can see how it’s all going to work. We want you to be comfortable while looking amazing and feeling like a princess on your special day!
Gina Stylist: Beverley Model: Natasha Makeup: Abbie Photographer: Caz Beverley says: I’ve mixed ‘boho’ and summer influences to create
a striking natural glamour. This was achieved by plaiting and interweaving flowers into the hair. I think it’s a lovely alternative to a more formal ‘up-do’ style for very long hair.
l Eclipse Hair Design: 01844 260062
Makeup: Abbie Martin - Tel: 07990 747194 E: abbie.martin89@gmail.com www.abbiemartinmakeupandbeaty.co.uk Pics: Caz Wales - Tel: 07990 747194 Email: cazwalesphotography@gmail.com www.cazwalesphotography.com Twitter @CazWalesPhoto
Natasha
...Providing the ultimate salon experience
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Win a handy
Eclipse charger
T
he Kavson Besiter Eclipse is the must have charger this year. It has one of the most powerful batteries available, which means you’ll never lose your charge when away. It can charge iPhone 6S up to 5 times and a Samsung Galaxy S7 up to 3 times over. The power bank has a maximum 2.1A output which means that devices such as tablets will charge incredibly fast. You can even charge the Eclipse and your phone at the same time. It’s stylish and is ideal to pop into your pocket or bag and carry on the move. Brilliant for holidays and festivals
and for camping too as it’s a great charger and torch. The Eclipse Series power bank comes in two stunning colours, black and gun metal and white and silver. It also has a powerful bright light that will ensure you get back to your tent or hotel room at night. The Eclipse even has sensors which displays the charge time when you pick it up, meaning you’ll always know how long you have before needing to recharge it. The Kavson Bester Eclipse costs from £9.99-£18.99 but if you’d like to be in with a chance of winning one, simply email your name, address and telephone number along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk How many times can the Eclipse charge an iPhone 6? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by July 31st, 2016. l www.kavson.co.uk
Charlotte Mobile Hairdresser Professional Hairdressing for
Everyone All in the comfort of your own home
Over 12 years of salon experience Tel: 07479 939461 www.mobilehairdesign.com charlotte@mobilehairdesign.com • modern cutting techniques • colours (all types) • • colour correction • blow dry • curls & waves • • perms • sets • hair extensions • special occasions •
DIOGENES
Sun Club
club dly Naturist Family frien Herts border on the Bucks/
Two pools, sports, sauna, children’s facilities and camping, set in six acres of gorgeous grounds - perfect! www.diogenessunclub.co.uk
‘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
For all your beauty needs Unit 5, Layby Farm, Stoke Mandeville Buckinghamshire HP22 5XJ 07771 330366 laura.gilbey@hiddenbeautyaylesbury.co.uk www.hiddenbeautyaylesbury.co.uk
Thame Therapy Clinic Stretch & Roll is a fun workout that leaves you feeling challenged, refreshed and inspired. It involves using a Foam Roller, a wonderful tool for improving core strength, stability and balance. Thursdays: 6.15-7pm at the Thame Barns Centre. £6 per class. Foam rolling massages away muscle soreness, loosens tension and prepares your body for deeper stretching. It improves Postural Alignment, Balance Control and Core Stability, increases Flexibility, decreases Stress Levels and can aid Weight Loss.
For a Free Trial contact Polly Wright: Email: pollywrightfitness@gmail.com or Tel: 07475 753004 For more information see: www.pollywrightfitness.co.uk 2 24
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Complementary Health Therapies from Experienced Practitioners 23 Upper High Street, Thame, OX9 3EX Tel: 01844 215555
www.thametherapyclinic.co.uk
l Column
Amanda Trott
Health & Beauty
When you are on your feet all day you are bound to experience occasional aches and pains but you don’t have to suffer in silence! Remedial massage from an expert can alleviate the problem at source, which is preferable to a diet of anti-inflammatories...
I
n the last edition Vale Life introduced you to Massage Matters, the Thame based specialists in massage and remedial therapy. After meeting John, Mark and Anna myself, I decided to ask their advice on a problem I had been having with my feet. Being a hairdresser for 30 years and spending all that time standing, it came as no surprise to me when I recently started having problems and when I visited my GP, he said I was suffering from a condition called Plantar Fasciitis, a soft tissue disorder that results in pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. Mark Webster, co owner of Massage Matters, a graduate of the London School of Massage, examined my feet thoroughly and explained that the problem was not Plantar Fasciitis but in fact a tight Tibialis Anterior tendon. Tibialis Anterior Tendonitis is an irritation and swelling of one of the main tendons that lifts the foot up - the anterior tibial tendon. This condition leads to pain in the front of the ankle or the medial midfoot where it inserts onto the bone. It is often chronic and may also be associated with some swelling in this area. Many years of working on my feet and living an active lifestyle had most definitely contributed to the problem. He suggested I try a course of one of their signature treatments called Fantastic Feet, a 30 minute stand-alone treatment experience that leaves you feeling as if you are walking on air. Created by John Holman, founder of Massage Matters - originally to help an elderly client overcome severe circulation problems in her feet - the treatment utilises 3 separate technologies that are proven to work on a profoundly deep and beneficial level. The treatment starts with a pulsating, percussive massage using
Amanda Trott
Beauty Spot
The Massage Matters team: Mark, Anna and John
Mark using the Thumper a machine called a Thumper. This emulates a style of massage called tapotement, a technique used in Swedish massage which involves rhythmic tapping, pounding or patting to penetrate through the fascial layers, warming up muscles, increasing blood flow to the area being treated and releasing muscle tension. Following this, a vibrating Niagara massage pad is applied to the area, which also promotes blood flow and reduces tension in the muscles and tendons, and then finally, a soothing massage using oils stretches out the muscles and leaves you in a state of complete relaxation. Mark is very good at putting you at ease with his caring and
personable way and it’s obvious that treating patients and wanting the best for them, is not just a job to him, but a way of life. After the first treatment I noticed a marked improvement and literally felt like I was walking on air! I have continued to have weekly appointments with Mark and I am thrilled to say that I no longer have any foot pain at all! Working with a big team of hairdressers, I have been singing the praises of Mark and the Massage Matters team and now several of the girls go along for their weekly treatments and are all seeing just how much good massage really matters! Massage Matters has an informative website with online booking facility at:
www.massagematters.clinic where you can read more about the therapists and the range of treatments offered, which broadly fall into three categories: Pain and Injury Treatment Sports Injuries; Postural Problems; Recovery from Surgery; Pain related to Poor Flexibility Stress Management - Tension Headaches; Neck and Shoulder Pain; Sleep Problems; High Blood Pressure Speciality Treatments - Massage during pregnancy; the Fantastic Foot Treatment; Massage for those with cancer; and the Hydrotherm 3 dimensional Applying themassage. blue-black tint They are specialists in massage therapy and treat the soft tissues of the body - muscles, ligaments and tendons which really can help relieve your aches, pains, posture issues or related symptoms. l Massage Matters, North Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3TH Tel: 01844 212022 Email: hello@massagematters.clinic Web: www.massagematters.clinic Open Mon to Fri: 8am-8pm, Sat: 8am-6pm, Sun: 10am-4pm l Amanda is a talented and experienced, Vidal Sassoon trained hair stylist, who at one time managed Charles Worthington’s Covent Garden salon. If you would like to have your hair cut, styled or coloured by Amanda she is available in Thame from Mondays to Thursdays at Eclipse Hair Design. Call 01844 260062 to book or arrange a free consultation. Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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TRAIN TO BE A LIFEGUARD
Y 0 -DA 25 SIX SE: £ R COU
CONSIDER AN APPRENTICESHIP WITH BETTER AND LIFETIME
GAIN YOUR NPLQ TO WORK AS A FULLY QUALIFIED RLSS LIFEGUARD Learn invaluable life skills such as: • First Aid • CPR • Pool & Dry Side Rescue Techniques Course date: Monday 18th - Saturday 23rd July 2016 Venue: Thame Leisure Centre, Oxford Road, Thame, Oxon, OX9 2BB
EARN MONEY. gain a qualification. ENHANCE YOUR CAREER PROSPECTS. Find out more about the range of Leisure, Customer Service and Fitness apprenticeships available with BETTER. APPLY NOW AT
lifetimetraining.co.uk/gll or email
helen.wheeler@lifetimetraining.co.uk
NO JOINING FEE THIS JANUARY Booking essential. If you’re a strong swimmer, find out more and book at: www.londonleisurecollege.co.uk
Guaranteed job interview if you pass the course!
THAME LEISURE CENTRE Better is a registered trademark of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise. Registered address: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London SE18 6SX IPS Registered No. 27793R Inland Revenue Charity No. XR43398.
Walk, run, swim, or cycle yourself healthy with no contract and no joining fee until 31st January.
Win historic Aylesbury book T Join today at www.better.org.uk/thame
In partnership with Original he world’s largest
locations. Newspaper archive: Mike Herbert, director at Historicwww.historic-newspapers. Newspapers, said: “Facts and figures co.uk, has bolstered its surrounding historical content offering by adding a new range helps to widen our knowledge of a of books, which feature images particular topic, but having a visual District Council and Terms photography from legendary aid really helps to bring it to life. and conditions apply, visit www.better.org.uk/terms for details. Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, Francis The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no: XR43398 photographer Frith. “The Francis Frith range provides Each of the new books provides a window to local history which not recipients with a unique insight only helps us to learn about a chosen 08/12/2015 10:02 intoGLL_Globals_2016_Jan_ThameLeisure_190x125mm_FV.indd local history during the 1800s location, but also 1gives us an idea of and the range includes a rather what life was really like at the time.” impressive edition focussing on The books are available for sale on Aylesbury. Historic-Newspapers.co.uk now, with Visual aids captured by Frith a retail pricing starting from £13.99. alongside facts, figures and insights If you’d like to be in with a chance provided by local historians and of winning a hardback copy of the sources help bring the history to life. fascinating Photographic Memories The Francis Frith books are of Aylesbury by Martin Andrew, located in the Local History Books simply email your name, address and section of the historic-newspapers telephone number along with the website, which features seven subanswer to the following question, to: categories: History & Celebration editor@vale-life.co.uk Books, Photo Memory Books, Whose photographs are featured Historic Cookbooks, County History in Historic-Newspapers new range Books, Town & City History Books, of books? Photo History Books and Photo Winner to be drawn at random Memories Books. Each of these from correct entries and notified by categories can be further broken email by July 31st, 2016. l www.historic-newspapers.co.uk down into more specific regions and 26
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
l
Column: Bookworm with Ben Churchill
Book reviews
Fiction Book of the Month: The Little Red Chairs by Edna O’brien
Set in a small Irish village, The Little Red Chairs centres around Fidelma McBride as she becomes enthralled with a man who enters their village claiming he’s a faith healer. She believes this charismatic stranger will change her life for the better but soon finds out that things aren’t quite as the seem. The toxic charms of evil are prevalent in this stunning novel of deception, love and war. Children’s Book of the Month: The Crooked Sixpence by Jennifer Bell Welcome to a world where nothing is quite as it seems. Ivy and Seb Sparrow find themselves in the extraordinary city of Lundinor, a market beneath London where uncommon people trade in uncommon goods: belts that enable you to fly; yo-yos which turn into weapons. But soon enough, the
a treat with fans of TV’s The Wire and anyone who appreciates a great story with a grounding in real-life authenticity.
Sparrow’s find out that Commoners like themselves aren’t welcome in this hidden world – they see that where there is power, evil often lurks and they find that the need to get to the bottom of a family secret... before it’s too late. For fans of Harry Potter, this is a spectacularly original début children’s book. Non-Fiction Book of the Month: The Silk Roads: A New History of the World by Peter Frankopan
Edward Briscoe MIPW
The Silk Roads is a timely and compelling new history of the world, covering several continents and centuries in order to explore the driving forces behind the rise and fall of empires, the flow of ideas and goods and the birth of this new era in international affairs. Thriller of the Month: All Involved by Ryan Gattis This is a pacy, enjoyable and powerful read and would go down
Harry Potter Night July 30th 2016 Waterstones Aylesbury is having a late-night opening on Saturday July 30th to celebrate the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The store will be opening at 10.30pm for Hogwarts-themed fun! You will be sorted into the four houses by our sorting hat and there will be a quiz at 11pm with prizes for the winning house. The activities end at Midnight, when we can start handing over copies of the latest Harry Potter book. The event will be ticketed. For more information, speak to a Bookseller in store. We hope to see you there! l Reviews by Ben Churchill, Senior Bookseller at Waterstones, Aylesbury Tel: 01296 423153 Web: www.waterstones.com
Pardon my English!
LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY
A local dialect ‘Call My Bluff’ by Jacot de Boinod
Covers Health & Finance 2 home visits, advice and certification * OPG charges of £110 per application are extra
1) Battles
WILLS IN ENGLISH
In essence you don’t have a Will if you die without one Wills from £80 if you don’t have one Compliant with the IPW code of practice
Phone: 07962 157843 01491 638075 Email: edward@willsinenglish.com
Can you guess the right definitions of the following words? (Oxford University from TudorStuart times) A) a collection of medal ribbons B) gifts given in gratitude by a pupil to a teacher C) college bills
2) Postman’s knock (Oxfordshire dialect)
A) a children’s game that involves knocking on a door and then rushing away as the homeowner answers it B) to make the first tentative advances towards courting C) a method of sliding on ice (by moving on one foot and tapping the ice with the other)
3) Pitchens
(Hertfordshire dialect) A) small worthless apples remaining on the tree after the crop has been gathered in B) waterproof leggings C) rounded flint pebbles or cobbles used for paving yards and paths
3) Stulches
(Hertfordshire dialect) A) layers of straw of the width of a man’s reach, and laid on the roof by the thatcher B) the rough, sunburnt places on the face and hands in scorching weather C) waterproof leggings
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) college bills. 2C) a method of sliding on ice 3C) rounded pebbles or cobbles for paving yards and paths 4A) layers of straw of laid on the roof by the thatcher
£250* per person
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Climb aboard! There’s thomtastic news for those who love steam trains and all you fans of Thomas the Tank Engine™ - for he is making two visits to Quainton this Summer in July and September...
A
ll aboard! If you are looking for a First Class family day out this Summer, look no further than Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, for a fabulous Day Out With Thomas the Tank Engine™ ! Thomas will actually be steaming around Quainton twice this summer, once at the beginning, on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd July; and once at the end, on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September and you can join him at the Railway Centre and experience a ride in a carriage being pulled by Thomas himself, along their 1/3 mile-long track! There’ll also be a children’s show, and Thomas-themed activities, including colouring, badge making and face-painting you can even meet the Fat Controller! Buckinghamshire Railway Centre is an interesting place to visit - you can explore
Thomas the Tank Engine™ and The fat Controller
Riding the miniature steam train
the site and find the ride-on miniature steam train - a delight for visitors young and old! Take a trip on the 1km-long track through a little wooded area, across a level crossing and through a tunnel! If you then go over the footbridge (with disabled access) you will come across another steam engine offering open brake van rides. You can also visit the Railway Centre’s magnificent exhibition hall with loads to see and learn about, and spend some time in the beautiful glass-roofed visitor centre with café, shop and stunning vintage locomotives on display. All activities are included in the ticket price. Visit: www.bucksrailcentre.org and follow the link to book your Day Out With Thomas; you’ll even get a little discount if you prebook. Take the whole family, you’ll all enjoy a 28
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fun day out with Thomas! Buckinghamshire Railway Centre is open every Sunday for Steaming Days when you can go for a ride behind a steam engine Thomas will be in Sodor on these days so won’t be around, but there is still a lot to do, see and learn about. The Centre is also open for Steaming Days on Wednesdays throughout the school holidays, from July 13th until August 31st. Visit www.bucksrailcentre.org for more details of other open days and special events. l Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Station Road, Quainton, HP22 4BY Tel: 01296 655720. Email: marketing@bucksrailcentre.org. Web: www.bucksrailcentre.org. Find us on Facebook - search for Buckinghamshire Railway Centre
THE WORLD AS YOU WANT IT
Spear Travels are proud to be working closely with Celebrity CruisesÂŽ. 10 breathtaking ships sailing to some amazing destinations across all 7 continents; a range of itineraries await you with some fantastic deals. For more information or to book your next cruise, contact Spear Travels or call into Spear Travels Thame.
T: 01844 217228 E: thame@speartravels.net www.speartravels.net
5 Greyhound Walk Thame OX9 3DY BEST TRAVEL RETAILER FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Designed to Planning the interior of your home, or an outside living space, can be daunting. There’s flooring materials and fabrics to coordinate, worktops, units, doors, windows, fixtures and fittings - a whole range of suppliers and locations to source and visit! Happily achieving your desired look is now possible under one roof at Amersham’s new Sky House Design Centre...
W
hen IQ Glass moved from Watford to Amersham and created their stylish new showroom, office and warehouse complex at Sky House on Raans Road, the company had more space than they needed and decided to initiate an exciting new project. “Once the renovation of the old warehouse had been completed and the Courtyard Showroom was finished, we still had some available space within Sky House,” says Director Gary Davis, “and we had many ideas about what to do with it. The concept for a Design Centre developed from a desire to bring more people to our showroom - if there are more things for visitors to see then they are more likely to come. From this simple idea Sky House Design Centre has expanded and grown and become an entity all on its own. “The two storey space has now been fully let with some of the most exciting and innovative home design brands taking up
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residence, from local firms such as Urban Front, to companies looking to create a South East presence. “The reaction we have received from visitors, designers and potential tenants has been more than we could ever have expected. Now the Design Centre is set to be a real hub for high end residential design and architecture and a must see space for anyone looking to undertake a modern home renovation or build.” Having visited the Sky House Design Centre Vale Life is suitably impressed. It’s like a cross between a design exhibition and a boutique shopping mall where all the stores specialise in exciting and innovative contemporary construction and interiors products and services. Of course it’s right next to the IQ Glass showroom too, which is currently the largest architectural glazing showroom in the UK and showcases their impressive range of glazing products. Architects, designers and their clients
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please
will love the Design Centre - it’s a one-stop solution, where you can catch up with what is happening and gather ideas and inspiration for your residential design projects, as nearly every element is catered for in this one place. Who is at the Sky House Design Centre? The Exhibitors at the Sky House Design Centre cover many aspects of internal design and renovation, from behind the scenes electronics to art and kitchens, fire pits, landscape design and much more and they have been chosen to fulfil two criteria - they must offer both contemporary and modern interior design solutions and provide exemplary customer service and satisfaction. Urban Fires: Contemporary Fireplaces Urban Front: Bespoke Front Doors Exterior Solutions: Premium Floor and Wall Finishes Specialist Glazing: Technical and Contemporary Glass Solutions Hedgehog Aluminum Systems window and door selector: Modern Aluminium Windows and Doors IQ by Watermark: Contemporary Kitchen Design IQ Bathrooms by Watermark: Contemporary Bathroom Design Indigozest: Smart Home Automation Umbris by IQ: Patio Louvre Roof System Spiral UK: Bespoke Staircases Roscar: Contemporary Radiators Internorm: Passivhaus Windows and Doors Aritco: Minimal Residential Lift Systems Mondrian: Internal Window and Door Systems NSSG: Fully Integrated Home Security Decorum: Luxury Garden Landscape and Design
looking for inspiration or for design solutions it is a fabulous resource and a thriving platform, both creatively and commercially, for this exceptionally dynamic industry. When is it opening? The Sky House Design Centre will be open for full public viewing later this year. For VIP treatment make an appointment and an experienced member of the team will greet you at the door, make you a fantastic coffee and give you a personalised tour of the Design Centre answering all your questions as you go. The Official Launch event is due to take place at the end of September 2016.
