Vale Life Magazine May-Jun 2016 web edition by Charlie Trott

Vale Life FREE MAGAZINE

Your free magazine for Aylesbury, Thame and the surrounding area

Take me home

www.vale-life.co.uk

w art w music w people w Motors w homes w gardens w theatre w food w fashion w Beauty w health w travel w

May/June 2016

Cover picture: Thame Skatepark Official Opening Jam

Inside:

Extremely tasteful

Askett Indian raises the bar See our website at: www.vale-life.co.uk

Upstairs downstairs

Thame’s new home boutique

Art attack

Countdown’s begun for Open Studios Free local listings for events and businesses

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

w A Meal for two at The Green Dragon, Haddenham w a wicked sky spinner w w A copy of Monet’s Garden in Art w Tickets to The Towersey Festival w

GEWAY

-S

TO P-SER

w w w.ridgewaykitchens.co.uk

A complete kitchen service with a personal touch.

Getting a new kitchen can be a daunting prospect. So we do all we can to make it as pain-free as possible. With Ridgeway Kitchens you get consistent project management throughout and a dependable, inhouse team to carry out all work. Whether you’re working to an architect’s plan, want to replan your living space or simply need a high quality, good value reﬁt, we can help.

“I know it sounds a bit weird but my kitchen makes me happy. I feel genuinely happy when I walk into it.”

Old kitchen carefully removed.

Our in-house team includes: � Designers � Plasterers � Plumbers � Builders � Electricians � Floor tilers

New knock-through space.

� Carpenters � Decorators

Call for a chat, arrange for a tour of our showroom near Thame or, for more information on our German-made and English bespoke kitchens, visit our website.

01844 279900 www.ridgewaykitchens.co.uk RIDGEWAY KITCHENS | Rycote Lane, Milton Common, Oxfordshire OX9 2NZ | info@ridgewaykitchens.co.uk YO U R

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04/12/2015 14:58

Transform your home Our high quality, stylish, modern, secure and energy efficient glazed doors are available as bifolding, sliding, or single and double patio door units. Manufactured in the UK to the highest standards of craftsmanship, Bifold 13 doors come with a ten year guarantee and can usually be made and delivered within 10 working days. Durable, reliable, aesthetically pleasing and made of high quality materials, our doors maximise the natural light, take up very little space and provide great security. They are also easy to clean and maintain and offer great value for money. See www.bifold13.co.uk for further information and call us for a free, no obligation quotation, or for advice and suggestions with regard to your project requirements: 01296 330066..

Why choose Bifold 13? High quality products l Independent, local firm l Ten year guarantee l Excellent customer service l Product delivered within 10 working days l Instant free quote l Free delivery within 10 miles radius of Aylesbury l No call out charges l We supply trade customers and home owners l

Bifold 13 is a leading manufacturer of ALUK and Schuco doors and windows systems. We make, supply and fit all ALUK and Schuco products from doors and windows to glazing.

Bifold 13, 11 Vale Industrial Estate, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 9EW Tel: 01296 330066 Fax: 01296 336819 Email: info@bifold13.co.uk Website: www.bifold13.co.uk Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Bicester (Nolan Oils) 01869 343477 info@nolanoils.co.uk www.nolanoils.co.uk

Your reliable local family firm Have you been let down lately by your oil supplier on delivery or price? If so call Nolan Oils Now on:

01869 343477

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• Supplier of oils to homes, farms & industry • Payment plans & Top up service available

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

Inc. Heritage & Sons

Because every life is unique Winslow 01296 713 341 • Amersham 01494 434 484 Aylesbury 01296 428 638 • Bletchley 01908 372 700 Buckingham 01280 813 188 • Wendover 01296 620 777 www.cpjfield.co.uk

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

www.crusader-holidays.co.uk

2016 Brochure OUT NOW!

Britain & Europe - 120 exciting holidays across more than 20 countries Free local Joining Points l Top of the range Setra Grand Touring Coaches

Ring 01296 336666 now for your copy!

May

NEW TOUR JUST RELEASED! EMMERDALE – THE TOUR & Visit to Harewood House

Thur 19 Call The Midwife Experience at Chatham Dockyard £35

Your Hotel: Great Victoria, Bradford Few hotels can boast a more enviable city centre location than The Great Victoria, for this imposing structure is located in the heart of the City of Bradford.

Harewood House

June

Thur 16 Ladies Day at Royal Ascot £59 or £99 Sat 18 Blenheim Palace Flower Show £34

July

Sun 10 Sun 10 Sun 24 Tue 26

Hampton Court Flower Show £45 Royal International Air Tattoo – Fairford £55 Whitstable Oyster Festival £22 I Am The Greatest – Muhammad Ali Exhibition at The 02 £37

August Sat 6

Buckingham Palace & Garden £49

Fri 9 Sat 10 Sun 11

Buckingham Palace, State Rooms £41 French Chateau Lunch £75 Duxford Air Show £35

September

October

Wed 5 & Thur 7: Knitting & Stitching Show Ally Pally £34 Sat 22 Houses of Parliament Tour £40

Emmerdale

3 Days - £229 July 22nd & August 19th, 2016: Located in the heart of the spectacular Yorkshire Dales on the Harewood Estate just outside of Leeds, the tour will allow you to explore the village of Emmerdale, a fully operational TV set and home to the programme since 1998. Don’t miss the chance to relive the drama at your favourite Emmerdale village locations, including Smithy cottage, the Vet’s surgery and The Woolpack - tread the tarmac and indulge in a fully guided tour of the popular, fictional village. Tour guides will share secrets and stories and reveal fascinating facts behind the making of the multi award-winning, ITV soap. 2015

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There are many more Special Events, Christmas Markets & Coastal Days in our NEW brochure. Please request one if you are not on our mailing list.

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

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

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

8 11 12 14 16 17 19 21 22 24 25 27

Feeling sporty?

Upstairs downstairs

Where there’s a quill

Rocks & plants

Glow for Flo

Summer is coming

When the time comes

Lift off at former rocket base

Pollen counting

Your name in print

Move and feel great

Meet our members

Hands for healing

Win tickets to Towersey!

The science of beauty

Murder, mystery, music and illusion

Massage matters

Golden years

Helping with hair loss

Art attack

The eyes have it

Extremely tasteful

Out of this world

Less is more

The boy is back

Katy’s wearing ‘athleisure’

Back in time with Nicky Gregory Sign up for a colourful fundraiser Wendover’s new funeral parlour Can Doctor Now stop your sniffles? Free exercise to get you active Terry’s treating with clinical massage Salon’s new machine is state of the art Taking massage to another level Wigs and more from A Piece In Time Amanda’s liking her lovely lashes It’s time to relax at Hartwell Spa

30 Style steel

Polly’s into heavy metal

Get your skates on

hame Skatepark’s official opening event took place on Sunday, 17th April. It was a ‘rad’ day of competitions, demos, prizes, music and fun! After many years of constant use the original park, built some 13 years ago, had become pretty tired but there was still an obvious demand for the facility. The building of the new £250,000 park has been organised with help from the local skating community, Thame Town Council and a local Skate Park Working Group, following years of hard work and fundraising.

ongratulations to the following Mar/Apr edition competition winners! Hopefully your prizes will have arrived by

New home boutique for tillynilly Landscaping supplies now at Chiltern View Naomi’s looking forward to Chelsea Space available at Venture Park

Call Chris for all your printing needs Behind the scenes at BNI

Camping tickets are up for grabs

Entertaining mix at Aylesbury theatre House to open for 50th anniversary

Bucks Open Studios is just weeks away Askett Indian raises the bar Fabulous food at village pub Historic pub has much to offer

Editor, Vale Life Magazine

Donations came from South Oxfordshire District Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Thame Rotary, Thame Carnival and members of the public. The new facility has been built by specialist firm, Wheelscape and it is pretty impressive to say the least, with smoothly sweeping concrete bowls and a ‘street course’ with stairs, hips, ledges, pole jams, hubbas and gaps and a large bowl section - just ideal for flipping your skateboard or taking in some big air on a bike or scooter. Happy reading!

now, please let us know if not. Commiserations to those who weren’t so lucky - read on though for more competitions inside this edition, including the chance

Charlie

to win: A meal for two at The Green Dragon, Haddenham; A copy of Monet’s Garden in Art; A Sky Spinner; Two adult weekend camping tickets for the Towersey

Festival; Two 3-day tickets for the Thames Traditional Boat festival. Last issue’s prizewinners were: A meal for two at Canaletto Italian

Restaurant, Kingswood: Mike Cox, Cuddington A signed copy of The Seduction of Celia: Julia Ellis, Aylesbury

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 : May/Jun 2016

with Katy Dyer

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

Feeling sporty?

ne of my favourite trends over the past couple of seasons has been athleisure. If you’ve not heard of it you will most certainly have seen it. Gymwear becomes streetwear – but it’s not just about schlepping straight from the gym to town, there’s a little more to it than that. Clothes that look great, feel great and work REALLY hard creating flattering, functional yet wearable elements that can work day into evening. Elegant Exercise It’s relaxed glamour – it’s not just about sweating it out in the gym. Key? Make sure you can move but still keep that element of sheen – be it shimmer in sports shoes or a hint of sparkle in your jacket or knitwear. As mentioned in the last edition, there is a LOT of metallic out there right now – and it’s not just jewellery. Think sneakers, embellishments & even sports bags.

Functional Fashion This all started a few seasons ago. Trainers from Chanel teamed with a desire to look (and feel) good anywhere – looking polished doesn’t have to take hours and it’s not just for special occasions. Perhaps when you feel good in your Velvet Lace gym kit your feel more Mint Trim Cami £59 motivated and maybe have a better workout? Either way, this is a trend that is here to stay. As the work-life balance becomes ever more blurred, it seems fashion is going the same way. Easy Access And we’re not just talking sports – what about the ‘leisure’ element? It’s not all leggings and lycra! Style is taking a note from leisure pursuits - watersports and equine and more relaxed pastimes such as yoga and walking. Soft harem pants have been an elegant addition to many women’s evening look – and guess what, it comes from athleisure – teamed with heels, sparkle and a touch of attitude.

Sports Luxe So this is where the glamour comes in! Whilst functional, there is an elegance and luxurious edge to many of the relaxed garments – or loungewear. Look out for pieces that can be dressed up or down. Tops with a lace or sheer drop panel – also think about what you can put underneath tee or vest top as well as jackets, sweats or cardigans that you can dress River Island over. 8

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Grey waistcoat £125, Pied a Terre; Grey vest £29, Gray & Willow; White trousers £75, Ellen Tracy; Snakeskin shoulder bag £40, Linea; House of Fraser The Technicalities It’s not just fashion, garments have to function – from the technicalities of wicking to opacity testing no matter what the words, these are clothes that often work harder than you may realise to flatter the form.

the trend from gym to street without looking or feeling out of place. So whether you’re a gym bunny or more leisure than athletic, make the most of this trend – looks like it’s going to be sticking around for a while. l Katy Dyer is a style coach and corporate image consultant and works with people of all ages, stages and backgrounds to help them present themselves at their very best. Because when you look good, you feel good. Find out more at www.katydyer.com or simply call 01844 872 025.

New Look Red Zip Front Funnel Neck Sweater £17.99

Brights – just the one… All over bright is going a bit Mr Motivator, and whilst there is a lot of colour, team your favourite shade with neutrals such as black, navy or charcoal. Don’t forget to power up your look with accessories. Great sunglasses or a designer bag takes

Office Slip on trainer in metallic silver

Label Lab Grey Vest: £39, Printed Leggings: £35, Printed Sleeveless Top: £35, Grey Leggings: £35 House of Fraser

Column: Janice Issitt ‘Making the most of it’

All dressed up!

ith the new series of The Great British Sewing Bee starting in May, you may, like me feel inspired to try a bit of dress making. I did learn a bit at school, such was the era I grew up in and the simple techniques have proved really useful. I spotted a pattern for a simple dress/tunic recently, made by one of the largest pattern makers ‘Simplicity’ and, as the name suggests, it’s pretty easy. The pattern is by Dottie Angel and called “Misses’ Dress or Tunic”, a fun simple dress which can be adapted in a few different ways. Dress patterns come with very clear instructions and basically involve cutting out your pattern from the tissue paper (there will be a few size variations) and then tacking this to your fabric. The instructions will tell you how to lay the pattern on the fabric as well. Then cut around the pieces and sew them together in the appropriate order, trying on the

Janice Issitt

You’re spoilt for choice at Fabric HQ

Making the most of it

garment as you go for size. If you treat the pattern with care you can use it over and over again. I decided not to use a traditional dress fabric, instead I popped along to Fabric HQ over at the Bucks Goat Centre, who stock an enormous range of high quality 100% cotton, linens, cords and even barkcloth. The multitude of colours and designs stocked by the mother and daughter owners, leave you spoilt for choice and a

fabulous job stocking their shop and creating a space for workshops too. For pre-summer I’m making my dress in a needle cord, soft fine and velvety with a vintage inspired pattern on it. I also have my eye on some beautiful linens with more contemporary designs and also in plain. Whatever you plan to do with your fabric, you will find a good selection here so pop along and see their light and airy space down at the Goats Centre.

lot of them would be beautiful for children’s clothing. Jacqui and Rae have done a

l Read Janice’s blog at: http:// janiceissittlifestyle.blogspot.co.uk where she posts photo tutorials about things to make and lovely pictures of life in the Vale.

Baby & Toddler Boutique - Thame High St

RELOCATION SALE Display model Pram and Car Seat clearance

Up to 50% off clothing Toys and accessories

Clothing 0-4y, Gifts, Wooden Toys, Lamaze Toys , Changing Bags

90 High St, Thame, OX9 3EH - Tel: 0844 504 1736

Email: sales@thebabystudio.co.uk See satisfied customer comments on Facebook - The Baby Studio Ltd Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Take a trip to Haddenham White Hart Studio, Oriandi dolores es sit and ut etvisit lisintur magnihic earitatur, voluptates sam, cone ex expe plabore where you will findillatem beautiful jewellery and gifts, voloreperumaspient faci rehendempore nihil ist explitate samuscit, imaginative cards, unique and interesting furniture, seque eyecatching explatiatus,si omnis poremquam que sitas acculpa nostia vel istist homeware, stylish clothing and more... est que vid qui comnihil mosam, aut essimped quid eicium Loribea quatusdaerum vendis ati sitiatecum White Hart Studio, 15 Churchway, Haddenham, Buckinghamshire, H P17 8AB

Tel: 01844 292308 Open Tue-Sat: 10am-5pm & Sun: 11am-4pm www.whitehartstudio.com 10

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Column: Nicky Gregory‘Curious World’

Where there’s a quill

efore the ballpoint pen and fountain pen, writing was done with quills and dip or nib pens. The nib was dipped into the ink and needed to be ‘wiped’ to stop spots of ink falling on the parchment, paper etc. Pen wipes were developed from about 1803 and came into widespread use when steel nib pens were produced in Birmingham Pen wipes were made in countless and ingenious forms. Hand-stitched discs of cloth cut into a circle often with embroidered embellishments of an animal or bird in the centre were the most common. The more exotic were cold painted bronze, brass and fine silver with an area of bristle in the centre. Exquisite items and great fun to collect.

19th Century bronze and spelter pen wipes

Our Mar/Apr Mystery Object was a Pie Edge Crimper! Can you guess what this one, far right, is? The prize for the winner chosen from correct answers is

a £10 Gift Voucher for Antiques at Wendover. Email your answers along with your name, address and contact telephone number

Nicky Gregory

Curious world

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

19th Century cloth pig pen wipe

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

Mystery object

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

19th century work bench - ideal for country kitchen The Old Post Office, 25 High Street, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 625335 Email: antiques@antiquesatwendover.co.uk Website: www.antiquesatwendover.co.uk

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

01296 482963

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

supported by

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

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

www.fnhospice.org.uk

01296 429975

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

Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity introduced a brilliant new event last October. Colour Rush was a dazzling success and is back again this year! So dust off your day-glo and get ready to sign up for Colour Rush 2016, on Sunday 9th October at ALF Green Park, Aston Clinton... “

ollowing the success of last year’s event The Adventure Learning Foundation (ALF) are delighted to be hosting The 2016 Colour Rush to support The Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity (FNHC),” said Gemma Craig of ALF Green Park. “This year will be bigger and better with even more runners and a great fun day at Green Park for everyone involved.” Much higher than expected numbers wanted to take on last year’s Colour Rush, when over 500 runners were turned into human rainbows on the day, so this year, it’s going to be a whole lot bigger - twice the size in fact! Colour Rush 2016 will take place on Sunday 9th October - the final day of Hospice Care Week. The FNHC Colour Rush is a 5K circular route, it’s a fun run, jog, walk or dance with a colour station every kilometre, where you will be showered with coloured powder! The event is open to the whole family, with a ‘mini rush’ taking place before the main event for any little ones who want to be part of this colourful occasion but might not want to go the full distance! The rules are simple: 1. Wear a white T-shirt at the starting line (provided as part of your registration pack) 2. Arrive at the finish line coloured from head to toe in colour! 3. Have fun! 4. Help raise money for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity The whole family can take part and with the special ‘mini rush’ no-one misses out on the fun. All children under 16 must be

Colour Rush 2015

Photograph by Derek Pelling Photography

accompanied by a paying adult and FNHC recommend children under the age of 12 run the course accompanied by an adult. The coloured powder is a natural product. It is a natural corn starch dyed with food and cosmetic grade colourings, and is manufactured especially to throw at people!! It is non-toxic, non-hazardous and completely biodegradable. “I’m sure many of you will have heard of ‘The Works’ - the delicious desert restaurant on Aylesbury’s Market Square,” says FNHC’s Events Fundraiser, Michelle Merrison. “Well they are going to be at Colour Rush this year too, with delicious treats for everyone, so make sure you bring a few pennies along to reward your charitable efforts with something naughty but nice!” Registration is now open so what are you waiting for? Go to: www.fnhospice.org.uk today and sign up to avoid disappointment.

On the day all participants over the age of 5 will receive: • White t-shirt • Neon sunglasses • Polythene poncho • Colour Rush number • Bag of paint • Medal Entry Fees • Adult 5K (£25) • Junior 5K 5-15years (£12) • Child Mini Rush over 5 years (£12) • Child Mini Rush Under 5’s (£2.50) Special offer rates for families of four or teams of ten or more •Family 5K (£65) •Team of ten (£225) All participants are asked to raise a minimum of £20 and any adult that raises over £150 will get their registration fee refunded. You’ll be helping a very deserving local cause as Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity needs to raise more than £650,000 this year towards in-patient and at-home palliative care services for local families affected by life-limiting illness across Aylesbury Vale and beyond. l For further information contact: Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity (FNHC) Unit 2 Walton Lodge, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP21 7QY Tel: 01296 429975 Website: www.fnhospice.org.uk Email: challenge@fnhospice.org.uk Facebook: /florencenightingalehospice Twitter: @fnhospice Registered Charity 1119499

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

This year Carers Week takes place from 6th to 12th June raising awareness of the contribution that unpaid family carers make to families and communities throughout the UK...

ased in Aylesbury, Carers Bucks supports carers of all ages - from 6 years old upwards - and will be organising events across the county during Carers Week, including a special pampering day, a performance by its Carers Choir, and a ‘Bake Off’ competition for carers. Carers Week will also see the official launch of Carers Bucks’ new Carers Discount Card! There are over 52,000 unpaid carers in Buckinghamshire, and according to a recent report (by Carers UK and the University of Sheffield), they are saving the economy £839 million every year. Each year 14,000 people in the county become carers for the first time. Young Carers in Schools Award event at The Gateway Carers Bucks plays a vital role in ensuring that carers of all ages are given the help and Another exciting project is the launch of in Aylesbury to celebrate Young Carers support they need to be able to carry on Carers Bucks Carers’ Discount Card, Awareness Day. caring for their family and loved ones. which will give carers living in Bucks some Over the past year, the charity has great discounts at a wide range of Fancy a Challenge and to help raise been working hard in expanding the local businesses and services, from money for Young Carers? support services it offers to carers. food and drink to leisure, beauty On 16th and 17th July, a team from Carers 2015 saw the launch of the Carers and transport. The card will be Bucks will be taking part in the ‘Race to the Hub in Stoke Mandeville Hospital, officially launching in Aylesbury Stones’ challenge to help raise money for which is regularly seeing carers in on Friday 3rd June at Friars Square Young Carers Bucks. Race to the Stones need accessing the service, and this shopping centre, 9am-4pm. is a two day event covering 100k along year has seen Carers Bucks continue The Ridgeway, Britain’s oldest road (www. to strengthen its relationships with racetothestones.com). The team will be Stephen Archibald local healthcare. Carers Bucks has raising money to help support Young Carers been working with GP practices by living in Bucks. offering Carers Clinics at GP surgeries in the Sally Mansi, Young Carers Bucks Service South of the County, and encouraging carers Manager says: “This is going to be a fantastic to register as a carer with their GP so that challenge which we are really looking forward they can get flexible appointments and other to. We are hoping to raise as much money as enhanced services. possible to help support young carers who so Carers Bucks Chief Executive Stephen often miss out on many of the opportunities Archibald says: “Carers health and wellbeing that other children get to enjoy in their The Carers Bucks Race to the Stones team continues to be central to the work that we childhood.” do, with research showing that caring can have To find out more about how you can If you would like to join the Carers Bucks a huge impact on the carer’s own physical and register for the card contact Carers Bucks on team, contact Sandy Briscoe on 0300 777 mental health. This is why we are encouraging 0300 777 2722 or email mail@carersbucks.org. 2722, or to make a donation for young carers: carers to visit their GP so that it can be added As well as supporting adult carers, Carers www.justgiving.com/ycb-race-to-the-stones to their medical record. Bucks supports over 700 young carers To find out more about Carers Bucks and “We have some exciting developments between 6 and 18 years, with regular groups, events planned during Carers Week 2016 taking place at Carers Bucks which we are activities and one to one support. The young contact: 0300 777 2722 (local rate) or visit: looking forward to rolling out this year.” carers team is also working with local schools www.carersbucks.org Carers Bucks will soon be launching its across Aylesbury Vale to help teaching staff l Carers Bucks, Ardenham Court, Oxford Road, Investors in Carers GP Standard, which is a support and identify young carers within Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8HT quality mark to be awarded to GP practices in the school. Over 120 young carers recently Tel: 0300 777 2722 the County which are making good progress attended a special awards event organised Email: mail@carersbucks.org in supporting patients who are carers. by Young Carers Bucks at The Gateway Website: www.carersbucks.org Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Funeral director Tim Jones has lived in Wendover for many years. His funeral business, Bradley & Jones, is based in Pinner but to meet an increasing demand for their services in the Wendover area he has now opened a new branch on Wendover High Street...

he large clock ticking in the window of the new Bradley and Jones funeral parlour on Wendover High Street and their ‘time@’ email address is a reminder of previous incumbents, Time Fashions and an indication that despite the serious nature of their business Tim and partner Enzo Catapano are friendly and approachable and possess a wicked sense of humour. They also love dogs! Originally from Lacey Green and an ex Henry Floyd pupil, Tim has been in the funeral profession since 1979. He’d been wondering what to do for a job when a friend’s father, who happened to be the local coroner, mentioned there was a vacancy with a funeral directors he knew. “It sounded much more interesting than working for my father’s air conditioning business,” says Tim. “I learnt the trade and eventually set up my own business in Pinner in 1995. “Our new premises at Wendover are ideal. It’s a lovely old building, quite charming with enough space for a chapel of rest and to hold wakes. It is 16th Century and was part of The Kings Head pub at one time.”

