Vale Life Magazine Mar-Apr 2019 Edition by Charlie Trott

Vale Life FREE MAGAZINE

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Take me home

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

Mar/Apr 2019

Cover image: Vale Life Magazine Beauty Editor Amanda, pictured at The Chapel, Marlow. See page 18 for her salon review.

Inside:

On the right track

Risborough’s garden railway specialists

Putting on a show

Art fair at Haddenham’s Bradmoor Farm

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

Hungry for business

Chef’s truck delivers taste of Mexico Plus our columnists: Naomi, Polly, Amanda, Cathy, Lynnette, Nicola, Sandra, Shaun, Nigel, Rob, Alan, Virginie, Sherry and much, much more...

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Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

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! R LI for ing 01 DA you n 29 Y B r ow 6 RO 20 33 C 19 66 H 66 UR E

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IRELAND & THE ISLES OF SCILLY

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Fresh seaside chalets built by Warner provide peaceful spaces to relax in after a night enjoying a range of excellent live entertainment, as well as a wide range of daily activities. Norton Grange’s restaurant, Castaways, has a broad menu including local and £599 * per person seasonal produce. Stratford. LIVELY AND LATE - New Year Party 2 day break and enjoy big band swing ENTERTAINMENT perfect to see the best of Hollandwith fromsparkling the picturesque This includes freeThe use of theway hotel’s Countdown nightsDutch of live and classical favourites, plus iconic film On Saturday night, resident singer, Lisa, will entertain waterways. Enjoy all the comforts of the attractive 3* river cruise ship, MV leisure facilities and a wonderful music including a tribute to Queen from and theatre music from the Mike James with a great mix of popular songs and we have booked a Esmeralda, as you admire the ever changing scenery floating by. Visiting countryside setting.the dazzling rainbow displays ‘Majesty’, ventriloquism from Gareth Oliver Orchestra. The orchestra has been fantasticPRICE live band for the Sunday night – old timer Marcell of tulips in the Spring has always been a 1 night half board and more. featured in two major Hollywood films firm favourite of Crusader but why not try this very special Bulbfields Trioen and hisFOR Little Red Rooster Band – always a big hit HELD Date: Sunday May holiday 19th: £159 Full also included. and their has performed with Bob Hope &70s favourites. and take to the water forIsland Easter! tour No overnight sailing. with superb repertoire of 60s and 2019 (no single supplement but limited) 3 nights full board. Gloria Gaynor but is best known for its DAY 1 Cross the Channel and board at Zaandam INCLUDED Motts area only - noDAY major interchange Date: Monday December 30th: £439 time in the EXCURSIONS Blackpool Tower Ballroom. 2 Optional visit to Zaanse PRICEsupplement INCLUDES but limited) Luxembourg Cityand entertainment in (no single room Accommodation Schans (open air museum with Studley Castle Hotel A4full day excursionHall to Luxembourg City, the charming Star Eastwood Hotel, Nottingham. windmills) – cruise to Amsterdam. • Return coach transfers from little capital its UNESCO listed Old Town in an Warner’s Norton Grange DAY 3 Full day included excursion 1 Night halfwith board. local pick-up points plus attractive setting. through the glorious bulbfields Channel crossing Date: Sunday May 5th £139 plus a visit to Keukenhof Gardens. • MV Esmeralda Cruise as (no single room supplement but limited) Moselle River & Scenic Little Switzerland Full hotel payment due 3 months with the near historic Stratford and the castle, has long been abefore favourite with Crusader • Porterage of luggage (port departure. Cotswolds. customers. Your hosts, the Peverelli family, will ensure you If you are a Warner fan to cabin) Cruise T&Cs apply. then this is a must - come and sample have a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Highlights include two Note: Some ports, passengers will land • Port taxes evenings of live entertainment, two sparkling breakfasts the latest member of the Warner by launch or tender. Sunday May 5th, £139 with local ﬁzz, two included excursions and a drink each family! night with dinner. Enjoy this fabulous, and value for money Enjoy fabulous food and a night A great night of live entertainment getaway one us of Europe’s ‘secret’ corners!of live entertainment 5 DAYS DEPARTING 19TH APRIL plus 2019 From a visit to deliciousbreak food!toJoin for this great value

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• 2 Sparkling breakfasts with free ﬂow local bubbly • On board entertainment for *Based on two people sharing a Lower Cabin; 5 day travel insurance • Porterage & welcome drink on arrival • £36 per person; £100 per person non-refundable deposit required • Two included excursions as stated above Full payment due 2 months before • departure. • Cruise T&Cs apply.

• Live musical entertainment on Saturday and Sunday nights 2 nights

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Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Contents 10

Sunny, bright and sustainable

Many hands make light work

On the right track

French exam? Don’t panic!

The art of remembrance

Every cloud has a silver lining

Can you make a great escape?

I’m referring to you

A prayer answered

A nice place to work

Enhance and rejuvenate

Hello Spring

Treating you well

It’s not all about IKEA

Let’s get moving

Has Spring sprung early?

Elite’s ultra sound advice

Edinburgh in Aylesbury

Running out of excuses

Putting on a show

Just read my lips

Shows galore are springing up!

Little steps

Celebrate with Hartwell

We are sensitive souls

Hungry for business

14 17 18 20 22 24 25 26 27 28 29

Lynnette’s guide to SS19 fashion trends Risborough’s garden railway specialists Jewellery made for mourners

Getting out is the point of the game

Super salon offers heavenly experience New ERA for skincare and aesthetics Wellbeing experts celebrate 20 years Project aims to get Bucks active Injury experts get under your skin Sherry’s going marathon mad New course builds confidence Roo’s tips for a life you’ll love Something’s not agreeing with Tracy

Has your firm tried group volunteering? Malika’s here to coach you through Tech firm could be looking for you Steve’s tips for boosting business Take a leaf out of Amazon’s book Polly lets the sunshine in

Who’s got the Scandi-style?

First blooms boast extra fragrance Shaun’s show gets Waterside première Art fair at Bradmoor Farm

Plenty to please at Aylesbury Theatre 30 years as a stately home hotel Chef ’s truck delivers taste of Mexico

Exchange open

plenty of comment, I’m sure - and are complemented by a series of inspiring quotes, sourced from the local community, that have been Bradley Murphy Design (BMD). ylesbury’s exciting new woven into the street furniture, town centre development, The space has been designed tree grilles and paving, designed to be fully accessible and offers The Exchange, was by artist Chris Brammall. officially opened on March 8th. a mix of formal and informal The first restaurant Designed to reflect the demand seating areas, to open at The for more leisure dining and some of which Exchange will be incorporate mobile town centre homes in modern Rococo Lounge. It device charging town centres, The Exchange is is due to serve its a large block of apartments and points. Three new first customers on restaurants set in a public square thought-provoking Wednesday 3rd April. between the Odeon Cinema and sculptures by artist Part of The Lounges Colin Spofforth Market Square and will shortly group, The Rococo house four new restaurants, have been added Lounge will be a to ‘inject character with 47 one and two-bedroom ‘family friendly, retroapartments above. and colour into the Cllr Sue Renshell, AVDC inspired cosy retreat, The public square was design’ - they will Chairman, unveils ‘i am free’ conceived by landscape architects certainly attract one of the new sculptures where eclectic artwork

ongratulations to the following Feb/Mar edition competition winners! Hopefully your

prizes will have arrived by now, please let us know if they have not. Commiserations to those who weren’t so lucky. There’s

no competitions inside this edition I’m afraid but there will be some in our May/ Jun issue. Last issue’s prizewinners were: Meal for

two at The Bell, Hardwick: Jason Gregory, Winslow A copy of Dragonflies book: Kellie English, Cuddington

and quirky curios sit next to oversized vintage sofas and oldschool benches, strikingly painted table tops and statement lighting’. Zizzi’s are said to be taking one of the remaining restaurant units. The Exchange is the latest stage in AVDC’s regeneration of the town centre. The new public square has been funded by a grant from the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP). £4.5 million has been approved to transform two of Aylesbury’s other key public spaces - Kingsbury and Market Square.

Charlie

Editor, Vale Life Magazine A copy of Flora Bee book: Barbara Paul, Haddenham Oglee Poglee Craft Bags: Justine Pettifer, Dinton

To advertise in Vale Life Magazine call Charlie on: 07702 006218 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 : Mar/Apr 2019

with Lynnette Jackson

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

Sunny, Bright and Sustainable

pring is in the air – the birds are starting their dawn chorus, and the daffodils are adding some much welcomed colour to the beautiful area that we live in. I love the change in seasons both in nature and in fashion. Spring Summer fashion is always exciting, as often colours are brighter, patterns come out to play and there is a lightness and energy around the styling. Here are my hot tips for SS’19 Colour, Colour and some more Colour! The SS’19 catwalks were full of colour this season! Phase Eight jumpsuit,

Oversized Long Sleeve Shirt, £29.50 High Waist Wide Leg Cropped Jeans, £29.50 Straw cross body bag, £25. All M&S Monsoon blouse, £45

£120 (via House of Fraser)

Bring me sunshine Nothing says Spring fashion more

Next scarf layer tunic, £26

than a splash of Yellow! If you have a warm skin tone then its fab on you, but if you are cooler, then its best to mix with blues (like in this scarf tunic from Next, left) or just wear as an accessory. Forever red If you read my article in the last Vale Life Magazine, you will already have some tips on how to wear Red. It’s a great colour for those of you who want to make a statement – like this gorgeous jumpsuit from Phase Eight, above. Living coral Is the Pantone colour of 2019. It’s great if you have warmth in your skin tone. This pretty floral blouse from Monsoon is easy to wear for casual days. 10

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

50 shades of beige! Wear these tone-on-tone for a chic look. You can have fun using different textures too! These items from M&S, show a subtle mix of textures from the soft blouse to the firmer denim of the jeans to the straw of the bag. Just add your sunglasses, and you are set to go! Flower Power Spring flowers are not only out in the garden, they are in fashion too! These wide legged trousers from Max Mara, right, are gorgeous – just team with a neutral Tee or shirt. This super soft top, (see page 12) with a water lily design from Fat Face is great to wear with jeans (as shown), but is very versatile and can be worn with anything from shorts (it will be summer soon!) to smart

Max Mara trousers (House of Fraser), £180

15 Churchway, Haddenham, HP17 8AB Tel: 01844 292308 Open Tue to Sat :10am-5pm, Sundays: 11am-4pm

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

trousers for work. Fat Face Floral top, £39

Check it out Checks are a great way of mixing colours. I love this Spring jacket from Mos Mosh, below. If you fancy a subtler nod to this trend, then try a scarf tied to your bag – this silk scarf from Jaeger is perfect.

Mos Mosh coat, £219 (via Lolly & Mitch, Tring)

Jump to it Jumpsuits are here to stay for Spring! If you don’t have standard proportions, they can be tricky to get a good fit – my advice is to try them on. I particularly love this jumpsuit from Dorothy Perkins (which ticks the animal print trend taht is still going strong for SS’19 too!)

Dorothy Perkins Jumpsuit £42

What is also interesting this season, is a real focus on sustainable fashion – which really resonates with me, and how I work with my personal clients. I always encourage clients to establish what they already have in their wardrobes which works for them, and then amend and add accordingly. So now you know the latest SS’19 trends, why not get yourself a cuppa and take a look in your current wardrobe – see what clothes you already have which match these latest trends. Then you can decide which other trends you might like to add in as new items this season. And my last tip - if you aren’t sure what colours and shades work for you, then I’d recommend investing in finding that out. Knowing your personal colours results in a sustainable wardrobe, as every item works for you, and makes you look fabulous! Here’s wishing you a colourful and sustainable Spring! l Lynnette Jackson is an award-winning Personal Stylist and Image Consultant. She can help you look good whatever your size, shape, age or budget! Web: www.mycolourandstyle.com Facebook.com/mycolourandstyle Tel: 07971 198047

Jaeger scarf (JL) £79

Adams Travel Your Local Independent Travel Agent

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

Helen Grace

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

Bespoke pieces can be designed to perfection HG

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

T: 01844 201017 E: helen@helengracehats.co.uk W: helengracehats.co.uk 12

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

On the right track If you have driven past the turn for Princes Risborough railway station during the last few decades, you may have noticed what appears to be a model train shop nestling in the small arcade opposite. This is no toy shop though, it is one of the world’s most comprehensive suppliers of larger gauge model railways for home and garden and attracts customers from all over the globe...

he Adamson family have run a business on Risborough’s Summerleys Road for three generations now.. Michael Adamson, a keen model railway enthusiast, started a section selling model trains and accessories at the rear of his father’s pharmacy and photographic developers, in 1984 and over the following years, whilst the demand for developing photographs petered out, Michael moved from model railways to garden railways and his little hobby grew into an international business - Garden Railway Specialists. Michael’s son Matthew used to help him out after school and eventually joined full time around 20 years ago. The firm now focuses on the larger model railway gauges, which are mainly for outdoors use, or indoors if you have a lot of room or a big barn. It’s a fascinating place to wander round, packed full of beautiful models of trains and rolling stock old and new and it is no surprise that garden railway enthusiasts are drawn to visit from all over the world. Many of the engines are ‘prototypes’ or copies of specific engines that once existed or still exist. The engines, rolling stock and track come in several gauges: 32mm, 45mm, 64mm, 5in and 7.25in and vary in size accordingly, up to huge engines that you can barely lift but can ride behind. These cost from around £5,000 to £15,000 so are quite an investment. The smaller gauges are more manageable with a complete starter set up costing from £100 to £500. “We have some 7,000 products,” says Matthew, “we do battery, electric, coal fired and gas powered engines, many of which can be radio controlled and digitally operated. Some are manufactured specially for us to our own designs but we also supply from a variety of specialist manufacturers in Germany, America and China among other places. We have a good second hand selection of engines and rolling stock too and can sell items on behalf of customers if they wish. “We do all the accessories, such as buildings, scenery and people, so you can build your own

Matthew and Michael Adamson ‘Beaconscot type’ model village layout if you like - Beaconscot is 45mm gauge - we supply their track.” Garden Railway Specialists cater for both private and commercial customers and will come and install your layout if required. This is often requested by companies who want one in a shop window or around a reception area as a talking point or to promote products or a brand, whereas private customers are more likely to enjoy the process of building their own project. “We did one at the Sloane Square Hotel,” says Matthew, “The Tequila Train - which delivers drinks to tables! We’ve done some very interesting projects and occasionally supply film companies for special effects use. “We went all the way to Bangladesh to set up a railway for one gentleman and we’re installing a layout in Beaconsfield soon that goes around the ceiling, a bit like the one at The Wee Bookshop and Café in Chinnor. Garden Railway Specialists have 12 staff on site with additional support staff elsewhere making customised parts, doing upgrades,

repairs and servicing. They have professional model makers too who will build items that come in kit form or make concrete products such as bridges and people. They are enthusiasts themselves and it is the friendly, helpful nature of the business that has allowed it to thrive over the years. Their policy is not just to sell you a garden railway but to provide advice and help beforehand and an ongoing service in the years after, while you are enjoying and developing your hobby. If you’ve ever thought you might like to build your own garden railway or have been inspired by this article, why not take a trip to the showroom and chat over your ideas. Maybe take a picture of your garden and some rough measurements and sketch out a plan of what you are imagining. They will certainly be able to advise on what is possible and the best way to go about it, they have even produced their own DVDs and books on the subject. Commercial enquiries are welcome too. “Although we do a lot of business via the internet our customers like to come in and talk to us if possible for advice and information and to have a look round,” says Matthew. “They want to know how to do things and what products are best for what they have in mind. They might spend a couple of hours here and some come in regularly. “There’s something here for everybody, you don’t have to be a millionaire, a smaller garden will need a smaller scale set up. Just pop in and we’ll set you on the right track!” l Garden Railways Specialists Ltd, Station Studio, 6 Summerleys Road, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire HP27 9DT Tel: Tel: 01844 345158 E: sales@grsuk.com W: www.grsuk.com

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

C u r i o u s Wo r l d

by Nicky Gregory

The art of remembrance Victorian Hair Mourning Brooch

Gold and Black Enamel Mourning Ring for Queen Charlotte The average lifespan at that time was 45 to 50. Europe was in constant turmoil, cholera, typhoid, smallpox and scarlet fever were common killers. Roughly one in three children died before the age of five. Death was a constant companion and mourning jewellery brought a way of remembering the loss of a loved one.

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

This Amethyst Cathedral stands two feet tall and was formed up to 2 billion years ago in Brazil. It is priced at £460. The Old Post Office, 25 High Street, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 625335 Email: antiques@antiquesatwendover.co.uk Website: www.antiquesatwendover.co.uk 14

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

The Victorians believed hair had a sacred quality as it contained the essence of the person and symbolized immortality. Hair was used to make everything from exquisitely detailed miniatures in jewellery, braided watch chains and pendants and even large framed pieces of memorial art. By the mid1800s England was importing 50 tons of hair a year to supplement that of the deceased due to the popularity of memorial jewellery and art. Mourning rings often bear the name and date of death, with an image or motto and were usually commissioned by the person commemorated, or their heirs. Jet was the favourite stone, but black enamel or vulcanite were also used. White enamel signified the death of a child or the death of someone who had not married. The use of mourning jewellery largely ceased towards the end of the century, but resurfaced in America in the 1930s when rings

Nicky Gregory

Curious world

were made of bakelite with a small picture of the person being mourned. l Nicky Gregory is the owner of Antiques@Wendover, The Old Post Office, 25 High Street, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6DU T: 01296 625335 E: antiques@antiquesatwendover.co.uk Web: www.antiquesatwendover.co.uk Do you know what the mystery object below is? Email your answer to: editor@vale-life.co.uk and you could win a voucher for Antiques at Wendover

Mystery object

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

(Hertfordshire dialect)

3) Padway

A) the leather strap to bind a hawk’s wing B) a gathering C) a bow (the physical gesture)

(Hertfordshire dialect) A) a pathway up to a steep hill B) a small cavity in a rock C) the space between ruts in a road

2)Bissen

4) Bedizen

(Buckinghamshire dialect) A) of a man: handsome, good looking B) the milk of a cow immediately after calving C) eminently embraceable

(Berkshire dialect) A) decorated very gaudily and with showy ornaments B) anything badly formed or out of shape C) diagonally across from something else

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) a bow (the physical gesture) 2B) the milk of a cow immediately after calving 3C) the space between ruts in a road 4A) decorated very gaudily and with showy ornaments

omento mori means ‘Remember that you will die’ or ‘be mindful of death’ and although often given to mourners at funerals, did not commemorate death. It served as a general reminder of mortality, to encourage virtuous living and the appreciation of one’s fleeting life. Momento mori was quite macabre with skulls, skeletons, worms, coffins and other symbols serving as a tangible reminder of death. It was the forerunner of mourning jewellery which became separated from ‘momento mori’ in the late 17th century, when pieces began to be inscribed with initials for the remembrance of a particular person. Mourning jewellery became popular after the death of Prince Albert. The whole Country mourned with the Queen, everyone wore black or black armbands, everything was shrouded in black and even furniture was painted black.

AylesburyVale

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Aylesbury Vale Crematorium, Watermead, Aylesbury HP19 0FU t 01296 468300 e info@aylesburyvalecrem.co.uk www.aylesburyvalecrem.co.uk

01296 01296622975 622975 07711750917 07711 750917

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

bradleyandjones.co.uk bradleyandjones.co.uk time@bradleyandjones.co.uk time@bradleyandjones.co.uk Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

l o c a l e s c a p e ro o m c e l e b r at e s f i r s t b i rt h day !