How to find out more Take a look at the Sky House Design Centre website for news posts and project information: www.skyhousedesigncentre.com and follow them on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for updates. l Sky House Design Centre, Raans Road, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP6 6JQ Tel: 01494 722880 Email: info@skyhousedesigncentre.com Web: www.skyhousedesigncentre.com Make an appointment now to visit the Sky House Design Centre: Mon-Fri, 9am to 5:30pm; Sat, 9am to 4pm. Please contact Sky House to book your appointment.
The individual brands - some of the UK’s leaders in interior design products, specialist external installations and modern design each provide their own unique services but will work together to achieve your aims when required. Customer service is the key and the Design Centre has experienced designers on hand to provide you with expert advice. If you are in the midst of, or planning, a home renovation or build project and are
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C
Step inside by Polly Gibbs
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
alifornia dreamin’
Goldfinger Apartment by Jonathan Adler
Slip into a glamorous and giddy summer vibe that’s reminiscent of 70s Palm Springs...
R
ight now the hottest interiors have an eclectic 70s chic aesthetic from a chilled out boho ambience combining crisp walls with rattan, oversized plants, faux fur accents, tan leather and berber rugs; to modern eccentric glamour, punctuated by gold furniture and graphic prints in swimming-pool-turquoise and its Palm Springs pals, lime-green and citrusyellow. Either way, both embody a glamour that’s comfortable, individual, has bags of personality and not a lava lamp in sight!
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Palm Springs is all about freedom. Set in the Coachella Valley (of Coachella music festival fame) legends from Marilyn Monroe to Cary Grant have called it home. This Californian desert oasis of relaxed chic is a place to escape to, not from, and with design candy at every turn it’s a designers dream. There’s inspiration everywhere you look from the modernist Albert Fray designed visitor centre - a former petrol station, to the black, cream and yellow Hollywood Regency
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.
Step inside by Polly Gibbs icons to desert hippies. It’s a heady styled rooms captive in the Avalon Boutique Hotel (formerly the Viceroy), mix and I love it!” Much of his own collection is by American designer Kelly Wearstler. The essence remains the same today as like a Springs blueprint and fret not, in the seventies; to create a place that’s it’s available online and from his Notting Hill store. Swoon over the as much a sanctuary as it is a cocktail bar, in equal measure. gems pictured on the opposite page: Goldfinger sofa (£1950), Caine Having loved the glamour of ottoman (£950), Vertigo swivel chair 70s Bond films since rainy bank holidays as a kid (no change there in petrol blue (£1950) and Canaan •Expert Advice accent table (£1650). then!) I think the villains pads are still pretty cool, and one of my favourite •Professional Fitting If this makes your plastic need a designers right now is Jonathan Adler; •Very Competitive mastermind behind the tongue-in-chic cocktail, check out the new Doftranka forand Residential makeover of the Parker Palm Springs rug at Ikea, (£35) Rockett St and Commercial George for some stylish pieces work like the Hotel and Goldfinger apartment. uber glam Palm lamps pictured right, Like a full-bodied wine, his ‘Modern •Carpets to suit all American Glamour’ signature style has (£149 - £540), or pictured on page 34: Budgets Torres cowhide armchair (£495) and depth - it epitomises chic eclecticism Juju feather wall decoration (£195) via a balanced mix of irreverent •Free Quotes all against a jewel of a teal paint that luxury, whimsical notes and a velvety •No Obligation makes the gold sing (Valspar R150A punch. •Free mixed at B&Q). KeepParking it fresh and For Adler, Palm Springs just has it; “gorgeous landscape, inspiring design, relevant by mixing in unexpected styles and it’s a look that can be en vogue and, most important, a parade of CARPETS • VINYLS for • SISAL years. • STAIR RODS flamboyant humanity, from walnutContinued onTAPES page 34 faced bikers to glamorous Hollywood • WOOD • BINDING SAFETY FLOORING
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Charles Huntington Flooring
Charles Huntington Flooring •Expert Advice •Professional Fitting •Very Competitive for Residential and Commercial work •Carpets to suit all Budgets •Free Quotes •No Obligation •Free Parking
Charles Huntington Flooring
Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm Saturday 10am until 4pm. Any other time by appointment
Palm Floor Lamp - Rockett St George •Expert CARPETS • VINYLSAdvice • SISAL • STAIR RODS SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES
•Professional Fitting Tel: 01296 337181 Mob: 07767370067 •Very Competitive Web: www.charleshuntington.co.uk Tel: 01296 Mob: 07767370067 for337181 Residential and 23 DUCK FARM COURT, STATION WAY, AYLESBURY, HP20 2SQ Web: www.charleshuntington.co.uk Commercial work DUCK FARM COURT, STATIONvinyl, WAY, AYLESBURY, HP20 2SQ WE WILL NOT BE BEATEN ON QUALITY OR SERVICE l Independent, family run carpet l Carpet, sisal, coir, hardwood l Extensive range of23traditional Charles Huntington Flooring to suit all and flooring specialists l Exclusive suppliers of Roger Oates and contemporary flooring •Carpets Charles Huntington Flooring Charles Huntington Flooring WEcan WILL NOT BE BEATENyet ON hard-wearing QUALITY OR SERVICE •Expert Advice Charles Huntington Flooring beautiful runners l Expert fitting service at competitive prices - we Budgets and rugs in our local area l Domestic and commercial match or better your quote •Expert Advice Charles Flooring Providing adviceHuntington and installations •Expert Advice •Expert Advice•Free •Professional Fitting Advice to private customers, professionals and •Professional Fitting Quotes•Expert •Expert AdviceFitting •Professional •Professional Fitting contractors for over 25 years •Professional Fitting •Very Competitive •No Obligation •Professional Fitting for Residential and •Very Competitive •Very Competitive •Very Competitive •Very Competitive Extensive experience with Commercial work for Residential and Residential and for Residential•Free and •Very Competitive Parking for thatched, heritage and listed buildings. Commercial work for Residentialwork and Commercial Commercial work E
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Charles Huntington Flooring
Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm Saturday 10am until 4pm. Any other time by appointment
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G • GU
ID
for Residential •Carpets to suit and all Commercial work •Carpets to suit all Budgets Opening Times: Monday to Friday •10am 5pm CARPETS VINYLSuntil • SISAL • STAIR RODS CARPETS • VINYLS • SISAL • STAIR RODS CARPETS Saturday • VINYLS • SISAL • STAIR RODS CARPETS • VINYLS SISAL • Any STAIRother RODS SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES until•RODS 4pm. time•Free by appointment CARPETS • VINYLS • 10am SISAL & • STAIR SAFETY FLOORING • WOODQuotes • BINDING TAPES Stoves, Installations Servicing SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES SAFETY FLOORINGTel: • WOOD • BINDING TAPES Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm 01296 337181 Mob: 07767370067 Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm •No Obligation Saturday 10am until 4pm. Any other time by appointment Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10aminfo@northmillstoves.co.uk until 5pm Opening Times: MondayBucks to Friday until 5pm North Mill Road Bledlow HP2710am 9QP 01844 342400 www.northmillstoves.co.uk Saturday 10am until 4pm. Any other time by appointment Web: www.charleshuntington.co.uk Saturday 4pm. Any by appointment Saturday until time 4pm. Any other time Tel: by appointment 07767370067 Saturday10am 10amuntil until 4pm.10am Any other other time by appointment Tel:01296 01296 337181 337181 Mob: Mob: 07767370067 Tel: 337181 Mob:337181 07767370067 Tel: 01296 Mob: 07767370067 Web: •FreeHP20 Parking Tel:01296 0129623 337181 Web:www.charleshuntington.co.uk www.charleshuntington.co.uk DUCK Mob: FARM07767370067 COURT, STATION WAY, AYLESBURY, 2SQ Unrivalled customer service through the commitment of our family team.
Commercial work •Carpets Budgetsto suit all •Carpets to suit all •Carpets to suit all Budgets •Carpets to suit all Budgets Budgets •Free Quotes CARPETS • VINYLS • SISAL • STAIR RODS Budgets Oxfordshire • Buckinghamshire • •Free Quotes •Free Quotes •Free Quotes •No Obligation Hertfordshire • Berkshire • and beyond •Free Quotes •No SAFETY FLOORING • •No WOOD • BINDING TAPES •No Obligation Obligation •FreeObligation Parking •No Obligation •Free Parking Contact us to book your free home THE BEST IN home •Free Parking •Free Parking survey or to visit our showroom to see •Free Parking the stoves in action.
comforts Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Step inside by Polly Gibbs Continued from page 33 Do eclectic interiors make your heart sing but your head think ‘its not me’? Then take a leap of faith. My mantra has long been “born curious, stay curious”. This frees us to explore, experiment and discover new things, the very things that make life and interior style magical. People have said to me “I didn’t think that was you” when I’ve taken our home in a new style direction, and they’re right and they’re wrong. It wasn’t me, but we are [and should be] continually influenced and evolve, so, for now it is ‘me’. Unapologetic, confidently curated interiors that you love, that’s true style. Continued on page 36
Torres Armchair & Palm Table Lamp, both Rockett St George 34
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
30% off RRP RRP on30% all Hypnosoff Mattresses and Beds on all Hypnos Mattresses and Beds
Free this Advert Advert Free Delivery Delivery with with this Greens Furnishings Thame LTD, 4 & 5 Upper High Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3ES 01844 212560 info@greens-furnishings.co.uk www.greensfurnishingsthameltd.co.uk Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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Step inside by Polly Gibbs
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Original 70s Interior: Flickr Continued from page 34 However, if modern glam and 007 inspo aren’t your bag, embrace the laid back boho villa version instead. With crisp white fabrics, subdued palm prints, a hammock and natural materials introduced through hardwood floors, rattan furniture, bamboo blinds or plantation shutters. This style is typified in Adler’s Malibu Apartment project, featuring his Malibu sectional sofa (£5400).
Malibu Apartment by Jonathan Adler Add a summer soundtrack for the perfect ambience – try Freischwimmer’s California Dreamin’ (Radio Edit) and bring home happy.
Sources: www.uk.jonathanadler.com www.parkerpalmsprings.com www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk www.kellywearstler.com www.avalon-hotel.com/palm-springs www.ikea.com
l Polly Gibbs is an award-winning designer, Decorex100 Interiors Influencer and Amara Interiors Blog Award Finalist. Her website is currently undergoing a revamp. Email: pauline@coco-design.co.uk
Welcome to the best of both worlds; where stunning design meets smart new technology. Luxaflex® Duette® energy-saving shades are as stylish as they are efficient - helping you stay cool in the summer, warm in the winter and fabulously on-trend all-year round. To reserve your free Duette® Shades Design Consultation visit or call our showroom.
Barclays House Gatehouse Way Aylesbury, Bucks HP19 8DB Tel: 01296 398301
250 High Street Berkhamsted Herts HP4 1AQ Tel: 01442 873093
www.peterjohn.co.uk
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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Finally there is a real alternative to timber windows.
A fully stocked showroom including Solidor
ÂŽ
Omega Homestyle has over 25 years’ experience of designing and fitting premium doors, windows and conservatories We firmly believe that by keeping the entire process as stress free as possible, we are adding to your enjoyment of your new windows, doors and conservatories. For an individually tailored service and to find out exactly what we can do for you please contact us or come and visit our newly refurbished showroom. Omega Homestyle, Woodway Farm Industrial Estate, Bicester Road, Long Crendon, Aylesbury, Bucks HP18 9EP Tel: 01844
201888, email: info@omegahomestyle.co.uk or visit:
www.omegahomestyle.co.uk
Lots to see! QuaLity products
Free parking
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Delphine Art is something of a Thame institution. The specialist picture framers and gallery has been trading in the town for many years, originally in Park Street and currently on the Upper High Street. The gallery space has changed though and is now being shared with a new partner...
C
hris Beecham and wife Delphine first started their picture framing business some 30 years ago. At the time prints were very popular and business was brisk, framing everything from expensive works of art and limited edition prints to pop art and posters. “We’re specialists in unusual framing,” says Delphine. “We’ve framed everything from cricket bats to oil paintings to booties, caps, balls, rugby shirts, ceramic poppies from the Tower of London and sports, music, wedding and christening memorabilia. We have an extremely wide range of mouldings you can choose from and can create deep, 3D frames for bulkier items. “It doesn’t take long - a week is usually, but if you are in a frantic hurry we can sometimes manage a very fast turnaround!” Delphine Art, Thame is usually staffed by Anne Nelms who has worked with Delphine for some 17 years. Anne has an eye for colour and a flair for design and with her many years experience can advise on how best to show off your work of art or treasured possession. “We have a huge range of more than 1,000 frames,” says Anne, “from top of the range Italian mouldings by Neilsen Bainbridge to attractive middle and value range mouldings by quality suppliers, which will enhance any image. There are hundreds of different profiles, depths, colours and finishes and there
Delphine Art gift section 38
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Anne Nelms and Delphine Beecham is a knack to knowing which shape and which shade of mounting board will best set off your piece of art or memorabilia. Just bring it in and we’ll be happy to advise. “We don’t just frame a picture. We frame to preserve and protect the picture. All the products we use such as mount board and tape are acid free. We also stock a range of conservation cotton mount boards for those special pieces that need the optimum protection. We have a variety of specialist glass including, conservation glass and acrylics, true colour glass, museum glass and acrylics and diffused glass to cut down on reflection. “Our picture framer Kwok, is a master craftsman who has worked for Delphine and Chris for over 28 years now. He is based at our Aylesbury shop which is at 40 Cambridge Street.” Over the years Delphine Art has diversified and in addition to original art and limited edition prints has introduced a popular greetings card and gift range. This is displayed in a room to the back of the gallery and
includes jewellery, glass and porcelain, christening and birth gifts. The room to the left is equally interesting. With astro turf instead of carpet and a stylish display of awnings and garden furniture you might think you’d ventured outside! This space is in fact a showroom for Alfresco Awnings, a business run by Chris Beecham. Originally from Croxley Green, Chris has a background in engineering and sales and has worked in a variety of industries for firms including Chris Beecham Black and Decker and frame suppliers D&J Simons & Sons. Since setting up Delphine Art with his wife he has also launched Alfresco Awnings and has built a small but successful national company supplying and installing electronic retractable awnings and extendable weather protection by German company Weinor. Weinor maufacture high quality awnings, patio roofs and the Weinor Glasoase® which consists of a glass patio roof which can be closed with glass side panels to form an uninsulated conservatory.
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Paravento awning It’s a clever system with patio heaters, lights, built in guttering and the option of verticle side awnings or glass panels, so you can turn your patio or decking into an extra room and enjoy the outdoors all year round. “The awnings are primarily for sun protection,” says Chris, “although our patio awnings can be used in light rain. We also supply rain awnings and retractable canopies which can be used in heavier rainfall; almost all year round, so you can enjoy your patio in peace, without worrying about when the next shower is going to appear. “Glass patio roofs offer a permanently covered area for all year round enjoyment of your patio or decking. It becomes a protected space to enjoy, even in torrential rain or snow. Glass patio roofs provide the perfect spot for relaxing, alfresco dining, barbecues or entertaining - whatever the weather - while your patio furniture stays protected and clean. They are a superb home improvement giving real added value to your property and can be coated in one of 47 different shades. The awnings come in a good range of different fabric colours to too - patterned and plain. “The addition of infra red outdoor heaters and LED lights will ensure your patio remains warm and illuminated all year round. “They’re really well made too. Every last nut bolt and screw is always there and fits together perfectly. We’ve installed 40 or 50 glass roofs and never had a problem. “Each roof is CAD designed for a custom fit and installed by our experienced teams who have been factory trained in Germany by the manufacturer. Because of the unique design they can often be constructed to fit into a tight corner where other makes can’t. “Entry level costs are from around £1,700 for a small electric awning, while the
impressive Pergotex retractable folding roof system starts at around £5,000 - you are effectively putting on another room though.” If you are interested in finding out more, have a look at Chris’s website (www. alfrescoawnings.co.uk), pop into Delphine Art and see his display or give him a call and arrange a meeting, so he can advise you as to what might be the best system for you. “We sell a lot of Weinor products,” says Chris, “so we get a very good price which we pass on to the customer. We don’t do a hard sell, I try and give people all the information and options and then it’s up to them. It’s important to me that people make the right decision, even if they go elsewhere.” Chris also stocks a stylish range of elegant high quality, handmade Alexander Rose garden furniture, which comes with a three year guarantee. Pop in to Delphine Art, Thame to see samples and pick up a brochure. l Delphine Art, 27 Upper High Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3EX Tel: 01844 214235 Alfresco Patio Awnings and Glass Roofs Ltd Tel: 01844 215980 Email: sales@alfrescopatioawnings.co.uk Web: www.alfrescopatioawnings.co.uk
Terrazo patio roof with Sottezza undermount roof awning
Paravento window awning with valance and verticle awning
Weinor Pergotex II patio roof and side panels Alexander Rose handmade rattan weave garden furniture
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Real Living
by Charlotte Bolton
The essential
picnic guide
There’s nothing like being prepared, so get ready for our next sunny day by collecting together all you might need for a great family picnic…
A
family picnic is the perfect way to get out and enjoy the great British summer. It’s a mini vacation, a chance to leave the day-to-day routine behind, spread out under the open sky and spend some time together And it’s a brilliant way to keep the kids occupied in the holidays while also encouraging them to be closer to nature. We’re lucky enough to have some beautiful rolling scenery in the Vale of Aylesbury, so whether you’re planning an outing in the countryside or aiming for urban green spaces this summer, here’s your guide to staging the perfect picnic. From top tips and handy buys to enjoyable games and great local locations, read on to ensure you have everything you need for an idyllic day out with your friends and family. So get your blankets and baskets out of hibernation and prepare for an alfresco adventure - if you don’t want to travel too far, you can always turn your garden into a picnic area!