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Enzo Catapano, left and Tim Jones in their new Wendover premises Having been in the business for some 37 years Tim and his team can cater for any kind of funeral from a high Catholic service to a Humanist civil celebration, woodland burials, cremations... “It’s about the individual wishes of the deceased and their family,” says Tim. “Funerals are much more personal affairs these days and we are here to make sure it all happens as our clients wish. We really enjoy helping organise all the little personal touches people like to include now. “Distance is no problem either, we have been to The Lake District and to Paris for funerals recently. The Lake District arrangements were unusual as the churchyard is on solid granite and graves have to be blasted out of the rock with dynamite!” “It’s a bespoke service,” says Enzo. “We are very flexible and open minded. We listen to what the client wants and enjoy catering for those quirky touches. We arranged a motorcycle and sidecar hearse for the funeral of a keen biker recently.” “We are generally more accommodating than larger firms can be, especially when it comes to booking a specific time or day. We

have good relationships with local churches and crematoriums and supporting services which is important in delivering what our clients want. When you come to Bradley & Jones you are dealing with an independent firm run by the owners and you get our personal attention. “If someone needs our services, they can come and see us, or we can visit if they are unable and discuss requirements, budgets and options. It’s good if they can come in and see the premises and appreciate the warm atmosphere here. We then go through the funeral arrangements, book a time for the crematorium or cemetery, go through the legal paperwork and then we would collect the deceased and bring them back to the funeral parlour. They lie at rest here until the funeral and family and friends are welcome to come to spend time with them in a pleasant, relaxed environment. l Bradley & Jones, 21 High Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6DU Email: time@bradleyandjones.co.uk Tel: 01296 622975 Web: www.bradleyandjones.co.uk

Column: Nick Phillips ‘Good to give’

Help our young carers

hen it really matters there are some extraordinary children that we count on and the charity that helps them is just down the road. I recently spent time with Margo Parfitt who runs YC2 for Buckingham and Winslow Young Carers and I was moved by the work of the charity, the children and the volunteers. It is hard enough for adults to be carers but when children are carers their lives are just so different from the majority of children. Their responsibilities often squeeze out social engagements and study time. They are silent, brave and sensible beyond their years. YC2 Buckingham and Winslow aims to provide a programme of events for young carers in the Buckingham and Winslow area aged between 7 and 18 years; to meet together, to learn new skills, share experiences, develop social skills, encourage confidence and boost their own self-esteem away

from the caring environment. They do this through a structured activity programme, one-to-one support and support workshops. May (not her real name), is a Young Carer member of YC2. May is a thoughtful, imaginative and creative young person. She loves her 5 year old brother who has severe problems with his neurological and physical development. Christopher needs a great deal of attention and May keeps an eye on him both in the house and in the garden as his eyesight is very poor and he could hurt himself. He also gets frustrated quickly and she is able to calm him down, most of the time. She lives in a small village so does not have many opportunities to socialise with her friends. She understands that Christopher needs a lot of attention because of his condition, and knows that her parents are often very tired as they run their own business and have lots of hospital and treatment appointments to organise for

Christopher. May started at YC2, a local club for young carers, a year ago and loves the fun and freedom it offers. There are lots of other children there, and all of them have someone in their family who needs extra care. She feels as if she has another sort of life there, different to the one at home, more carefree, with lots of friends and many activities to do. She really enjoys the craft sessions and the regular outings they organise. At YC2 she knows all the club leaders want her to have the best time possible and that she and the other young carers are their first priority. Her parents say YC2 has given May the opportunity to talk to children her own age, who also share the same worries and stresses and it has really helped understand her emotions and that she is not alone. Her confidence has grown, she has made new friends and can talk openly with her peers and the volunteers about her worries. They think YC2 has an amazing

Nick Phillips

Good to give group of volunteers, who really care for the children and are very grateful that May can go there. Demand for YC2 is growing as more children are acting as carers than ever before. Can you offer some time and help? Volunteering with the team and helping change these young lives is so rewarding. Contact the team directly via: www.youngcarersbucks.org or through Community Impact Bucks and we will put you in touch. l Nick Phillips is CEO of

Community Impact Bucks, a charity dedicated to creating a better life for the people of Buckinghamshire. Tel: 0300 1111 250 www.communityimpactbucks.org.uk

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Many of us struggle with hay fever and at this time of year are dreading the pollen level increases as Summer approaches. If conventional treatments aren’t working for you the local Doctornow private GP practice may be able to help with an injection of Kenalog...

stablished in 2003, DOCTORnow is a private GP practice with surgeries in Tring and Beaconsfield, offering a wide range of independent primary care services, including optional 24 hour cover, available on a membership or pay as you go service. Patients can use DOCTORnow alongside their NHS GP surgery and some local GPs already refer patients to DOCTORnow for additional services not available on the NHS. DOCTORnow’s Medical Services Director Dr Richard Angwin MBBS FRCS explains how Kenalog can help relieve hay fever symptoms: “Kenalog is a corticosteroid injection, often used to reduce inflammation in joints from arthritis. Corticosteroids powerful antiinflammatory action is effective at reducing the symptoms of hay fever which are caused by inflammation triggered by an allergy. “Kenalog is not recommended in the NHS and should not normally be given unless conventional treatments (antihistamines, nasal sprays, eye drops) have failed to control the symptoms, but it can be especially useful to get people through important periods in their life, such as revising and taking examinations, looking for and interviewing for jobs, and training for sporting events (it does not enhance sporting ability!) “The injections, which are in the buttock, are highly successful - almost 100% - and the effect lasts about 6 weeks. “All corticosteroids can cause side effects. These are rare and minor in short term use but can include: stomach irritation, alterations in mood, increased susceptibility to infection, masking of infection, glaucoma, and problems at the injection site. It is debatable whether short term steroid use can lead to early arthritis. Some people have calculated that if short term steroids do cause this, the rate is about 1 in 250,000 cases. “Longer term use of steroids (usually for l

is required it can be given, prolonging the duration of effect up to 12 weeks. I would not normally recommend more than 80 mg of Kenalog per year for hay fever control and I would not advise Kenalog in pregnancy or when breast feeding.” l DOCTORnow Tring, Health & Wellbeing Centre, Champneys, Wigginton, Herts, HP23 6HX Tel: 01442 502999 DOCTORnow Beaconsfield, The Old Barn, Mulberry Court, Windsor End, Beaconsfield, Bucks, HP9 2JJ Tel: 01494 410888 Email: info@doctornow.org Web: www.doctornow.org

Dr Richard Angwin

more than 6 months) can have more serious side effects such as diabetes and osteoporosis, which will be discussed in your initial consultation. “There are 2 doses used for hay fever, 40mg or 80mgs, I normally go with the lower dose and this usually controls the symptoms. This has the advantage that if a second dose

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Health & Fitness

Column: Fitness Focus with

Move and feel great!

f you’ve already abandoned that New Year’s resolution to get fit, you’re probably not alone. Gyms can be daunting places, inhabited by lycra-clad bodies and it’s hard to motivate yourself to go for a jog, especially if it’s a bit wet and chilly outside. Committing to a regular class can be expensive, or perhaps the idea of sports based exercise is a complete turn off. Either way, Active Bucks has the answer! From May, we have a weekly programme of fun and inspiring activities taking place across the county, on days, evenings and weekends. And it’s to continue throughout the year, with new activities being added all the time. Yogalates, boot camp, dancing, Nordic walking, multi-sports, baseball, walking netball, geocaching and much more will be on offer. There are simply too many activities to list here! Activities are open to everyone; whether you’re young or old, male or female, super-fit or totally unfit.

Guided walks are free!

Each session costs just £2 and guided walks are free, so why not bring a friend along? All sessions are aimed at beginners, so don’t count yourself out if you currently do little or no activity. In fact, you’re the sort of person we really want to join in! Sessions are indoors and outdoors; at locations ranging from village halls to country parks. To make a real difference to our health and wellbeing, adults need to aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week. Moderate intensity activity is anything that increases your

breathing and heart rate, but allows you to comfortably talk to the person next to you. Weight loss, improved strength, balance and flexibility are the obvious benefits of being active. But regular activity also protects our body and mind and helps us to age well. Your chances of getting heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers are greatly reduced with regular exercise and getting active, especially outdoors, can help prevent stress, anxiety and depression and improve sleep. Being active can also preserve our quality of life in older age, protecting us against dementia, osteoarthritis and other physical limitations of aging. And finally, there’s the social aspect of getting together with friends and family and meeting new people. Did you know that you’re more likely to stay active if you’re part of a group activity? As if the reasons above aren’t enough to get you involved with Active Bucks, your first session of any activity will be completely free!

Sarah Mills Active Bucks

All you need to do is download a voucher (available from June 1st) from our website. Whatever your age and fitness, you can start small and let Active Bucks help you to build up your activity level. Visit www.buckscc.gov.uk/ activebucks for more information, including a full list of activities, dates, times, venues, booking details and to get your voucher. We’re also recruiting volunteers to support Active Bucks and motivate people to get more active. To find out more, contact Holly Skinner: holly.skinner@activebucks.com l Sarah Mills is Public Health Principal at Bucks County Council www.buckscc.gov.uk/activebucks

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EAR WAX REMOVAL If you are troubled by excessive ear wax causing discomfort or loss of hearing, CV Health Aural Care Service can offer you a very effective treatment at its Haddenham Medical Centre. Micro-suction is the most up-to-date procedure for removing obstructions in the ear and compared to syringing, it is safer, quicker, better tolerated and more effective. What does it cost? CV Health offers a competitively priced service at £80.

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

Angie Elbourn DHP. MNRAH

Reg Hyp. CNHC Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Column: ‘Kiss & tell’ with Tracy Kiss

The bump’s gotta go!

ave a guess what I’ve just done? You’ll never get it! Do you give up yet? Ok, I’ll tell you; I’ve booked a rhinoplasty surgery to have a bump in my nose taken out at Beyond Beauty Cosmetic in London and I’m doing cartwheels in my kitchen right now with excitement. You may look at my nose and think that there’s nothing wrong with it and to be fair there isn’t. I’ve never broken it, it doesn’t look particularly hideous or cause me problems, but like anything in life we can always make improvements where necessary. As a young child I couldn’t breathe through my nose at all so I underwent adenoid removal surgery to clear my airways, which worked wonders and as such rhinoplasty is widely used to improve breathing difficulties in children and adults alike, becoming ever more popular each year. Due to my Hungarian heritage I have what I call a beak for a nose,

Tracy’s profile with and without ‘bump’ as it protrudes rather than slopes from the bridge and isn’t at all feminine. I’ve daydreamed about taking the bump out of the top of my nose for many years now but there was always that doubt in the back of my mind - what if something goes wrong and I don’t like it? It’s not as if you can take a magazine to a surgeon and request Cameron Diaz’s nostrils and Beyonce’s bridge, so I wanted to be

sure that my new nose would suit me first before making my decision to go under the knife. My surgeon Mr Nick Percival has used the latest technology to capture the exact measurements and dimensions of my new nose and I’m absolutely thrilled with the results. His sentiments towards surgery echo mine exactly; a rhinoplasty should be totally undetectable. I’m not trying to change my appearance, shorten, lift or nip at the tip but simply take away a bump from the bridge of my nose and so I shall look exactly the same to the untrained eye, just my side profile will be softer. At present I feel like I have a sundial for a nose, I joust nostrils with my children when I kiss them goodnight and I’ve never been able to drink from a champagne glass or wear sunglasses because of my bump. Seeing that I already have the results of my surgery I’m confident

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Tracy Kiss

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Massage is not just a relaxation or pampering therapy. A suitably qualified practitioner can treat back pain, headaches, injuries, migraines, repetitive strains and much more, improving your quality of life, wellbeing and happiness...

erry Dean has led an interesting life. Originally from the Wycombe area he trained as a carpenter and appreciates the strain hard manual labour and carrying overly heavy loads can put on a young frame. He has worked in theatre, has an MA in Performing Arts for which he specialised in movement and physical theatre, was a keen player of racket sports, had a career in marketing and brand development and until recently lived with his family in Spain. “I’d benefitted from having massage for lower back pains and various sports injuries myself,” says Terry, “and I became interested in what massage could do. I did a course in Swedish Massage and started practising. I was living in Spain at the time and when we returned to our home in Aylesbury some two years ago, I decided to set up my own practice.” By this time Terry had been studying massage for several years and had just completed a year and a half of training to become a specialist in clinical massage. Terry studied Massage Therapy and Anatomy and Physiology at the Cotswold Academy in Cirencester and further developed his skills at the JING Institute in Brighton studying Advanced Clinical Massage and is a Member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists.

Terry has a pleasanttreatment room on the ground floor of his Aylesbury home.

“There’s a fair amount of anatomy involved in the training,” says Terry, “as although we work primarily with the soft tissues I need to understand the underlying anatomy. “I practice Clinical Massage which is outcome based rather than an ‘experience’ spa type massage and is designed to alleviate pain and improve mobility. It requires a good assessment of the patient’s condition, to evaluate what is wrong and then to devise a treatment plan. “I employ a range of effective, clinically proven massage techniques and protocols from both Eastern and Western origins and aim to get the best outcome in as short a time as possible. To ‘Fix in Six’ sessions or less is the ideal. I am aiming for decreased pain, increased range of motion and to ultimately get the patient back to full working order. “I might utilise thermal therapy (hot and cold treatments), myofascial release (gentle stretching of the outer layers), trigger point therapy (using Terry using Thai Massage static pressure to release techniques on a patient’s back tension in muscle tissue), Swedish strokes, focused back after a week or so. deep tissue work and a bit of “Once someone is better stretching at the end, all in an I may not need to see them hour’s treatment. again, although sometimes “Sometimes I can relieve a patients will come once problem in a single treatment, a month for ongoing but generally there will be a maintenance because their few sessions required over lifestyle or activities are a period of weeks. I offer a causing the problem to free 20 minute assessment/ reoccur. We are not designed consultation during which we to sit for long periods but Terry releasing tension discuss what clinical massage in a patient’s neck many of us have to for work, can do for the patient. We so we need to prepare our then do some joint and bodies for what we are asking them to do motion testing for 25 minutes and I can say and that is an ongoing situation, much like an what I think the problem is, how I propose athlete in training for their sport.” to treat the condition and how many sessions Terry runs a clinic at his home in Stoke that might take. Usually I would expect a Mandeville and at The Bagnall Centre for significant difference after three treatments. Integrated Healthcare in Chesham. For a free “I may give self-help guidance too, for consultation contact him as below. stretches and exercises that can be done between sessions to help the process along. l Terry Dean Massage, 3 Hornbeam Way, Often patients won’t need the full six visits, Weston Turville, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP22 5 WX maybe just three or four or we may go from Tel: 07769 790690 once a week to once a fortnight to see if the Email: terrydean.massage@gmail.com Web: www.terrydeanmassage.com condition has gone or if it’s starting to come Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Column: Fitness Focus with Emma Morgan

Health & Fitness

Say ‘Yes to Yoga!’

mma Morgan’s passion is health and fitness and she began her career as a personal trainer and nutritional advisor. After 4 years working with clients at Racquets Fitness Centre, Thame and at David Lloyd’s in Oxford, she decided to make a change and further her interest in Yoga. “During University I began practising yoga and realised this would be the perfect way for me to progress,” says Emma, “as yoga develops flexibility, strength and balance, not only physically in the body but in the mind as well. “My Yoga training has been in two stages. First I qualified in the UK and went on to teach Fitness Yoga, then this inspired me to go further again and I travelled to India and successfully studied for an advanced teaching certificate at the Ashtak School in Goa, under the expert tuition of Dr Gaurav Malik. “Sharing yoga with people is what I really enjoy and I would love

Emma studying yoga in India for you to join me. Whether you are a beginner or have been practising for years, come and experience the benefits. “Having suffered with lower back problems myself, I have found yoga postures effective in managing and improving this.

“Not only does yoga help strengthen the body, but it can help aid digestion and promote the detoxification process of the organs. “The breathing techniques learned in yoga are vital to the practice and beneficial in daily life for reducing stress. “If your flexibility is limited, this is a perfect reason to embrace yoga and see how that can be improved after a few weeks! “For those who are aerobically fit, breathing techniques and flexibility movements and postures will enhance physical strength. “Since arriving back from India last year I have set up yoga classes In Thame, Long Crendon and Chinnor. For more information about times and venues visit my website at: www.emmamorganyoga.com

Emma Morgan Yoga

“I am also working with local companies, developing corporate programmes as required - lunchtime relaxation and revitalisation classes for staff are one such example. If you would like to start a lunch time yoga class at your company contact me as below for more information. Say ‘ Yes to Yoga!’ this Summer! And look out for ‘ Yoga in the Park!’- coming soon... l Emma Morgan Yoga T: 07709 428 629 E: emy@emmamorganyoga.com W: www.emmamorganyoga.com

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

There’s a lot happening at 4beauty - new equipment, new treatments, new therapist, new juice bar... and yet the Whitchurch salon remains a relaxing oasis of calm and tranquility - just how do they do it...

beauty boasts a stylish, modern reception and retail area, complete with nail bar, calming and comfortable therapy rooms, foot spa and three highly trained and accomplished beauty therapists in Ellen, Kelly and Sophie, but owner Ellen Aubrey is not stopping there. The salon in Whitchurch, near Aylesbury is celebrating its 10th anniversary in October and Ellen is marking this auspicious year with the addition of a new juice and coffee bar more in our next edition - and has recently introduced the impressive new Guinot Hydraderm Cellular Energy machine, which uses state of the art technology to perform amazing anti-ageing treatments that stimulate energy within the skin cells to repair damage and stress, accelerate cellular regeneration and eliminate toxins, revealing a brighter more youthful complexion. Visible results are achieved after just one treatment. The machine features a clever interactive screen which shows a therapist going through the treatment in real time as you use it, so the therapist can change stages in tandem without having to keep setting timers and alarms, which is more relaxing for the client. There are now five Guinot facials to choose from at 4beauty - the Hydraderm which utilises Dynamic Ionisation to regenerate and rejuvenate the face, leaving your skin firm, smoothed and younger looking; the Hydraderm Lift (a lifting and toning treatment which stimulates the muscle fibres for instant, visible results); the Hydraderm Lift Express (a 30 minute quick lift which tones the muscles for a quick boost with visible results);

4beauty

Sophie, Ellen and Kelly with Chris Gillam MD of Guinot UK, at the Guinot Awards

the Hydraderm Lift Deluxe (described as ‘the ultimate anti-ageing treatment’ - combines Guinot’s unique Age Logic Serum with a Hydraderm lifting treatment to minimise wrinkles, tone facial muscles and increase your skin’s elasticity); and the Eye Logic, a 40 minute treatment which targets signs of ageing and tiredness around the delicate eye area and can be done with the Hydradermie machine or the new Hydraderm Cellular Energy machine. “You can read about the new treatments on our website (and book treatments via the online booking system) or pick up a leaflet at the salon,” says Ellen. “The new machine is technologically advanced, more powerful and more focused. We are still offering treatments on our old Hydradermie machine though which are very good and very popular.” It’s been a busy time at the salon which started with the team enjoying an evening at The Guinot Awards in London where Kelly received her coveted Guinot Regional Therapist of the Year Award 2016 and met the truly wonderful Joanna Lumley who hosted the awards ceremony. “We are so proud of Kelly,” says Ellen, “the

4beauty reception

Andrea enjoying her Hydraderm Eye Logic treatment Vale Life’s Andrea enjoys a Guinot Hydraderm Eye Logic treatment with 4beauty therapist, Kelly “I have tried to hold back the signs of aging, particularly around my eyes for a few years now with various creams and lotions,” says Andrea “so, when I was asked to sample a new Guinot Eye Logic Eye Contour Treatment at 4 beauty, I jumped at the opportunity. It was a relaxing and enjoyable experience and I can honestly say that the improvement in the look, texture and feel of the skin around my eyes was dramatic. In fact when my husband saw me later, having forgotten that I was going to trial a beauty treatment, he said how lovely and fresh I looked and had I done something different?!” Guinot Eye Logic Treatment Offer (50 mins: Cost: £50) First 3 online bookings made for a course of 3 Eye Logic Treatments at 4beauty will receive a FREE Guinot Longue Vie Yeux Lifting Eye Cream worth £41 !

award is an amazing achievement as the region covers five counties, which is a lot of salons and beauty therapists! Kelly is very skilled and highly professional, if you’ve not experienced one of Kelly’s magical Guinot Facials book soon to try her, she is much in demand! “Our new therapist, Lisa, has just joined us and is fitting in really well. She has been busy having Guinot training so will be right up to speed on their latest products. She is young, very capable and very experienced having trained in High Wycombe and then worked in a couple of busy spa resorts. l 4beauty Ltd, 56 High Street, Whitchurch, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP22 4JS Tel: 01296 640644 Email: admin@4-beauty.com Web: www.4-beauty.com Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Most of us have aches and pains, often caused by our jobs, stress, sporting activities or a variety of medical conditions. Massage has long been recognised as helping to alleviate muscle pain and dysfunction but at Massage Matters in Thame they are taking the therapy to a new level...

egulars at Racquets Fitness Centre, Thame will probably know John Holman as he has provided massage and remedial therapy at the club for some 26 years. What they may not know is that John is an industry pioneer in the world of massage. He is the designer of the Hydrotherm Massage System - a unique 3-Dimensional Massage System which has tremendous advantages for the client in that they do not have to turn over during a treatment - in fact you can have a back massage whilst you are laying on your back! There are no face holes or cricked necks to contend with and your treatment is carried out whilst you lay upon two warm water cushions which alleviate muscle pain, maintain warmth and keep the muscles supple and receptive to massage. It is also ideal for mums-to-be. John is extremely knowledgeable about anatomy and massage and technically highly

Sports injuries and recovery from surgery

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Mark, Anna and John of Massage Matters

accomplished having studied, researched and practised the ‘art and science of massage’ for many years. Working with industry experts, friends and colleagues John has also been instrumental in changing a long misunderstood belief that massage was not safe for those with cancer. This ground breaking work has resulted in the development of specialist training for massage therapists and massage for cancer patients is now recognised and approved by the UK Government’s industry standards setting agency for massage HABIA and the leading medical insurance companies. John’s clinic, Massage Matters is now one of the first in the UK to offer Tranquil Sea Massage to those that are either undergoing treatment or are in remission from cancer. Up to now the benefits of massage for those with cancer have only been available to very few and generally only within a hospital or hospice environment. This is no longer the case thanks to the pioneering work of John and his colleagues and there are some lovely testimonials on the Massage Matters website from cancer patients John has massaged and who found his treatments of great benefit and

comfort. John is keen to bring the physical and psychological benefits of massage to all and has completely revamped his practice, teaming up with fellow practitioner and now business partner Mark Webster, who is a graduate of the London School of Massage and under John’s tutelage has become fully qualified in the Hydrotherm 3 Dimensional Massage System and is developing his skills in the massage of patients with cancer; and Anna Shaw, who trained at Oxford University Sports Campus and specialises in Clinical Sports and Remedial Soft Tissue Therapy. Anna is certified in Hydrotherm Massage, finding it advantageous for clients who experience chronic pain from conditions such as Fibromyalgia or Non-Specific Back Pain. She offers massage to promote muscle conditioning, good ranges of movement and flexibility and to reduce pain and is well versed in treating a variety of conditions, whether it be sport specific or postural related pain, overuse or minor injuries. The Massage Matters clinic has been completely refurbished and expanded and now offers a stylish, modern reception

Treatment room area and two smart, well equipped and fully functioning treatment rooms. Massage Matters has an informative new website with online booking facility at: www.massagematters.clinic where you can read more about the therapists and the range of treatments offered, which broadly fall into three categories: Pain and Injury Treatment - Sports Injuries; Postural Problems; Recovery from Surgery; Pain related to Poor Flexibility Stress Management - Tension Headaches; Neck and Shoulder Pain; Sleep Problems; High Blood Pressure Speciality Treatments - Massage during pregnancy; the Fantastic Foot Treatment; Massage for those with cancer; and the Hydrotherm 3 dimensional massage. “Here at Massage Matters we are specialists in massage therapy,” says John. “We treat the soft tissues of the body - muscles, ligaments and tendons and can help relieve your aches, pains, posture issues or related symptoms. There is a science to what we do and high levels of skill and expertise in the techniques we employ. If massage was a regular part of our lives many of our problems would not occur in the first place. I’m very passionate about what we do as I know the benefits it can bring. If you would like to discuss an issue or book a treatment, please contact us as below. “Mention Vale Life Magazine and we will give you 30% off your first booking!”

