Vale Life FREE MAGAZINE
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Nov/Dec 2015
Cover picture: Melanie Masson & Sam Bailey star in Dick Whittington at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre See Page 68
Inside: Best in show
Holy Cow Home takes the rosette
And reindeer too
Magical place for Xmas trees See our website at: www.vale-life.co.uk
Tile team
Aylesbury’s new tile boutique
Unique experience
Pet firm has a lot in store 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 Sunday lunch at Bradmoor Farm w A £50 John Lewis Voucher w w Paul Wilkinson’s new Photography Book w A Ukick w
The The Old Old The The Old Old Thatched Thatched InnInn Thatched Thatched Inn Inn Gastro Gastro Pub Pub
Gastro Gastro Pub Pub he The Old Old Main Main Street, Street, Adstock, Adstock, Buckinghamshire, Buckinghamshire, MK18MK18 2JN 2JN tched hatched InnInn
astro Gastro PubPub Main Street Main Street Adstock Adstock Buckinghamshire Buckinghamshire MK18MK18 2JN 2JN We offer Wea offer unique a unique blend blend highof quality high quality dining, dining, hostedhosted in a relaxed in a relaxed Tel of 01296 Tel 01296 712584 712584 and comfortable and comfortable environment, environment, servingserving locallylocally sourcedsourced food food
www.theoldthatchedinn.co.uk www.theoldthatchedinn.co.uk Open Open seven seven daysdays
MainMain Street Street Adstock Adstock kinghamshire Buckinghamshire MK18 MK18 2JN 2JN
Christmas menu now available bookings being taken, please phone for details
Open seven Opendays seven days Lunch from Lunch 12from noon12- 2.30pm noon - 2.30pm DinnerDinner from 6pm from - 9.30pm 6pm - 9.30pm ServingServing all day all Sunday day Sunday from 12from noon12- 9pm noon - 9pm Telephone: Telephone: 01296 712584 01296 712584
www.theoldthatchedinn.co.uk www.theoldthatchedinn.co.uk
Vale Life 2 : Nov/Dec 2014 Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2014
14 - 16 Kempson Close, Gatehouse Industrial Area, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8UQ T. 01296 619 922 E. aylesbury@gs-kb.co.uk www.gs-kb.co.uk
14 - 16 Kempson Close, Gatehouse Industrial Area, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8UQ T.Close, 01296 619 922 E. aylesbury@ gs-kb.co.uk 14 - 16 Kempson Gatehouse Industrial Area, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8UQ T. 01296www.gs-kb.co.uk 619 922 E. aylesbury@gs-kb.co.uk www.gs-kb.co.uk
Timeless Luxury Timeless Luxury
Exquisite bathroom pieces with a unique Belle Époque appearance designed to Exquisite bathroomtoday’s pieces with a unique Belle Époque appearance designed to pieces bridge the gap between modern minimalist and yesterday’s period bridge the gap between today’s modern minimalist and yesterday’s period pieces
arcadebathrooms.com arcadebathrooms.com
Arcade is part of the Bathroom Brands group Arcade is part of the Bathroom Brands group
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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Bow House is proud to celebrate the fact that they have been short listed for two prestigious awards Private Dentistry and also Dentistry Awards for...
Best Practice Best Marketing Best UK Practice Treatment carried out by Dr Edward Masheder BDS MFDS RCS PGcert IMPLANTS
>
We offer a full range of treatment such as:
After Veneers
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State of the art technology Late Evenings & Saturday Morning appointments available
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Simply call now for a friendly no obligation chat Tel: 01442 890 384 Bow House a Centre of Dental Excellence, 75 Western Road, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 4BH
T 01442 890 384 E info@bowhousedental.co.uk W www.bowhousedental.co.uk 4
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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 : Nov/Dec 2015
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www.crusader-holidays.co.uk
2016 Brochure OUT NOW!
l
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!
Christmas themed breaks Bournemouth Turkey & Tinsel - 5 Days
The Hotel Gasthof Ochsen in Kehl makes our passengers very welcome. 3 Nights breakfast and 2 dinners. Dec 7th & 11th, 4 Days: from £239
Great opportunity to relax before the Christmas festivities start, come with us to the Cliffside Hotel situated on the East Cliff overlooking Bournemouth Bay. Included excursion to the New Forest. 4 Nights Half Board, entertainment & welcome drink, Nov 23rd: £319
Rudesheim & Koblenz Christmas Markets – 4 Days
Great locations with lots of festive spirit to ease you into Christmas! Our hotel in Bad Salzig includes dinner on 2 nights plus free wine & beer from 19.30pm to 22.30pm. Party night with music too. Dec 7th, 4 Days: £249
Christmas Shopping in London – 3 Days
Meet up with friends – perhaps see Thursford Christmas Spectacular a show, view London from the Shard, music and singing from our cast of over there is so much on offer in the capital! 2 Nights at Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel one hundred. Returning to our hotel after the show. We enjoy some free time in breakfast included. Nov 27th: £199 Norwich for Christmas shopping. Dec 4th, 2 Nights Half Board at the Thursford Christmas Wensum Valley Hotel: from £265
Yorkshire Dales Christmas Festivals – Grassington & Skipton – 4 Days
Spectacular – 3 Days
Join us for this superb weekend break to 2 very pretty Yorkshire towns to enjoy the Christmas lights in Grassington, themed Dickensian and Skipton’s Yuletide Festival. The Jurys Inn gives a festive welcome for 3 nights with breakfast & dinner included. December 11th: £229
The Thursford Christmas Spectacular Black Forest & Alsace is the biggest and most exciting Christmas Markets – Christmas show of all time in Britain. Come and experience the popular blend 4 Days of Christmas entertainment, with dazzling Explore Strasbourg Market as well dancers, beautiful costumes, Christmas as Freiburg Market and we see Lake songs, carols, including outstanding Titisee.
Christmas Present Ideas!
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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Great rates Amazing results To advertise in Vale Life Magazine Call Charlie on 07702 006218
Spread the word across The Vale: see: www.vale-life.co.uk for details
8 11 12 13 15 16 17 20 22 23 25 27 29
Let’s have a party!
30
Getting fit can be fun
Best in show
33
Feed my world
And reindeer too!
34
The bitter truth
12 days of Christmas
36
Saddle up!
Countdown to Christmas
37
Bowling’s best!
Witch balls are for life!
43
Unique experience
Stitch likers guide
44
Funds for rural businesses
Follow the herd
47
Carwash cash for local causes
Win Win Win!
53
A new stone age
Whole new world
55
Tile team
Healing hands
63
Taste of the exotic
Ahead of the game
71
Lighting up time
Amazing place
74
Are you ready to panto?!
Katy’s ready for the festive season New home store is tops The place to get your Christmas tree Sing up now! On the first day of Christmas... Baubles, bangles and candles
Spooky globes can never be sold Janice has it all sewn up When the going gets gruff, a new place to shop Enter to win a £50 John Lewis voucher How about a 3D printer for Christmas? Panada will ease your aches and pains Breast thermography could be a lifesaver You won’t feel lost in this friendly salon
Dial M for mobile...
W
e are all very dependent on our mobile phones these days. I know I carry mine everywhere and it worries me if I suddenly discover I’ve left it at home when I pop out to the shops! It’s hard to imagine that only a few years ago we coped perfectly well without one at all and would be totally uncontactable for hours on end! How did we cope?! .A couple of weeks ago my iphone alerted me that a system update was waiting to be installed and I duly clicked to install it. The handset started playing up once the new software had been
C
ongratulations to the following Sept/Oct edition competition winners! Hopefully your prizes will have arrived by now, please let us know if not.
Dammit, no signal...
integrated and eventually I had to contact Apple who suggested I save my data and reset the device via itunes on my PC. I followed instructions but the phone kept jamming half way through resetting and became totally unusable.
Commiserations to those who weren’t so lucky - read on though for more competitions inside this edition, including the chance to win: A meal for two at Bradmoor Farm, Haddenham; A UKick;
Joanna’s classes cater for all Tracy’s amazing charity challenge How sugar is killing us sweetly Charity cycle is family fun Rogue hailed as top leisure business Pet firm’s got a lot in store
Have you tried for a LEADER grant? Arif’s looking to help the needy
Thame firm sure cuts the mustard Family firm launches tile boutique Indian restaurant is raising the bar Winter at Waddesdon is a thrilling time Stars are ready for festive show
I called Apple and suggested that as their update seemed to have crashed my iphone would they fix it for me or replace it? It seems that whereas most mobiles have a 2 year warranty, iphones only have one year and as my phone is 18 months old it is out of warranty so they want to charge me £200 to look at it! I said “Hold on, it’s your update that has caused this malfunction,” - I’d looked on the internet and it seems I was not the only one having problems following an update. “Surely as you’ve caused this to happen with your update it is your fault and you should fix it for me for free!” “Oh no,” said the Applecare
A signed copy of Paul Wilkinson’s Mastering Portrait Photography; A £50 Voucher for John Lewis. Last issue’s prizewinners were: A meal for two at Tres Corazonas: Iain Wicks, Tring
person, “It’s your fault because you accepted the update. You didn’t have to but you did, so it’s down to you.” ‘Nice’, I thought, but then the Applecare lady suggested I take the phone back to the O2 store where I bought it. “They are liable under consumer law,” she said helpfully, “and if they won’t help you, call me back and I’ll tell you how to take legal proceedings against them!” I used to be an Apple fan but I’ve gone off them a bit lately. I’m now the proud owner of a Sony Xperian, James Bond has one in the new film apparently and never has any problems... Happy reading,
Tickets to the Clothes Show Live: Ann Stonehewer, Monks Risborough; Tanya Elliot, Wendover Tickets to Oxford Fashion Week: Rosie Taylor, Widmer End
Charlie
Charlie Trott, Editor
A copy of Please Don’t Let Grandpa: Sue Roberts, Aylesbury Magi:Bobbles: Justine Pettifer, Dinton; Sue McKay, Whiteleaf; Andrea Edney, 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 : Nov/Dec 2015
7
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
Let’s have a party!
T
he party season is just around the corner and what better excuse to don a bit of sparkle than in honour of the festive season?! And with parties starting in November and seasonal celebrations spilling over into the New Year now is the time to take a good look at festive fancies to add to your winter wardrobe so you can look your glittering best this Winter.
Fab or Fad? There are many must-haves that seem to crop up at this time of year. Festive jumper? Why not. Beard baubles? It’s a bit of fun. The way to spot a fad from fashion - think about how you will feel wearing it after Christmas Day. If the answer is ‘I wouldn’t’, congratulations - you have successfully spotted
a festive fad! If you want to get into the spirit, fine, but don’t splash too much cash on those fads, spend wisely on more timeless pieces.
It’s all in the detail Accessories can really make or break an outfit and shoes especially. There are so many variations in styles around at the moment that it’s difficult to know what to choose if you want to invest and stay ahead. An elegant pair of black courts from kitten to stiletto heel will be a great choice. Black not for you? Choose a metallic pewter which will work successfully with all colours. Ankle boots still trending for Autumn/Winter 15/16 so how about teaming your cocktail dress with neat boots that will work brilliantly with slim leg trousers or jeans for more off-duty occasions.
Wallis Silver Sequin Clutch £15
Fitch & Fellows FITCH Gold Bag £65
Patrizia Pepe Chiffon silk /beaded shift dress Brookes, Wendover: £235 8
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
Wallis Jumpsuit £45
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
sleeve or strap, detailing on the back of a dress For partywear, do take time to find a or top can provide the perfect and unique handbag that will work well with your choice touch to set your outfit apart. Such designs of outfit. More often than not your everyday may well need careful thought when it comes bag will look out of place when teamed with to lingerie, so make sure you have this covered a sparkly dress or smart trousers and evening well before party time. top combo. Continuing to be a stylish trend is the clutch bag. Really elegant Snuggle Up and more practical than you might Winter is without a doubt about imagine. Perfect if in a festive snuggling up. There are some sparkle too. wonderfully sumptuous knits around in beautiful cashmere Don’t be afraid to twinkle! and wool mixes and also with Well, the festive season is all added sparkle and silk. These about a bit of glitter so make sure will require a little extra care and you’re set to sparkle. You needn’t attention, but are well worth it be a discoball though, subtle they’ll love you back. touches, say a bit of shimmer in Keep cosy and add a touch of your knitwear, or of course most Fitch & Fellows luxe. Treat yourself to beautiful easily with jewellery is a brilliant Earrings by nightwear or even a soft, faux fur way to take you LBD to glamourous Ayala Bar £110 pompom winter hat. It’s those little luxury heights. touches for the everyday that not only look good, but make you feel good too. Scene Stealer If you want to make a real statement, then l Katy Dyer is an award-winning personal stylist it’s got to be red. Bright, vibrant reds radiate and image consultant. a strong energy and are great for sociable Katy is skilled at helping people discover the souls. Bit less of a party animal? Try deeper confidence to change or develop their personal burgundy shades or even soft plum colours or professional style and image - whether to ease gently into the spotlight that crimson for a new career, a new stage in your life, to creates. completely reinvent your look, or just to find the Back to Basics One trend that keeps popping up is back details. From beading to chiffon to asymmetric
Velvet Odet Black Beaded dress Brookes, Wendover: £280
right outfit for a special occasion. For more details visit: www.katydyer.com or email: katy@katydyer.com - Gift vouchers and experiences are available.
Artists & Makers Fairs 2015
Contemporary arts & crafts
Thame Town Hall, OX9 3DP 10th October and 28th November Great Missenden Memorial Centre, HP16 9AE 14th November •
Wendover Memorial Hall, HP22 6HF 21st November •
Celebratingthe the unusual Celebrating
& fellows
in creative creativecraftsmanship craftsmanship In
•
Ceramics Wood Jewellery Glass Leather
10am – 4pm
www.sallyevansevents.co.uk 01844 273069 sllyevan@aol.com
1 east Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3JS Tel: 01844 215099 Email: fitchandfellows@gmail.com Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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Have yourself a #Gingerlicious Christmas!
The Lily Pot Floristry for all occasions
l Bouquets and arrangements for any occasion: anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, Christmas... contemporary or traditional designs l Floral Tributes: Option for bereaved to assist in creating floral tributes for their loved ones l Children’s Parties: Combining nature with arts and crafts skills in a fun atmosphere l Seasonal workshops: see website for details and dates
Independent retailer with an amazing selection of unusual gifts, homeware & Xmas decorations 8 Duck Farm Court (Nr Morrisons), Aylesbury, HP20 2SQ Tel: 01296 415035 www.facebook.com/gingerinteriors | @GingerInteriors
www. gingerinteriors.co.uk
10
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2015
4 Lakeside, Watermead, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 0FX Tel: 01296 708095 / Mobile: 07538 296430 Email:info@thelilypot.co.uk Web: www.thelilypot.co.uk
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
If you are looking for something gorgeous, but different, for your home or a gift, a certain Aylesbury boutique has just been voted Best New Business in the Aylesbury Vale Business Awards and is totally worth a visit, says Jane Eakhurst...
H
oly Cow Home! has many reasons to celebrate. Not only are they passing their 6-month anniversary, the shop has just been voted Best New Business in the Aylesbury Vale Business Awards and with Diwali just around the corner, they are marking the ‘festival of lights’ by holding a pre-Christmas shopping event to coincide with the Aylesbury lights switch-on (19th November) from 12th to the 19th November. Customers will be treated to special offers on items throughout the shop, plus free gifts and complimentary refreshments, to provide a pleasurable shopping experience for those looking for something unusual and individual this festive season. If you haven’t yet visited this delightful independent emporium on Aylesbury’s Cambridge Street you are in for a fantastic surprise! Their ethos is that no two people are the same, so no two homes should be either and they love to ‘celebrate the different, flourish in the eye-catching and excel in the unique.’ Run by local businesswoman Poonam Gupta, Holy Cow Home! is a cornucopia of delights for the home and garden, set within the quirky back streets of historic Aylesbury, where you can find all manner of treasures,
Poonam Gupta with her Business Award
hand-sourced from the four corners of the globe, ranging from one-off pieces of antique furniture, vintage hand-stitched kantha quilts from Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, antique lighting and hand-painted china from Morocco, to colourful handbags, linen scarves and exquisite hand-dyed woollen rugs made by the nomadic tribes people of Afghanistan. Poonam herself is originally from East London, she moved out to Aston Abbots near Aylesbury when her husband, who is a doctor, came to work at a practice in Tring in 2000. “Coming from a Hindu background the cow is seen as a holy animal,” says Poonam, “but the expression ‘Holy Cow!!’ is one of surprise, which I though apt for our shop as there are always lovely surprises in store here! It’s constantly changing too, so you never know what to expect at Holy Cow Home! “We took a leap of faith. We were sharing the shop with another lady and when she left we had to make the decision as to whether we had something that Aylesbury Vale would appreciate.
Photographs by Janice Issitt http://janiceissittlifestyle.blogspot.co.uk
“We started out with gift items and have gradually expanded our range to include larger pieces of home furnishing as well. We aim for items you can’t find anywhere else in this area, lovely things that we would like in our own homes. “Now six months down the line, the good people of Aylesbury and surrounding areas are getting to know us and really seem to be pleased that we are here. They tell us that Aylesbury has been longing for an independent shop like this, to bring a different flavour to the town centre.” Poonam is keen to ethically-source her products: “We thoroughly scrutinise our suppliers, and choose recycled and reclaimed items when possible,” she says. “It not only helps communities around the world to live more sustainably but also keeps their carbon footprint as light as possible. You can now furnish your home with beautiful individual pieces from Holy Cow Home! whilst helping out your fellow human beings in generations to come! Holy Cow Home! also offers an ‘On the Hunt’ service for people who are looking for that elusive treasure to complete their home. Whether that’s a large item of antique furniture from a far-flung land, or a tiny trinket with an ethnic story to tell, you can pop into the shop and set them the task of finding it for you! Now there’s a challenge… Why not pop in and see for yourselves what makes the award-winning Holy Cow Home! such a breath of fresh air and grab yourself a one-off bargain at the same time! l Holy Cow Home!, 6 Cambridge Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1RS Tel: 07732 980392 Website: www.holycowhome.co.uk Facebook: /holycowhome Twitter: @holycowhome Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2015
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
The annual trip for a Christmas tree is exciting enough for most, but with real reindeer, Santa, a brass band, a log cabin Christmas shop, circus skills workshops, a pedal tractor area and more, choosing your tree at Claydon Christmas Tree Farm is a festive dream come true...
A
t Claydon Christmas Tree Farm they understand what it takes to make a great Christmas and how that trip to choose the right Christmas tree can be a magical and memorable experience for the whole family. So when you visit Claydon Christmas Tree Farm you can spend as long as you like picking out the perfect tree for you. They sell a variety of beautiful fresh cut and pot grown British Christmas trees, including Nordman fir, Norway spruce and Fraser Fir Christmas trees, ranging in height from 3ft to 12ft. Larger trees or a quantity of trees can be ordered on request. Claydon Christmas Tree Farm is based in Steeple Claydon, between Buckingham and Bicester, approximately 20 minutes from Aylesbury and is managed by husband and wife team, Joseph and Ingrid Hodges. Being a family business run from their home, the Hodges take real pride in the service they give to their customers: “We have a small team of dedicated staff who are always on hand to help you with absolutely anything that you may need,” says Ingrid. “We are primarily a working arable farm but in 2008 decided to combine a farmer’s enthusiasm for growing things with his wife’s
Jack Hodges checks on the Christmas trees 12
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
The log cabin Christmas shop
Dasher and Oliver Hodges passion for Christmas! “We now supply beautiful, freshly cut trees at sensible prices. We are only open for four weeks, this year beginning from Saturday 28th November, 10am until 6pm during the week and 10am until 5pm at weekends.” Ingrid and Joseph started planting their own trees in April 2010 and continue to plant Christmas trees every year: “We began to sell some of our first crop of trees last year,” says Ingrid. “But most of the trees we have this year have been carefully selected from a farm in the Welsh Mountains.” It’s not just about the trees at Claydon though, the farm has a real team of Father Christmas’s beautiful reindeer, Dasher, Dancer, Comet, Cupid and Vixen and you can meet them when you go to buy your Christmas tree. There’s also a whole host of festive delights in Ingrid’s Scandinavian log cabin Christmas shop: “We have put together a stunning collection of decorations and ornaments,” says Ingrid. “Including a large selection from well know designer, Gisela Graham. “We have a wide range of festive products to suit every style and budget and Children and adults alike will enjoy hunting for the complimentary chocolate treats which are hidden amongst the decorations in the shop!” At Rudolph’s Honesty Café you’ll find a delicious array of homemade cakes and biscuits, hot and cold drinks and customers
can enjoy a sweet treat or two in the seating area which is conveniently located outside the log cabin shop, next to the free, fun activity areas and opposite Santa’s Grotto and the children’s pedal tractor area - perfect for a few minutes peace if you have children in tow! Children really enjoy the pedal tractor area and may get a surprise when they hear the ‘gobble, gobble’ of the nearby turkeys. Santa’s Grotto is on the 5th, 6th & 13th December 2015, from 12pm to 3pm, and is only £4.50 per child to include a present and a unique experience with real reindeer! “At weekends we have a charity collection and are providing Free Fun Activities for the whole family,” says Ingrid. “This includes our ‘Nativity Corner’, The Marsh Gibbon Silver Band (from 1pm until 3pm on Sunday 6th December) and a Circus skills workshop on Saturday 12th December from 1pm until 2.30pm. “We also have face painting, icing gingerbread, antler jewellery making, elf doughnuts, crafts with The Crafty Lass, Paul Robertson’s apple pressing and tasting and lots more!” For more details see the website as below. l Claydon Christmas Tree Farm, Stone Court Barn, West Street, Steeple Claydon, Buckinghamshire, MK18 2LJ. Tel: 01296 733646 / 07771 518029 Email: ingrid@claydonchristmastreefarm.co.uk Web: www.claydonchristmastreefarm.co.uk
All sing along now! ‘On the first day
...And an Advent Calendar for Me!
Four Strings of Lights
Six Links A-Cuffing
Fashion, Jewellery, Gifts & Interiors
A
Two Baby Penguins
ccording to the song there are 12 Days of Christmas. We would advise giving yourself slightly longer than this to prepare, if you really want things to jingle merrily along come the festive season, but if your ‘True Love’ is really going to give you all those bits and pieces during the run up, that will certainly help. And just in case they are short on ideas or uncertain where to look, this beautiful selection of Christmas gifts and decoration suggestions is just a glimpse of what is available at Haddenham’s White Hart Studio. They’ve an awful lot more to choose, including a whole Santa’s Grotto of festive decorations, gifts, cards, jewellery, homeware, wrapping paper, clothes and accessories... oh doesn’t it just make you want to sing?! All together now FIVE GO-OLD RINGS!!!
of Christmas...
Three Figgy Puddings
Five gold earrings (pairs)
SEVEN Toys A-Playing
White Hart Studio, 15 Churchway, Haddenham, Bucks, HP17 8AB Tel: 01844 292308 Open Tue-Sat 10am-5pm & Sun 11am-4pm www.whitehartstudio.com
Eight Scents A-Smelling
tEn woollies warming
Open every day in December! Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun: 11am-4pm
NINE Bottles Bathing
Eleven Santas Chuckling
Twelve Toys A-Cuddling Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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A B C AYLESBURY BULLION COMPANY The Family of Jewellers
11a, High St Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP20 1SH Tel:
01296 423198
Jewellery designed and produced to your specifications, or choose from our extensive range of new, secondhand and antique pieces. l Diamond merchants (certified stones always available) l Antique restorations l Hand engraving
l Valuations: insurance and (carried out on the premises) l Insurance claims advisors l Complete repair service
probate
Servicing of Rolex, Tag, Omega, Raymond Weil, Gucci etc. Batteries fitted and waterproof testing carried out on the premises. Top prices paid in cash for antique and modern jewellery, watches (especially Rolex), coins, gold, silver, platinum and scrap precious metals. Part exchange available.