Picnic paper lantern lights, £5.99 for 3, www.partydelights.co.uk Insulated Cool Bag, Backpack, £6.99, B&M Home
Four person wicker picnic basket, £30, Matalan
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Picnic pointers • Consider packing two carriers - a picnic basket for tableware and general equipment and a cool box for food and cold drinks. • To make it easy to get at the items you need when you arrive at your picnic area (if going out), pack your basket in reverse order. Place non-perishable food at the bottom, then the cold food and tableware, and finally the tablecloth on top. • No basket? No worries! Load your goodies into a sturdy cardboard box or a backpack. • If you’re feeding lots of people, bring two cool boxes. One for frequently used items such as cold drinks - the other for chilled foods like meats and salads. • Try to estimate how much food your group will eat to avoid leftovers. Unless they can be Oversized Cool Bag B&M Home, £3.99 kept very cold or very hot, leftovers of perishable items should be thrown away. • Bring along plastic bags to take home dirty
Real Living
Charlotte Bolton
plates/cutlery you might want to keep - or any rubbish - in case there aren’t any bins in the picnic area. Picnic essentials Keep hold of this handy checklist to make sure you’re fully prepared for your day out. Picnic blanket Easy to eat foods (mostly finger foods) Condiments in small plastic containers Re-sealable containers for leftover food Hamper or cool bags to store food and drinks Paper plates Paper napkins and plastic cutlery Utensils, if needed Cutting board and knife Bottle opener/corkscrew Bin bags Wet wipes and sanitiser Games and activities Umbrellas/parasol Floor - cushions and lightweight deckchairs Camera Portable speakers Hats and sunglasses Sun cream and insect repellent Continued on page 42
vale_life_advert_Layout 1 21/07/2014 15:54 Page 1
Stoneworld the stone experts
Stone for the garden: for patio, paving, walls, gravel, cobbles and pebbles, feature stone and water features.
Stone for the home: for floors, worktops, fireplaces and hearths. Stone made to measure: reproduce any item in stone, from restoring an architectural feature to intricate sculpture for home and garden.
www.stoneworld.co.uk or come and visit: Stone for the garden Great Milton OX44 7NW 01844 279274
Stone for the home Thame OX9 2DW 01844 261768
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Real Living
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
by Charlotte Bolton
Continued from page 40 Picnicware (dine in style!) Pack up your feast in a stylish hamper or cool bag - or impress your guests with a co-ordinated picnic set. Choose practical (but pretty!) tableware in the shape of plates, cutlery and cups/glasses. Kit yourself out with all the essentials, but don’t forget to treat yourself to a few added extras such as hanging decorations and lanterns to style up your picnic pitch. If you don’t want to venture too far, you could turn your decking into a cosy outdoor eating space where you can enjoy dining alfresco for the whole summer! Picnic fun Turn your picnic spot into a cosy den where you can unwind for hours. Bring along some fun games such as giant twister or dominoes for the adults to play as well as the kids! Hang up sheets or canvas to create a shaded area from the sun and add comfort with scatter cushions and blankets. Try and use waterproof materials to avoid damage from damp grass. If you
Giant wooden domino set, £28.99 www.partypieces.co.uk
Clear floral jug, £11.20, Debenhams Joules plastic picnic plate, John Lewis £5.95
Picnic spots - local (please check with venue for opening times, facilities etc)
Tropical scatter cushion, H&M, £7.99
Vale Park, Aylesbury Town Centre www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/ vale-park Wendover Woods, Wendover www.forestry.gov.uk/wendoverwoods Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon www.waddesdon.org.uk College Lake Nature Reserve, Tring
www.bbowt.org.uk/college-lake/ about-college-lake Ashridge Estate, Berkhamsted www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ ashridge-estate Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunstable-downs-and-whipsnadeestate Rushmere Country Park, Heath & Reach, Beds www.greensandtrust.org/RushSites
wanted to go all out, get the kids involved and build a tepee using
fallen branches found in the woods and cover with fabric.
Twister blanket, £19.99, www.gettingpersonal.co.uk
If you’re going to the seaside, take a large cool box if you have one, as this can double-up as a small table to help keep food away from the sand. Take a sun umbrella for shade if it’s going to be very warm. l To find out how your home could be featured in a UK homes magazine visit my website: www.reallivingspaces.co.uk. Share your home interior ideas with others in a magazine! It’s fun, and free!
High quality bespoke kitchens and furniture, handmade by skilled craftsmen in Buckinghamshire Complete Kitchens | Bedrooms | Wardrobes | Cupboards | Shelving | Storage Solutions | Furniture | Desks | Offices
‘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 658660 Mob: 07754 409203 Email: mark@ markwilliamsonfurniture.com Website: www.markwilliamsonfurniture.com 42
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
‘The Art of Wood Burning’
JØtul “fighting the cold since 1853”
The most comprehensive showroom in Oxfordshire Over 75 stoves and 15 under fire on display Kiln dried and Eco logs
Jøtul – logo
HETAS registered. Ample free parking. Boundary Business Park, Wheatley Road, Garsington, OX44 9EJ Showroom open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm, Saturday 10am-1pm For technical advice it is advisable to make an appointment
01865 361505 www.manorhousestoves.co.uk Featured stoves from JØtul Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016 43
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
At this time of year many of us are busy sprucing up our gardens, while others are undertaking landscaping projects and redesigns to create stylish outdoor spaces for the summer. If this is you, it’s worth popping down to Chiltern View Nursery where you can not only find great deals on plants, pots, shrubs, bulbs, sheds and arbours but a full range of landscaping materials too...
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hiltern View Nursery, between Wendover and Aylesbury, has been buzzing of late. The family business, run by James and Suzi Bone, has expanded this year and launched Chiltern View Supplies with local landscaping expert Warren Iqbal, so in addition to supplying top quality plants they are now able to offer landscaping materials and paving, sheds and fencing too, making it a one-stop shop for all your garden needs. It’s proving very popular! Outside the plant house there’s an impressive display of natural stone and concrete paving slabs, blocks, bags of aggregates, gravels, slate and pebbles, stepping stones, sleepers and more... all you would need for a landscaping project whatever the size. It’s one of the largest displays of premium branded products in the country and a great opportunity to browse and touch samples, which is much preferable to ordering from a catalogue or online, not having actually seen the products. Bradstone, Brett, Marshall, Ethan Mason and Kelkay gravels are all here plus Grange timber products. “We supply both trade and retail
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Warren of Chiltern View Supplies presents a cheque for £100 to Emma Carroll of the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity customers,” says Warren, “and we can deliver in bulk if required. “We have a special charity promotion on at the moment raising funds for the local Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity (FNHC) - £1 from every bulk bag of soft sand, sharp sand, top soil, ballast and
MOT type 1 sold, is going to the charity. We have already raised £100 in our first few weeks of trading and I am really pleased to have been able to present a cheque to Emma Carroll, Community Fundraising Manager for FNHC, recently. The first of many I hope.
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Ornamental metal hedgehog, hen and duck
Great selection of 1/2 price pots “Chiltern View Supplies has been going really well and we’ve already increased the stepping stone and edging stone ranges and the choice of sizes for some of the paving slabs. The paving has been flying out, often in small quantities as people just need a few to pave a small area for themselves at home. Trellising has been popular too and the log rolls and the log edging. The nursery is very busy at this time of year and a lot of our products appeal to those who are trying to make the best of their gardens ready for the summer. They have popped in for plants or pots and are pleased they can pick up related items like these too. “I’m really happy with the way things are progressing,” says James Bone. “It’s a busy time of year for us and I’ve been really impressed with the hard work all the staff
have put in and with Warren and his team. Our family has been in the garden centre business for many years, so we can source top quality plants at great prices and pass the savings on to our customers. The nursery is run a bit like a market, we price things extremely competitively and aim to sell quickly and in large quantities and offer great value. There’s always new stock coming in and the staff do a great job keeping the displays fresh and looking good, it’s hard work and much appreciated.”
When life gives you lemons - pick ‘em!
l Chiltern View Supplies / Chiltern View Nurseries, Wendover Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP22 5GX Tel; 01296 613 823 Email: sales@chilternviewsupplies.co.uk Web: www.chilternviewsupplies.co.uk Open 7 days: 8am to 5pm
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l Column ‘In the Garden’ with
Naomi MacKay
The colour of Chelsea I
always associate the RHS Chelsea Flower Show with purple – because of the time of year, Iris and alliums in all those mauve and lavender hues dominate the planting in many gardens. However, this year, there has
been a colour explosion at the show – and our senses have been assaulted by hard landscaping features in yellow, cerise and bright blue. If you want to follow suit but can’t find proper garden or outdoor paints in these colours, look instead Papworth Trust’s Garden
Senri-Sentei-Garage-Garden for hard-wearing craft paints. I have often used ordinary indoor paint to decorate plant pots for instance, and simply covered them with a coat of outdoor varnish. They may not last for ever, but by the time they start to wear off,
you’ll probably fancy a change anyway! The Papworth Trust’s garden, pictured left, employs this fabulous cerise colour in its hard landscaping, echoing the shade in accent plants interspersed with soft whites and pinks.
Telephone: 01844 208401 Mobile: 07732 329118 Email: info@landmarkgardendesign.com Website: www.landmarkgardendesign.com
SAME DAY SKIP HIRE & GRAB SERVICE
The professional design and build service for residential and commercial property
Providing skips in your area since 1997 From fence panels and back door steps, to complete garden redesigns with paving, turfing, excavations, retaining walls and planting, driveways, patios, decking, water features, ponds...
Vacancies for hard landscaper and skilled labourers - contact Rodney on: 07732 329118 46
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
We send zero waste to landfill Call: 01296 651678 Licensed by The Environment Agency EPR/BB3634RA Licensed Waste Carrier CB/YE5439CV
‘In the Garden’ with
Naomi MacKay Birds and bedding Around 50,000 plants will be used to create the bedding and annuals displays at Waddesdon Manor this year. Carpet bedding will depict a design inspired by the Louis XIV Savonnerie carpet in the Red Drawing Room at the House. The raised ribbon beds on the Parterre and in the Aviary garden will be planted with annuals including yellow and blue petunia, begonia, marigold, nemesia and salvia. In the Aviary garden the colour
RHS Greening Grey Britain Garden
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
scheme is cream and blue using Marigold ‘American vanilla’, Ageratum “High Tide Blue” and Heliotrope ‘Marine’. The Rothschilds were pioneers in creating garden sculpture covered in carpet bedding, and this year, continuing the tradition, look out for a Pekin robin and a pheasant near the Aviary garden. Water wise Dry garden doyenne Beth Chatto Continued on page 48 Hozelock Cloud Controller
In the Senri-Sentei-GarageGarden, opposite page, a bright blue is totally at odds with the greens and ambers of the acers that make up most of the planting, and yet injects just the right amount of colour. An interesting idea if you want to create a car port but want a softer look in your front garden. The RHS Greening Grey Britain Garden for Health Horticulture and Happiness makes a bold statement with its bright orange shed – but why not be bold?
Cloud Controller If you are going to be doing some gardening over the summer, take a look at the product that won this years Chelsea Product of the year. The Hozelock Cloud Controller, right, is a system comprising a mobile app, hub and remote unit that lets you set, pause and adjust your garden watering schedules all remotely. It also keeps you up to date with changes in the weather and current conditions.
FREE Local Delivery
FS90 • Double shoulder harness • Bike handle controls* • 1.3hp petrol engine • Anti-vibration system
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Leading Brands
Rycote Lane Farm, Milton Common, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 2NZ
www.farol.co.uk
Tel: 01844 278 843
FarolLtd @FarolLtd Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
l Column ‘In the Garden’ with
Parterre beds - Waddesdon Manor: Stuart Bebb/National Trust Continued from page 47
Pekin Robin - Waddesdon Manor: Barry Keen/National Trust
has won no less than 10 Gold medals at Chelsea, and a new book charting the story of her Essex gardens is published on at the end of June.
Drought-Resistant Planting: Lessons from Beth Chatto’s Gravel Garden tells the story of ‘possibly the driest, and the most windswept piece of soil in England’ offering hope for gardeners everywhere!
Beth’s promise was that ‘This garden was not to be irrigated in
OXFORD OAK TREE SURGERY PROFESSIONAL TREE SURGEONS
• Tree Felling • Pruning • Pollarding • Crown Reductions • Re-Shaping • Fruit Trees • Stump Removal • Hedge Cutting • Firewood Logs • Free Quotations and advice Professional work carried out by fully insured NPTC Qualified people who care
Office: 01296 738184 Mobile: 07961 425378 www.oxfordoaktreesurgery.co.uk 48
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Naomi MacKay
Pic of Beth Chatto’s gravel garden by Steven Wooster times of drought. Once established the plants must fend for themselves or die.’ In her book, Beth describes the story behind the garden, while Steven Wooster’s specially commissioned photographs taken through the seasons, show just what a success it was. On a more practical note, Beth shows how these principles can be applied to any garden whatever its size. Drought-Resistant Planting -
Lessons from Beth Chatto’s Gravel Garden, by Beth Chatto with photography by Steven Wooster, is published by Frances Lincoln, and available from 30th June, £16.99 l Naomi MacKay is a freelance writer and editor who specialises in gardens. She also helps small businesses get their message to potential clients using social media and more traditional printed products. Email: naomimackay@ gmail.com
l
Column: ‘Kiss & tell’ with Tracy Kiss
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Low maintenance lawn
I
’m a great lover of the outdoors and find real peace and tranquillity in nature. There’s nothing nicer than spending a sunny afternoon in the garden with the children, hearing the birds sing, rustling up a picnic and splashing in the paddling pool as the scent of freshly cut grass and barbecues dance on the breeze. Wendover is such a beautiful and picturesque village to live in yet one thing letting the side down is my lawn, or rather lack of it. You see my postage-stamp garden bears very little grass all year round thanks to the combination of clay-based soil, shade cast by the fence, trampling feet, pets and outdoor toys and cycles. I’m forever watering the grass, lovingly re-seeding, re-turfing and asking the children not to stand on it, so that it might grow a little. I even went so far as to place stepping stones around the edge so that my young seedlings could have the best chance of survival. But what use is a garden to a young
Tracy Kiss
Tracy’s old lawn
Tracy’s new artificial lawn
family if you can’t walk, sit or play on it? In essence we had just a shaded side path and small decking area as usable space and I spent countless hours and endless pennies on trying to perfect and maintain the lawn for just a few weeks of greenery each year before it died off, turned to moss and looked as though an enthusiastic football team had finished for the season. So instead I decided to have artificial grass installed and within a few clicks and measurements online I had a wonderful team of
workmen arrive with my grass rolled up just like a carpet. In a single afternoon our garden was transformed from lifeless to luscious and it is now the heart of our home. No more watering, weeding, mowing, moaning or reseeding every year; it’s zero-maintenance, child and pet safe and stays thick, sumptuous, green and bare-footfriendly all year round. It’s incredibly high quality, natural looking and giggle-inducing as the children have never been so
Kiss & tell happy, clean and safe when playing outdoors! Supplied by: www.artificial-grass.com Installed by: www.acacia-gardens.co.uk Watch the transformation video here: www.tracykiss.com/ uncategorized/artificial-grass l Read Tracy’s blog at: www.tracykiss.com or follow her on: Twitter: @kisstracy4 or Facebook: /TheTracyKiss
Choose from the finest range of lawnmowers, garden tractors and groundcare equipment
Helping you to make short work of hard work around the garden! J Arthur Bowers Multi-Purpose Compost 3 bags for £10.50 Westland Bark - 100 Ltr Bale 3 for £18.50
All Leading manufacturers in stock Full service, repairs and spares facilities Home demos on all garden tractors
Huge range of gardening equipment and tools including hand tools, gardening gloves, wellingtons etc. Fertilisers and weed killers.
Westwood
Serving customers since 1830
Browns Angling Superstore Run by Anglers for Anglers! Telephone 01844 290663 Late night Fri - 6.00pm www. brownsangling.co.uk
Thame Road Haddenham Bucks HP17 8BY Telephone 01844 292000 Open: Mon to Fri 8.00am - 5.00pm Sat 8.00am to 5.00pm
Free customer parking
www.georgebrowns.co.uk Other branches at: Buckingham, Chesham, Daventry, Great Dunmow and Leighton Buzzard Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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Stone’s throw Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
In February Hard Rock Flooring moved from their old base in Fleet Marston and opened a new, stylish, larger showroom just a stone’s throw up the road at Lawn Farm Business Centre in Grendon Underwood. It’s an impressive space and a comfortable environment in which to view their beautiful selection of internal and external natural stone and ceramic flooring...
H
ard Rock Flooring provides a bespoke service for the supply of natural stone and porcelain tiles, from the sourcing of original materials, to the subsequent maintenance and upkeep, following your purchase and installation. Run by Will Luitsz and Iain Marfleet the company has built unique relationships with quarries and suppliers worldwide over the last thirty years and is extremely experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to selecting, supplying, installing and maintaining natural stone such as limestone, marble, sandstone, slate, terracotta and travertine, or, porcelain and ceramic tiles, mosaics and contemporary alternatives such as wood effect porcelain ‘boards’, patterned tiles and digitally printed and glazed porcelain tiles, which impersonate wood or stone finishes from across the ages brilliantly. Iain set up the business, some 29 years ago, when by chance he had the opportunity to import some terracotta tiles from Spain and then became an agent for a Portuguese Limestone quarry - he’s never looked back! His original base was at Fleet Marston: “Back in those days 75% of the business was
New showroom 50
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Iain Marfleet and Will Luitsz terracotta,” says Iain. “Now it makes up only about 5% as there are so many other options that people can choose from at the moment. “Much of our limestone and porcelain comes from Italy now, as it’s some of the best quality. The business has grown naturally over the years as clients have asked for different products and I’ve sourced for them and become a regular supplier. I’ve travelled a lot in that time. Even last year I did 15,000 miles visiting quarries and picking up stuff. “I’ve built up a lot of contacts over the years, so if somebody wants something that’s a little unusual, I will usually know who to call, or where to go.” Iain had to bring his expertise to bear recently when sourcing stone to replace the flagstones in the Tudor banqueting hall at Broughton Castle near Banbury. It required a particularly rare blue ironstone from a quarry in North Oxfordshire and even then took a while to quarry exactly the right shades for the job. A few years ago he sourced some Somerset Blue Lias to refloor the crypt at St Martins In The Field: “Our stone could come from India or Turkey or from closer to home,” says Iain. “It depends on what the client wants. “We are happy to help and advise on a stone selection to suit your own unique situation. The age of the property, style and
type of construction, usage of the area and so on, will all affect the final choice, so this is always a bespoke service and we enjoy being involved.” Will is originally from Thame but lived in Italy for many years. He is well travelled and has a background in furniture design and interiors - he has worked as a Finishings Manager on high profile interior refurbishment projects and has also been involved in several bar and restaurant redesigns. He still dabbles in the design and manufacture of furniture and even has a couple of pieces adorning the new showroom. “We’ve had some really good feedback, about the new showroom, both from clients and suppliers,” says Will. “Everyone really likes the layout and the way the stone is displayed. We do a nice coffee (something Will developed the habit for in Italy) - and we aim to make it a pleasant and comfortable experience selecting your stone here. “We often work with architects and trade customers who are now sending their clients down to make a selection and then placing the order on their behalf later.” The new showroom, workshop and storage complex at Lawn Farm certainly has a nice feel to it. It’s in a semi-rural area with plenty of parking right outside. Inside it’s got the
The new showroom feel of a gallery with a stylish showroom area down to having a tumbled edge. It’s great for something of a specialist in this area and will complete with an open mezzanine floor which areas such as bathrooms or kitchens - there’s come to your home and thoroughly clean your accommodates Iain and Will’s admin area. no maintenance, it’s stain proof, it’s frost proof existing floors or paving. It’s ideal for pool Hard Rock Flooring’s English stone is for exterior application, areas which may generally bought from the quarry in blocks it’s easy to lay, great with need a thorough and then cut down to order. There’s always underfloor heating and going over at this oddments left and the firm has cleverly it is impregnated with time of year. The adapted these for use as stands on which to anti-microbial elements to company uses and display some of their flooring. prevent mold, mildew or stocks Fila cleaning The range of flooring is vast when you bacteria growing, so it’s products, which Iain consider the many different types of stone more hygienic.” recommends if you and then the different finishes available - from With his many years prefer to do your riven and tumbled to antiqued, polished, experience Iain has put own maintenance. Ceramic wood effect ‘boards’ hand finished and flamed (subjected to heat together a high quality On the installation to produce a rough texture, ideal for non slip range of products that side, Hard Rock areas). At Hard Rock Flooring they say ‘your would satisfy most tastes and with Will offers Flooring stocks all the adhesives, grouts and only difficulty will be in deciding a bespoke sourcing service should levelling compounds you might need for which stone to use’ and this is you require something a little laying a floor yourself and can advise on those where it’s useful to be able to more unusual. and how to go about it or they can arrange call upon Will or Iain for some One selection that caught our installation by their experienced team of fitters. helpful advice. eye was the Medioevo Rustica If you are looking to source natural stone or “We’re supplying more range - a delightful modern ceramic products, see the Hard Rock Flooring porcelain now,” says Will. “It’s reproduction of medieval website for more information and give Iain or so versatile. There’s porcelain encaustic tile production in Will a call, to organise a visit. Your new floor is ‘wood’, which is digitally printed porcelain. The 20×20cm tiles are only a stone’s throw away! and then distressed to have the available in a variety of different l Units 1-3, Lawn Farm Business Centre, Grendon Underwood, Nr Aylesbury, look and feel of real wood, but colours, patterns and designs, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0QX Medioevo Rustica each inspired by medieval tiles is much harder wearing. The Tel: 01296 770859 technology is amazing. They and look fabulous. Email: showroom@hardrockflooring.co.uk photograph a section of stone or wood and Hard Rock also offers a stone renovation Website: www.hardrockflooring.co.uk can then reproduce it exactly in porcelain, even service. Alex who runs the workshop is Open Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm or by appointment Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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Win tickets to BBC
Countryfile Live!