Stress relief Maggie’s Story I had been going to John Holman for Hydrotherm treatments on an ad hoc basis for many years. I played squash on a regular basis and found there were times when I had overstretched, pulled muscles or just felt the need for a relaxing massage. It was during one of these relaxing massages that a lump was noticed in my abdomen. I knew my abdomen was getting larger and had decided that going to the gym was the answer - it was not! I went to my doctor who took blood tests and sent me for both x-rays and ultrasound and following these I had an operation to remove a very large tumour from my abdomen. I continued to have my massages with John as they were a source of great comfort to me as, providing continuity in my otherwise chaotic life. I began a course of chemotherapy but radiotherapy was ruled out because of the proximity of major organs. One week after my first course of chemotherapy I had severe pains in my left leg and thigh and spoke with John to see

if I could continue with my massages, he agreed which was a great relief to me and a complete joy as it appeared that the pain was taken down my leg and out through my toes, I had every confidence and trust in John and his skills and I was now a regular with my treatments of every four weeks and booked a year ahead, a practice that I have maintained to this day. John was a link to ‘normal life’ and after my session I was able to do most things and felt confident and relaxed, I did note that I was not as tired as my fellow ‘inmates’ seemed to be. I had no adverse effects from any of my massage treatments from John throughout my diagnosis, treatment and recovery and I had every confidence in John and trusted him unconditionally. I have no doubts that receiving a massage every four weeks was a major part of my recovery and as mentioned I continue this practice today I would recommend massage to anyone undergoing cancer treatment for the comfort of touch and sense of wellbeing it delivers.

l Massage Matters, North Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3TH Tel: 01844 212022 Email: hello@massagematters.clinic Web: www.massagematters.clinic Open Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm, Sat: 8am - 6pm, Sun: 10am - 4pm

3 Dimensional Massage

Treatment for injuries and poor flexibility Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Helping with hair loss P

enny Herbert lives in Broughton and has been hairdressing around the Aylesbury area for some 30 years, both in salons and as a freelance hairdresser. During this time there have been occasions when a client had lost or was losing their hair, usually as a result of alopecia or chemo therapy and Penny realised there was a lack of help in such situations and not a very good choice if a wig was required - certainly the NHS ones didn’t seem ideal! With her hairdressing experience Penny thought she might be able to help and attended a wig making course gaining an NVQ Level 2 in the art: “This enabled me to understand the wig industry,” says Penny “and although I don’t intend to make wigs I now fully understand their construction, which allows me to give the best advice when choosing and fitting one.” Penny is also trained in using Rapture hair extensions, which can help add some much needed volume to thinning hair. “The wigs I have sourced are excellent quality and are available in a range of modern styles. You can buy bespoke handmade wigs, Penny Herbert with a couple of the wigs she supplies which take several months to make and are up to about £800. quite costly, or there are very good machine “The wigs can be made of natural or made wigs, which are great value and look synthetic hair. Real hair is not necessarily very natural. Mine are from Purley Wigs and better though as both can look very natural and Raphael Perrier and range in price from £100

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

synthetic hair is harder wearing.” Other options might be a Lite Volumiser, which is a kind of toupée for female pattern baldness, or for thinning hair, hair extensions. If you are suffering from hair loss and would like to see Penny, she offers a consultation service (£45) and will come to your home with her brochures and samples to advise on the best options for your type of hair loss and budget. The wigs can generally be supplied within a couple of days and Penny will then return, free of charge for a fitting and styling session, whether this is for a wig, hair extensions or a Lite Volumiser. Penny will show you how to put your wig on and how to care for it and the same applies to hair extensions and the Lite Volumiser, which also requires regular maintenance appointments as it is attached to your own hair and needs removing and reattaching at a styling session every 4-6 weeks as your hair grows. l A Piece In Time Penny Herbert: 07938 911714 Email: penherbert@yahoo.co.uk Web: www.apieceintime.uk

Synthetic wig

Amanda Trott

l Column

Health & Beauty

The eyes are the windows of the soul they say and so your lashes should ideally frame and enhance the view like an expensive pair of drapes. Luckily at Monera in Thame they now offer LVL lash treatments which will completely change your outlook...

e all need a little lift now and then, and there’s no better place to start than with the eyes. Although lash extensions can give dramatic lift and volume, they can be quite high maintenance and if you’re anything like me, knowing I can’t rub my eyes makes me want to rub them even more, resulting in gappy looking spiders legs rather than the glossy Bambi-esque lashes I left the salon with! Fear not though, as LVL lashes could be the answer to your prayers. LVL (Lift, Volumise, Lengthen) is a revolutionary lash boosting technique, without the need for extensions, that promises to add length, volume and lift to your natural lashes, lasting for around six to eight weeks and giving you real impact with naturally pretty eyes. Beauty experts, Monera, on Thame’s North Street, have recently started offering LVL lashes, so I went along to see what they could do for me. Beauty therapist Holly, had invited me in 48 hours prior to my appointment to have a skin sensitivity test, just in case I had any adverse reaction to the products. She explained that LVL works by lifting the eyelash upwards from the root, which in turn opens the eyes, gives the illusion of more length and also creates a more voluminous effect, all with very little aftercare. After thoroughly cleansing the eye area, Holly applied shields over my lower lashes to keep them safely tucked away. She then applied a silicone shield over my eyelid which she then very carefully swept each of my lashes on to and dabbed on a Lifting Serum which was left to process for a few minutes. During this time Holly gave me a wonderfully soothing hand massage. She then removed

Amanda Trott

Beauty Spot

Holly swept the lashes over a silicone shield and then applied lifting serum followed by fixing serum

Removing the silicone shield the Lifting Serum and applied a Fixing Serum which was again left for several minutes to set my lashes into their new lifted shape. Being naturally dark I had decided to have a blue black tint on my lashes which was then applied to also give the illusion of length. Finally Holly applied a conditioning serum before removing the protective shields. The whole process took a relaxing 45 minutes, so slotted easily into my lunch break. I was astounded at the final result! My eyelashes, although naturally long, were incredibly, lifted, black and glossy and looked like I had already given them a coating of expensive lash lengthening mascara! Holly stressed to me the

Applying the blue-black tint

The final result - fab lashes, no makeup importance of not getting my lashes wet for around 48 hours so therefore to steer clear of eye make up for a couple of days. This really was no chore as my newly lifted, volumised and lengthened lashes needed no extra help. Holly assured me that if I stuck to the rules for the first two days, I could expect at least 6 weeks of lift. Monera normally charge £55 for LVL lashes but during May, they are offering a promotional discount.

Since my treatment I have had several people ask me if my lashes are real and then haven’t believed me when I’ve told them they are mine! Others have asked which brand of mascara I use! They may well be called LVL lashes but if you ask me, they should be called WOW lashes! l Monera, 62 - 63 North Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3BH Tel: 01844 260454 Web: www.monera.co.uk l Amanda is a talented and experienced, Vidal Sassoon trained hair stylist, who at one time managed Charles Worthington’s Covent Garden salon. If you would like to have your hair cut, styled or coloured by Amanda she is available in Thame from Mondays to Thursdays at Eclipse Hair Design. Call 01844 260062 to book or arrange a free consultation. Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Sweet treatment

eauty therapist, Suzanne Thorby runs Smooth As Silk Health and Beauty from her home in Thame. Suzanne is a specialist in Sugaring - the ancient Arabic art of hair removal and Nouveau LVL Lashes, a treatment which dramatically enhances the look of your natural lashes giving length, volume and lift without the need for eyelash extensions or false eyelashes. Suzanne is also a Forever Living Business owner supplying the full range of health, fitness, beauty, home and animal care products. She offers facials using the Aloe Vera Natural Range of products and can host a Forever Living Pamper Party at your home to demonstrate the benefits of Forever Living products. And if you would like to find out more about running your own Forever Living business, just give her a call. Sugaring is a technique that enables a skilled practitioner to remove the entire hair, including

the hair bulb, so that not only is regrowth slower but when the hair re-grows, it is much finer. After successive treatments, hair growth diminishes until that area of skin is free from hair. No matter how strong or dense your hair, the treatment is effective and less painful than waxing. “Sugar paste is a very natural, gentle product,” says Suzanne, “it’s made entirely of natural ingredients, (sugar, water, lemon and herbs). It can be used anywhere on the body (except on moles) even on skin suffering from eczema and psoriasis, often having a healing effect, as the sugaring gently exfoliates your skin. “It clears away dead cells and draws moisture into the outer layers. It can be quite beneficial for a variety of skin conditions and leaves healthy skin feeling amazingly soft and smooth - silky smooth in fact!” Suzanne first discovered Forever Living products when her daughter had a patch of eczema and Aloe Vera cream was the only thing that

Suzanne sugaring

LVL Lashes - before LVL Lashes - after

LVL lash treatment seemed to help. “We started trying other products in the range and I was so impressed, I decided to become a supplier,” says Suzanne. “I now really enjoy going out, meeting new people and demonstrating the range, it’s a lot of fun and can be of great benefit to people.” The range includes: Drinking gels and supplements for health and vitality; Fitness and Weight Management products; Skincare, makeup, body toning, perfume; Healthy products for pets; Home Products: detergents, soaps, creams, tooth gel and more.

Suzanne’s basement salon is in a private location near the M&S garage on Park Street and has its own parking. For further details on services and prices, or to arrange a Forever Living party, see Suzanne’s website or call her on: 07770 558849 to make an appointment. l Smooth as Silk by Suzanne, 64 Park Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3HT Tel: 07770 558849 Email: suzanne@smoothassilk healthandbeauty.co.uk Web: www.smoothassilkhealthand beauty.co.uk Bookings by appointment

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Our experienced team of health professionals and instructors offer a variety of therapies and classes for all ages and abilities. Whether you aim to improve your sporting performance, alleviate back pain, get fitter, rehabilitate following injury, ease arthritis or simply feel happier in your body; we believe that working together we can help you achieve your goals. Cross Keys House, New Road, Princes Risborough, Bucks HP27 0LF Tel: 07793 387272 | Email: enquiry@evolvepilatesphysio.co.uk | Website: www.evolvehealthwellbeing.co.uk 26

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

You’ll feel the stresses of modern life fall away as you negotiate the leafy lane that leads to Hartwell House, but don’t stop there, a visit to Hartwell Spa will ensure you emerge relaxed and rejuvenated and ready to face the real world once more...

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

treatments, which are all available to guests staying in the hotel and to non-residents. Between treatments you can relax by the pool, in the steam room, sauna and bubbling waters of the whirlpool bath or hot tub or retire to the Spa Café and Bar - an informal restaurant serving drinks and light meals throughout the day. “It’s a grand setting and we aim to create a unique and exclusive experience for our guests,” says Spa Manager Rebecca Cade, “but we also offer value for money. Our half day packages start at £80 while our full day packages are from £125. The Hartwell Spa Indulgence Day for instance includes full use of the spa facilities plus an 85 minute spa treatment of your choice and a two course lunch in the Spa Café plus 10% off any additional treatments taken on the day.” The Twilight Experience, (£78 per person), available on Fridays and Saturdays includes a 55 minute treatment at 5pm or 6pm, followed by a two course supper in the Spa Café at 6.30pm or 7.30pm. If you’d like to try a luxurious well-

Trina and Shamus

being treatment such as an Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Body, Face & Scalp treatment, or a Luxury Jessica Manicure, make your choice from the website and book in. To use the Spa on a regular basis annual Spa Club Membership is from only £90 per month while a Single Month Spa Club Membership is available from £125. Whether you decide on a day in the Spa, a month’s Spa Club trial, lunch at the House, or a relaxing spa or beauty treatment - you’ll find a visit to Hartwell House will soon have you feeling out of this world... l Hartwell House, Oxford Road, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8NR Website: www.hartwell-house.com Tel: 01296 747444 Email: info@hartwell-house.com Hartwell Spa Tel: 01296 746500 Email: spa@hartwellspa.com

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

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

Mum catnapped kitty

y mum has kidnapped a cat. She tells me it’s enjoying its holiday home down in Dorset but apparently it now has owners who are looking for it and it needs to be returned to Birmingham. So I suppose it’s more a case of ‘cat held hostage in Dorset’. Only my mum would kidnap a cat. It wasn’t intentional, she tells me. She went back to Birmingham (they’re in the process of selling up and relocating) and found a small, black female cowering in the tomato plants in the greenhouse. Mum fed her for a few days and asked the right questions of the neighbours but decided that, in the absence of an owner, the cat had better accompany her down to Dorset until a better solution could be found. It was a few days later when, through the power of Facebook, Mum stumbled across a cry for help from some people a few streets away: Missing Cat. Mum replied in a way only my Mum would. She sent an electronic postcard from the cat, saying it was just enjoying a break in sunny Weymouth and would be back at the end of the next week, presumably

Cats can holiday too! when it’s run out of cash and gorged itself on fish and chips. Dad’s even joined in now and is threatening to send the cat back with a series of photos of her in kiss-me-quick hats and enjoying donkey rides. This is what happens when people are allowed to retire. My parents are funny with animals. When we were growing up there was no shortage of beaten up, run over, three-legged, dribbling cats (Dad had a friend who worked at the RSPCA) along with thirteen (yes, 13) Guinea pigs (apparently they can mate with

their brothers and sisters about five minutes after they’re born), snakes, lizards, turtles, tarantulas, scorpions, giant land African land snails, stick insects galore and even an axolotl. Our house was nicknamed ‘The Animal House’ by pretty much everyone in the village and there were frequent calls to our place for one of us to come and retrieve a snake or some other escapee from the ‘zoo’, from under a bucket in the neighbour’s house. It was a great place to grow up in and both my brothers went on to enjoy animal-related careers after studying zoology and marine ecology, and I went on to write about them. So, it was clear that we were all animal lovers. That being, Mum still saw fit to punch a squirrel once after a failed rescue attempt from a road. It bit her and she reacted. Happily, the little fellow who bit my mother did still escape with his life, albeit a little concussed after being struck by both a car and the angry retaliatory slap of Mum in the course of an afternoon. She also recently declared war on a badger that has been digging up her garden.

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Penny Harper

Small Town

Girl

The rest of us were encouraging her to put up cameras so we could view the nocturnal activities. Mum said that the way to get rid of something was an act of ‘dissuasion’- not giving it its own show. The battle rages on, with the real victims being Mum’s pansies. As the days rumble by and ‘Lily’ (daft name for a cat if you ask me) enjoys her week beside the seaside, the squirrels of Birmingham can rest assured that Mum’s got bigger problems to distract her right now. I on the other hand have had it confirmed once and for all, that I was raised by nutters.

Win a Wicked Sky Spinner! G iving new meaning to the phrase ‘it’s all in the spin,’ the Wicked Sky Spinner is a ground breaking, handpropelled spinning disc. Simply spin your Sky Spinner to unleash an awesome array of tricks and stunts; throw it, crank it, spin it or slam it - use the central power crank to get your Sky Spinner spinning with a flick of a wrist. With a perfectly balanced, weighted rim, the Wicked Sky Spinner can reach an incredible 500 revs per minute. The fun doesn’t stop there though - there’s a cool claw grind, a hilarious finger hop, a Wicked body roll and so much more to master. The Wicked Sky Spinner is available in red, blue and yellow and costs £10 from WickedMania (www. wickedmania.com) If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a Wicked Sky Spinner simply email your name, address and telephone number along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

What colours does the sky spinner come in? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by June 10th, 2016. l www.wickedmania.com

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Step inside by Polly Gibbs

The Look: Walls - Urban Cit

Armdale Residence | Photography by Shannon McGrath

A brief history of steel windows from Government buildings to a contemporary classic that gives instant character to a building, inside and out, punctuated by a reassuring sturdiness.....

teel windows are having a bit of a moment. Simultaneously transcending modern and classic, there is something truly nostalgic about them, reminiscent of old schools, factories or government building windows. Yet, even in an industrial setting, they aren’t brutal, as some industrial elements like concrete can be. I am drawn to products with historical charm; design classics with a retro twist if you will, that have adapted to modern life. I also hanker after lush greenery and light, so it is 30

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

against this backdrop that I’ve developed a passion for steel windows and plan to replace my new build patio doors… begin operation persuasion of the husband! Armdale (see above image), is a residential project in Australia by architects Robson Rak and interior designers Made By Cohen, that demonstrates perfectly the striking aesthetic that can be achieved in a contemporary setting. The slim profiles maximise light and space creating a seamless play between inside and out that I covet.

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.

You may be more familiar with the Art Deco steel windows synonymous with Miami’s South Beach, or those of the 1930 Hoover Building on the Western Ave (A40) into London, by architect Wallis Gilbert, now a Tesco store. During the 1860s hot rolled steel

Step inside by Polly Gibbs manufacturing was born and steel mills cropped up throughout the midlands and the North. Britain was then a world leader in steel fabrication. From the 1920s the SMW (Standard Metal Window) “F” series, the original domestic steel window was cheap to produce and installed in thousands of properties, including many 1930s semis. Galvanised coating was introduced in 1948 to rust proof, but hand painting proved a sticking point, literally, as multiple coats thickened frames and hindered closing. The SMW design is still used today, though it remains single glazed. The SMW+ range improves heat loss with a 10-12mm dual-seal glazing method, but both are best suited to heritage projects as neither meets current building regulations. (If your home is listed or if you are unsure it is best to seek advice - see sources). Bicester Heritage recently employed the help of ‘Steel Window Association’ (SWA) member The Cotswold Casement Company, to refurbish

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

windows in the old RAF Bomber Command buildings. Each frame was carefully restored by shot blasting to remove paint and rust, primed to prevent further deterioration, glazed using 4mm glass and traditional putty, then hand painted in period colours true to the era. Single glazing works really well for interior doors, shower doors, and as room dividers should you tire of open plan living. The grid effect reminds me of elegant sliding Shoji screens in Japanese interiors, which is why I think they possess a design versatility beyond their typical industrial loft identity. In 1965 Building Regulations first began to address heat loss (thermal efficiency – Part L), introducing a U-value limit of 1.7W/mK for walls. (Anglian Home Improvements and Everest Windows were also founded this year, though neither sold doubleglazing at the time). Continued on page 32

Bedroom Divider (Pinterest)

‘Mark’s attention to details, such as the plate rack and bespoke drawer dividers, make everything a pleasure to look at and use.’ Unit 23, Kemps Farm, Chapel Road, Ford, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8XG Tel: 01296 658660 Mob: 07754 409203 Email: mark@ markwilliamsonfurniture.com Website: www.markwilliamsonfurniture.com Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Step inside by Polly Gibbs

Charles Huntington Flooring Livingroom Divider (Pinterest)

•Expert Advice •Professional Fitting •Very Competitive 26.8mm without detracting from the sleek style. Typically made from and for Residential recycled steel are in a factory-baked polyester coating,Commercial available in a work range of RAL colours, which •Carpets tomeans suit all no more layers of paint. For a Budgets traditional blackened brass look, try RAL 7021 black•Free grey matt. Quotes Also look out for those with multi-point locking crémone bolts •No Obligation that meet the ‘Secured by Design’ standard. •Free Parking

Bathroom window (Pinterest) Continued from page 31

Later, as a result of the 1973 Oil Crisis, a new limit of 1.8W/mK for walls and windows was introduced so double-glazing started being used in new houses in the following years. A further limit was introduced in 1985, by which time the doubleglazing industry was booming. External steel doors and windows The definite clunk when the door that do meet today’s building shuts bring the same satisfaction as regulations have frame profiles: that of a quality car. The sting in CARPETS • VINYLS • SISAL • STAIR RODS W20, W30 or W40. These allow on page 35 double orSAFETY triple glazing up to FLOORING • WOODContinued • 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

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Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm Saturday 10am until 4pm. Any other time by appointment

Patio (Pinterest)

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

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for Residential •Carpets to suit and all Commercial work •Carpets to suit all Budgets Opening Times: Monday to Friday •10am 5pm CARPETS VINYLSuntil • SISAL • STAIR RODS CARPETS • VINYLS • SISAL • STAIR RODS CARPETS Saturday • VINYLS • SISAL • STAIR RODS CARPETS • VINYLS SISAL • Any STAIRother RODS SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES until•RODS 4pm. time•Free by appointment CARPETS • VINYLS • 10am SISAL & • STAIR SAFETY FLOORING • WOODQuotes • BINDING TAPES Stoves, Installations Servicing SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES SAFETY FLOORINGTel: • WOOD • BINDING TAPES Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm 01296 337181 Mob: 07767370067 Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm •No Obligation Saturday 10am until 4pm. Any other time by appointment Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10aminfo@northmillstoves.co.uk until 5pm Opening Times: MondayBucks to Friday until 5pm North Mill Road Bledlow HP2710am 9QP 01844 342400 www.northmillstoves.co.uk Saturday 10am until 4pm. Any other time by appointment Web: www.charleshuntington.co.uk Saturday 4pm. Any by appointment Saturday until time 4pm. Any other time Tel: by appointment 07767370067 Saturday10am 10amuntil until 4pm.10am Any other other time by appointment Tel:01296 01296 337181 337181 Mob: Mob: 07767370067 Tel: 337181 Mob:337181 07767370067 Tel: 01296 Mob: 07767370067 Web: •FreeHP20 Parking Tel:01296 0129623 337181 Web:www.charleshuntington.co.uk www.charleshuntington.co.uk DUCK Mob: FARM07767370067 COURT, STATION WAY, AYLESBURY, 2SQ Unrivalled customer service through the commitment of our family team.