11a High Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1SH
Tel: 01296 423198 www.aylesburybullion.co.uk
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
Wendover knows Christmas is on the way when the windows at Number One are dressed to hint at the stunning range of seasonal decorations, cards, wrapping paper, gift ideas and festive homeware to be found inside. Time it right and you may even find mulled wine and mince pies...
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Christmas trip to Number One is an necessity. While children might wish to visit Santa’s Grotto, adults loving seasonal sparkle and glitter will find Number One’s stunning selection of festive decorations, cards, wrapping and present ideas are not to be missed! Vicky Langdon, has been running Number One at the bottom of Wendover High Street for eight years now. She stocks a unique range of unusual gifts, quirky items and lovely home accessories, such as cushions, throws, glassware and crockery and is constantly sourcing delightful new lines, which keep her displays fresh and exciting. “I’m really pleased with our new Katie Loxton selection” says Vicky. “Katie is the founding partner and designer of the popular Joma Jewellery range and this is her first collection of beautiful, affordable accessories - bags, scarves and scented candles, all under £20. They are excellent quality with her trademark attention to detail. They are adorable and I think they will fly out as they are incredibly reasonably priced. We have leather clutch bags, make up bags, love heart coin purses and keyrings and scarves, in various colours. Katie’s range also features 10 different styles of candles in five different fragrances. The candles are Soy wax blended with essential oils and burn for about 45/50 hours.” Looking around we loved the distressed patina on Number One’s Melt Candles. They are hand-poured in Lancashire and look and smell fab. Of similar quality are those by the St Eval Candle Company from Cornwall which combines traditional candle-making techniques with unique fresh floral or fruity fragrances such as Orange and Cinnamon and Sandalwood. They also make advent candles. On the decoration side Number One has lots of lovely vintage style wooden and metal
Katie Loxton’s new range decorations that would add a traditionally festive edge to any home, while for those who prefer a contemporary look, there’s plenty of twinkling LEDs to light up your celebrations plus a sparkling selection of glittery Christmas decs from ‘Original Winter’s Tale’ and more rustic items from East of India. There’s snowflake candles, bells, baubles large and small, xmas trees, cute reindeer in knitted jumpers, a lovely seasonal linen range from Ragged Rose Linen and some great Christmas cards from Xmas cards Caroline Gardner and Susan O’ Hanlon. If the Autumn chill is already getting to you, snuggle up in some gorgeous fake fur from Helen Moore - cushions, throws, hotwater bottles, scarves and wraps, all hand made in Devon from the finest faux fur. Number One stocks the Neom Organics home range and has added to this with a seasonal selection including Christmas Wish candles set in beautiful gold flecked glass, scented with Mandarin, Cinnamon and Tonka
Bean (from their ‘Instant De-Stress’ range) and in platinum flecked glass, Perfect Peace scented with pine, lime peel and myrrh (from the ‘Scent to make you happy’ range). You need to visit Number One to take in the variety on offer - there’s too much to list here! From the armchairs, sofas and lamps in the window to the LSA glassware and slate cakestands and cheeseboards at the back of the store, there really is something for everyone and they offer a free gift wrapping service! What more could you want?! Number One is open Mon-Sat: 9.30am5pm and from November 22nd will also be open on Sundays from 10.30am-4pm. A fun time to visit will be Friday, Dec 4th, the night of Wendover’s Christmas Lights Switch On, when Number One will be open until 8pm with mulled wine, mince pies and lots of festive fun - all are welcome. l No1, 1 High Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 623150
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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Column: Nicky Gregory‘Curious World’
Witch balls are for life!
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istorically, Witch Balls have been known for hundreds of years, they originated amongst cultures where harmful magic was feared. Hung in windows, doorways and fireplaces they were meant to ward off witches and evil spirits who would see their distorted reflection in the curved surface and be frightened away. There are many variations of how Witch Balls worked, one theory is that the evil spirit or witch would be mesmerized by the reflection and when touched the ball would absorb their spirit which would be trapped in the web-like strands of glass inside. In Medieval times they were moulded into spherical shapes which later became more refined and made of glass with a coloured mirrored finish. They are medium or large in size and one plain colour, usually a rich blue, silver, gold, red or green with a metal loop from which to hang them. They were one of many folk objects used
Nicky Gregory
Curious world
in different ways to protect the household. The word ‘witch’ may be a corruption of ‘watch’. Sometimes they are mistaken for Victorian Christmas Tree baubles. Today glass fishing floats and almost any other round glass or china object are also claimed, incorrectly, to be witch balls. There are also many reproductions of the real thing. The old Anchor Pub in the Cornmarket at Thame (now Parkers Estate Agents) had a Witch Ball as its hanging sign. The ball is still there today although the pub has gone. In old photographs you
Baby & Toddler Boutique - Thame High St
can also see them hanging in the windows. It is believed to be bad luck to sell a Witch Ball, so if you are thinking of buying one for the festive season remember a Witch Ball is for life not just Christmas! The object above right is the Mystery Object for November and can be seen in the Antiques Centre. Can you guess what it is? Last issue’s was a pillow plumper! The prize for the winner, chosen from the correct answers, is a £10 Gift Voucher for Antiques at Wendover. Email your answers
You can view this mystery object at Antiques@Wendover along with your name, address and contact telephone number to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Winner to be notified by email. 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
ANTIQUES AT… WENDOVER A Dateline ANTIQUES CENTRE Est. 1987
iCandy Peach 3,* iCandy Car Seat Adaptors Maxi Cosi Cabriofix & Base
Upgrade to an IsoFix car seat for the difference in model price Limited time offer
Peach 3 Travel System Just £999 *Available on any remaining 2015 colour range Peach 3.
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 *No one can offer a lower price package **Free deliver and build within 15 miles of our store 16
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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.
1899 Oak Table Top, fully fitted, Filing Cabinet: £185 The Old Post Office, 25 High Street, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 625335 Email: antiques@antiquesatwendover.co.uk Website: www.antiquesatwendover.co.uk
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Column: Janice Issitt ‘Making the most of it’
Janice Issitt
Stitch likers guide
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’m feeling very guilty that I haven’t found this great little place before now, primarily so that I could report back to you and also to go along to some of their classes myself. It’s not surprising that The Plainstitch Workroom is such a well kept secret, their success has grown rapidly from humble beginnings and now their classes are mostly full to capacity, so they barely need to advertise. There is so much going on here tucked away above an estate agents in Wendover - you can find the entrance on ‘Back Street’, it’s above number 8. They have a couple of rooms for the classes and a small shop with floor to ceiling patchwork fabrics, all very beautifully collated and well chosen. Opening times are Tuesday to Saturday 9.30 to 1pm and during that time they have classes in all levels of patchwork quilting, crochet and embroidery, for children and adults. The owner Debs brings such a happy vibe to the place, she has done a brilliant job growing this business and
Making the most of it Debs explaining the Arendelle quilt project to her class organising community projects with local talent of all ages. I was lucky to attend the first class of eight for a project that will run for several months, making a hand sewn quilt with a Nordic winter theme. The quilt with the name Arendelle was being explained to the class by Debs, who was showing the stitchers the variety of colours and patterns used - old scraps are often perfect. Debs has a wonderful sense for colour, her quilts looking very stylish and modern whilst using the ancient techniques of hand stitching, like applique. Other projects currently being taught at Plain Stitch are; making
lampshades, purses, getting to know your sewing machine, dress making and cross stitch. During October, November and December many of the classes have a Christmas theme, making stockings and decorations as well as the regular weekly get-together ‘Therapy Thursday’. On occasions Debs takes her pupils for a retreat day at Buckland Village Hall, a full day of stitching including lunch. I was particularly impressed that the emphasis here is on hand stitching. Many quilters these days use sewing machines, whereas I prefer paper piece quilting where every stitch is done by hand. The difference is so much more
pleasing and as this is an heirloom piece it should not be rushed. Another great element about this hobby is that you can carry it around with you comfortably. It’s a great fireside project where you can work on small parts on your knee before joining the finished item. Once a month Debs also hosts The Wendover Sewing Bee held on Tuesday mornings in St Anne’s Hall on Aylesbury Road, 9.30am-12pm. The next ones are 3rd November and 1st December. You can find lots more information on facebook and at Plainstitch.co.uk 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.
Make it a
Happy Christmas with
Hester Clarke Fine Jewellers
Independent Family Jewellers since 1892 Goldsmiths House 10-14 Cambridge Street Aylesbury Bucks HP20 1RS www.hesterclarke.co.uk
01296 482963
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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A new horizon
18
Pioneer Square, Bicester OX26 6FA
2 Greyhound Walk, Thame OX9 3DY
Shop online
01869 252323
01844 217001
biagiothejewellers.com
Unveiling is grand affair
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here was great excitement on Thame’s Greyhound Walk last month when Biagio the Jeweller unveiled their newly refurbished store. The interior, designed by owner of the business Biagio Patalano himself, is a luxurious and stylish blend of bespoke furnishings, high quality finishes, gleaming wood, glass and chrome, all sparkling and shining under stunning banks of crystal lighting - a sumptuous space that is the perfect setting for Biagio’s ever-changing ranges of jewellery, watches and objets d’art. It’s a contemporary take on classic styling and marries perfectly with the luxurious nature of the collections, a combination of curated ranges and well-known brands, such as Gucci, Calvin Klein, Armani and Endless. Thame store manager Peter Thomas, Biagio and their team were all on hand for the grand opening on Saturday 24th October, for which a small marquee had been erected
in front of the shop, complete with Italian garden (from Haddenham Garden Centre), Italian musicians, a face painter, Italian food from Umberto’s, clown magicians, stiltwalking showgirls, a prize draw to win £250 of Biagio the Jeweller vouchers and a huge ice sculpture containing Bering watches, which you could win by guessing how long it would be before they melted out of the ice! “We couldn’t wait to see people’s reaction to the new store,” said Peter. “We wanted to create a space where people feel special but still relaxed, where they can browse our specially chosen collections, or perhaps be inspired to create a unique piece of jewellery with the help of our in-house designers. It’s a new feeling, but don’t forget - the same faces will be here to welcome you!” If you missed the big day you are still welcome to pop in and have a look round. For more information, on Biagio The Jeweller visit: www.biagiothejewellers.com
Tel: 01296 423233
‘When you want your flowers to be just perfect’
Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of November 2015 10-4pm. Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of November 2015 10-4pm.
There will be a wide variety of stalls with unusual and festive gifts from local makers producers and businesses. There will be a wide variety of stalls with unusual and festive Come and join us for a glass of hot punch while you browse the gifts from local makers producers and businesses. wonderful gifts on offer. This year we will be fund raising for The Come and join us for a glass of hot punch while you browse the Chiltern MS Centre, so come and join this popular event and wonderful gifts on offer. This year we will be fund raising for The help us raise more than ever! Chiltern MS Centre, so come and join this popular event and Make it a date! help us raise more than ever! Make it a date!
Innovative, contemporary and traditional designs w Weddings w Corporate w Special Occasions w Sympathy w w Birthday Parties w Plants w Presentation bouquets w w Plus Gifts, Chocolates, Soft Toys, Wine and Champagne w w Order online, in store or by phone w 43b Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, HP20 2NQ Tel: 01296 423233 Freephone: 0800 298 8514 Email: suesflowers2@hotmail.com
Suppliers of pet, equestrian and small holder feeds, supplements, bedding and accessories Professional service, quality products Popular loyalty card, Reliable delivery service Parton Road, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1NG Tel: 01296 422619 Email: mail@jrg-animalservices.com
www.jrg-animalservices.com
www.suesflowers.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
Bucks Goat Centre
Late Night Shopping at Obsidian & Fabric HQ on Thursday 3rd December from 6pm-9pm
Did you know Layby Farm at Stoke Mandeville, commonly known as Bucks Goat Centre, has become something of a shopping village and now boasts a fascinating range of independent businesses...
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any of our readers will have enjoyed a visit to Bucks Goat Farm. With or without children it’s a fun way to spend a couple of hours watching the animals and maybe stopping for a snack or a cuppa in the popular Tea Cup Café, followed by a wander round the fabulous Obsidian Art Gallery and a quick
Fabric HQ
Fabric HQ stocks contemporary and traditional fabric designs suitable for all sorts of maker. They have designer craft, dressmaking and quilting fabrics including ranges from Wycombe based fabric design house Dashwood Studio and limited edition Jersey knits from Art Gallery Fabrics, soft furnishing fabrics and a large selection of haberdashery. Beautiful Christmas gift ideas include exquisitely packaged sewing notions, carefully curated fabric bundles, dress-making patterns from boutique design houses and expertly chosen sewing paraphernalia. In the light and spacious ‘Make HQ’ studio they host a variety of workshops and sewing groups, from dress-making projects, master classes in Roman blinds, cushion and curtain making; patchwork and quilting classes to free-motion sewing; pattern cutting and more see: www.fabrichq.co.uk for info. If you’re thinking of learning to sew, getting back into it after time away, or are an accomplished sewist, just get in touch. l Fabric HQ, Unit 8, Bucks Goat Centre Tel: 07761 957283 Email: hello@fabrichq.co.uk Web: www.fabrichq.co.uk Shop open: 10am-2pm Mon-Sat. NB: You can buy direct from the website and have your lovely new fabric posted to you. 20
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
gander in Genie’s Fancy Dress both invaluable local resources at this time of year! The diverse range of businesses calling the Bucks Goat Centre home has been growing though making it well worth paying a visit in the lead up to Christmas. Alongside the established names above are photographic studio Immortaleye Photography, an
Obsidian Art
For a magical Christmas shopping experience, visit Obsidian Art. The gallery has two wonderful exhibitions especially for Xmas, open daily from Saturday 14th November until 24th December: Winter Fairy Tales and ’Ere Be Dragons They will feature a gallery packed full of wonderful hand-crafted items by over 50 selected British artists and makers including a cornucopia of paintings, illustration, photography,
Immortaleye Photography Immortaleye Photography studio is run by Baron Bratby (LSWPP) and his son Nils (LSIFGP). Primarily portrait photographers they are happy working with individuals, groups, families and pets. You can see some beautiful examples of their work at: www. immortaleye.co.uk from mums-to-be to babies, weddings, celebrations, makeovers, boudoir, family portraits and more.
Bucks Goat Centre Bucks Goat Centre is a friendly open farm where you can pet and feed the clean and friendly farm animals in a child friendly environment. Animal Handling Sessions are available Every Day! Childminder Wednesdays! Every Wednesday Children go FREE with one full paying childminder. The Tea Cup Café is a family friendly place to enjoy a bite to eat. All our ingredients are fresh and items
amazing material shop and haberdashery Fabric HQ and a whole host of other businesses such as the Hidden Beauty beauty salon (see opposite page) and Ros Long’s By Hand Books (see opposite page), plus much more! l Bucks Goat Centre, Layby Farm, Old Risborough Road, Stoke Mandeville, HP22 5XJ Plenty of free parking too! gallery is free and there’s lots of beautiful and inspiring ideas for unique and special Christmas gifts.
paper-cuts, textiles, ceramics, glass, sculpture, jewellery, books, gifts and Xmas decorations. All work is for sale, entry to the They are the approved Emma’s Diary baby photographer for the area and last year one of their baby portraits: Ellie, won the national Emma’s Diary Baby of the Month competition and then the Baby of the Year prize too! The studio offers gift vouchers from £50 for a present with a difference and for readers of Vale Life Magazine is currently offering a portrait session with framed desk print plus three gift prints of the made to order. From Sandwiches and hot toasties to cooked meals, we offer a variety of options to satisfy your appetite. It’s getting chilly outside, so why not pop in for a warming bowl of soup, a freshly ground coffee or a delicious hot chocolate?! l Bucks Goat Centre Tel: 01296 612983 Web: www.thebucksgoatcentre.co.uk
l Obsidian Art, Bucks Goat Centre Tel: 01296 612150 Email: info@obsidianart.co.uk Web: www.obsidianart.co.uk Up to Xmas the gallery will be open daily from 10am-5pm Mon-Sat and Noon to 4pm on Sundays. Xmas Eve: 10am-4pm, Xmas Day & Boxing Day: Closed, Dec 27th to 30th normal gallery hours, Dec 31st: 10am-4pm same image for just £50 (Usual price £200). Bookings to be made before Dec 25th 2015, so hurry! l Immortaleye Photography, Unit 6 Bucks Goat Centre, Tel: 01296 615631 Web: www.immortaleye.co.uk
Genie’s Fancy Dress
Need fancy dress costumes to hire? Need accessories to buy? Then why not visit Genie’s Fancy Dress and join in the fun!? We have some great ranges for you to choose from. Try us - experience the difference! l Bucks Goat Centre, Tel: 01296 614605 Web: www.genies.co.uk Open: 10am-6pm weekdays, 10am-5pm Saturdays Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays
Bucks Goat Centre
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Column: Sandra Smith ‘Our Creative Vale’
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
Bound to impress T he modest dimensions of Ros Long’s workshop at Layby Farm, Stoke Mandeville, are in direct contrast to the extensive, innovative range of handmade books and creative binding she produces. “I like to make something from nothing,” she shares. “Most of my books are useful though every so often I get a bit whimsical and create structures that have an element of surprise.” Browsing the numerous displays is to understand the mindset of this quietly spoken artist. Amongst beautiful journals, wedding albums and portfolios nestle small folding books created out of reproduction London Underground or New York maps while bookmarks from leftover materials are stacked next to self stick notepads framed in colourful, recycled plastic. Their quirkiness makes them ideal gifts and stocking fillers. “I spend an awful lot of time agonising over combination of materials. The only artiness I can offer is in the design and a
Ros Long in her workshop meticulous account of the book itself,” says Ros. Ros’s interest in bookbinding began at a Missenden Abbey summer school, which provided an introduction to book structure. Captivated, she returned several times before embarking on a CityLit course. “My heart and interest lie in creative binding,” she says. “I have an infinite number of presses, such
as a nipping press for books which need a severe and swift press to adhesion. The finishing press is like a vice, used when I’m working on the spine. My other tools include brushes, a bone folder, steel rule and set square.” Every project begins with appropriate paper - from recycled to good cartridge, depending on the job in hand - folded and cut into sections. Holes are pricked via a marked template and sections sewn together using a fine linen thread which avoids a large swell when the book is opened. Layers of card build up strength with Japanese tissue helping to hold layers together without adding bulk. “Paper isn’t quite the inert thing you might imagine. The longer books are left between light weights the more you profit as this persuades the paper not to jump up. Link stitching in the exposed spine binding of my Coptic work - which
Hidden Beauty A
ylesbury’s newest beauty salon, Hidden Beauty, has just opened at the Bucks Goat Centre in Stoke Mandeville. Owned and run by experienced beauty therapist Laura Gilbey it is a smaller venture than her previous local salons with a staff of one! “It’s just me here,” says Laura. “Having spent ten years running a busy salon with several staff I wanted to lighten my load a little and have the flexibility to balance my work and family life better. “I am really excited about my
new premises. They are in a lovely semi-rural location at The Goat Centre with lots of free parking. “I share the first floor, above J&A Stoves, with Jackie Rolt’s Sports Injury Clinic - a similar business in some ways, so it works really well. “I am pleased to be able to offer treatments and retail from leading brands which I feel are the best, such as Elemis, Opi, Shellac and Amazing Lashes Lash Extenstions. “I’m offering a full range of treatments from Massage and Facials to Nails (OPI Gel, Shellac, Rock Star and Minx), Lashes and Brows, Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, Tinting, Callus Peel (for your feet), Ear-piercing and also Indian Head Massage.” Laura is a fully qualified and experienced Beauty Therapist who has been working in the industry for more than 18 years. She now provides outstanding customer care in her new, relaxing but stylish, vintage-look beauty room. “I am again working with
Get noticed with Amazing Lashes!
Creative Vale
Sandra Smith originates from the early Christian Coptic sects who produced Holy books - enables completely flat opening.” Although denying patience is one of her strengths, the intricacy of Ros’s skill suggests otherwise. From commissioned albums to pigskin wrapped journals, each book is not only handmade and functional, it is also a work of art. Find out more about Ros and her work at: www.byhandbooks.co.uk l Find out more about Sandra
Smith’s work as a freelance writer by following her on Twitter: @TheCurrentMrsS or visit: www.TheCurrentMrsSmith.co.uk
Left & above: Laura in her new treatment room
Elemis,” she says. “Their products are made with the best ingredients and are top quality and much more Above: Elemis gift packs Rock Star nails - ideal effective on the make great xmas presents for the party season! skin than many back when free. brands. They are certainly the best facials you can have. Elemis don’t do a peel as such l Hidden Beauty, Unit 5, Layby Farm, Stoke Mandeville, but have the Tri-EnzymeResurfing Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, Facial which has similar results. HP22 5XJ As Laura works on her own, treatments are by appointment only, To book call or text: 07771 330366 and she may be busy when you call, Email: laura.gilbey@ hiddenbeautyaylesbury.co.uk so please leave a message, send a www.hiddenbeautyaylesbury.co.uk text or email and she will call you Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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Win a £50 John Lewis Voucher!
chocolates, coins or pocket money toys in each bag ready for the lucky recipient Cost approximately £27.95
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he word Advent comes from the Latin word for ‘coming’ or ‘approach’ and that is just what Christmas 2015 is rapidly doing! The countdown to our Yuletide festivities has begun (whether we like it or not!) and what better way to heighten the children’s excitement than to mark off the days on a beautiful handmade Advent Calendar! John Lewis High Wycombe are hosting demonstrations, every weekend up until Christmas, in their Haberdashery Department, to show us how to make such a thing but they are giving Vale Life readers a head start here plus, one lucky reader is going to win a £50 John Lewis voucher, just for answering a simple question! John Lewis have come up with 5
quick and simple advent designs to make, whether you are a seasoned sewer or a crafty newbie. And these Advent Calendars can be re-used each year to create your own family traditions and delight children of all ages for years to come. All suggested materials are available from the Haberdashery department at John Lewis High Wycombe but can be bought at any good craft outlet. Here is how to make the first of the 5 designs. This trendy chalkboard calendar is really easy and great for beginners as no sewing or gluing is required.
Chalkboard Bag Calendar: You will need: 4 packs of Chalkboard craft bags, £3.50 for a pack of 8 Pom-pom trim £3.99 for 2 metres Glitter pegs,
pack of 24 £2
Chalk or Chalk Pen Method: 1. Write numbers 1-24 on the front of the paper bags using chalk or chalk pen (Tip: Practise on paper with a pencil first to perfect your numbers style) 2. Peg the bags to your pom-pom trim using the glitter pegs 3. Each morning pop a treat such as
The other Advent Calendar designs are: Glitter Envelope Calendar; Felt Bag Calendar; Felt Stocking Calendar; Fabric Stocking Calendar. All these will be expertly demonstrated every weekend up until Christmas at John Lewis High Wycombe. If you’d like to be in with the chance of winning a £50 John Lewis Voucher just in time for Christmas, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk How many advent calendar ideas are John Lewis demonstrating in the run up to Christmas? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by December 4th, 2015. l For more information about Christmas at John Lewis, please visit: www.johnlewis.com Holmers Farm Way, Cressex Centre, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP12 4NW Tel: 01494 462666
The Tythe Barn at Christmas
Find something different this Christmas Opening Thursdays to Saturdays 9.30am – 5pm and Sundays 10am – 4pm November 5th to December 20th The Tythe Barn, Manor Farm, Church End, Haddenham, Bucks, HP17 8AH www.thetythebarn.com
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
It can be really hard to think of exciting new presents for your offspring come Christmas - something that will inspire and challenge and get used over and over. But did you know that at 3D Print World in Aylesbury they have 3D printers with endless possibilities for just a few hundred pounds...