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ew for 2016! From the 4th to 7th August, BBC COUNTRYFILE LIVE, will be staged within the spectacular grounds of Oxfordshire’s iconic World Heritage site Blenheim Palace, home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Celebrate and explore every aspect of the British countryside over four extraordinary days featuring; the Countryfile presenters - Matt Baker, John Craven, Adam Henson, Ellie Harrison, Anita Rani and Tom Heap; Adam’s Farm; Live Arena Shows; Rare Breed and other Animal Displays; the latest Farming Machinery; outdoor Fun for Kids; hundreds of Food and Crafts stalls to shop; the Best of British Food and Drink plus much more. There’s a Wildlife Arena, a Village Green, Tractor Ted Zone for youngsters, Waterside Attractions and Activities, National Trust Arena, Gamekeeper’s Corner, Dog Arena, Big Barn (Behind the scenes at Countryfile; Meet the Presenters and more), Horseback Games, Craft Heroes, Main Arena, Animal
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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Roadshow, British Timbersports Championship, Flaconry Display, Ferret Roadshow, Dog & Duck, Sheep Dogs, Gun Dogs, Shire Horses, Hounds, Galloping Acrobatics and more... It all adds up to a fun, inspiring and informative day out in the countryside the whole family can enjoy – including the dog! If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to BBC Countryfile Live, simply email your name, address and telephone number along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Which wartime prime minister was born at Blenheim Palabe? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by July 31st, 2016. NB Tickets not for Sat Aug 6th. Entrants must be 18 or over. l BBC Countryfile Live, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1PP www.countryfilelive.com 9.30am-6pm Thursday-Saturday and 9.30-5pm Sunday.
Maggie’s happy in her new home
W
hen Maggie the whippet arrived at the Blue Cross centre, she had never known what it was like to be in a home. She was shy, anxious and scared of almost everything. Her story started to change when she met another centre dog. For the first time, she became excited and playful, revealing her true personality. After months at the centre and dedicated work from the team, that playful nature caught the eye
of a kind and patient family with a Maggie shaped space in their hearts. Help more pets like Maggie visit our Summer Fun day on the 10th of July at Lewknor. l Lewknor Rehoming Centre
London Road, Lewknor, Oxon, OX49 5RY Rehoming for cats, dogs, rabbits and small pets Tel: 0300 777 1500 Email: lewknor@bluecross.org.uk Web: www.bluecross.org.uk
SUMMER FUN DAY
Fun dog show - BBQ Sunday 10 July, 11.00am – 4.00pm
Fun for all the family, including: home-made dog treats prize competitions Refreshments face painting pets games kids corner bric-a-brac tombola raffle... and lots more!
Lewknor rehoming centre London Road, Lewknor Oxfordshire OX49 5RY
0300 777 1500
Admission FREE
www.bluecross.org.uk/lewknor RH-1130-0516
Registered charity no: 224392 (England and Wales), SC040154 (Scotland)
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Column: Lucy Ellis ‘Animal Magic’
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Cool tips for Summer!
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hile we’re happy to finally see some sunshine, spare a thought for our furry friends who don’t fare so well in the hot weather - read on for some top tips on how to keep your pets cool this summer. Try to keep animals inside during the hottest part of the day, preferably with the curtains closed and the windows open; remember that it can also be stifling indoors when it’s hot outside. Windowsills in the sun can be a favoured spot for many cats, but the glass can act as a magnifier and overheat poor puss. If you have suntraps like this, draw a blind or prevent pets from sitting there for too long. Likewise, be aware of any animals whose permanent home is in the reach of sunbeams - fish tanks can quickly heat up if exposed to sunshine for too long. Dogs can stay cool indoors on a special ‘cool mat’ which is activated when a dog lays down on it. If you do let your pack out in the garden, make sure that there are
Keep your pets cool this Summer! ample shady spots as the sun moves around and provide plenty of fresh drinking water. You could consider a cheap child’s paddling pool, if your dog likes water, or alternately get a cool coat which keeps your dog chilled, but not wet. For caged pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs and birds, it is even more important to ensure that there is always some shade as the sun shifts - what can seem like a dappled set up at the start of the day can be a suntrap by the afternoon. Avoid walking your dog between 11am and 4pm and plan for shady routes on mud and grass, rather than concrete. Always check the
temperature of the pavement with your hand before you head out - if you can’t keep your palm on the surface for more than 5 seconds, then your dog’s pads will burn while walking on it. Take plenty of fresh water for you and your dog, and stay hydrated using a dog water bottle or a portable bowl which you can fill up from your own supply. Try to keep dogs out of dried up streams, stagnant ponds and lakes as they search for water, because they can harbour a film of nasty algae and bacteria at this time of year which can cause tummy upsets. Don’t be surprised if your dog goes off her food during the hot weather, just make sure she drinks enough water and eats little and often. If you feed your dog raw food, you can also put it out slightly frozen to help lower her body temperature. If you want to treat your hound whilst cooling her down, pick up Frozzy’s frozen yoghurts from Unique Pets, or make your own variation by placing some treats in an ice cube tray, filling up
Lucy Ellis
Animal Magic with water and freezing. Whatever you do, don’t leave your dog in a car on a hot day; even with the windows open, the concentrated heat from the sun literally turns your vehicle into an oven. And finally, if your dog or cat has pink bits, don’t forget to protect them with some child’s sunscreen. Come down to Unique Pets on Chamberlain Road, Aylesbury for any of the above cooling items, as well as lots more ideas for you and your pets to enjoy this summer. l Lucy Ellis is a writer and blogger who
with Jenna Tomlins runs Unique Pets, a local, independent pet shop offering individual advice for pets, two grooming salons, dog training and a pet photography studio. www.uniquepets.co.uk
106xx out of the dog house a5 1pp 2 25/10/2013 10:40 Page 1
New Aylesbury store now open! Aylesbury 01296 706403 Winslow 01296 715697 www.uniquepets.co.uk Chamberlain Road, Aylesbury / High Street, Winslow
Top quality food & accessories for all your pets, from dogs, cats and horses to rabbits, wild birds, small mammals, chickens, fish and reptiles. Expert advice, tailored feeding plans, puppy socialising, dog training classes, pet photo studio, professional dog grooming and pampering service...
Aylesbury
01296 706403
Out of the Doghouse Dog Listening
Contact: Roselle 07989 947316 email: roselle@ outofthedoghouse.co.uk
Does your dog:
Do you to give your puppy or rescue dog • jump upwant • pull on the lead• bark excessively the best possible start in your home? • display nervous, obsessive or aggressive behaviour Does your dog: bicycles or livestock • have issues with food • chase joggers, • jump up • destroy carpets or furniture when left alone? • pull on the lead
Dog Listening is a simple non-confrontational method, for all bark excessively dogs,• through which you can address undesirable behaviours • display nervous, obsessive or aggressive and build a rewarding relationship with your dog. behaviour
www.outofthedoghouse.co.uk • chase joggers, bicycles or livestock • destroy carpets or furniture when left alone • have issues with food? Dog Listening uses a simple non-confrontational method, suitable for all dogs, regardless of size, SJor breed, through which you can address age all undesirable behaviours and build a rewarding relationship with your dog.
Poochie Parlour
Full Grooming | Wash & Pamper | Trimming & Clipping
Contact: Roselle 07989 947316 or Ear Cleaning | Hand Stripping | Nail & Pad Trimming roselle@outofdoghouse.co.uk or visit Dog www.outofthedoghouse.co.uk Walking | Doggie Day Care & Boarding
Call: Sara-Jayne 07599 333182 www.sjpoochieparlour.co.uk Towersey/Thame area
Call 01296 706403 or pop into shop to book your grooming appointment Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
The first ever Bumblebee Education and Conservation centre opened in Aylesbury, on May 21st. It’s an inclusive centre offering talks, pot painting and planting sessions for all ages and abilities and welcomes visits from individuals and groups - schools, families, clubs and organisations... “
P
est control isn’t about killing everything,” says Jim Webster of BeesKnees Pest Services. It’s about working with and for nature rather than against it.” For several years now Jim has been campaigning to save our ailing bee population through education and the planting of Bumblebedz full of bee friendly plants. He has now teamed up with Aylesbury’s Buckingham Lodge Care Home to launch a Bumblebee Education and Conservation Centre, based in their grounds. It’s a dual purpose venture that aims to draw the public in to interact with residents while having a fun time learning about bees and trying various activities. The centre is all about education - there are charts and diagrams explaining the difference between a bee and a wasp and the different types of bee. How soil, seeds, water and sun can provide us with fruit and vegetables and the importance of bees to the process. It’s an important message - No Pollination, No Food, No Future! The centre is small but easily accessible for all ages and abilities and boasts a potting shed and greenhouse. There’s also a Bumblebee home in a glass tank where you can watch a colony of buff-tailed Bumblebees living the parts of their lives you wouldn’t normally see. “We’re open Saturdays, Sundays and Bank
Honeybee cell planters with bee friendly plants outside Buckingham Lodge Care Home
Jim ‘Mr Bumble’ Webster with staff members and a resident of Buckingham Lodge
Holidays from 10am to 4pm,” says Jim, “and anyone is welcome to drop in and have a look round. If your kids are bored, bring them down to do some planting and pot painting and to learn about Bumblebees - entry is free!. They can have a Bumblebee talk, do some word searches, see the bees and meet some residents of the Lodge. The goal is to get the community interacting with Buckingham Lodge Care Home in an educational way. During weekdays we are happy to organise appointments for group parties from schools or organisations such as the WI, Cubs or Brownies. “We have seeds for vegetables and a variety of Bumblebee friendly plants that can be potted up, taken home and nurtured,” says Jim. “The seeds and soil and plastic pots are free, there is just a small charge if you’d like to
paint a ceramic pot to take home and fire in your oven.” Any money raised from the sale of painted pots or Bumblebee souvenirs such as printed mugs and keyrings goes to advance the Bumblebee Education Programme and to The Buckingham Lodge residents fund, which helps pay for their trips and outings. If you fancy learning more about Bumblebees and how to live with them either drop in the centre one weekend, or to organise a group trip call Jim on: 07898 637810. l Bumblebee Education & Conservation Centre, Buckingham Lodge Care Home, Culpepper Close, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 9DU Tel; 07898637810 Email: jim@mrbeesknees.co.uk Web: www.mrbeesknees.co.uk Facebook - search for: pollination-for-the-nation
The Bumblebee Education Centre in the grounds of Buckingham Lodge Care Home
Residents and staff of Buckingham Lodge Care Home try some bee-friendly planting 54
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Raise your glasses
it’s Summerfest!
S
harpen your taste buds, dust off your dancing shoes and remind all your friends and neighbours that ‘Summerfest’ Beer Festival - one of the UK’s largest one-day beer festivals - will be taking place in Haddenham on Saturday 2nd July. This year there will be no less than 150 barrels of real ale, including full ranges from local microbreweries, as well as plenty from across the country, plus a selection of new style keg beers and lagers, plus 40 ciders - fruit-infused and novel flavours as well as the traditional sweet, medium and dry. If you are not into beer or cider Summerfest’s wonderful gin-based cocktails and punches, Pimms, Prosecco or wine may appeal there will be plenty to choose from, plus, of course, an impressive range of non-alcoholic refreshments. If you enjoy a little rhythmic drinking there’s a line-up of 14 live bands, including Old Country Union, The Unchosen, Memphis Rattlesnakes and a Blondie tribute, playing throughout the day.
Summerfest visitors can also enjoy a variety of food and there will be lots of activities for children too - it’s a family-friendly event. Huge marquees will provide safe havens from all the British weather may throw at us, although Summerfest say they’ve booked a lovely sunny day, so join them in the grounds of Haddenham Junior School on July 2nd and cheers! Summerfest is organised by a charitable Trust which raises money for good causes in local towns and villages. Leading up to and during the festival ‘Summerfest Radio’ will broadcast on 87.9FM, and via the internet at Summerfestradio.co.uk For all the news and updates, and to purchase tickets online, visit: www.summerfest.org.uk l Summerfest, Haddenham Junior School, Woodways, Haddenham Buckinghamshire, HP17 8DS Sat 2nd July: 11am-9pm (NB no entry after 6pm). Entrance £10 online or at the door, but tickets purchased in advance come with two free drinks vouchers!
F ine
I ndian
D inin g
High quality dining in our historic 550-year-old ‘Old Library’ building - now recently refurbished.
Tel: 01844 690446/273412 Takeaway and free local home delivery available Reserve a table or order online at: www.radhunigroup.com/risborough The Old Library, Church Street, Princes Risborough, HP27 9AA www.facebook.com/RadhuniPR
@RadhuniPR
caring hand to hold A friendly carer to feel close to or a new companion to pass the time with can make a real difference to the health and happiness of your loved one. Your loved one will always be with friends it’s all part of the way we care
• Residential care homes • Dementia care homes • Not-for-profit group
For more information, call free on Buckingham Lodge care home please call free on 0808 163 5266 or visit buckingham-lodge.co.uk Buckingham Lodge care home, Culpepper Close, Aylesbury, HP19 9DU Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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Column: Down to business with Philippa Batting
County’s challenging future
D
espite Buckinghamshire’s advantages over most parts of the country, including our Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, proximity to London and world class schools, there are plenty of challenges facing the county and its businesses in the coming years. Buckinghamshire’s population is estimated to grow by almost 55,000 by 2026, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), yet less than a third of this growth will come via working age people. Residents in their 20s and 40s are predicted to fall in number across Buckinghamshire. While Aylesbury Vale will account for more than two thirds of Buckinghamshire’s population increase, according to the ONS, much of this will be due to large growth in the number of older residents. What this means for businesses is clear: a reduction in the number of potential workers, making it harder
Buck’s ageing population could mean a dwindling local workforce in years to come to find qualified, skilled employees. It doesn’t help matters that the cost of private rents in Buckinghamshire are among the highest in England and that the cost of housing is becoming less and less inviting for young people thinking of living, working and starting a family here. Average house prices in Buckinghamshire rose by 10%
in the last year, compared to 6% nationally, and while it is true that Buckinghamshire’s disposable household income levels are high, they have been below the national rate of growth 10 times in the last 13 years. This makes Buckinghamshire one of the least affordable places to live in the country, according to the ONS, although Aylesbury is deemed the most ‘affordable’ Buckinghamshire district to live in. The fact that housing and rental prices are rising sharply and disposable income is going up slower than average makes the ONS figures even more troubling. Those of working age could become less likely to view Buckinghamshire as a place to live, work and move to, leaving our businesses suffering as a result. It is vital then that we ensure Buckinghamshire is the best place to do business in the country, so that we can offer the next generation of business owners and
Philippa Batting Down to business
employees a place where they can thrive. This is the primary focus of Buckinghamshire Business First and through our business support team, grant funding schemes, free workspaces across the county and plenty more, we are determined to ensure that Buckinghamshire is a place for everyone to live, work, dream and prosper. l Philippa Batting is MD of Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF). Based in Saunderton, BBF works to support and facilitate success within the business community and to create a dynamic environment in which local business can flourish. Membership is free - visit: www.bbf.uk.com for more details.
WHY DO SO MANY BUSINESSES CHOOSE THE SANDERUM CENTRE? SERVICED OFFICES
VIRTUAL OFFICES
The community of energetic and BUSINESS SUPPORT enthusiastic entrepreneurs operating in varied markets from The Sanderum Centre, combined with the team of friendly, experienced and supportive staff, creates the ideal atmosphere in which small companies can flourish. We can’t praise everyone at The Sanderum Centre highly enough. No admin task is too much trouble, they always do a brilliant, professional job at a reasonable cost and within the time frame we need.
MEETING ROOM
It’s an understatement to say how much Centre Manager, Katie, has transformed our business organisation and administration. She’s become a valued and trusted colleague and we cannot praise nor recommend her services and The Sanderum Centre highly enough. follow us twitter.com/sanderumcentre 56
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
find out how we can help your business 01844 211080 www.sanderumcentre.co.uk hello@sanderumcentre.co.uk
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
BNI Heritage has a reputation as one of the friendliest networking groups in the area. They also take great pride in recognising and rewarding their members, especially those who give outstanding contributions to the group. Here they focus on two such members, Ross Batting and Robert Dixon...
I
n keeping with our previous publication, we are this month taking a look at another of our two fabulous members here at BNI Heritage (Aylesbury). This month is the turn of El Presidente himself, Robert Dixon, a solicitor at Turbervilles, along with our resident garage and vehicle hire specialist, Ross Batting, of 3B Hire & Servicing. Robert is currently president of the group, chairing the weekly meetings and ensuring everything flows smoothly (most of the time!) Ross is our events and training co-ordinator,
Robert Dixon Turbervilles Solicitors “I am proud to be a senior partner at
Ross Batting 3B “I began my BNI journey several years ago when I first joined a group in Weston Turville.