Commercial work •Carpets Budgetsto suit all •Carpets to suit all •Carpets to suit all Budgets •Carpets to suit all Budgets Budgets •Free Quotes CARPETS • VINYLS • SISAL • STAIR RODS Budgets Oxfordshire • Buckinghamshire • •Free Quotes •Free Quotes •Free Quotes •No Obligation Hertfordshire • Berkshire • and beyond •Free Quotes •No SAFETY FLOORING • •No WOOD • BINDING TAPES •No Obligation Obligation •FreeObligation Parking •No Obligation •Free Parking Contact us to book your free home THE BEST IN home •Free Parking •Free Parking survey or to visit our showroom to see •Free Parking the stoves in action.

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

comforts

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

vale_life_advert_Layout 1 21/07/2014 15:54 Page 1 Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Stoneworld the stone experts

Stone for the garden: for patio, paving, walls, gravel, cobbles and pebbles, feature stone and water features.

Stone for the home: for floors, worktops, fireplaces and hearths. Stone made to measure: reproduce any item in stone, from restoring an architectural feature to intricate sculpture for home and garden.

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Stone for the home Thame OX9 2DW 01844 261768

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Hallway Continued from page 32 the tail - as with quality cars - steel windows arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cheap. Aluminium powder coated versions are an option - literally a style steal - replicating the aesthetic at a fraction of the cost. As with all interior design decisions this will come down to

budget, where weighing up the importance of the material to your soul vs its cost may involve compromise, either here or elsewhere in the project spend. The SWA offer a wealth of information and have a list of member companies who can guide you through the process, see: www.steel-window-association.co.uk

Sources: (SWA) www.steel-window-association. co.uk | 020 8543 2841 www.steelwindows.co.uk | 020 7272 6391 www.cotswold-casements.co.uk | 01608 650 568 www.duration.co.uk | 01268 681612 www.madebycohen.com.au www.robsonrak.com.au

www.securedbydesign.com www.gov.uk/government/publications/ conservation-of-fuel-and-powerapproved-document-L l Polly is an award-winning designer, Decorex100 Interiors Influencer and Amara Interiors Blog Award Finalist. Her website is currently undergoing a revamp. Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Real Living

by Charlotte Bolton

Cleaning up

the outdoor area

Blitz your garden now and get it ready for the summer months by creating a clean, clutter-free space to enjoy…

recycling site. rom your garage to the greenhouse, • Give the shed a thorough sweep with a from gutters to paving - it’s all too easy to neglect outdoor cleaning. But dustpan and brush to get rid of cobwebs and debris. a little hard work now, before the • Fit a few simple shelves or invest in a basic warmer weather arrives, will reward you for storage unit to streamline your storage months to come. • Give the whole interior a coat of fresh Start by having a sweep - rake dead leaves paint in a pale airy colour so it’s a retreat as off gravel and turf, brush up debris from well as a practical storage zone. decking, paths and paving. • Shift the leaves and moss that gather in Don’t forget to lift up plant pots and sweep gutters using a special hooked away loose earth that may Clear out your gutters tool designed for snag-free have gathered beneath. Blocked gutters can lead cleaning. Next, break down the to mini floods and unwanted • Rinse gutters out with cleaning of your outside area damp patches both inside and water using a garden hose into small, achievable jobs or pressure washer. If you that you can do whenever the outside your home as water haven’t got one, consider sun shines. It’s better to focus seeps through brickwork, so hiring a pressure washer for on one area than trying to do this is one chore you don’t want to ignore. tougher outdoor jobs. lots of things at once! Spruce up your shed! • Take everything out of the garden shed and have a good sort - make a pile of things you no longer need and take them to the local

Spruce up your shed

Give furniture a makeover Winter weather can take its toll on outdoor furniture. • Remove any loose debris such as leaves and moss, then wipe down with a damp cloth and a mild soapy solution. • Leave to dry thoroughly. • If painted wood or metal furniture has seen better days, sand down any flaky areas and give it a fresh coat of exterior-grade paint. • Wooden furniture that is beginning to discolour should be treated with a protective product. Wash your windows (any ones that overlook the garden!!!)

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Real Living

Charlotte Bolton Create storage space

Top tips for sparkling glass • Wash windows on a cloudy day as direct sunlight will dry cleaning solutions before you get the chance to polish the glass properly, leaving unsightly smears behind. • Remove dirt and cobwebs using a soft bristled brush first. • Use white vinegar with equal parts water on a microfibre cloth to get rid of dirt, then buff glass with Clean up garden furniture newspaper. • Clean the outside of a pane with horizontal strokes and the interior with vertical, to see which side has streaks. • Rub glass in a zig-zag motion, starting in the top left Continued on page 38

‘The Art of Wood Burning’

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01865 361505 www.manorhousestoves.co.uk Featured stoves from JØtul Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Real Living

by Charlotte Bolton

EcoChem Paving Cleaner

Laura Ashley Wild Meadow Gardening Gloves

Heyland & Whittle Gardeners Scrub Slabs

Telescopic gutter cleaner Continued from page 36 Five cleaning buys to try Aim high - Telescopic gutter cleaner, £12.99, Coopers of Stortford. Rinse away - Revive hardworking

hands with Heyland & Whittle Scrub slabs - Gardener’s soap bar, £5.50.

Beat Limescale - Banish ugly white marks with EcoChem GeoCel paving cleaner, £5, B&Q.

Get rid of slippery, unsightly algae on paving - Scrubbing brushes, £15.50 for two, www.objectsofuse.com.

Protect your hands Tough outdoor cleaning jobs can take their toll on your hands so arm yourself with some stylish but sturdy gloves that cover your wrists too.

Wild meadow gardener gloves, £18.90, Laura Ashley. l To find out how your home could be featured in a UK homes magazine visit my website: www.reallivingspaces.co.uk. Share your home interior ideas with others in a magazine! It’s fun, and free!

10% discount at Hard Rock Flooring when you mention Vale Life Magazine!

Your only difficulty will be in deciding just which stone to choose… At Hard Rock Flooring, your local, leading independent supplier of Natural and Composite Stone, our unique relationships with quarries and suppliers worldwide ensure we can source even the most demanding brief. We are stone enthusiasts, passionate professionals with more than thirty years experience in helping customers realise their design ambitions. Our team of experts, led by Iain Marfleet and Will Luitsz, provide a truly bespoke service, combining specialist knowledge, extensive contacts and the latest technical advancements, to ensure customers, both private and commercial, will benefit from the very best service and guidance. This February our ongoing success led to the opening of a new, much larger showroom and workshop in Grendon Underwood where we are now pleased to welcome customers old and new to discuss any current or future projects for which stone products might be required. Visit our Showroom & Warehouse, open Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm at: Unit 2 & 3, Lawn Farm Business Centre, Grendon Underwood, Nr Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0QX Tel: 01296 770859 Email: showroom@hardrockflooring.co.uk Website: www.hardrockflooring.co.uk 38

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Win a copy of Monets Garden in Art

onet’s Garden in Art by art historian Debra Mancoff focuses on Claude Monet’s garden at Giverny as seen through his paintings and offers a revealing insight into the artist and his work. Monet’s garden was a private haven where domestic pleasure, artistic vision and aesthetic delight converged. It became as powerful a passion in his life as painting - he chose his planting schemes as carefully as he chose colours for his palette. It was also the inspiration for his art, and the subject of some of his greatest paintings. Exploring his vision of this world of beauty that he brought into being, Debra Mancoff shows how Monet’s endeavours as a gardener were part of his identity as a painter and how his artistic vision drew strength from his passion for his garden. If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Monet’s Garden in Art simply email your name, address and telephone number along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk

Claude Monet in his garden at Giverny

In which country is Giverny? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by June 10th, 2016. l Monet’s Garden in Art by Debra N. Mancoff, is published by Frances Lincoln, £16.99

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www.peterjohn.co.uk Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Last September we wrote about Thame based interior designer Tracy Nielsen, who had opened a showroom in Thame town centre for tillynilly, her home interiors business. Her first floor studio has proved a real success and she’s now opened a shop below, full of gorgeous items for your home...

illynilly owner Tracy started out making blinds for fun at her home in Thame some 13 years ago. Her services have broadened somewhat since and last year her business expanded from her garden office to premises above Martin Kemp Estate Agents on North Street. Recently the shop unit below, which had previously housed Jack & Atticus, became vacant, giving Tracy the chance to open a shop for her stylish and ever increasing range of decorative homeware, lighting, cushions, fabrics and ornaments. “We’ve still got a few adjustments to make,” says Tracy. “There’s some work to be done outside, a new sign to go up and some more items for display inside but we’re pretty well there. It’ll be much easier for people to pop in and browse here than to find their way to the studio upstairs. “My daughter Erin is managing the shop, she has lots of retail experience and has already done a great job preparing the unit and setting up the stock system and shop displays. “We’ve got samples of fabric, wallpaper, blinds and curtains - a taster of what we do upstairs, to inspire and give an idea of what the trends are, and lots of cushions - many of which are made to order by us, so can be any size or combination of material to match your home. If customers would like something made up then we can go up to the studio and plan in more detail.” Looking around the tillynilly shop there’s a fabulous selection of neatly displayed decorative items, vases, a range of naturally scented home fragrances and diffusers, gift ideas such as coasters or napkin rings

Erin and Tracy Nielsen made from recycled coffee cups, bunting, mirrors, lights and lamps. They have some particularly eyecatching Weave Lanterns with fairy lights inside - they come as mains or battery operated and are very atmospheric and some gorgeous Moroccan style Filigree Table Lamps which have a copper coating inside and throw out fabulous patterns in a warm mellow glow. “We’re making our own lampshades now,” says Tracy, “so customers can have a shade in exactly the fabric, size or colour they want. We have lots of different fabrics many of which are suitable for curtains, drapery and upholstery and other more robust materials, including leather, specifically for armchairs, sofas and furniture. We offer a reupholstery service too and can collect larger items if required. “One area that has been popular recently is motorised blinds and curtains which I hope to have a display to demonstrate in the shop soon. We have them in the studio and apart from being fun they are very useful if you can’t reach your window easily. “We have ostrich feather dusters which are the best thing for dusting and especially good for venetian blinds, they just seem to suck up the dust - there’s even a telescopic handled one for high ceilings and we have a lovely,

colourful range of deckchair stripe children’s aprons and beach bags which are really fun. We make our own doggy doorstops too, which can also be in a material of your choice. “It’s early days, so we are keen for local people to let us know what they’d like to see us stock and get a feel for what there is a need for locally. We are stocking in small quantities at the moment so we can keep up with what’s new and what’s in fashion and have new items coming through all the time and also our customers won’t find they are buying something all their friends have bought here too.” Tracy will be in the studio as usual and is available for advice on window dressing and soft furnishings, she also provides design assistance with product selection, fabric and colour and an interior design service. The tillynilly product range includes hand finished made to measure curtains, roman blinds, cushions and soft furnishings. All types of blinds are available including blackout rollers and wooden venetians. l tillynilly, 55 North Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3BH Tel: 01844 220035 Email: info@tillynilly.com Web: www.tillynilly.com Open Tue, Wed & Fri: 9.30am to 4.30pm, Thur: 9.30am-5.30pm and Sat: 10am-4pm 1st Floor Design Studio Mon-Fri: 8.30am-4pm Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Not one to rest on his laurels, local paving specialist Warren Iqbal has joined forces with a family who sell them! So now at Chiltern View Nursery you will not only find all the plants and pots you might need for your garden but also any paving and landscaping products required from Warren’s Chiltern View Supplies...

Grange timber products

Warren Iqbal

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

any Vale Life readers will know Warren Iqbal as the man behind Haydon Hill Paving. The successful Aylesbury company is the area’s No.1 installers of driveways, patios and landscaping. Warren has now teamed up with James Bone whose family run the popular Chiltern View Nursery on Wendover Road. The Bones have been involved in the local nursery trade for some 47 years and have built a reputation for supplying top quality plants at extremely reasonable prices. “Chiltern View is like a huge indoor market for plants,” says James’s daughter Elese, “We sell everything as cheaply

as we can and aim for a quick turnover. Our stock is constantly changing so there’s always £1 from each bulk bag something sold goes to the Florence new coming Nightingale Hospice Charity in. We have everything from bedding plants and bulbs to exotic trees and ornamental grasses. “Some is from local growers, some from further afield and abroad. It’s proved very

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

popular so far and we have expanded quite a lot over the last year or so. We hope to open a small café soon doing tea, coffee and cakes and a fresh fruit and vegetable stall. “Having Warren join us with Chiltern View Supplies is really good as we are now able to offer landscaping and paving, sheds and fencing too, so we are more of a one stop shop for all your garden needs.” Warren and James have launched Chiltern View Supplies for just that reason and now as you approach the nursery you pass an impressive display of natural stone and concrete paving slabs, block paving, bags of decorative bagged aggregates, gravels, slate and pebbles, edging strips, timber fencing, garden sheds and pagodas, arbours, arches, stepping stones, decking, railway sleepers, rocks and stones. They supply major brands of high quality paving such as Bradstone, Brett, Marshall, Ethan Mason Natural Stone, Kelkay gravels and Grange timber products and can supply trade as well as retail customers. “We have a yard at the back for trade supplies and can deliver in bulk if required,” says Warren. “Some of the local landscaping companies we supply are going to construct show gardens at the front to show what they can do with our products, which will be a

nice way for them to promote their skills and services too. “I’m really pleased with the way things are going at the moment. We have the biggest display of paving blocks and slabs in the area. They are from premium quality suppliers whose products come with 10 year guarantees. You don’t have to choose from a catalogue here, you can actually see and feel samples of before you buy. We have brochures too but it’s always nice to see the real thing. “It’s nice to be working with another local family business who also like to offer a personal service and excellent value. Chiltern View Nursery are known for their great value prices and we will be continuing that tradition by offering exceptional value for money with our landscaping supplies too.” Chiltern View Supplies have a special charity promotion on at the moment raising funds for the local Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity - £1 from every bulk bag of soft sand, sharp sand, top soil, ballast and MOT type 1 sold is going to the charity. l Chiltern View Supplies / Chiltern View Nurseries, Wendover Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP22 5GX Tel; 01296 613 823 Email: sales@chilternviewsupplies.co.uk Web: www.chilternviewsupplies.co.uk

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

l Column ‘In the Garden’ with

Naomi MacKay

Summer is coming at last H

opefully by the time you see this we will have put the cold rainy weather behind us and had more of the warm days we enjoyed towards the end of April. It’s been a soggy time for gardeners, but fingers crossed that is at an

Design for the Brewin Dolphin Garden – Forever Freefolk - at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show

end and we can look forward to the longer days and warm sunny

evenings. Of course summer also means garden shows season - the RHS has already kicked off the season with its Cardiff show, which celebrates all things spring, and we have the RHS Malvern Spring Festival and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show to look forward to in May. Chelsea trends It’s always fascinating to see what the designers are cooking up for us. I’m particularly interested in the Brewin Dolphin Garden – Forever Freefolk – designed by Rosy Hardy of Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants. Rosy is recreating a chalk streamside in the garden, so the plants she is using are obviously suited for chalk and flint soils, which is perfect for many gardeners with plots in the Vale of Aylesbury. Hartley Botanic, meanwhile, is having its first show garden at Chelsea. Catherine Macdonald’s

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

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

We send zero waste to landfill Call: 01296 651678 Licensed by The Environment Agency EPR/BB3634RA Licensed Waste Carrier CB/YE5439CV

‘In the Garden’ with design features one of the Hartley Botanic glasshouses, which is ‘floating’ on water. The garden uses British native woodland plants, planted in a garden style – that is going to be really interesting to see, and may change the way many of us think about using these plants. Finally, Anne-Marie Powell is designing the RHG garden for the Greening Grey Britain initiative. It features a number of elements that we could all think about when designing our gardens - bright borders for lifting the spirits, benches where you can relax and have a chat, soothing water features, a perennial meadow for the bees, edible plants in pots and a kitchen garden. New plants The start of these big shows also means that some of us start getting excited about buying plants, and there’s a couple of interesting varieties on the horizon for you to pick up in your local garden centre this month… Hillier’s white lavender is intriguing – it’s really quite striking and would make a fantastic

Naomi MacKay

scented addition to a white border. Lavandula ‘Silver Line’, launching at Chelsea, is to be sold in aid of The Silver Line charity, founded by Dame Esther Rantzen DBE. If you’re lucky enough to be going to the show - look out for it in the ‘Hillier in Springtime’ exhibit in Chelsea’s Great Pavilion. The Silver Line charity operates the only national, free, confidential helpline for lonely and isolated older people that’s open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The number is 0800 4 70 80 90. It receives 10,000 calls a week from lonely older people and more than 68% of these calls are made at night or at weekends. For every Lavandula ‘Silver Line’ sold, Hillier will donate £1 to the work of The Silver Line. This variety has hardy, silvergreen evergreen foliage and elegant, tall spikes of pure white flowers. It flowers from late May to August, attracting bees and butterflies, and its compact habit makes it ideal for containers, low hedging or the front of a border.

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Lavandula ‘Silverline’

Continued on page 46

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Rycote Lane Farm, Milton Common, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 2NZ

www.farol.co.uk

Tel: 01844 278 843

FarolLtd @FarolLtd Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

l Column ‘In the Garden’ with

Delphinium Blackmore and Langdon Strawberry Fair

Naomi MacKay

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Delphinium Blackmore and Langdon Faust

Continued from page 45 Two-litre pots of Lavandula ‘Silver Line’ will be available to buy from garden centres, including Hillier Garden Centres and Dobbies Garden Centres from Monday 30th May at around £8.99 to £9.99. If you’re after something a bit more colourful, Blackmore and Langdon Delphiniums are some of the most beautiful Delphiniums. Bransford Webbs has teamed up with Blackmore and Langdon, to

offer a select collection of these gorgeous plants to gardeners across the UK. This family run business, is a specialist at breeding Delphiniums, while Bransford Webbs is renowned for introducing new plants to the garden centre market. They have been growing a select collection of Delphinium Blackmore and Langdon varieties since 2013, and now Blue Nile, Faust, Moonbeam and Strawberry Fair will available

in May in a two-litre pot for around £8.99.

£5 and an extra £30 to frame. Available from: www.bespokeverse.co.uk.

Father’s Day Looking for an unusual gardening-themed gift for Father’s Day (June 19th)? Berkhamsted-based Bespoke Verse (www.bespokeverse.co.uk) produces this What is a Gardener? print, which celebrates the different tasks and talents of a gardener. The print costs £14, and you can add a personal message to it for

l Naomi MacKay has been a freelance journalist and editor for the past 16 years. She runs a website for parents of primary-aged boys at www.itsaboything.net and helps small businesses with blogs, social media and anything else that needs words! You can contact her at naomimackay@gmail.com

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

SHEDS SUMMERHOUSES PLAYHOUSES WORKSHOPS l

Display site open 7 days a week Tel: 01296 612674 Email: sales@manorsheds.co.uk Unit 10b Weston Way, Lower Road, Stoke Mandeville, Bucks, HP22 5GT

Call: Sara-Jayne 07599 333182 www.sjpoochieparlour.co.uk Towersey/Thame area

Column: Lucy Ellis ‘Animal Magic’

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

#DoSomethingGreat

ith Springwatch back on the Beeb at the end of May we turn our attention to the variety of ways everyone can get involved with the local wildlife, so we can all #DoSomethingGreat. The emergence of bluebells signifies the height of spring and stunning carpets of the flowers can be seen in many places throughout the Chilterns. Grab your dog and kids and take a walk through the Ashridge Estate, Wendover Woods and around Tring Reservoirs for prime examples of the beauty of spring. As they and other flowers burst into bloom, their nectar and pollen attracts birds and insects who are also springing back into action after the winter. Birdsong is prolific at this time of year as they posture and establish their territories; then once they have built their nests you will hear the cacophony as they feed their newly-hatched young. Leaving seed, suet and mealworms out for the wild birds is particularly important

Feeding a rescued baby hedgehog at Tiggywinkles as they try to sustain the appetite of their ever-hungry growing chicks. Flutter Butter is a simple, messfree way to provide a high energy treat, or you could try hanging filled half coconuts or fat rings for other easy feeding options. If you prefer a traditional feeder, you can fill it with niger seed, robin and songbird or wild bird seed mixes, just remember not to put out large chunks of food unsuitable for baby birds. While lots of people love feeding the birds, insects are an oftenoverlooked population of wildlife. Planting flowers such as sunflowers,

budlea and lavender is a simple way to provide nectar and pollen, but you can also make a sugary syrup to help bumblebees and butterflies who also need highenergy food at this time of year. A simple nutritious snack can be made by heating a cup of white granulated sugar in water until the sugar breaks down to produce a clear liquid, be careful not to boil the sugar otherwise it will crystallise into a thicker syrup. Store the mixture in a cup and put it out in your garden in small quantities – upturned jam jar lids are ideal containers to give your local wildlife this sweet treat. Having hibernated over the winter, the warm weather also encourages the reappearance of animals like hedgehogs, frogs and toads, snakes and adders. If you want to encourage hedgehogs into your garden overnight, offer a handful of dog or cat food meat with a sprinkling of mealworms alongside fresh water. Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals however,

Lucy Ellis

Animal Magic so if you do see one out during the daytime it is likely to be ill – pick it up carefully wearing thick gardening gloves, put it into a cardboard box and take it to Tiggywinkles. At Unique Pets we have a wide variety of wild bird seed and feeders, along with hogitats and food for hedgehogs plus advice and ideas on how to look after your local wildlife. l Lucy Ellis is a writer and blogger who

with Jenna Tomlins runs Unique Pets, a local, independent pet shop offering individual advice for pets, two grooming salons, dog training and a pet photography studio. www.uniquepets.co.uk

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

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

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

www.outofthedoghouse.co.uk • chase joggers, bicycles or livestock • destroy carpets or furniture when left alone • have issues with food? Dog Listening uses a simple non-confrontational method, suitable for all dogs, regardless of size, age or breed, through which you can address Suppliers of pet, equestrian and all undesirable behaviours and build a small holder feeds, rewarding relationship with your dog. supplements, bedding and accessories 20% off