Can you make a great escape?

on’t Get Locked In – escape room based in Wing will be one year old come March 30th. “The last year has gone incredibly quickly,” says owner Cathy Wright. “We have welcomed some 1500 players through the door now, which makes us very proud. A particularly exciting landmark being when we presented our 1000th player with a bottle of bubbly in celebration! “We started with just one set, never thinking that once they’d tried ‘The Secret Hut’ – our 1940s themed room, we would have players asking when we would be doing more? “They asked and we listened though and then opened up our second room ‘The Rock’ – a prison, inspired by Alcatraz, adding more theatre and production.

“Our unique Kudos Challenge, which adds an extra layer of competitiveness to the escape room concept, has also been welcomed by players and provides the option of challenges between teams. “We’re a small family business and have really enjoyed creating

the rooms in which players have so much fun and enjoyment. It’s very rewarding, especially when they come for special occasions, celebrating birthdays, surprising someone, on date nights or for corporate team-building. I can’t wait to host our first engagement in the room!” Do you think YOU can escape

from ‘The Secret Hut’ or ‘The Rock’? If you would like to find out more about Don’t Get Locked In see their website at: www. dontgetlockedin.com and keep an eye on their Facebook page for offers and events and to see how their celebrations are going! If you would like the chance to win an escape experience voucher for 6 people (worth £120) at Don’t Get Locked In, for use in either of their escape rooms, simply email your name, address and telephone number, plus answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Who played Winston Churchill in the film ‘The Darkest Hour’? Closing date April 22nd, 2019. Winner to be notified by email on April 23rd, 2019. l Don’t Get Locked In, Acorn Farm

Business Centre, Unit 5, Cublington Road, Wing, LU7 0LB T: 03333 031312 E: info@dontgetlockedin.com W: www.dontgetlockedin.com

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

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

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Station Road, Quainton, Near Aylesbury HP22 4BY email functions@bucksrailcentre.org call 01296 655720

www.bucksrailcentre.org @bucksrailcentre Weddings at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

B e au t y s p ot

Health & Beauty

by Amanda Trott

A prayer answered Do you want to feel special, valued and inspired by your hairdresser? To have the full attention of your highly trained and able stylist while relaxing in luxurious, boutique hotel style surroundings, receiving an amazing haircut...

f you find visiting a hair salon a bit of an ordeal, then you’re not alone. Amanda Dicker, co-founder of The Chapel, recognised that women were tiring of the average salon experience. It felt like a production line for one-size-fits-all haircuts and colours - uninspiring, overcrowded salons squeezing bums on seats and then out of the door as quickly as possible. She understood these clients were not being made to feel valued and special. Even when salons were beautifully furnished and quite luxurious, because of time constraints, clients felt rushed and customer service was lacking. So, in 1997, she took a leap of faith and opened her very first salon in Tunbridge Wells. 15 years later not only is business booming the team has grown to more than 20 there, she now has another five salons, all in delightfully refurbished old buildings such as former chapels, school houses and pubs in Islington, Sevenoaks, Verbier, Horsham and since last November, Marlow. Amanda invited me to see what The Chapel had to offer by way of a cut and colour. So on a very snowy Friday, I made the short trip to Marlow to visit her beautiful converted salon, in the 167-year-old Old Trinity Church. The first thing Amanda wanted to change was the way in which her guests, as she prefers to call them, were greeted. She dislikes the traditional set up of a reception area with a

Applying some colour 18

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Amanda Trott

Beauty Spot

Amanda, right, with Amanda Dicker, founder of The Chapel desk and prefers a welcome at the door by a host, who will then cater for your needs during your entire appointment. I was warmly greeted by Joe who took my coat and led me to the sumptuous waiting area, velvet sofas in muted greys and pinks covered with lavish scatter cushions and throws. I was offered a selection of stylish new lifestyle magazines and a refreshment and chose a cappuccino, which arrived accompanied by a dainty chocolate brownie. Amanda appeared shortly after and gave me a tour of the salon. She explained Old Trinity had been deconsecrated a number of years ago and then used as offices and that they had jumped at the chance to take it on, despite the huge amount of restoration needed. The building really is a sight to behold now, with stunning stained glass windows, stone archways and even a mezzanine level. There is a dimly lit shampoo area, scented by their own brand candles and a bathroom, again scented by their candles, hand wash and hand cream and soft fluffy individual guest towels. Attention to detail is key at The Chapel. Although I had gone with an idea of how I’d like my hair to be styled, I was open to

suggestions from Amanda. She listened carefully to my requirements and asked questions in order to build an idea of what would best suit me and my lifestyle. Relatively happy with my existing colour, I was in need of some inspiration. She suggested we used some rich woody tones to add extra dimension to my dark brown hair and some face framing shape to add interest and movement. The Chapel work very differently from most other salons in that they charge per hour rather than per service, enabling them to give you a bespoke service completely tailored for you. A single stylist looks after you from start to finish too, so they not only colour and cut your hair, but also shampoo it and afterwards will book any further appointments. If you are booking for a colour, they don’t fit in another client The backwash room around you, so you therefore have their undivided attention throughout the duration of your visit. The way they see it is that you’re their guest and they want to focus solely on you from start to finish, which means no hanging around with wet hair or sitting for hours at the backwash with a treatment, whilst you wait for your stylist to finish their previous

client - something we’ve all had to do in the past. On your first visit you are given a complimentary half hour consultation, or as Amanda and team prefer to call it; ‘conversation’, and are then quoted a timescale for your stylist to carry out your chosen services. This means you have a clear idea of exactly what your bill will come to. Any less time spent will mean a deduction from your bill at the end. This method also means you don’t end up paying for any unexpected extras! Once my colour had been applied, Amanda seated me in the colour waiting area, away from any mirrors and harsh lighting (none of us want to look at ourselves with a head full of foil!) and settled me down with a hot chocolate and shot of Cointreau, well it was snowing outside! You’d be forgiven for thinking an old church would be cold and draughty, but not this one. The time flew by and once she removed my colour in the relaxing shampoo area, Amanda got to work with the cut. Once finished, I was absolutely thrilled with the results! She had given me everything I wanted and

Cutting and finishing area more by adding her own touch to the shape. Although Amanda talked me through the products she used whilst working, there was no hard sell at the end. At The Chapel they believe in educating their clients, not selling to them. In fact Amanda tells me the unique Chapel experience is built around their signature R.E.S.T ethos - Relaxation, Education, Service and Tailoring. They go

‘beyond just hairdressing and tailor your time to your bespoke needs - whether that be to escape, relax, unwind or to completely transform yourself ’. I was quite sad to finish my visit with Amanda and the team. During my time at The Chapel I had truly been made to feel at home, valued and welcome and whenever a member of the team had passed by, they had all either greeted me with a smile or a cheery hello. The Chapel really does stand out from the crowd and not just because the building and furnishings are so fabulous but because it offers so much more than the regular salon. The client is absolutely king and although not fussed over, you really are made to feel as though you are a guest in their home. Being a hairdresser myself and having, in the past, worked for and managed some big name salons, I was intrigued to see how they would

Expectations exceeded! measure up. My expectations were exceeded and I feel The Chapel way of hairdressing is a much needed and refreshing step in the right direction. Try it, I promise you won’t be disappointed. l THE CHAPEL, The Old Trinity Church, Trinity Road, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 3AN T: 01628 854254 E: marlow@thechapel.co.uk www.thechapel.co.uk l To contact Amanda please email: editor@vale-life.co.uk

Charlotte Mobile Hairdresser Professional Hairdressing for

Everyone All in the comfort of your own home

For all your beauty needs

Eyelash extensions, facials, Shellac and much more! HIDDEN BEAUTY IS NOW AT A NEW LOCATION please contact me for more details 07771 330366 hiddenbeautyaylesbury08@gmail.com

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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 •

Louise Coates Independent Hair Stylist 079121 20025 / 01296 433233

ANTONIA BARNES MCFHP MAFHP FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER

Corns, calluses, cracked heels, II CAN CANTREAT TREAT corns, calluses, cracked heels, nail problems, thickened nails and can treat nail problems, thickened people who have diabetes.nails and can treat people who have diabetes. I CAN OFFER Visits in the comfort of your own Ihome, CAN aOFFER visits attitude, in the comfort your warm caring generaloffoot care own home or at my treatment room, including regular nail Thame cutting and filing and a foot massage the end of your treatment. a warm caringatattitude, general foot care including regular nail cutting and filing and a foot massageAatVISIT the end of your treatment. TO ARRANGE OR FOR MORE

INFORMATION CONTACT BARNES TO ARRANGE A VISIT ORANTONIA FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ANTONIA BARNES 01844 261766 or 07795 692464 01844 261766 or 07795 692464 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

I am an Independent Senior Stylist with 10 years salon experience City and Guilds trained to level 3 catering for all aspects of hair dressing.

Creative Cutting - Colouring - Styling - Perming I am fully insured and based at First Impressions, 18 Bourbon Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 2RR I look forward to welcoming clients old and new. Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Health & Beauty Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2014

Enhance & rejuvenate Technology is improving our lives in all sorts of ways and the beauty industry has been quick to embrace hi tech solutions for a variety of aesthetic and age related beauty concerns. New Thame salon ERA has just opened boasting not only the latest equipment but some great opening offers...

background in aesthetic dermatology working with some of the industry’s leading medical professionals inspired Emma Rothery to become more hands on herself. Emma, who lives near Thame, trained as a laser practitioner and having a passion for skincare and rejuvenation treatments has now opened ERA Skin & Laser Clinic - a smart new medical aesthetic practice, discretely located in the courtyard behind Andrew Murray Estate Agents on Thame High Street. “I’d worked with a lot of high end London clinics and wanted to offer the same levels of professionalism and personal service in a stylish modern setting,” say Emma. Emma has completely refurbished her delightful, Grade II listed period premises previously home to a local healthcare provider and has decorated in a contemporary style, to create a relaxed and welcoming ambiance with a clean, crisp, professional feel. Free WiFi and refreshments are available and there is free parking for clients right outside in the private courtyard, although the entrance archway is a bit of a squeeze! “There are health and hygiene rules and standards to be met when working in this field,” says Emma, “so we have taken trouble to ensure our treatment rooms more than meet requirements. Similarly I feel it is important to have properly trained and qualified staff, so all our injectable products such as Dermal Fillers® and Botox® are carried out by Dr Gita Arora, who has more than 10 years experience and specialises in anti-wrinkle injections for the upper and lower face and neck and dermal fillers for lip enhancement and facial contouring. She also

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Beth

Emma Rothery, inset, and one of the new ERA treatment rooms

SPECIAL OFFERS for March & April Only Lip Fillers with Dr Arora – appointments available on 30th March or 27th April - £250 (£100 off) OFFER CODE: LF195 Anti-Wrinkle Injections – 3 areas £200 (£150 off) OFFER CODE: AW195 Laser Hair Removal – Pay for one area get one area free* OFFER CODE: LHR11 (*Cheapest area free Does not include treatment packages)

does skin peels and rehydration of the back of hands. Dr Arora offers complimentary skin analysis with every consultation and can provide prescriptions for specific skin conditions or age-related changes. “Beth works here full time. She is a qualified beauty therapist with experience in medical aesthetics and she and myself are both qualified laser practitioners and fully trained in our Ultrasound non-surgical facelifts and skin tightening; our clinically proven Cryoliposculpt procedure for Fat Freezing and Body Sculpting; our Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology, photorejuvenation treatments for improving skin blemishes and acne; a powerful ND:YAG laser for removing

thread veins; and our popular, celebrity endorsed anti-ageing HydraFacial® which promotes healthy skin and a beautiful, glowing complexion. “All of our equipment is manufactured in Europe to the highest standards with clinically proven results and our treatments have been chosen for their natural results, which ensure you always remain the best version of you. “We have six treatment rooms, three of which we are using and three for outside practitioners engaged in complementary fields such as counselling, yoga, massage, reflexology... please get in touch if you are a therapist who might be interested. “ERA stands for Enhance, Rejuvenate and Anti-Ageing and our aim is to provide the best advice for men and women whatever your skin or body concern. We offer free consultations to determine which service is right for you, so whether you are looking to remove face and body hair, smooth lines and wrinkles, treat acne, tighten a sagging jawline, reduce fat or simply improve your general skin appearance ERA Skin & Laser Clinic can help. You can book online at: www.eraclinics.co.uk or call us on: 01844 698441.” l ERA Skin & Laser Clinic, 98a High Street, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 3EH. T: 01844 698441 E info@eraclinics.co.uk W: www.eraclinics.co.uk FB: / eraskinandlaser Instagram: eraclinics

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

f o ot h e a lt h

with Jenney Klose

Health and Fitness

Fungal nails and verrucae

reating fungal nails has long been a challenge for podiatrists. This very common condition causes nails to become unsightly, thick and uncomfortable.. Traditional over-the-counter treatments are largely ineffective, because the active ingredients cannot usually penetrate deeply enough into the nail to get at the whole of the infection. For the patient, this means months or years of unsightly and sometimes uncomfortable nails. Clinically proven Clearanail is an innovative new concept using Controlled Micro Penetration, which creates micro pathways into the nail plate, allowing deeper access to the areas of infection without damaging the nail bed beneath. Each of the tiny holes can be drilled in less than five seconds, using an intelligent drill that

Jenney Klose Podiatrist

Micro penetration holes

Microwave verruca treatment

senses when it is through the nail plate. It is rare for the procedure to be painful or uncomfortable. The holes allow the topical treatment, which must be applied regularly, to reach the infection effectively and clear it up in a shorter time. Usually only one treatment is needed, so this remedy is considerably cheaper than laser treatments. Swift is a revolutionary new treatment for verrucae. Microwave energy generates heat via a probe and targets the wart/

verruca, rapidly elevating tissue temperature to create precise, localised cell destruction. Infected tissue can exist several millimetres below the surface which is difficult to treat with traditional methods. Swift delivers a precise, highly controlled energy dose. As microwaves travel into the tissue, water molecules begin colliding and creating localised heat energy - quickly destroying all infected tissue within a predetermined path. In just seconds, the treatment

Lunchers that

Lift

is complete and the healing begins - treated tissue is quickly replaced, repaired and regenerated. Three or four 15-minute treatments, at monthly intervals, usually does the trick - each one consisting of several timed bursts of microwaves, with each burst just a few seconds long! l Feet First, 13a Upper High

Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3ER Tel: 01844 261023 Email: enquiries@feet-first.org Web: www.feet-first.org

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

Wednesdays 12.45pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1.15pm

Intense 30 minute workout for busy schedules

North Street Thame OX9 3TH | 01844 261754 | info@racquets-fitness-centre.com Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2014

Treating you well The Belmore Centre is celebrating 20 years on Stoke Mandeville’s Lower Road this year. A period in which it has earned an excellent reputation as a relaxed and welcoming haven, with an extensive range of effective health and beauty therapies and treatments, to enhance your wellbeing, mind, body and soul...

he A4010 from Aylesbury passes Stoke Mandeville Hospital and then, on the opposite side of the road, a new housing development which is rapidly appearing on what was until recently open fields. Just after this is a low brick building fronted by car parking. It is behind this unassuming exterior that The Belmore Centre offers what is possibly the most comprehensive range of therapies under one roof in the whole of the Home Counties. Founded by Caron Vetter in 1992, at the now closed Belmore Hotel on Old Risborough Road, and relocated to the current, much larger premises in 1999, The Belmore Centre is now run by her step-son James, who joined her at Belmore in 2009. The centre has six beauty and relaxation therapy rooms, spray tan and sunbed rooms, a comfortable and relaxed waiting, retail and reception area, a hairdressing salon and a fitness studio, where Julie Pedrick’s Bodyworks classes in Pilates, Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness take place, plus three rooms which visiting therapists and practitioners use for treatments such as Chiropody, Hypnotherapy and Osteopathy. Caron and James have built a dedicated, friendly and helpful team of experienced, fully trained and insured beauty and complementary therapists, who offer the highest standards of treatment.

Hot Stone Massage

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Crystal Clear Oxygen Therapy

Belmore MD James Goldney “We aim to cater for all aspects of health and beauty and a wide range of complementary therapies,” says James. “We keep an open mind with regard to new treatments, so we are always moving forward and often one of the first to introduce a

a difference and as quickly as possible - so we have invested in the latest and best technology such as the CACI Synergy, known for its ‘non-surgical facelift’ effect, the COMCIT Microdermabrasion skin rejuvenation system for removing wrinkles and skin imperfections and now the Image Skincare range. “We try to offer a complete range of services, from beauty treatments such as: waxing, manicures, spray tanning, eyebrows and lashes to luxurious relaxation and indulgence therapies such as: aromatherapy massage, facials, manicures Deep Tissue Massage and pedicures plus the latest anti-ageing treatments. We offer a variety of Clarins natural plant-based skincare treatments including their new range ‘My Clarins’ aimed at young ladies from 18 to 29 years. “For pregnant ladies we have a special moulded cushion which goes on the massage couch and new healing or relaxation technique. accommodates your bump, so you We always access the benefits and can comfortable lie on your front effectiveness of new treatments to and have a much needed back ensure they are beneficial for our massage. clients and not just the latest fad. “We have always welcomed men “Our most recent discovery is and women to Belmore but it is Image Skincare, a superb clinical noticeable that many more men are skincare range, powered by safe, taking an interest in beauty and antiproven ingredients and smart ageing treatments these days. Most botanicals, which does absolute of our treatments are unisex but we wonders for your skin. Their multialso have some packages just for functional products contain high the guys such as our men’s facials, levels of active ingredients and manicures and pedicures and men’s work deep into the skin, producing MOT day package. instantly noticeable results. It is “Our philosophy is still one a remarkable range of products of inner and outer wellbeing, suitable for a wide variety of skin issues. I’d recommend trying a taster so we offer a wide range of complementary health if you are passing as the results are therapies from Acupuncture amazing. and Aromatherapy to Reiki and “We have noticed a demand for Reflexology, plus fitness and results driven treatments - clients wellbeing activities.” want to see treatments make

Health & Beauty

Image Skincare Signature Facial

o test the effectiveness of Image Skincare our Guinea pig, Amanda, underwent the Belmore Centre’s Image Skincare Signature Facial. While still relaxing and indulgent, this isn’t a holistic and pampering facial but one designed for results. It includes a skin peel using natural enzymes and fruit acids to refresh the skin. It’s particularly good for dry or dehydrated skin and people with Rosacea, or those with dull, lifeless looking skin, as it gets rid of all the dead skin cells and then boosts collagen levels, which helps to combat the effects of ageing. “I’ve had really great feedback from this treatment,” says therapist Lauren. “Everyone I’ve treated literally loved the effect!” Lauren started with a double cleanse using Image Ageless Total Facial Cleanser to ensure the skin was totally clean and free of any grease. The I Peel Degreasing Prep Solution was then applied and gently massaged over the face. It’s not an aggressive peel, it works gently and efficiently with a pleasantly fruity fragrance. It can cause a warm tingling sensation which Amanda said verged on the uncomfortable at times, but was quite bearable. Her therapist Lauren kept checking how she felt and was ready to instantly remove the peel should it start to feel unpleasant, as it’s not meant to reach that point. “It wasn’t that bad,” says Amanda, “and the results were very good, so it was certainly worth the experience.” Next the Ageless Total Resurfacing mask (which can be purchased for home use) is applied over the top of the peel for an

exfoliating effect and then another layer of I Peel Signature Facelift added followed by some VITAL C Hydrating Enzyme Masque. Lauren then cleaned it all off with cold water to cool the skin and remove all the products. Next VITAL C Hydrating AntiAging Serum mixed with I Enhance Hyaluronic Acid Facial Enhancer, was applied to help boost moisture levels - it is effective stuff and known as ‘Botox in a bottle’! By this time Amanda’s skin was feeling incredibly smooth and positively glowing. Lauren finished off by applying Prevention+ Daily Hydrating Moisturiser with SPF30 to protect and hydrate her face and some ORMEDIC Balancing Lip Enhancement Complex, which can plump the lips up by 40% if used regularly. The whole process takes about 45 minutes, although it’s good to have a 15 minute consultation beforehand to decide on the exact products that should be used for your skin type and the results you are aiming for. A one off treatment is effective but doesn’t last that long, so a course of six (one every two weeks) is recommended for maximum lasting benefits. “My skin felt very clean afterwards; not tight, but plumped, radiant and moisturised” says Amanda. “It was so smooth and glowing, it actually looked like I was wearing make up and even my daughter complimented me on how lovely my skin looked when I got home! I can see why they call this range result driven. There were immediate changes and I imagine a