BNI Heritage Aylesbury members meet weekly for a networking breakfast at Aylesbury College
and it’s his responsibility to keep the members up to date with the latest training available and helping them to book on to courses. Both are seasoned members of Heritage, here’s what they have to say on how it
works for them…
Turbervilles; a practice which has built up a strong reputation over many years, providing clients with friendly, efficient, and specialist legal advice. “Based in Uxbridge with a staff of nearly 60, Turbervilles also has a number of satellite offices, including one in Aylesbury. “I have lived in Wendover for nearly 20 years and am lucky enough to represent a good number of clients within this area. “If you are an employee with a difficult workplace issue - whether redundancy, disciplinary, grievance, ill-health absence, bullying, discrimination or dismissal - I will listen to your concerns and provide you with sound, empathetic advice and if necessary,
represent you. “I have been a member of Heritage since its inception over two years ago. It works for Turbervilles by not only spreading the name, but allowing me to meet a lot of people face to face, in a non-sales environment. It also allows me to educate people on how I can help them, without having to pitch to them. “Please visit: www.turbervilles.co.uk for further information.”
Despite being slightly naive about what was expected of me, I found that I made quite a lot of money from it. Three years ago I joined the Heritage group and this time threw all my efforts into it; to my surprise it’s become a really important part of my business. It definitely helps when you have a product or service that’s easy to explain to people so that the members can easily be educated on how to find opportunities for you. “3B Hire & Servicing in Haddenham is a local independent garage and vehicle hire company just 5 miles from the centre of Aylesbury. We offer all the usual garage services at much less than main dealer prices. The hire side of our business offers the self-
l BNI Heritage Aylesbury Contact: Ross Batting, Tel: 01844 291430 Email: heritageleadership@emaildodo.com Website: www.bni.co.uk
l Turbervilles Solicitors, Barclays House, Gatehouse Way, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8DB Tel: 01296 321765 Email: aylesbury@turbervilles.co.uk Web@ www.turbervilles.co.uk
drive hire of cars, vans, minibuses and people carriers. “Because we are independent and family owned we believe we can offer a friendly and personal service and include the flexibility that larger organisations struggle with. All in all, BNI Heritage has become an integral part of our business and marketing strategy. “Please check out our great products and even better prices at www.3bhire.co.uk” l 3B Vehicle Hire & Servicing, Townsend Garage, Thame Road, Haddenham, Buckinghamshire, HP178BY Tel: 01844 291430 Email: sales@3bhire.co.uk Web: www.3bhire.co.uk
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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Column: Small World with Robyn Bourne
Girls just wanna get busy
T
he Federation of Small Businesses has announced a new and exciting relationship with Facebook to support women entrepreneurs in the UK. Following the launch of FSB’s report ‘Women in Enterprise: the untapped potential’ in April, we have been working hard to tackle the barriers to women’s entrepreneurship. In addition to recruiting for our ‘Women in Enterprise Taskforce’, we have held a Twitter chat to give women in business a chance to pose their questions to a panel of experts. You can follow the conversation on #FSBChat. We are also working with Facebook on the launch of its exciting new campaign ‘She means business’. This partnership will look to inspire future women business owners, alongside providing practical help and support through tools and online learning sessions. Facebook has released research, undertaken by Development
Robyn Bourne Small World
entrepreneurship. We will also lobby Government on tangible policy change to get more women in enterprise and help them grow. We already have some fantastic female entrepreneurs in the Thames Valley, but we want to support and nurture many more. Economics and YouGov, that shows around 2.7 million UK women want to start a business. This has the potential to create 340,000 new businesses and support 425,000 additional jobs - ultimately unlocking a potential £10.1 billion boost to the UK economy. The report highlights many of the same challenges and opportunities for women in business as FSB’s own research, namely
that confidence is a real barrier to business for women. Supporting women’s enterprise is evidently crucial in helping individuals realise their full potential, and in turn boosting the economy. That’s why we’re working with key stakeholders like Facebook and developing a series of regional events, resources and networking opportunities to achieve a real boost for women’s
l Robyn Bourne is Development Manager for the Thames Valley region of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) supporting 7,500 local members. The FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in government and aims to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions. www.fsb.org.uk
fieldstead insolvency Debt problems? Cash flow problems? Creditors demanding payment? Demands from HM Revenue & Customs? Pressure on the overdraft? Call us on 01296 433303 for a FREE initial consultation
CREATIVE DESIGN PERFECT PRINTING YOUR FULL SERVICE STUDIO
www.fieldstead.co.uk LEADING INDEPENDENT INSOLVENCY PRACTICE Midshires House, Midshires Business Park, Smeaton Close Aylesbury HP19 8HL T 01296 769609 E aylesbury@printing.com
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Investors now looking further afield
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lan Chandler, Director of Chandler Garvey and responsible for their Aylesbury office feels the commercial property market has slowed as a result of the Referendum, as this has created uncertainty around the United Kingdom. He says: “Although London and the South East remain popular locations
For sale
Lodge Yard, Woodham
Nr Aylesbury: 926 sq ft and 1,350 sq ft.
A rare opportunity to purchase new Freehold Industrial Units at Lodge Yard, Woodham, on the A41 between Aylesbury and Bicester.
There are eight individual units sized 926 sq ft and 1,350 sq ft. currently nearing completion (B1/B2/B8), with excellent on site parking/yard.
To Let 4 Temple Street, Aylesbury Accommodation available 3,672 sq ft.
A bright suite of newly refurbished town centre offices located over 1st and 2nd Floors, just a few yards from Market Square. The majority of space is on the 2nd floor and there are a number of partitioned offices which benefit from WC and
To Let
Kitchenette facilities and gas fired central heating. A two-storey annexe is also available.
20 Vale Industrial Estate:
A stunning detached industrial unit, newly refurbished and comprising three bays, with brick and profile metal cladding to all elevations. There are 4 loading doors to the premises and eaves height of 5.5m. The property benefits from allocated parking and a generous secure yard to the rear. Ample WC and kitchen facilities, as well as first floor offices of approx 8,387 sq.
permission. “This has been very strong and we have conducted several sales over the last two months on offices in Aylesbury, Thame, Farnham Royal, Chesham and High Wycombe.” For further details please contact Alan Chandler on: 07831 372711 or email: ac@chandlergarvey.com
for foreign investment values have levelled. However, we are seeing a lot of investors coming out to the provinces now, looking for investment and development opportunities, in particular Permitted Development Rights, which allow you to convert offices into residential without, in theory, having to obtain planning
(20,000 sq ft in total)
ft. Approx 20,000 sq ft in total. This is being marketed in conjunction with Fields Commercial.
To Let
The Gatehouse, Aylesbury
Available from 2,000 sq ft to 7,642 sq ft.
Newly refurbished ground floor offices, located at ‘The Gatehouse’ Gatehouse Way, Aylesbury. Accommodation provides high quality air conditioned offices, full access raised floors throughout, excellent on-site parking and pleasant landscaped gardens. 2,000 sq ft to 7,642 sq ft. This property is being
To Let
marketed in conjunction with Bray Fox Smith.
Century Court, Westcott
Westcott Venture Park: 2,050 to 16,125 sq ft
Two terraces of high specification, new industrial/ warehouse units, with yard space available by separate negotiation. Located on the A41 between Aylesbury and Bicester, benefiting from 24 hour security and on-site management, café and shop,
drivers restroom and meeting facilities. Marketed with Lambert Smith Hampton and Brown and Lee.
For sale/ Brunel Gate, Aylesbury : (Approx 6,696.00 sqft) or to let A high bay warehouse situated in a prime location on a well located industrial distribution centre. Available Freehold or Leasehold, this modern unit benefits from reception area, kitchen, disabled WC accommodation and security shutter. electronic loading doors and Steel frame construction Cat 2 lighting for the first with 7m eaves height to floor offices. underside of haunch, featuring Approx 6,696.00 sqft
Call our Aylesbury Team - Alan Chandler and Terri Clarke on: 01296 398383 Lettings | Acquisitions | Investments | Valuations | Property Management Rent Reviews and Lease Renewals | Development / Planning Advice | Business Rates
A new perspective on property
www.chandlergarvey.com
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Ten years of Trust
With a new chairman and a tenth birthday to celebrate, this year is not only a time for Vale of Aylesbury Housing to look back but also to look forward and continue making a difference...
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arlier this year, Aylesbury Vale Housing (the Trust), announced the appointment of Stephen Stringer as their new Chairman. Stephen is an exciting addition to the board as he brings a wealth of relevant experience, both as a non-executive director and having enjoyed a varied career as a senior Civil Servant in the housing and regeneration sectors. He has delivered some extremely high profile projects, including the programme to expand the large scale private rented sector which incorporates the Build to Rent fund, the Olympics Legacy, and delivering growth to the Thames Gateway area. “I am delighted to be appointed Chair of the Trust in this, its tenth anniversary year,” says Stephen. “I am looking forward to applying my passion for providing affordable homes and improving people’s lives, for the benefit of the communities of Aylesbury Vale, working with the Trust and leading their continued growth and delivery of excellent services to their residents.” This year’s anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on what the organisation has achieved in ‘10 years of Trust’, not just for residents but for the communities of the Vale. The Trust works with a number of partners across the Vale to deliver quality goods and services to residents as well as the community. One example of this is Community Chest, launched in March 2007; an active partnership between Aylesbury Vale District Council and the Trust. Community Chest has, over the past nine years, seen more than £4 million in grants awarded to local voluntary and
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Stephen Stringer community organisations. The impact Community Chest has had on the Vale cannot be underestimated. It has provided funding to support a wide range of projects, from working with released prisoners, to building community centres, village halls or sports facilities. It has supported cultural and educational events, given vulnerable children access to play activities and provided facilities for people with a range of different disabilities, through organisations like the Puzzle Centre and the world renowned Stoke Mandeville Stadium. It’s even funded a therapy horse and a school dog! Over the last 12 months, Penny Foulds, Finance Manager for the Trust, chaired the Community Chest panel. She told of how inspiring it has been - for example to be part of a prize giving for Bucks Young Carers and to join with the Mayor of Aylesbury in presenting awards to these school children who also act as carers at home. At the end of the ceremony everyone in the room (including the Mayor in high heels) took
part in an aerobics session. Penny commented: “The pleasure the children got in jumping around and in seeing adults joining in was lovely to see. I am very glad that I have been able to experience for myself the difference Community Chest has made.” The Trust, celebrates its tenth anniversary on 19th July, and will be recognising the many accomplishments from the last 10 years as well as saying “thank you” to everyone who made them possible. Matthew Applegate, Chief Executive, remarked: “The tenth anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on how much the Trust has achieved so far, but I am looking forward to working on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, confident that we will continue to go from strength to strength.’ l Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust, Fairfax House, 69 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2NJ Tel: 01296 732600 Email: info@vaht.co.uk Website: www.vaht.co.uk
Bucks fallen
Battle of The Somme
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st July marks the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Battle of the Somme. Of all the battles that took place in France during the First World War, the Somme is probably the most tragic as nearly 60,000 British men were killed or wounded on the first day alone. Despite a bombardment from the Commonwealth forces which lasted seven days, the attack met fierce resistance and the German defences were barely touched. In the following months huge resources of manpower and equipment were deployed and the fighting continued until 18th November 1916. The Battle of the Somme was deemed an eventual success for the Allied Forces but at the horrific cost of over 1 million casualties including many from Buckinghamshire. During 1914 and 1915 the Government had relied on volunteers to join the Army and over 3 million men joined up in this
by Cathy Soughton period. However due to heavy losses on the Western Front, conscription was introduced in January 1916, initially for all single men aged 18 to 41 but extended to all married men on 25th May, 1916. Many Bucks men would have joined the local regiment, the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, generally known as the Ox and Bucks, either as volunteers or following conscription. During the War the Regiment raised a total of 18 battalions and was awarded 59 Battle Honours and 2 Victoria Crosses. Over 5,800 men serving with the Ox and Bucks were killed during the war and very few towns and villages in the counties escaped without any loss. A number of local men were also posted to other regiments. None of the Ox and Bucks Battalions took part in the first day of the Battle of the Somme but nearly 70 men from Bucks died serving with other regiments on that day, for instance Robert Crook from Waddesdon, a private in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Several Ox and Bucks Battalions were involved in the Battle of the Somme in subsequent weeks
Thiepval Memorial
and suffered heavy casualties including at Mametz Wood, Pozières and the Ancre, the last major subsidiary battle of the Somme. The 2nd Ox and Bucks moved to front-line trenches near Guillemont and sustained heavy casualties at the battle there on 30th July. Among the dead was 19 year old William Lawrence from Aylesbury, a private in the 2nd Battalion who is commemorated on the war memorial in Aylesbury Market Square. Like Robert Crook, William’s body was never found and both are recorded on the famous Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme which bears the
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916, including 533 men from the Ox and Bucks. There was no repatriation of British war dead after 1915 and those Bucks men who died during the Battle of the Somme and whose bodies were identified are buried in one of the hundreds of cemeteries in the Somme area. More information about Bucks men who died during the war and also those who survived can be found on the excellent Buckinghamshire Remembers site http://buckinghamshireremembers. org.uk/ whilst the Commonwealth War Graves Commission site http:// www.cwgc.org/ lists the names and place of commemoration of those in the Commonwealth forces who died during the two world wars. l Cathy Soughton is a professional genealogist and architectural historian providing family history and house history research: Tel: 01296 624845 www.bucksresearch.co.uk Email: soughton@btopenworld.com
Ethical trading is at heart of community
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id you know that Wendover has had a Fairtrade shop since 2004? Originally setup by Churches Together in Wendover as to establish a presence on the High Street the shop has recently been refurbished and rebranded as ‘just, ethical trading at the heart of the community”. Just continues to stock Wendover’s Fairtrade, ethical and organic favourites - food and drink from Traidcraft, Café Direct, Green & Blacks, Hampstead and Pukka; natural cleaning products from Ecover and gifts from an ever growing list of Fairtrade suppliers including Earth Squared bags and scarves, Braintree bamboo clothing and Lanka Kade wooden toys. Fairtrade and Traidcraft items in particular help people around
Volunteers outside just the world to work their way out of poverty by paying them a fair price for their products. Run and staffed by volunteers, just has been described as a ‘hidden gem’ and you are sure to receive a warm welcome if you pop in to browse the shelves. l JUST, Ethical trading at the heart of the community, 11 High Street, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 623123 Facebook.com/ShopAtStMarysWendover Open Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm, Sat: 10-4pm Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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l
Music Column:
Our music columnist is Dan Mordente. Dan is ‘Artist and Events Manager’ at BFS Records, and as an avid follower of the local music scene, is always keen to meet and work with enthusiastic local musicians. Contact Dan and email him local gigs and music news on: dan@vale-life.co.uk Add your gigs to our website what’s on diary at: www.vale-life.co.uk
Live Music
july 1st Krissy Matthews Band, Shootpool, Aylesbury 1st 2-Tone All Skas, Aristocrat, Aylesbury 1st Chinnor Bike Dayz, Princes Risborough 1st Last Resort (Soul Covers), Spain Tour, Tring 1st Astonbury, Aston Rowant 2nd Wrong Jovi, Shootpool, Aylesbury 2nd Chris Robin, Rivets, Aylesbury 2nd Incc, Aylesbury RFC, Weston Turville 2nd Haddenham Real Ale Festival, Haddenham 3rd Sandy Lenny, The Bell, Princes Risborough 6th Nick Zala-Webb, The Oak, Aston Clinton 7th Son Maxwell’s Shufflepack, Tring Park Cricket Club, Tring 8th Mr Paul Adams, Aristocrat, Aylesbury 8th Skasouls, Towersey Playing Field, Towersey 9th Five Fold Kiss, Shootpool, Aylesbury 9th Huggy Flares, Rivets, Aylesbury 9th Double Diamond Scooter Rally, Towersey 15th Leech, Shootpool, Aylesbury 16th Bustin Loose, Aristocrat, Aylesbury 16th Cats Whiskers, Rivets, Aylesbury 16th Rick Chase, The Bird In Hand, Princes Risborough 19th The Pepper Show, The Court Theatre, Tring 20th Nick Zala-Webb, The Oak, Aston Clinton 21st Matt Edwards Band, Tring Park Cricket Club, Tring 22nd Free State Revolution, Shootpool, Aylesbury 23rd Plan A, Victoria Club, Aylesbury 23rd Tiny Tina Rock & Blues Band, Bledlow Cricket Club, Bledlow 24th Smooth Operator, Anglers Retreat, Marsworth
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Turn it up! with Dan Mordente Snappy first single but what about the bass?!
Bryn album wait is over
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riday the 10th of June saw the release of Waiting – the debut album from young local solo artist, BRYN. Bryn Davis, 19, from Thame has spent the last 12 months selfrecording and self-producing his first full-length album. He signed to BFS Records in February 2016 and since then has been working alongside management to perfect the final product in a process that has included the re-mixing and re-mastering of the album. Bryn also marked this new chapter of his musical journey by re-branding his act simply to BRYN. The 9-track album is strikingly diverse, featuring delicate acoustic tracks such as Tell My Love and Silver Moment intertwined with thick, full-band arrangements on tracks such as I Need You and Falling. Album highlights include the eerily captivating My Love with its simplistic yet catchy chorus and the album-closer, which was also released as his debut single, Shooting Stars. This is perhaps the album’s most upbeat moment, which sees BRYN ditch the guitar, thickening the texture with vocal samples, keyboards and drum loops. Waiting is available now on iTunes, Amazon, and all good digital retailers. For more information about BRYN including upcoming shows and future releases, head to his facebook page at: www.facebook.com/bryndavismusic 29th Continuum Covers Band, Victoria Club, Aylesbury 29th The Brahmas, The Chandos Arms, Weston Turville 29th Squid, The White Swan, Whitchurch 30th Replica Rockaholics, Shootpool, Aylesbury 30th The Caution Horses, Aston Clinton School, Aston Clinton
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ast month I went to Aylesbury’s Limelight Theatre for Run With The Hunt’s headline show and amongst the support acts I discovered Aylesbury’s newest gem, Blushes. Blushes are a 4-piece, indiepop band that emerged as an extension of frontman - Bradley Ayres’s - solo project in February 2016. The band released their debut single - Crocodiles - on 30th March, providing the public with a soundbite of what to expect from the quartet. The song is largely characterised by charming girl-boy harmonies and catchy guitar riffs; devices that are both featured heavily throughout their collection of originals. Crocodiles opens with a simple yet catchy guitar riff that is repeated throughout the track without ever becoming boring, thanks to some clever ornamentation. The band avoids over complicating the track, instead focusing upon the strength of the vocals and the riff. It is the assertive girl-boy vocals that make this track particularly memorable. Tiffany Marie’s unique voice compliments Bradley’s lead vocals stunningly, and they utilise this extremely well, shifting from line-swapping to harmonies. The structuring of vocal duties on Crocodiles shows the aptitude of Blushes’ songwriting. Somewhat uniquely, Blushes’ line-up does not feature a bass guitarist: “I remember turning
up to Runway Studio to record Crocodiles and the first thing the engineer said was ‘so... where’s the bass?’ says Bradley. “Jacob (drummer) picked up a bass they had, worked out the notes and played the bass for the track in two takes.” Since recording the single, the bands have opted to have covocalist, Tiffany, play synth rather than invite a bassist to their line up. “The synth bass means we can be a little more versatile with our sounds and it also makes Tiff look cool as a cucumber on stage,” says Bradley. After seeing Blushes perform alongside Run With The Hunt and Haze last month, I can attest to the fact that the synth does add a certain versatility to the bands sound, however my one criticism of their live incarnation would be the lack of a bassist. The absence of bottom end was noticeable within their live sound and the addition of a bassist would allow for more creative usage of the synth, rather than simple bass notes. Despite this, it is fantastic to have another hardworking and passionate young act on the local scene and Blushes debut release is a strong indication of exciting things to come. Blushes follow-up single Medusa - came out on the 22nd of June, with a full length EP to come later in the year. To check them out, head to: www.facebook.com/catsandblushes
XYZ to rock town
Whether you enjoy watching or playing music there’s some rockin’ good times ahead in Aylesbury as XYZ Music Academy is about to hit town with a poptastic variety of exciting events and a new music school in the heart of the town...