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Call 01296 706403 or pop into shop to book your grooming appointment Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Ex Government Research Facility, Westcott Venture Park is celebrating 70 years since it first became the UK home of rocket propulsion research. Now a centre for industry and commerce Westcott provides a firm base from which businesses small and large can launch their endeavours and is enjoying a healthy demand for new units at the site...

estcott Venture Park is delighted to report strong take-up for its new Century Court industrial scheme with two lettings agreed within the first month following completion. Phase I of the speculative industrial scheme, comprising 24,000 sq ft over seven units, was completed on time and on budget and provides the only new Grade A accommodation currently available in the region. The buildings are located at the heart of Westcott Venture Park across 1.5 acres of the 650-acre site and agents Chandler Garvey report solid interest in the remaining units. Lettings have been completed with electronic defence system specialists Antillion, which has taken a 5-year lease on Unit 1 comprising 2,015 sq ft and fashion house DKNY, which has taken a 3-year lease and Gatehouse and entrance to Westcott Venture Park will occupy Unit 4 comprising 2,015 sq ft. Rents for both deals have been agreed offers a wide range of industrial / office Westcott Venture Park explains: “We are between £7.50 - £7.75 per sq ft. Scheme delighted to have agreed these lettings within The accommodation with units ranging from 120 Specification Westcott Venture Park, which is owned sq ft up to 30,000 sq ft. such a short period following completion and The units will provide the • Portal frame construction accommodation below: Rockspring Hanover Unit Trust 2016 is a significant year in the history of it’s great to see a speculative development • Concrete floorby with 40KN/m2 load capacity Property managed Hampton, isThe Westcott Venture Park which is celebrating of Scheme thisLetquality now completed and letting • Insulated steeland wallSpecification cladding by Lambert Smith Unit 1 will provide the home to 75construction businesses employing over The units Portal 70 years since the park became the Guided quickly.” • Insulated roof now with•15% roof frame lights 2,050 sq ft Unit 2 5006m a 214% increase inaccommodation below: •people. Concrete floorrepresents with 40KN/m load capacity Projectile Establishment and therefore the • Eaves height from to 7.2m This 2,050 sq ft Unit 3 Venture Park • Insulated steelatwall occupier growth thecladding park over the last two Unit 1 About Westcott Let home of rocket propulsion research in the • Three-phase electricity supply Unit 4 Let • Insulated roof with 15% roof lights years. Venture Park • Electric roller shutter door UK. 2,050 sq ftis a former Unit 4,500 2 Westcott sq ft Unit 8 • WC Eaves height from 6m to 7.2mmanager at Kevinand WoodBicester Nigel MacKenzie, project • Office and disabled Research Facility and today Located between Aylesbury 2,050 sq ft Unit 5,500 3Government sq ft Unit 9 kwood@lsh.co.uk • Yard space available• byThree-phase electricity supply on the A41, it is the largestAdam business Haley park Unit 46,125 sq ft Let separate negotiation • Electric roller shutter door Unit 10 in Buckinghamshire withahaley@lsh.co.uk major occupiers 4,500 sq ft Unit 8 Main• access road, Westcott Kevin Wood Office and disabled WC Venture Park including: FedEx, Shanks, BAe Systems, kwood@lsh.co.uk 5,500 sq ft Unit 9 space available by Adam Haley Amenities • Yard Moog, Bucks Recycling and, occupying twoahaley@lsh.co.uk 6,125 sq ft Unit 10 separate negotiation Security – Entrance to the Park is controlled hangars - Ecopac.

Amenities

l Westcott Venture Park, Nr Aylesbury, Alan Chandler Buckinghamshire, HP18 0XBKirk Clifford kirk.clifford@brownandlee.com ac@chandlergarvey.com www.westcottventurepark.com Peter Bridgman Terri Clarke

Bicester (9 miles)

A41 Bicester

tc@chandlergarvey.com

Alan Chandler ac@chandlergarvey.com Terri Clarke tc@chandlergarvey.com

(9 miles)

SatNav: HP18 0XB

Location

A41

SatNav: HP18 0XB

peter.bridgman@brownandlee.com

A41

Westcott

Kirk Clifford kirk.clifford@brownand Peter Bridgman peter.bridgman@brownan

A41 Aylesbury (7 miles)

Westcott

Westcott Venture Park fronts the A41 between Aylesbury and Bicester. The A41 provides a link to the M40 / A34 (Junction 9) at Bicester to the west and the M25 (Junction 20) to the east.

Ayle Designed

24/7 by a dedicated security team with barriers and Automatic Number Plate Recognition. The Park is contained within a 9 mile security fence Security – Entrance to the Park is controlled and has a comprehensive network of CCTV 24/7 by a dedicated security team with barriers cameras monitored by our security team. and Automatic Number Plate Recognition. The On Site ManagementPark – The guardhouse is contained within a 9 mile security fence forms part of a management at the network of CCTV and hascomplex a comprehensive entrance to the Park where themonitored security guards cameras by our security team. and on site team can offer assistance to all Park On Site Management – The guardhouse occupiers and their visitors. forms part of a management complex at the Café and Shop – There is a shop entrance to and the café Park where the security guards providing a valuable and to offer all assistance to all Park andfriendly on site service team can Park users on weekdays during normal working occupiers and their visitors. hours. Café and Shop – There is a shop and café Drivers Restroom – Based at the guardhouse providing a valuable and friendly service to all this is an invaluable and well used Park users onfacility weekdays during normal working 48 Vale Life : May/Jun 2016 for long haul drivers visiting hours. the site and is available at all hours at no cost.

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

To let at Century Court - new, light industrial units from 2,050 to 16,125 sq ft Specification

Gatehouse Café and Shop

• Portal frame construction • Concrete floor with 40KN/m2 load capacity • Insulated steel wall cladding • Insulated roof with 15% roof lights • Eaves height from 6m to 7.2m • Three-phase electricity supply • Electric roller shutter door • Office and disabled WC • Yard space available by separate negotiation

The Scheme The units will provide the accommodation below: Unit 1 Let Unit 2 2,050 sq ft Unit 3 2,050 sq ft Unit 4 Kevin LetWood Unit 8 kwood@lsh.co.uk 4,500 sq ft Adam Haley Unit 9 ahaley@lsh.co.uk 5,500 sq ft Unit 10 6,125 sq ft

Let 2,050 sq ft 2,050 sq ft

Let

4,500 sq ft

5,500 sq ft

6,125 sq ft

Additional availability at Westcott Venture Park Bicester Alan Chandler ac@chandlergarvey.com Terri Clarke tc@chandlergarvey.com

(9 miles)

· ·

Amenities

Security – Entrance to the Park is controlled 24/7 by a dedicated security team with barriers and Automatic Number Plate Recognition. The Park is contained within a 9 mile security fence and has a comprehensive network of CCTV cameras monitored by our security team. On Site Management – The guardhouse forms part of a management complex at the entrance to the Park where the security guards and on site team can offer assistance to all Park occupiers and their visitors. Café and Shop – There is a shop and café providing a valuable and friendly service to all Park users on weekdays during normal working hours. Drivers Restroom – Based at the guardhouse this is an invaluable and well used facility for long haul drivers visiting the site and is available at all hours at no cost. Meeting Room – Within the management suite there is a meeting room facility and adjacent kitchen which can be booked at no cost by occupiers on the Park.

Alan Chandler / Terri Clarke

Kirk Clifford kirk.clifford@brownandlee.com Peter Bridgman peter.bridgman@brownandlee.com

Pre-Let Opportunities from 12,000 sq ft upwards A41 Land available for Open Storage SatNav: HP18 0XB

A41

Kevin Wood / Adam Haley Kirk Clifford / Peter Bridgman Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Column: Small World with Robyn Bourne

If it don’t add up speak up

ave you heard the one about quarterly tax returns? It isn’t funny, and it isn’t a joke but it could be coming soon to your business. The government are trying to implement a new system for all business owners (yes, including sole traders) that would mean that you will have to file your tax return every quarter and buy into digital record keeping. And it would be compulsory. So what are my (and plenty of other peoples) concerns on this? For starters, if only every business owner actually had access to broadband in order to be able undertake this onerous task would be something. Until the country has a suitable, reliable, broadband service that is fit for purpose we should not even be considering making any form of digital record keeping compulsory. I know of one member whose broadband provider won’t look into their slow broadband until they can provide

more paperwork to be completed, let alone having to go through the process four times a year. Not all businesses employ, or can afford to employ, an accounts department, or currently use digital software that would be a necessity. And then when did it become compulsory to have to do your accounts via a software package anyway? I know a number of speed tests done regularly across FSB members who still use their one day. Fine. The only problem is good old accounting books that that the speed is so slow it keeps are then taken along to their timing out before it can get to a accountants once a year. Can these point to tell you how slow it is. smaller business afford to pay said The provider will not investigate accountant each quarter? Or are as no results, the customer is left they expected to ‘upskill’ on top of frustrated and tied in to a useless contract. Imagine adding quarterly everything else, or have the added cost of paying someone to do this tax returns into that mix. for them? But, broadband aside, there are Put simply, Forcing small firms to plenty of other concerns as well. pay for expensive digital accounting Quarterly tax returns will only software so they can submit extra make the business of running a business more burdensome. Already tax returns is not going to help anyone. It will simply add to the people are stretched to the limits trying to actually run their business, cost of doing business in the UK. These proposals will the last thing anyone needs is

fieldstead insolvency Debt problems? Cash flow problems? Creditors demanding payment?

Robyn Bourne Small World

also substantially increase administrative burdens – particularly for the smallest businesses. Whatever your views, why not make them heard with your MP before the decision is made for you. l Robyn Bourne is Development Manager for the Thames Valley region of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) supporting 7,500 local members. The FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in government and aims to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions. www.fsb.org.uk

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

The world has changed dramatically since the printing press was invented back in 1440 and our demand for printed items has grown and grown. In our modern digital age the range and quality of printed products has never been better, if you know where to go...

hris Hendren is an experienced designer and supplier of printed products. He runs his own design business and printing store, Media Print Hub and is the local Aylesbury area franchisee for printing.com the national suppliers of low cost, hi-definition print. With a background that includes typesetting, print production and commercial design and print there’s not much Chris doesn’t know about designing and supplying all types of products from the humble business card to stylish folders, business stationery, fabric exhibition displays or large format posters. “I’m really pleased to be working with printing.com,” says Chris. “They are a well recognised and highly respected national brand and supply an amazing range of superb quality products at very good prices. “I’m passionate about printing and design and I take great care to ensure we are supplying the highest quality products. I want to offer a really good service too. The printing.com products are top quality and their production and supply is very reliable. You can even have same day delivery with some products. “To me it’s all about quality, value and service. We want our customers to be happy and come back for more. To be pleased with their purchase and the way in which they’ve received it. “We currently work with lots of local businesses

Chris Hendren and I really enjoy the variety. We might be producing folders or business cards one minute, a student dissertation the next, perhaps some large format poster prints, leaflets, carbon copy order and invoice pads, roller banners, a fabric exhibition display, or some stylish spot UV flyers, or a even a fancy foil or embossed business card, no two days are the same! “Through printing.com our clients can order and re-order online and their goods are shipped directly to them. There are hundreds of templates that can be personalised for standard items and we can design and upload bespoke artwork if something different is required.” Chris is based at Midshires House off Smeaton Road and finds the serviced office block an excellent location. “There’s a bustling, industrious atmosphere here,”

he says. “There are lots of small firms and everyone is working hard and building their businesses. Quite a few of the companies are now clients and regularly order printing from us too, which is a real bonus.” If you are looking for advice and ideas with regard to printed products, Chris and his team are always happy to help. “Have a look at the printing.com website, first,” he says. “There are lots of templates which you can personalise and may be just what you are looking for. But give me a ring if you can’t find what you want or need help designing a more bespoke item.” l printing.com Aylesbury, Midshires House, Midshires Business Park, Smeaton Close, Aylesbury, HP19 8HL T: 01296 769609 E: aylesbury@printing.com W: www.printing.com

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

BNI Heritage has a reputation as one of the friendliest networking groups in the area. They also take great pride in recognising and rewarding their members, especially those who give outstanding contributions to the group. Here they focus on two such members, Sue Evans and Gee Spiller....

NI members Sue Evans and Gee Spiller both joined Heritage BNI within the last year, and have already proven to be great assets to the group. In the last six months, Gee has passed 53 referrals to fellow members and been thanked for nearly £7,000 from them. Sue has made quite a big impression too - in her first six meetings she passed 19 referrals and brought along four visitors! Here Sue and Gee share with you a bit about their businesses, and how joining BNI Heritage has benefitted them.

Sue Evans Diamond Insurance “Diamond Insurance Consultants are independent insurance brokers based in Tring. The company was established in 1986 by Diane Malone, and I joined as the Office

Gee Spiller JLM Wendover Mortgage Services “I am currently a resident of Wendover and grew up in the Buckinghamshire village of Holmer Green. I represent JLM Wendover

BNI Heritage Aylesbury members meet weekly for a networking breakfast at Aylesbury College

If you want to grow your business or are just curious to see what we’re all about, why not come along to one of our friendly meetings where you will receive a warm welcome, a free cooked breakfast, and most importantly get to promote your business to likeminded local people. We meet every

Wednesday morning at 6:45am at Aylesbury College. Contact Ross Batting as below if you would like to find out more.

Manager in 1992. “We now have a total of six staff, all of whom are experienced in various aspects of insurance, and several of our staff are qualified with the Chartered Institute of Insurance. Our years of expertise and reputation provide us with access to Insurers that many larger intermediaries cannot deal with. “We are very happy to visit clients to assist with the collection of data for quotations, proposal forms and claims handling, in which I have a Chartered Institute of Insurance qualification. We are extremely proud of our service and endeavour to provide our clients with value for money. “We offer quotations for many types of risk including liabilities, professional indemnity,

business premises, vehicle fleets, private and public hire, together with standard motor, household and travel insurance etc. Our quotations are provided free of charge and are valid for 30 days. “When it comes to generating business for Diamond, there really is nothing better than a recommendation from a happy customer, and that is how BNI Heritage works; other members knowing you, recommending you and trusting you to provide a great service to their friends, family and client base.”

Mortgage Services, a local branch of JLM Mortgage Services Ltd - the award-winning UK,whole of market, Independent Mortgage Broker with more than 40 advisers and a choice of around 80 lenders and up to 25,000 different mortgage schemes. “Our independence, combined with the large number of lenders we can access, allows us to offer a breadth of service that other brokers simply cannot provide. “I pride myself on giving friendly, easy to understand, independent mortgage advice - I work for you, not the lenders! “Accessibility is also something I take seriously; whether it is a quick call, Skype call, or a chat over a cappuccino, you will find me very approachable and happy to discuss your mortgage plans at a time to suit you. “Below is an overview of the services JLM

l BNI Heritage Aylesbury Contact: Ross Batting, Tel: 01844 291430 Email: heritageleadership@emaildodo.com Website: www.bni.co.uk

l Diamond Insurance, Springwell House, 64 Western Road, Tring, Hertfordshire, HP23 4BB Tel: 01442 825481 Email: info@diamondinsurance.net Web: www.diamondinsurance.net

Wendover offer: Mortgages - Residential, Remortgage and Buy-to-Let Mortgages for Self/New Build properties Mortgages for people with Bad Credit Mortgages for Shared Ownership, Shared Equity and Help-to-Buy schemes Mortgage & Insurance reviews l

l l l

“In the last year, BNI Heritage has helped me significantly grow my local client base, and without it I am certain that getting my name out there and receiving word of mouth referrals would be a lot harder.” l JLM Wendover Mortgage Services, 1 Giles Road, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 5HE Tel: 01296 769 333 Email: info@jlmwendover.co.uk Web: www.jlmwendover.co.uk Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Column: Down to business with Philippa Batting

Is it time to cut councils?

omething momentous is brewing in Buckinghamshire. A conversation is starting which, once every voice has been heard, could lead to vast yearly savings at local government level, freeing up funds for priority areas like health, education and transport. Opposing camps are forming on the question of whether Buckinghamshire would be better off by reducing the number of its councils from five to one or two unitary authorities. Given the potential benefits of change it’s great news that the topic is firmly back on the table and that councillors and business leaders are adding their pros and cons to the debate. So far the debate is shaping up as you might expect. Person A likes how things are at the moment and highlights all of the negative aspects of change. Person B wants a unitary authority system in place

and highlights all of the advantages of such a change. I know there is the chance that we will all become weary at the thought of two sides with vested interests butting heads and that’s why it seems clear that the best way forward is to set up an independent commission which could step back, look at the big picture and make decisions free from influence. An independent commission is what Buckinghamshire Business First thought was a good idea

in 2014 when we crowdfunded £25,000 to research the possible impacts of a change to the structure of local government in Buckinghamshire. You can read the full report on our website at www.bbf.uk.com/ news/unitary-authority-research. It certainly makes for interesting reading and suggests that anything from £10million to £20million could be saved per year. Members of the public dug deep to fund this research alongside the business community, showing there’s an appetite for this debate. Whether you are a business owner or resident you are affected by the outcome, that’s why it’s important that the conversation stays alive until all views have been aired and every avenue is explored. Until we get an over-arching independent voice empowered to make important decisions we are at risk of getting caught in a vicious circle of vested interests cancelling each other out.

Philippa Batting Down to business

It’s time to break free of the vicious circle, think outside of the box and finish the conversation that is just beginning in earnest. I would implore everyone, no matter what their views on unitary authorities in Buckinghamshire are, to put pressure on their local councillors to bring this debate to a conclusion once and for all. l Philippa Batting is MD of Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF). Based in Saunderton, BBF works to support and facilitate success within the business community and to create a dynamic environment in which local business can flourish. Membership is free - visit: www.bbf.uk.com for more details.

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Turn it up! with Dan Mordente Band heads for Nashville Charity event rocks

Music Column:

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

Live Music

e can exclusively reveal that local duo A Little Bit Country are gearing MAY themselves up for a tour of a 7th Run With The Hunt + Haze + lifetime. Littlewing, The duo - also known as ALBC Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury are Aylesbury residents Harriet 8th Acoustic Night, Stewart and Paul Adams (you The Aristocrat, Ayesbury may remember Paul from this very 13th Taylor’d Country, column). The pair are currently JB Western Dance, Westcott preparing to take their music to the 13th Bustin Loose, Aristocrat, Aylesbury home of country music - Nashville, 13th Southside Jimmy, Tennessee - in October this year. It’s Shootpool, Aylesbury still early days so talks continue as 14th HippyHaze, to which venues and radio stations Village Hall, Little Milton they will be performing at whilst 14th Billy Lee is Tom Jones & Friends, there and further news on this Rivet Sports and Social Club will be available once an official 14th Wired, Shootpool, Aylesbury statement is released, but we have 14th Back To Ours, Aristocrat, Aylesbury been told that the reception from 15th The Cherry Valentines, the Nashville scene has been very Victoria Club, Aylesbury welcoming. 20th Nickita, Aristocrat, Aylesbury Paul told us: “We are so excited 20th Engine Room, and humbled to have the opportunity to play at some of the world’s most Shootpool, Aylesbury famous music locations. We thought 20th MoonDogs, we’d take our music to the heart of Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury it all. We have already been making 21st Frethedz, The Bird In Hand, fans in Nashville and we haven’t Princes Risborough even left the UK yet. It’s going to be 21st Rebel Circus Band, an amazing experience!” Shootpool, Aylesbury ALBC were signed to BFS 22nd Rick Chase, Records in June 2015 due to the Victoria Club, Aylesbury success of their first single Come To 27th The Dung Beatles, The Crossroads and are currently Players Theatre, Thame putting the final touches to their 27th Rick Chase, The Falcon, Thame debut album, due for release this 27th SoulMoFunk, Shootpool, Aylesbury summer. 28th The New Foundations, Rivets Country Music has been enjoying Sports & Social Club, Aylesbury a huge revival thanks to bands like 28th StealWorks, The Shires and Raintown, the C2C Victoria Club, Aylesbury music festival and of course the 28th El Bronson, LJ’z, Aylesbury hit ABC Television show Nashville. 29th Replica Rockaholics, The Chandos “Who knows,” says Harriet “You Arms, Weston Turville may be tuning in to the show one June night and see ALBC performing at 3rd 2Tone, Rivets Sports & The Bluebird Cafe!” Social Club, Aylesbury Come To The Crossraods is 3rd Nevermind, Shootpool, Aylesbury available to buy from iTunes and Spotify. For more updates follow 4th Skasouls, Stokenchurch them on Twitter @aLBCOfficial and Memorial Hall, Stokenchurch at their website www.albcountry. 4th The Reggulaters, co.uk Victoria Club, Aylesbury

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

n Saturday 26th March, young rock band, The Unknown, put on a charity gig to raise money & awareness for Child Bereavement UK & Childhood Tumour Trust. The show took place at Longwick Village Hall and was a fantastic success, with a crowd of 110 people attending to support the band and the cause. The event raised over £750 for the charities. The Unknown are aged just 1617, but they successfully kept the crowd entertained with a headline set that consisted of original material and covers of well-known

artists such as Oasis, Kasabian and Arctic Monkeys. Support came from local band, No Time and guitarist Luke Page. The Unknown are: Caine Knights on Lead Vocals and Guitar, Luc Pomfret on Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals, Harry Dyer on Drums and Dan Shafer-Smith on Bass. You can keep up to date with their upcoming shows via their facebook page, www.facebook.com/ TheUnknownOfficialPage/. You can donate to the cause by visiting www. childhoodtumourtrust.org.uk/ and www.childbereavementuk.org

Guitar show for Thame

alling all guitar enthusiasts – The Thame Guitar & Music Fair is happening on Sunday 5th June at the Spread Eagle Hotel! Featuring an eclectic range of exhibitors offering a wide selection of guitars, music paraphernalia and services covering most genres of music from rock to folk and lots in between, Thame Guitar & Music Fair will have something for everyone. The shows organisers - Southern Guitar Shows - said “We are delighted to have the support of local music service providers such as BakTrak, Premium Sound & Light, Blackfrog Studios, Thame Music Academy and also All Parts (UK). Exhibitors will be coming from all over the country and range from individual guitar collectors through to well known names such as Patrick Eggle Guitars and Hobgoblin Music

as well as custom guitar luthiers. Premium Light and Sound will run a live music stage featuring acts including the 14 year old local classical fingerstyle guitarist Billy Watman and A Little Bit Country. Also appearing will be a duo from Exeter called Windslide who play cigar box guitar and didgeridoo and Paul and Martin who bring their own brand of gentle finger picking style guitar and close harmonies. Thame’s Radio Blackfrog will be broadcasting their Sunday music show live from the event throughout the day including the live music sessions and exhibitor/visitor interviews. Doors open at 10am and entry is £3 with accompanied under 12s getting in free. The Thame Guitar & Music Fair is sponsored by BakTrak, the ultimate MP3 & WAV backing track pedal.