Belmore is about to launch a brand new interactive user-friendly website with a comprehensive list of what is on offer, descriptions of what each entails, online booking and much more (www. belmorecentre.co.uk). They also have an app with lots of info and a handy option for finding out about last minute booking availability you can even specify a particular therapist if you have a favourite.. “We have a free consultation service for prospective clients who have issues they’d like help with but aren’t sure which treatments might be of benefit,” says James. “Our therapists will cross refer if

they think an alternative treatment would be of help and we have the option of additional procedures available at Caron’s new facility, Karma House Clinic in Stone, which offers a range of aesthetic anti-ageing treatments. “We still take a holistic approach, we want people to look better and feel better and we pride ourselves on developing new concepts and

COMCIT Microdermabrasion

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Therapist Lauren has just celebrated 15 years with the Belmore Centre. She is extremely experienced with skincare products and is highly impressed with the new Image range.

course of six could take years off you. I was pleased with my Post Treatment Peel & Heal aftercare travel pack too. It included five ideas in health and skin care and making a difference to people’s lives. We are fortunate in that we are well respected and people know they can trust our judgement and expertise when it comes to researching and introducing new treatments.” Staff at The Belmore Centre have often been with the company for many years, in some cases for 15 years and longer and are well trained and experienced in their roles, so you know you are in safe hands and getting the best from the treatments. “We recognise the importance of good staff and reward and appreciate their efforts,”

lovely Image Skincare products for cleansing, moisturising, repairing and protecting which worked really well over the following days.” says James. “Staff wellbeing and retention is important to us. It is important for maintaining treatment standards too. We have around 25 regular staff working here, plus some 18 visiting therapists. Some have been with us from the very start, as have some of our clients, which is really lovely, it’s like a big family! l The Belmore Centre, Lower Road, Stoke Mandeville, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP21 9DR. T: 01296 612361 E: enquiries@belmorecentre.co.uk W: www.belmorecentre.co.uk Facebook.com/BelmoreCentre Twitter: @BelmoreCentre Insta: the_belmore_centre Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Let’s get moving! Keeping active is really important for our physical health and mental wellbeing. It can be a lot of fun too and a chance to make new friends, learn new skills and improve life generally. If you would like to get started, why not try some of Active Buck’s low cost taster programme, just read on for details...

here is strong scientific evidence that shows physical activity can make a major contribution to leading a healthier and happier life but not enough of us are meeting the recommended weekly requirements. In fact, data suggests that more than 37% of Bucks adults don’t undertake enough physical activity to really benefit their health (that’s at least 150 minutes per week). The Active Bucks project was set up in 2015 to try and reduce this figure and since then has helped around 5,000 residents take their first steps into a new physical activity. Over the next few months, Active Bucks is focusing on engaging Older Adults, Men and BAME individuals by setting up lots of new and exciting activities in local communities The project aims to improve both physical and mental well-being. All sessions will be low cost (from £2 to £4), beginner friendly and most importantly

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

- Everybody Run | Wingrave Park | Saturdays: 8 to 9 AM - Kaso Tonic Gold | The Bernard Hall, Cuddington | Fridays: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM - Walking Football | Stoke Mandeville Stadium | Mondays: 11 AM to 12 Noon More information can be found on the Active Bucks website (www.activebucks.co.uk) where you can also register to download a free first session voucher! Alternatively please email: Claire: claire.foster@activeinthecommunity.org.uk or Chris: cbryden@leapwithus.org.uk l The Active Bucks Project, www.activebucks.co.uk

Fitness focus

Health & Fitness

with Andy McCrea

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Elite’s ultra-sound advice!

lite Physical Medicine is experienced in treating elite international athletes. Their skills and expertise are available to all though, whether you are a patient with low back pain or a high level sportsman and your care will be delivered in the same setting by the same skilled and experienced Physiotherapists and Doctors. Elite physiotherapist Andy McCrea believes that providing an accurate diagnosis is key to implementing the most effective treatment for patients. “At Elite we can perform an ultrasound scan,” says Andy, “which gives us live images of muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints to best guide our physios in planning your rehabilitation and recovery. Return to activities sooner “An accurate diagnosis is one thing but getting you back on your feet quickly is also our goal. If appropriate, further scans will ensure we accurately monitor your healing process, focusing your time and money effectively and

efficiently. “As an example, a local fun runner attended Elite for a second opinion on a calf tear, which she had been advised to rest for six weeks. Our ultrasound scan confirmed a Grade 2 injury and we developed an appropriate rehabilitation plan. By performing a follow up scan we were able to observe the healing progress and advise the patient that she could return to her training schedule two weeks earlier than previously suggested. Elite is unique “Ultrasound technology has been used by physios for many years as a treatment tool. However, ultrasound scans are different - they provide images - scans which are now considered to be superior to and more cost effective than MRI scans. Elite is one of only a few private clinics in the UK to offer this unique technology. Our team is fully trained “Three members of our team can perform ultrasound scanning. To get sound advice please book an

Anti-Wrinkle

Andy McCrea Elite Physiotherapist Paul scanning a patient’s shoulder

Scan of muscle tear

appointment with any of the following Elite team members: Paul Thawley - Chartered Physiotherapist and MSK Sonographer: Paul has over 20 years experience in Physiotherapy and elite sport attending two Olympic Games He is one of the few physiotherapists in the country to also be a musculoskeletal sonographer. Dr Moiz Moghal - Sports and Exercise Medicine Consultant; Chief Medical Officer for GB and England Hockey; Team Doctor to England Cricket and Hampshire

County Cricket. (In addition to diagnosis, Moiz performs ultrasound guided joint and soft tissue injections)

Gemma West - Clinical Specialist in Women’s Health: Gemma is trained to scan your abdominal muscles and uses real time images to help train pelvic floor muscles and to guide treatment. l Elite Physical Medicine. Clinics

in Aylesbury, Haddenham and Tring T: 01296 437717 E: enquiries@elitephysicalmedicine.co.uk W: www.elitephysicalmedicine.co.uk Facebook Instagram Twitter Check out our Google Reviews

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A d ro p o f s h e r ry

by Sherry Hostler

Running out of excuses

ach year I make a concerted effort to sit down and watch the London Marathon. Yes, you heard me right… watch the London Marathon. It’s great. I sit on the sofa in my dressing gown with a fry up and a lovely cup of builder’s tea in front of me and watch them all puff past on the television. The serious runners generally get to the finish line before my lunch break, but I still stick around to see all the charity runners too. It can be quite a draining experience, so I’ll boost my energy with a nice bacon sandwich and support on through to the end. You may well be thinking that this sounds a little lazy, but I would like to point out that I actually applied to take part in the marathon last year! I can’t say I was particularly disappointed when I didn’t get a place though, as the thought of all that training, especially during the Winter, isn’t that appealing. Now

Wendover Woods Park Run is on Saturdays at 9am

however, Spring is upon us, and the weather is surprisingly pleasant and I am thinking, why not get outside and try running?….or at least a slow shuffle. Running and walking bring numerous health benefits, including weight loss, fitness, increased bone density and psychological boosts. All ages can be involved too, so it makes a great reason to prise the kids away from their iPads and out

into the fresh air. It can be a fun and social pastime. For friendly support and encouragement there are lots of running clubs in our beautiful Vale, but if you don’t fancy joining a group you can just turn up at a Park Run instead (register online first at www.parkrun.org.uk/aylesbury though) - Aylesbury Parkrun hosts a free 5km run every Saturday from 9am. It’s on my ‘To Do’ list I promise. If you fancy a bit of hard core competition, you could try the Milton Keynes Marathon or Half Marathon (May 5th/6th, www. mkmarathon.com), the Thame CPM 10k Road Race (June 30th www. facebook.com/thame10k), or the Ridge Off-Roader (Bledlow Ridge, 19th May, www.ridgeoffroader. co.uk). Or maybe something a little less challenging, like the Light the Night 5km in Bicester(March 23rd, www.lightthenight.org.uk/bicester5k-fun-run) where you get light

Sherry Hostler

A drop of Sherry

displays and fire shows thrown in. I’ve tried lots of different events before, all enjoyable and without incident… other than one. I don’t want to put anyone off trying Canicross, but just make sure you can run as fast as your dog does, otherwise, like me, you may end up being dragged along, face down in the mud, for several metres, whilst tethered to an over-excited German Shepherd. Which is enough to make you want to lie back down on the sofa and just… watch! l Sherry Hostler is a freelance

writer and blogger. She loves dogs, red wine and snowboarding, but not all at the same time. You can find her at www.adropofsherry.com

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Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

G o o d h e a lt h

Health & Beauty

with Sandra Smith

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Just read my lips!

n my way to meet Judy Perry I anticipate our conversation is likely to be littered with awkward silences or repeated emphasising – over emphasising – words. After all, her hearing loss, first detected as a young adult, affects both ears so surely an interview, particularly in a busy café, might be, well, awkward. How wrong could I be? Despite a cacophony of background clatter and banter, Judy unhesitatingly picks up everything I say, making our discussion engagingly normal. But I shouldn’t be surprised. Judy is, after all, a City & Guilds trained lip reading tutor, keen to share a skill upon which she relies and anyone can learn. ‘I cover all levels of acquired hearing loss,’ she explains. ‘During the first term we focus on more visible consonants such as P, B or F. Learners do exercises and work in groups or pairs. This term we’re

Judy Perry concentrating on vowels – there are 21 different vowel sounds which are louder than consonants. In texting we often leave out vowels but in fact they carry the emotion of what we say.’ In the final section of the year long course (three 10 week terms), numbers, parts of the body and topical news items are included. The two hour classes are held

during term time on Fridays (11am – 1pm and 1.30pm – 3.30pm) in Wendover Library Room. Everyone is first offered a free taster session. Age and whether or not hearing aids are being used, are irrelevant. Judy also tells her groups other, related information. For instance, a Disabled Persons Railcard (proof of hearing loss, for instance, NHS battery book, is needed to qualify) has no time restrictions; some theatres offer discounted tickets for someone with hearing loss and his / her companion; and caption glasses are now available at the National Theatre. And here are more helpful tips. ‘Be aware of body language and facial expressions. Always face the person who’s talking and if you’re in, say, a pub, avoid sitting underneath a speaker and find a spot with your back to the window so the light falls on whoever you’re with.’

Good Health

Sandra Smith According to Judy Perry, learning to lip read and develop listening skills not only make day to day conversation easier, but boost confidence and assertiveness. She scores highly on all counts so I reckon that’s sound advice. To find out more about Judy Perry’s courses or to book a place contact her via: judy.lipreading@gmail.com or call: 07837 993923. l Sandra Smith is a freelance

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

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Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

l i t t l e s t e p s to a l i f e yo u l ov e

oo Davies is a local lifestyle coach who specialises in helping people live an authentic life through her Three Pillars of Change framework. Alongside her one to one coaching sessions, she also offers interactive workshops at Poundon House near Bicester and at College Farm, Long Crendon. Her workshops give an insight into how she works. Using taster exercises Roo guides you through an afternoon, helping you to recognise your values and giving an insight into how best to create a life you really love. As Roo says, there isn’t a manual for living a happy life but sharing her practical framework can help you create a life you truly love and gain clarity as to where you want to go and how to get there. For some this may feel daunting or even unachievable, but Roo is there to help. I joined Roo and a dozen or so men and women for an afternoon of self discovery at Poundon House in February. It is a privately owned Edwardian mansion, just a few minutes from Bicester in beautiful countryside. It’s easy to get to and has plenty of parking.

On arrival Roo greeted us with a delicious selection of teas, cakes and biscuits and we were shown into a bright airy room with views across the countryside. She started by handing out notebooks and pens for us to use during the workshop, which we could keep afterwards. Guiding us through a combination of short seminars and practical break-out sessions, Roo helped us get to know ourselves better, by identifying and understanding our core values, acquiring the tools to avoid self-sabotage, boosting our self-belief and confidence and also by learning how to make changes that last a lifetime, rather than a few days or weeks. Each fun exercise was guided by Roo and were snapshots of tried and tested formulas she uses in her day to day coaching sessions. Not really knowing what to expect, I was intrigued to find out a few things about myself and what makes me tick. Roo came around the room and encouraged us to chat to her and ask for guidance, as she walked us through each of the exercises. She has a bright and sunny disposition and is very easy to listen to and talk to and you immediately

feel relaxed in her company. Her Three Pillars of Change framework makes complete sense and she encourages you to take baby steps in the right direction and you soon realise that almost anything is achievable if you put your mind to it. Three hours went in a flash, but afterwards I felt I really had gained some clarity and now had the tools with which to take baby steps towards my goals. I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and am

by Amanda Trott

looking forward to making some life changes with Roo’s guidance. For anyone who is unsure if life coaching is for them, Roo’s workshops give an insight into what you could expect if you decided to continue your journey with her on a one to one basis. If you are interested in attending one of her workshops at either Collage Farm in Long Crendon on Friday April 26th or Poundon House on Sunday April 28th you can find her at www.yourlifejourney.co.uk

Create a Life you Love with Life Coach Roo Davies WORKSHOP DATES Fri 26th April 10am-1pm, College Farm, Long Crendon Sun 28th April 2:30-5:30pm, Poundon House, Bicester Find out more at yourlifejourney.co.uk/workshops

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Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Kiss & Tell

Health and Fitness

with Tracy Kiss

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

We are sensitive souls

am usually energetic and light on my feet but recently, symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) have left me feeling more like a breeze block than a girl with a bikini-ready bod. My doctor gave me the all-clear for hidden illness, yet my symptoms persisted, so I decided to look into food sensitivity testing instead. At Sona’s Health Store on Aylesbury’s Bourbon Street consultant Eric Murphy identifies food sensitivity by painlessly combining electro-dermal testing with homoeopathy. Possible trigger foods can be identified and reduced or removed from your diet to improve digestion and minimise symptoms such as: pain and cramping, constipation/ diarrhoea, trapped wind and bloating, fatigue and difficulty sleeping. They can then be reintroduced, one at a time, to see if the symptoms return - this is the

elimination programme followed by the re-introduction programme. Food sensitivities are thankfully not life threatening like food allergies, but can be triggered by many different things. Interestingly the main foods that cause food intolerances are wheat, dairy, sugar and yeast with some food intolerances being hereditary. Keeping a food diary to note down what we’ve eaten throughout the week and the symptoms we experience allows us to see a picture of the way our bodies respond to triggers and which foods are causing problems. Eric’s non-invasive test involved removing our jewellery and holding a metal rod in one hand while he pressed a metal receiver onto a finger of the other hand; this allows a mild electrical current to pass through the body and into a machine which measures the response to a variety of foods,

vitamins, minerals and alcohol stored in test tubes and inserted into the device, one at a time. Fascinatingly I was identified as having a food intolerance to wheat, oats, barley, rye, vodka, whiskey and beer, which I must now avoid indefinitely. My boyfriend Freddy, who suffers from mild bloating, discovered an intolerance to eggs, bananas, yeast and sugar which he is to remove from his diet for three months, to allow his symptoms to subside, before re-introducing them gradually and logging the results. Freddy had never imagined he might have a food intolerance himself so to discover he is intolerant to more foods than I am, when I suffer from IBS, is quite a shock. It goes to show that the daily aches and pains we all put-up with and presume are down to over-work or ageing can in fact be symptoms

Tracy Kiss

Kiss & tell of our struggling digestive systems, which can be treated and cured. Suitable for all ages from 5yrs - aside from pregnant women and those with pace makers - this is a simple test which can make an incredible difference to our lives. For food sensitivity screening at Sona’s Health Store contact Consultant Eric Murphy: Eric_ healthscreening@yahoo.com l Read Tracy’s blog at: www.tracykiss.com or follow her on: Twitter: @misstracykiss or Facebook: /TheTracyKiss

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Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Community

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

G o o d to g i v e

by Diane Rutter

Many hands make light work

he benefits of volunteering are often written about: the act of giving your time and skills can bring new experiences, help you extend your social network as well as give you a chance to learn additional skills and ignite your career. Volunteering can also help improve your health as well as provide a real sense of purpose. Looking at all these great reasons to volunteer, why are many local charities and groups in desperate need of people to give a few hours of their time? The most common reason for not volunteering is ‘work commitments’, with the second greatest barrier being a preference to ‘do other things with spare time’. So how to tackle this stalemate of barriers vs volunteering? One approach could be to embrace the concept of group volunteering with ‘work’ and ‘spare time’. Several businesses already use group volunteering opportunities

Diane Rutter

Good to give Half day Hero Ben of Bucks CC and volunteers planting on Waddesdon Greenway as an alternative to traditional team-building activities, finding it an effective way to restore energy into a team or workplace. An example of this is the three volunteer gardening sessions that Bucks County Council’s finance team recently carried out for vulnerable elderly and disabled residents. Giving 20 hours of their time as either Half Day Heroes or Lunchtime Legends through the Bucks’ Gardening and Befriending Scheme, seven staff members tidied the gardens of several residents living in Aylesbury and Waddesdon. BCC’s Ben commented: “We

Wish you could speak French fluently? Wish fluently? Wishyou youcould could speak speak French French fluently? Wish Frenchfluently? fluently? Wishyou youcould could speak speak French

Wish you could speak French fluently?

had a good day; although it was extremely hot and sweaty work, we enjoyed helping the residents and they seemed very grateful for it.” Similarly, there are many opportunities which groups formed by friends or neighbours could do in their spare time: as part of a volunteer group, you can have a huge impact as local Waddesdon Greenway can testify. During its construction in the hot summer of 2018, it became clear how little shade and shelter was provided along the Greenway, a new path linking Aylesbury and Waddesdon. To address this,

the Greenway team organised a planting weekend and, with the help of volunteers from RAF Halton, Chiltern Railways and McCormick, over 6,000 hedgerow plants and 53 new trees were installed along the route in just over three days. Many hands really do make light work and everyone benefits. If you have a team of people able to help a local community project, or alternatively, if you are a charity and have a project suitable for a group of volunteers, email:info@ communityimpactbucks.org.uk ref Group Volunteering/ Gardening and Befriending. l Diane Rutter is acting CEO of

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

aylesbury festival choir 60th Anniversary Season

Broadway Sensations! Music by Sondheim, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Marvin Hamlisch and others Selections from shows including Les Misérables and Mary Poppins

Perfect your pronunciation with the help of a Perfect your pronunciation with Perfect the the helphelp ofaa Perfectyour yourpronunciation pronunciation with with the help of French Native Speaker and Linguist. ofPerfect aFrench French Native Speaker and Linguist. Perfect your pronunciation with the help of your pronunciation help of a a Native Speaker and the Linguist. French Native Speakerwith Linguist.