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YZ Music Academy was founded two years ago by brothers Duncan and Michael Lee, at Westcott, near Waddesdon, as a music ‘Mecca’ where budding musicians could go to learn, rehearse, record and perform. XYZ was a natural progression from Duncan’s ‘Dunx Drum School’ launched at the same location in 2011 - it was an expansion into other instruments and a desire to create something special. In September XYZ aim to launch a second music facility in the centre of Aylesbury - upstairs at Aylesbury Music (www.amusic.co.uk) on Temple Street, where they will also offer tuition in guitar, keyboards
Duncan and students in action
Michael Lee (XYZ), Tony Burroughs of Aylesbury Music and Duncan Lee (XYZ) and drums. “We’ve got some exciting things happening in Aylesbury this summer,” says Duncan. “There’s Park Life on August 27th at which we’ll have a marquee with lessons running all day and on Sunday Sept 4th we’re having a music day in the town centre with bands and various activities. That will be a fundraiser
The UK ’s Summer Best M Festivals usic 20 The Teleg 16 raph The Thame Showground, Thame OX9 3JL
W
eeken Price fr d om
£110
Friday 26 August £40
Saturday 27 August £40
Wonder Stuff Billy Bragg The The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain Kate Rusby Steve Tilston & Jez Lowe Edward II • Kris Drever & Ian Carr
Nancy Kerr & James Fagan
Lynched • Rusty Shackle Josienne Clarke & Ben WalkeR Topette • Holy Moly & The Crackers
THE SWING COMMANDERS
Sunday 28 August £40
Monday 29 August £30
The Young’uns Midge Ure TradArrr • Roy Bailey Tom Robinson Band Nizlopi • Nell Bryden • 9Bach
Rory McLeod & The Familiar Strangers Conservatoire Folk Ensemble • Whapweasel
Andy Kershaw (MC) • Urban Folk Quartet FARA • The Elephant Sessions • Bruce Airhead Man Bob Fox (Song from Warhorse) • Jeramiah Ferrari
Book online
BOX OFFICE
www.towerseyfestival.com 01629 827016 Coverage on
for CHAT, the small Aylesbury based children’s charity. The money raised will help provide short term respite care from specialist nurses in the homes of local families with children who have serious ongoing health needs. We are also staging concerts at Waterside Theatre Second Space on Sept 10th and 11th and we’ll be doing taster lessons and generally spreading the word about our new
branch in Aylesbury.” To find out more about XYZ Music Academy, their Summer Programme (see below) and lessons at Aylesbury or Westcott see: www.xyzmusicacademy.com l XYZ Music Academy, Building 14, Westcott Venture Park, Westcott, HP18 0XB Tel: 01296 655929 E: admin@xyzmusicacademy.com W: www.xyzmusicacademy.com
Summer workshops & courses
at the XYZ Music Academy Rock Band Experience for Beginners: This is the perfect course for any beginner musician looking to gain some experience when playing in a band. The focus of the workshop is to learn a well known Rock/Pop song and rehearse/perform this song by the end of the day. The performance will be in front of friends and family so you’d better get your stage moves ready! Duration: 1 day from 10am-4pm. Dates of workshops: 22nd, 23rd and 24th of August (3 individual workshops)
Rock Band Experience Level 1:
(for students of grades 1-3) This workshop is for the slightly more experienced musician who’s looking to try their hand at being a ‘Rockstar’. This course requires students to compose a song within their newly formed bands, recording it and filming a music video! A very intense workshop but a great insight into a musicians lifestyle. Duration: 2 days from 10am-6pm. Dates of workshops: 25th and 26th of August. For enquiries on pricing please email: bookings@xyzmusicacademy.com OR visit www.xyzmusicacademy.com/workshops/rock-band-experience/
Music Discovery Week:
The MDW has been designed to offer children of all ages a chance to try their hand at several instrument over the course of the week. If the children wish to pursue an instrument then they will be able to enrol onto a course at XYZ Music Academy. Duration: 4 days (2 hour slots throughout the day) Dates of workshops: (30th of August to the 2nd of September) For enquiries on pricing please email: bookings@xyzmusicacademy.com OR visit: www.xyzmusicacademy.com/workshops/music-discovery-week/ Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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It may be the middle of summer but pantoland waits for no man! Those magical festive spectaculars don’t just happen you know, they take a bit of planning and although we are about as far from Christmas as you can get, preparations are already underway, but who, where, when...
Michelle Collins
La Voix 64
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Andy Collins
Jasmin Walia
irst Family Entertainment and Aylesbury Waterside Theatre have announced their panto-tastic cast for this year’s magical family production of Aladdin (Fri 9th to Sat 31st Dec) will star Michelle Collins as the Genie of the Ring! Michelle, best known for her iconic roles in popular soaps Eastenders and Coronation Street, will be making wishes come true by bringing all the magic of the Christmas season to life in Aylesbury’s much loved annual panto. Michelle says: “I love panto, and Aladdin has to be one of my absolute favourites! It’s the very best festive tradition where all of the family can come together to enjoy some good old fashioned fun and I hear that audiences in Aylesbury really go all-out to join in the silliness, so I’m really looking forward to spending time with you this Christmas!” Michelle will be in good company with a rib-tickling comedian, beautiful princess and award-winning Dame also taking to the festive stage. Bucks’ wishes been granted, and due to popular demand local funny man Andy
Collins will be returning to join Michelle, for his 6th year at the Waterside, as Aladdin’s cheeky and mischievous brother WisheeWashee. From Shakespeare to Stand Up, Clubland to Cabaret, MTV to CITV, Andy has done it all and says of his return to pantoland: “I can’t imagine Christmas without panto and I’m so happy to be back once again at my local venue. I just love the Waterside, and can’t wait to bring our special kind of fun to such fabulous audiences once more. Get ready people this year is going to be even bigger and better than before… and I refuse to be upstaged by a flying carpet!” Making her panto debut as her princess namesake is stunning TOWIE beauty Jasmin Walia who’s looking forward to bringing magic, sparkle and a whole lot of glamour to Aylesbury this Christmas, and not to be outdone in the glamour stakes and making up this perfect panto trio, prepare yourselves for larger-than-life ‘Dame Extraordinaire’ Britain’s Got Talent’s La Voix bursting onto stage as Aladdin’s long suffering mum, Widow Twankey.
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Aliens Love Underpants Ruthie Henshall appears as special guest in That’s Entertainment Tue 26 – Sat 30 July
Looking to pass the time between now and Christmas? Luckily the Waterside has plenty to quench your theatrical thirst throughout the summer with the perfect family show Aliens Love Underpants for ages 3+ providing the ideal summer holiday treat. Must- see all-singing, all-dancing feel-good extravaganza That’s Entertainment, starring special guest Ruthie Henshall (pictured right) ready to entertain the masses with a dazzling production which features 800 bulbs in the set, over a million sequins, more than 100 pairs of shoes and a multitude of glorious costume changes. For West End fans Chicago starring John Partridge is not to be missed, and for murder mystery enthusiasts be sure to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of John Partridge Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. So what are you waiting for, book now for these genie-us shows!
Coming up at The Waterside Your at-a-glance guide to what’s on...
The Mousetrap Visit the box office, call 0844 8717607* or visit: www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury* * Booking fees apply. Calls cost up to 7p per min plus your phone company’s access charge. l Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1UG Telephone Booking: 0844 871 7607 Website: www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury
Chaplin
Sun 26th Jun
Horrible Histories
Tue 28th Jun to Sat 2nd Jul
The Mousetrap
Mon 4th to Sat 9th Jul
Chicago
Mon 11th to Sat 16th Jul
Shadowlands
Mon 18th to Sat 23rd Jul
Andre Rieu’s 2016 Maastricht Concert
Sat 23rd & Sun 24th Jul
That’s Entertainment
Tue 26th to Sat 30th Jul
Aliens Love Underpants
Sat 6th & Sun 7th Aug
Jane McDonald
Thu 8th Sep
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Art in Action: Thursday 14th July to Sunday 17th July
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Art in Action presents final spectacular year after 40 years of showcasing and 40itsYEARS OFthisDEMONSTRATING demonstrating fine arts and craftsmanship from its home at Waterperry Gardens....
FINE ART AND CRAFTSMANSHIP WATERPERRY GARDENS, NEAR WHEATLEY, OXFORDSHIRE
WWW.ARTINACTION.ORG.UK
Art in Action at Waterperry Gardens
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very July, hundreds of artists, craftsmen, performers and musicians gather together in Waterperry Gardens to demonstrate their skills and show their work. Art in Action has been running since 1977 and the unique, world famous, demonstration and celebration of practical arts, which spreads across the lush lawns of Waterperry Gardens for four days in July will shortly return for one last time - a rare opportunity to witness the creative process at close quarters - painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, calligraphy, illustration, metalwork, jewellery, textiles, woodwork and much more... The world has changed a lot over the last 40 years to which this year’s new section, Digital Art, is testament. What has not changed is the brilliance and craftsmanship of the 400 demonstrators, teachers and exhibitors, the care and hospitality of the 600 volunteers that staff the show each day, and the resulting atmosphere. The event is organised and supported by the School of Economic Science, the charity that owns Waterperry House and Gardens. Almost all of the key volunteers who staff the show are members of the organisation or
are connected with it in some way. The event cannot happen without these people, and it is their service, that gives Art in Action its amazing atmosphere. However, in recent years, it has become increasingly difficult to staff the show and some of the key personnel are getting older and proving very difficult to replace. At the same time, there has been an increase in similar events, many inspired by Art in Action. Therefore, after a great deal of discussion, the decision has been taken to close the show, and go out on a high with one last hurrah. Art in Action is a fabulous event for all ages with lots to see and do, so don’t miss this last chance to experience the unique event and try your hand at everything from printmaking to pottery and enjoy observing the masters
of their crafts in action. This year the layout is slightly different - you will find Sculpture in the Walled Garden, a ZenDo tent by the river and a new entrance walk through the orchard. The Art Academy will be running an exciting interactive installation throughout the festival so that each visitor can make a unique contribution. Visit: www.artinaction.org.uk where you can book entry tickets and practical class tickets and find out how to volunteer. l Art In Action, Waterperry Gardens, Nr Wheatley / Worminghall, Oxon, OX33 1JZ (Satnav: OX33 1LA) Email: info@artinaction.org.uk Book online: www.artinaction.org.uk Book by phone: 020 7381 3192 Thur 14th - Sun 17th July, 2016: 10am-5.30pm
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Come and join in the fun as Aylesbury town centre plays host to a fantastic free event for youngsters each and every Thursday of the Buckinghamshire County Council school holidays...
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ow in their 7th year #Aylesbury Thursdays are popular with kids and parents alike, as they provide exciting and interesting activities to keep the kids busy , whilst parents can enjoy the fantastic range of cafes and restaurants in Aylesbury town centre - plus of course the two shopping centres and exciting range of independent shops! Aylesbury Thursdays aim to give children a chance to experience a range of activities that they would not normally get to do for free - from a mini farm to a Ninja Warrior course! This summer’s events taking place in Market Square or nearby Kingsbury are as follows: 28th July Magical Thursday (11am-3pm) in Market Square Catch zany Colonel Custard as he conjures up 3 spectacular award winning magic shows at 11.30am, 12.30 & 1.30pm for your pleasure. Watch him create amazing magic before you very own eyes. 4th August Farmongous Thursday (11am-3pm) in Market Square Kidsrome is a mobile farm that is coming to town, bringing along a miniature pony, donkeys, sheep goats, ducks, chickens, rabbits and a dog and much more. Spend time with the animals, stroke and feed them, as if you were down on the farm. 11th August Ninjatastic Thursday (11am-3pm) in Kingsbury Become a Ninja Warrior in this great adventure! Can you move with stealth
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Trina and Shamus
along this assault course without falling off, touching the floor and being helped in any way? Beat your friends against the clock and become a true Ninja. 18th August Thrill Seeking Thursday (11am-3pm) in Kingsbury Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to leap onto out giant stunt bag from 7 metres above the ground, then see if you have the stealth to weave through the security laser field in the Vault and retrieve the booty. Have you got what it takes? 25th August Driving Extravaganza Thursday (11am-3pm) in Market Square Test your driving skills in these iconic remote control Landies, built to celebrate the end of production of the Land Rover Defender. Drive over this purpose built off road course. Everyone loves a Landie but if this is too slow for you, have a go on the F1 Simulators and race against your friends.
1st September Tree Tops Thursday (11am-3pm) in Kingsbury Climb up on to the high ropes and see Kingsbury through the trees. Face the challenging activities that will test your skills. Then climb down get caught up in the Spider Mountain with a humungous slide! Burn off all that excess energy before you go back to school. Thursdays are Fabtastic in Aylesbury town centre, so why not bring your kids along and let them join in the free children’s activities? And keep your eyes open on other days during the school holidays for go karts, a carousel and free donkey rides in the town centre. There is a wide range of other activities in the town and more details can be found at: www.visitaylesbury.co.uk Aylesbury is sure to delight your children throughout the summer. l Events organised by Aylesbury Town Centre Partnership. Tel: 01296 585889 Email: dharrison@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/aylesburyvale
Wednesday 3rd August to Sunday 14th August
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Where there’s a Will...
Another Shakespeare-related event? Surely not? There must be other writers? No one does it quite like Pendley though and once again two of the bard’s finest works are to be staged al fresco in the Manor grounds, a most delightful setting and a most auspicious year...
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very summer for 67 years Pendley Festival Company have rehearsed and performed two plays in three weeks at Pendley Manor - each production a memorial to the life and genius of its creator. This year they have chosen two of his greatest plays, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Tempest, to mark 400 years since the great playwright’s death. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a farcical and dangerous play that is full of wonder. The course of true love never did run smooth and when our four lovers head into the woods outside Athens they have no idea of the mischief that is about to befall them. Now the playthings of the fairy band, they are tricked and troubled by mishap and misdirection. When they return to the court, some more scathed than others, it is the turn of some truly amateur performers to entertain them. The Tempest is a magical tale of loss and redemption. A shipwreck strands a group of Italian courtiers on an island, but soon they realise all is not as it seems. Authority is disrupted, nature is distorted and the past has returned with a vengeance. They will all learn something, as will the inhabitants of the island. They will each leave to enter their own brave new world. Shakespeare casts a spell over the island and audience alike. Join us for his finest fairy-tale. Pendley Plus is returning for another year as well. The programme of talks and seminars linked to the year’s plays has enjoyed greater success each year. The Thursday post-show Q&As with the cast and crew will remain in the same format and no doubt lead to the engaging exchanges that have been such a feature of previous Thursday nights. These events are a chance for the audience to discuss the plays, ask questions about our creative process and discover what happens behind the scenes. A range of excellent speakers and academics are being lined up for the Sunday seminars, with a couple of extra slots to allow a few sparky Shakespeareans with something provocative to say to take their rhetorical skills out for a spin. The Sunday performances
The Pendley stage Henry V (2015)
will be matinée performances again this year after the success of these timings at previous festivals. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of Shakespeare’s earlier comedies and the poetry of that play has elevated and enchanted audiences since its first performances,” says Festival Director Amy Johnson. “The Tempest was Shakespeare’s last solo-authored play and is a kind of farewell to the stage, reflecting on a life of theatrical magic and literary wizardry. Four centuries of unparalleled influence on global culture and bringing extraordinary pleasure to generations of readers and theatregoers deserves two magnificent productions of two blockbuster plays to commemorate his legacy. That is precisely what we intend to give
our audiences at this summer’s festival.” It is always a magical event, so don’t miss out - gather friends and family, pick a show (or why not see both?), and decide whether you would like to sit in the covered Belmont Stand or brave the elements as Shakespeare intended. The gates open two hours before the show begins, giving you plenty of time to have some drinks from the bar, tuck into a picnic in the stunning grounds of the hotel, or even have a meal in the award-winning Pendley Manor hotel restaurant. Join the Pendley Festival Company this summer for two spellbinding shows promising bold storytelling, laughter and a touch of magic. • A Midsummer Night’s Dream performances, directed by Peter Fanning & Peter Broad: Wednesday 3rd August to Sunday 7th August • The Tempest performances directed by Ben Price: Wednesday 10th August to Sunday 14th August l Pendley Shakespeare Festival, Pendley Manor, Tring, Hertfordshire, HP23 5QY Tickets: www.pendleyshakespearefestival.co.uk or from July 6th on: 01442 820060. E: boxoffice@pendleyshakespearefestival.co.uk For more info about Pendley Plus or to book for the seminars email: plus@pendleyshakespearefestival.co.uk Twitter: @pendleyshakes
Love’s Labours Lost (2013)
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Billed as ‘the biggest and most exciting boating event in Europe,’ The Thames Traditional Boat Festival takes place at Henley from July 15th-17th and is a fabulous spectacle of colour, fun and tradition, celebrating all that’s best in boatbuilding and craftsmanship from a bygone era...