Win tickets to Towersey festival T

owersey Festival returns this August Bank Holiday (26th29th August 2016, Thame Showground) with headline spots from Billy Bragg, The Wonder Stuff, Midge Ure and the enchanting Kate Rusby. The family-friendly annual festival also promises appearances from the always entertaining Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, along with BBC 6Music presenter Tom Robinson and BBC Radio 2 presenter Nell Bryden, who’ll be performing with their bands. Joining them are the Ed Sheeranapproved Nizlopi and a host of BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winners and nominees, including 9Bach, The Young’uns, and Nancy Kerr and James Fagan. Bragg last topped the Towersey line-up in 2011 and is renowned for his ability to mash American folk, DIY punk and sweet soul music, while The Wonder Stuff headline as part of their 30th anniversary celebrations. Midge Ure has been responsible for dozens of hits including Ultravox’s Vienna and Band Aid’s Do You Know It’s Christmas, but comes to Towersey for a stripped down set featuring

Midge Ure surprising versions of favourites old and new. Alongside the music, there’s also an extensive ‘hands-on’ workshop programme (with music lessons from main stage acts, active games for grown-ups, yoga, firewalking, poetry writing and more), traditional ales and ciders, artisan food, films and a dedicated dance tent. A new strand for younger festivalgoers, All About Children, promises such activities as Zumba, musicmaking, outdoor activities, and a special family concert. Weekend Tickets, for the full four days, are on sale now via the festival website (www.towerseyfestival.com) from just £126 (adult), £110 (conc),

£88 (youth), £57 (child), with under 5s free. Day tickets from £30 (adult), £21 (youth), £14 (child) U5s free. Discounts for Thame and Towersey residents also available (until 21st Aug). Tickets are also available in person from Bizzie Lizzie Flower Shop, Upper High Street, Thame. If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a pair of adult tickets (including camping) for the entire festival, simply email your name, address and telephone number along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Which Towersey Festival headliner teamed-up with Vic

Kate Rusby

Billy Bragg

Reeves to score a number one with Dizzy in 1991? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by June 10th, 2016. l Towersey Festival, Thame Showground, Thame, Oxfordshire Web: www.towerseyfestival.com Box Office & Customer Enquiries: 01629 827016

Oakfest returns

he annual OakFest Music and Beer Festival is back at Oakley School on June 11th from 1pm to 12midnight! The popular community event crams 15 phenomenal local acts into a jam packed 11 hours of music, local tipple and entertainment for the whole family! It also raises vital funds for equipment and facilities for Oakley CofE Combined School Group - all monies raised will go directly to the school and church for much needed improvements and to help provide a full range of facilities for the children. Bands lined up to perform include: Sinfiction, Hair Of The Dog, The Band With No Name, The Vibe, Bright Shadows, Muthers Union,

Georgie Bird, Sledgehammer, Old Country Union, The Zefrones, Warden Squires, Nick Dutton, 12 Bore Blues, Roadhouse and As If. Fine local food is to be available from the barbecue and tea tent, while an all day bar will be open serving a superb selection of the best ales, wines and ciders Other entertainment includes: face painting, a bouncy castle, a photo booth, archery, a sensory tent, a dressing-up competition, sports activities and the live Screening of England’s football match against Russia. Tickets are available from the Eight Bells, Long Crendon, Vintage and Modern Guitars, Thame and from Oakley School priced £5 per adult, £3 per child (3-17 year olds) funds raised go to Oakley School. Pre-festival offer one child ticket free with each adult one purchased. l Oakfest 2016, Oakley CofE Combined School, Worminghall Road, Oakley, Bucks, HP18 9QY Tel: 01844 238364 Website: www.cuatoakfest.co.uk

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Summer is on the horizon but you won’t get bored counting down the days as at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre there’s plenty to keep you entertained with a sassy mix of absorbing drama, breathtaking ballet, magical musicals and some cracking gigs from tributes and original bands... The Mousetrap Mon 4th to Sat 9th, July

John Partridge stars in Chicago (Mon 11th to Sat 16th, July)

he Vale is set to be razzle dazzled this summer as international awardwinning Broadway and West End musical, Chicago (Mon 11th to Sat 16th July) smoulders onto the stage. Starring EastEnders actor and Celebrity Big Brother star John Partridge, the sizzling production is set in the roaring 1920s and is based on real-life events. A nightclub singer, a doublemurderess, a smooth-talking lawyer and a cell block of sin – it would be a crime to miss it!

The Johnny Cash Roadshow Sat 28th, May

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Northern Ballet presents Jane Eyre Fri 3rd & Sat 4th, June

Menopause The Musical Wed 1st, June The murderous theme continues with the world’s favourite murder mystery, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap (Mon 4th to Sat 9th July). Shuddering suspense and a brilliantly intricate plot where murder lurks around every corner has led to it being the longest-running show of any kind in the history of theatre, and this year it celebrates its 60th Anniversary. Familiar face Louise Jameson (Doctor Who, EastEnders, Doc Martin) heads up the cast, all of whom will take you on a thrilling journey to discover whodunit. Literature comes alive as Northern Ballet bring Brontë’s masterpiece Jane Eyre (Fri 3rd to Sat 4th June) to the stage in an adaptation telling the ultimate tale of romance, jealousy and dark secrets, alongside a child-friendly performance of much-loved Aesop’s fable Tortoise and the Hare. More storybook favourites are brought to life on stage with Horrible Histories: Groovy Greeks and Incredible Invaders Tue 28th June to Sat 2nd July and

the zany and fantastically funny Aliens Love Underpants (Sat 6th Aug). If you have any pre-schoolers at home, be sure to join Peppa, George and friends in Peppa Pig’s Surprise (Wed 25th – Thu 26th May). Best Play award-winner Shadowlands Mon 18th – Sat 23rd July promises a beautiful and moving drama about life and loss, but ultimately love. Emotional and uplifting the production is based on the story of author C.S Lewis, famed for The Chronicles of Narnia amongst other much-loved stories, and tells his tender and tragic tale with a cast including Stephen Boxer (Humans, The Iron Lady, Doctors) and Amanda Ryan (The Forsyte Saga). Summer sounds courtesy of some of the best touring bands are in store with the likes of Buddy Holly & The Cricketers (Sun 22nd May), The Chicago Blues Brothers (Fri 27th May), The Johnny Cash Roadshow (Sat 28th May), Killer Queen

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Horrible Histories Tue 28th, June to Sat 2nd, July

Killer Queen Thur 9th, June

Coming up at The Waterside

Magician and illusionist Jamie Raven Sun 19th, June

Your at-a-glance guide to what’s on...

Chaplin Sun, 26th June (Thu 9th June) - and the real deal when brotherly duo, The Proclaimers come to town Sunday 29th May and The Blockheads are supported by Dr Feelgood and Eddie & The Hotrods (Wed, 22nd June). Laughterinducing Menopause the Musical (Wed 1st Jun) is a hit for fans of a midweek giggle, and fans of Britain’s Got Talent will not want to miss illusionist Jamie Raven (Sun 19th June). A British icon of cinema is celebrated in Chaplin – The Charlie Chaplin Story (Sun 26th June) when Steven Arnold (Ashley in Coronation Street) will be seen swapping the cobbles for

the stage in a heart-warming and powerful musical tale. Don’t delay, check your diary and book now for these sizzling summer show at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Box Office, call 0844 871 7607 (bkg fee) or visit www. atgtickets.com/aylesbury (bkg fee) l Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1UG Telephone Booking: 0844 871 7607 Website: www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury

The Chicago Blues Brothers

Fri 27th May

The Johnny Cash Roadshow

Sat 28th May

The Proclaimers

Sun 29th May

Menopause the Musical

Wed 1st Jun

Northern Ballet’s Jane Eyre

Fri 3rd to Sat 4th Jun

That’ll Be The Day

Sun 5th Jun

Killer Queen

Thu 9th Jun

Thank You For The Music

Sat 11th Jun

Sensation

Wed 15th Jun

Jamie Raven

Sun 19th Jun

The Blockheads

Wed 22nd Jun

Chaplin

Sun 26th Jun

Horrible Histories

Tue 28th Jun to Sat 2nd Jul

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Column: Showtime! with Shaun Nolan

When music takes the stage

he rise of the jukebox musical began in the early Noughties with the success of great musicals like Mamma Mia. Flash forward almost 20 years and it’s an art form that still thrives with new works of the style popping up all the time and this month, the Vale is embracing this type of show. Over at the Court Theatre in Pendley, 9 to 5: The Musical – a story based on the movie of the same name using music from Dolly Parton’s back catalogue – plays from May 18th until May 21st. Similarly at Aylesbury Waterside, several music tribute acts take centre stage this month with the likes of Buddy Holly and the Cricketers (May 22nd), The Johnny Cash Roadshow (May 28th),The Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular Show (June 10th) and Thank You For The Music (June 11th). Of course music isn’t the only thing taking the stage this month though – classic musicals and some high brow drama are flying in as

Shaun Nolan Showtime!

9 to 5 plays The Court Theatre, Pendley well. Over at the Queen’s Park Arts Centre, local amateur dramatics companies the Jubilee Players from Bierton, Top HATS from Halton and Unbound from Queen’s Park themselves will be taking part in the annual One-Act Drama Festival on June 3rd and 4th at the Limelight Theatre. The Court Theatre will also welcome a revival of Tom Stoppard’s Heroes from May 25th until May 28th, while Aylesbury Waterside receives the new national tour of The Sound of Music from May 18th to May 21st. Further afield in London’s West End, Kenneth Branagh’s

Audra McDonald makes her West End debut in Lady Day production of Romeo & Juliet, starring Cinderella stars Lily James and Richard Madden, starts performances on May 12th. And The Go-Between, a new musical based on the timeless novel and starring Michael Crawford, is starting performances at the Apollo (27th May - Oct 15th). The two biggest openings this month though have to be Disney’s Aladdin (27th May onwards) and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (June 7th onwards); if you managed to bag tickets to either then I hope you have a good time!

If not, then you can always head over to Wyndham’s Theatre to catch one of my biggest idols, six time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald in her West End debut in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill (June 25th - Sep 3rd). I’ll be at all of them over the next few months and I hope to see you there as well. May and June look like they’re going to be fantastic months in Theatreland with big openings and fantastic entertainment. If you’re heading to see anything in the Vale or in London then have a blast and I look forward to hearing all about it! l Shaun Nolan is a London theatre blogger who not only writes for himself, but is also the lead Blogger for London theatre company LondonTheatreDirect. You can find him at @shaunycat on Twitter.

waitrose.com/thame

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

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Win tickets to Trad Boat Festival T

he Thames Traditional Boat Festival is a celebration of vintage and classic boats with the addition of period land and air exhibits and displays. Last year there were more than 10,000 visitors - it is the largest such event in Europe, with over 200 traditional boats of all sorts and sizes participating. Highlights include: • Special Royal visitor • Water speed record-breaker Bluebird K3 • Battle of Britain Memorial Flight • Royal Row Barge Gloriana • WWII Dunkirk & D-Day Motor Torpedo Boat • Great War Display Team dogfights • WWII RAF launch • WWI RN torpedo boat • Dunkirk Little Ships • Chang Gang Aerobatics • 1883 steam boat ‘Alaska’ • Amphibious vehicles • Royal Navy & Marines • The Army’s 7 Rifles • Free entry for under 18s Catering will include the return of the very popular ‘Golden Ball’ pop- up pub, ‘Time for Tea’ vintage tearooms, ‘Daisy’s’ vintage ice cream and plenty

Trad Boat Fest

of other unusual food and drink emporiums. Or take a picnic! There is music too with lots of live Jazz and period music with a big band on the Saturday evening. There will also be shopping opportunities with everything from deck shoes to slipper launches on offer. The Festival has always provided lots of entertainment for children and this year is no exception, as youngsters can have a go in traditional skiffs and canoes. Plus a vintage fairground with rides and stalls for all the family and ‘pedal planes’ and a

flight simulator. There is plenty of FREE parking and a FREE river ferry service on the weekend from various points in and around Henley. Tickets on the gate are £10 Friday and £12 Saturday & Sunday. To find out more and book discounted tickets visit: www.tradboatfestival.com See the Thames Traditional Boat Festival Facebook page or follow @tradboatfest on Twitter. If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a pair of three day passes for the Trad Boat festival, simply email your name, address and

telephone number along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Which famous world water speed record winning boat is due to make its first public run since 1938 at the Thames Traditional Boat Festival on July 15-17? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by June 10th, 2016. l Thames Traditional Boat Festival Fawley Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2HY www.tradboatfestival.com

Adams Travel will be celebrating Disney and Beyond in store on Saturday 28th May 2016

FREE DININ DISNEY G IS FOR 20 BACK 17

Are you thinking of visiting Orlando for the first time but unsure where to start, or just need some inspiration for your next visit? Or maybe you are Disney's biggest fan. Come along! Our team have a great deal of experience and would love to be able to help plan the holiday of a lifetime with you. We will be offering an exclusive booking incentive on the day as well as themed treats and goodie bags for the kids. 11 Market Square, Aylesbury. HP20 1TJ 01296 873017 aylesbury.adamstravel@gmail.com Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Oxford is just up the road, so many of us don’t think of it as an overnight destination. However it’s such a beautiful city with so much to offer that to stay and soak up the atmosphere for a day or two is an absolute delight, especially if a stay at the Oxford Eastgate Townhouse is included...

The Library Bar

The stylish boutique bedrooms have fabulous prints on the headboards

he 4 Star Oxford Eastgate Townhouse Hotel is a stylish, boutique hotel located on the quieter part of The High Street or ‘High’ as locals call it, in the centre of Oxford It’s a perfect location from which to explore the historic city and the hotel has recently undergone a full refurbishment, cleverly marrying the classical surroundings and ancient architecture with a contemporary, cosmopolitan vibe that reflects the city today. It is very chic, very stylish and yet quite traditional and I particularly liked the statement monotone basket-weave print wallpaper that adds a little gravitas to the reception area. The building is 17th century and was originally a coaching inn known as the Flying Horse, later to become the Eastgate Hotel due to its position on the site of the east gate in the original city walls. A tunnel is said to run underneath the building connecting the hotel with Magdalen College - as a guest it is not hard to picture famous novelists such as J.R.R Tolkien and C.S Lewis frequenting the hotel whilst Fellows at Merton College and Magdalen College respectively. In fact C.S Lewis apparently met, courted and proposed to his future wife at the 62

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

The Mercure Oxford Eastgate Townhouse, Rose Street entrance

Eastgate. Arriving at the hotel by car is not difficult and there is parking in the hotel courtyard which is very handy. The reception staff are friendly and welcoming and the lounge and library bar area offer a contemporary but comfortable space in which to relax with quirky design features that add to the unique character of the hotel. Inspiration has been drawn from the city’s academic associations with a cosy ‘desk-lamp’ pendant light fixture and a feature bookcase and the array of rich fabrics, patterned soft furnishings and timber flooring makes for pleasant, relaxing and comfortable surroundings in which to enjoy a drink or to relax on the way to the restaurant or before going out. The Mercure Oxford Eastgate Townhouse boasts 64 refurbished bedrooms including a brand new suite of luxury bedroom and lounge area. The elegant colour scheme highlights a muted background with rich accents, while antique style mirrors and traditional furniture feature bicycle spoke inspired details, a theme which runs through the hotel. Headboards exhibit sepia prints of punting scenes or Oxford landmarks and local statues,

again blending the traditional with the new, a theme that works well throughout the hotel. To the High Street end of the hotel is the restaurant - the recently opened Marco’s New York Italian restaurant with signature dishes such as the Italian burger topped with mozzarella and crisp prosciutto. It’s a pleasant enough space with a slight ‘Gentleman’s Club’ feel and the staff were very helpful but there are many alternatives nearby that offer better fare and probably better value - neither the menu nor the execution were particularly inspiring. All in all Mercure have done a fabulous job of refurbishing the Oxford Eastgate Townhouse. It’s a lovely place to stay in an amazing location, a beautiful old building that has been sympathetically restored but with a stylish modern twist. It’s comfortable and has all the services one might require from WiFi to luxurious bathrooms, lovely beds and bedding and excellent showers. If Tolkien or CS Lewis visited now, they wouldn’t want to leave! l The Mercure Oxford Eastgate Townhouse, 73 High Street, Oxfordshire, Oxford OX1 4BE Tel: 01865 248332 www.mercure.com

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

IF you haven’t yet discovered Turn End, tucked away in the heart of old Haddenham, then now is the time to get acquainted with this hidden treasure, as a number of special events celebrating 50 years of Turn End house and garden are underway, with plenty to delight new and returning visitors....

urn End is one of a cluster of three village houses designed and built by acclaimed architect and long-time Haddenham resident, Peter Aldington in the 1960s; the garden, also designed by Peter, has grown up around the house and unfolds as a series of secluded nooks and unexpected vistas. Together, the ensemble of house and garden is widely regarded as a prime example of how modern architectural features - concrete, glass and wood - can be made to blend seamlessly with traditional village features, for example the white wychert walls and tiled coping so characteristic of old Haddenham. To celebrate 50 years of Turn End, Turn End Trust is proud to announce a summer programme of events. Turn End Trust was set up as a registered charity with the aim of fostering appreciation of links between architecture and garden design, as well as protecting this small estate and making Sculpture by Angie Doy it available as a peaceful haven for the benefit of the wider community. For the last few years, the Trust has been hosting small-scale events relating to the house and/or garden. This summer Sculpture in the Garden returns, running in conjunction with Bucks Open Studios from Saturday June 18th to Sunday June 26th, 11am-6pm. Curated by sculptor Lendon Scantlebury, this event brings together the work of 35 sculptors, in a range of media intriguingly displayed throughout the garden - a superb backdrop for the works themselves, and an inspiration for how they could look in different settings. In selecting pieces to exhibit, Lendon has ensured a range of size and style to complement all types of garden, and he, along with other sculptors exhibiting, will be on hand to answer questions and talk about the work on show. Turn End is also home to the studios of Heather Hunter, printmaker and creator of artists’ books, and acclaimed portrait

Turn End House

photographer, Paul Wilkinson, and their studios will be open for Bucks Open Studios, with Jean Mould Hart, paper artist, sharing space with Heather Hunter during this time. Tea and homemade cakes in aid of various charities will be available throughout. Turn End is on the Bucks Open Studio ‘Haddenham Trail’ along with 16 other Haddenham venues. All within easy strolling distance of each other, making Haddenham a Sculpture by Lendon Scantlebury don’t miss destination for art lovers this June. On Saturday 10th July (2pm-6.30pm) there will be a 50th Anniversary Garden Party celebrating Peter and Margaret Aldington and 50 years of Turn End. For this special occasion, Turn End house, as well as the other two houses that make up the cluster of three, will all be open for the first time, a truly unique event! A traditional English tea will be served in the garden and a number of special guests will be speaking about Peter and different aspects of his work at various points in the afternoon. The studios of Paul Wilkinson and Heather Hunter will also open. There are a limited number of tickets

available for this special event - please contact turnendtrustevents@gmail.com for details. Turn End Open Day is on Monday 29th August (2pm-5.30pm), an opportunity to visit both house and garden and chat informally with Peter and Margaret Aldington about the house, and with Jackie Hunt, Turn End gardener, to find out about what is involved in maintaining this lovely garden all year round. Other events include a talk on ‘The Modern Garden’ by distinguished author and horticulturist Richard Bisgrove on Saturday 10th September (3.30-6.30pm). The Modern Movement in architecture with its twin mantras of ‘Form follows function’ and ‘Less is more’ posed serious problems for the designers of gardens, for surely the garden is a decorative and luxuriant composition. Richard will suggest how the problems were solved to create the ‘Modern Garden’ and trace the various strands of garden design in a post-modern world. The talk will take place in the Methodist Chapel, High Street, Haddenham, preceded by tea and homemade cake, and followed by a reception in Turn End garden, where there’ll be an opportunity to meet Richard and chat informally with him - and enjoy Turn End garden! Tickets are £25. Reservations in advance at: turnendtrustevents@gmail.com To round up the summer, there will be a Garden Open Afternoon on Saturday 17th September (2pm-5pm) when visitors can soak up the late summer splendour of the garden and take time to unwind in its tranquil setting. This summer, for the first time, Turn End garden will open twice a month (first and third Tuesday of the month, May to October) exclusively for Friends of Turn End. To find out about becoming a Friend, contact turnendtrustevents@gmail.com or ring 07591 018601. Or if you are interested in joining the friendly and enthusiastic group of volunteers who help out at Turn End events, Venetia, Turn End’s Events Co-Ordinator would love to hear from you! l Turn End, Townside, Haddenham, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8BG Tel: 07591 018601 Email: turnendtrustevents@gmail.com Web: www.turnend.wordpress.com

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Above - Eva Hunt: ‘Feel Good Crystals’ - spiritual jewellery: Manor Farm Barn, Haddenham (116) www.spiritual-wonders.co.uk

Open Studios is Buckinghamshire’s largest visual arts event. This 31st year boasts a bumper collection of fantastic free events, workshops, demonstrations and exhibitions across the county...

Joy Hawes: ‘Table Display’ watercolour artist: St Nicholas Church, Kingsey www.joyhaweswatercolours.co.uk

Barbara Shaw: ‘Fabric Of Life’ - textile artist: Exhibiting at 3 Linden Lea, Wendover (202) See Page 66 for more on Barbara

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

ucks Open Studios has announced that its 2016 event will be the biggest to date following a record number of entries from artists and makers across the

county. The annual art event, which is also one of the biggest in the country, will include a recordbreaking 323 entries made by over 500 artists including glass workers, ceramicists, jewellery makers, photographers, painters and print makers. The event will take place from 11th-26th June and will see the participants opening their studios to the public for free demos, workshops and exhibitions.