French Native Speaker and Linguist. For all abilities - French from beginner to expert Translation Services also available Native Speaker and Linguist. For all abilities - from beginner to expert ForFor allall abilities - from abilities - frombeginner beginnerto toexpert expert ForFor allall abilities abilities- from - frombeginner beginner to to expert expert

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YourFrench Frenchadventure adventure Your French Your starts here! starts here! adventure starts here! starts here! Callnow now bookaa space. space. Call totobook starts here! Callnow now bookaaspace. space. Call totobook Tel: 07981 136487 Tel: 07981 136487 Call now to book a space. Tel: 07981 136487 email: info@youspeakfrench.co.uk email: info@youspeakfrench.co.uk Tel: 07981 136487 email: info@youspeakfrench.co.uk Tel: 07981 136487 email: info@youspeakfrench.co.uk www.youspeakfrench.co.uk

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Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

BOOK NOW!

Music Director Soprano Drums Piano

Nick Austin Sophie Ava-Jackson Robin Johnson Rowena Gibbons

Saturday 13th April 2019 at 7.30pm Aylesbury Methodist Church, Buckingham Street, HP20 2NQ BOOK NOW! BOOK NOW!

BOOK NOW!

Tickets £15, £5 children/students, available on the door, from choir members or via www.ticketsource.co.uk/aylesbury-festival-choir or the choir website www.aylesburyfestivalchoir.net This concert is supported by Martin Kemps

Education

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

learning french

with Malika Goodwin

French Exam? Don’t panic!

be more relaxed on E-Day? xams can cause a lot of Firstly, it is a good idea to speak worry for young people as to a French native speaker and get often, like buses, several Wish you French fluently? Wish could you couldspeak speak French fluently? a feel for the sound of the French turn up at the same time language as we naturally speak it. and very quickly stress levels begin Secondly, it would be useful to to rise. revise verbs and tenses, including In theory, if you have worked Perfect your pronunciation with the help of a present, past and future tenses. steadily on your topics, you should French Native Speaker and Linguist. Thirdly, find a vocabulary book not be phased. This is not always your pronunciation with the help of a- they are very useful for looking the case with a foreign language Perfect yourChoose comfort zone. The countdown your Learning Style Native Speaker and Linguist. up and checking words, so you can though. Indeed, having taught toFrench May andExam the Frenchis fast approaching 1-2-1 Intensive For all abilities - from beginner to expert Translation Services also available Conversation Classes Preparation Private Tuition tackle any topic you come across. French for many years I have best way to feel more confident but not least, try several noticed that young people taking and calm when the time comes is Choose your Learning StyletestLast practices for the oral exam a language exam may feel under simple: Practice makes perfect. 1-2-1 Intensive Exam in ‘real’ conditions. It will give extreme pressure and don’t always French It is essential to have practised Your French adventure Conversation Classes Preparation Private Tuition starts here! confidence and help you stay know how to prepare for it in the Join our clubspeaking French on several We provide a tailoredyou of French course Choose your learning style with Call now to book a space. learners and share your focusing on the skills you want your tutor and what topics you calm and focused during the actual best way. occasions before the real test comes Tel: French experience in a07981 friendly 136487 to progress in such as reading want to cover. You will practice email: info@youspeakfrench.co.uk engaging atmosphere while comprehension, listening skills, the language skills you wish to exam as you will be more used to It is clear that sitting a language along. You need to get a feel for the BOOK speaking NOW! communicating effectively in practice and writing master at your own pace. www.youspeakfrench.co.uk French in a small local group. assessments. the experience. exam is stressful because conversing French pronunciation, a wide range As a teacher, I always give honest in a language other than English of vocabulary and some good use of feedback to my students with clear does not feel natural and can be verbs to make the language work Your French adventure very challenging. Your French starts exam together. here! The end result will mean guidance about the areas they need to work on. may seem especially daunting as can confidently Call nowyou to book a space. speak for 10 to If you would like to have an it is probably the only exam forTel: 07981 15 minutes in French. 136487 which you are not using your mother How can you make life easier for informal chat about starting a fast email: info@youspeakfrench.co.uk revision course for your child, please tongue! Consequently, you are out of yourself, achieve a better grade BOOK and NOW! For all abilities - from beginner to expert

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E d u c at i o n m at t e r s

by Nick Andrews

It’s not all about M.E.

he new year is now under way and at schools up and down the country routines are settling into place and the next parents’ evening is just around the corner. It may be a helpful time to share this note of caution... Many staffrooms will have class lists on display and base-line assessments will shortly be entered for each pupil. The title of the display will probably be something like ‘It’s all about ME, i.e. Maths and English’. BEWARE! This may well be the case from the school’s point of view, for this is how the school is judged and league tabled. There will be an emphasis and pressure on these two subjects from the beginning of Key Stage One onwards. The problem is that these academic subjects do not suit every child. In Buckinghamshire most secondary and many primary schools are now independent

academies. These institutions have to follow a more business-like model and the ME results are the Key Performance Indicators (K.P.I.s) that drive the management of the school - note the business language! So where do enlightened parents fit in now? Well, you need to provide the balance in all this. Whilst you will undoubtedly be supporting your child in their Maths and English by engaging

with their reading and writing and finding maths in family matters like journeys, cooking etc.; the family can also broaden education by providing fun and success in all the other parts of life. These are too numerous to mention; dance, sport, drama, music, art, computer gaming, friendship, religion, nature all come to mind. The curriculum in schools has narrowed dramatically in recent years for political and systemic

Malika Goodwin French tuition

contact me by email at: info@youspeakfrench.co.uk or visit: www.youspeakfrench.co.uk Bonne chance! l Originally from Domont, just

North of Paris, Malika Goodwin now lives in Aylesbury. She studied languages at La Sorbonne, before coming to England on a university exchange scheme and worked as an assistant French teacher at Waddesdon School. She trained as a teacher at Aylesbury High School and has also worked at Berkhamsted Collegiate School and at Amersham College. Contact Malika as below: Tel: 01296 337291 Email: info@youspeakfrench.co.uk Web: www.youspeakfrench.co.uk

Nick Andrews

Education Matters reasons; however this does not mean that our precious young people should start off their lives believing that their burgeoning ability in, for example, dance or swimming is of inherently less value than the most recent Maths or English test. Your child is learning all the time, and you are the chief guide of that process – but not everything can be measured or assessed via a spreadsheet of numeric comparisons. As a wise groundsman once said to me; “You keep measuring those kids, they tell me about all the tests. But if I keep measuring the grass, it doesn’t grow any faster!” l Nick Andrews is a retired Head teacher. His tutoring company, AVale Tutoring, is now accepting pupils for 2019. If you have any queries about education he can be contacted on nickubiq@gmail.com 31 Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

d ow n to b u s i n e s s

with Philippa Batting

Are you ready for MTD?

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax that is available on a voluntary basis. It will not be mandatory for businesses until at least 2020. Businesses can sign up if they’re a sole trader with income from one business and/or are landlords. Search online for ‘Making Tax Digital pilot’ for more details.

019 sees the introduction of Making Tax Digital, a government initiative that brings a major change to the way businesses maintain their tax records and send tax returns. As of April 1st 2019, VATregistered businesses with a taxable turnover of £85,000 or more must keep digital VAT records and use specific software to send their tax returns to HMRC. Some businesses have had their start dates deferred, but the vast majority will need to comply with the April 1st deadline. The deadlines for sending VAT returns and making payments are not changing, but businesses will need to sign up to Making Tax Digital, keep digital records and send the returns to HMRC using software that is compatible with Making Tax Digital. These changes

cover VAT accounting periods that start on or after April 1st 2019 and also apply to businesses that operate the Flat Rate Scheme for VAT. Only VAT is affected by the April 1st deadline, but in the future Making Tax Digital will also affect Income Tax. There is a pilot programme ongoing for

As mentioned, some businesses and organisations have had their start dates deferred to October 1st 2019. These include those who submit annual returns, those who make payments on account, not-forprofit organisations that are not set up as a company, and more. It was announced in the last Budget in October 2018 that the VAT registration threshold will remain unchanged at £85,000 until April 2022. The Chancellor also announced during that Budget that the National Living Wage would

Philippa Batting Down to business

rise by 4.9% from £7.83 to £8.21 from April 2019 for workers aged 25 and over, with apprentices and younger workers also seeing an increase. For more information on Making Tax Digital, search the Buckinghamshire Business First member directory for local tax experts who can help you understand the new rules and how to comply. Visit www.bbf.uk.com to access this directory. l Philippa Batting is MD of Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF), working to support and facilitate success within the business community. Membership is free - visit: www.bbf.uk.com

serviced office space & business support 01844 211080 follow us twitter.com/sanderumcentre www.sanderumcentre.co.uk hello@sanderumcentre.co.uk 32

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

CASE STUDY CASE STUDY CASE CASESTUDY STUDY

Space BusinessCentre Centre Space Business Space Business Centre SALE OF 43 BUSINESS UNITS IN AYLESBURY SALE OF 4319,551 BUSINESS TOTALING SQUNITS FT IN AYLESBURY TOTALING SQ FT SALE OF 43 19,551 BUSINESS UNITS IN AYLESBURY TOTALING 19,551 SQ FT

Space Centre SpaceBusiness Business Centre SALE OFOF 43 43 BUSINESS UNITS UNITS IN AYLESBURY SALE BUSINESS IN AYLESBURY TOTALING 19,551 SQ FT TOTALING 19,551 SQ FT

PrESS rElEASE

CHAnDlEr GArVEy MArkET nEW COMMErCiAl Buy TO lET OPPOrTuniTy in AylESBury

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

Chandler Garvey were instructed a year or so ago by Kingston Space Ltd The freehold is business owned by Aylesbury Vale District Council and Kingston Space Ltd are the long to dispose of the 43 small at Space Business Centre, Chandler Garvey were instructed or ago bySpace Kingston Chandler Garvey were instructed a yearunits or asoyear ago byso Kingston Ltd 'Undeterred by our Chandler Garvey were instructed a year or so ago by Kingston Ltdfrom £64,000 leaseholders, with over 130 years remaining. Units are Space available plus VAT. Space Ltd dispose offrom the 43 at Space Aylesbury. units ranged 367small ft,business rising tounits the largest to dispose ofThe the 43tosmall business units atsq Space Business Centre, instructions that the majority 'Undeterred by our to dispose of the 43 small business units at Space Business Centre, Business Centre, Aylesbury. The units ranged from 367 sqwith ft, good 'Undeterred by our Aylesbury. The units ranged from 367some sq ft, rising tosq the largest measuring 908 sq ft and totaling 19,551 ft, together instructions that the majority of the estate sold as All units are let on monthly licences and are now producing a gross annual income inbe excess Chandler Garvey were instructed a year or so agototaling by Kingston Space Ltd rising to the largest measuring 908 sq ft and some Aylesbury. The units ranged from 367 sq ft, rising to the largest measuring sq ft and totaling some 19,551 sqAlan ft, together with–good on-site car908 parking. instructions thatand thehismajority of theindividual estate be sold as398383. of £300,000. Further details from Chandler ac@chandlergarvey.com / 01296 units, Alan

to dispose ofparking. the 43 small business units at Space Business Centre, 19,551 together with good car parking. bysold our as on-site car measuring 908 sqsqftft,and totaling someon-site 19,551 sq ft, together with good individualteam units,worked Alan andhard his to be of'Undeterred the estate build Aylesbury. The units ranged from 367 sq ft, rising to the largest instructions that the majority team worked hardmomentum to build All the have been letbeen on either or periodic on-site carunits parking. All the units have let onshort eitherterm shortleases term leases or up sales in and his individual units,and Alan All the units have been lettotaling on eithersome short term leases orft, periodic measuring 908 sq ft and 19,551 sq together with good up sales momentum and in of the estate beasold as licensesperiodic and thelicences long leasehold of allleasehold of the units have been sold and the long of all of the units hasby theteam end we achieved worked hard to build licenses and the long leasehold of all of the units have been sold by the end we achieved a on-site car parking. been soldbeen by Chandler Garvey through their So Aylesbury Chandler Garvey through Aylesbury Office. confident was the individual units, Alan and All Chandler the units have let their onAylesbury either short term leases orOffice. periodic fantastic result.' Garvey through Office. So confident was the sales momentum andhis in fantasticup result.' So confident wastheir the Agent in the investment that his he put his is and Agent in the investment that he put the money where mouth team worked hard to build licenses and the long leasehold of all of the units have been sold by Agent in the investment that he put the money where his mouth is and the end we achieved a money where his is andshort boughtterm a unitleases as partor ofperiodic his All the units have been letmouth onpension! either bought aunit unit part his bought aGarvey asaspart of of his pension! Bond, Kingston Ltd up sales momentum Chandler through their Aylesbury Office. So confident was the Ian Bond,Ian Kingston Space Ltd Space pension! fantastic result.'and in licenses and the long leasehold of all of the units have been sold by the end we achieved a Agent in the investment that he put the money where his mouth is and The freehold freehold isowned owned Aylesbury Vale District Council and Kingston The by Aylesbury District Council Kingston Chandler Garvey through their Aylesbury Office. Soand confident was the Theisfreehold isby owned byVale Aylesbury Vale District Council while fantastic result.' bought awere unitthe as part of his pension! Ian Bond, Kingston Space Ltd Space leaseholders over 130 years left. over Individual Space thelong long leaseholders with 130 years left. Individual Kingston Space were long leaseholders with 130 years is and Agent in were the investment thatthe hewith put theover money where his mouth units have sold at around £165 to £170 per sq ft, however the last sale left.sold Individual units£165 have to sold at around to £170the perlast sale units have at around £170 per sq£165 ft, however bought a unit ashowever part ofthe his pension! Ian Bond, Kingston Space Ltd contracts just before Christmas andDistrict comprised the ofKingston sq ft, last sale exchanged contracts justwhole before Theexchanged freehold is owned by Aylesbury Vale Council andwhole exchanged contracts just before Christmas and comprised the of Christmas and comprised the whole of one terrace totaling one terrace totaling some 7,366 sq ft 28 to28 43) aplus further six Space the long leaseholders with over 130 years left. Individual onewere terrace totaling some 7,366 sq(units ft (units toplus 43) a further six some 7,366 sq ft been (units 28 to 43) plus a further six units. This This investment has bought by an overseas investor who Theunits. freehold is owned by Aylesbury Vale District Council and Kingston units. This investment has been bought by an overseas investor who units have sold at around £165 to £170 per sq ft, however the last sale has boughtwith by anover overseas investor whoIndividual paid paidwere overinvestment £1.4 million forbeen this opportunity. Alan Chandler: 01296 398 383 Space the long leaseholders 130 years left. paid over £1.4 million for this Alan Chandler: 01296 398 383 exchanged contracts just before Christmas and comprised the whole of ac@chandlergarvey.com over £1.4 million for thisopportunity. opportunity. ac@chandlergarvey.com units have sold at around £165 to £170 per sq ft, however the last sale one terrace totaling some 7,366 sq ft (units 28 to 43) plus a further six exchanged contracts just before Christmas and comprised the whole of units. This investment has been bought by an overseas investor who Call our Aylesbury Team - Alan Terri 01296 398383 one terrace totaling someAylesbury 7,366 sq ft (units 28Chandler to 43) plus and a further sixClarke on:Slough Amersham High Wycombe Marlow paid over £1.4 million for this398383 opportunity. Alan Chandler: 01296 398 383 01494 723999 01296 01494 446612 01628 902488 01753 725700 Lettings | Acquisitions | Investments | Valuations | Property Management Amersham Aylesbury Wycombe Slough units. This investment has been bought by anHigh overseas investor who Marlow ac@chandlergarvey.com Rent Reviews and Lease Renewals | Development / Planning Advice | Business 01628 Rates 902488 01494 723999 01296 398383 01494 446612 01753 725700 www.chandlergarvey.com paid over £1.4 million for this opportunity. Alan Chandler: 01296 398 383

Awww.chandlergarvey.com new perspective on property

Amersham

ac@chandlergarvey.com

www.chandlergarvey.com Aylesbury High Wycombe Marlow

01494 723999

01296 398383

01494 723999

www.chandlergarvey.com 01296 398383 01494 446612 01628 902488

Amersham

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High Wycombe

01628 902488

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Slough 01753 725700

Slough

01753 725700 Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Where every cloud Aylesbury Vale is home to many innovative and enterprising businesses, but we know little of what these firms are actually achieving, for most are tucked away on our industrial estates and business parks. Take Aylesbury-based, cloud communications experts 8x8, did you know they are one of the UK’s fastest growing technology companies and employ more than 100 people locally...

leading cloud provider of voice, video, collaboration and contact centre solutions for more than one million users worldwide, 8x8 is an American company with its European headquarters in Aylesbury. 8x8 customers range from small and medium sized enterprises to large companies such as AVDC, Empire Cinemas, Belfast City Airport, McLarens, McDonalds, Regus, Shimano, loveholidays and many more. 8x8 is changing the way companies communicate by bringing together phones, chat and customer service solutions in the cloud. 8x8 has developed its own awardwinning systems and applications for unified communications, cloud telephony and cloud call centres, taking out some 175 patents along the way - the company has designed and built it’s own internet protocol (IP) so is not dependent on outside technology. 8x8 cloud solutions help businesses transform their customer and employee experience. Using a single system of engagement for voice, video, collaboration and contact centre and one system of intelligence on one technology platform, businesses are able to communicate faster and smarter and to exceed the speed of customer expectations.