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njoy a fun filled day out by the River Thames at Henley, this July, at the Thames Traditional Boat Festival. Marvel at the spectacular collection of vintage and classic boats and the fascinating period land and air exhibits and displays. Traditional boats are craft of any age, powered and unpowered, which employ traditional craft skills and materials in their construction. At the Festival you will find the very finest examples of boatbuilding skills, from slipper stern launches, gentlemen’s day launches, steam launches, river steamers, sailing craft, family river cruisers, vintage speedboats, skiffs, rowing boats, punts, unpowered and electric canoes, right through to vintage sea-going cruisers and many of the famous Dunkirk Little Ships which attend each year. These craft are powered by diesel, petrol, steam, electricity and of course human-power! Acres of wood, varnish, chrome and brass! There are also boats of special historical or D-Day Motor Torpedo constructional interest. Boat, a WWII RAF The festival attracted launch, Her Majesty’s more than 10,000 visitors rowbarge ‘Gloriana’, last year - it is the largest the largest gathering such event in Europe, of amphibious vehicles with over 200 traditional to date, vintage boats of all sorts and motorcycles, a Battle Severn punt and Cornish coracle of Britain Memorial sizes participating and for 2016 organisers promise Flight with WW1 Avro the popular, long running event, will be bigger & Fokker tri-planes, plus Aerobatics with Chang and better than ever, with more attractions on Gang and a return visit by Bluebird K3 the the water, in the air and on the land, than ever world famous water speed record-breaker. before. Add to this 1883 steam boat ‘Alaska’ a This year’s festival features the largest selection of Amphibious vehicles, The Army’s 7 display of traditional boats in Europe, the fleet Rifles and representatives of The Royal Navy of Dunkirk ‘Little Ships’ with MTB 102, a and The Marines plus lots more and you can see
Gloriana at last year’s Festival
it’s going to be quite a show! Even better, entry for under 18s is free! On site there’s catering and entertainment too with the return of the popular ‘Golden Ball’ pop-up pub, ‘Time for Tea’ vintage tearooms, Bill the Shepherd’s Lamb Roast, Daisy’s Vintage Ice Cream and more, but you are welcome to take a picnic if you prefer! Plus there will be live Jazz and period music with a big band on the Saturday evening. And don’t forget the shopping opportunities with everything from deck shoes to slipper launches on offer. The Festival has always been child-friendly and this year youngsters can have a go in traditional skiffs and canoes, watch a Punch & Judy show, or try the vintage fairground with rides and stalls for all the family, ‘pedal planes’ and a flight simulator. There is plenty of FREE parking and a FREE river ferry service run by Hobbs of Henley from various points along the river in and around Henley. Tickets on the gate are £10 Friday and £12 Saturday & Sunday. To find out more and book discounted tickets in advance, visit: www.tradboatfestival.com See the Thames Traditional Boat Festival Facebook page or follow @tradboatfest on Twitter. l Thames Traditional Boat Festival Fawley Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2HY www.tradboatfestival.com
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c d i o o F s u M Come Arts
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Henley Festival, the UK’s most glamorous boutique festival, returns to its stunning setting along the river in Henley-on-Thames, from 6th - 10th July 2016, and tickets are selling fast...
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enley Festival is the event of the summer. A chance to sip champagne and enjoy nice things to eat in splendorous marquees on the banks of the river. There’s international stars in concert on a floating stage, top quality comedy, street theatre, performing arts and all manner of musical entertainment. Your only problem is what to watch next! So dig out your DJ or cocktail dress and prepare for a stellar cast that this year includes: Elton John and His Band (opening the festival on Wednesday 6th); legendary multi-award winning singer-songwriter Elvis Costello & The Imposters(on Thursday 7th); legendary Welsh Opera singer Bryn Terfel performing with the Welsh National Opera Orchestra (on Friday 8th); Dame Shirley Bassey and Brit-Award winning vocal group BLAKE (on Saturday 9th); and bringing the event to a close (on Sunday 10th), international pop celebrity and local resident, Will Young. New this year will be legendary jazz club Ronnie Scott’s. Here you will be able to sit at cabaret club tables and watch performances by Ronnie Scott’s Allstars under the guidance of Jazz maestro James Pearson, while waiters discretely serve cocktails and show-stopping food. Meanwhile famous nightclub, Heaven, will be bringing sister club Pure to the festival, kicking off the dancing each night as soon as the headline act finishes on the floating stage The comedy lineup is huge this year boasting a programme of red hot British comedians including: Al Murray, Reginald D Hunter, Nina Conti, Dillie Keane, Richard Herring, Adam Kay, The Boy with Tape on His Face, Hal Cruttenden, Simon Evans and more, all promising to keep the laughs coming thick and fast. On the food front Michelin starred chef Daniel Clifford will be taking the reins of Europe’s biggest field restaurant, and creating a bespoke tasting menu with which to serve
Elton John 950 covers a night at the Riverside Restaurant! Daniel was AA Chefs’ chef of the year in 2015 and his restaurant ‘Midsummer House’ in Cambridge holds two Michelin stars, he is one of the best chefs in Britain. For festival goers who prefer to eat on the go, there are plenty of other food options, including festival stalwart, Paul Clerehugh of the excellent Crooked Billet at Stoke Row, who will be offering fantastic British food using locally sourced seasonal ingredients in his pop-up gastro pub. Don’t spend too long dining though - some prefer to picnic in the car park beforehand - as you may miss some of the amazing entertainment, art and street theatre taking place across the festival site. Cabaret stars, buskers and entertainers abound - from deeply silly giant kangaroos to a lifelike family of gorillas, a troupe of hairy angels and a provocative exhibition of hair art. The UK’s leading circus technology troops will also be on hand with a dazzling show of LED lit circus and cabaret performances as part of the all new Digital Cabaret in the brand new Big Top stage. From neon lit flapper girls and fairy dust ballet dancers, to mesmerising digital hoops and juggling displays, fans of La Clique, La Soirée and Cirque de Soleil will not be disappointed! Add a stunning display of visual art by
some of the UKs most exciting contemporary artists, including Shirley Bassey & Blake immersive outdoor light installations, gigantic sculptures and a string of pop-up galleries and you are beginning to understand why this is such a must see event for culture vultures and party animals alike! And Sunday at Henley Festival is Family Day, when kids can enjoy the festival site and interact with children’s entertainers, while parents relax and enjoy the stunning festival grounds. Don’t delay though, get your ticket today as some evenings have already nearly sold out. l Henley Festival, Henley Bridge, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2LY Tickets from £35 T: 01491 843404 E: info@henley-festival.co.uk W: www.henley-festival.co.uk Facebook: /HenleyFestival Twitter: @henleyfestival Car park opens: 4.30pm Festival gates at 6pm
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Column: Showtime! with Shaun Nolan
Go ‘Under the Sea’ with me!
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here’s a big month ahead in the theatre calendar, for as summer begins to shine its way into our schedules, we have new shows in the Vale and the West End to attract audiences into the auditoriums. Most notably this month, for me at least, The Court Theatre at Pendley, Tring is staging a production of The Little Mermaid... and I’m in it! Brought together by my fantastic friends at Tring Festival Company, a whole host of young people - including myself - are taking to the stage from July 26th to July 30th to bring the classic Disney fairytale to life. As someone who has taken part in these shows at Tring from a young age, it’s wonderful to be surrounded by other young people embracing amateur dramatics in the Vale as well. If the kids can’t wait for The Little Mermaid at Tring, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre is looking forward to the arrival of Horrible Histories at the end of this month (June 28th-July 2nd). Groovy
Shaun Nolan Showtime!
The Little Mermaid plays The Court Theatre, Pendley Greeks and Incredible Invaders play in reparatory throughout the week. If you’re more in the market for shows appealing to the adults of the family, the national tour of The Mousetrap - the longest running play in the world at its London residence - pays a visit to Waterside the week after (July 4th-9th). If a musical is more your style though, the UK tour of Chicago is at Waterside a few weeks later, starring John Partridge of EastEnders and Corrie favourite Hayley Tamaddon. I saw Chicago at Milton Keynes
Into The Woods Theatre a few months back and thoroughly enjoyed the show Hayley Tamaddon in particular is absolutely fantastic! In the West End this month, they’re just as busy as we are in the Vale. Pixie Lott comes into town as Holly Gollightly in a new stage production of Breakfast at Tiffany’s (30th June-17th September at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket). If you’re looking for musicals though, you’re spoilt for choice: Into The Woods comes to London, following a stint in New York, and is on, from July 1st, at the Menier
Celebrate LET’S
It’s the celebrations like birthdays, christenings, naming ceremonies, retirement parties and wedding anniversaries that bring families and friends together. That’s why at Holiday Inn Aylesbury we like to make your celebration special. Our attractive restaurant and private dining rooms can accommodate any party comfortably, from the smallest to the largest. For your bespoke event you can choose a buffet or sit down meal for your guests and our professional team are always on hand to help your celebration run smoothly. We can also offer special accommodation rates for friends and family who have travelled a long way to celebrate with you. Prices start from just
£13.50 per person Please call 01296734031 or email events@hinnaylesbury.com 72
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Chocolate Factory, while Jesus Christ Superstar (July 15th-August 27th) is at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and The Bodyguard (from July 15th) at the Dominion Theatre); the latter stars Beverley Knight in the stage return of the movie musical that boosted Whitney Houston’s celebrity status. Whether it’s in the Vale or in the West End, there’s plenty to see, so wherever you go, drop me a tweet and let me know what you thought Happy Theatre-going! l Shaun Nolan is a London theatre blogger who not only writes for himself, but is also the lead Blogger for London theatre company LondonTheatreDirect. You can find him at @shaunycat on Twitter.
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
The Shepherd’s Crook at Crowell is a charming country pub, full of old oak beams and character. It had closed but has been taken on by a young couple who hope locals will flock back for their warm welcome, wholesome food and quality ales...
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he tiny hamlet of Crowell, near Chinnor has had a public house for at least 250 years and probably more. Records state that a Martha Floyd was licensed as an innkeeper in 1753 and lived in a house on the Shepherd’s Crook site. A map of 1797 shows the house as a fully fledged pub, but in 1859 a fire destroyed several properties in the village, including the pub, leaving eight families homeless. The present pub, originally called The Catherine Wheel, was built shortly after this fire and dates from around 1860 for it was rebuilt in time to be recorded on the 1861 census. The Catherine Wheel became The Shepherd’s Crook in 1991 and has a pretty position next to the 12th Century village church, overlooking a small green at the foot of the Chiltern Hills escarpment. New owners Milan and Gosia are from Ealing and have been looking for a place to take on in a rural location. “The Shepherd’s Crook is in a lovely location,” says Milan. “and it’s got a great little flat upstairs. We have the use of the green and our terrace at the front for when the weather is good and when it’s not it’s a nice cosy pub
The Shepherd’s Crook
Milan and Gosia
inside. It’s going to be a challenge but we want to make a go of it, as much for the local community as for ourselves. We think it’s a shame some are losing their pubs and this is such a lovely place, we didn’t want to see it disappear. All are welcome, we’re a family pub, child friendly and dog Chef Nathan friendly and we’re hoping we can support local businesses and organisations and the local church too and they will support us. “We’ve only been open a few weeks but already people are coming in. We’ve been lucky enough to find a great chef, Nathan, who is preparing food to a really high standard and we have an Aunt Sally team, so things are looking good!” “I just fell in love with this place when I saw it,” says Gosia who is originally from Poland. “I’m very happy we are here. Already we are having people come in for meals and we have met some really nice local people who are becoming regulars. “We have local XT beer and a guest ale on the pumps, a nice wine selection, all the usual drinks you might want and very good food.” The Shepherd’s Crook Village Pub and Kitchen menu is very reasonably priced with dishes such as Pan Fried Chicken Supreme
stuffed with a Mushroom Mousse, served with Carrot Purée and Dauphinoise Potatoes (£12); Slow Roasted Pork Belly served with Creamed Mash, Black Pudding Bon Bons and Cider Gravy (£13); or Beef Burger topped with Smoked Bacon and Cheddar Cheese served with chips and relish (12). There’s starters such as Asparagus served with Parmesan, Balsamic, Poached Egg and Olive Crumb (£7); or Ham Hock Terrine with Beetroot Jelly and Pickled Radish (£7); and Desserts such as Chocolate Brownie; or Apple Crumble for £6 and the option of lunchtime paninis served with a side salad and optional chips for £6/£8 (chips £1.50). “We are planing some live music events,” says Milan, “We have a Jazz and Soul night on Sat, July 23rd and we are organising themed nights too. l The Shepherd’s Crook, The Green, Chinnor, Oxfordshire OX39 4RR Tel; 01844 355266 Open 12-11pm every day. Food 12-9pm Tue-Sat & 12-4pm Sun.
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Column: Nick Coffer ‘In the kitchen’
Classic Kedgeree
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any of the chefs and cooks on my Weekend Kitchen show are great characters with brilliant stories. Take Turan Turan, who runs classes about food smoking and curing in Great Linford, Milton Keynes. Thirty years a London firefighter, his new career involves a much safer form of smoke! One of my favourite dishes involving smoked fish has to be a classic kedgeree and Turan made a beautiful one for the show fragrant, balanced, delicate and delicious hot or cold.
In the kitchen Nick Coffer
Ingredients: Serves 4
Classic Kedgeree
450ml water 350g cold smoked haddock loin (store-bought or made using the method above) 170g long grain rice 2 large free range eggs 2 tomatoes seeded and chopped 2 spring onions 12mm of fresh ginger peeled and grated 2 tbsp mild or medium curry powder 1 tbsp black mustard seeds
2 bay leaves 2 handfuls of fresh coriander leaves 1 clove garlic, grated 1 red chilli finely chopped. Juice of half a lemon 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 tsp butter 1 tsp salt In a pan of boiling water, hard boil the eggs for 10 minutes and cool under water. If your haddock is not cooked,
you’ll need to poach it. In a shallow pan of simmering water add the cold smoked haddock and bay leaves, cover and simmer for about five minutes. Remove the haddock from the pan and leave to cool. Carefully remove the skin and flake the fish. Set this aside. Heat a pan with a glug of oil and the butter then add the ginger, onion and garlic. Soften for five minutes and add the curry powder,
Open: Tuesday: 6pm-11pm Wednesday-Friday: 11am-2.30pm & 5.30pm-11pm Saturday: 11am-11pm Sunday: 12noon-4pm
mustard seeds, rice and salt coating the rice with the melted ingredients. Add the water to the rice and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the rice is cooked and the water has been absorbed. Quarter the hard boiled eggs, Add the flaked haddock to the rice and mix in the coriander and chilli. Stir gently and place in a warm serving dish. Garnish with the eggs and remaining coriander and serve. 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.
4 Pound Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6EJ Tel: 01296 622092 katrina@trescorazones.co.uk
Now open in Wendover: Tapas Bar & Restaurant · Wine Bar · Par ties · Functions · Meetings
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT TRES CORAZONES Gourmet Sherry Evening! Tuesday 5th July, 7pm: learn about sherr y from Delgado Zuleta - 5 tapas matched to 5 sherries plus glass of Cava on arrival - £35
Paella Sunday Choose from a selection of Paellas freshly prepared ever y Sunday, as well as our full menu. 12noon–3pm
Menu Del Dia 3 Tapas from Menu Del Dia for £10.95 Wednesday-Friday 11.30am-2.30pm
Go continental! Bi-fold door s and patio heater s mean you can enjoy drinks & tapas al fresco!
Banqueting suite Book our Banqueting suite for Business Meetings, Bir thdays, Weddings & more... Private suite, ideal for up to 50 people. Visit our website to see Banquet Menus available. Bookings now being taken for Christmas par ties!
www.trescorazones.co.uk | www.facebook.com/TresCorazonesLimited 74
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Win a meal at Coco Tamarind C
oco Tamarind Fine Indian Dining Restaurant and Takeaway at Askett, near Princes Risborough, has an enviable reputation for great food and service. New owner, Kazi Hasan and his wife Faria, have overseen a stylish refurbishment of the restaurant and bar and from the newly fitted kitchens mouthwatering recipes are being added to the menu, all served with the kind of presentation and friendly attentive service you’d expect in only the very finest restaurants. The food is freshly prepared each day, so special dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for (although advance notice of these is always helpful) and ingredients are sourced for quality and freshness and where possible bought locally. They have a charcoal tandoori clay oven for creating authentic tandoori dishes and the chefs make all their own marinades and spice mixes from scratch. The food is very good, delicious in fact, with subtlety of flavour and stunning presentation and the naan breads are the best the Vale Life team has ever eaten - and we’ve had a few in our time!
Canaletto at Kingswood
“I’ve worked in many restaurants,” says Hasan “and I’ve taken note of what customers like and what could be done better. Here at Coco Tamarind I am putting my knowledge to work to create a wonderful experience for diners.” Coco Tamarind has its own car park
and a pleasant outside decking and garden area for al fresco dining and barbecues in the summer months. Inside the new decor, is fresh, stylish and contemporary, cleverly combining traditional Indian elements with clean modern lines and some very effective lighting. There’s jazzy
carpet and a fascinating bubble screen and subtle coloured lighting panels, which gently ebb and flow through a variety of atmospheric shades. I love the Indian globe ceiling lights, casting their patterns and the fresh flowers, modern art and traditional ornaments, which look great together. Coco Tamarind has raised the bar for Indian restaurants in our area while keeping prices competitive - it’s well worth a visit. If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a meal for two with a bottle of house wine at Coco Tamirind, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Who are the new owners of Coco Tamarind? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by July 31st, 2016. l Coco Tamarind, Aylesbury Road, Askett, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 9LY Tel: 01844 343111 / 01844 346100 Web: www.cocotamarindhp27.co.uk Open 7 days: 12-2pm & 5.30-11pm
canaletto Authentic family-run Italian Restaurant and Public House Authentic family-run Italian Restaurant and Public House
To book, call: 01296 770251, visit us, or see our website: www.canalettorestaurant.com To book, call: 01296 770251, visit us, or see our website: www.canalettorestaurant.com
New menus recently launched! New menus recently 14.95 launched! Set Lunch (Tue - Sat): 2 Courses: / 3 Courses 18.95 Set Lunch (Tue Sat): 2 Courses: 14.95 Set Dinner (Tue - Thu): 2 Courses 19.95 // 33 Courses Courses 18.95 23.95 Set Dinner (Tue Thu): 2 Courses 19.95 / 3 Courses Sun Lunch: 2 Courses 19.95 / 3 Courses 23.95 23.95 Sun Lunch: 2 Courses 19.95 / 3 Courses 23.95
Open Tue to Sun for lunch (12.00pm to 2.30pm) and Tue to Sat for dinner (6.30pm to 9.30pm) Open Tue to Sun for lunch (12.00pm to 2.30pm) and Tue to Sat for dinner (6.30pm to 9.30pm) @CanalettoKwood /CanalettoKingswood Canaletto @CanalettoKwood /CanalettoKingswood Canaletto Canaletto, Bicester Road, Kingswood, Nr Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0RB Canaletto, Bicester Road, Kingswood, Nr Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0RB Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
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l Column: Jacqui
Thorndyke ‘Foodie On Tour’
Sorry for being slow!