Pirjo Keene: photograph on wood block

Get involved! We featured photographic artist Pirjo Keene in our It’s never too early to start planning which venues February edition. She explores experimental shooting and printing methods, collage and mixed media and you would like to see:will be part of an exciting group show at St Dunstans • Visit the Open Studios website for participating medieval church, Monks Risborough (179). See www. artatstdunstans.blogspot.com. Park on Mill Lane, off artists and locations: www.bucksopenstudios.org.uk A4010. Refreshments throughout show. Cream teas • ‘Like’ the Bucks Open Studios Facebook page weekend afternoons. www.pirjokeene.com and follow the Twitter feed for regular updates • Pick up a free hard copy of the 2016 Open Elizabeth Studdert is Studios Directory from libraries, art centres and a compulsive carver galleries or send a large stamped addressed envelope in stone, wood and alabaster. to: the Visual Images Group, c/o Obsidian She works mostly with Art, Layby Farm, Old Risborough Road, Stoke the figure, animals and children and is exhibiting Mandeville, Bucks, HP22 5XJ and they’ll post one. with The Straitons at the • Why not set a target of 5 ‘must-see’ venues that Old Place Cuddington you would like to visit? There are Open Studios Art (107) www.elizabethstuddert. Trails on the website to help you plan a route: co.uk www.bucksopenstudios.org.uk/art_trails.asp • Look out for the yellow signs that start popping l Bucks Open Studios 2016 up from early June. They will guide you to all the Web: www.bucksopenstudios.org.uk wonderful venues. Email: admin@bucksopenstudios.org.uk

Picture left: Diana Ashdown - lino print: Exhibiting at Obsidian Art Gallery, Stoke Mandeville (186) www.obsidianart.co.uk

Tel: 01296 614283 Facebook: /bucksopenstudios Twitter: @Bucksopenstudios

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Boat Race by Nathalie Pymm

Delight in the amazing diversity of print this year at two comprehensive exhibitions by The BBH Print Society. Their ingenious techniques can produce some stunning and unusual images...

he Beds, Bucks and Herts (BBH) Print Society has 50 members who are all experienced hand-pulled printmakers living in, or with studios in, the three counties of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Hertfordshire. The society produces a stunning range of work, a selection of

which will be on show in two local exhibitions this year. It is quite rare for a gallery to hold a print only exhibition demonstrating the many different types of hand-pulled printing under one roof but at Obsidian Art throughout May, twenty members of this professional print society will be showing their work. All use traditional hand-pulled

Kim Major-George print methods: Collagraph Printing, Lino, Drypoint Printing, Screen Printing, Solo Printing, Etching, Mono Printing - which all give very different mark-making effects and employ very different techniques in making the printing plate and in how they are inked up and pulled through the press etc. Allowing the artist with an imagination an inexhaustable supply of marks and effects. Some of the artists use very

Meet the Artists - Sunday 8th May (2pm - 5pm) Come and see this beautiful exhibition while many of the BBH members are at Obsidian Art Gallery, Stoke Mandeville, showing and talking about their techniques. Drinks & nibbles too!

complex forms of hand-pulled printing using multiple plates and techniques which go through the traditional printing press many times . Others such as Kim MajorGeorge, print on gold leaf and add a lot of precious metals to the finished print. Many of her plates being considered Hybrid plates which incorporate all the different styles of hand-pulled printing into one plate, or have additional plates that are added at different stages of the artwork being produced. The Print Society Exhibition at Obsidian Art takes place from Fri, 29th April to Sun, 29th May. A second exhibition is to take place later in the year at Aylesbury Museum from 8th Oct to 5th Nov, at which there will also be a Drypoint taster session available for all ages and abilities - see www. bbhprintsociety.org.uk for details. l Obsidian Art, Bucks Goat Farm, Old Risborough Road, Stoke Mandeville, Bucks, HP22 5XJ www.obsidianart.co.uk

Gateway Call by Helen Boden

l BBH Print Society www.bbhprintsociety.org.uk Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Column: Sandra Smith ‘Our Creative Vale’

Painting with textiles A

t first glance Barbara Shaw’s home appears to double as a showcase for the most exquisitely detailed paintings. Mesmerizing portraits hang alongside still life whilst landscapes of wild flowers radiate the essence of a summer’s day. From a distance the beautiful images display a hint of impressionism. The framed pictures here, however, are not the result of brushstrokes on canvas or layers of oil paint. For close scrutiny reveals a myriad of textures created by ribbons, chiffon and frayed fabric. And whilst, close up, the mix may bear little link to the subject matter, take a few steps back and a looseness of style formed by tiers of material hand stitched by this textile artist is transformed into lifelike images. “I didn’t think I was creative at all,” Barbara shares from her upstairs workroom in a quiet corner of Aylesbury, “but I started doing patchwork then realised by overlaying things you could create

Barbara Shaw

Creative Vale

Sandra Smith something more sophisticated. “I stretch fabric onto mount board and pin the first layers before stitching. The picture mostly evolves, though to begin with no one else can see how it will come together. Fabric by its nature is dense. I use new fabric as it loses its sheen once washed. My pictures are also covered in glass. Purist textile artists wouldn’t do this but the glass protects the fabric and makes it look like a proper picture.” This self taught artist, who only hangs her own work at home, relies on trusted techniques, a diversity of subject matter being her greatest

challenge. She is also keen to gain a wider audience, hence her involvement in some forthcoming impressive projects. “My Baby in the Womb picture is going into an exhibition in Parliament which focuses on 1001 days of a child’s life and how mental health needs to be understood. It’s part of a national campaign. I’ve also been invited to display work in the Oxford Natural History Museum and will be taking part in Bucks Open Studios again this year.” Barbara Shaw’s talent and enthusiasm includes marketing and having fun creatively, both integral

characteristics of a career invented during her fifties. She hopes her example, as well as her art, inspires others. “It’s become part of my life to express things. If I encourage people to look at something mundane in a different way there’s a feeling of helping someone have a brighter experience of art.” www.artintextiles.co.uk l Find out more about Sandra

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

Exhibition and demonstrations

ucks Open Studios is fast approaching and once again Kimble Arts group will be joining forces at Stewart Hall, Little Kimble to stage an Exhibition of Fine Art and Artisan Crafts The group comprises: Ros Castling: who uses felt to create atmospheric landscape pictures, soft vessels and luxurious scarves; Lielo Edwards: who makes stoneware ceramics in beautiful forms to enhance your environment both outside and in; Kat Newman: with her glass art encompassing small dishes, fantastic beads strung into jewellery, and loose beads for your own designs; Polli Phippen: who makes intricate mosaics to create narrative and abstract pieces both useful and decorative; Sally Prendagast: using oils to capture her acute observations of nature and countryside; Debbie Pengelly: new to the group this year, works in stoneware ceramics making lovely domesticware suitable for cooker or freezer; Mike Spark: who uses his great

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

sense of colour to create fabulous acrylic landscapes; Susie Upstone: working in silver to craft jewellery that is affordable for everyday but classy enough for special occasions; Jane Waller: whose line-drawings of ballet bring movement and grace to life. Also books, of which her childrens’ stories are a big favourite. Stewart Hall is on the A4010, (bus

route 300), opposite Kimble Station. Tea and cakes and homemade cream teas are available and daily demonstrations by different artists will be taking place. There is good parking outside and disabled facilities including a loo. Entrance is free. Most of the groups arts and crafts are for sale, as are their famous cream teas.

Open Friday 17th June, 3pm-7pm, Friday 24th June, 1pm-5.30pm and Saturdays and Sundays 18th, 19th and 25th, 26th June, 10.30am-5.30pm. l The Kimble Stewart Hall Station Road, Little Kimble, Bucks, HP17 0XN Tel: 07837 482190 Web: www.facebook.com/ LittleKimbleArtGroup/

Column: Heather Jan Brunt ‘This farming life’

Try wanging at Waddesdon!

f you want a great family day out look no further than a country show starring flailing axemen and a fabulous welly wanging competition! Yes, the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs are staging their annual rallies and showing off vast and varied skills in a wide range of competitions, which provides an exceptional day out for all the family - whether you come from a farming background or not. Locally, everyone will be welcome at The Bail on the Waddesdon Estate on Saturday June 4th for the Waddesdon Country Show. The star attraction this year is The Welsh Axemen, who compete with razor sharp axes in a competition that simulates the felling and cutting up of a tree into lengths. It’s a work derived sport with origins in the early lumber camps of Australia, New Zealand and Canada and now it’s spread around the globe. So, not for the faint hearted! And we spectators may well have our hearts in our mouths as we watch

This farming life Heather Jan Brunt

The Welsh Axemen in action this ‘sport’. On a lighter note, this year’s hosts, Aylesbury senior and junior young farmer clubs, have introduced The Big Welly Wang competition. This is open to all and they are looking for teams of four to take on the challenge. So if you fancy having a go with your family, friends, sports teams or work colleagues, register online at: www.waddesdoncountryshow.co.uk The welly wang will test strength and skill and there are over £200 of vouchers to be won. Other attractions at the country show will include the ever popular Sheep Show with dancing sheep in the grand finale; arts

and crafts stalls and rural craft demonstrations; animal corner; a vintage tractor parade; and plenty of food stalls to keep us all satiated throughout the day. For a long time now the annual rally has been rebranded as a country show, mainly to encourage members of the general public to go along and join in the fun, but for me and most farming families it’s still referred to as the rally, because for us, the best bit about it is those YFC competitions - some of them very impressive challenging and skilful, and lots of them unique, funny and crazy! For months, the YF clubs of our county have been preparing

their members to take part in the competitions, which require skills in mechanics, ironmongery, carpentry, stockmanship, arts and crafts and the much loved tug of war. Nearer the time the bakers also get their oven gloves out and every year there is an astounding display of fabulous cakes, breads, picnic baskets and novelties. Entry to the show is £10 for adults, £5 for children (aged six to 16), under-fives free, £25 for a family ticket (two adults and up to three children). l Follow journalist and farmer’s wife Heather Jan Brunt on Twitter @HJBjournalist. She and her husband sell their own award winning Terrick Beef on the first Friday & Saturday of the month. See: www.downonthefarm.co.uk

Nominated Free House Pub of the Year Bucks Food & Drink Awards 2016 Nominated The Cateys Awards Menu of the Year 2016 - innovation, seasonal produce, creativity, ingredients, value for money. From violette artichokes to rare breed beef, we use around 70 organic ingredients from our very own Pointer Farm in our menus. Come and join us for lunch or dinner.

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

by Cathy Soughton

Shakespeare

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

November including a 3D avatar of Ariel created by the team who were responsible for Gollum in the Lord of the Rings films. In a separate gallery the exhibition also traces the history of John Boydell’s t’s exactly 400 years since Shakespeare Gallery which opened William Shakespeare died and to in 1789 as Britain’s first ever thematic mark the anniversary the award public exhibition, Boydell having winning Compton Verney Art commissioned prominent painters Compton Verney House Gallery has collaborated with the Royal and sculptors to produce their own Shakespeare Company to launch a elements including ships planks including painting, photography, interpretations of Shakespeare’s works. new exhibition Shakespeare in Art: underfoot and the sound of crashing projection, sound and light. The His gallery was shortlived but has left a Tempests, Tyrants and Tragedy. I was waves in the Tempest ‘Act’ and readings exhibition is staged over eight ‘Acts’ lasting legacy. able to visit when it first opened and by leading RSC actors. A highlight focusing on some of Shakespeare’s The Art Gallery at Compton it’s a must-see exhibition for any art best known plays including The Tempest, is a mesmerising hypnotic lifesize Verney is also home to six permanent and theatre lover. Hamlet, Macbeth and a Midsummer Night’s holographic depiction called Ophelia’s collections including Northern The Gallery is housed in Compton Ghost by Davy and Kristin McGuire Dream. European Art 1450-1650, British Verney House, a restored Grade I listed where Ophelia appears to be drowning Over 70 works borrowed from Portraits, British Folk Art and ancient 18th century mansion close to the in a pool right in front of you, a real collections across the UK and 11 Chinese artefacts. Bard’s birthplace at Stratford on Avon, from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust theatrical experience! There are regular talks and tours and surrounded by 120 acres of beautiful Other highlights include David are featured including ones by wellwith the lovely park setting including a parkland which was landscaped by known 18th and 19th century painters Farrell’s behind the scenes photographs children’s adventure play area and arty Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. It takes a from Sir Peter Hall’s 1968 film of a including Romney, Fuseli and Sargent activities in the school holidays there is little while to get there from Aylesbury through to modern works including Midsummer Night’s Dream starring a something for all the family. Vale but it’s an easy trip on the M40 young Judi Dench, Diana Rigg, Helen a self-portrait by Shakespearean Visit: www.comptonverney.org.uk for and well worth a visit. Mirren, Ian Holm and Ian Richardson further details. actor Antony Sher as Prospero and a Uniquely for an art gallery, the which was shot entirely on location at new specially commissioned work l Cathy Soughton is a professional exhibition was designed by the Royal Compton Verney. from acclaimed photographer Tom genealogist and architectural historian Shakespeare Company’s Director of There’s also a sneak preview of Hunter who reimagines Ophelia’s death providing family history and house Design Stephen Brimson Lewis and his in Hamlet utilising Capability Brown’s the cutting edge technology the RSC history research: Tel: 01296 624845 theatrical flair is displayed in a series of lake at Compton Verney. The plays are will be using in its production of The www.bucksresearch.co.uk multi-media, multi-sensory encounters brought to life by various multi-sensory Tempest which opens later this year in Email: soughton@btopenworld.com

Compton Verney

All invited to afternoon tea

achel Elworthy’s husband Matt sadly passed away last year following a two year battle with a brain tumour. In July it would have been his birthday and Rachel and her family would like to celebrate this and raise money for the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity (FNHC) at the same time. During his illness Matt spent a month at the Hospice before going home for the final months of his life: “The support we received from FNHC staff was absolutely incredible,” says Rachel. A fundraising afternoon tea in memory of Matt is to be held at Whitchurch Methodist Church on Sat, July 2nd from 2pm-4.30pm. All are welcome and if anyone would like to donate a raffle prize in advance please call Rachel on: 01296 640031 or email her at: mattsafternoontea@gmail.com 68 Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Aylesbury High Street Station

ylesbury High Street was the town’s first railway station and the terminus of the Aylesbury Railway, the World’s first railway branch line, opened in 1839 and connecting the town with what is now the West Coast Main Line at Cheddington. The line followed a dead straight path along-side the Grand Union Canal’s Aylesbury branch and passed through Broughton Crossing, with one intermediate station at Marston Gate. There were no bridges on the line, apart from the footbridge at Aylesbury built in 1888 following a fatal accident; while lengthy shunting of goods trains across the Park Street level crossing caused traffic flow problems in later years. The line was profitable throughout the Nineteenth Century, and in 1889 a new station building was erected and the goods area expanded. Freight traffic was comprised of coal and coke brought in from collieries in the Midlands for the nearby gas works and for domestic use; the famed Aylesbury ducks and geese for markets in London transported in osier (a species of willow) baskets woven in

A Victorian train passes Park Street signal box towards Aylesbury from Cheddington. From an original painting by Gerald Broom, reproduced by kind permission of Bob Williams. the railway company’s nearby basket factory; and materials for the Nestlé factory, the New Holland agricultural factory, and for the two local printing companies. Sadly the line finally closed in 1963 and nothing now remains of the station, with new buildings and roads such as the B and Q store and Vale Park Drive having been built over the site - although some of the North and Randall buildings and some of the surrounding terraced housing remain. Geoff Williams’s highly realistic

model to be shown at RAILEX (see opposite page) is a faithful representation of how the station would have looked at its zenith, in the period immediately preceding the Great War. For further reading see Bill Simpson’s The Aylesbury Railway: The First Branch Line (OPC Railprint 1989 - ISBN 0:0860934381). l Andrew David: teaches Latin and ancient civilisation at London’s City Lit college, and at the British Museum, and writes articles about railway history.

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

A rarely seen model of Aylesbury’s former High Street Station is to be exhibited for the first (and possibly only) time, by the Risborough & District Model Railway Club at Aylesbury’s RAILEX Model Railway Exhibition, Stoke Mandeville Stadium, on May 28th and 29th...

his highly detailed and faithful representation of the former Aylesbury High Street station was created by the late Geoff Williams and is set in the year 1911 at the time of the London and North Western Railway (the LNWR) - one of the railways incorporated into the London Midland and Scottish (LMS) at the ‘Grouping’ of the railways in 1923. It is a snapshot of a bygone age before the shattering impact of the Great War, when a train ride was the only realistic means of getting to London and back within a day. Fifty-five years ago when the layout was created many local residents remembered the real line in full operation, and much of the infrastructure of the former station was still in place - including the line-side osier plants harvested for weaving in the nearby railwayowned basket factory - all of which provided Geoff with a wealth of original material to model from. The model is built to the scale of 1:76 (or 4 millimetres: 1 foot) but with a more accurate gauge between the running tracks than many models of that scale (known to Modellers as EM Gauge - being a width of 18.2 millimetres). As kits were largely unavailable in those days for models of the ‘Pre-Grouping’ period, and Computer Aided Design and lasercutting were a thing of the future, most of the layout is home-made (in Railway Modellers’ terms ‘scratch-built’) - such as the metal fencing made from fine-toothed hair combs purchased from Boots the Chemists, or the cabbages made from the cloves picked out of tinned fruit. Realistically modelled trees are (so the creator’s widow assures us) made from

Aylesbury High Street and the Victorian terminus station. Picture: BRM - Andy York

MODEL RAILWAY EXHIBITION Stoke Mandeville Stadium

AYLESBURY 28 & 29 May 2016

Aylesbury LNWR Exhibited by Risborough & District MRC Photograph by Paul Wright

The very best layouts, plus 50 specialist manufacturers, traders & demonstrations in one massive hall

Sunday only - up to 2 children admitted free with an accompanying paying adult

Stoke Mandeville Stadium, Stadium Approach, Aylesbury, Bucks. HP21 9PP Admission: Saturday 10.30-17.30 Sunday 10.00-17.00. Free Vintage Bus from Railway Station Carpark, Free parking & full disabled access, Risborough & District Model Railway Club, www.railex.org.uk

human hair - her hair. Geoff ’s professional abilities as an engineer, and as an accomplished amateur artist are clearly reflected in this carefully engineered and beautifully presented layout, which is brought to life by the positioning of train crews in an active, working stance, or a half-opened carriage window with a passenger or a guard leaning out. Scenically, a somewhat exaggerated perspective portrays the fore-shortening of the shops and houses in the background, as the eye follows their receding outline carefully

The station forecourt and side entrance - devoid of road-markings and parking signs - from an uncluttered pre-motor age when steam engine and horse-power ruled. Picture: BRM - Andy York

blending into an imagined vanishing point in the sensitively painted back-drop. Originally built into Geoff ’s loft for friends and family to operate, the layout has been adapted by the Risborough & District Model Railway Club (who acquired it in 2012) for display to the public at this year’s RAILEX Model Railway Exhibition in Stoke Mandeville Stadium - an ideal venue for this rare showing of the model, being within two miles of the site of the real-life station. A fuller account of the model can be found in the current May 2016 issue of the modelling magazine British Railway Modelling. Aylesbury Town Station The Risborough & District Model Railway Club is also currently constructing a fine-scale model of the existing Aylesbury (Aylesbury Town) Station for display at future exhibitions. This station was opened in 1863 and rebuilt in 1926: their model is set in the British Railways era of the 1950 and ‘60s, when the signal boxes, engine shed and other structures were still in existence. l RAILEX 2016 Model Railway Exhibition Sat, May 28th: 10.30am to 5.30pm and Sun, 29th: 10am to 5pm Stoke Mandeville Stadium, Stadium Approach, Aylesbury, HP21 9PP Adults £8, Children £5, Family £18 FREE vintage bus service from Aylesbury Station car park www.railex.org.uk Contact David Lane: 01296 437475 Email: railexmanager@rdmrc.org.uk Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Column: Nick Coffer ‘In the kitchen’

Raspberry Pavlova Roulade

his recipe is based on a beautiful roulade which was made for my show by pastry expert Simon Northcott. He made his with a whipped cream and Nutella filling and topped it with hazelnuts. I’ve made mine a little more fruity, with an easy cream and raspberry filling. Technically the addition of raspberries means that a slice of the roulade can (just about) qualify as one of your five a day! If you do want to make the nutty version, replace the raspberries with two tablespoons of Nutella and top the roulade with chopped hazelnuts. Ingredients: Serves up to 8 For the meringue: 3 large egg whites 175g white caster sugar 1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract 1⁄2 tsp white wine vinegar 1 tsp cornflour For the filling: 300ml double or whipping cream 200g raspberries (or any similar red fruit, or a mixture)

In the kitchen Nick Coffer

Pavlova Icing sugar, to dust (Optional) grated chocolate to decorate Pre-heat your oven to 180C/Gas Mark 4 Prepare a rectangular swiss roll tin (or just a shallow baking tray) by lining it with baking parchment (you can stick it down with a few spots of butter). In a large, grease-free mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites to soft peaks.While continuously whisking, slowly add the caster sugar one tablespoon at a time, until you have

a stiff, glossy meringue mixture. Whisk in the vanilla extract, followed by the vinegar and cornflour. Pour the mixture on to the baking tin. Leave a gap around the edges or else the meringue will stick. Smooth it over with a knife or spatula so you get a nice, regular spread. Bake this for 15 minutes or until the meringue is a light golden colour but still soft on the inside. Take the meringue out of the oven and leave it to cool. It will be quite flexible and malleable now. Cut another sheet of baking parchment. Turn the meringue

over and put it on the new sheet of paper. Carefully pull away the baking parchment which the meringue was baked on. Whip the cream to soft peaks and fold in the raspberries, allowing some of them to crush up a little. Carefully spread this evenly over the cooled roulade and then simply roll it up tightly, with the longest edge closest to you, leaving the greaseproof paper behind as you go. Put the roulade, seam down, on your serving plate. l Hear wonderful recipes on Nick Coffer’s Weekend Kitchen every Sunday morning on BBC Three Counties radio at 11am. You can also join Nick weekday afternoons at midday for music plus local guests with great stories.

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

Open: Tuesday: 6pm-11pm Wednesday-Saturday: 12noon-2.30pm & 5.30pm-11pm Sunday: 12noon-4pm

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Tamarind is a tropical fruit, widely used in Indian cooking. It has a strong sour/sweet taste that pairs perfectly with coconut. At Coco Tamarind Indian Restaurant the mix of striking new decor, delicious food and friendly, efficient service could also be described as a perfect combination...

oco Tamarind Fine Indian Dining Restaurant and Takeaway opened in 2005 in the former Black Horse pub, by the Askett roundabout near Princes Risborough. It has since built an enviable reputation for great food and service, which new owners, Kazi Hasan and wife Faria, are already building on with an impressively stylish refurbishment, and mouthwatering additions to the menu. Hasan is from Bangladesh. He came to England in 2001 and has worked his way up from waiter to manager and now restaurant owner. He has been a popular presence over the last few years in other local Indian restaurants and previous customers will be keen to catch up with him and experience what Coco Tamarind now has to offer. “Our main focus is on quality,” says Hasan. “The food here is freshly prepared each day. We have two very special head chefs whose cooking is exceptional - one was here already and his cooking has proved very popular in the past, the other I have brought in and cannot recommend highly enough. We have a sous chef, a commis chef and kitchen porters, a full team in the kitchen and eight staff front of house to ensure service is attentive, friendly, informative and helpful. “We have a charcoal tandoori clay oven for creating authentic tandoori dishes and make all our own marinades and spice mixes from scratch. Our ingredients are sourced for quality and freshness and where possible are bought locally. As everything is made freshly we can also cater for special dietary requirements and allergies but would request advance notice of these whenever possible.”

Perfect Naans!