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ou may already know Martin, Sarah and their team at Cartridge World in Aylesbury. Chances are you’ll have bought ink cartridge refills, a printer or stationery supplies from them, or maybe had some leaflets run out or papers printed, for the couple have run their popular franchise at Parton Road for more than ten years now, refilling ink and laser cartridges and supplying businesses, organisations and the general public with ‘everything printing’. Always open to new ideas, they have been quick to embrace the world of 3D printing and now devote half their showroom to 3D printers and accessories. The shop is littered with little and not so little 3D sculptures from busts and figures of the staff (you can scan people and recreate them in miniature) to dragons, frogs, castles, vases and cups, all modelled in 3D using dots of filament rather than ink. It is quite amazing to see the shapes and detail a 3D printer can produce, from mini statues to parts for model cars and aeroplanes, to replacement bits for domestic appliances, building designs and prototype modelling for engineering parts. The cost of printing out is minimal, once you have your own printer. Or the team can offer a bureau service - just ask in store. The filament comes in numerous colours and textures from lurid fluorescent greens and yellows to silver, pink, black, glow in the dark, metal and wood finishes and can be bought on spools or by the metre A 3D printer, like this Hephaestos Prusa i3 pictured is only £359 (finance packages
Above: 3D print technician Trevor operating the store’s Witbox printer. Inset: his 3D model!
Dragon Vases and containers The Hephaestos Prusa i3 comes in kit form Everything you need is included. available from £19.99 per month). It comes in kit form so the fun starts with building it! 3D Print World can do this for you though (cost £100), or you can attend a 3D printing course at Bucks UTC, at reduced rates (£60), which takes you through building the i3 there. The assembly takes 7-8 hours, and requires some basic engineering skills. Why not pop into 3D Print World and see the printers in action. The knowledgeable staff will be happy to explain how it all works and what
Barn frame model for architect
Plug to replace broken part
the options are for buying your own 3D printer, or having them do 3D printing for you. l 3D Print World - Aylesbury, 32 Parton Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1NG Tel:01296 434666 E: enquiries@3dprint-world.co.uk W: www.3dprintworld-aylesbury.co.uk Open: Mon-Sat: 9am-5.30pm
Model of house design Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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Providing the ultimate salon experience
What’s the news from In a hurry?
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hristmas is around the corner and with so much else to do, sometimes we just need a quick fix for our hair. With this in mind, now could be the perfect time to take advantage of our Express Services. We offer: Colour Express* - coloured by us, styled by you. Our express colour maintenance services start from £15. We will colour and rinse your hair within an hour, at which point you can then dry it yourself or upgrade to a blow dry (if stylists are available) and we will do it for you. See our website for the full menu. (* a skin test is required)
Treat your hair!
The one time we really need our hair to look great and feel fabulous, is party season and have we got a treat for you - Olaplex™ ! This new product is just amazing and has created a lot of excitement here at Eclipse. We love it and we know you will too. Olaplex™ is a remarkable scientific breakthrough for restoring colour-damaged hair. Even the most gentle professional colour
Ideas for Christmas!
Our favourite hair care brand is Pureology and we now have a fabulous range of great value Pureology gift sets in store. It’s an interactive gift as you can mix and match your preferred products to create your own luxury gift bag. Oh, and don’t forget the GHDs every girls dream pressie! If you’re not sure what to give, you can always buy an Eclipse Hair Design Gift Voucher to cover any of our services. A wonderful treat for someone special! We would like to wish all our customers and Vale Life readers a very happy Christmas, from all the team at Eclipse and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
GHDs - always a winner!
Pureology - bespoke gift bags
Express Hair Up with Shannon: Be ‘good to go’ in approximately 45 minutes with one of our selection Shannon of fabulous hair up styles - just see our style gallery and make your choice. Full details of these services are available on our website. can damage, break and dry your hair when applied over a long period. Now scientists have developed a treatment that repairs the damaged bonds within your hair, leaving it stronger and healthier. Described as insurance for your hair, Olaplex™ promises stronger, healthier hair and longer lasting colour. And it’s not just a temporary fix - it permanently restores your hair. We also stock the take-home treatment which tops up what you have had in the salon.
Before
After
Eclipse Hair Design, 56 North Street, Thame, OX9 3BH Tel: 01844 260062 Web: www.eclipsehair-design.co.uk Email: info@eclipsehair-design.co.uk Follow us on Twitter: @eclipsethame and Facebook Eclipse Hair Design
STOP PRESS... online booking service - see: www.eclipsehair-design.co.uk 24
Like us on Facebook for up to date information and promotions: Eclipse Hair Design
Amanda Trott
l Column
Thai massage is therapeutic and relaxing and can help with many problems, from migraines to sprains, bruises, anxiety, physical and emotional tension... and for those living in Thame it’s now available surprisingly close to home...
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ucked away up a long flight of stairs above The Shaw Trust charity shop on Thame High Street, you will find Panada’s Thai Massage. She has been there since February, but many will not yet have noticed the small green hanging sign and modest sandwich board that points the way. Panada Reading and her sister, Jaemrsi, came to the UK from Thailand some years ago having been taught the art of Thai Massage by their father at the Watpo Traditional Medical Massage School in Bangkok. Thai massage is an ancient healing system combining acupressure, Indian Ayurvedic principles and assisted yoga postures. The founding father of Thai massage was an Ayurvedic doctor named Jivaka Kumar Bhacca, who is known still in Thailand as ‘the father of medicine’. Traditional Thai massage uses no oils or lotions and the recipient remains clothed during treatment and rather than rubbing on muscles, the body is compressed, pulled, stretched and rocked. Along with this traditional form of massage, Panada also offers Hot Stone Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Thai Foot Massage, Thai Oil Massage, Thai Aroma Massage and Neck and Shoulder Massage.
She also offers a couples massage, often with her sister as second masseuse. Spending a good part of my working week as a hairdresser, I suffer with very knotted shoulders and neck, so asked Panada which type of massage she would recommend for me. She advised that I start with a Deep Tissue Massage to help release the tension I had built up in this area. She started by gently warming my muscles with a little oil and some deep stroking movements before working more intensively on the
Panada works on Amanda’s tense shoulders areas that were causing me the most discomfort. In comparison to other massage I have had in the past, deep tissue massage was at some points quite uncomfortable as Panada worked on breaking down the fascia, the structure that covers the soft tissues, which over time can become stiff, hardened or stuck to adjacent structures. She advised that I drink plenty of water over the next couple of days to help flush out the toxins
Health & Beauty
Amanda Trott
Beauty Spot which had built up in my body. It’s not unusual after this form of massage to feel achy for a couple of days, so Panada advised I do some gentle exercise to keep the areas mobile and visit her again in a week or so to work further on the areas that had been so badly affected. She suggested I have another Deep Tissue Massage and then once the areas of tension have been released, return for a more soothing massage. At the moment Panada has a special introductory offer of 10% off your first massage. Although it wasn’t the most relaxing massage I have had, even before I left Panada’s I could feel the relief in my neck. I took her advice, drank plenty of water, indulged in a warm bath before bed and woke up the next morning to a far looser neck and shoulders. It’s true what they say, ‘no pain; no gain’! l Panada’s Thai Therapy, 95A High Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 Tel: 01844 260227 / 07779 123954 Facebook: /Panadasthaitherapy Open Tue to Sat: 9am-6pm and Sun: 10am-4pm l Amanda is a talented and experienced, Vidal Sassoon trained hair stylist, who at one time managed Charles Worthington’s Covent Garden salon. If you would like to have your hair cut, styled or coloured by Amanda she is available in Thame from Mondays to Thursdays at Eclipse Hair Design. Call 01844 260062 to book or arrange a free consultation.
Rejuvenate yourself with healthy juice The Healthy Juice Company offers a natural way to detox - which many of us might be glad of come the new year, or maybe before the party season begins for that all important glow! One, three or five day juice cleanses are available, with packages providing a therapeutic balance of juice and nut milk combinations for consumption in a specific order through the day, to aid the body’s natural toxin elimination process whilst supporting the body nutritionally.
The juices are high quality organic products made daily to order and delivered fresh to your door, which is reflected in the cost, but promise excellent results and have noticeable physical effects, so should not be undertaken lightly. A one-day cleanse is £87 and would make a unique gift for those wanting to experience the ultimate health kick... I’m looking forward to trying a juice cleanse myself soon and will be letting you know what I think! l www.thehealthyjuicecompany.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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WHITE CLEAR WHITE CLEAR F I L L I N G S B R A C E S WHITE CLEAR FILLINGS B R A C E S F I L L I N G S B R A C E S HYGIENE APPOINTMENTS
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01296 415234 01296 415234 www.aylesburydentists.co.uk 01296 415234 www.aylesburydentists.co.uk 45 Buckingham Road, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 9PT 45 Buckingham Road, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 9PT
www.aylesburydentists.co.uk
45 Buckingham Road, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 9PT
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
1 in 8 women develop breast cancer - a sobering thought - so how amazing to have the chance to possibly stop it in its tracks, before it’s even started! Breast Thermography at Whitethorn Fields MediClinic is a new service that can detect overactive cells and assess the risk to your health...
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arlier this year, Caron Vetter, co-director at Whitethorn Fields MediClinic and her team held a launch night to introduce Breast Thermography, a pioneering new breast imaging service that has the potential to determine a risk of breast cancer, often before a cancer is large enough to be identified by conventional means. Caron, who is a Micropigmentation Specialist and one of the first in the UK to specialise in areola restoration for those who need reconstructive surgery following breast cancer, welcomed ladies to the clinic for an interesting and Thermography spots clusters of overactive cells informative evening. We were shown which may indicate a risk of cancer developing demonstrations of various services offered Thermography uses an at the clinic, including the infra-red camera to detect new Caci Jowl Lift and Beau heat and cold in the body and Visage, a skin imaging camera can spot clusters of cells that that is able to determine skin are becoming metabolically damage and aid in the choice overactive. Patients are taken of appropriate treatment. into a room where the Nutritionist, Jenny Phillips, temperature is dropped to 18 author of Eat to Outsmart Caron Vetter, right, and Jenny degrees, the breasts are then Cancer, then gave us all a launch breast imaging at scanned from five angles and very interesting talk on how Phillips Whitethorn Fields after ten minutes rescanned to make wise lifestyle choices and the computer then compares the two when dealing with Cancer and the benefits of readings. Regular cells respond quickly to the Breast Thermography. cooler temperatures while inflamed cells take Breast Thermography can provide women longer, so areas of concern are highlighted. with a future risk assessment. If discovered, The images are then given a score. 1 and 2 ‘risk markers’ can warn a woman that she show low risk, where nutritional advice is needs to work closely with her doctor and given and an annual review is suggested, 3 is have regular checkups to monitor her breast medium risk where more frequent scans are health, resulting in earlier treatment if cancer advised, and scores of 4 and 5 are considered is detected. to be high risk with referral to a GP. Here Caci Jowl Lift dietary and lifestyle interventions are employed to reduce the cancer risk. Jenny was herself diagnosed with an aggressive Breast Cancer in 2003 and re evaluated her life, deciding that in order to help herself through chemotherapy, she would need to build her health through good nutrition. Research indicates that poor diet and obesity is responsible for as many as one in three cancer cases, which shows why a healthy diet is so important. Jenny explained that as many as 30% of cancers in women are breast cancer and that early detection is the key to survival.
Thermography teamed with a healthy lifestyle really can help to prevent this disease. She went on to stress that it is NOT a replacement for mammograms because thermography doesn’t diagnose cancer, it simply highlights increased metabolic activity which could possibly, over time, develop into cancer. More and more young women are being diagnosed with breast cancer and with mammograms not being offered until the age of 50 it can be hard to detect a growth in a younger woman until the cancer has progressed. Sadly 50,000 cases a year are being diagnosed in the UK and surprisingly 75% of women who get breast cancer have no family history of the disease. Although there have been enormous advances in diagnosis and cure, until now it hasn’t been possible to really prevent it and although thermography has been around since the 50s, there are very few places that offer it in the UK. Whitethorn Fields MediClinic (in conjunction with Inspired Nutrition and The Chiron Clinic in Harley Street) recommend Thermography as an addition to, rather than a replacement for mammography, which is the standard breast cancer screening tool offered by the NHS. A thermography scan is available from Whitethorn Fields MediClinic for £99, or you can include a 1 hour follow up consultation with Jenny for £195. l Whitethorn Fields MediClinic, Old Risborough Road, Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire, HP22 5XJ Tel: 01296 614441 Email: enquiries@whitethornmediclinic.co.uk Website: www.whitethornmediclinic.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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CHRISTMAS AT THREE CHAIRS
PRESS RELEASE, NOVEMBER 2015
GIFT PACNKOSW AVAILABLE
A GIFT FOR HIM...
Treat the man in your life this Christmas! Have him looking his best for the new year with a haircut and style and a luxury face shave from Three Chairs Male Grooming...The perfect gift for any man this Christmas. Our stylists have the skills, knowledge and advice to create an individual look that is right for you, all to the highest standard, from the consultation to the cut itself.
GIFT VOUCHERS & GIFT PACKS We are delighted to announce that gift packs of Three Chairs grooming products are now available in-store! Our product range caters for all hairstyles and looks, complimenting any Three Chairs haircut beautifully! Also, gift vouchers will be available in time for Christmas - the perfect present for the indecisive man! They can be redeemed against any of our products or services in-store. Ask one of our team for more details.
THE FESTIVE EXPERIENCE We’ve added a festive twist to our usual Three Chairs experience and will be serving Mulled Wine throughout December! Come and relax before or after your appointment and soak up the atmosphere. Enjoy refreshments including craft beers, free wifi, a game of pool or browse the Cheap Monday clothing range in our unique and laid back establishment! 28
To book your appointment or to shop the Three Chairs store visit... threechairsgrooming.co.uk Tel 01844 347312 Mob 07852 907793 Email info@threechairsgrooming.co.uk Opening Times Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
10:00am 10:00am 1:00pm 1:00pm 10:00am 8:00am
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ThreeChairsGrooming ThreeChairsG @threechairsgrooming ThreeChairsG
7:00pm 7:00pm 9:00pm 9:00pm 7:00pm 4:00pm
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
It’s all go at Maze Hair, one of Thame’s newest salons. Owner Mel is just back from maternity leave and new stylist Sam is settling in nicely, just time for a cuppa and a chin wag then girls...
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aze Hair was launched on Thame’s North Street in 2012 by Melanie Blanks, who now runs the hair salon with coowner, friend and colleague Zoe McCormac. Mel is from Thame and has worked in several Thame salons over the years, before starting up her own business, while Zoe grew up in Aylesbury and now lives in Waddesdon. She has worked in Thame for many years before joining Mel at MAZE, so most of her clients come from Thame and the surrounding area. Together they bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the business, from working in television through to hair styling for the Miss World contestants in London. The MAZE salon has a stylish modern look with a black and white colour scheme and some impressive wall graphics - a huge heart of diamonds adds a splash of glamour and is a popular talking point. “At Maze we want to maintain a small and friendly feel to the salon,” says Mel. “It’s important to be professional but also for the salon to feel relaxed, warm and welcoming. I think larger salons can get a bit impersonal and leave clients feeling they have been rushed in and out. Here we treat everyone like an individual and our stylists are not only skilled at their job but have been selected for their friendly personalities and customer care skills. “It’s important to have the right atmosphere and the right balance, I love it when everyone starts joining in a discussion and the salon ends up having one big chat, there’s a lovely communal feel and the stylists get to know each other’s clients too. “Business has naturally grown,” says Zoe. “We now have five stylists and two assistants plus two receptionists. Sam Tully is our latest
From left: Dawn, Aly, Mel, Sam, Leila and Zoe recruit, she’s a Premier Stylist and has recently joined us from a salon in Aylesbury town centre. “We do all aspects of hairdressing for men and women - cutting, colouring, perming etc. - we also do special occasion hair, hair extensions and wig fitting, eyelash tinting, eyebrow shaping and threading and have a nail bar for manicures, pedicures and gel nails. “We’re a Clynol salon and use Clynol colours and we operate an eco-friendly refill service for Clynol shampoo and conditioner, so clients can bring their empty bottle back to the salon and it’s refilled for £1 less than the price of a new bottle. “We have just introduced an amazing new product range, ‘FibrePlex’ from Schwarzkopf, that protects hair from being damaged or broken during colouring and makes your freshly coloured hair look and feel healthier,
stronger and even more beautiful. It’s a two part system with a second product which customers take home to protect against damage from heat styling. “Customers often ask how some celebrities can change their hair colour so often and so radically without causing damage and it’s generally down to this type of product.” At MAZE new clients receive a 15% discount voucher for their second visit and there’s a loyalty card scheme which collects points and gives a 10% discount when you reach 100 points and a 20% discount when you have 200 points. If you would like to find out more or arrange for an appointment or consultation contact the salon as below. l Maze Hair Salon, 11 Friday Court, North Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3GA Tel: 01844 218215 Email: Salon@mazehair.com Web: www.mazehair.com Twitter: @mazehair Open: Mon & Tue: 9am-6pm, Wed: 9am-5pm Thur & Fri 9am-8pm, Sat: 8.30am-4pm
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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Health & Fitness
Column: Fitness Focus with Jo Beardsmore-Dilks
Keeping fit can be fun!
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ance and Fitness instructor Before I have helped women fit into that After Joanna has been running perfect dress, sharing my own classes in Aylesbury for experience. I also now help couples over 7 years and during to feel more confident with their that time has helped thousands of first wedding dance.” local people get fitter and reach Before starting her Fitness their personal goals. She focuses on Pilates classes, JBD Fitness & making her classes fun and friendly. Dance member Carole used to “I run classes for full lifestyle Exercise only or full healthy lifestyle suffer from uncontrollable physical coaching available coaching or just exercise,” says pain which stopped her from being Zumba, Fitsteps and good old Joanna JBD F&D member Stef Reading Joanna. “It is so important to be active: “I wasBeardsmore-Dilks unable to extend my fashioned aerobics and during the feeling happier and healthier having active whatever our age. My classes limbs, or walk unaided,” she says. year courses of Interval Training trimmed down with Joanna’s help are for mixed ages and abilities, so “and I suffered from depression as and Kettlebells as well. whatever your goal, age or ability, “The key is to find exercise that do something. I knew I didn’t want a result.” we can support you to get fit in a Now attending JBD Fitness & is not boring, that’s why we offer so to look back at my wedding photos friendly environment. many styles.” and feel that way again! By joining Dance classes Carole is making “I have loved dancing, since phenomenal progress: “I can walk Joanna has a Countdown to a class of supportive people, I I was a little girl. I was not without my stick,” she says. “I can Christmas package to help you was able to tackle my weight in a particularly ‘sporty’ though and straighten my knees, I can stand get into that special outfit this positive environment. have always loved food, and have upright, I can twist my body, bend Christmas and also offers First “I now help other people in never had the typical build of a and stretch, all things I could not do Wedding Dance packages and Hen/ a similar position. I want to Current Classes include: dancer. Around 20 years ago a before and I don’t suffer depression Stag packages. Call her now for ensure other brides have a day to dance teacher displayed a picture as often or as badly as before.” details. remember for all the right reasons of me and asked the class whether “Each member is unique,” says too. With this in mind our classes ‘fat’ dancers should be taken Joanna “but we cater and adapt l Call Joanna on: 01296 485933 and packages are fuelled with seriously. I battled my weight issues accountability and support. our classes to ensure everyone or 07904 392839 or Email: for many years after. has a great time and is able to Joanna@JBDFitnessDance.co.uk to “Every bride wants her wedding Morning Classes: Fairford Leys “When my now husband participate.” claim your FREE Fitness Class or day to be perfect, starting with proposed it spurred me on to finally the perfect dress. For many years “We offer: Fitness Pilates, Wedding Dance consultation.
Jo Beardsmore-Dilks JDB Fitness & Dance
Let’s Glow
Aerobics, Fitsteps™, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Bootcamps and Ke
Evening Classes: Bedgrove Junior School/Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School/Fairford Leys/Mandev
“I really enjoy the class atmosphere” Mark IMPROVES
DAMAGED NAILS
LunulaFor safely and effectively more details on our classes contact Jo: treats toenail fungus
“6 years of friendship” Jill T: 01296 485933
“Love Fitsteps, feeling
E: joanna.beardsmore-dilks@outloo
Aylesbury’s only dedicated Yoga Centre.
Easy & Convenient Painless No Side Effects
YOGA Teachers, styles and times to help suit your needs.
Promotes Healthy Nail Growth
RELAX KIDS Yoga inspired classes for children ages 4-7 years and 8-12 years.
FROM AS FEW AS FOUR PAINLESS TREATMENTS
MEDITATION 4 week courses to help those beginning a meditation practice. YOGA FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS One-2-one sessions to enhance the natural development of babies and young children. CHANTING These sessions can help create a tranquil, less agitated mental state.
BOOK ONLINE:
www.aylesburyyogacentre.co.uk Make the most of your money and your Yoga experience by purchasing a Frequent User Class Card.