Zaneta Barabasova - Talent Acquisition Team 34

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Helen Hudson-Butler: 8x8 Senior Director for European Customer and Technical support As a result of the success and popularity of its products 8x8 has grown rapidly in recent years. “When I joined some five years ago I had a team of 10 and now I have a team of 70 based in Aylesbury, London and Romania,” says Helen Hudson-Butler, 8x8 Senior Director for European Customer and Technical Support, “so you can see how 8x8 is growing. Our head office is in San José and we also have offices in New York, Australia and New Zealand. “We are expanding quickly and we are looking for the best and brightest people to join us. People who would enjoy being part of a fantastic team. “At 8x8, you are surrounded by smart, motivated people who enjoy solving real-world business and technology problems and putting customer satisfaction first, but our success is not just down to the talented individuals and brilliant management team. We are proud to have an open and interactive company culture - 8x8 is all about embracing fun in the

office while maintaining professionalism and personal development. It’s basically a brilliant place to work!” “Our X Series application sits on your desktop and is like a combination of WhatsApp, Facetime and Skype all rolled into one,” says Zaneta Barabasova of 8x8’s Talent Acquisition Team. “It’s wifi/internet based and integrates phone systems, virtual meetings, instant messaging and virtual contact centre solutions - the chat room facilities are great for multiple conversations and certainly beat sending numerous emails! You can even take a call and then transfer it from your desk phone to your mobile without breaking the connection. If you have branches or offices in other countries you won’t have to pay for international calls to keep in touch, as calls to your overseas offices are via the internet/ cloud. “You can access it anywhere you have an internet connection too, so it’s good for home working or keeping in touch with those in the

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

d has a silver lining! providing a wide range of benefits and competitive salaries. Working in the UK you also benefit from UK holiday allocations which are slightly more generous than those for staff in the USA! “I find it a fast paced and exciting place to work as there is a friendly, collaborative and connected environment and opportunities to try new things and add to your skills. Many of the staff are relatively young and personal development is encouraged, including financial support towards academic training and qualifications, while employees are encouraged to work together to solve problems. Staff are encouraged to have a voice and put forward Customer support team any ideas or suggestions they have that would enhance the running of the company or our products and help to make 8x8 the best company it can be.” 8x8 is based in a modern office block just off Smeaton Road in the heart of Aylesbury’s business area. It originally occupied a single floor but has expanded to fill two whole blocks and is now looking at taking on a third! The Break out area Break out area premises are stylish and comfortable with large open plan work areas interspersed with field, it’s very flexible.” customer support through to technical support 8x8 started as a semi-conductor business and and into training and project management, sales relaxing break out areas complete with kitchen the name refers to the 8 byte by 8 byte semiand engineering, so the career opportunities are facilities. “We have a young team here,” says Helen, conductor boards it developed. The company quite varied and there’s a lot of opportunity to “it’s a very relaxed work environment and has come a long way since its Silicon Valley start grow and develop your career. dress is fairly casual for most roles. We have a up days! “An ability to relate to customers, to very supportive workforce with a great team 8x8 is by nature a very innovative company empathise, to communicate and want to please orientated atmosphere. Staff members often and a great place to work if you are interested is ideal for customer services. We provide socialise together, it’s a friendly place to be and in technology. You don’t need to be an engineer training but some people are naturally good we occasionally organise social activities such as to work there though, as there are a variety at this. Sometimes we’ll take on a technology bowling nights, which are a lot of fun.” of roles at Aylesbury in project management, student who has also worked in retail while 8x8 is keen to interact with the local deploying services, HR, finance and customer studying and the combination works well as community and meet potential employees. Staff support. they are used to dealing with customers. “We are looking for people with the will “The job can be stressful of course, especially at Aylesbury are planning a stand in Aylesbury rather than skill,” says Helen. “The right when dealing with customers who have business town centre to show people what they do and attitude is important, an interest in technology, a critical technical issues that need sorting quickly the company is exhibiting at a Job Fair in Milton Keynes on 29th March at the Hilton Hotel, thirst for knowledge, a desire to get on, to learn and they are pressuring for results! You need a and develop and to recognise the opportunities ‘can do’ attitude, be able to multi-task and work Stadium Way, MK1 1ST. Any potential staff members are welcome to go along and meet there are here to make a great career for well under pressure at times, but there is a lot representatives there or get in touch as below. yourself. We have staff members from all types of job satisfaction in doing the task well. To find out more about 8x8 products and of backgrounds who have done really well at “We have positions that require technical services or career opportunities, see its website: 8x8 and love it here - we’ve had people switch know how and ones that don’t, we take on from the hospitality industry, we had a nursery apprentices and students doing placements, but www.8x8.co.uk nurse, a gardener... they are all gamers and formal qualifications aren’t always necessary, l 8x8, Bell Business Park, Aylesbury, interested in technology, keen to fit in, willing to so if you are interested in finding out more Buckinghamshire, HP19 8JR learn and get on and have done really well and about working for 8x8 in Aylesbury, please get T: 0207 096 6000 love their new careers. in touch.” E: ukrecruitment@8x8.com “8x8 is all about developing people, so if you “8x8 is a global company,” says Zaneta, “so W: www.8x8.com are a youngster with a thirst for technology, there are sometimes opportunities for travel and Linkedin.com/company/8x8uk customer service can be a great place to start. to work in other countries. Instagram.com/lifeat8x8_uk We have many staff who have moved from “8x8 really values and rewards employees, Facebook.com/8x8UKltd

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Business

h ow ’ s B u s i n e s s ?

with Steve Bridson

I’m referring to you

t doesn’t matter how big or small your business, there are two really effective ways of building your customer base. They won’t cost you anything other than a bit of time and effort. Firstly, create a referral strategy from your existing clients. Encourage your customers to talk to their contacts about what a great business you are. We all know that an endorsement from someone you know breeds confidence in the service you are going to receive. Those of us using Facebook see this practice occurring every day. It’s commonplace now in Facebook Groups for people to ask “does anyone know a good ‘x’ ” and as a consequence the thread is usually populated with a whole host of responses from eager, happy customers willing to promote those they have used. You can take this model and utilise it yourself. If you put together a referral scheme you can reward your customers for

Steve Bridson Bucks Business Advice

talking about you. For example, Encourage referrals I know an amazing Chiropractor (Simms Chiropractic in Aylesbury) and shout long and loud about her service to anyone suffering with skeletal problems – she has managed to get me walking upright on a number of occasions! If anyone visits her after a recommendation, she provides the referrer with a free treatment. Think about how you could reward your clients for literally bringing new business to your

door, and then don’t forget to tell your customers you are running that scheme! Secondly, ask yourself who you know who runs a business, does a great job and shares the same client base as you but isn’t a competitor. If you can build a network of maybe three or four companies that are attracting the same clients, you can pass business between you. This is known as a Strategic Alliance and I have seen it work countless times in a variety of

different industries. It doesn’t matter whether you work in a Business to Business environment or whether you work in a Business to Consumer market – if you partner with the right, like minded companies, who are committed (like you) to growing their business, who you trust - you will win new customers. So you see, marketing doesn’t have to be expensive, it just needs to be effective! l Steve Bridson is a specialist in

Business Growth and runs Bucks Business Advice Ltd. E: steve.bridson@ buckbusinessadvice.com www.linkedin.com/in/stevebridson/

bespoke doors & windows in timber, aluminium & alu-clad

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VISITS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY to book call our Head Office on 01487 740044 Open Tuesday to Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 2pm Closed Sundays, Mondays and Bank Holidays

Health and Fitness

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

M e n ta l H e a lt h & W e l l b e i n g

by Lisa Lloyd

A nice place to work

ellbeing is a big deal for companies. A place where we spend many hours each week has a very real and substantial impact on our mental health. Employees not functioning at their best can result in lost hours, reduced productivity, and falling profits. But how often do we consider the difference our physical environment makes? Psychologist Matthew Davis’ analysis of over 100 studies found that open office environments are “damaging to workers’ attention spans, productivity, creative thinking, and satisfaction.” There are more uncontrolled interactions, lower levels of concentration, less motivation, and higher levels of stress. And hot-desking undermines our sense of belonging. So what does research show the ideal work space to promote good wellbeing looks like? Lighting: a bright space, ideally

Amazon’s new Seattle offices are glass spheres which contain some 40,000 plants to inspire workers

with natural light. Personal space: for employees to call their own, with positive mood primers, for example photos. Sociable zones: where people can mix with colleagues, collaborate, communicate, have fun and play. Temperature and air quality: good ventilation and temperature control. Modernisation: to reflect their personality. The Human Spaces global study found that a third of respondents stated office design would unequivocally affect their

decision whether or not to work somewhere. Relaxation zones: somewhere to step away from it all when the stresses of work feel like too much. Health: healthy food choices, water, good quality drinks and opportunities to exercise. Recognition: visual reminders that demonstrate appreciation for employee contributions: photos, awards, certificates. Colour: neuroscience and psychology research has shown that greens and blues, particularly from landscapes and nature, are mood-enhancing colours that help to create a state of calm. Connection to nature: Professor Sir Cary Cooper found that employees who work in environments with natural elements, such as plants and water features, report a 15% higher level of wellbeing, are 6% more productive and 15% more creative overall.

Lisa Lloyd

It’s Time for Change Activity-based Working: providing a variety of work settings and opportunities for movement, for example stations to stand-up. Investments in the physical workplace that create conditions for positive wellbeing pay back quickly. The biggest cost to a business is its workforce so there’s a financial benefit to making sure staff are well and happy. With the evidence stacked up, can you afford not to take the wellbeing of employees seriously? l Lisa Lloyd Strategic Wellbeing: Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Trainer & Consultant at It’s Time for Change www.itstimeforchange www.linkedin.com/in/ lisapsychology/

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Homes & Gardens Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Step inside

by Polly Gibbs

Marigold Moodboard by Curious Coco

Hello Spring!

Fresh off the Catwalk, the Futureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marigold 38

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Step inside

Homes & Gardens

by Polly Gibbs

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Let the sunshine into your home with charming marigold; a nostalgic colour with a carefree flavour. Remember the 70s with lots of browns, oranges and yellows? This is the cyclic reinvention of that era that a good few of us will be saying we’ve seen before. However, as with most reinventions, the second go redefines the look, rather than simply offering a pastiche...

ellows bring warmth and joy to a home, a happy colour evoking beaches, daffodils and summer days. Nestled between orange and yellow, marigold is a richly intense colour that leans in the direction of gold. With it’s sunny disposition it’s no surprise marigold is hot for summer this year, both in the worlds of fashion and interiors. It’s been embraced so widely by designers in fact, that Pantone has declared a marigold hue named Aspen Gold as the colour for the season.

Aspen Gold by Pantone

While it may be slightly more tricky to wear, having a tendency to make certain complexions look washed out, there’s no such risk with interiors. Cheerful, confident and bold, it brings a radiance that makes you smile.

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. Marigolds are culturally symbolic too. In India they are known as ‘the herb of the sun’ carrying particular significance for Hindus. They symbolise auspiciousness and are used to make garlands as decoration for ceremonies like weddings and as offerings for Hindu deities such as Brahma, Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Continued on page 40

‘Mark’s attention to details, such as the plate rack and bespoke drawer dividers, make everything a pleasure to look at and use.’ Unit 23, Kemps Farm, Chapel Road, Ford, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8XG Tel: 01296 706030 Email: mark@markwilliamsonfurniture.com Website: www.markwilliamsonfurniture.com Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Homes & Gardens

by Polly Gibbs

Step inside

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Charles Huntington Flooring Lightning Bolts Rug by Tate & Derby Continued from page 39

•Expert Advice •Professional Fitting •Very Competitive for Residential and showing how marigold can work Commercial as an accent colour. The luxuriouswork velvet and elegant curves of the •Carpets to suit all Ellen chair offer sophisticated grace Budgets in a colourway that creates a chic retro 70s vibe. Team with a •Freeit up Quotes walnut and gold drinks cabinet Obligation and you’re right•No back there! The Sophia bed is upholstered in a •Free Parking

During the Mexican ‘Day of The Dead’ festival (Día de Muertos, 31 Oct - 2 Nov) all flowers including marigolds represent the fragility of life. It is believed that the spirits of loved ones visit during the celebration with marigolds used to guide them with their vibrant colour. bonded velvet, expertly stitched and accented with tufted brass buttons on•both sides•with squareRODS polished This blue and yellow bedroom CARPETS • VINYLS SISAL STAIR Continued on page 43 has a definite 70s/80s throwback SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES

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

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•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 WEcan WILL NOT BE BEATENyet ON hard-wearing QUALITY OR SERVICE •Expert Advice beautiful runners l Expert fitting service at competitiveFlooring prices - we Budgets and rugs in our local area l Domestic and commercial match or better your quote •Expert Advice Providing advice and installations Advice •Expert Advice•Free Fitting to private customers, professionals•Expert and •Professional Quotes•ProfessionalFitting •Professional Fitting •Professional Fitting contractors for over 25 years •Very Competitive •No Obligation for Residential and •Very Competitive •Very Competitive •Very Competitive Extensive experience with Commercial work for Residential and for Residential•Free and Parking thatched, heritage and listed buildings. Commercial work Commercial work E

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G • GU

for Residential •Carpets to suit and all Budgets •Carpets to suit•Carpets all to suit all Commercial work Budgets Budgets •Free Quotes CARPETS • VINYLS • SISAL • STAIR RODS •Free Quotes •Free Quotes •No Obligation •Carpets toParking suit all SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES •No Obligation •No Obligation •Free THE BEST IN home •Free Parking •Free Parking Budgets Opening Times: Monday to Friday •10am 5pm CARPETS VINYLSuntil • SISAL • STAIR RODS CARPETS Saturday • VINYLS • SISAL • STAIR CARPETS • VINYLS SISAL • Any STAIRother RODS SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES 10am until•RODS 4pm. time•Free by appointment Quotes Stoves, Installations Servicing SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD •&BINDING TAPES SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm Tel: 01296 337181 Opening Mob:Times: 07767370067 •No Obligation Saturday 10am until 4pm. Any other time by appointment Opening Times: Monday toto Friday 10am until 5pm Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm North Mill Road Bledlow Bucks HP2710am 9QP 01844 342400 info@northmillstoves.co.uk www.northmillstoves.co.uk Opening Times: Monday Friday until 3pm Saturday 10am until 4pm. Any other time by appointment Web: www.charleshuntington.co.uk Saturday 10am until 4pm. 10am Any other appointment Saturday until time 4pm. by Any other time Tel: by appointment 01296 337181 Mob: 07767370067 Tel: 01296 337181 Mob:337181 07767370067 Tel: 01296 Mob: 07767370067 Web: www.charleshuntington.co.uk •Free Parking 23 DUCK FARM COURT, STATION WAY, AYLESBURY, HP20 2SQ Unrivalled customer service through the commitment of our family team.

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comforts

Homes & Gardens

Farm Shop open Thursdays 11am-6.30pm & Saturdays 10am-2pm Fresh organic veg, slow-reared free-range meat & more... Events throughout the year & â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pop-upâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Seasonal Suppers Visit: www.sandylanefarm.net for more information Find us in Tiddington (between Thame & Wheatley) OX9 2LA

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‘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

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01865 361505 www.manorhousestoves.co.uk Featured stoves from JØtul 42

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Step inside Continued from page 40

A really easy way to bring marigold into the home is with this reversible super soft flatweave Lightning Bolts Rug. Designed by Tate and Darby, it’s handmade in India using 100% New Zealand wool, using the iconic lightning bolt motif. (From £170. Available in three sizes).

It’s such an easy colour to have fun with and even introduce some

Source List limelace.co.uk decoville.co.uk giselagraham.co.uk essentialhome.eu tateanddarby.com pinterest.co.uk/curious_coco/ instagram.com/thecuriouscoco

Sardines Wallpaper by Mind The Gap Pepper Plate by Gisela Graham l Polly is an award-winning designer, Decorex100 interiors influencer & Amara Interiors Blog Award Finalist. If you’ve got a rockin’ interior or design dilemma, message her and it could feature in the next issue. E: polly@curious-coco.com W: www.curious-coco.com Insta, Twitter, FB: @TheCuriousCoco

Haipot Light by Dyberg Larsen quirky pieces like this ceramic Pepper Plate (100% Earthenware - Dolomite, £10.50 by Gisela Graham), or this seriously retro cool Sardines Wallpaper, printed with eco-friendly inks. (£150 per box/3 rolls. Stockist: Decoville).

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Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

For more inspiration browse the Curious Coco dedicated ‘Colour - Marigold’ Pinterest board and follow @thecuriouscoco on instagram for a kaleidoscope of design inspiration.

brass legs. (contact Essential Home for prices and UK stockists).

A more subtle urban elegance is achieved with these beautiful Danish designed pendant lights. Haipot is made of strong aluminium and opaque glass, with a textile flex and porcelain socket that emphasise the lamp’s quality DNA. This is distinction blended with a splash of fun. An exciting yet edgy light which instantly infuses your home with a modern edge. (£135.50 each. Stockist: Lime Lace).

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Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

homestyling

by Marie Westerman Roberts

It’s not all about IKEA Scandinavian style is ever so popular here - and what’s not to like? Great design, clean lines, functionality, it sums up what we want from our lives more style less clutter and a bit of cool. But where can we get the look...

Marie Westerman Roberts

hen I first moved here from Stockholm almost 7 years ago now, I honestly thought that IKEA would be my only source for Scandinavian design and food, but luckily, I was utterly and completely wrong. Today you can find so many of the big brands online, sometimes even for a better price then you would find in Sweden (and who doesn’t like a bargain). To start with you have big classic brands like Marimekko with their own online shop and then you have the shops with several brands under one roof, such as The Finnish Design shop. Royal Design is another one and of course at John Lewis you will find some lovely Scandi stuff including Eva Solo which is one of my favourite brands for kitchen things. If you haven’t got a jug from Eva Solo already go and get one! House of RYM is another one (I love their tea cups), Danish Lene Bjerre Design, and HAY. It is always nice to see products in real life though and we do have a few Scandinavian themed shops that are not too far away. FROM in Thame have a few Swedish products in the shop, very nice dishcloths for example. NORSK in Haddenham have some lovely brands from both Norway, Sweden and Denmark. NORSK is a very cosy lifestyle/ coffee shop. The only downside is I feel so at home there I don’t want to leave. I could sit there all day and enjoy great coffee and delicious food and the Scandi feeling! Stilla Hem in Watlington is a lovely little giftshop with Swedish handcrafted jewellery, throws, rugs and cushions amongst other things. Well worth a visit.

Norsk, Haddenham

House of Rym

If you travel to London you have Skandium, rather expensive, but with some real design classics to dream about. Skandium has stores on Marylebone High Street, in South Kensington and online. Online there is a lot to choose from, so I will sum up some examples that I think are worth having a look at. It doesn’t cost anything to look and you might get inspired! www.houseofrym.com - House of Rym is a Swedish design brand renowned for its original mix and (un)match attitude to patterns and colours. They have high-quality clothing, home décor items ranging from textiles to tableware, and a cute collection for kids. www.royaldesign.co.uk - Here you will find a wide but thoughtful selection from Scandinavia and Europe’s leading brands in design, for all price levels. www.marimekko.com/gb_en/ -Founded

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in 1951 by visionary woman Armi Ratia, Marimekko this is said to be one of the world’s first real lifestyle brands, combining fashion, bags and accessories as well as home decoration into one unique point of view www.finnishdesignshop.com - Founded in 2004 and now one of the world’s largest online stores specialising in Nordic design. www2.hm.com/en_gb/home.html - H&M Home, I think they give you really good value for your money, especially the bedding linen. If you don’t like the online shop you can visit the store at the Westgate Centre in Oxford. l Marie Westerman Roberts is an experienced home stager and the owner of Scandihome Home Staging Services. For more information visit: www.scandihome.co.uk E: marie@scandihome.co.uk T: 01844 390017 Instagram @scandihomeuk

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Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

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hame based garage door and shutter specialists ShutterSpec have added a new line to their offering. The company has taken on local distribution and installation for ERHARDT Markisen (part of the global CRH plc group) solar shading, and glass terrace roof products. For more than 30 years Erhardt products have been transforming outdoor living spaces across Europe. The Bavarian company is known for their innovation, design excellence and exceptional build quality and are among the leading manufacturers of terrace roofs and glass panels in Germany. ShutterSpec are no strangers to CRH distribution through being a customer for their garage door and S shutter products WIRELESto find a high quality and Fwere REEdelighted supplier of roofs within SWITCHandEglass LLawnings A R have a first class W L L the same group. ShutterSpec O R RY

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safe as houses

Homes & Gardens

with Nigel Grace

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Getting closer every day!

uilding can be so frustrating – unless you are doing something minor there is so much paperwork to finalise and so many hurdles to overcome! With our project, we are almost ready – well I hope we are! Our offer to purchase the house was accepted about five months ago and as I write this we have almost agreed a completion date and this will lead to us starting work. After the completion of the surveys, the last few weeks has been all about planning the build with our contractor. As I have outlined in previous articles, planning is incredibly important with any building project, so whilst the delay has been frustrating I am confident that the planning that we have done will pay off (fingers crossed!!!!) It always surprises me how many clients expect tradespeople and materials to be available almost on demand. Currently, the building

industry Is going through a little bit of a strange phase. Just driving around Aylesbury like most towns, you will see huge numbers of new houses and flats being built, but in other markets investment is slowing and the number of building projects starting are slowing. There is also the impact (or perceived) impact of Brexit. No one quite knows what will happen after 29th March but I know that some contractors are already starting to predict delays in sourcing some materials – such as glass from France and natural stone from Spain and Italy. As I said, we just don’t know what will happen. Other events closer to home have had a big impact on the availability of materials. The tragic events at Grenfell Tower in 2017 have had huge consequences. The cause of the fire, although not formally confirmed has certainly focussed on the cladding and in the insulation within the cladding panels. As a result, the availability of insulation has been severely restricted as

manufacturers are re-testing their products for fire resistance. It is not unusual to have to wait over four weeks for the delivery of some insulation products – that two years ago would have been available off the shelf. I have one client who literally sent a truck to the port to take a delivery straight off a ship and drive it straight to a site – because they couldn’t source the material from anywhere in this country – and we are not talking about a special product. So, the message is plan and if you are taking responsibility for ordering materials make sure that you allow plenty of time to get them to your site. The same goes for your trades and subcontractors. Demand for specialists is still strong and particularly when products need to be manufactured you need to allow time. For example, our project needs new windows and external doors. These items are critical as without them we cannot start let alone complete

Nigel Grace

Safe as houses

a large majority of the works. Therefore, as soon as we gain access to the property we will be arranging for the windows to be measured and ordered alongside the damp proofing specialist. Well that it is the plan! We have allowed four months to complete the project. This is realistic but it does not allow much time for unknowns – I really am hoping that our planning and close working relationship with the contractor will pay dividends – but time will tell. So watch this space! l Nigel Grace MRICS is an experienced chartered quantity surveyor, who has built and redeveloped many houses himself. If you need help or advice on your project contact him on: nigel@ nigelgracelimited.co.uk

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Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

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17/04

In the garden

Homes & Gardens with Naomi MacKay

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Has Spring sprung early? “The fabulous weather we had over February half term has had an interesting effect on our gardens – across the country, gardeners are reporting that early-blooming plants are more fragrant than normal,” says Naomi MacKay...

l Isoplexis ‘Bella’ (right). This pure Canary Island Foxglove’s candelabra shape boasts fiery sunset shade flowers and ruby stems, that appear to glow, making it a show stopping addition to any garden! Naturally favouring the edge of the forest, they enjoy sun as well as shade - perfect as a border plant or a versatile patio shrub.