Kazi Hasan

The new decor, styled by Hasan’s wife Faria and her friend Samia, is fresh, stylish and contemporary, cleverly combining traditional Indian elements with clean modern lines and some very effective lighting. There’s plenty of ‘Wow’ factor too, in the jazzy carpet and fascinating bubble screen and the coloured lighting which gently ebbs and flows through a variety of atmospheric shades. I love the Indian globe ceiling lights, casting their interesting patterns and the fresh flowers, modern art and traditional ornaments, which all work well together. “We’ve tried to make it more comfortable and more stylish,” says Hasan. “We don’t have tables too close together, so our customers have more privacy. We have new comfortable and supportive leather chairs and a relaxing bar area where customers can enjoy a predinner drink, perhaps with Indian street food and tapas. “I’ve worked in many restaurants and noticed what customers like and what could be done better and at Coco Tamarind I am putting my knowledge to work to create a wonderful experience for diners.” The Coco Tamarind staff work well as a team - they are friendly and welcoming and the atmosphere is relaxed but vibrant. The food is exceptional; beautifully presented and quite unique as in addition to the traditional Indian dishes there are several original dishes developed by the Coco Tamarind chefs. The Tandoori Specialities are marinated in delicately spiced yogurt for 24 hours to tenderise the chicken, lamb or prawns and produce a tantalising flavour and are then served with green salad and sauce.

Then there are the House Specialities, such as Xacuti Chicken - a full flavoured spicy curry made with roasted star anise, coconut, cinnamon, jovantry and fenugreek seeds for a stunning flavour, or Sikondari Raan - lamb shank slowly cooked with onions, green pepper, tomatoes, potato, minced meat in a thick spicy sauce and Seafood Specialities such as Sharshoo ka Sea Bass - fresh sea bass cooked with spinach and mustard, or Mango King Prawn - mildly spiced king prawns tikka with mango, coconut, almond and fresh cream. All taste fresh and are bursting with flavour while looking fabulous and the Naan bread is perfectly fluffy and light with lovely crispy crusty bits, just how I like it! Judging by customer comments on their website and Facebook I’m not the only one who thinks so either. “I am really excited to be at Coco Tamarind,” say Hasan, “as there is such great potential here. We have refurbished and redecorated inside, there’s still a bit to do outside but we are open again and already very busy. It’s a lovely location and there is plenty of parking, it’s a great opportunity.” Vale Life recommends a visit to Coco Tamarind, do book ahead though and ask about their loyalty card which gives 15% discount on takeaways collected and 5% discount when eating in, and make sure you try one of their amazing naan breads! l Coco Tamarind, Aylesbury Road, Askett, Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 9LY Email: cocotamarindhp27@gmail.com Tel: 01844 343111 / 01844 346100 Web: www.cocotamarindhp27.co.uk Open 7 days: 12-2pm & 5.30-11pm

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

l Column: Jacqui

Thorndyke ‘Foodie On Tour’

Fancy some Ox-food?

absolutely love this time of year. The trees are blossoming, the sun is (mostly) shining, and the food festival season is about to kick off. This year I’m in my element, as I get the chance to work on a particularly tasty new addition to the food festival calendar - the very first Oxford Food & Drink Festival. Set right in the heart of Oxford with a week-long build-up of events, Oxford’s tummies will be grumbling with joy at all the tasty treats on offer. Oxfordshire already has some brilliant, well-established food festivals like Thame Food Festival, Wallingford Food Festival, Abingdon Food & Drink Festival and Witney Festival of Food & Drink, so it’s high time that Oxford had one of its own. With free entry and local food and drink as far as the eye can see, Oxford Food & Drink Festival looks set to become an annual

Oxford’s first festival is on Sun, July 17th extravaganza for anyone with an interest in food and where it comes from. What started as a plan for a small-scale event, has grown into something much bigger, and much more exciting. Organised by Bitten Oxford, which I co-run (because who needs spare time, right?!), and Oxford City Council, we’re planning a week-long series of fringe

events followed by a big, one-day celebration of local produce. The aim of the event is to celebrate the breadth of the food scene in and around Oxford, while supporting local producers, restaurateurs, street food traders and brewers. We want to give everyone, of all ages, the opportunity to get stuck in and have a go at cooking, or explore the culture of food from every angle The festival itself will be on Sunday 17th July, slap bang in the centre of Oxford at Gloucester Green, with a trail of great local produce, tastings, demos and street food stretching all the way to Oxford Covered Market, one of the city’s most historical food locations. For the week of fringe events, we’re inviting local bars, restaurants, cookery schools, colleges and anywhere food and drink related to get involved, showcasing the best of what they have to offer, with special events,

Jacqui Thorndyke

discounts, tastings, food classes, talks... you name it. So clear the diary for 17th July, bring all the family to Oxford and get ready for a feast for all the senses. We’ll be announcing fringe events and further details of the main festival over the course of the next couple of months, so stay firmly tuned. For more info see: www.oxfoodfest.com l For local food and restaurant reviews and recommendations, visit www.foodieontour.co.uk, or follow Jacqui on Twitter @FoodieOnTour. Email: foodieontour@yahoo.co.uk

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Usually getting less is not a good thing but one pretty village pub is making sure their menu caters for all by offering dishes tailored for specific dietary needs alongside their regular selection...

he Bell at Hardwick, off the Buckingham Road, just outside Aylesbury, is a picturesque, beautifully refurbished, 17th Century freehouse. Originally two lacemakers cottages, the building dates back to 1678 and still boasts the original oak beams, inglenook fireplaces and delightful cottage garden you might expect. The pretty pub was beautifully renovated a couple of years ago - the original oak beams were sandblasted and look fabulous, there’s an attractive bar area with new flagstone floor and a cosy dining snug. Outside a courtyard patio and barn to the rear gives al fresco dining options or space for functions, while inside a new extension provides pleasant and airy restaurant space. The Bell is a popular destination for diners and new manager Ben Groves is keen to ensure an inclusive menu with extra ‘free from’ choices for those who prefer gluten free, vegan, dairy free, sugar free or organic options to the pub’s traditionally prepared selection. “We want those who have special dietary requirements to feel comfortable coming here,” says Ben. “It’s best to call ahead and let us know in advance but there should be choices on the menu you will enjoy and our chefs are cooking everything freshly, so can adapt the recipes to suit. “We have a new team in the kitchen and we’re keen to keep pushing the standard of our food upwards, with an emphasis on high quality ingredients Seat at the bar and presentation. It’s still a relaxed pub dining experience though with Bell favourites such as Fish and Chips, The

Dining in the snug

Barmaid Christine

The Bell’s pretty front garden

Bell Burger and Hardwick Pie on the menu!” There are menu details on the pub’s website and a Sea Bass constantly changing specials board in the pub. Evening menu choices include: Grilled Mackerel Fillets served with sautéed new potatoes, beetroot and apple purée and chicory; or Griddled Lamb Cannon with a minted spring vegetable consommé, plus there’s a vegan Superfood Salad with quinoa, watercress, pea shoots, pickled ginger and Mediterranean vegetable roulade; or a vegan Homemade Nut Roast served with Mediterranean roasted vegetables. The popular Beer Battered Catch of the Day with hand cut chips, minted pea purée and homemade tartare sauce can be made gluten free by request. “Sunday lunchtimes are very busy,” says Ben, “it’s worth booking ahead. We usually have three roast meats on and there are always alternatives and vegetarian options. “The pub’s bar range now includes organic, vegan, ‘gluten free’ and ‘reduced’ and ‘no sulphite’ options. All our wine is organic and not available in the supermarket. Organic wine has to have less than 50% of the sulphites of ordinary wine and you will notice less of a hangover as a result. All of our wines are vegan and are not clarified with lactose products or fish scales. Some of our wines are free of sulphites entirely which will suit those who have an intolerance to them and many are

biodynamically produced. Our traditional ale selection includes local beers and is soon to be augmented with a gluten free beer, a vegan beer and a sulphite free cider option. “We also have an off licence wine list if you wish to purchase these special wines to enjoy at home and will soon be offering food items for home use too, such as fresh Organic Sourdough Bread, Eggs, Sulphite Free Bacon, Gluten Free Sausages and more.” The Bell has a well supported Quiz Night on the last Wednesday of each month and they are planning occasional events over the summer: “We have a Themed French Night with French food, wines and entertainment on Friday, May 20th,” says Ben, “and an Organic Cider Festival planned for Bank Holiday weekend at the end of May. “We are also pleased to welcome a special guest, Edwin Rye, winner of BBC Gardener of the Year 2002 who will host a Gardeners’ Question Time evening with Prosecco and Canapés on Thursday, June 2nd. As the weather warms up we hope to have live Jazz on the patio on Sundays through June and an Independence Day barbecue on July 4th. “We welcome bookings for birthdays, anniversaries and meetings of local groups. We are experienced at catering for functions and will ensure a special occasion is enjoyed by all.” The Bell is not just inclusive as regards the menu, the pub is family friendly, dog friendly, walker and cyclist friendly, in fact The courtyard all are welcome. It’s a case of less is more and the more the merrier! l The Bell at Hardwick, Lower Road, Hardwick, Buckinghamshire, HP22 4DZ Tel: 01296 640005 Web: www.thebellathardwick.co.uk Open Mon-Sat: 12-2pm and 6-11pm (food until 9pm) Sundays: 12 to 6pm (food until 4pm) Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Column: The Flo Show with Florence Grace

Just gimme The Works!

orld famous stage show The Rocky Horror Show has just smashed it at Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre. Now, I love a good storyline but I don’t always find that stage shows are for me (how uncultured, I know!)... however there is a Rocky Horror Show I did love, and that was the Rocky Horror Sundae from Aylesbury’s famous ice cream parlour and restaurant, The Works! Made up of chocolate and strawberry ice cream, fresh strawberries, marshmallows, teeth and lip sweets and even a quarter of a waffle, the sundae was absolutely delicious (and definitely not horrific!) The Works isn’t just great for coming up with sundae replacements for stage shows though, nor is it’s greatness only temporary. Since it’s arrival in Market Square at the end of 2014 (just in time for lots of Christmassy Sundaes might I add!) The Works has put itself on Buckinghamshire’s

Locals gathering under the arches by Market Square to pay tribute to David Bowie. Picture by Sue Stopps

Florence Grace The Flo Show

Bowie at Friars 1972 Pic Peter Randall map, becoming a hot spot of social activity for people of all ages - but especially young people looking for a naughty treat between revision, as a break on their shopping trip or just to catch up with friends! Located in an ideal spot directly between most of the secondary schools in Aylesbury and in the centre of town, The Works quickly developed from ice cream sundaes and waffles to a more delicious range that included savoury snacks

and ‘brunch’ style treats. With opening hours beginning at 9am and extending to as late as 11pm, you can enjoy a treat suitable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! If you’re out for the night with friends and heading to a club but not up for drinking, instead of ‘predrinks’ why not opt for ‘pre-sundaes’ instead? Situated right next to Niche bar and around the corner from Fever and Boutique, you can scoff some ice cream and head

straight to the dance floor! Aylesbury seemed to have suffered a beating in terms of things to do for the last few years, but The Works seems to have brought things back up to speed. Catering for gluten free and providing activities for young children whilst they wait for their food and even catering at events, The Works is the perfect place to hang out for some down time! And hey, if heading to the theatre is more your parents idea of fun than yours, well... you know where to go! Love from, Florence Grace. l Florence Grace is a freelance journalist, social media manager and blogger from Aylesbury. You can read her blog at: www.lovefromflorencegrace.co.uk

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Landlord Paul Mitchell is a glutton for punishment! Having spent two years knocking the Eight Bells at Long Crendon into shape, he’s now attempting something similar at The Black Boy in Oving and it’s already working... “

t’s taken a few months to get organised with staff and to put our plans into motion but I’m chuffed to bits with the way things have come on since we took over last October,” says Paul Mitchell landlord of The Black Boy at Oving, near Whitchurch to the North of Aylesbury. The Black Boy is an ancient and charming half-timbered village pub thought to date back to around 1524, although the Black Boy name may have come later from Charles II in the 1600s (he was called The Black Boy on account of his swarthy Mediterannean looks). The pub has the most fabulous garden with superb views across The Vale of Aylesbury and is very popular when the weather is good. “We had our first taste of it on Good Friday” says Paul. “We were fully booked inside for lunch but the weather was nice and it just went bonkers, there seemed to be people everywhere!” Paul is hoping to adapt the formula that has worked for him at The Eight Bells although the Black Boy is in a much smaller village so needs to attract diners in from a wider area. He has redecorated The Black Boy and created a warm, comfortable and welcoming ambience with some stylish tartan curtains and cushions, light oak flooring and new garden furniture. “Our food offering is slightly wider at The Black Boy,” says Paul. “We have the pub classics such as Fish and Chips, Burgers, Pie, Steak etc. but the other half of the menu is aimed at destination diners who are coming for

a two or three course restaurant meal.” There’s a great choice too: Deli Boards and Sharing Platters plus Fresh Baked Baguettes and some great starters and nibbles such as Lamb Kofta with Feta Salad & Tzatziki; Goats Cheese Encroute with Roasted Walnuts, Salad & Honey Citrus Dressing; and Warm Pork Crackling & Apple Sauce; plus a selection of Pasta dishes, Pizzas and Salads and then mouthwatering mains such as Rack Of Lamb with Dauphinoise Potatoes, Ratatouille & Green Beans With Persillade; Puy Lentil & Vegetable Shepherds Pie topped with Cheesy Mash; Confit Duck Leg & Blackberry Jus; or Seafood Linguine with King Prawns & Calamari in a Tomato, Parsley & Garlic Sauce, to name a few. Full details are on the pub’s website at: www.theblackboyoving.co.uk “There are core elements in the menu and items we vary to utilise fresh seasonal products and keep things interesting for our customers and our chefs,” says Paul. “It’s a balance of modern and traditional, often with a little twist and some foreign influences and fusions among the classic dishes. The food is freshly cooked and professionally produced and presented. We try to be fairly priced and offer good value. We want people to visit regularly not just on special occasions.” Trade is already picking up nicely and The Black Boy is quite busy at weekends, so it’s worth booking ahead: “I’m grateful for the local support we have had,” says Paul. “We are

Paul Mitchell

a community pub so villagers are particularly welcome. We are accessible to all - families, dog walkers... a warm welcome awaits. We have our Little Tummys after school teas for kids from 3-6pm, Monday to Friday and a quiz night every last Tuesday of month. We also offer 10% off food for those working in community focused roles such as the emergency services, teachers, nurses etc. “We have plenty of room for events too. We can cater for all types of celebration and for business meetings and lunches and corporate and networking events. There’s lots going on at The Black Boy, come and see us soon.” l The Black Boy, Church Lane, Oving, Nr Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP22 4HN Tel: 01296 641 258 Email: hello@theblackboyoving.co.uk Web: www.theblackboyoving.co.uk Open Mon-Sat: 12noon-11pm, Sun: 12-6pm Kitchen: Mon-Sat: 12noon-9pm, Sun: 12-4pm

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Win a meal at The Green Dragon

he Green Dragon at Haddenham was recently taken over by chef Matt Wood and partner Kate. The couple, along with assistant manager Simon, sous chef Adam and a small but efficient team have already got the place looking rather stylish, running smoothly and rapidly building a reputation as a country dining pub that’s well worth a visit. Matt is an accomplished chef and was previously running his own restaurant in Berkhamsted. It was very small though and when the chance came to take on something bigger he grabbed it. “Our Berkhamsted Restaurant ‘Bluebella Roos’ was a fine dining restaurant,” he says, “and here we’d like to maintain that standard of cooking and friendly, unobtrusive service but with more of a pub/ restaurant style menu and at pub prices. We are calling the dining side of things Bluebella Roos at The Green Dragon. “We are not just a restaurant though,” says Matt. “We are a proper village pub with award-winning beers and wines, scrumptious bar snacks and a cracking good Sunday Roast!”

mouthwatering - how about Charred Asparagus, Goats Curd Mousse, Crispy Poached Egg, Sun Blushed Tomatoes and Truffle Oil to start followed by Confit Salmon, Watercress Veloute, Pickled Cucumber, Pink Grapefruit, Crushed Potatoes and Baby Leeks and perhaps some Cider Poached Rhubarb with Orange Syllabub and Oat Crumble Topping to finish - yum! If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a meal for two with a bottle of house wine at the Green Dragon, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Where was Matt’s previous restaurant? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by June 10th, 2015.

Canaletto at Kingswood

The Green Dragon dates back to 1754, it’s Grade II listed and built of coarse rubble stone with brick dressings and pretty shutters. Inside Matt and Kate have added their own touches with a splash of paint and some stylish and funky flourishes to create a spacious and comfortable bar area plus two more intimate dining

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

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areas and there’s pleasant garden out back which will be put to good use on Bank Holiday May 29th when the pub holds a Garden Party to raise funds for St Mary’s School. It starts at 12noon with lots of fun for the young and the not so young. The pub’s website has sample menus which sound absolutely

l The Green Dragon, 8 Churchway, Haddenham, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8AA Tel: 01844 292826 info@greendragonhaddenham.co.uk www.greendragonhaddenham.co.uk Open: Tue-Sat: 9am-11pm Sun: 11am-9pm, Closed Monday Food Served: Tue-Sat: 12-2.30pm & 6.30-9.30pm, Sunday: 12-4pm

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Andy and Emma welcome you to The Boot, modern country pub and eating house, in the heart of the picturesque Chiltern Hills. Enjoy fresh, locally produced food, local ales and fabulous wines. Our chef creates exciting dishes suitable for all tastebuds, so families can dine in style. Saturday 14th May: Family Day 12-6pm Live Music & Disco 7pm-1am New Special three course lunch menu available Tuesday-Friday only £20. Open: Tue-Thur: 11am-3pm & 5pm-11pm, Fri/Sat: 11am-11pm, Sun 12noon-7pm Food served: Coffee & pastries from 11am Tue-Sat: 12noon-2.30pm and 6pm-10pm. Sundays: 12noon-6pm. Closed Mondays Chinnor Road, Bledlow Ridge, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4AW Tel: 01494 481499 | Email: theteam@theboot-bledlowridge.co.uk Website: www.theboot-bledlowridge.co.uk 76

Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

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l Column: Alan Candy’s Altomobiles

Good in parts V Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer

auxhall’s latest go-faster estate is a Good News Car. Good news for Britain, good news for workers, good news for drivers who relish performance driving. The Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer ticks so many boxes. Alongside its hatchback stablemate, it has helped secure 2,000 jobs into the next decade; is up to 190kg lighter than the outgoing model and bigger inside; British designed and built; and gives a £70m boost for UK firms. Yes, Ellesmere Port’s latest offering is the darling of the UK motor industry – but how does it shape up on the road? Thankfully, it’s a thumbs up. The estate’s new lightweight construction and refined steering system work in tandem to offer a scintillating drive – especially when the vehicle is in Sport mode. Let off the leash, the

Alan Candy’s

AltomobilES supermodel Astra (think greyhound slimmed down to whippet) seems to gobble up the tarmac at an astonishing rate - yet everything is so smooth and under control. A

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Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer turbo-charged, refined petrol turbo is still hard to beat. The press-on driver soon finds the confidence to tackle challenging bends, safe in the knowledge that the tourer will hold a sure and true line without any fuss. And all the action is nicely orchestrated up by a peachy, light six-speed manual gearbox.

Ride quality remains excellent under all driving conditions. Starting back to front, as it were, the tourer’s all important boot area builds in a surprising amount of space in a relatively small footprint. Rear seats convert in one motion to form an almost flat floor, which lies conveniently at bumper height for easy loading. Continued on page 78

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Continued from page 77 Handy tie-down hooks and unobstructed width and there’s plenty of room to gobble up the luggage. Peeking under the floor reveals a surprise – no spare wheel. That could cause problems. Inside, the tourer’s cockpit comes with a pleasing amount of soft, tactile surfaces. But I’m not sold on the overcooked amounts of slabby ‘piano black’ gloss plastic on show. It even adorns the exterior B-pillars. Ergonomically the tourer is a bit of a curate’s egg – good in parts. Tiny displays for speedo and rev counter are hard to decipher accurately and it’s a good thing there’s a digital speedo on offer, too, which is more accurate. Talking of speed, the ‘speed assist’ sign recognition just doesn’t match the driver’s and is inconsistent – I prefer to trust my own judgement. The touchscreen infotainment system is over sensitive and hard to plough through on the move – you get there in the end, but it’s all a bit of a jumble and could do with simplifying. And while I’m being picky,

Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer yes the tourer is athletic and streamlined – but doesn’t that short bonnet look a little out of proportion to the rest of the car in side profile? Great to drive, versatile and comfortable, the Astra Sports Tourer is undeniably good. But

interior ergonomics had me peering and poking around. A disappointment when the rest of the car is so impressive.

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l Column: On

The Road

Mean machine Honda Civic Type R GT

O, it’s not just Red Bull. Honda gives you wings too, in the shape of the over large attachment on the bootlid of the latest Civic Type R. I’ve always felt there’s something very sobering about knocking along at the legal limit and realising the car you’re in will do twice that speed. And then some. And it’s a bit of a ‘splash some water in your face‘ moment when you peruse the statistics and take in the fact it’s ‘just’ a 2.0 litre engine powering things. Not just any 2.0 litre engine, I’ll concede, but a heavily breathed on and tweaked Honda engine. One that has reliability carved into its DNA. Bet Ron Dennis wishes he had a ready supply... But briefly back to the figures. The stark fact is that this bewinged piece of Japanese engineering

Rob Auchterlonie

ON The Road with its massive rear spoiler (all assembled in good old Wiltshire) is capable of 168mph, and can accelerate to 62mph in around the same time as a lot of supercars. 5.7 seconds to be precise. So it doesn’t take a genius to deduce that to get the best out of this race car for the road you don’t need a road at all. You need a track day, where you can play to your heart’s content and not risk anyone else’s well-being should the unfortunate happen. Which it could do. There’s a GT button on the dash in this particular model that turns the instruments red and gives you a

Honda Civic Type R GT few more track use orientated readouts. That’s the obvious bit – what you can’t see is going on underneath and out of sight. Subtle changes are made to the chassis and drivetrain systems, and the torque mapping changes to a more aggressive performance focused setting. The car becomes firmer

and hints at more agility for some serious hooning about. At which point, with no track action booked, you go home, switch off, and contemplate the wisdom of spending £32,295 on a car that is fun, yes – enormous fun - but has the potential for the washing machine to be dealing with another

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Vale Life : May/Jun 2016

Honda Civic Type R GT

unexpected load. One of my boys had a Type R a decade ago, but I don’t remember it being as outright edgey as this one. Quick, but the 200hp then seemed altogether more controllable. But now? Well, 310ps and 400Nm of torque takes the game on to a different level and makes the 2016

Type R the fastest accelerating performance front wheel drive hatchback around. Type R vehicles have a cult following all over the world and in the 22 year history of the red ‘H’ badge this one sure lives up to the hype. Interior is the sort of environment you’d expect for something with such a sporty pedigree. And it’s got one of those aluminium gearknobs that will freeze your palm to it in the winter

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