For appointments:
01844 352200
www.thelasernailcentre.co.uk 30
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
161c Cambridge Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1BB t:07799 197 317 e:hello@aylesburyyogacentre.co.uk
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Column: Fitness Focus with Chrysilla Lewies
Health & Fitness
The source of all healing
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o know oneself, it is mind. The most appropriate human nature to desire a lifetimes - be it present, past lives meaningful understanding or future lives - will be shown of our life’s purpose and to the client in their mind’s eye, our relationships with other people. where they’re able to establish a The human brain functions at connection with their Higher Self. frequencies on four levels: Beta From there, we can discover and level (thinking, talking), Alpha level ask for answers from within. (daydreaming, Meditation), Theta A QHHT session usually takes level (very deep state of relaxation around four to five hours and is where memories and sensations a unique experience for each are held) and the delta individual. level (deep sleep). Your subconscious QHHT is a process mind never forgets. developed by my It knows everything beloved teacher, the about you and it knows late Dolores Cannon what you need in (www.dolorescannon. order to make this life com), during her one in which you make 45 years of being a a difference, through hypnotist. She has learning and applying been my teacher lessons learned. and has inspired me The subconscious is to be a practitioner the deeper, nine-tenths Dolores Cannon through her many portion of the mind’s books. metaphoric iceberg of The QHHT process involves the knowledge. practitioner guiding their client into The one-tenth portion - what we a deeply relaxed state of hypnosis, know as the conscious mind - tries where they bypass the conscious to be logical about everything and,
Chrysilla Lewies Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT)
Chrysilla’s relaxing therapy room in so doing, often stands in the way of true happiness and fulfilment. The conscious mind thinks it ‘knows everything’ and, no matter what your body tries to tell you, makes every attempt to ‘protect’ you, believing that logic is the only answer to life’s dilemmas. Hypnosis is not a substitute for traditional medical care but should be thought of as an effective addition to traditional healthcare, capable of giving the individual an
avenue through which true, lasting healing can occur. Once the concept of personal responsibility in the healing process through the subconscious mind is received, the individual is capable of healing far beyond expectations. Quantum Healing Hypnosis will take you to the source of all healing… yourself. l Chrysilla is a South African, from Johannesburg and came to the UK in 2007. She is a certified Level Two Practitioner of QHHT and currently lives and practises in Aylesbury. For more information
contact Chrysilla: 07856 432445. Web: http://devinetransformation. wix.com/qhht-healing
Kate Walker
Mobile Chiropodist BSc (Hons) Hcpc Registered
General Foot Care l Verruca Treatment l Ingrowing Nails l Biomechanics l
Tel: 078875 51591
Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
Maria Bray
Nutritional Therapy
The Science of Health and Vitality l
Eat Well l Live Well l Feel Well
Stella Huxley
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Massage Therapist
New Saturday morning Teen Clinic: £30 for 1 hour session Take charge of your health - I can assist you to achieve your desired health improvements with a mutually agreed and appropriate stepped programme of dietary and lifestyle changes. Diagnostic testing for: l Food intolerances / poor digestion l Vitamin D skin prick - overall health; bones, depression; skin; immunity l Homocysteine testing - heart health; brain health
Call for free half hour consultation
Swedish Body Massage Aromatherapy Body Massage Deep Tissue Massage Indian Head Massage
Tel: Maria on 0771 5414719 / 01296 581561
www.mariabraynutritionaltherapy.com
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Health & Fitness
Column: Fitness Focus with YoNu
Yoga & nutrition united
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oNu was created by three Aylesbury based mumpreneurs who share a deep passion for all things healthy, in particular yoga and nutrition. The YoNu team consists of Amy Berry, a registered Nutritional Therapist, Melissa StantonMatthews a popular health and wellness blogger and Jenny Paling, an experienced yoga and fitness instructor. Having witnessed first-hand the power of both yoga and nutrition on their own health and that of their families, they came together to form YoNu in order to inspire others to experience the enormous benefits. YoNu now runs yoga brunches at various beautiful locations in and around Aylesbury Vale. “If you come along to a YoNu brunch you will be transported away from your hectic life and immersed in relaxation and health,” says Mel. “Yoga and nutrition complement each other well,
YoNu Yoga session particularly when it comes to supporting the body to cope with stress. “You will experience an hour’s yoga and guided meditation with Jenny, healthy food designed to support and fuel the body, and an informative talk on various hot nutrition topics from Amy. Whether you come with a group of friends or on your own, you will have the chance to meet like-minded people in a relaxed setting and leave feeling energised and enlightened. “Being busy working mums
ourselves, we understand how hard it is to get away and have some ‘me time’, so we’ve designed our YoNu brunches to be the perfect escape. We offer three hours of total relaxation, with some yummy food and nutrition tips thrown in!” Don’t worry if you have never done yoga before, the YoNu team are keen to make yoga accessible to all. “You don’t have to be young and fit to enjoy and benefit from yoga,” says Mel. “We are passionate about offering realistic yoga to real people - female, male, younger or older, we encourage you to come along and experience the benefits. Yoga strengthens the core muscles which are often the root cause of back pain, one of the top health problems in the UK. Other benefits include better posture, increased energy levels and a clearer mind.” The YoNu team are also passionate about good nutrition and are keen to educate people on how to make more informed food
Jenny, Mel & Amy YoNu
choices. “If you come along to one of our events, you will have the chance to try nourishing, real foods and learn how making small changes can have a hugely positive impact upon your health. We are living in the real world, so we don’t expect you to completely overhaul your diet, however our registered Nutritional Therapist, Amy Berry, will be on hand to offer lots of tips which are achievable and realistic. “So what are you waiting for? Have a look at our website today for details of our next YoNu brunch - we look forward to meeting you there!” Amy, Mel & Jenny. l For info see: www.yonu.co.uk
Christmas Skinny Dip For women At Diogenes Sun Club Chalfont St Peter Saturday December 5th 4.30 to 7.30 p.m. £6 including mince pies! Come for a cheering swim at one of the UK’s finest naturist clubs in our beautiful indoor pool. Newcomers welcome!
Book at www.diogenessunclub.co.uk
Family History Gift Voucher Looking for an unusual Christmas present? Why not give a gift voucher for Family or House History research undertaken by a professional qualified genealogist. Contact Cathy Soughton for more details www.bucksresearch.co.uk Tel 01296 624845 32
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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Column: ‘Kiss & tell’ with Tracy Kiss
Feed my world
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his year I set myself the harebrained challenge of trying to raise £10,000 for ten incredible charities. Why? Because it’s something that I’ve never achieved before and I knew that it would be very difficult. Not only did I want to give back to the local community and help those in need but I also wanted to inspire others to undertake fitness challenges for the benefit of their own health whilst supporting good causes. Since the summer I have raised almost £7,000 and donated £1,000 (from cycling 60km) to WheelPower to help disabled men, women and children, £1,000 (from climbing Mount Snowdon) to The Firefighters Charity for the rehabilitation of injured servicemen and women, £1,000 to Cancer Research (by running their 5km Race For Life), £1,000 to The Florence Nightingale Hospice (by running 10km) to provide a week of palliative care, £1,000 to The Ducklings Trust baby unit at
Tracy meeting with the Rt Hon David Lidington MP Stoke Mandeville (by swimming 100m) to fund the purchase of vital equipment for the neonatal unit and I have just completed a 100rep workout challenge at Anytime Fitness Aylesbury, with Person Trainer Tom Davenport, to raise £1,000 to feed the homeless of Aylesbury. When I decided to raise sponsorship for food donations I hadn’t imagined the scale of what I was doing! I do my weekly food shop at Aldi Aylesbury where £50 can fill a trolley with enough fresh and healthy food to feed my
YOGA FOR EVERYONE
whole family. But £1,000 worth of food won’t fit into my car and would probably fill my entire kitchen several times over! So I spoke to Aldi head office and they very kindly offered to send a lorry load of food direct from their distribution warehouse for me. I also asked which types of food would be most useful to those in need; tinned goods, meats, dairy produce or even festive treats such as mince pies and fruity tea bags, the things that we all take for granted? I’ve taken a trolley load of food to the Aylesbury Homeless Action Group with my children at Christmas before but I doubt that they would have the facilities to store and disperse a whole lorry load, and delivering it on a main road with railings might also be tricky. So how do I distribute so much food locally and ensure it gets to those most in need? I’m pictured here meeting with Aylesbury’s MP Mr David Lidington to ask for his advice on how best to manage this, so watch this space. I hope that I can encourage people to think of others at this special time of year, to add one extra item to your weekly shop or
Tracy Kiss
Kiss & tell
a buy-one-get-one-free and give it to somebody in need; please count your blessings, appreciate your loved ones and share a smile and kind gesture on a cold winter’s day. Together we can make such a difference to so many and I shall continue to strive for my £10,000 target. I am currently taking donations at: www.crowdfunder. co.uk/teamkiss l Read Tracy’s blog at: www.tracykiss.com or follow her on: Twitter: @kisstracy4 Facebook: /TheTracyKiss
Thame Therapy Clinic
Scaravelli inspired Yoga Classes Reduce Stress Improve Strength Flexibility and General Wellbeing
Complementary Health Therapies from Experienced Practitioners
YOGA THERAPY
23 Upper High Street, Thame, OX9 3EX Tel: 01844 215555
One to One Myofascial Yoga & Movement For injury and post surgery Help with posture, spine & alignment Contact Carolyn: 07817 830390 Email: caz@cazyoga.com Web: www.cazyoga.com
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
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
www.thametherapyclinic.co.uk
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.
Angie Elbourn DHP. MNRAH
Reg Hyp. CNHC
Call now 01494 412525 Monday to Friday (9 am to 5 pm) or email for an appointment: c.v.health@nhs.net Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
Sugar is currently public enemy number one due to links with obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease, and the more you eat, the more you seem to crave it! DROPiT21’s Michele Duncan tells of their clean eating, fitness and wellbeing programme, devised by local fitness professional Sandra Brooks, which can ease you from the sugary spiral into a healthier, happier life...
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ecent headlines have warned of the ‘Bittersweet Truth About Sugar’. The ‘Sweet Poison’ is said to be ‘ruining our health’ and could even be ‘the New Tobacco?’ With one in five people in the UK now classified as obese it seems clear something is wrong. Are we really all addicted to sugar!? According to the BBC, the UK as a nation devours a massive two million tonnes of sugar each year, which equates to around 238 teaspoons of sugar per week, per person! Many foods and drinks contain a surprising amount of sugar, which means our intake could be far greater than it should be and much more than we realise. We are often unaware that we are consuming sugar at all. Added sugar can be found in foods and drinks we perceive to be healthy, such as low fat yoghurts, cereals, energy drinks, fruit juices and even savoury foods such as sauces and low fat ready meals. So what is the connection between sugar and obesity? Sugar metabolises as fat in the liver and can lead to an increase in body weight. And over-consumption of sugar can lead to a whole host of medical problems.
Sandra Brooks This was clearly demonstrated by TV chef Jamie Oliver in his recent documentary Sugar Rush, broadcast in September on Channel 4, and also by Australian filmmaker Damon Gameau in his feature length documentary, That Sugar Film, recently shown in cinemas. In the hard-hitting Sugar Rush Jamie Oliver investigates sugar’s huge contribution to health problems including Type 2 diabetes, obesity and tooth decay. Scarily, in the UK each year, 26,000 primary school children go to hospital with rotten teeth and many then
Andy’s Story
“I’ve nearly always been overweight, even as a kid. There was a period in my thirties when I started to get it under control with exercise, but while I definitely got fitter and initially lost weight, the old habits - comfort eating in response to the daily stresses of life - soon crept back in. “A couple of years ago I tried Weight Watchers Online and did well initially… but the effects wore off after a while… “DROPiT21 has enabled me to kick-start a more sustainable change. Starting with Detox, adding in Diet and Daily Exercise, all accompanied by constant support via email and a private Facebook page, which meant I didn’t need to attend classes I wouldn’t have had time for. 34
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
Andy holding the equivalent in sugar to the weight he has lost “The Detox felt great - after the first few days! No caffeine, alcohol etc - and lots of water! The 10 minute morning exercises (via YouTube) were just the ticket to get my metabolism kick-started
need teeth removing. Equally frightening is that three million people have Type 2 diabetes and the number who need life-changing diabetes-related limb amputations is currently more than 100 per week! Jamie explored what could be done to improve the situation and, following the programme’s broadcast, lobbied the government with a petition to add a tax to sugar sweetened drinks, with the aim of raising money to be invested into the NHS and schools. Despite almost 150,000 signatures, the government responded by saying there were no plans to introduce a sugar tax, but will announce plans to tackle childhood obesity by the end of the year. In That Sugar Film, Gameau, who had previously eaten no refined sugar for three years, conducted an experiment. He introduced 40 teaspoons of sugar a day into his diet (the average Australian’s daily sugar consumption), with the twist being that all of this sugar was found in foods considered to be healthy. Within 18 days Gameau started to show signs of fatty liver disease, along with 10 centimetres of visceral fat around
every day! “And the diet was EASY - its all about eating healthy and freshly prepared food, and with all the educational materials provided I had no trouble adapting this to my travelling lifestyle and the fact that I am vegetarian. “The emphasis is on protein and vegetables (easy for me) but avoiding the ‘bad carbs’. I soon learned what I could eat, even while travelling. “Cutting out the toxins and carbohydrates had a very powerful effect on me, very quickly. It wasn’t just about the poundage slipping away though (I lost around 11lbs over the 21 days), what was even better was feeling my energy levels sky-rocket! I suddenly had more energy in the gym as well, and just breezed
through life more easily than before. “My only concern at the end of the 21 days was that it was going to come to a stop - but I’ve found it easy to sustain, and have continued to lose weight ever since, a total of 10.8kg over nearly 4mths now since starting! “This is not just a diet, this is a sustainable healthy lifestyle change. “Anyone can do this there’s just 21 days of initial commitment, but the habits I’ve learned have really stuck! “I am very grateful to Sandra and the Dropit21 program for my success... without that initial 21 day detox / diet / exercise kick-start, I don’t think I’d have achieved such an important change at this stage of my life!
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
Rob and Sarah’s story
Make a Resolution For a positive change
£45
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Sign up to DROPiT21 today and lose 11lbs & 11inches (average results) A proven, highly successful, 21 day programme which delivers amazing results. 100% of clients would recommend this zero supplement & no fad plan.
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his stomach. After 60 days he developed metabolic syndrome, a condition associated with high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and if he had carried on with this diet he would have probably gone on to develop those in full. Encouragingly, when Gameau reverted back to his previous sugar-free diet, all the conditions reversed themselves within 60 days. And this last point is good news for everyone - you can make a positive change today that can instantly benefit your health and wellbeing for the long term. DROPiT21 is an online programme focusing on education and motivation, encouraging clean healthy eating, fitness and wellbeing. It was established in November 2013 by qualified fitness professional, Sandra Brooks. “The structured 21 day plan is geared towards people with busy lives,” says Sandra, “but who want to make that change to live more healthily, and with the added convenience that the plan can be followed at home.” There are no pills, no shakes
or meal supplements, no calorie counting or quick fix faddy diet that is impossible to stick to. DROPiT21 is simply about getting back to basics in your approach to food and cooking and avoiding sugar-and chemical-laden processed, refined and packaged foods. It’s about eating real foods, as close to their natural form as possible. Lean protein, good carbs, healthy fats, fresh fruit and vegetables, all washed down with plenty of water. All the ingredients needed are readily available from local supermarkets and are not expensive specialist health foods or supplements. To help with mealtime inspiration Sandra also provides a weekly meal plan. Three booklets full of tasty recipes for meat eaters, vegetarians and pescatarians are also provided, clearly showing that food can taste absolutely delicious despite having no added sugar. But why 21 days? “Our taste buds regenerate every 10-21 days,” explains Sandra. “So if you cut out lots of sugars and processed ingredients from your diet, within three weeks the cravings will
Husband and wife, Rob and Sarah, signed up to do the September DROPiT21 together. Sarah explains: “Rob has always been ‘cuddly’ but when he slipped a couple of disks about 3 years ago he became scared to exercise in case he did more damage. Long working hours at a sedentary job, a canteen full of carbs and a team with a fixation on sweets and baking, soon piled the pounds on. I’d grown completely out of the habit of regular exercise myself too but hearing about DROPiT21 and the success stories of others, spurred me on to find out more. “With two teenage boys, I wanted to get out of the rut of curry/spag bol/pizza and start to cook more adventurously again. The kitchen cupboards are now full of new and interesting ingredients and most recipes have gone down a storm. The boys have embraced the healthier eating too and have enjoyed the meals, which have been easily adapted to include more carbs for growing teenagers. “Rob lost an amazing 16lb in the 21 days and 3 ½ inches off his tummy. Although he took the exercises very gently to start with, by the end he was doing almost all of them. He now feels more mobile, has bags more energy and no longer craves the sweets and snacks that used to sustain him through the long days in the office. subside.” Hundreds of clients, both male and female, have successfully completed the programme since its inception and as a positive side effect the average weight loss is around 11lbs and 11 inches. Sandra says her programme has evolved since the beginning, “I am finding a greater number of people are signing on to the programme NOT necessarily for weight loss, but for removing sugar from their diet,” she says. “People are becoming more aware of the effects of sugar and are looking for an effective way to kick their sugar addiction. “DROPiT21 can help you make a lasting change to your lifestyle and general well-being. It will alter your views on sugar specifically and food
Rob & Sarah holding the equivalent in sugar to the weight they have lost - Rob is now 23 lbs lighter and Sarah is 13 lbs lighter. “I’ve lost 11lb, which is far more than I expected and am thrilled to be much more toned and getting back to previous fitness levels. My skin feels much softer and smoother and, perhaps depending on the light, even less wrinkly! “It was brilliant to complete DROPiT21 together as a shared experience. Following the plan actually gave us more time together - doing the exercises and planning the weekly menus. We gave each other encouragement, and some healthy competition, and there was no way we were going to let the other one down by giving up. “The DROPiT21 maintenance programme is now helping us to introduce everything we have learnt into daily life, allowing us occasional treats without slipping back into our old ways! Sadly our ‘best ever potato crop’ is now going to last us a very long time!” in general, you’ll beat your cravings and you’ll simply feel great”. So are you ready for that Positive Change? For Further details of DROPiT21 please contact Sandra on: 07771 800913 or email: Sandra@dropit21. com or see: www.dropit21.com Sugar Rush is available to view on Channel 4 On Demand. That Sugar Film is available from Amazon and iTunes. l For further details of DROPiT21 please contact Sandra. Tel: 07771 800913 Email: sandra@dropit21.com Website: www.dropit21.com
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
You don’t have to be an experienced cyclist to enjoy the beautiful local countryside on your bike, so why not take the Chilterns Cycle Challenge and have fun while helping Rennie Grove Hospice Care...
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ide through the beautiful Chilterns countryside and raise money for Rennie Grove Hospice Care in the charity’s popular annual Chilterns Cycle Challenge, on Sunday, 20th March, 2016. There’s a 75 mile, 35 mile or 10k route to choose from, which all start and finish in Aylesbury town centre. The event promises to be a fabulous day and Rennie Grove Hospice Care is encouraging people of all ages and abilities to join them and take on the challenge! Online registration is now open, so why not join the hundreds of Vale residents taking to two wheels to support this local charity, which provides care for patients diagnosed with cancer and other life-limiting illness and their families. Earlier this year more than 500
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people peddled the Chiltern hills and cycle paths together, raising over £30,000 in sponsorship. It’s hoped that the 2016 challenge will raise even more for the charity, helping it to meet an increasing demand for its services. Gillian Barnett, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Rennie Grove Hospice Care says: “The Chilterns Cycle Challenge is a well-loved event. Much of its popularity is down to the fact that there’s a choice of three fantastic routes, so there’s something for everyone. The 10k ride is perfect for a family wanting to enjoy a day out with young children, as it makes use of the Gemstone cycle ways around Aylesbury, going through Watermead and Fairford Leys. “If you’re feeling more adventurous, there’s a 35 mile option
which takes you out to Kimble, Longwick and as far as Bledlow Ridge, then back through the Hampdens and Butlers Cross. Or, if you’re really looking to test yourself, there’s the ultimate challenge of 75 miles! Here, you’ll split from the 35 mile route to cover villages including Stokenchurch, Ibstone and Fingest, and travel as far east as Latimer, before returning back to Aylesbury through Berkhamsted and Wendover.” All routes start and finish in Aylesbury town centre, and entry fees will depend on the distance you choose to take on. An adult (aged 18+) Early Bird entry for the 10k route is £15, for the 35 mile route it’s £17, and if you’re up for the ultimate challenge it’s £27 to cycle the 75 mile route. Child entry is £7.50 (aged 5-17 incl) and children under five can enter free of charge. From Friday, 1st January, those wanting to take part will pay the full price, and the charity is encouraging both past participants and event newcomers to take advantage of the early bird discounts by signing up early and to start fundraising. “The registration fee includes a Chilterns Cycle Challenge medal on completion, route signage
throughout and marshals to encourage you along the way,” says Gillian. “It also includes refreshments along the route. It is your sponsorship money that makes a contribution to Rennie Grove Hospice Care, so we do ask that you raise as much as possible to support the care we provide, and there are so many ways that you can do this - from a coffee morning to a car boot sale! “It’s a fun event and we’d love to see even more team entries: groups of friends, family members and work colleagues taking part. Entry to the challenge could even make a perfect Christmas present for someone who wants to join you, and you could plan some fundraising activities together in the run up to the event. “We’re so grateful for the support we receive year on year in this event, and look forward to seeing you there!” For more information on the Chilterns Cycle Challenge or to register, please visit: www.renniegrove.org/chilternscycle or call the Events Team on: 01442 820740. l Rennie Grove Hospice Care www.renniegrove.org
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
Aylesbury’s Rogue Bowling centre opened last December on Gatehouse Way. It has proved itself a fabulous leisure facility for the area and a year on has just won the title of ‘Best Leisure Business’ in the Aylesbury Vale Business Awards...
I
team and have taken on an apprentice. t’s not surprising the Rogue Bowling “We are particularly proud to win the centre has proved so popular, it’s Best Leisure, Hospitality or Entertainment spacious, comfortable, air-conditioned Business Category in the Aylesbury and offers 14 lanes of fun, in Vale Business Awards - this really funky modern surroundings while is recognition for the staff and for the Rogue Café and fully licenced all the effort our teams on both bar offer tasty, freshly-prepared sites put in, to ensure a good time hot and cold meals, light snacks, is had by all. We take on board all alcoholic and soft drinks. There are our customers’ comments and try also two bookable party rooms and to better their experience with every free wifi for all customers. visit. Now Rogue Bowling is fast Aidan Kirwan “We are looking forward to approaching its first anniversary moving Rogue Racing across in the Spring - it opened on December 6th, 2014 and and having both our facilities housed under founder Aidan Kirwan, owner of local indoor one roof, to offer an all encompassing leisure karting centre, Rogue Racing, is pleased with experience. progress: “It’s only been a year,” says Aidan, “It was a huge effort “but we have created a loyal customer base and built a team of friendly and welcoming to get the facility up and staff who have a great ‘can do’ attitude and running last year, but it has been well worth it. In are always on hand to enhance the customer addition to the bowling experience. We are now an employer of over we have done everything 30 staff and are working with Aylesbury from theme nights to Training Group to add further skills to our live bands and we have worked with lots of local businesses, schools and charities, helping with fundraising, raffle prizes and corporate events. “Our first year anniversary sees us again working with Waterside Theatre who will help with our celebrations... watch this space...” To celebrate their first birthday on Sunday 6th December, Rogue Bowling
Rogue Bowling manager Ian, right, receiving the Best Leisure Business Award is giving 10% off all bowling on that day and from 10am to 12noon there will be a family fun morning with face painting, competitions, fun and games! Rogue Leisure also has some great value Christmas Packages available - see below or check out their website for further details. l Rogue Bowling, Unit 6 The Point, Gatehouse Way, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8DB Tel. 01296 326888 Email. enquiries@RogueBowling.co.uk Web: www.RogueBowling.co.uk Opening hours: Mon-Thur: 10am-11pm (off peak 10am-6pm) Friday: 10am-midnight (off peak 10am-5pm) Saturday: 10am-midnight Sunday: 10am-10pm
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l Column: Catherine Stoker Learning process
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
Rejection letter not end of the world
support at this difficult time. He or she needs to know that there is a right school for them where they will be happy and where they will succeed (and remember, TIEC can help you find it!) t this time of year, many Perhaps you chose the wrong school parents are facing the results in the first place and now need to reof their child’s recent senior think school choice more realistically. school entry pre-tests, To start this process, the first port of interviews, assessments or for some, call should be your prep school Head Catherine Stoker the 11+. Our consultants have been or senior schools adviser. If the results congratulating many who have received are unexpected or there are unusual Learning process good, however, sadly there have also circumstances which may have affected been parents who have come to us to your child’s performance, these are child to believe they will succeed and ask for help since their outcome was better presented to the senior school you will be proud of them, whatever not so positive. Here are a few tips admissions team as an objective opinion school they join. Your child will thrive from our team of consultants which from your current school, rather than better if they attend a school which have come in handy recently, while we challenges at the right level, rather than the emotional pleas of a worried parent. have been offering advice and support scraping in by their finger nails and Prep schools are called this for a reason, to parents at what can be a very tricky so ask them to use their relationship to battling their way through the next 5 time for all. support your appeal, if they confirm years to keep their head above water. Bad news on the result front presents Phil Hallworth adds a few key points that one is appropriate. Hence, as soon a confusing challenge for parents as to on supporting your child at this tricky as possible, seek guidance on the next choosing the right alternative. There’s steps from your current school and time below: also the primary concern of how you follow their advice. Don’t confuse your own feelings support your child through the sense If they advise revisiting your school of disappointment with those of of rejection they may feel at a young choices, try to disregard confusing your child. However you feel about it and sensitive age. This can be a knock remember that he or she will be feeling dinner party banter and school gate to both confidence and self-esteem for wretched about letting you down and chatter. Your child will have different some and needs careful handling. strengths, interests, personality and will feel a ‘failure’ - however hard they Always talk about your list of tried and however bright they are. Don’t learning needs compared with many potential school choices in a positive of their peers. Remain positive, think allow your own crushed aspirations way. Until you have a confirmed prevent you from doing the right thing through pros and cons of alternative outcome, it is important for your schools via evidence from your own for your child by way of love and
Independent education consultant Catherine Stoker’s tips for getting your teenager for university...