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’m a slow eater. And when I say slow, I mean reeeeeeally slow. So slow that dining companions ALWAYS finish before me. On holiday in a lovely part of Suffolk my husband once managed to consume five pints of ale (not in a hurry) while waiting for me to finish a ploughman’s salad. True story. In my defence though, it was an extraordinarily good ploughman’s, with three types of cheese, three chutneys, three breads and three cheeses. There were just so many flavour combinations to try! Friends often tell me to stop chatting during meals just so they don’t have to wait ages for me to finish my meals. It’s not something I do on purpose though; I just seem to take much longer than everyone else. Or at least I used to take longer than everyone else. That was until my children came along. First up was Dillon, my sensitive, old soul, emotional one, who is
never really all that hungry, until His eating can go on for ages, about half an hour after mealtimes course after course, yet he still gets when the constant stream of distracted - running off to get juice, “Muuuuum, I’m huuuuuuungry” arguing with his brother over who begin. That lasts until about five has the biggest chip, or fighting over minutes before the the last grape. Jacqui pauses between next mealtime. He Karma has literally mouthfuls, again... picks at meals, gets turned around and distracted and does bitten me on the arse. anything other than I’m getting payback just sit and eat his for years of torture food. It’s absolutely inflicted on others at tortuous as a parent to the dinner table. I watch. now have to sit there Harry came next, watching two little my crazy, raucous, human beings pick cheeky one. Mealtimes and poke at their food, with Harry are a reign their focus back messy affair, with his in when it’s wandered preference to keep using his hands for the millionth time, school to eat everything despite numerous them on table manners and the cutlery reminders - from Spaghetti importance of not poking forks Bolognese to houmous. He’s always in each other’s eyes, while filling hungry, including at mealtimes, up juice bottles every flipping 10 when he’ll happily polish off all seconds (or so it seems). of his food, then Dillon’s leftovers, So here, in writing, I would like plus seconds and pudding if he’s to formally and humbly apologise allowed. He’s like a human dustbin. to all of my eating companions over
Jacqui Thorndyke
the years, for the collective hours you spent by my side, willing me to eat faster, gritting your teeth every time I laid down my knife and fork to sip on a drink, talking endlessly in an attempt to stop me from delaying the meal yet further by getting a word in. I now know how you felt, and I’m wholeheartedly sorry. Now who fancies having my kids over for dinner so I can have a quiet (and lengthy) meal? l For local food and restaurant reviews and recommendations, visit www.foodieontour.co.uk, or follow Jacqui on Twitter @FoodieOnTour. Email: foodieontour@yahoo.co.uk
Nominated Free House Pub of the Year Bucks Food & Drink Awards 2016 Nominated The Cateys Awards Menu of the Year 2016 - innovation, seasonal produce, creativity, ingredients, value for money. From violette artichokes to rare breed beef, we use around 70 organic ingredients from our very own Pointer Farm in our menus. Come and join us for lunch or dinner.
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Take a trip back in time to Berkhamsted’s quirky Café in the Attic, where traditional afternoon tea comes with vegan options and the tasty breakfast & lunch menus are equally inclusive in outlook...
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afé in the Attic is a light, airy and welcoming vintage café and tea room situated on the top floor of the Home & Colonial Antiques Centre in Berkhamsted. Making your way up through three floors of fascinating curiosities and vintage paraphernalia just adds to the atmosphere - it’s like stepping back in time and then reaching the top you enter Café In The Attic, with its stunning views out over Berkhamsted High Street and equally pleasing vistas of mouthwatering cakes and scones within! There’s freshly baked cakes (created in the Cafe kitchen), Milkshakes (made with Beechdean ice cream), Smoothies and the Café’s own special brand coffees - freshly roasted and blended for them Vegan breakfast by a local supplier Smiths and available to take away as beans or ground as well, if you wish. For tea fans there’s a refreshingly large choice, from loose leaf tea, black teas, green teas, white and Oolong teas, herbal and fruit infusions such as: Goji Berry & Pomegranate, Red Berry, or Pink Grapefruit, there’s Lemon & Ginger, or fresh Mint Tea, all served in pretty vintage china As well as the fabulous cakes, there’s an enticing breakfast and lunch menu with vegan options: “All our food is made to order using locally sourced ingredients and lovingly prepared while you wait in our cosy Attic kitchen,” says John Warbrick, who with Kylie Lincoln owns this and two other popular cafés at Wendover Woods (Café In The Woods) and in Aston Clinton Park (Café In The Park). “We try to cater for all dietary requirements and reflect this in our menus, but we can also prepare dishes to individual customer needs just ask - and any dish on our menu can also be served as a child’s portion. “Pat, George our chef and the team here are doing a great job. It’s a small kitchen but they manage extremely well. George has been
mushrooms, baked beans and your choice of poached or scrambled eggs and is served with a choice of white, granary, rye or gluten-free toast to mop up all of those flavours! A great start to any day and served until 1.30pm, or all day on Sundays! “We aim to be a bit different, to make John and chef George a visit here special and pride ourselves on our friendly, attentive service and developing some exciting interesting menu. We source our new recipes, especially for ingredients locally where possible - meat our vegan and gluten free selection. We’ve just launched Berry Crumble Cake from Eastwoods, bread from Darvell & Sons Bakery, Chiltern Coldpressed Oil from a delicious summer menu Tring. We have a full licence and a good and in addition there are daily relationship with Berkhamsted’s Haresfoot specials - usually a choice of Brewery - their Lockkeeper’s Ale is a crucial soups, salads and lunches ingredient in our popular Welsh Rarebit! plus fun extras like British “We accept bookings for tables of four and strawberries and cream for above and it can get busy at lunchtime, so do Wimbledon!” phone ahead for larger parties. We are also The Café’s afternoon tea happy to cater for baby showers, hen parties is particularly good value and celebrations, just get in touch and let us it includes your choice of know what you have in mind.” sandwich, a choice of cake and a scone (fruit, plain or gluten-free and l Café in the Attic, Home & Colonial, 134 High freshly baked that day) with clotted cream and Street, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 3AT jam. It’s attractively served on a vintage cakeTel: 01442 878713 Web: www.cafeintheattic.co.uk stand with a tea or coffee of your choice, all Facebook: /cafeintheattic for £12.50 per person. Twitter: @cafeinthe_attic “Our vegetarian breakfast is always 9.30am-5pm Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5.30pm on Sats popular.,” says John, “It includes home& 11am-5pm on Suns. Breakfasts to 1.30pm made vegan sausage, grilled tomato, garlic each day and all day Sundays!
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Column: Sandra Smith ‘Our Creative Vale’
Engineer has light touch
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ngineering isn’t a typical forerunner to art. True, both disciplines involve drawing. The ability to identify and highlight detail is also a shared skill. Similarities may end there but Wendover’s Graham Jefford confesses an ongoing battle to shake off the influence of a former career. He should discard any niggling self criticism, however, for his gift of capturing light and shadow manifests itself in paintings of extraordinary depth that showcase a current talent rather than past occupation. “I’m desperate to get away from doing fine detail stuff,” he insists. “Sometimes I feel I’ve done an engineering drawing in oil paint but I’m trying to let my style evolve without forcing it.” Devoting time to painting after retiring a decade ago, Graham initially favoured watercolour. Then one day he decided to give oils a
l
on summer mornings and evening townscapes I’m repeatedly drawn to one common feature, a characteristic which governs the modest artist’s choice of subject. “The one thing that probably does it is the quality of light. I can see a pile of old junk and if the sun happens to shine on it, that’s a picture. My subject matter hasn’t Graham Jefford changed much but I’m learning how to use oil paint. The perceived try. “In many ways they are poles wisdom is to buy the best which I apart but I was hooked! I read a few books, did some workshops then did to start with but I was scraping away expensive paint by the tube plugged away.” full. Conscious of cost and waste His well organised studio, filling (it’s in my DNA), this became one corner of the garden, is lined inhibiting. I needed to experiment with paintings at various stages more so I bought big tubes of of completion. Here any creative cheaper paint. Then I was prepared uncertainty is handled by putting to play with it. With just a few tubes aside canvases for days, weeks, you can mix whatever colour you even months, the break providing want.” objectivity. Such perseverance has paid Whilst studying shelves of indoor off. Personal frustrations may life studies, close ups of buildings
Column: Janice Issitt ‘Making the most of it’
Turning Japanese! T he minimalist designs, the excellence in detail, the absolute brilliance in techniques, all these go to make Japanese design, whether its textiles or ceramics. So when I spotted the work of Wendy Johnson in the brochure for Bucks Open Studios, I contacted her straight away and asked if I could visit her studio. The photos that I saw of ‘Raku’ pottery were breathtaking and up close, the work does not disappoint. Wendy teaches pottery from her studio in Great Missenden and holds weekly and weekend courses. She has many types of kilns for different styles of work, including the highly specialist Raku kiln and special outdoor firing bins. Raku is the ancient Japanese firing technique that goes through several processes. First the bisque item is fired in a traditional electric kiln, then prepared with a further layer of ‘slip’ (liquid clay) over which the Raku glaze is applied. It is then placed in the outdoor
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Creative Vale
Sandra Smith persist but the natural, accessible aura of Graham’s compositions renders them far removed from any engineering influence. Why not see for yourself how light bathes and reflects his many subjects? Exhibiting as part of Bucks Open Studios (“A rewarding experience”) Graham will welcome visitors between 11-26 June. www.grahamjefford.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
Janice Issitt
Wendy Johnson
kiln and after reaching the right temperature, placed in a sawdust container. After cooling, the still very hot work is removed from the sawdust and the slip resist coating peels away to reveal the protected white clay body underneath. Any areas without ‘resist’ carbonize leaving black designs on the piece. The finish is almost like marble, traditionally in black and white, it is not a high shine but a beautiful matt or eggshell. Wendy has studied this technique
Making the most of it place during all the stages of her work. It is a combination of skill and practice that makes her work so stunning. Wendy is a real artist who has taken this subject to a highly professional level and is one of the 600 artists taking part in this year’s Open Studios event during June: www.bucksopenstudios.org.uk If you can’t make it along during Open Studios you can arrange to meet Wendy to buy and commission, or even learn. See her website at: www.wendyjohnson.co.uk
Wendy’s work on display at her studio in great detail and knows about the exact scientific process that takes
l Read Janice’s blog at: http:// janiceissittlifestyle.blogspot.co.uk where she posts photo tutorials about things to make and lovely pictures of life in the Vale.
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Column: Penny Harper ‘Thoughts of a small town girl’
Fete worse than death
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he Vicarage Garden Party was THE summer event to go to when I was little. In my childlike mind it was the perfect combination of food you shouldn’t eat, fake furry mammals you shouldn’t splat with a hammer and objects you must not throw. Every year was the same: just the right amount of sunburn to leave you with a warm glow for the rest of the week, but not so much that you actually keeled over from sun stroke… although I am pretty sure that was the fate, at the fete, of Johnny - son of Mr Mayes, the Rocking Rev’ - one year. It was a chance to lob a wet sponge at your teacher; an opportunity to eat coconut straight out of the shell, and a reason to dress up like an Ewok without drawing any funny looks. It’s this rose-tinted nostalgic view I foster that I now blame for the violent bout of food poisoning my (then) boyfriend and I suffered. Having taken a wrong turn down memory lane, via the village fete, we made the somewhat catastrophic
mistake of sharing a cream cake. Jollied along by a few pints of cider and persuaded by the local Brownies (I will never trust a Brownie again) to part with our last £2, we unwittingly tucked into the ‘cream slice of impending doom’ as we strolled along, hand in hand enjoying the last few rays of evening sunshine. It was a few hours later that disaster struck. First him, then me. There was an eruption in our house that night that made Vesuvius look like a burst pimple. Hours and hours of running backwards and forwards to our miniscule bathroom (with one toilet) and we definitely knew a bit more about each other. It was akin to the great Spanish tortilla disaster of 1998 when I begged an Andalusian hotel concierge to smash me over the head with a bottle of sangria to put me out of my misery (he refused) and then told my irate Dad over the phone that it didn’t matter that I’d lent my unreliable boyfriend (a different one) a substantial chunk of my grant money, because I’d almost certainly be dead by the morning.
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If anyone ever says to you, “I think I had food poisoning” they are lying. You don’t THINK you have food poisoning; you KNOW you have food poisoning. If you’re not sure what caused it then think back to everything you have eaten in the last few hours. If you can’t think of the food item without being sick in your mouth then that’s the culprit. Please don’t ever mention ‘cream cakes’. By the morning we were mere shadows of our former selves. I was freelancing and so working from home but my poor boyfriend was doing a breakfast shift at the local radio station. In between up-chucking he was making frantic calls for most of the night to try and find someone to cover him but alas, as so often was the case, no one was answering their phone. At 5am he unpeeled himself from the bathroom floor and headed into work, looking like he had just gone ten rounds with Mike Tyson. At about 7am I dragged my broken body down into the kitchen to make some ginger tea. As I got to the sofa
Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016
Penny Harper
Small Town
Girl
I slipped and poured the whole mug down my dressing gown, scalding my left side and leaving me a sobbing mess. At that moment, the boyfriend texted me. The conversation went something like this: Him: R U O K? (Are you OK?) Me: No. I have just scalded myself making ginger tea. I am in pain and my dressing gown is soaking wet. Him: You think that’s bad… I’ve just soiled myself, live on air! Never trust a Brownie bearing cream cakes. That’s all I have left to say.
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l Column: Alan Candy’s Altomobiles
Here’s mud in your eye Jeep Renegade 2.0 MultiJet II
J
eep, known globally for its mud-plugging, has now successfully plugged a gap in the market. It seems so simple, it makes you wonder why other manufacturers haven’t woken up to the idea. Jeep’s Renegade is the new funky and chunky on-demand 4x4 that has more or less got a whole market sector to itself the compact, high riding true four-wheel drive. Yes, there are plenty of 4x4s
Alan Candy’s
AltomobilES on the market, but very few that look and operate like a real field adventurer with a small footprint. I would argue that the
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Renegade’s ‘rivals’ such as the Nissan Qashqai, Renault Kadjar and Skoda Yeti are more car-like offerings, even though they are 4x4s. The budget Dacia Duster and perennial evergreen Suzuki Jimny are more ‘conventional’ looking, high riding 4x4s - but the Renegade knocks them all into a tin hat when it comes to versatility, character, heritage and sheer driveability. Continued on page 82
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T i re d of M a i n Dea le r P r i ce s ? We can service your car and m aint ain your warranty by using genuin e par ts and oil and working to your m anufacturer’s guidelin es. l l l l l l
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l Column: Alan Candy’s Altomobiles solid and engaging, the car corners with conviction and ride quality is excellent. Best of all is the on demand 4x4 set-up - choose from Auto/Snow/ Sand/Mud. The Italian-built Renegade is a triumph for the small is beautiful brigade and its adventurous nature and go-anywhere attitude makes it compelling driving. There’s mud in your eye for its rivals.
Continued from page 80 The model I have been testing, the Jeep Renegade 2.0 MultiJet II Limited 140hp 6-Speed (£23,995) is just the sort of quirky, characterful, bludgeoning mini 4x4 I have been looking for. For starters, it has standout looks that blow the rest away. From the seven-port mini grilles on the near vertical nose to the rounded, turret rear window, Renegade demands attention. Wheel arches are squared off, flanks scooped and there is a ton of protective cladding around the lower parts of the body. And who needs crazy, pretentious lights when you can have simple, traditional circular ones like the Jeep? Truth is, designers have been so up themselves that they have forgotten that keeping it simple is often best. Inside, the Renegade oozes charm and character, with plenty of quality. The Mojave Sand coloured test car was decorated inside in cream,
Jeep Renegade 2.0 MultiJet II brown and orange, with space-age squared off oddments spaces and a chunky, feelgood leather wrapped Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer steering wheel. A no-nonsense, touchscreen media centre is as simple as ABC to operate and I actually like the brown mud splash graphic that replaces the traditional red line zone of the rev counter. With mud in mind, brown
seems to suit the Renegade’s tough interior, mirrored in the surprisingly roomy and useful luggage area. On the road, the 2.0 turbodiesel engine has an addictive, sporty soundtrack which cracks along nicely and cruises smoothly. It also leaves vehicles like the Jimny for dead when it comes to driving satisfaction - steering is
Factfile: Model tested: Jeep Renegade 2.0 MultiJet II Limited 140hp 6-Speed. Price: £23,995. Engine: 4-cyl diesel unit of 1,956cc, 140bhp @ 3,750rpm. Transmission: Six-speed manual. Drive: 4x4. Performance: 0-62mph in 9.5 secs. Towable weight - braked: 1500kg. Economy: Combined 55.4mpg. CO2 emissions: 134g/km. Dimensions (mm): length 4236; width 1805; height 1684.
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Jeep Renegade 2.0 MultiJet II
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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016 83 03/11/2012 09:32
l Column: On
The Road
Little cracker SUZUKI VITARA S
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here’s no simple recipe for making a good car better - but Suzuki seem to have come up with a vital ingredient. Their all new Vitara has been a hit for the Japanese manufacturer since its launch last year. Now it’s been given a vital spark - or more accurately, a boost - in the pleasing shape of the Vitara S and its new 1.4 litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine. Quite simply, it’s a little cracker. Its 140ps gives it a wide spread of torque from a lowly 1500rpm, and there’s 17 per cent more power available over the more widely chosen till now 1.6 petrol unit. The latest powerplant is the first application of Suzuki’s new BOOSTERJET technology which utilises a small displacement, high torque turbocharger and it
Rob Auchterlonie
ON The Road really is a serious improvement. There’s a definite step forward in how it shifts which, coupled with the light controls at your feet and fingertips, makes it an easy car to pilot around. If you’re a bit on the vigorous side then you might welcome a bit more support from the seats, but they’re fine for everyday driving. On the fuel front, I failed miserably to get anywhere close to the claimed combined figure, and am still scratching my head why on that count. Coupled with a responsive six speed automatic box, as this one was, the Vitara proved to be
Suzuki Vitara S more than adept in all the traffic conditions encountered during its spell here. Especially with its stop start technology - used to the full trying to get through a gridlocked town to watch 100 points going up on the scoreboard during a rugby match. Vitara S brings a bit more sporting character to the range,
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etc
and is subtly but visually different from others in the range. You get a set of 17 inch gloss black alloys, a unique new front grille, satin silver door mirrors and a rear upper spoiler, while inside there’s red stitching and red edging to the heater vents. The Vitara S comes with an ALLGRIP (four wheel drive)
Suzuki Vitara S
system has four driver-selectable modes (Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock) and uses a feedback function to send more torque to the rear wheels if it detects wheel spin at the front. The new feed forward function gives the system the additional ability to predict front wheel spin risks from the road surface condition, accelerator pedal
position, and steering angle and then send more torque to the rear wheels before wheel spin occurs. The Vitara’s safety equipment includes a Radar Brake Support (RBS) system which scares the bejazzers out of you the first time it hollers out its warning. There’s a seven inch touch panel display dominating the centre of the dash and controlling navigation, radio, phone and other functions. I’ve said this before but it bears repeating. It’s not necessarily a sexy car, nor indeed an overly
exciting one, but it does all of the things you might reasonably expect from a car and then a bit more. It has a bit more room than you might expect, it’s a bit nicer looking than you might expect , it’s a bit more economical than you might expect and it’s a bit more fun to drive than you might expect. It also caused one of my neighbours to come out of his house to ask what it was like, which doesn’t happen very often. I told him it was a perfectly good car. Because it is.
FASTFACTS: Suzuki Vitara S 1.4 BOOSTERJET ALLGRIP; £22,679 (with auto and metallic black paintwork); Engine – four cylinder 16 valve turbocharged 1373cc, 140ps, 220Nm; top speed 124mph, 0-62mph 10.2secs; Fuel – urban 44.1, extra urban 56.5, combined 51.3; CO2 128g/km; Will it fit the garage? 4175/1775/1610 (l/w/h); 9,000 mile service interval
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