HS Gardens and Partner Gardens reported that flowers such as Daphne, Sarcococca (winter box) and Hamamelis (witch hazel) were releasing the most powerful scents they had detected for many years. The weather also had an interesting effect on gardeners – we all got very excited and started looking forward to Spring – the sun was out, the birds were singing and it felt like Spring had already arrived. A couple of weeks later we came down to earth with a bump

all look forward to another great growing season. So what can you get growing now? If you’re planning some major introductions to your garden – such as deciduous trees and shrubs – don’t delay – get them in ASAP and give them a good top dressing of compost or well-rotted manure to really help them get going. Talking of which, a mulch of compost – or bark chippings if you like the look of them – should be put on beds and borders now to stop pesky weeds breaking through

as Storm Freya brought chilly rain and gusty winds with it. It’s a good reminder not to get carried away thinking that Spring or Summer are here. We are all keen and eager to get our bedding plants out at the first hint of sun – but we should remember that Mother Nature can hit back hard with frosts until May, so don’t be too keen to get those precious plants outside. Anyway, never fear, by the time you read this, Spring will hopefully have sprung, you’ll have enjoyed swathes of daffodils and we can

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Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

In the garden

Homes & Gardens

with Naomi MacKay

l Delphinium ‘Cinderella’ (left). The world’s foremost specialist Delphinium breeder, Terry Dowdeswell, has worked his magic again with this pure pink, triple flowered variety with green tips. It’s the pink ‘tutu-like’ flowers, resembling Cinderella’s dress, that gave the plant its name.

Delphinium Cinderella and retain moisture through any dry spells. Looking forward to Summer, you can sow summer bedding plants now if you’re planning to grow them from seed.Either sow in trays or pots and keep in the greenhouse – some can be sown in the open ground, but I’ve always had more success growing them in pots until they’re big enough to be

l Tomato ‘Sutton’ (right). Last summer, in partnership with the Heritage Seed Library Suttons grew plants of Tomato ‘Sutton’ and saved enough seed to now make it available as plants. It produces ivory to pale yellow fruits that are slightly flattened and weigh 175-225g. Unlike most white tomatoes, ‘Sutton’ has a fresh fruity flavour with creamy flesh perfect for adding interest to salads.

transplanted into beds, baskets and containers. If you want to start off some veg, now’s the time to sow French and runner beans in pots – they’ll really take off in the greenhouse or on a windowsill at this time of year. April is the time to sow salad crops such as lettuce and radish outside, as well as carrots. If you’re lucky enough to have a greenhouse,

Tomato ‘Sutton’ you can get busy sowing sow seeds of outdoor tomatoes, melon and courgettes. You can plant gladioli and acidantheras in April. Hardy annuals can be sown now too. Don’t

forget to deadhead narcissus and any other spring flowers. And start paying attention to your lawn – you can reseed any areas that look patchy – remember to protect it from the birds, though!

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Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

a n i m a l m ag i c

with Lucy Ellis

Spring clean your pet

t’s that time of year when we think about spring cleaning our home and detoxing our lives for a fresh start – so why not do the same for your pet? Firstly, let’s take a closer look at what you are feeding your pet – dogs are natural carnivores, while cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they both need a diet high in meat content. Unfortunately many brand name kibbles offer a very low level of meat, so check the ingredients list to see how well your brand performs. As carnivores the optimum way to feed dogs and cats is on a raw meat diet, but if that doesn’t suit your lifestyle then you should choose a dry or wet food that follows the whole prey diet with at least 80% meat. With a good diet you will notice that other aspects of your pet’s health improves, such as skin and coat condition, fresher breath, cleaner teeth and better stool formation. Whether you feed a raw or processed diet, you can always

add raw bones or natural chews, such as pizzles and tendons, to clean your pet’s teeth naturally. The act of chewing also acts as a natural relaxant stimulating the flow of endorphins to calm your dog. Alternately you can try Cleany Teeth sessions at Unique Pets, Aylesbury, which uses ultrasound to remove plaque, penetrating deep into the gums and improving blood circulation and healthy tissue. As well as diet, your pet can be

exposed to a variety of chemicals in everyday life such as herbicides in the fields, poisons in household cleaners, nerve toxins in flea and worming treatments and antifreeze on gritting salt during cold snaps. There are a number of things you can do to prevent your pet coming into contact with such dangers, like using environmentallyfriendly products and wiping your pet’s paws regularly, but many products are unavoidable and pets are particularly sensitive to these toxins due to their small size and likelihood to ingest harmful agents while grooming. Vince The Vet offers two natural remedies to help your pet breakdown and eliminate these substances – organ cleanse and intestinal clean, both of which are available with advice at Unique Pets. A holistic approach to pet health can also reduce exposure to toxins – rather than a chemical flea treatment you can use a variety of natural methods to prevent fleas,

Lucy Ellis

Animal Magic such as Billy No Mates, apple cider vinegar or Vet’s Best Natural Spot On. Adding Diatomaceous Earth to a pet’s diet can help with intestinal health, but doing a regular worm count and then only treating if worms are found is gentler on your pet than routinely treating for worms which may not even exist. Similarly, performing a titre test is a good way of assessing if your pet has enough antibodies in their system to avoid over-vaccinating. For more information on ways to spring clean your pet using natural holistic methods, or a raw diet for optimum health, pop in to Unique Pets in Aylesbury or Winslow. l Lucy Ellis is a writer and

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What’s on Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

s h ow t i m e

with Shaun Nolan

Edinburgh in Aylesbury

egular readers of this column might remember me taking my short play Paper Dolls to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. It’s a long way to Edinburgh though, so I don’t blame you, if you didn’t come and see it then. I’m excited to say though that this April Paper Dolls will be making its Vale debut at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre! Proceeds from the show will be going to Sense – a charity which helps deafblind children. I’m running the London Marathon for them in April too! Paper Dolls & Other Shorts will take place in Aylesbury Waterside Theatre’s second space on the evening of Saturday April 13th. For the evening Paper Dolls, an hour-long one-man play (starring yours truly), will be paired with a first act packed full of other short plays and monologues, written/ directed by me and performed by myself and an exciting cast of

talented performers. I’m really excited to share these plays with a local audience, so if you are free that night, come along! It will be wonderful to see you in the audience! Elsewhere in the Vale, there’s an almost overwhelming amount to see. At Queen’s Park’s Limelight Theatre, get your teeth stuck into some Shakespeare with my friend Dario Knight’s production of Antony & Cleopatra (5th – 7th April), or check out Ubiquitous Theatre’s staging of Doubt: A Parable (one of my favourite plays) on April 19th or 20th. Over at the Court Theatre in Tring, another play I love, Aaron Sorkin’s A Few Good Men, takes to the stage (March 20th – 23rd), followed by a stage production of George Orwell’s 1984, directed by my friend Alex Chard (April 3rd-6th).

Shaun Nolan Showtime!

Or if you’re looking to the lights of the Waterside (and you already have your tickets to Paper Dolls!), there’s Abigail’s Party (18th – 23rd March), Dirty Dancing (25th – 30th March), or Thriller Live (21st & 22nd April). If you fancy making a trip to London this month, I of course have a lot to recommend. For a play, let me suggest Emilia at the Vaudeville Theatre, or the new stage production of one of my favourite TV shows The Twilight Zone at the Ambassador’s Theatre. The former tells the story of Emilia

Bassano, a woman from the 1600s who fights for her right to tell her story. It was at hit at The Globe last Summer and is well worth a visit in its new West End run. Or if you’re looking for a musical, another screen favourite of mine Little Miss Sunshine gets the musical treatment over at the Arcola Theatre (from 21st March). I’ll be at all three of them in March and April – why not come along too! l Shaun Nolan is a freelance writer

and producer who also writes his own fictional stories and scripts. You can find him at @shaunycat on Twitter and if you want your show mentioned in this column, tweet him and let him know!

Run the Claydons - help fund school

un the Claydons returns for the fifth time, on Sunday 28th April this year. This fantastic event is organised by the Friends of The Royal Latin School, with help from the Friends of East Claydon C of E School and Steeple Claydon School. Monies raised go towards providing much needed equipment for the Royal Latin School. With races for Adults (16+), Juniors (12-15 & U12) and dog owners (Canicross) there is something for all the runners in the family. The main event for the Adults and Canicross runners is the 7 mile multi-terrain run around the Claydon Estate. This route has something for everyone with footpaths, pavements, unmade roads, fields, bridal paths, woods, tracks, avenues and roads. Keep your eyes peeled and you may see bluebells, red kites, buzzards,

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

rabbits, hares, muntjac or roe deer. It starts in the tranquility of the local church of St Mary’s, East Claydon and passes through Botolph Claydon before going cross country to Claydon House, past the gatehouse and into Middle Claydon, then up across the fields back to East Claydon for the finish. For Juniors there is a 1 mile pavement and footpath route. The older Juniors follow the same route, but do two laps. Both Junior races start and finish at the main race finish, by the playground. Refreshments will be available in East & Botolph Claydon Village Hall alongside the registration desk for number collection and late entries. You can enter online as www.racesonline.co.uk l Run The Claydons, April 28th

www.royallatin.org/friends-of-rls/ runtheclaydons Facebook: /Run the Claydons

What’s on

out and about

with Heather Jan Brunt

So many shades of Grey

can’t say I’ve been to loads of National Trust properties, I’m not really interested in the grand lives of titled people from the last century, or looking around cavernous rooms in enormous houses that it’s difficult to imagine living in. And most don’t show visitors the beating heart of the property – the kitchens and servants’ quarters and attic bedrooms – the working and living spaces of the people whose entire life was spent catering to the needs of the one or two rich folk rattling around in all the public rooms. So it was a pleasant change to visit Grey’s Court near Henley on Thames recently. A property that, although the home of wealthy people, still retains plenty of signs of genuine family life, as well as a look behind the scenes. The drawing room, dining room and especially the kitchen reveal the domestic life of Sir Felix and Lady Brunner and their children, who were the last family to live at Grey’s Court. They moved there in

1937 and created some beautiful gardens including a rose garden and Archbishop’s Maze. They donated the property to the National Trust in 1969 but continued to live there until their deaths with Lady Brunner passing away in 2003. Visitors can see her bedroom with an adjoining modern en suite bathroom, and walk the back corridor where all the cleaning materials are stored in cupboards, and the service staircase which leads directly into the kitchen where Lady Brunner liked to take her breakfast. Although large by modern standards, the kitchen is not much bigger than many farmhouse kitchens, and the furnishings still include the table and chairs where Lady Brunner sat. The house has a history spanning some nine centuries. The wider estate is mentioned in the Domesday Book and the oldest building still intact on site is the Norman Great Tower, built in the late 11th or early 12th century. There has been a manor at Greys

Court since that time – it was the principal residence of the lords of the manor of Rotherfield Greys near Henley on Thames. But the house suffered many decades of neglect and dereliction. By the 16th century it was owned by Sir Francis Knollys a prominent member of the courts of Henry VIII, Edward VI and Elizabeth I, who carried out many changes. The large brick and timber house, visitors see today, is only part of one wing of the Knolly’s mansion that once stood there. The Stapleton family lived at Greys Court for 200 years and made a great many changes to the house, enlarging the property, and commissioning plasterwork as well as adding crenulations to the Great Tower and the south east tower. When the Stapletons left in 1935, James Bond author Ian Fleming’s mother Mrs Valentine Fleming took up residence for two years, carrying out many improvements and installing new windows. The Fleming family still own the nearby Nettlebed Estate.

This farming life Heather Jan Brunt

The house has been used for filming and has appeared in Downton Abbey, Agatha Christie’s Poirot and Midsomer Murders. There are extensive gardens and outbuildings and an opportunity to enjoy parkland walks. Prior to my visit some TripAdvisor reviewers were not giving the tea room a very good write up, but I thought it was perfectly good with very tasty cheese scones, delicious sausage rolls (that can be heated up in a microwave) and extremely moist zingy lemon cake. For information about opening times, parking and admission charges visit the website at: www. nationaltrust.org.uk/greys-court l Follow Heather Jan Brunt on

Twitter @HJBjournalist

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

What’s on Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Putting on a show

It’s great to see local businesses such as Sally Evans Events and Bradmoor Farm working together. The impressive function facilities at Bradmoor Farm provide an excellent venue for Sally’s fabulous artist and makers fairs, which in turn attract visitors from all over the area to this semi-rural location...

t is now nearly 5 years since Bradmoor Farm in Haddenham, a former free range egg producer, reinvented itself as a farm shop, café/restaurant and butchers with an extremely popular Sunday carvery and some very adaptable private function rooms. Independently owned by Steve and Jane Gollins and set on the edge of the village the farm shop and café are generally buzzing but the function rooms are to the rear, so you wouldn’t even know they were there if you popped in for a coffee or spot of lunch! Bradmoor Farm caters for all sorts of events from parties to wedding receptions, funeral receptions, christenings, charity balls, corporate events and meetings and the occasional Artists and Makers Fair of course! They also put on their own tribute band evenings and Christmas party events. The large function room easily holds up to 250 people and can be set up in many different ways, adapting the room to suit the size of your party and giving you control and

Bradmoor Farm wedding set up

flexibility for your event. With it’s own fully licensed bar, stage and PA system, projector screen, private entrance and enclosed courtyard, it makes a great venue and also has plenty of free on site parking. There is also the option of hiring a section of the café if you would like to have an afternoon tea party or anniversary lunch there. With professional commercial kitchens on site Bradmoor Farm is able to cater for your food and drink requirements, from bacon rolls to afternoon tea and small buffets to hog roasts and 3-course meals, full wedding

Bradmoor Farm function suite breakfast or celebration banquet. “We will work with you to provide a bespoke package,” says Bradmoor Events Manager Sarah Buy. “Please call our main number and ask to speak to me. We can arrange for you to come and see the facilities and chat over what you might like to do.” l Bradmoor Farm Shop & Cafe, Stanbridge Road, Haddenham, Bucks, HP17 8JX T: 01844 299387 E: events@bradmoorfarm.co.uk W: www.bradmoorfarm.co.uk Facebook: /BradmoorFarmShop

Exciting line up for Bradmoor fair

Wall Art by A Blackbird Sang

Develampmental 54

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Rhian Winslade

ally Evans Artists & Makers Fair returns to Bradmoor Farm on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th April, 2019, from 10am to 4pm, bringing together a unique mix of more than 35 artists and craftspeople and offering visitors the chance to see some gorgeous and fascinating handmade items and to meet the people who created them. Sally’s fairs showcase our best home grown talent and are always a delight to attend. “Bradmoor Farm Shop has a fabulous event space,” says Sally, “with lots of lovely natural light to show off the work of our talented artists. There’s a café on site too which does a great Sunday carvery lunch (book ahead though). “Do come and join us, I carefully handpick talented artists and designer/ makers whose work is interesting, different and high quality, yet fairly priced/ affordable. In addition to my regular

exhibitors I have some fabulous new artists this year including: A Blackbird Sang (www.ablackbirdsang.com) making unique pieces of steel art for outdoors and indoors, inspired by nature and poetry; and David Archer of Develampmental (www. develampmental.co.uk) who makes lamps by re-purposing or recycling items that would otherwise be discarded. He loves the unusual and enjoys the challenge every new idea brings. Also meet Rhian Winslade who creates beautiful salt pots and sculptural pieces and unique porcelain decorations (www. rhianwinslade.com) l Sally Evans Artists & Makers Fairs Contact Sally on: 01844 273069 Email: hello@sallyevansevents.com Web: www.sallyevansevents.com Facebook.com/sallyevansartistsmakersfairs Fairs at Thame Town Hall / Liston Hall, Marlow / Bradmoor Farm

What’s on Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Spring exhibition Buckinghamshire Art Society has around 100 members, all elected to the Society on the basis of their artistic skills. The annual BAS Spring exhibition will be taking place in April with a fabulous display of work in a wide variety of styles and media. Entry is free and there’s a free prize draw too...

he best of Buckinghamshire’s artists are once again descending on Beaconsfield to hold their annual Spring exhibition. The Spring Exhibition of the Bucks Art Society (BAS) at the The Fitzwilliams Centre, will take place this year on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th April, from 10am-5pm. The preview evening will be on Friday 26th April from 6.30 to 9pm and is to be opened by Mimi Harker. The exhibition boasts an impressive selection of fabulous paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture and ceramics, plus a Free Prize Draw for a chance to win £100 towards the purchase of a piece of artwork at the show. To take part in the draw you must download an invite from the BAS website at: www.bucksart.co.uk and take it along with you to the exhibition. Entry to the exhibition is free and the draw takes place at 1pm on the Sunday. Buckinghamshire Art Society was founded in 1920 and plays an active role in Buckinghamshire visual arts, organising exhibitions, demonstrations, workshops and various social events, the majority of which are open to the public. The society also maintains close links with the County Museum in Aylesbury. Most BAS members are professional and semi-professional artists and the Society strives to maintain a rigorous selection process for entry to ensure that their exhibitions reflect the very best art Buckinghamshire has to offer. “With such a wide range of talent and diverse variety of styles and media on display, there really is something for everyone at our show,” says Antonia Glynne Jones, Joint Chair of BAS. “Take member artist Liz Meier, for example. Liz uses a range of media and process to create paintings which are richly layered and coloured, and which are an expression of her interest in the natural world