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experience of visits to the schools and you will more quickly find a way to resolve things. For those yet to face the gauntlet of 11+ or senior school pre-test, interview or assessment results, the most important advice of all is to be realistic from the outset and plan your senior school applications accordingly. Listen to advice from their current Head and other senior staff and make every effort to match up their academic level or other talents and interests, to the right senior school choices. Aiming high is important as children will often respond to a challenge by performing better. However, make the goals and challenge realistic, not pie in the sky. We are blessed with a whole range of senior school choices across both the state and independent sectors. Whatever your child’s strengths, interests and learning needs there is a right school for them, if you remain open-minded and realistic.
l Catherine Stoker is Managing Director of the Independent Education Consultants (TIEC): www.inpendenteducationconsultants.co.uk Call Claire on: 01865 522066 or email her via; consultants@ independenteducationconsultants.co.uk
re
Children Learning to Succeed
Maths & English Tuition
in Aylesbury
Call for a FREE assessment! 07762 886 951
TIME TO TAKE TO THE STAGE
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Acting, singing and dance classes for 4 to 18 year olds. Find out more and start your child’s journey today. Stagecoach Thame 01865 763767
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Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
ENROLLING NOW
l
Column: Stacey Astley-Clark ‘Good to give’
A sense of community
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hat does the word ‘Community’ mean to you? Given that it makes up 50% of our organisation’s title you’d think we’d have it sussed by now. Yet it seems the response to this question is very much determined by who you ask. Take for instance, my friend Phil, a statistician, who told me in no uncertain terms that the definition of community is a ‘group of selfinterested people’. While that might be technically correct, it all seems a little soulless, which is surely the exact opposite of what a community should be? To me, community is more a feeling or spirit. That palpable sense of belonging, which only arises when you feel part of something meaningful or worthwhile. It could be a neighbourhood, a workplace or a group of mums at a playground. The location is irrelevant; it’s the sense of collective purpose that counts and is arguably the
Stacey Astley-Clark
The new Community Shop & Café at Westbury key to our health, wealth and happiness. Here at Community Impact Bucks, we focus much of our energy on supporting charities, but we should also recognise Susanne & friends at the new shop site our hands-on Communities team who are out and about in the hub for local residents to connect. county, striving to ignite this crucial Through our Village SOS scheme, spirit amongst the people who need we’re helping make Susanne’s it the most. vision a reality. Take for example, Susanne “The shop will be run by Ashley from the village of volunteers and Community Impact Westbury. Her vision was to create Bucks have really helped with the a Community Shop and Café, practicalities such as training and offering lunch clubs for vulnerable insurance,” says Susanne. “They people and providing a central also provided a small start-up
Good to give
fund and are assisting us with fundraising.” So perhaps a better question is, what could the word Community mean to you? Let’s make it happen, together. Visit: www.community impactbucks.org.uk/villagesos l Stacey works for Community
Impact Bucks, a charity dedicated to creating a better life for the people of Buckinghamshire. Every year over 900 local voluntary groups rely on their support for funding, volunteers & crisis support. Their hotline is: 0300 1111 250 www.communityimpactbucks.org.uk
Win a UKick! I
t’s no secret that Dragon’s Den’s most successful inventions to date actually failed to receive any financial investment in the den; infamous examples include Tangle Teezer, which now boasts an annual turnover of 15m, and Trunki which, despite literally cracking under the weight of retail magnate Theo Paphitis, has since made its way into the households of 20% of British three to six year olds. Soon to join the ranks is David Robson’s UKick which has been backed by retail toy giant Hamleys as one of their top sellers for Christmas 2015. UKick, which is best described as a fusion of badminton and street football, was spotted by David on his travels around Far East Asia. A modern update to the Asian game of jianzi, the aim is simple: keep UKick off the ground with your hands or feet. The user can adjust UKick’s weighted pro discs to suit their skill level, attracting both adults and children, boys and girls - Everton
stars Romelu Lukaku and Kevin Mirallas were spotted using UKick as part of their training. If you’d like to be in with the chance of winning UKick, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Which Premiership side does Romelu Lukaku play for? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Dec 4th, 2015. l UKick, RRP £7.99. From Hamleys, Red5, Smyths Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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Win a copy of Paul Wilkinson’s Mastering Portrait Photography
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ulti award-winning, Haddenham based photographer Paul Wilkinson launched his new book Mastering Portrait Photography this month. Paul’s stylish, relaxed and personal images have resulted in him becoming one of the leading photographers in the country. He was UK Lifestyle and Location Portrait Photographer of the Year 2014 and is partner photographer to chef Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, and to the Crazy Bear Group. Co-authored with Sarah Plater, Paul’s authoritative guide - packed full of clear, concise, jargonbusting instructions and accompanied by lots of useful examples - discusses the essential technical aspects of photography, from choosing a camera and equipment to an appreciation of exposure, aperture, metering, shutter speed, depth of field and white balance settings.
MASTERING PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY
PAUL WILKINSON & SARAH PLATER
It shows how important it is to capture a subject’s emotion and personality and explores in depth how natural light, colour and movement affect a photograph and how to best take advantage of these factors when taking portrait photos. Vital post-production techniques such as reducing skin shine and bags are also covered well.
Along with advice on using artificial light, there are tips on pre-shoot presentation such as building rapport and choosing locations, post production techniques and colour correction. The book contains more than 200 images with tips and advice on how Paul creates his awardwinning pictures. Mastering Portrait Photography was released on Saturday 7th November 2015, RRP £19.99. It will be available from all major book stores and makes the perfect present for the enthusiastic photographer. If you’d like to be in with the chance of winning a copy of Mastering Portrait Photography, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Where is Paul’s studio? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Dec 4th, 2015.
Paul Wilkinson
l Paul’s studio in Haddenham has a limited number of signed copies, to find out more visit: www.paulwilkinsonphotography.co.uk
waitrose.com/thame
Community Matters Every month we give our time and money to local communities. We donate £1000 to be shared by three good causes that you choose.
Waitrose Thame Supporting the community 40
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
l Column: Read all about it! Book reviews by The Book House, Thame
Winter’s here, cuddle up with a good book!
With darkness now descending early in the day, sharing a book with your child is a cosy occupation! Publishers have their eyes on the Christmas market, and bookshops are bulging with the season’s amazing offerings… The multi-talented Emma Chichester Clark has brought her delightful dog ‘Plum’ (who has her own blog AND a book for adults) to a younger market, with a gorgeous picture book Emma has both written and illustrated called Love is My Favourite Thing. Plum likes nothing more than being cuddled and praised - but then she does a BAD THING and is left to
think about her behaviour. All ends happily, with cuddles and praise being restored when Plum says she is sorry… a delight for anyone who also likes to be loved! Amazing publisher Nosy Crow have struck gold again with their picture book There’s a Bear on my Chair by Ross Collins. An increasingly disgruntled mouse battles with a very large bear who is - most unhelpfully - sitting in mouse’s chair. In simple but hilarious rhyme, mouse describes his resentment whilst not quite being able to hide his admiration for some of the bear’s qualities: “I must admit he has some flair, He has fine taste in leisurewear. I’m fond of how he does his hair - But I still wish HE WAS NOT THERE!” The illustrations are brilliant. A picture book with a (lowtech) twist is Aina Bestard’s What’s Hidden in the Woods?
Pardon my English! A local dialect ‘Call My Bluff’ by Jacot de Boinod
Every spread has finely detailed illustrations, all hiding some kind of animal activity which has to be revealed through use of the three ‘magic’ glasses provided with the book. A wonderful treasure hunt ensues, through which the child learns all sorts of facts about the sometimes secretive world of a woodland. Great fun. More fun for the older child is to be found in the large format picture book Pierre the Maze Detective by Hiro Kamigoki which takes a ‘Where’s Wally’ approach to solving a mystery by negotiating the puzzles and mazes within the extraordinarily detailed illustrations - absolutely beguiling for an inquisitive child aged 8+. Pugs of the Frozen North is the third book from dynamic duo Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre,
published by Oxford University Press. Perfectly paced between humour and adventure, all three are lovingly illustrated, wonderful reads for 7+. Emma Chichester Clark’s illustrations lend their magic to the Enid Blyton Magical Treasury, one of a series of re-illustrated Blyton collections published by Hodder - a large and lavish volume to put under the Christmas tree. l The Book House, 93 High Street,
Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3HJ Tel: 01844 213032 anybook@thebookhousethame.co.uk www.thebookhousethame.co.uk Open Mon-Sat: 9am-5.30pm
Children love books!
Can you guess the right definitions of the following words? 1) Chitterlings (Hertfordshire dialect) A) small worthless apples remaining on the tree after the crop has been gathered in B) the edible part of a pig’s intestines C) wax drips from a candle
3) Rymer (Buckinghamshire dialect) A) the youngest of a litter of pigs B) someone who feasts or lives upon the industry of others C) a removable sluice in a floodgate
2) Cheeselog (Berkshire dialect) A) a woodlouse B) a scarecrow made of old garments C) a thick slice of bread
4) Shucketty (Berkshire dialect) A) secret, shady B) shaky C) rough, blunt, unceremonious; forward and noisy
l Adam Jacot de Boinod was a researcher for
the television series QI and is the author of The Meaning of Tingo and Other Extraordinary Words from around the World, published by Penguin Books. Having researched our rural dialect, he is setting a fun ‘Call-My-Bluff Quiz for Vale Life readers - mind your language now...
Come and choose from the best children’s bookshop in the county:
THE BOOK HOUSE
93 High Street, Thame, Oxon OX9 3HJ Tel: 01844 213032 Open Mondays-Saturdays 9am-5.30pm
Website: www.thebookhousethame.co.uk Email: anybook@thebookhousethame.co.uk We also sell books for grown-ups... and fantastic cards as well as gift stationery and toys. Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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ANSWERS: 1B) the edible part of a pig’s intestines. 2A) a woodlouse. 3C) a removable sluice in a floodgate. 4B) shaky.
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Column: Anna Webb‘Barking blonde’
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
A barking good Christmas!
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his Christmas Britain’s pet owners will spend an average of £34 on their beloved pet in a collective spend of over £739million according to a new survey. Dogs are set to benefit from more festive spending than cats receiving an average of £23 worth of presents compared to £17 per cat. Dogs owners are more likely to splash out with three quarters of them intending to get their dog a gift to less than two thirds of cat owners says Sainsbury’s insurance. This backs up another survey by The Kennel Club that suggests dog owners are more generous than cat owners. According to the survey, Dog owners earn an average salary of £21,497 while cat owners bring in £20,556 per annum and dog owners tend to tip more in a restaurant than cat owners! Apparently dog owners seem to share their pets’ generous nature and they are not afraid to lavish their money on friends, family and
Is it Carmen Miranda? No - just Dexter looking cool in his Elf hat their four-legged companions at Christmas. Only six per cent of dog owners
spend over £50 on their dog at Christmas though. Food treats are the most popular Christmas gift with 67% buying food treats for their dog. 59% will buy a toy and eight per cent will buy clothing. Posting pictures of dogs in ‘Santa outfits’ has grown in popularity with over 20% of owners using a social media site for their dog. This year many are opting to join a new network called Mutt Mate. com, which boasts that 21% of its members are from around the Vale and The Chilterns. Some dogs don’t mind being dressed up, others hate it. Providing you and your dog have a laugh, and its not at the dog’s discomfort, the occasional Elf hat photo shoot can be a fun. It’s an experience to share with like minded friends and their dogs this Christmas. Dexter my English Toy Terrier wears his ‘Elf’ hat with pride. For him it’s training time to pose for the camera whilst spreading a bit of festive fun.
Anna Webb
Barking blonde Make Christmas safe and fun and be mindful to avoid Christmas doggy hazards like: raisins, chocolate, tinsel, glass baubles, sellotape, and too many leftovers. Nobody wants a costly emergency trip to the vets on Christmas Day! l Combining a psychology degree with
‘Naturopathic Healthcare & Natural Nutrition’, Anna Webb offers doggy life-coaching, training, natural health and diet advice. Anna contributes expert advice on national radio and TV and cowrites a weekly blog for The Independent (Barking Blondes). Her book ‘Barking Blondes’ co-written with Joanne Good is out now (Hamlyn). www.annawebb.info www.crendoncanines.com
106xx out of the dog house a5 1pp 2 25/10/2013 10:40 Page 1
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
Unique Pets has been growing rapidly but is still a family of animal lovers who understand that every pet is different. The staff are always happy to chat over your unique needs and will do their best to offer helpful, individually tailored advice...
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nique Pets will be celebrating its From left: Tom, Jenna, Ellie, Sarah, Lucy and Michaela fourth birthday soon. Owner Jenna opened her first shop in Winslow in December 2011 and a second in Aylesbury just over two years ago. There’s a lot more to celebrate first though! The local pet supplies company is one of the top five firms shortlisted to win the Pet Industry’s National Best Independent Retailer Award and on Saturday, October 17th, they moved their Aylesbury store from Duck Farm Court to spacious new premises on Chamberlain Road. It’s a big step up but Unique Pets has proved so popular that the old site just wasn’t large enough any more. Jenna has also been joined by a new business partner to help run the expanding firm, Lucy Ellis. Sarah and Lucy manning the tills The new Aylesbury branch boasts more than 6,000ft2 of space which means an extended range of products plus exciting new lines and better displays, two groomers (Jaime has been getting booked up weeks ahead so Sarah will now be sharing the load), a dedicated training room and a photographic studio where you can have your pet, or pet and family portrait taken. There’s even a café “We have three freezers of bones area with dog friendly sofas! now (it used to be just one) and proper “There’s so much more room,” says Lucy. sections for cats, birds, horses, chickens, “We’ve got more storage space too, a proper small mammals such as rabbits and delivery bay and a huge walk in freezer. We hamsters, reptiles (frozen and live food) have taken on some new brands - Paleo Ridge, and fish (food and fishing bait), which Jaime with client a really lovely natural dog food and Farm all used to be a bit squeezed in before. Food cold pressed is excellent too and we’re lead walking, puppy training and fungility. “We’ve a good selection of leads able to stock more natures:menu which is very and collars including specialist collars and “We are still as competitive on price though popular. We are raw feeding specialists but we and we deliver twice a week to the local area harnesses for sighthounds and lurchers who have a good selection of wet and dry foods for a nominal £1.50 charge. have deep chests and small heads. too and lots of healthy snacks and treats. “Come and visit our new home soon, we “The dog robes are a great idea, you slip think you’ll love it as much as we do!” them on to your pet if they are wet from a walk or a bath and it drys them, keeps them l Unit 4, Aylesbury Business Centre, warm and saves your home or car from Chamberlain Road, Aylesbury HP19 8DY getting a soaking! We’ve also got dog bed liner Tel: 01296 706403 on a roll now, so it can be cut to size to fit any Email: getintouch@uniquepets.co.uk dog bed or car boot, there’s huge cushions Web: www.uniquepets.co.uk Facebook: \UniquePetBoutique for big dogs, cosy snuggle pouches for little Open: Mon/Tue/Fri: 9am-6pm, Wed/Thur: dogs and an ID tag engraving machine with a 9am-7pm, Sat: 9am-5pm, Sun: 10am-4pm whole range of unusual tag shapes. “Tom Walsh is an IMDT dog trainer and l 61 High Street, Winslow MK18 3DG runs workshops and classes for dogs of all Tel: 01296 715697 Open: Mon-Sat: 9am-5pm, Sun: Closed ages (details on website), such as recall, loose Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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Column: Down to business with Philippa Batting
Funds for rural business
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n rural areas the local farm shop, pub or community group can provide a lifeline for so many people, yet stories of businesses struggling to survive and serve their communities are commonplace. That is why it’s great to be able to let you know that a new round of LEADER project funding has been secured that aims to create jobs, develop rural businesses and generally support the rural economy. Whether you are a farmer, grower, forester, publican, small shop owner, member of a community group, or run a rural business of any kind, you could be eligible for a grant totalling anything from £5,000 to £50,000. As reported by Buckinghamshire Business First earlier this year, rural businesses are becoming increasingly significant employers, accounting for almost 30% of all jobs in the UK. In fact, in the last decade or so rural areas have outperformed major urban cities, excluding
Philippa Batting Down to business
Philippa Batting with Lorna Brooks of Princes Risborough based Fullers Flowers who LEADER helped purchase a delivery vehicle London, on job creation. The LEADER programme, delivered by Buckinghamshire Business First’s subsidiary Ngage Solutions, will build on these positive signs by helping the rural economy achieve further growth with its priorities of job creation and business development. LEADER has rural people at heart, as anyone familiar with LEADER’s past successes will know. Whether it was helping a post
office in North Marston reopen, supporting a community group in Dinton to purchase the freehold of The Seven Stars pub, helping a farmer in Stoke Mandeville expand his meat processing unit in order to remain competitive, or enabling a florist to purchase a delivery vehicle and create a job, LEADER has a track record of delivering results for rural communities. New success stories are waiting to be written, so with the
application process going live any day now, get in touch with the team to find out if you are eligible for funding. Let me introduce you to the dedicated team that will be handing out the grants: Mike Furness, Amber Kelly and Rowan Lawrance will be your points of contact, all bringing great experience and passion to the project. Give them a call today on 01494 568970 and visit www.leaderprogramme.org.uk for more details. 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 : Nov/Dec 2015
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l Column: Jonathan Vernon-Smith
Consumer Affairs
ticed? Do you need tognge, taffonordable Stunning desi nt customer prices and excelle with us… service. Stick
Award-winning BBC Three Counties presenter Jonathan Vernon-Smith extends his Consumer Hour to report for Vale Life Magazine on consumer issues that could effect you...
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thought this month it would be very useful for me to explain the new Consumer Rights Act that came into force on the 1st October 2015. I find it a little difficult to get too excited about it, as much of the consumer rights already existed, but at least the law has been clarified. Hopefully this will make life easier not only for us consumers, but also for the retailers, may of whom have been unclear about their obligations to their customers. I think the most important changes to the law are as follows: - 30 days to get a refund. Although this was pretty much the case before, the law now makes it very clear that if a product develops a fault within the first 30 days, you are automatically entitled to a full refund. No more arguing what a ‘reasonable’ period of time is after the purchase date. - Failed Repairs. Previously retailers could demand up to 3 attempts to repair the same existing problem. Now you are entitled to ask for a refund (or price reduction) after 1 failed attempt to repair. If you don’t want either of these, you can request another repair or replacement at no cost to yourself. - Deductions from refunds. Previously a retailer could take into account the use you’d had from a product when issuing a refund. Now, for the first 6 months after purchase they cannot deduct any money from a refund they issue. You should be aware that there is a clause that allows motor vehicle retailers to take usage into account. - Unfair terms in consumer contracts. It is now easier for consumers to challenge hidden fees and charges. The key terms of a contract, including price may be assessed for fairness unless they are both prominent and transparent. 46
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
As with the Sale of Goods Act, products should still be: - Satisfactory quality. Goods should not be faulty or damaged when you receive them. They should also last for a ‘reasonable’ amount of time based on the amount of money you have spent on them. The more you spend, the more you’re entitled to. - Fit for purpose. They should do what they are supposed to do. - As described. The goods must match any description given to you at the time of purchase. You should also bear in mind that the law remains the same in terms of the time limits on making claims. For example, from the date of purchase to the first 6 months, the responsibility lies with the retailer to prove that the problem with the product has been caused by you, the consumer. From 6 months after the purchase date, the responsibility falls to you the consumer to prove that the product has an inherent manufacturing fault or has not lasted for a ‘reasonable’ amount of time. Any cost incurred to prove this, can be reclaimed from the retailer. Of course, I hope that the new Consumer Rights Act will mean that we’ll see an end to businesses treating customers badly. Sadly, experience has taught me that despite this new clarification in the law, there will still be those that flout it. As always, if you find yourself locked in a dispute with a retailer who’s treating you like a fool, then please contact my programme for help. You can email me on jvsshow@bbc.co.uk (please include a daytime telephone number). l Listen to The JVS Show
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Column: Small World with Robyn Bourne
To meet or not to meet
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ver the last few months people I meet with have been talking about meetings. How do you get people to attend? What makes a good event? How can we encourage more people to come and hear what we want to share with them? It seems to be increasingly difficult to attract a reasonable turnout at events that only a few years ago would have been sold out. Nothing has changed with the meetings themselves, but there is change afoot. My view is that we are all so busy nowadays that time is even more precious to us. We work long hours, we are attached to our phones, looking at emails, social media etc... When we finally do have some downtime we want to do what we really like and not what would have been ‘nice to do’ a couple of years ago. Time is money, and for those running their own businesses they have to make the most of the time that they have available to them. Events then become a greater
Robyn Bourne consideration; is it worth driving for 30 minutes/ an hour to network and learn something for two hours to then have to go back and catch up on what has been missed. From what I am seeing the decision is “no, not unless you are offering me something that is essential and I really need to know”. Thinking about this, yet still wanting to offer people the chance to gain further knowledge to enhance their business, I wondered if webinars might be the way forward. Short bite-size sessions, free to attend and where people could learn about something that was important to them, but with the benefit of not having to leave their desks. I spoke to a number of people about it and found that it was something that other
organisations are also talking about as ‘The way forward’. So I went with it. With a lot of help and support from businesses and organisations, both large and small, we have now got a calendar of at least 36 webinars happening over the next 12 months. They range from ‘learning about apprentices’, ‘how to deal with cybercrime’, and ‘social media’ to ‘your business’ and ‘how to create an effective marketing plan’. All will follow the same format: half an hour presentation with half an hour for questions. Easy to sign up to, easy to attend, easy to learn something new without taking too much time out of the precious day. The aim is to ‘share the knowledge’ but in a way that is more attuned with how we are all working today.
Small World
Don’t get me wrong, we are still doing networking events as well, it is just that we are trying to embrace the multi-generational times that we live in and tick more boxes for more people, to enable everyone to get what they want from meetings, be they physical or virtual. We are now engaging with more people on different levels, hopefully all for the same aim... to help and support small business owners across the country. If you would like to learn more, or to sign up, please visit www.fsb. org.uk/thamesvalley/webinars l Robyn Bourne is Development Manager for the Thames Valley region of the Federation of Small Businesses supporting 7,500 local members. www.fsb.org.uk
Carwash cash for local causes
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n Aylesbury businessman has £10,000 to donate to local charities and is looking for suggestions from the community as to which organisations could benefit. Arif Rehman runs the popular Pitstop Carwash on Gatehouse Way and each year puts aside the money he takes from renting out advertising boards on the hoardings around his carwash. “We only charge £5 per week for the advertising panels,” says Arif, “but it all mounts up and each year I like to donate the money to help local people in need. “We have slips and a suggestion box in our waiting room, which customers are encouraged to use to recommend worthy causes, or they can write to me here, or email their suggestions to pitstopcarvalet@aol. com. I am happy to hear from the charities themselves too. I want to combine suggestions from our customers and the local community. “Ideally I’d like several local to
Aylesbury organisations to benefit, perhaps hard up families, homeless people, children in care... “Things are going well for us here but there are people out there who need help and hopefully other businesses will think like I’m thinking. If they are able give something back to the community too it all helps.” Arif set up the Pitstop Hand Carwash in a corner of the current site on Gatehouse Way, some nine years ago. “I wanted to work outdoors, “ he says. “I had a computer shop before this and before that I’d been in retail management, so this is quite different but thankfully it’s worked really well. “I thought there was a gap in the market for a good car wash in Aylesbury, where they offered good service and were polite and appreciative of your business. I’d been to a couple I wasn’t that impressed with. “We started small and each year
Arif Rehman at Pitstop Hand Carwash we got a little bigger and have gradually expanded to take over the whole site. We have an office and a waiting room and also a tyre workshop now. “We wash any kind of vehicle here from cars to vans, caravans to trucks. We concentrate on providing a high quality service and are upgrading our facilities all the time. We’re improving the outside lighting, we have a clean waiting room with TV, hot and cold drinks machines, a little toddler play area and free wifi for customers. “We’ve been doing the charity donations for several years now. Things are going well and it’s nice
to be in a position to help others. “We’re looking to make a decision in early January and hopefully we can follow up in February’s Vale Life Magazine to let people who has been given the donations this year, so hurry up and seend in your suggestions!” l Pitstop Hand Car Wash, Unit 2 Gatehouse Way, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8DB Tel: 01296 317744 Email: pitstopcarvalet@aol.com Web: www.pitstopcarservices.com www.facebook.com\ pitstophandcarwashaylesbury Open 7 days a week, 7am - 7pm Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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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comforts
Step inside by Polly Gibbs
Interiors Edit: Turn over a new leaf
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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.
Autumn is upon us, so what better time to focus on the latest nature inspired homewares says Polly Gibbs....
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f you’re a follower of fashion you’ll know the catwalks were adorned with stylised floral motifs in spades this autumn; from oversized leaf prints and creeping vines, to Valentino’s Spring Garden brocade boots that were inspired by Botticelli’s La Primavera painting (£840 net-aporter.com). So I just had to bring you word of the recent collaboration between House Of Hackney and Morris & Co. (see pic facing page), because it carries this trend into the home perfectly. The collection takes inspiration from design archives to create a cacophony of deliciously sumptuous patterns that will literally make your home pop. William Morris (1834-1896) was an artist, philosopher and political theorist and one of the most influential designers of the Arts and Crafts Movement that rebelled against industrialisation. Emphasising the beauty of nature instead, his company, Morris & Co. produced some of the most fashionable textiles and wallpapers of his time. It’s fitting then that his legacy continues today through House of Hackney (who I think are a modern day Morris & Co), producing authentic versions of his original designs alongside new interpretations that give a fresh twist to his timeless style. Continued on page 51
Image: Valentino Spring Garden Brocade Boots
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2015
Diana Vreeland (Pinterest)
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Step inside by Polly Gibbs
Liberty-Garden-Onyx (Ditchling armchair in Garden Onyx)
Blackthorn (Blackthorn & Artemis)
Step inside by Polly Gibbs Continued from page 49
Sources: houseofhackney.com liberty.co.uk william-morris.co.uk sofasandstuff.com
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Re-imagined for a contemporary audience, Hyacinth and Blackthorn were selected for their symmetry, whilst Seaweed has a more organic, fluid use of motifs from the natural world. The designers at House of Hackney experimented with repeats and scales and used a brighter, bolder colour palette than was possible with the natural vegetable dyes available in the 1800s. The result is a playful, enchanting and fearless kaleidoscope of pattern. Artemis completes the collection, inspired by the iconic ‘Garden in Hell’ sitting room of the former Vogue editor, Diana Vreeland (image far left), an iconoclast who created the word pizzazz, discovered Lauren Bacall, styled Jackie O and helped launch Twiggy’s career in America. She famously once said: “You gotta have style. It helps you get up in the morning. It’s a way of life”, and suggested mothers “paint a map of the world on all four walls
of your boys’ nursery so they won’t grow up with a provincial point of view.” It’s no surprise then that her home was a maximalist spectacle packed with personality. If you love Artemis, you should also have a look at Liberty’s Garden Onyx for a psychedelic version - shown on the Ditchling armchair from Sofas and Stuff. It’s full on! (Image bottom facing page). I’ll end with another famous quote from Vreeland that resonates with me; “I’m terrible on facts. But I always have an idea. If you have an idea, you’re well ahead.” Have a great month.
IC
IN
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Providing advice and installations to private customers, professionals and contractors for over 25 years Extensive experience with thatched, heritage and listed buildings. Unrivalled customer service through the commitment of our family team. Oxfordshire • Buckinghamshire • Hertfordshire • Berkshire • and beyond Contact us to book your free home survey or to visit our showroom to see the stoves in action.
Stoves, Installatio ns & Servicing
THE BEST IN
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North Mill Road Bledlow Bucks HP27 9QP 01844 342400 info@northmillstoves.co.uk www.northmillstoves.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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vale_life_advert_Layout 1 21/07/2014 15:54 Page 1
Stoneworld the stone experts
Stone for the garden: for patio, paving, walls, gravel, cobbles and pebbles, feature stone and water features.
Stone for the home: for floors, worktops, fireplaces and hearths. Stone made to measure: reproduce any item in stone, from restoring an architectural feature to intricate sculpture for home and garden.
www.stoneworld.co.uk or come and visit: Stone for the garden Great Milton OX44 7NW 01844 279274
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Stone for the home Thame OX9 2DW 01844 261768
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
Stoneworld is now in its 13th year and far from being stuck in the stone age! The firm is constantly evolving and expanding and now boasts two local showrooms, hi-tech cutting machinery and its own range of stone cleaners and sealants. MD Rob Parker tells us of saints, lions and swimming pools...
F
rom humble beginnings in 2002, selling gravel from a portacabin at Great Milton, Rob Parker has developed a successful, nationally respected business, that is not just a one stop shop for ‘all your stone needs’ but also a supplier of Scavolini Kitchens (displayed at Stoneworld’s Thame showroom) and something of a collaborative sculptor, for Stoneworld can produce stone statues and bespoke decorative stonework with the their sophisticated, hi-tech cutting equipment. “We’ve just seen seven painted Rob Parker stone statues installed in the medieval nave screen at St Albans Cathedral,” says Rob. “It’s to complete a work that was started more than 665 years ago, in 1350, but halted by the plague. The statues of Christian martyrs were created by sculptor Rory Young for the cathedral’s 900th anniversary celebrations. “We cut the figures from blocks of Caen stone to Rory’s specifications, leaving an extra 3mm for him to work the finer details and colour. The commission took him five years to complete and was officially unveiled in October. “Another project was to produce four lion sculptures to sit around the base of an obelisk on a private estate - a design based upon an original 1792 work by Canova in Italy. “Each lion weighed 12 tonnes, (being around 4.2m long) and was created from 5 blocks of French Massangis limestone. Digital scans of the lions, taken from lion sculptures at Chatsworth House, were sized up and programmed into our StoneGenie and the robotic carving arm created the lion sculptures, working on 3 blocks at a time and taking approximately 7 weeks per lion! After delivery the final few mms of stone was carved by hand on site by stonemasons.” More locally Stoneworld is responsible for the Stone paving at Bicester Village and supplied stone paving and walling and made the sculpture for Thame Youth Memorial garden. The stone for the sculpture was a single large piece of Carrara marble. The StoneGenie worked 24 hours a day for several weeks to produce the sculpture which was then finished
by hand. Also produced on the Stonegenie for the gardens were engraved Nero Impala granite and White Mint paviers.
for fantastic decorative effects.” Over the years Rob has often been asked for advice on stone cleaning products and admits Finished lion in situ that many on the market are not that great. “Black spot lichen was particularly difficult to get rid of,” says Rob. “We couldn’t find anything that worked satisfactorily, so we employed a chemist to come up with a solution and we’ve introduced our own range of products that actually work. They are so good in fact I’ve put my own name to them! Stoneworld now sells ‘Rob Parker’s Best Patio Cleaner,’ plus his patio sealant A lion being carved by the StoneGenie and also a cleaner for kitchen worktops and one for stone floors. You can buy them from Stoneworld or on Amazon. The firm is busier than ever supplying kitchen worktops as well as internal stone, ceramic and wood flooring, stone staircases, external paving and gravels and aggregates for landscaping paths and driveways, stone for walls and rockeries, bespoke swimming pool surrounds, stone hearths and fireplaces and Scavolini kitchens. “There’s a trend for putting in concrete staircases and then having them clad in stone,” says Rob. “We can cut cladding pieces to fit with our waterjet, in a most cost effective manner. It’s also great for irregularly shaped swimming pool surrounds as we can cut to a Smaller commissions have included busts template of the shape.” and decorative architectural features such Rob is currently looking to recruit a as a replacement gable end stone for a roof stonemason and a trainee stonemason, plus a renovation, cut from Bathstone. yard person and forklift driver. Contact him at “It’s taken time to establish the StoneGenie,” Great Milton as below. says Rob. “But now word has spread and it is l Stoneworld, Views Farm, Windmill Hill, very busy. We now have a 3D water jet cutter Great Milton, Oxfordshire, OX44 7NW as well, which can cut patterns with extreme Tel: 01844 279274. precision. It’s the first of its type in the UK. It Stoneworld, 43A Upper High Street, shoots a fine jet of water at 87,000psi and can Thame, OX9 2DW. Tel: 01844 261768. Web: www.stoneworld.co.uk cut bespoke shapes in stone like a laser beam
Thame Youth Memorial Garden
The 7 martyrs at St Albans Cathedral
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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‘The Art of Wood Burning’
JØtul “fighting the cold since 1853”
The most comprehensive showroom in Oxfordshire Over 75 stoves and 15 under fire on display Kiln dried and Eco logs
Jøtul – logo
HETAS registered. Ample free parking. Boundary Business Park, Wheatley Road, Garsington, OX44 9EJ Showroom open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm, Saturday 10am-1pm For technical advice it is advisable to make an appointment
01865 361505 www.manorhousestoves.co.uk Featured stoves from JØtul 54
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
When it comes to tiles the choice can be quite overwhelming! Happily the friendly family team at a new Aylesbury tile boutique can save you time and stress with design tips, advice on your best options and the supply and expert fitting of your selection...
S
&L Walls and Floors is a collaboration between Louise Brooker and her husband Simon. The couple recently opened their own boutique tile and flooring showroom in Aylesbury and together can not only supply and fulfil all your wall and floor covering needs, but also offer a professional interior design service through Louise’s ‘Louise Brooker Interiors’ and a top quality tile fitting service through Simon’s ‘SDB Tiling Ltd’. An expert tiler with more than 16 years experience in the industry, Simon also spent some years working for a local tile manufacturer, so has a good understanding of tile manufacture, supply and fitting. He established his own tiling firm in 2004. Louise has always enjoyed interior design and has developed her talents over the years doing up her own homes, on projects for friends and through an interior design course. She has a flair for colours, textures and fabrics and likes to work with mood boards to demonstrate to her clients how different components will work together and the kind of atmosphere that can be created, or how different tile selections will look together. “It can be difficult to visualise how a specific tile will look on an area of wall in your kitchen,” says Louise. “So I am
producing tile inspiration boards to show how different products go together and I can put together personalised mood boards for the client’s own room.” Originally from Wycombe the couple have lived in Aylesbury for some 15 years. “Simon has been fitting tiles for many years,” says Louise, “he’s a real expert and wants to pass on his knowledge and help customers make the right tile selections. I’ve been helping friends with interior design ideas for years and it seemed a good time to bring the two things together and run our own tile shop with design and fitting services attached. “We want it to be a great customer experience - a personal service, it’s relaxed and friendly here and we enjoy sitting down and discussing the options over a coffee while you look at samples. We can help you make the right tile choice and perhaps show you some options you hadn’t thought of.” “We’ll only be open by appointment to start with,” says Simon, “but we are flexible and available daytimes, evenings and weekends, so just call or email and we’ll organise a time. “We are supplying a selected range of good quality products from ceramic tiles, to natural
Louise and Simon Brooker
stone, glass mosaics, printed and textured ceramics and porcelain, travertine, swimming pool surrounds, commercial flooring, nonslip and frost proof tiles, engineered wood flooring, all the products you might wish for... “All our tiles are of excellent quality and many are exclusive to us in this area. Beautiful wall and floor tiles from some of the best factories, selected to represent excellent quality, value for money and great design. We can cater for all budgets and offer choices that are a bit different to the big DIY chains.” “Fashions are always changing,” says Simon. “At the moment tiles are getting bigger and wood effect tiles are popular too. We have some amazing ‘Urban’ tiles for instance, that are made of porcelain but look like old distressed wooden floorboards! Great for that real ‘wow factor’ in a bathroom and glass or stone mosaics are popular too, as a vertical band or feature wall to break up a stretch of tiles. We can supply most things but we don’t hold any stock on site, so please call to check delivery times.” S&L Walls and Floors have a website with more information and examples of their stock but for the full range it is best to call for an appointment and meet up with Louise or Simon at the showroom.
l S&L Walls & Floors, Space Business Centre, Smeaton Close, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8FJ Tel: 01296 317724 Mob: 07834 517578 / 07843 011875 Email: enquiries@slwallsandfloors.co.uk Web: www.slwallsandfloors.co.uk
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Real Living
by Charlotte Bolton
Plan your beautiful
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2015
Christmas table
Real Living
Charlotte Bolton
Family get-togethers are even more special at Christmas and on the big day itself the Christmas dining table is the ONE place where your family all stops at the same time and comes together. So make it easy for yourself and start organising things now; choose one of 2015’s KEY COLOUR themes for a fabulous festive dining scheme - all your family and friends will love!... 1.
4.
3. 5. 6. 7.
2. Key look number one FESTIVE RED Combine berry shades and snowwhite tableware with traditionalstyle linens and patterns for a fun, informal look with hints of Scandinavian chic! The bright cheerful reds sit beautifully next to a crisp clean white and kids will love the playful heart and star motifs that are key to this look.
1. Timeless Table Cover Vintner table runner, £5, Ikea. 2. Colourful Tableware from £3.99 for a dinner plate, Homebase. 3. Festive Jug
£12, The Contemporary Home. 4. Snowy Weather Theme £6 for two linen napkins, Waitrose. 5. Frosted Looks £8 per wine glass, Betty Jackson. Black at Debenhams
6. Pretty Felt Placemats £15 for four, Marks & Spencer. 7. Snowy Coasters £5 for a set of eight, Not on The High Street
5. 2.
6.
Key look number two FROSTY SILVER WITH GREY AND BLUE Team cool icy shades together for this classic look with magical glistening tones. Glass and silver ware adds to the glimmer and shine so add in candle holders, tealight holders, glass vases and sparkly accessories for the table such as pretty glass stones or silver confetti-size stars/snowflakes.
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1. Soft Blue Shades Peacock Plate, £10.95, Liberty. 2. Set of 4 Christmas Bell Napkin Holders, £16 for four, Laura Ashley. 3. Tall Glass Desert Dish, £1.50, Asda
4.
7.
1.
3.
4. Glamorous Table Centrepiece Heart of house Canzano silver candle sticks, £19.99 for two, Argos. 5. Stylish Table Runner Table Runner, £16.99, Lakeland.
6. Silvery Two Tone Glass Silver fade wine glass, £4, Sainsbury’s. 7. Winter Blue Bauble Bauble, £3.50 for four, Tesco.
4. 1. 3.
2.
Key look number three RUSTIC WOODLAND Go for vintage-style plates, forest green glassware and animal motifs. A large vase of seasonal flowers or greenery on the middle of the table adds Christmas warmth and takes centre stage. If you’re keeping your table informal, it doesn’t need to be cluttered with too many cutlery or glass options. Continued on page 58
5.
1. Feathered Friend Pheasant decoration, £4.50, John Lewis. 2. Racing Christmas Hares Napkins, £13 for four, Sophie Allport. 3. Festive Toast Villeroy & Boch wine
glass, Selfridges 4. Country Pursuits Wrendale placemats and coasters (pictured). Prices from £9.25 for six coasters, all Pimpernel. 5. Pretty Vintage Dinner Plate,
£25.50 for a set of six, Churchill. 6. Stately Home Style Stag candleholders, prices from £6.40, House of Fraser. 7. Natural Yuletide Looks Pinecone decoration, £5.50, John Lewis.
MORE ROOM LESS BILLS Add space and value to your home with a fully insulated garden building constructed to provide all year round comfort without the heating costs. Prices start from as little as £9,950 for a 200 sq ft building. To find out more contact us today 01296 342423 or visit our website ecosmartbuildings.com ECO_Vale_Life_Ad_125x190.indd 1
57 Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015 15:48 30/10/2015
Real Living
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
by Charlotte Bolton
Continued from page 57
6.
6. Stately Home Style Stag candleholders, prices from £6.40, House of Fraser. 7. Natural Yuletide Looks Pinecone decoration, £5.50, John Lewis.
7.
And Finally... A TABLE JUST FOR THE KIDS... Create a gorgeous snowman themed table with just white plates, mini silver crackers and carrots and chocolate buttons (for the nose and eyes). Add to the scheme with white ‘lining paper’ decorated with glittery sparkly snowflakes for their ‘placemats’ and finish off with bright icy blue napkins. Perfect! l Contact Charlotte at: www.reallivingspaces.co.uk or email: cjb@charlottebolton.com
Kloeber’s advanced glazing solutions are available in bespoke or set sizes, with exceptional insulating values, multi-point locking and low maintenance finishes. View our website for further details of our extensive product range with solutions for all self builders and home improvers. Kloeber’s timber bifold doors and FunkyFront entrance doors are Secured by Design.
Bespoke glazing solutions in timber aluminium & composite
Visit our showrooms in London, Cambridgeshire and Buckinghamshire, see website for details 58 Life : Nov/Dec 2015local ali mono.indd KloeberVale 190x125 landscape
1
folding sliding doors sliding doors french doors single doors windows shaped glazed screens entrance doors roof lights
telephone
01487 740044 info@kloeber.co.uk www.kloeber.co.uk
09/09/2015 23:09
by Cathy Soughton
Hughenden Manor
H
ughenden Manor, once the country house of Benjamin Disraeli, who was Prime Minister in 1868 and again from 1874 to 1880, is an imposing red brick Victorian mansion, standing on a wooded hill close to High Wycombe. Now owned by the National Trust it’s an interesting place to explore and holds fascinating wartime secrets. Hughenden Manor was first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 when its tenant in chief was Bishop Odo of Bayeux, the halfbrother of William the Conqueror. The bishop probably commissioned the famous Bayeux Tapestry. The manor passed through various hands over the centuries and in 1848 it was purchased by Benjamin Disraeli who was an aspirational back bench MP at the time. He intended to make the house his country retreat which would also be suitable for entertaining. There would have been a manor house on the site since the medieval period. In 1848 the house
Hughendon Manor consisted of a core dating from 1738 which had been extended in the late 1700s into a large plain 13 bay brick built house, rendered in stucco. Disraeli had grander plans and in 1862 he employed the architect Edward Buckton Lamb to remodel the house. He transformed it by removing the stucco and adding new windows and elaborate brickwork surmounted by a parapet of battlements and pinnacles. Internally the house has a Gothic flavour with ribbed ceilings and moulded cornices and panels. Most of the reception rooms have large plate glass windows (a Victorian innovation) overlooking a grassy parterre with views over the Hughenden Valley. In 1876 Disraeli was elevated to the House of Lords as Earl of Beaconsfield and Viscount Hughenden. Queen Victoria visited Hughenden Manor the following year and Disraeli arranged to have the legs of one of the
dining room chairs shortened so her legs wouldn’t dangle. There is now a large collection of Disraeli’s personal memorabilia on display in the house. Disraeli died in 1881 and was buried in a vault at Hughenden church which stands in the grounds of the manor. Inside the church Queen Victoria erected a memorial to him - the only example of a reigning monarch doing so for one of her subjects. Disraeli died childless and left Hughenden to his nephew Coningsby Disraeli. After Coningsby’s death in 1936 it was sold to William Henry Abbey who vested the house and grounds to the Disraelian Society on the understanding that they would subsequently hand it over to the National Trust which they did in 1947. During the Second World War, Hughenden Manor was occupied by the Air Ministry and used as a secret intelligence base code-named
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
“Hillside”. German map production was deliberately stopped in 1930, so when war broke out in 1939 there were no up-to-date maps of Germany which made planning military operations extremely difficult. Planes were sent to take aerial photographs of Germany which were then forwarded to Hughenden. Thousands of maps were produced which were used in bombing missions including the Dambusters raid and the D-Day Landings. Hillside became one of Hitler’s top targets but the Germans never managed to find where it was located. There’s now an exhibition in the cellars at Hughenden which portray the life and work of the Hillside mapmakers, as well as showing some of the incredibly detailed maps that they produced. Information on visiting Hughenden Manor, the gardens and woodland are detailed on the National Trust’s website http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hughenden/visitor-information/ l Cathy Soughton is a professional genealogist and architectural historian providing family history and house history research across the local area. Tel: 01296 624845 Email: soughton@btopenworld.com Web: www.bucksresearch.co.uk
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l Column ‘In the Garden’ with
Naomi MacKay
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
Still a few jobs to be done!
G
Make your door a festive focal point!
et a few tough jobs done in the garden now and then look forward to some rewards from Father Christmas… says Naomi MacKay The end of the year is in sight now, and the shorter days mean it’s harder to get anything done in the garden. If you’re at work all day, there’s not much chance of getting outside in the week. But you can cheer yourself up by flicking through the catalogues that are more than likely cascading through your letterbox with alarming regularity - if not, get yourself signed up to receive seed and young plant catalogues - and introduce a bit of colour to your dark evenings. When you do get a chance to get outside - and this time of year can be lovely, especially if it is dry, crisp and sunny - it’s worth doing a bit of hard work. If you have heavy soil, like mine, get digging, so that the winter frosts are able to break up the clods you turn over. It can be hard work, so don’t do too much – no one wants a bad back in time for Christmas. But the colder weather
Lights can add festive atmosphere
is a good time to do those more physical jobs - you’ll keep yourself warm and really feel you’ve earned a spot on the sofa once the sun goes down! It’s also a good time of year to improve the soil in your veg patch or allotment. Sorry, there’s more digging involved - work methodically in rows or trenches, so that you know where you’ve got to. Dig down, and remove the top of the soil. Fork in some well-rotted manure or composted bark – or empty out your compost heap. Then take the
top soil off the next trench and dig it in where you have just added the organic matter. Next up is a spot of pruning. This time of year is a good for pruning back birch, acers, and vines. You can cut vines back hard - our grape vines looked decimated last year, but they were back with a flourish and fruiting better than ever this year. Cut back to two buds of last year’s growth, to encourage fruiting spurs. Birches and acers need a far gentler approach to simply shape them nicely. Once the leaves have dropped you can also prune pears, apples, currants and autumn-fruiting raspberries. Now, that’s enough hard work for one month, so why not reward yourself by writing your Christmas list? If that digging was hard work - you could always ask for a new spade, and if your secateurs have seen better days, put them on the list too! If you fancy something with a gardening theme to read over the winter, how about a Haynes manual? They don’t just publish books on cars
Christmas Festival TOY FAIR
&
• Come & see our HUGE new showroom • Father Christmas at 6pm • Gifts for all the family • Pedal tractor test track
4.30 - 7.00PM
Rycote Lane Farm, Milton Common, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 2NZ
www.farol.co.uk 60
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Wednesday 7th December
/FarolLtd @FarolLtd +FarolLtd
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
Winter retreat
these days. There’s the Garden
Wildlife Manual
(£22.99) a definitive guide to providing a garden with microhabitats and wildlife. It features some step-bystep projects to help create habitats and encourage wildlife into the garden. The Home Grown Vegetable Manual (£12.99) meanwhile, contains plenty of information to help make a vegetable plot a success and a month-by-month
guide on what you need to do You could also treat yourself and the garden to some Christmas lights. Here, even the corner where the logpile lives takes on a decorative, festive air. (Warm white rope light £19.99. White woodern lantern £9.99 both from Homebase) or make your door the focal point. I see no reason why your back door from the garden shouldn’t be as welcoming as the front door! (300 warm white LED icicle lights £29.99, Pre-lit
The winter garden room If you’re lucky enough to have a garden room, or are thinking about building one, remember that they can be just as useful in winter as in the summer. The Garden Escape (www.tgescapes. co.uk) has come up with five reasons why you need a garden room in winter: 1) A garden room will give you somewhere cosy to sit and admire all the work you’ve put into your garden over the summer and is a fascinating place to watch wildlife and nature as its colours and the climate change. 2. If you have a heating system in your garden room, you can decamp there during the day if you are home alone and hard needle mistletoe and pinecone wreath £14.99, Rope light street lamp £39.99, Small white wooden lantern £14.99, Large white wooden lantern £24.99 – all Homebase). Inside the door, pop this cheery Christmas robin mat (www.turtlemat. co.uk) to stop muddy
save heating your whole house. Perfect for those who work from home. 3. If your exercise regime falls apart as the weather gets chillier and you no longer fancy running or cycling in the cold or dark, you can set up some gym equipment in your garden room. 4. Do the kids want their own space to hang out in with their friends? Send them into the garden and they can make as much noise and mess as you’ll allow! 5. Guests coming for Christmas? The garden room can act as a spare room – or even as an extra sitting room if you’re short on space. foot and pawprints! l Naomi Mackay is a freelance journalist and publisher of a website for parents of primary-aged boys at www.itsaboything.net. She also helps small businesses with blogs, social media and anything else that needs words! You can contact her at: naomimackay@gmail.com
Telephone: 01844 208401 Mobile: 07732 329118 Email: info@landmarkgardendesign.com Website: www.landmarkgardendesign.com
SAME DAY SKIP HIRE & GRAB SERVICE
The professional design and build service for residential and commercial property
Providing skips in your area since 1997 From fence panels and back door steps, to complete garden redesigns with paving, turfing, excavations, retaining walls and planting, driveways, patios, decking, water features, ponds...