Liz Meier - Still Life exhibited in numerous shows around the UK and on many occasions at Square Umbrella Gallery at Commercial Square Studios. “For Liz, every mark, every layer has its own value, both for itself and for what it adds to subsequent marks and layers.” “Each painting is rather like the beginning of a journey on foot,” says Liz. “I set out with an idea of direction, but without a real map or plan. I don’t always know where I am going and I let the paint and process dictate the shape and composition of the painting.”

and her interaction with it. “Liz has a degree in Fine Art and has

l Buckinghamshire Art Society Spring Exhibition, The Fitzwilliams Centre, Windsor End, Beaconsfield HP9 2JW 26th-28th April 2019 www.bucksart.co.uk Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

What’s on Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Dirty Dancing The Classic Story on Stage: Monday 25th to Saturday 30th March

Shows galore are Mums, dads, grans, babies... all are catered for at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre this Spring with a chance to laugh, love, marvel and groove along to some spectacular events… Thriller Live: Sunday 21st and Monday 22nd April

s Mother’s Day approaches, why not indulge your leading lady in a cinematic date night with a difference? The Waterside’s Moulin Rouge screening, in the theatre’s Second Space, also includes the option to upgrade to Afternoon Tea with a glass of fizz! Chin chin! Mums with tiddlers of all ages are also catered for over the coming weeks with Bring Your Own Baby Comedy, which continues to entertain and delight parents of those under 12 months old. The event allows audience members to unwind with soft play, toys and buggy parking provided for young comedy fans – please note the content is of an adult nature hence the 12 month age limit for young ears! Love live music? Walk Right Back tells the story of the most successful duo of all time,

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Bring Your Own Baby - Comedy: Wednesday 3rd April The Everly Brothers. From the producers of hit variety show That’ll Be The Day, this production tells the story of the brothers’ rise

to fame, through their decade-long feud to the glorious reunion that gave them back to the world, and back to each other. With mega hits such as Bye Bye Love, All I have to do is Dream, and Cathy’s Clown, this unique concert-based musical entwines the wonderful, sad yet glorious story of The Everly Brothers around those trademark harmonies from heaven. Another icon of the music industry is paid tribute to in Thriller Live, which celebrates the music and dance of Michael Jackson. This audio visual journey will take you through MJ’s musical history with over two hours of non-stop hits from pop to rock, soul to disco whilst paying homage to his innovative dance moves, flair and passion. Fancy a laugh? Limited tickets are available for Jason Manford, who’s returning with his latest tour Muddle Class, and face of TV’s

What’s on Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

e Springing up! Moulin Rouge - Mother’s Day Screening: Sunday 31st March

Mock the Week, Dara O’ Briain takes to the stage with Voice of Reason. Add into the mix Paul Merton’s Impro Chums, for which Lee Simpson, Richard Vranch, Suki Webster, Mike McShane and accompanist Kirsty Newton create hilarity with their mind-boggling improvisational skills and you’re on course for some truly laugh out loud moments this April! Are you aware of the Waterside’s dementia friendly screenings? Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Sunday, 14th April) is the latest in a series of screenings which welcome people living with dementia, their families and carers to watch a film together in a safe

environment. This much-loved 1968 classic following the adventures of Jeremy, Jemima, Truly Scrumptious and Caractacus Potts will be played without adverts, with lights left on low and complementary tea and coffee served during the break. Pick up a What’s On brochure for a full line up of shows or check online at www. atgtickets.com/aylesbury (bkg fee). l Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1UG Telephone Booking: 0844 871 7607 Website: www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury

Paul Merton’s Impro Chums: Tuesday 9th April

Coming up at Aylesbury Waterside Your at-a-glance guide to what’s on... Dirty Dancing The Classic Story on Stage Moulin Rouge Screening ROH La Forza Del Destino Live Screening Bring Your Own Baby Comedy Paul Merton’s Impro Chums Walk Right Back Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (DF screening) The Glenn Miller Orchestra Thriller Live

Walk Right Back - The Everly Brothers story: Saturday 13th April

Mon 25th to Sat 30th March Sun 31st March Tue 2nd April Wed 3rd April Tue 9th April Sat 13th April Sun 14th April Sun 14th April Sun 21st to Mon 22nd April

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

The ink said

The czar

mma girl, in’t it time you got in a gig?” Digby shouted to me one day at the shore. A couple of the old pilots tutted, but they knew he was right. I brought my cousin Ivy, who brought the woman who runs the stables, who brought Meg from the shop. Pretty soon there were six of us, and we beat that sea up all winter. “Jesus, it’s like watching a centipede playing the trumpet,” Digby would mutter from the cox’s seat. “Christ on a bike Jenna, this isn’t the Olympic javelin final.” Every stroke was a painful, groaning effort. “Get that blessed spoon wet Soph. Don’t just tickle the water!” We left every session 58

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Ink Paintings and Micro Stories by Gabrielle Turner

close to tears, with the sea water stinging our blistered hands. Perhaps his exclamations eventually summoned a divine force, because one morning, four months in, we took one stroke perfectly in time. And another. From beneath us came an unfamiliar rushing sound, as if we were about to take off. Digby tapped the hull excitedly with his outstretched palms. “This is it girls,” he called. “Feel her lift!” The next day, we gathered round the training boat and waited for the call to roll her out. Where was Digby? “Over here,” a voice shouted from the boathouse where the wooden gigs were kept. “We’re going out in the Czar?” I asked. “Why not? You’re ready,” he

replied. We set out with caution, sending our frothy puddles shorewards, exchanging the turquoise shallows for indigo waves. With every lean we felt the heave of all the oarsmen that had polished these seats smooth before us, their buttocks pinched just like ours against the wood. The gig began to lift again. The noise the Czar made sounded almost like a voice. It told the stories of how she had ridden these waters for centuries, like a phantom whale in the dead of night. How her rowers jostled to pilot half-grounded ships for a fistful of cash; how they fished out all kinds of treasure from the sea… “Close your eyes, Emma,” Digby whispered. “Listen to her sing.”

Gabrielle Turner The ink said l Gabrielle Turner is a writer and artist at the Phoenix Studio near Thame. As @theinksaid on Instagram she writes daily micro-stories inspired by her abstract ink paintings. Also at www.theinksaid.com and www.gabrielleturner.co.uk

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

classical lass

with Nicola Lisle

Of opera and Easter

hirty years ago, banker and music lover Leonard Ingrams put on a couple of performances of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro at his country manor at Garsington, near Oxford. From this modest beginning grew an opera company that now stages four opera productions annually over a two-month summer season. Since 2011, this has taken place at the glorious Wormsley Estate in the stunning, purposebuilt opera pavilion. Garsington Opera’s 30th anniversary season doesn’t start until the end of May, but you can whet your appetite with a series of pre-season events, starting on 16th April. Find out more at: www.garsingtonopera.org. Before that, head to the Royal Albert Hall on 18th March to catch 1600 Buckinghamshire schoolchildren performing in Dare to Dream, a new children’s opera commissioned by Garsington Opera in partnership with

Harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani

Buckinghamshire Music Trust and Rosetta Life. The performance also involves children from Syria, Uganda and Bangladesh, and is directed by Garsington Opera’s Karen Gillingham. There’s more opera coming up at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre (www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury), with live screenings of two Royal Opera House productions, La Forze del Destino (2nd April) and Faust (30th April). There are some wonderful choral music concerts in the run-up to Easter, starting with

Aylesbury Choral Society (www. aylesburychoral.org.uk) performing Haydn’s St Nicolai Mass and Mozart’s Mass in C Minor at St Mary’s Church, Aylesbury, on 30th March. Tring Choral Society (www. tringchoral.org.uk) follows on 6th April with Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius, at St Peter and St Paul Church, Tring, while the Great Missenden Choral Society (www. gmcsonline.co.uk) is at its local church on 13th April with Easter music by Schubert, Bach, Handel and Paul Carr. If you’re at Waddesdon Manor (www.waddesdon.org.uk) on Good Friday, you can catch members of the National Youth Girls’ Choir in the Stables Courtyard during the afternoon singing some of the repertoire they are currently preparing for a concert at Coventry Cathedral. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear some of the UK’s finest young voices. Acclaimed chamber group

Nicola Lisle

Classical Lass Ensemble Mirage will be performing works by Bartok, Poulenc, Stravinsky and Shostakovich, among others, on 23rd March (www. amershamconcerts.org.uk), while fabulous harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani is performing music by J.S. Bach at St Mary’s Church, Wendover, on 13th April (www. wendover-music.org). Finally, don’t miss Aylesbury Symphony Orchestra (www. aylesburyorchestra.co.uk) at St Mary’s Church, Aylesbury, on 27th April, playing Schubert Rosamunde Overture, Brahms Violin Concerto (with soloist Clare Howick) and Schumann Symphony No.1. l Nicola Lisle is a freelance writer and author specialising in classical music, genealogy and social history. Follow her on Twitter @NicolaLisle1 and send her a tweet if you would like your event mentioned in this column.

waitrose.com/thame

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

Waitrose Thame Supporting the community Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

The Seasonal Table

Honey Roast Chicken with Sage Pesto

here is nothing like a nice Sunday roast, and chicken is often one we serve in our home but it can get a little samey so this honey version is sure to enliven your Sunday. Now I make my own little baster by simply tying up a few dried sprigs of thyme and sage. And to make this recipe even more special I have used infused honey, head up to my website or my instagram to get the recipe, or you could simply use ordinary honey if you wish.

Roast Chicken Ingredients for 4 people • • • • • • • • • 60

by Virginie Bonvalet

1 Chicken of about 1.3 kg 2 Unprocessed lemons 3 Tbsp Infused honey 2 Tbsp Olive oil 1 Garlic bulb separated into cloves 1 Large red onion 2 Bay leaves 1 Tbsp Coarse salt Ground pepper

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Sage Pesto • • • •

10g Sage 25g Walnuts 30ml Olive oil 1 Tsp. Sea salt flake

Method * STEP 1: Take the chicken from the refrigerator 10 minutes before cooking. Preheat the oven to 220°C/428°F * STEP 2: Put the chicken in an oven dish. Place inside the chicken’s cavity one lemon cut in quarters, half the garlic, thyme and bay leaves, then add a tablespoon of coarse salt. With a brush, coat the chicken with oil all over the skin, then season with salt and pepper. * STEP 3: Put in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Take out and continue to baste generously - cook for a further 15 minutes, after this time add the other half of the garlic and the onion sliced.

* STEP 4: Finally mix the juice of the last lemon and its zest with the honey - brush the chicken with the mixture - let it roast for 20 minutes, brushing regularly throughout the cooking, without forgetting the thighs, to get a nice caramelisation on all surfaces. * STEP 5: In the meantime, make your pesto by adding all the ingredients into a mortar and crush to a nice pasty consistency. You could use a small food processor to do this but although a quicker process the consistency is never as nice :) * STEP 6: Leave to rest for no more than 15 minutes covered with greaseproof paper - not foil as it could stick to the honey Drizzle with the pesto and then serve with some French beans and roasted almonds Enjoy… Bon appetit! All photographs, recipes & words ©Virginie Check out my brand new website www.virginiebonvalet.com Email: bonjour@virginiebonvalet.com Social: @virginie_bonvalet

Celebrate with Hartwell! PROGRAMME OF EVENTS History Tours & Lunch

12th April & 17th May from 11am To celebrate Hartwell’s 30th anniversary as a hotel, join a history tour of the National Trust property followed by a two-course lunch with a glass of wine and coffee. Explore an insight into Hartwell’s glorious past. £35 per person.

House of Palmer Champagne Dinner

Friday 26th April from 7.30pm House of Palmer & Co, who supply the house champagnes, host their annual dinner. Includes three-course dinner and wines with each course, coffee & chocolates. £80 per person.

Ladies who Lunch

Friday 31st May from 12noon A collection of stunning jewellery that makes ‘a couture concept affordable’. Something for all tastes and styles that make beautiful Christmas gifts. Enjoy Pimms on arrival, the jewellery showcase, a two-course lunch with a glass of wine and coffee. £35 per person.

Moet Champagne Dinner

Friday 12th July from 7.30pm Moet & Chandon and Hartwell House offer a sparkling evening of culinary enjoyment with a five-course menu and champagnes paired with dinner. £110 per person.

Summer Tea Recital with Paul Harris

Sunday 21st July 2019 from 4pm A welcome back to Paul Harris and friends to perform a selection of classical pieces with a Summer theme. Enjoy Afternoon Tea, listen to the recital, followed by a glass of prosecco and canapés. £45 per person.

Local Producers Lunch

Saturday 7th September 2019 Showcasing the best of Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Local and home grown sourced ingredients created into the most delicious three-course lunch including a glass of Dinton Folly on arrival. £40 per person.

Garden Tours with Richard Jones

5th June, 19th June & 16th August 2019 Enjoy summer in the gardens and grounds of Hartwell. Arrive at 11am for coffee followed by a historical garden tour with the Head Gardener, two-course lunch, a glass of wine and coffee. From £32 per person.

Hartwell House is this year celebrating 30 years since it first opened as a magnificent stately home hotel, offering style, heritage and service. Worth visiting for its architecture and history alone, Hartwell House also boasts a fabulous Restaurant, relaxing Spa, and Café and a varied programme of exciting events to celebrate this auspicious anniversary...

artwell House is a haven of peace and tranquillity, an historic stately home with Jacobean and Georgian features, outstanding decorative ceilings and huge fire places, set in some 90 acres of picturesque, Capability Brown inspired, parkland and gardens. It’s an impressive AA four red star, Grade I listed hotel combining stunning rooms, antique furniture and unique paintings, with the provision of traditional and up to date comfort for guests. Outstanding service and fine dining is on offer at the two AA Rosette Dining Room where executive head chef Daniel Richardson proves that locally sourced, seasonal and homegrown food is the best. Working closely with local farmers he collects the finest fresh, reliably grown and reared ingredients for his menus whenever possible and maintains the highest of standards. Afternoon tea is an absolute treat! You can of course experience Hartwell by way of the spa. Located in the elegant

courtyard, with parts that resemble an orangery, the Spa contains an attractive romanesque swimming pool with spa bath, steam room, saunas, four treatment rooms, a gym and Café and is open to non-residents. Whether it’s a day in the Spa or a stay at the House, any occasion is special at Hartwell... l Hartwell House, Vale of Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8NR Website: www.hartwell-house.com Tel: 01296 747444 Email: info@hartwell-house.com

Special Break Offer Stay an extra night on us!

Stay 3 nights for the price of 2 – enjoy a complimentary night’s stay from £160 per person per night based on two people sharing a classic room. Upgrade to a Royal Room for £75 per night. This break includes accommodation, cooked English breakfast and use of the spa. Dinner must be taken on two of the nights to validate your offer. Terms & conditions apply. Call 01296 746500 or visit the website for full details.

For further details and more events visit www.hartwell-house.com/things-to-do Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Hungry for business El Comenzal might mean ‘The Diner’ in Spanish, but in the Chilterns it is a colourful street food truck serving delicious, authentic Mexican fare for events such as parties, weddings, festivals and fetes...

hef David Plato developed a liking for Mexican food while living in Cozumel near Cancun and working as a diving instructor. Having returned to Britain, his love for Mexican cuisine and a desire to cook, inspired him to go to culinary school (the famous Ashburton Culinary School in Dartmoor) where he trained as a chef. He then worked in a variety of restaurants, including several in Tijuana, during a return visit to Mexico, before coming home to launch El Comenzal, a street food truck supplying restaurant quality Mexican food for parties and events. “My first job was as a prep chef in Bao, a Taiwanese restaurant in London,” says David. “They had very exacting standards and were incredibly busy, so we were constantly flat out. It was a real experience for someone fresh out of culinary school and great training! I worked at an American barbecue restaurant in St Albans and in Italy as an intern chef at Agriturismo Podere Il Fornacino near Pisa. That was very field to fork and a really fun experience cooking seven course taster menus for around 30 diners a sitting. “Mexican cuisine is very regional. There’s a huge variety of styles but they all seem to come together in Tijuana. I worked in several restaurants there and learnt a huge amount! “With El Comenzal I replicate the street food of Mexico but using the best of British ingredients - local farm to table if possible, so I’m developing my own style to an extent. “I’d seen a few food trucks in America and the idea appealed. It’s not as financially risky as starting up a restaurant, you have complete control over the menu and you are your own boss. It’s hopefully a good stepping stone to starting a restaurant one day.” El Comenzal is catering for private events, festivals, weddings, corporate lunches, public events, pop ups and sporting events. David is very adaptable though and offers a bespoke service, so is happy to chat over ideas and options and create something special for your event. “I am hungry for business,” he says. He launched last June having bought the van, a VW Crafter and then had it professionally 62

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

David Plato and El Comenzal

converted and signwritten in eyecatching pink pickled onions; Berenjenas - oven roasted Mexican graphics. “It’s self-contained,” says aubergine, topped with three chili tomato salsa David, “It’s got gas, power and hot and cold and crumbled feta cheese; and Pescado - grilled water. We’ve already catered at a variety of spiced hake “Ensenada style” with shredded events from pop ups with cabbage and spicy chili mayo. the Craftyard Beer shop to “For private functions I consult with Thame Food Festival and a the client and develop a bespoke menu to Mexican themed wedding suit their requirements. It’s very much a party and the food has been personal service. I aim to produce restaurant really well received.” quality food tailored to your needs. We have David runs his business vegetarian and vegan options and can cater from professional kitchen for special dietary needs too.” premises in Aylesbury, where El Comenzal can also supply a wide he can prep food, variety of Mexican ‘Aqua Frescas’ wash pans etc and - refreshing non alcoholic drinks do some admin. made from a particular fruit or “The Taco and the Torta are flower such as hibiscus, tamarind the twin pillars of Mexican street or coconut rice (Horchata) mixed food,” says David. “I use soft shell with sugar and water. corn tortillas as a base and fill them David and El Comenzal with a range of meat, fish and will be at the King and Queen vegetable fillings to create a Taco. in Wendover on May 4th for I also use Telera Rolls which when their Mexican Cinqo de Mayo filled become a Torta and are more celebration weekend; at Larks by Aqua Fresca of a meal. The Telera rolls are the Lake at Watermead, Aylesbury crusty on the outside but soft in the middle, on Sunday 26th May from 12:30pm to 5pm so soak up juices but don’t fall apart. They are and at Henley Women’s Regatta from June made freshly for me by a local bakery, while 21st to 23rd. all my sauces and fillings are freshly made by To find out what he can do for your event me as required. please contact David as below. “I have a tried and tested range of recipes l El Comenzal, Food Forum Ltd which have already proved popular and Unit 19 Edison Road, Aylesbury, feature at public events. These include: Puerco Bucks, HP19 8TE Pibil - pork shoulder slow cooked for 14 hours Tel: 07507 627623 in citrus, beer and spices and served either E: david@elcomenzal.com in a taco or a torta, garnished with habanero W: www.elcomenzal.com

s l ow c h i lt e r n s

by Neil Matthews

It’s the cat’s whiskers!

t’s Friday night at the café and Freddie is on patrol. He roams along the bar, looking into the customers’ eyes, demanding their attention. Occasionally one will pet him between his ears or stroke his back. Freddie, in case you didn’t guess, is a cat – a ginger who loves the attention almost as much as returning to his bowl of milk to find it replenished. The management at Frithsden Vineyard (frithsdenvineyard.co.uk, 01442 878723, café and shop open Wed-Sat 11-5, Sun 11-4) reassure us that Freddie is taken elsewhere if any customers are allergic to cats or just don’t want him there. We’re there for a special Spanish-themed food and drink evening, in which tapas, chicken and a passion fruit custard pot all get the thumbs up from the diners. It’s one of a series of tours and other special events throughout the year, including

welcome addition to the hamlet of Frithsden, two miles north of Berkhamsted. This is a beautiful place: ‘frith’ is an old name for ‘wood’ and, like many parts of the Chilterns, you don’t have to go far to find beech trees. While you’re here, visit:

Frthsden Vinyard cat Freddie seasonal opportunities to help with grape picking. Yet none of this would be happening if Simon and Natalie Tooley, the current owners, hadn’t discovered the vineyard, in a disused state, in 2005, bought it a year later and planted 6,000 vines of the Solaris, Rondo and Phoenix varieties. Now it’s thriving, and a

• Ashridge Estate (National Trust) – 5,000 acres on the BucksHerts border, managed by the National Trust since 1926, home to 1,000 ancient and veteran trees, bats, fallow deer, great-spotted woodpeckers and much else. Footpaths, bridle ways and cycle paths give you a host of options for a lovely day out, including a circular walk through the estate to Ivinghoe Beacon, one of the highest points in the Chilterns. • Alford Arms (www.alford armsfrithsden.co.uk, 01442

Neil Matthews

Slow Chilterns

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63 53

by Cathy Soughton

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Aylesbury ducks

ne of the things that Aylesbury is famous for is the Aylesbury Duck, once a very popular breed of duck, farmed for its meat whilst the feathers were used as a filler for pillows and quilts. Aylesbury United F.C. are nicknamed ‘The Ducks’, the town’s coat of arms includes an Aylesbury Duck and in Beatrix Potter’s ‘The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck’ Jemima was an Aylesbury Duck. The name lives on too in local pubs and places such as Duck Farm Court in Aylesbury. White domestic ‘English White’ ducks were reared extensively in Aylesbury from at least the late 17th century. Over time, selective breeding gradually led to the development of the Aylesbury Duck, characterised by its pale pink beak, white plumage and bright yellow feet. In the early 1800s many people who lived at ‘Duck End’, (one of the poorer areas of Aylesbury), bred Aylesbury Ducks. Unlike most livestock farming at the time, the duck breeders and duck rearers formed two separate

Weston Turville and Haddenham. By the end of the century the majority of Aylesbury Ducks were raised in the villages rather than the town itself. With the introduction of artificial rearing methods, competition from the hardier Pekin duck and inbreeding and disease in the Aylesbury ducks have pale Aylesbury Ducks, the production pink bills and yellow feet of ducks in the Vale declined in the early 1900s. World War One had a further groups. The ducks kept for breeding wealthy London markets and before devastating effect on the remaining the advent of the railways, (the first duckers in the Vale as demand – known as stock ducks, were line to Aylesbury was opened in kept on farms in the surrounding fell drastically and transport costs 1839), the ducks would be walked countryside away from the polluted increased. to London and inns on the route air and water in the town and were The Second World War led to a would provide pens to house the allowed to roam freely during the further decline and by 1966 there ducks overnight. Every morning the were no duck breeders or rearers day and swim in ponds. ducks would be driven through tar The duckers of Aylesbury, (the left in Aylesbury, although Richard troughs and sawdust to protect their Waller’s duck farm remains in duck rearers) would buy fertilised feet or sometimes special shoes were operation near Chesham today and eggs from the breeders and would raise the ducklings in their homes to put on them. supplies several local restaurants. His Following the arrival of the supplement their income. family first started the business in railway, many more ducks could Originally the ducks would be 1775, some five generations ago! be shipped to Smithfield Market in kept inside the duckers’ cottages London and in the mid 19th century l Cathy Soughton is a professional and they would go to great lengths it was recorded that over one ton to ensure the ducks retained their genealogist and architectural historian, white colouring, keeping them clear of ducks were regularly taken by providing local family history and of dirty water and bright sunlight, all train at night. By the 1860s the duck house history research. of which could discolour the ducks’ rearing industry began to move out W: www.bucksresearch.co.uk, of Aylesbury into the surrounding feathers. E: soughton@bucksresearch.co.uk Ducks were primarily bred for the towns and villages, in particular T: 07787 185962

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o u r c r e at i v e va l e

with Sandra Smith

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Spirit of adventure

onsidering novel writing has never been on Brenda Hurley’s wish list, but her creation of Ghostly Embrace came together with the sort of ease that would be the envy of many authors. The seed of an idea first rooted itself some years ago when she saw ‘stunning’ shutters by master carver, Grinling Gibbons. Unable to ignore the impact of the sculptor’s carvings, one line – ‘Louis never felt the knife’ – popped into her head and continued to resonate, eventually stimulating a novel which, she confesses, evolved during the writing process. ‘I’m a bit of a night owl and wrote in the evening.’ There’s a casualness to her delivery. I can’t imagine Brenda struggling over the story arc. ‘Louis is the thread that joins everything together. Although he’s a ghost, I think of him as a person.’ It’s tempting to believe that Louis, who carved a bed, a wedding

gift for him and his wife, is a knight in shining armour. Yet the character, just like the plot, is far more complex. ‘To begin with the book is about anger, and the futility of anger. Then there’s a softening.’ Given that the novel involves a lengthy timespan and a crossover

of genres, its appeal is bound to be wide ranging, though I’m still intrigued by the author’s description. ‘This book covers life and how life can lead you in a way you don’t want, but you have to make the best of what you’ve got. It’s about women, how they face certain problems and how they react. It’s neither a romance nor ghost story as such but an adventure, a murder mystery.’ And that’s not all. Brenda also insists at the heart of this kaleidoscope of emotions are caring and kindness. One of the most satisfying elements in this literary journey has been Brenda’s enjoyment of developing an idea and recognising how something can stimulate you enough to want to build a connection to it, topics she will cover during local book-signing talks she’s planning, which include Waterstones, Berkhamsted on Saturday March 30, 11am – 3pm.

Creative Vale

Sandra Smith Meanwhile Louis’ journey, just like Brenda’s, is far from over. ‘I’m a driven person; if I’m sat doing nothing, I feel guilty.’ This 75 year old, who is currently writing (actually writing, in longhand) a sequel, is certainly not short of energy. Just like Ghostly Embrace. And, I suspect, the follow up. Ghostly Embrace is available via www.amazon.co.uk or contact Brenda via artplusb@hotmail.com. 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

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Roa d to t h e f u t u r e

with Alan Candy

Philip Duke of hazard? Crash puts older drivers in the headlights

rince Philip’s spectacular accident in his Land Rover Freelander has reopened the debate about testing for older drivers. His car was ‘T-boned’ from the side while the 97-year-old prince was exiting a junction onto a main road near Sandringham, rolling the Freelander, damaging the other car, a Kia, and injuring two of its occupants. Nick Lloyd, acting head of road safety for RoSPA, said: “We were very distressed to hear of the incident involving our

Alan Candy former president, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, and two other people, and we are extremely pleased and relieved to hear that everyone involved was not seriously injured. “In the wake of the incident, we have inevitably heard calls for mandatory testing of people of a certain age. This is a red herring – age is a completely arbitrary and unreliable measure

Prince Philip’s Land Rover Freelander on the verge, following the crash for assessing someone’s ability to drive. Statistically, older drivers have fewer accidents than other

age groups. “If we were to restrict drivers based on any relationship

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Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Roa d to t h e f u t u r e

with Alan Candy

Prince Philip was back behind the wheel of a brand new Freelander within days

60th birthday!

between age and accident rates, we would need to take a fresh look at inexperienced, younger drivers aged 17 to 24. “Although this younger age group accounts for just seven per cent of the driving population, they are involved in around 22 per cent of fatal or serious road

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

traffic incidents. “In contrast, experience developed by older drivers over a lifetime of driving helps them anticipate and cope with hazardous situations. They often choose to use familiar routes and plan their journeys to make use of daylight and avoid congested rush hour traffic. “The ability to drive gives people freedom to travel when and where they like. This is particularly valuable to people of all ages who live in rural areas where there is limited public transport. Driving enables visits to family and friends, inspirational tourist attractions and everyday shopping. “Taking away someone’s ability to drive can have a major impact on their independence and should be very carefully considered because it could lead to an increase in the rising toll of loneliness and isolation that we are seeing amongst older people in our ageing society. Continued on page 69

MINI On August 26th, 1959, British Motor Corporation (BMC) proudly revealed a car that captured the imagination of the world and revolutionised the compact car segment. Six decades later, in 2019 MINI marks the brand’s 60th birthday and the extraordinary story of a British innovation that went on to achieve iconic status. To kick-start this anniversary year, MINI is introducing a limited run of 500 special vehicles for UK customers. Built in the UK at MINI Plant Oxford, the MINI 60 Years Edition is the first of many celebrations planned for 2019 that will champion the brand’s rich heritage in Britain and its continuous dedication to innovation. Much like Alex Issigonis’

first car in 1959, MINI has continued to push the boundaries whilst keeping creative use of space, driving fun, style and individualisation at its core. The MINI 3-door Hatch Cooper S 60 Years Edition (combined fuel consumption: 39.8 - 43.5 mpg; combined CO2 emissions: 129 - 127 g/ km) will be offered exclusively with an automatic transmission in the UK, with acceleration from zero to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds. The exterior design features a new British Racing Green IV paint finish and piano black exterior trim, black roof and exterior mirror caps, special anniversary design bonnet stripes and model exclusive 17-inch light alloy wheels in 60 Years Spoke 2-tone.

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Roa d to t h e f u t u r e

with Alan Candy

Grey is the new black!

Grey overtook black as the UK’s favourite new car colour in 2018, according to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Registrations of both colours were down on 2017 numbers, but grey’s -1.1% drop to 495,127 was enough to see it topple black from the top spot as the colour fell -7.3% to 478,154. Just over one in five of 2018’s 2.4 million new car registrations were painted grey. In line with the new car market’s performance in 2018, demand for most colours in the top 10 was down year on year, apart from orange and beige, which saw significant increases of +37% and +28%. Orange jumped up to seventh place, while beige made its first appearance in the top 10 since 2014 as a number of new and upgraded models had the colour as an option. The top three colours maintained a strong grip on the chart – 59% of new cars registered in the UK in 2018 were grey, black or white. It’s been nine years since a primary colour last sat in the top three, but blue maintained its solid fourth position, while red knocked white down a place to introduce more colour to the top five. Cream saw the biggest overall percentage drop, with just 559 drivers opting for the colour during 68

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

New Kia Stinger GTS looking good in grey 2018, down -34%. Meanwhile, although nearly 7,000 motorists tried to bring a bit of sunshine to UK roads, demand for yellow cars also fell by a third (-34%). White has been the biggest loser in recent years, with more than 132,000 fewer cars registered in white last year than in 2015, when it reached its peak. Scots bucked the national trend, putting white on top, but in Northern

Ireland and Wales the grey mood was prevalent. Blue made a podium appearance in all three countries as buyers opted for a splash of colour. Meanwhile English drivers made the most of the 118 different colours available on the market, registering 116 of them in 2018, while just 53 different colours were registered in Northern Ireland. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “There are

more opportunities than ever to personalise your new car to your exact taste, and UK motorists have approached the challenge with gusto in 2018. “With around 80 new or upgraded models coming to market in 2019 equipped with the latest low and zero-emission powertrains, advanced safety tech and exciting comfort and convenience features, it’s great that buyers have so much to choose from.”

Continued from page 67 “However, a balance needs to be struck between encouraging independence and protecting all road users. “RoSPA therefore encourages older drivers and their families to be aware of their driving ability and other health conditions that could have an impact, and either speak to their doctor if they are worried, or take part in an experienced driver assessment, which will provide advice as to how to improve driving. More information about driving into older age can be found at www.olderdrivers.org. uk.” The biggest independent road safety charity in the UK, IAM RoadSmart, has also waded into the debate. Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research said: “While the full circumstances around this collision are now the subject of a police investigation, there is inevitable speculation about mature drivers and road safety following the incident, due to the involvement of such a high profile older driver, the Duke of Edinburgh. “The government’s own road safety priorities highlight the

need to do more for mature drivers and on rural roads, as well as a focus on younger drivers, speeding and drink and drug driving, to further improve road safety. We support these priorities, and call for the government to put action behind their words. “While every driver is different, we support the findings of the Older Driver Task Force that the age of licence renewal be raised to 75 but with evidence of an eye test also required. “We would also like to see more encouragement for drivers of all ages to take voluntary driving reviews to help them make informed choices about their driving skills. “The fact that the government has yet to respond to this report despite it being published over two years ago is a concern for all road users, young and old.”

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Prince Philip was back behind the wheel two days later, in a brand new Freelander, and was pictured apparently not wearing a seatbelt. The Queen has also been photographed driving her 4x4 around the same time – again without a seatbelt. Now that opens up another entirely different debate…

Buyers switch on to electric UK electric car registrations continue to set records, as the latest figures place the total number of new 100% electric and plug-in hybrid cars registered last year at 59,911, making it the most successful year for electric cars to date. That equates to one new electric car registration every nine minutes in the UK. The total also means the market grew by 19% compared to 2017. The end-of-year figure marks a continued trend of consumers and businesses switching to ultra-low emission vehicles. The fourth quarter of the year saw a further 15,057 plug-in cars registered between October and December in 2018. Once again, plug-in hybrids accounted for the bulk of the

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market, with 74% of registrations. Pure electric cars also saw a significant boost in 2018, up 14% on the previous year. This takes the number of 100% electric and plugin hybrid cars registered in the UK to date to 196,343. From a regional perspective, the South East saw the highest demand across the nation, with 21,383 pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles registered– a 24% increase on 2017. Other leading regions include the West Midlands (8,601), South West (8,354), East Anglia (5,672), and Yorkshire and the Humber (5,344), making up the top five British regions for electric car uptake this year. Last year was the seventh consecutive year of growth for Continued on page 70

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Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Roa d to t h e f u t u r e

Continued from page 69 the electric car market, thanks to the increasing number of models available for consumers and businesses alike, as well as a trend for

with Alan Candy

consumers making more sustainable choices. In fact, recent research by Go Ultra Low found that nearly a fifth (18%) of Brits would like to make the switch

to an electric vehicle in 2019. However, the year ahead has the potential to be another strong year for registrations. A range of new models are set to hit the market in

2019, including the new all-electric Kia e-Niro, Audi e-tron and recently announced Nissan LEAF which will feature an increased battery size, to name just a few.

Salute to the Bentley Boys This summer’s Silverstone Classic will celebrate Bentley’s 100th birthday with a special anniversary race dedicated to honouring the illustrious British marque’s most significant historical milestone.

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

To be staged on Saturday evening at the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival, the Bentley Centenary Trophy for Pre-War Sports Cars comes almost exactly 100 years after the legendary W.O. Bentley founded

the company that carries his name on July 10, 1919. To mark the occasion, it is hoped that a record turn-out of more than 30 famous racing Bentleys will line up, as in period, in a hugely evocative

field also packed with pre-war Alfa Romeos, Aston Martins, Bugattis, Fraser Nashes, Lagondas and MGs, all dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. It was in competition that the hallowed brand first earned its reputation, winning the coveted Le Mans 24 Hours no fewer than five times in seven years between 1924 and 1930, topped by an allconquering 1-2-3 podium clean sweep precisely 90 years ago in 1929. Furthering the appeal, the notoriously rugged cars – then hailing from Cricklewood in north London and once described by competitive rival Ettore Bugatti as ‘the fastest lorries in the world’ – were raced by an alluring group of wealthy British drivers nicknamed the ‘Bentley Boys’. Illustrious examples of the 3-litre, 4.5-litre Blower and Speed Six models, helmed with such success in France, will be among the record numbers lining up at the Classic. Full details on general admission tickets, car club display packages, hospitality experiences and camping options – as well as all the latest Classic news – can be found at: www.silverstoneclassic.com

o n t h e roa d

with Rob Auchterlonie

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

Can VW T-Roc your world? VOLKSWAGEN T-ROC

OLKSWAGEN’S Golf sized SUV could be just the car for the brandloyal motorist who has been resisting the urge to switch allegiance. T-Roc may be a late arrival to the mass rave that is the Compact SUV party, but with DNA linking it to one of the world’s best selling cars, you can be sure the entrance has been timed to perfection. All things come to those who wait, as they say... It sits below the tidy Tiguan in the VW range, which is topped out by the rather the infinitely larger Touareg. But it’s the start of a major push by the German brand with the Tiguan Allspace and T-Cross Polo sized crossover joining the ranks. At the cheaper end of its lineup, T-Roc finds itself lined up against

Rob Auchterlonie

ON The Road the competent SEAT Arona and Kia’s Stonic, even though it’s a bigger proposition. Ironically the T-Roc launched at the same time as the sleek Scirocco slipped quietly off the order books, adding credence to the claim that crossovers have taken over from coupés as the 21st Century style option for motorists. But while it has that distinct SUV styling, a very neatly packaged Continued on page 73

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Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

o n t h e roa d Continued from page 71 product, it doesn’t really make any outlandish claim to being a full on SUV – you could view it as a bigger alternative to its stablemate Golf. You get a bit more ground clearance, and of course with the seats being a bit higher it’s a lot easier to slip in and out of – the opposite of the e-Golf that will feature in a few weeks. It’s compact exterior dimensions hide what’s available inside. In the front there’s plenty of space for the two occupants, and the rear isn’t exactly cramped either, so it offers a decent level of comfort all round. And the boot sports a decent amount of room. On the road it soaks up bumps and undulations well enough but with all cars of this genre there is a certain amount of body roll when cornering, though it’s nothing to be alarmed about. Add the optional Dynamic Chassis Control and you can soften or firm up the ride to suit conditions.

Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line 4MOTION 72

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

with Rob Auchterlonie

Sampled here is the R-Line 2.0 litre TSI 4MOTION which proves reassuringly sure-footed, and while it offers a little more grip in demanding conditions, it’s no substitute for common sense. Volkswagen expect as many as eight out of 10 T-Rocs sold in the UK to be petrol powered, with the choice of 1.0 115ps TSI, 1.5 EVO 150ps TSI and the 2.0 190ps TSI. Prices start at £18,995. The dash has one long straight sweep from side to side, which gives it a plain, somewhat workmanlike appearance, but below it you’ll find a clear and centrally located touchscreen, with the main instrumentation on the screen ahead of the driver varying dependent on trim. This R-Line version gets the full TFT treatment, and therefore lots of info you can dial up on the display in front of you, and variations in the display too. It’ll let you set the sat nav screen between the two main dials so your route is always dead ahead… T-Roc has pretty decent

Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line 4MOTION interactivity and connectivity, and the latest in driver aids and safety kit - important for families. And since it’s an SUV, you can add Dynamic Chassis Control, which not only has four on-road modes but two off-road settings. They hold on to gears longer and automatically activate hill descent control when you’re going down steep slopes, which you might not do that often...

Fastfacts: Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line 4MOTION Price: £32,680 (£34,715 as tested) Engine: 2.0 litre, four cylinder, turbocharged, petrol Power: 190ps Torque: 320Nm Transmission: seven speed automatic Top speed: 134mph 0-62mph - 7.2 seconds Economy: 41.5mpg CO2 emissions: 155g/km

o n t h e roa d

with Rob Auchterlonie

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019

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01296 435404 or 07801 296496 email: bucksfootcareclinic@hotmail.com www.bucksfootcareclinic.co.uk

APPOINTMENTS BY ARRANGEMENT • HOME VISITS OR CLINIC AVAILABLE REGISTERED MEMBER OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF FOOT HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2019