Vacancies for hard landscaper and skilled labourers - contact Rodney on: 07732 329118
We recycle over 95% of waste Call: 01296 651678 Licensed by The Environment Agency EPR/BB3634RA Licensed Waste Carrier CB/YE5439CV Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
61
l Column: Jacqui
Thorndyke ‘Foodie On Tour’
You’ll be smitten by bitten!
W
ith the seasons turning all too quickly and woolly jumpers coming out of the closet, my other ‘little’ project is heading indoors for the winter. Bitten Street, Oxford’s popup street food market, has been going for a full year now. And what a crazy year it’s been! We launched with a huge Street Food Festival at Oxford Castle, popped up at Oxford Brookes University and North Parade Night Market, were listed by The Telegraph as one of the UK’s Best Street Food Markets, had a mention in The Guardian, played host to the opening round of the British Street Food Awards AND hosted some of the biggest names in UK street food. Instead of celebrating with a break over winter (why didn’t we do that?!), we’re running a six week popup night market and bar at Oxford Castle. From 31st October until 5th December Bitten Street B-Wing will run on Saturdays weekly from 5-10pm, with a rotating section of the very best local and visiting street food, a great range of local craft beers
Jacqui Thorndyke Bitten Street in action and cider, plus a new indoor seating area. This time we’ve teamed up with local brewers XT Brewing Company from Long Crendon and LAM Brewing in Sanford on Thames, along with Orchard Cottage Cider in Chalgrove, to complement the great choice of food and music. Bitten Street regulars Happy Cakes, Crumble Shack, A Taste of Vietnam, Toro Poco, Pukeko Coffee and Goujon Monkey will be back with their pimped up cupcakes, hot homemade fruit crumble with custard, traditional Vietnamese street food, street food with a taste of Spain, uber locally roasted coffee, deep fried brie and traditional fish and chips!
We’ll also have a number exciting traders from London and the Midlands, such as DogTown London, Dosa Deli, My Pie, STAKEhaus and Bare Bones Pizza serving up awesome hot dogs, Indian street food treats, glorious steak and chips and wood fired pizza. Plus lots more! No need to fear the weather either, as we’ve temporarily taken over an unused restaurant at Oxford Castle Quarter, right next to the night market, which features our brand new Bitten Bar and plenty of indoor seating. We trialled the new B-Wing out for our end of summer season finale recently and it was a huge success, with about half of the beers and
ciders selling out - don’t worry though, we’ll be fully stocked up ready for the next event! So if you happen to be visiting Oxford this winter, make a bee-line for Oxford Castle Quarter and get locked up with us for a few hours of unadulterated food, drink, music and fun. Find out more at www. bittenstreet.com, or follow all the action on social media using #BittenStreet 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
EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY! CHRISTMAS PARTY MENUS FROM £23 PER PERSON
“HAPPY HO HO HO TO YOU” 4 COURSE CHRISTMAS DAY MENU PRICED AT £65 PER PERSON
www.thevillagegate.co.uk 62
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
225 AYLESBURY RD WENDOVER, BUCKS HP22 6BA TEL: 01296 623884
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
Whether it’s for the stunning 550-year old architecture, the first class Indian cuisine or the friendly and attentive service, Risborough’s Radhuni Restaurant is well worth a visit...
I
n Bangladeshi food culture ‘Radhuni’ is a special respect for the skills of the ‘home cook’, usually the mother, whose knowledge of the best natural ingredients draws on a long culinary tradition. The idea that ‘mother’s home cooked food is best’, is accepted the world over! At the Radhuni Indian Restaurant in Princes Risborough Akthoraz Miah and his team draw on traditional recipes and methods to give diners an authentic Indian experience. Miah opened his first Radhuni in Flackwell Heath in 2004 and the restaurant has built an enviable reputation for excellent cuisine. His Princes Risborough branch opened at the Old Library on Church Street, near the Clock Tower, in 2009. The building which is Grade II listed, is a stunning 16th century wealden house, with black and white timbering to the left of a modern entrance. It has recently been refurbished and is a pleasing mix of contemporary style and old world charm. The comfortable reception area sports a funky modern bar, while the main restaurant is quite stunning - an Elizabethan banqueting hall where oak beams have been complemented by impressive brass chandeliers, metal pendant shades and eastern wall plaques adding an exotic edge to the stylish decor. “We have redecorated inside and out,” says Miah, “and we’ve created some extra seating near the bar. We’re also extending the kitchens and refitting with new equipment. We can sit 100 here now and with six chefs and two assistants working together the kitchens need to be efficient as there are takeaways to cater for as well, so lots of dishes to cook.” “We have updated our menu which has the traditional Indian and Bangladeshi dishes that many diners love plus our house specialities,
Miah, centre, and team at The Radhuni
a selection of dishes gathered from all over South East Asia. “We have seven waiting staff on a busy night and we have been upgrading our levels of service with regular training sessions. We want to ensure the best service and the most enjoyable experience for all our customers. “We are also using technology to improve our efficiency and are currently testing a wifi ordering system where waiters input your order on a tablet which transmits to the till and sends a printout to the kitchen. You can also book your table or order a takeaway on our website: www.radhunigroup.com/risborough “All the food here is fresh. We do preparation in the afternoon and cook before serving in the evening and we have a special tandoori oven which cooks at a very high temperature. “Some people like their food hot, others mild. We grade the strength of dish on our menu, but say if you would like it more or less spicy as the chefs can make adjustments as they cook. We have Kingfisher on draft and bottled Cobra and a selection of good wines
including some Indian ones which are slightly spicier and go well with our dishes. “We put on occasional entertainment, a jazz night or an Elvis night (there’s one coming up on Wednesday, November 18th) and they are very popular, often selling out. We have a Robbie Williams tribute on New Year’s Eve, so book your tickets now!” There’s a friendly, welcoming atmosphere; at Radhuni. It’s a spacious place with a separate bar area where you can wait for takeouts and the menu boasts some fabulous dishes. The restaurant is open seven days a week, including bank holidays and will deliver takeaways for free within five miles on orders over £15. They also do gift vouchers and have discounts and benefits for Radhuni Spice Club members. l Radhuni, The Old Library, Church Street, Princes Risborough, BUCKS, HP27 9AA Tel: 01844 273741 / 273412 Email: risborough@radhunigroup.com Web: www.radhunigroup.com/risborough Facebook: \RadhuniPR Twitter: @RadhuniPR
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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Win a Sunday Carvery for Two at Bradmoor Farm!
B
radmoor Farm Shop opened a year ago on the edge of the village of Haddenham. Owners Steve and Jane Gollins first moved to Bradmoor Farm in 2006 and following the success of their Free Range Egg business,Bradmoor Hatcheries, decided a farm shop would be their next challenge. They’ve developed the farm shop gradually over the last year and then introduced a butchers counter and café/restaurant earlier this year and things have really started to take off. “We are trying to make it a shop that is useful for our villagers,” says Jane. “It’s a cross between a general store and a specialist store, there’s everything you might need for a meal - meat, fresh vegetables, cheese, milk bread etc. The meat counter is very popular - our butcher is doing a roaring trade in homemade pies and is currently developing a range of ready meals. “We stock a mixture of local produce and items from further afield. There’s pickles and preserves, cold
Open: Tue: 6pm-11pm Wed-Thur: 11.30am-2.30pm & 6pm-11pm Fri: 11am-2.30pm & 5.30pm-11pm Sat: 11.30am-3pm & 5.30pm-11pm Sun: 11.30am-5pm
meats, fresh and frozen produce, fruit, salad and seasonal vegetables and we have Vegan, Gluten Free, Sugar Free and Diary Free offerings. We’ve lots of parking and we can carry your shopping to the car if you would like.” The café serves a range of light meals and snacks from toasties, sandwiches and paninis to full English Breakfasts, omelettes, salads, baked potatoes, burgers, pie and chips etc at reasonable prices and the menu is
currently under review and about to be extended. The Sunday Carvery is proving particularly popular at £12 for a main course, and £15 with a dessert included. It’s a cracking farmhouse Sunday roast with a choice of three roast meats, say turkey, pork and beef and you can have a bit of each if you like. You get yorkies, roasties and a selection of veg, including cauliflower cheese and swede and carrot mash,
all you could want and on a nice big plate too! The meat is from Ludgates at Thame and the beef is Scotsgrove beef which is produced just up the road. The restaurant is licenced and stocks a small selection of beers and wines plus soft drinks, teas and coffees. If you’d like to be in with the chance of winning a two course Sunday lunch for two with bottle of house wine and coffee at Bradmoor Farm, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk In which village is Bradmoor Farm? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Dec 4th, 2015. l Bradmoor Farm Shop & Cafe, Stanbridge Road, Haddenham, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8JX T: 01844 299387 E: info@freerange.eggs.co.uk W: www.freerange-eggs.co.uk Facebook: /BradmoorFarmShop
4 Pound Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6EJ Tel: 01296 622092 katrina@trescorazones.co.uk
Now open in Wendover: Tapas Bar & Restaurant · Wine Bar · Par ties · Functions · Meetings
NEW: Paella Sunday - no need to book! Choose from Rabbit, Seafood, Chicken or Lobster. 5 COURSE CHRIS TMAS FEAS T! £39.95 per per son Salmon tar tar with avocado | Smooth chicken liver pate with a caramelised crust | Slow cooked marinated turkey breast salad with a lemon vinaigrette Simply grilled giant red prawns | Clams in spicy sauce | Scallops with a pea purée and crunchy pancetta Baby chicken stuf fed with minced pork, mushroom and apricot | Tenderloin of pork in puf f pastr y with goats cheese & Serrano ham | Lemon sole with clams and a fish sauce Caramelised vanilla cream | Nougat tar t ser ved with cof fee ice cream Cof fee ser ved with traditional sweets Choose one dish from each section - menu to be ordered in advance. Deposit of £10 per head required at time of booking.
www.trescorazones.co.uk | www.facebook.com/TresCorazonesLimited 64
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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Column: Penny Harper ‘Thoughts of a small town girl’
On course for Alderaan
M
y brother, James is happily married, with two gorgeous children, and lives in a beautiful part of the world: Dorset. All those things considered, he STILL says that the happiest moment of his life was when he woke up one Christmas morning, to feel the weight of an At-At on his legs. He maintains that it goes down in history as THE best Christmas ever, even better than the Christmas morning that our little brother, Tom was born at home. It is safe to say that growing up, we were all a bit Star Wars obsessed. Fast forward thirty years and the three of us are stood, mouths agape, as we come face to face (or in my case, face to knees) with Chewbacca! We had bought tickets to the Secret Cinema event in London on the 4th July. Talk about your childhood dreams coming true - we were like grubby little kids in the proverbial sweet shop. Secret Cinema is held in a random location in London and before you go you are allocated roles, based on your answers to a series of questions. James got X Wing Fighter, Tom was
journeyed to a galaxy far, far away (a printing press near Canada Water) and joined the Rebel Army. The sets were unbelievable and you had to interact with all the characters. We hung out and played cards with Lando (whilst keeping a close eye on him - he is very treacherous after all) and traded droid parts with the Jawas so we could buy passage to Alderaan. James picked a fight with Boba Fett and I stalked Han Han Solo Solo. We had two friends of mine with us who didn’t get quite so into it. I think Imperial Council and I got…Space they thought we were bonkers. They Bum. Actually, it was ‘Galactic Explorer’ might have a point. We went to Jedi but it basically meant I was a nomadic School and we drank in the Cantina space bum. I was a bit down about without getting into any fights. It was that, until I realised that Han Solo brilliant! We then got captured by the was a Galactic Explorer. So I found a Stormtroopers and taken to the Death black waistcoat and sewed some red Star, where I was delighted to find they ribbon down my best trousers and went had very decent toilets and amazing as ‘Hannah Solo’. It was fancy dress hand lotion. The grand finale was when genius as far as I was concerned. Tom Vader was defeated and the X Wing went all out though. He shaved his head Fighter flew over us. At that point I (as in, he was completely bald) and think I actually squealed with delight. then glued horns all over his bonce. We James, Tom and I all clasped our hands take this dressing up business incredibly together and I swear that any onlookers seriously. at that moment would have seen three And so the night began. We little siblings, gasping in awe and
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
Penny Harper
Small Town
Girl
amazement and feeling just about the happiest they had done in a long time. Needless to say, the level of anticipation for the new movie has reached fever pitch in our respective homes. James has already got his Star Wars collection down from the loft and is probably dusting off his Millennium Falcon as we speak. I just hope I don’t get too big a shock when I see Han Solo’s now crinkly face. In my eyes, he will always be floppy-haired and dishy. If not, then I know there’s a look-a-like waiting for me at Canada Water.
The Bell at Hardwick is a delightful 17th century pub in the pretty village of Hardwick near Aylesbury. It has recently been lovingly restored and refurbished and is now an inviting place to enjoy a drink or choose from a wide range of freshly prepared, home-cooked food.
From delicious light snacks and meals at lunchtime, to a full, ever-changing seasonal menu in the evening, all served in a friendly, relaxing and informal pub atmosphere, or al fresco in the pleasant garden or courtyard, The Bell at Hardwick has something for everyone. A separate dining room is available for small parties and functions and a marquee over the courtyard can accommodate larger parties. l Recently awarded the Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence The Bell at Hardwick, Lower Road, Hardwick, Buckinghamshire, HP22 4DZ | Tel: 01296 640005 | Web: www.thebellathardwick.co.uk Vale ValeLife Life::Sept/Oct Nov/Dec 2015
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l Column: Katy Brown - mix96
Stay Warm This Winter! Dry Logs
Prompt Delivery
Pick Up Only
Pre-Packed Coal
For Open Fires & Multifuel Stoves Mix96 Breakfast DJ Katy Brown shares a little of her life in local radio...
Visit Us For:
- Large Selection Of Fruit & Vegetables - Extensive Freezer Selection- Home Produced Lamb & Beef - Top Brand Pet Foods & Animal Feeds - Chiltern Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil -
P E Mead & Sons Farm Shop Wilstone, Nr Tring, HP23 4NT 01442 828478 www.pemeadandsons.co.uk
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Just some of Katy and Darren’s antics during the 50 hour broadcast!
ast month Darren and Katy from The Mix96 Breakfast Show broadcast live for 50 hours non-stop to raise money for their Charity of the Year, Florries and listeners responded by donating more than £10,000, for which everyone at the station is saying a huge, Thank you! Over the course of the marathon show, the team were joined in the studio by parents who use the charity. “It was really moving to have those families with us, sharing their real life stories on air,” says Breakfast Show co-presenter, Katy. “We’re both in awe of what Florries do and the way these families cope under enormous pressures everyday. The care they receive can mean the difference between a family struggling on their own or making it through another day with support on their side. “It was these stories and encouraging messages that really kept us going. Even in the dead of night when the challenge was at its hardest, the response and donations continued to come in, we’ve been overwhelmed by 66
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
the support and positivity from listeners.” Commenting at the end of the 50-hour challenge, Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity Chief Executive, Sue Jenkins said: “On behalf of everyone involved with Florrie’s and Florence Nightingale Hospice, I would like to say a huge thank you to the entire team at Mix96 and to every single person who has donated or supported this magnificent fundraising effort in some way. Florrie’s Children’s Team is a vital service in our local area, supporting local children battling life-limiting illness. “This fantastic amount of money is really going to make a huge difference to the service thank you so much.” Well done Katy and Darren and all involved in this amazing effort! If you haven’t had a chance to donate there is still time, you can do it online at: www.make-a-donation.org/ fundraisers/darren-katy l Catch Katy on air weekdays from 6am-9am on 96.2fm www.mix96.co.uk
Welcome... Eat Well, Laugh Much, Drink Often...
Welcome...
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. Christmas bookings now being taken Christmas menu available from Nov 17th 2 courses £25 / 3 courses £30. Christmas Shopping Event Friday, 4th Dec from 9am to 12noon 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
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Column: Heather Jan Brunt ‘This farming life’
Cows come home for Winter
T
he cows and calves and the stock bull spend the whole summer outdoors, ranging over several fields and enjoying the fresh air and fresh grass. But few bovines stay outdoors through the winter in this country these days. It is far better to bring them in, where they can be fed more easily. It also gives the ground a chance to rest and recover, without the added pressure of half tonne beasts churning it up during the wet months. But bringing the herd in is not simply a case of opening the gate and calling them into the yard. There is lots of work to do first, maintaining and repairing the buildings, making alternations and modifying pens. The cattle handling facilities also have to be checked, to ensure everything is still in working order and won’t let us down at the vital moment. On the day they are due to come indoors the buildings are bedded down with straw, hay is put out for them to feed on, and the gates and
This farming life Heather Jan Brunt
The suckler herd of cows and calves out in the fields at Grove Farm where they are going, and they welcome it in the late autumn. The calves are another story however! Some have been born outdoors, and even the ones that were born indoors in the spring, don’t remember the yards. The hope is that they will get caught up in the herd and follow the cows, but sometimes one or two will run in the opposite direction and it’s an extra job to get them rounded up. Once in the yards the herd has
hurdles are set up as a funnel to get them directly from the field to the yard. They are fed hay in the field nearest to the buildings, and the gates to other fields are shut off, so that they are held in one field. There is a lot of psychology in looking after animals, and farmers need to prepare their animals into the right frame of mind so that on the day they are to come in, they will actually want to come in. To be fair, most of the cows come in without any bother. They know
to be sorted into older and younger cows, heifer calves and bull calves. But eventually it all calms down, the cattle are all in their pens, they can all see one another, the hoppers are filled with cake and the silage is rolled out along the feed barriers. The stock bull is put into his own quarters to be rested and fed up to start work, serving the herd again, the following year. And the long winter job of feeding the herd twice a day every day for many months begins. l Heather Jan Brunt is a journalist
and a farmer’s wife. Follow her on Twitter @HJBjournalist. She and her husband sell their own award winning Terrick Beef on the first Friday & Saturday of the month. See: www.downonthefarm.co.uk
Celebrate Christmas at
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ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ Ê Ê The is a pub with a difference. We have a beautiful dining room in a converted barn, our own butchers and our newPointer head chef, Mini Patel, brings our JoinÊusÊforÊlunchÊorÊDinnerÊinÊtheÊRestaurantÊduringÊSeptemberÊandÊOctoberÊandÊenjoyÊaÊglassÊofÊbubblesÊonÊus!Ê JoinÊusÊforÊlunchÊorÊDinnerÊinÊtheÊRestaurantÊduringÊSeptemberÊandÊOctoberÊandÊenjoyÊaÊglassÊofÊbubblesÊonÊus!Ê Ê own farm complete with an ever increasing herd of Longhorn cattle, rare breed pigs and lambs. We produce around award winning food to your valentines day. Ê 70 of theTheÊPointerÊisÊaÊpubÊwithÊaÊdifference.ÊWeÊhaveÊaÊbeautifulÊdiningÊroomÊinÊaÊconvertedÊbarn,ÊourÊownÊbutchersÊandÊfarmÊproducingÊaroundÊ ingredients used on our plates and our Head Chef Mini uses the seasons to create classic British food with a TheÊPointerÊisÊaÊpubÊwithÊaÊdifference.ÊWeÊhaveÊaÊbeautifulÊdiningÊroomÊinÊaÊconvertedÊbarn,ÊourÊownÊbutchersÊandÊfarmÊproducingÊaroundÊ 70ÊingredientsÊtoÊuseÊonÊourÊplatesÊincludingÊanÊeverÊincreasingÊherdÊofÊLongÊhornÊcattle,ÊrareÊbreedÊpigsÊandÊnowÊourÊownÊLambs.Ê 70ÊingredientsÊtoÊuseÊonÊourÊplatesÊincludingÊanÊeverÊincreasingÊherdÊofÊLongÊhornÊcattle,ÊrareÊbreedÊpigsÊandÊnowÊourÊownÊLambs.Ê creative twist that showcases the fabulous produce we have Êon offer. Ê OurÊheadÊchefÊMiniÊusesÊtheÊseasonsÊtoÊcreateÊclassicÊBritishÊfoodÊwithÊaÊcreativeÊtwistÊshowcasingÊtheÊveryÊbestÊproduceÊweÊhaveÊtoÊofferÊ Join for a festive Lunch for or Dinner throughout December OurÊheadÊchefÊMiniÊusesÊtheÊseasonsÊtoÊcreateÊclassicÊBritishÊfoodÊwithÊaÊcreativeÊtwistÊshowcasingÊtheÊveryÊbestÊproduceÊweÊhaveÊtoÊofferÊ ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ Ê Ê from £19.50 per person. Lunch: 12pm-2.30pm (5pm Sunday) The us Pointer is available private hire & functions. Ê Kitchen is closed all day Monday and on Sunday evenings. Dinner: 27ÊChurchÊStreet,ÊBrill,ÊBuckinghamshireÊHP18Ê9RTÊ|ÊTelÊ01844238339Ê|ÊEmailÊinfo@thepointerbrill.co.ukÊ 6.30pm-9pm (10pm Friday and Saturday). The JoinÊusÊforÊlunchÊorÊDinnerÊinÊtheÊRestaurantÊduringÊSeptemberÊandÊOctoberÊandÊenjoyÊaÊglassÊofÊbubblesÊonÊus!Ê 27ÊChurchÊStreet,ÊBrill,ÊBuckinghamshireÊHP18Ê9RTÊ|ÊTelÊ01844238339Ê|ÊEmailÊinfo@thepointerbrill.co.ukÊ We are also now taking reservations for New Year’s Eve - a mouthwatering 6 course menu which includes canapés and Ê Champagne on arrival, for £75 per person. TheÊPointerÊisÊaÊpubÊwithÊaÊdifference.ÊWeÊhaveÊaÊbeautifulÊdiningÊroomÊinÊaÊconvertedÊbarn,ÊourÊownÊbutchersÊandÊfarmÊproducingÊaroundÊ Please call or email for more information. 70ÊingredientsÊtoÊuseÊonÊourÊplatesÊincludingÊanÊeverÊincreasingÊherdÊofÊLongÊhornÊcattle,ÊrareÊbreedÊpigsÊandÊnowÊourÊownÊLambs.Ê
www.thepointerbrill.co.uk - info@thepointerbrill.co.uk - 01844 238339 Ê
OurÊheadÊchefÊMiniÊusesÊtheÊseasonsÊtoÊcreateÊclassicÊBritishÊfoodÊwithÊaÊcreativeÊtwistÊshowcasingÊtheÊveryÊbestÊproduceÊweÊhaveÊtoÊofferÊ 27 Church Street, Brill, Buckinghamshire, HP18 9RT Tel: 01844 238339 Email: info@thepointerbrill.co.uk Ê
27ÊChurchÊStreet,ÊBrill,ÊBuckinghamshireÊHP18Ê9RTÊ|ÊTelÊ01844238339Ê|ÊEmailÊinfo@thepointerbrill.co.ukÊ Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015 67
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Column: The Flo Show with Florence Grace
What are the odds of that?
O
ver the summer, I made a few drastic changes to my lifestyle in order to pursue my dream career including quitting the job that I had kept for almost two and a half years as a Sales Assistant at the Sue Ryder Charity Shop. It was a scary, nerve-racking and yet exciting time for me. For a while, I was left floundering, wondering where to go next. And then something amazing happened. I was approached to take on a paid freelance writing job! I couldn’t believe my luck! Sure, I knew nothing about the writing topic (casinos) but that’s what Google is for, right? I eagerly jumped at the chance, sent off some samples all about casinos and the boss loved them! So, since the beginning of October that has been my new occupation; writing about casinos. I now consider myself to be a bit of a pro when it comes to gambling tricks, poker faces, casino dress code and how to throw a casino themed party!
Florence Grace The Flo Show
Florence on the live audeince show with 4Music presenters Will Best and Maya Following this, just one week later I was called up by TV channel 4Music. Previously, I’ve sent them some home recorded videos at their request which they have used on various shows. This time, they were calling to invite me into the studio to be part of a brand new TV series that would be the first ever live audience show on the channel! I
had to pinch myself- was this really my life now? Getting these two opportunities did make me sit down and reflect on my things for a moment. I have been doing ‘this’ (media work) from my radio show to writing in Vale Life - for just over a year now, and I’ve constantly been scared that at some point, it’s all going
to come to a standstill, leaving me as someone who had shown so much promise but ended up going nowhere. Instead, I seem to be having the good fortune to keep on going up and up and up. I hope it continues to be that way. I turn 20 in November, and whilst that means I still have years ahead of me to find my dream career, I don’t want all the hard work that I have put in since I was 18 to be for nothing. My hard work, motivation and determination have already taken me so far- it’s definitely not time to stop yet! I just can’t help but wonder what will be next for me?! Love from, Florence Grace. l Florence is a blogger, freelance journalist and social media manager from Aylesbury. She blogs at: www.lovefromfg.blogspot.co.uk
SUNDAY
Y VER CAR INN E HOLIDAY AT TH
Why not treat the family this Sunday to a delicious Three Course Carvery Lunch at the Holiday Inn, Aylesbury.
£13.95 PER ADuLT
£9.95 CHILDREN uNDER 12
Call us to book your table in our child-friendly Junction Restaurant, where we will have a fantastic Three Course Lunch waiting for you at an amazing price!
There’s an ice-cream decoration too! station and a colouring corner Perfect venue for family gatherings, birthdays and anniversaries.
PRIVA T EVENT E AT THE S HOLID A Y INN
Packages available from £25 per person to include Three Course Meal and private room hire.
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
hts g i n y t r as pa LIDAY INN m t s i r h C 015 AT THE HO PRICES STARTING FROM
£39.95
on selected dates in November and December
2
All inclusive party nights are back once again. Three course meal, DJ & Disco, and all inclusive drinks from 7.30pm until midnight.
To book your place or for more information on all our Christmas Events please call 01296 734030 or email events@hinnaylesbury.com For more information or to book any of the above events, contact us on 01296 734000 and quote reference ‘VALE EVENTS 1’
THE PERFECT PLACE TO MEET, RELAX, ENJOY A DRINK AND OUR
NEW SEASONAL FOOD
FANTASTIC XMAS MENU | TRADITIONAL PIZZAS | SEASONAL MENU | SUPERB SUNDAY ROASTS | GREAT BEERS & WINES
See our menus at: www.theblackboyoving.co.uk Tel: 01296 641 258 hello@theblackboyoving.co.uk The Black Boy, Church Lane, Oving, (Nr) Aylesbury, Bucks, HP22 4HN
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Festive dates for your diary: Aylesbury Town Centre Sat 7th November: Diwali Storytime and Craft Fair Aylesbury Library, 10am - Noon
Sun 6th December: Christmas Craft & Gift Fair Aylesbury Library, 11am - 3pm
Sat 7th November: Art & Craft Fair Queen’s Park Arts Centre: 10am - 4pm, Entry: £2 (£1 members & concessions, U14s free)
Sun 6th December: The Mayor’s Carol Service St Mary’s Church - Parade starts at 5pm, service starts 5.30pm
Sat 7th November & Sun 8th November Walking Play – Vale of Secrets Town Centre: 6pm & 8pm. Tickets: £4.50 available from Bucks County Museum and Visitor Information Centre
Thur 10th December: Jazz Upfront The Tina May Quartet St Mary’s Church, 8.15pm. Tickets: £14 adv/£15 on door/U18s £6
Sat 14th November to Sat 12th December Off the Wall Art Fair Bucks County Museum
Fri 11th to Mon 28th December Beauty and the Beast Pantomime Queens Park Art Centre. Please see www.qpc.org for full details and ticket pricing (from £6.50) Sun 13th December: Festive Family Fun Friars Square & Market Square, 11am - 4pm
Sun 15th November: Santa Dash Family Fun Run Town Centre, 10am start aylesburysantadash2015@outlook.com Sat 21st November: Fundraising Quiz for the Community Christmas Lunch St Mary’s Church, 7pm for 7.30pm start Sat 28th November: Meet Off the Wall Artists Bucks County Museum, 11am - 3pm Sat 28th November: Winter Fair St Mary’s Church, 10.30am - 2.30pm Sun 29th November: A service for the Children and Young People of the Middle East Aylesbury St Mary’s Church, 2pm Sat 5th, 12th & 19th December: Christmas Craft Fun Aylesbury Library, 10.30am-Noon
Sun 13th December: Carolfest St Mary’s Church, 6pm Thur 24th December: Crib Service St Mary’s Church, 4pm Thur 24th December: Free #Aylesbury Thursday - Batak Kingsbury, 11am - 3pm Fri 25th December: Community Christmas Lunch St Mary’s Church, Noon Especially for those who would normally spend the day alone. Please book in advance if possible. Sat 26th December: Annual Boxing Day Jam Shoot Pool, 9pm
• Santa’s Grotto from 29th November • Sunday trading every week 10.30am-4.30pm • Late night shopping until 8pm every Thursday from 19th November up to Christmas • Free parking from 4.30pm every Thursday from 19th November until Christmas in AVDC Aylesbury Town Centre and Friars Square car parks
Christmas shopping hours
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Christmas Lights THU Switch On 21 Thursday 21 November, Christmas Lights Switch On NOV Christmas Lights 5.30pm 7.30pm Thursday 19th November Popular event providing Town Centre, 5.30pm–7.30pm Switch On free family THU
21
entertainment from 5.30pm. lights will Popular event freeThe family Thursday 21providing November, be switched on from at 6.50pm followed by NOV entertainment 5.30pm. The lights 5.30pm - 7.30pm fireworks and music. There also a small will be switched on at 7pm,is followed by Popular event providing free family funfair andand the music. opportunity some fireworks Theretoisdo also a late entertainment from 5.30pm. The lights will night shopping until 8pm. small funfair and the opportunity to do be switched on at 6.50pm followed by some late night shopping until 8pm.
fireworks and music. There is also a small funfair and the opportunity to do some late night shopping until 8pm.
Friars Square 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 8am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 4pm CLOSED 9am - 6pm 10.30am - 4.30pm 9am - 4pm 10.30am - 4.30pm
Hale Leys 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 5.30pm CLOSED 9am - 6pm 10am - 5pm 9am - 5.30pm 10am - 5pm
Aylesbury Market No Market No Market 9am - 4pm No Market No Market No Market 9am - 4pm No Market 9am - 2pm 9am - 4pm 9am - 4pm CLOSED CLOSED No Market No Market CLOSED
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Thur 31st December: Free#Aylesbury Thursday Laser Tag Kingsbury, 11am - 3pm
Christmas 2015 Changes to Shopping Hours in Aylesbury Town Centre
Date Thur 19th November Thur 26th November Fri 27th November Thur 3rd December Thur 10th December Thur 17th December Fri 18th December Mon 21st December Tue 22nd December Wed 23rd December Thur 24th December Fri 25th December Sat 26th December Mon 28th December Thur 31st December Fri 1st January
Thur Chr s Thur Thfruohmry W Chshor
Santa’s Parade Santa’s Parade
SUN Sunday 29th November - Town Centre Sunday 24 November, Parade starts at 10.45am parade starts at 10.30am Activities 11am–3pm and activities 11am - 3pm NOV A firm family favourite. Santa and his A firm family favourite. and along all SUN his the friends parade throughSanta the town Sunday 24 November, friends parade the town from High Street andthrough around Market Square. parade starts at 10.30am the High Street, Marketactivities Square and There will be a around small funfair, and activities 11am - 3pm NOV and into Friars Square. There will also be entertainment after theSanta parade. A firm family favourite. and all his
Santa’s Parade
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entertainment and free face painting after friends parade through the town from the parade. the High Street, around Market Square Information in this leaflet is accurate at time of going to press. and into Friars Square. There will also be For further information please call 01296 585880 entertainment and free face painting after the parade. Information in this leaflet is accurate at time of going to press.
For further information please call 01296 585880
Markets in Xmas week
Tuesday 22nd, Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th December Get Ready For Christmas! Enjoy the hustle and bustle of last minute Christmas shopping, pick up your fresh fruit and veg for Christmas dinner and maybe a final pressie or two while soaking up the festive atmosphere in Market Square.
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New Exterior Lighting by Joana Vasconcelos, Lafite, 2015 © Joana Vasconcelos. Photo: Mike Fear © The National Trust, Waddesdon Manor
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
Christmas at Waddesdon Manor is always magical. The house itself looks beautiful at night and then there’s the Christmas Fair to enjoy plus spectacular light sculptures and much more...
F
or 2015 Waddesdon Manor will be continuing its magical ‘Winter Light’ theme which has been so popular in recent years. Take a sensory journey through one of the most beautiful parts of the garden, beyond the Aviary, where Artist Bruce Munro will create a large piece of immersive light art. This is the final year of Munro’s Waddesdon residency, so not to be missed. There will be a light show on the front of the House too: from dusk, every thirty minutes a dramatic son et lumière will bathe the ornate façade in rainbow colours. The two giant sculptures by artist Joana Vasconcelos, new for 2015 and in the form of candlesticks made of wine bottles, will also be lit up. Inside the House, over 20 rooms and interiors will be imaginatively decorated on a ‘Lights and Legends’ theme, and for the first time, the Wine Cellars will be decorated throughout the Christmas season. The Christmas Fair, in its location against the enchanting, floodlit backdrop of the House will run for an extra week this year, opening on 18th November and running until 6th December (Wednesdays to Sundays). Over 50 local artisan producers, as well as some of the best loved independent traders from across the country will be housed in wooden chalets, overlooking the Parterre. What better way to get ahead of the Christmas crowds and pick up unique gifts for the festive season? There is even late night shopping until 7pm Fridays to Sundays. See www.waddesdon.org. uk for a full list of stallholders.
Christmas decorations at Waddesdon ©National Trust, Waddesdon Manor, photograph by Mike Fear
Christmas Fair
©National Trust, Waddesdon Manor Photo: Stuart Bebb Manor Wine Shop
©National Trust, Waddesdon Manor Photo: Stuart Bebb
On the subject of shopping, the Manor shop will be offering a fantastic range of gift ideas and at the Stables the Christmas Shop will be open from 11th November, offering a range of unusual and beautiful festive decorations. Also at the Stables there is a letter writing area for little ones to pen their letters to Father Christmas and a chance to make their own personalised baubles from 21st November. Treat yourself to a special ‘Lights and Legends’ afternoon tea in the atmospheric setting of the Manor Restaurant, served each day that the property is open over the Christmas period at 4.30pm. But do book in advance to avoid disappointment!
The Blue Dining Room
©National Trust, Waddesdon Manor Photo: Mike Fear Christmas Manor Shop
©National Trust, Waddesdon Manor Photo: Stuart Bebb
The Waddesdon Christmas season runs from Wed 11th November to Sun 3rd January; open Wed to Sun, 10am to 5pm. Closed 24th26th December. Open additionally on 21st, 22nd, 28th and 29th December. To experience Waddesdon after dark, there are special later openings until 7pm, Fridays to Sundays every week from 20th November to 3rd January (except 24th- 26th December when the property is closed). For more information and to book your tickets see www.waddesdon.org.uk l Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire HP18 0JH Tel: 01296 653226 www.waddesdon.org.uk
Eden Blooms 2014 ©Bruce Munro, Beacon 2014, North Front, Waddesdon Manor 2014 ©National Trust, Waddesdon Manor 2014 photograph by Mark Pickthall Waddesdon Manor photograph by Stuart Bebb
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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l
Music Column:
Our music columnist is Dan Mordente. Dan is ‘Artist and Events Manager’ at BFS Records, and as an avid follower of the local music scene, is always keen to meet and work with enthusiastic local musicians. Contact Dan and email him local gigs and music news on: dan@vale-life.co.uk Add your gigs to our website what’s on diary at: www.vale-life.co.uk
Live Music
NOVEMber 19th The Mick Clarke Band, Tring Park Cricket Club 20th BFS Presents, Thame Snooker Club, Thame 20th Centerfield Country, Westcott Sports & Social Club 20th Bustin Loose, Aristocrat, Aylesbury 20th Kevin Tait, The Green Man, Aylesbury 20th Babajack, Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury 20th Roughcut Ruby, The Nags Head, Abingdon 20th Juke, The Black Horse, Tring 21st Whamtastic, Rivet Sports & Social Club 21st The Brahmas, Shootpool, Aylesbury 21st Courtin A Storm, Railway Club, Aylesbury 27th The Freddy James Band, Ex Servicemen’s Club, Aylesbury 27th Juan More, Victoria Club, Aylesbury 27th Greg Russell & Ciaran Algar, Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury 27th Mudslide Morris, The Anchor, Abingdon 28th The Dung Beatles, Westcott Sports & Arts Club 28th Dr Realgood, Rivets Sports & Social Club, Aylesbury 28th The Underdogs, Old Milwrights Arms, Aylesbury 28th The Observers, The Chandos Arms, Weston Turville 28th The Measures, The Unicorn, Leighton Buzzard 28th Chris Flegg, The Anchor, Tring DECEMBER 3rd Derik & The Moon Dogs, Tring Park Cricket Club, Tring 4th Cry Wolf, Shootpool, Aylesbury 4th Dogmattics, The Black Horse, Tring 5th Lauren Luke, Rivet Sports & Social Club, Aylesbury 5th Skasouls, Shootpool, Aylesbury 5th Tranquillity, Aristocrat, Aylesbury 5th Best of Buble (Michael Buble tribute), The Chandos Arms, Weston Turville 5th Doghouse, The Plough, Marsh Gibbon
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
Turn it up! with Dan Mordente
Studio
releases
So far, 2015 has been a fantastic year for live music in the Vale. The local music scene continues to thrive and the number of local music festivals continues to grow. This year has seen both Towersey Festival and Astonbury Festival relocate to larger sites to accommodate the increasing number of music enthusiasts, whilst Penn Fest, Watlington’s Beacon Festival, and Aylesbury’s Park Life have also attracted large crowds for another year. One of the best things about the increasing number of local festivals is the opportunities they provide for young local talent to take to the stage. This year has seen a new generation of gifted performers step up to the plate, and on many occasions, steal the show with their daytime festival slots. Eager to share their music as widely as possible, the bands swap the stage for the studio and in this edition of Vale Life, I’m going to take a closer look at some of 2015’s best releases.
The Picture Palace – Mirage EP The Picture Palace are a young Alternative-Rock band from Thame, consisting of Sam Hunn (vocals/ guitar), Ben Allim (guitar), Mat Donnelly (bass) and Tom Batchelor (drums). The four-piece released their debut EP, Mirage, back in April and have gigged throughout the summer to promote the release. The EP’s ‘Intro’ track opens with delicate, modulated guitar work, gradually building suspense which explodes when the drums kick in and the band launch into a boisterous chorus, before fading to a Ska-Punk inspired outro sequence. The opening song is followed by the EP’s title track, ‘Mirage’. This starts somewhat similarly to ‘Intro’, however the band soon launch into a punchy and upbeat indie-rock chorus, demonstrating the ability to produce compelling and exciting chord sequences coupled with the lyrics of a storyteller. Third track, ‘Heads Up’ offers something completely different. This dance-inspired track features off-beat guitar work and memorably inventive drumming. It is short, sharp and to the point, demonstrating The Picture Palace’s strikingly diverse songwriting ability. The penultimate track, ‘Eliza’ sees the band return to an
Swoons – Ugly Apartments EP Swoons are a three-piece indie rock outfit from Buckinghamshire. Luke Duffett (vocals/guitar), Jamie Maurice (bass) and Ciaran Forth (drums), have gigged relentlessly and have subsequently conquered the local scene, playing regular shows in High Wycombe and Oxford, as well as their hometown, Aylesbury. 2015 has seen Swoons exceed all expectations and begin to make waves further afield. A jubilant set at the prestigious Camden Barfly (London) earlier in the year opened many doors for Swoons, including festival slots at Camden Rocks and Brighton’s industry hotbed, the Great Escape Festival. As Autumn carries us towards the end of the year, Swoons have been busy in the studio and have released their first EP of 2015,
entitled Ugly Apartments EP. The 5-track EP opens with ‘The Side’, a track that is layered with dense electric guitar sounds. The best way to describe Swoons latest EP is ‘textured’. The band manages to create an incredibly thick sound despite the fact that the band simply consists of vocals, drums, bass and a single guitar. Swoons clearly make use of the studio with multi-track
11th The Bluestormers, George & Dragon, Princes Risborough 11th Bad Hombre, Aristocrat, Aylesbury 11th Dealey Plaza, Shootpool, Aylesbury 11th Three Bar Fire, The Unicorn, Leighton Buzzard 12th Dave Ryka Howard, Rivet Sports & Social Club, Aylesbury
12th RedRocket, Shootpool, Aylesbury 11th Rick Chase, The Red Lion, Marston 18th The New Foundations, Stokenchurch Memorial Hall 18th The Ska Faces, Shootpool, Aylesbury 19th Skasouls Community Centre, Princes Risborough
alternative rock vibe before closing the EP with ‘Ghost’. ‘Ghost’, is a haunting acoustic track that embraces the DIY atmosphere of this EP with its simplicity. The 5-track EP’s sound quality is impressive for a home-recorded effort, with few noticeable technical mishaps and an endearing quality to the EP’s DIY ethos. To their credit, The Picture Palace resist the temptation to flaunt their talents with unnecessary guitar solos, and instead they concentrate their efforts to concise and punchy songs, none of which exceed the threeminute mark. You can listen to Mirage EP now via the bands Soundcloud page (link below) and the band will be releasing the follow up EP, entitled Kedia EP later in the year. FB: www.facebook.com/ ThePicturePalaceBand SC: www.soundcloud.com/thepicture-palace-1 layering but this intensity and depth is not exclusive to Swoons studio recordings; it is also an intrinsic part of their live show. Unlike their previous releases’, this EP successfully captures the enormity of Swoons live sound. This isn’t an easy thing to do but this carefully produced EP places Luke Duffett’s vocals subtly amongst the guitar tracks, without allowing them to get lost in the mix. The EP’s third track, ‘Bridge’ is the stand out track, effectively encapsulating everything that is good about this EP with it’s bold chorus sequence and unusual guitar work. Ugly Apartments EP is available now via iTunes and all good online retailers. To find out more about Swoons upcoming shows, visit their Facebook page. FB: www.facebook.com/ swoonyswoons SC: https://soundcloud.com/ swoonyswoons 19th Mouth On A Stick, The Green Man, Aylesbury 19th Bad Janet, Shootpool, Aylesbury 19th Back To Square One, Market Place, Abingdon-on-Thames 20th Tess & The Durbervilles, Aristocrat, Aylesbury 20th Maxwell Hammer & Smith, Victoria Club, Aylesbury
Abbey days Get me to the church The Dung Beatles
A band at the Waterside Theatre took Beatles fans on the fastest and most hectic time trip imaginable as they ripped through the history of the world’s greatest pop group. Tribute band The Dung Beatles took the Aylesbury venue’s Second Space by storm to dash off around 45 songs in a two and a half hour gig that gave new meaning to value for money. Taking a leaf out of their heroes’ book, The Dung Beatles worked their socks off in an almost non-stop succession of hits that covered the original band’s dizzying collection of hits from 1963-70. They deserve the highest praise
for not only offering a faithful rendition of the Beatles’ hits (many of which are incredibly hard to play and sing live) but a tantalising insight of what it would have been like to actually hear the music live. Standout action featured a triumphant medley from Abbey Road and a stunning rendition of A Day In The Life, while a horn trio added colour and authenticity. There’ll only be one original Fab Four but there’s only really one creditable tribute band and that’s the Dung Beatles. Catch them next at Westcott Sports & Social Club on November 28th. Visit: thedungbeatles.co.uk
Thursday, December 10th is the date to remember and get yourself along to St Mary’s Church, Aylesbury where Jazz Upfront stage the third and final part of their current Jazz concert series: This one is billed as ‘A Christmas Special’ and you can’t get much more special than The Tina May Quartet. Tina is considered by those who know and many who don’t, as the finest jazz vocalist ever produced by Britain. At St Mary’s she will be singing to celebrate the great jazz divas, so expect an eclectic, groovy and swinging mix of songs made famous by Ella Fitzgerald,Sarah Vaughan, Peggy Lee, Carmen MacRae, Billy Holiday and even Edith Piaf! It’s a fabulous celebration of the great singers and their songs by an award-winning vocalist and entertainer, all served up with stories and humour and not to be missed.
Tina May Tina’s band features the extreme talents of Nikki Iles on piano, Arnie Somogi on double bass and Stephen Keog on drums Doors open at 7.30pm, band starts at 8.15pm. Tickets on sale now price £14 in advance, £15 on door (under 18s £6). Tel: Kim 01296 437641 or Frank 07518306552 Web: www.greensndjazz.org.uk Email: jazzyfw@googlemail.com
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
Tommy the Cat’s being groomed, Idle Jack is polishing his punchlines, Queen Rat’s bracing herself for boos and X Factor winner Sam Bailey is shining the twinkles on her fairy wings, ready to make her pantomime debut at the Waterside from Fri 11th December... Oh yes they are!...
W
hy not top your Christmas celebrations with some real festive icing this year? Aylesbury Waterside Theatre is the place to soak up some seasonal spirit enjoying the ultimate in sparkling family panto from Friday 11th December to Sunday 3rd January. This year’s pantomime is Dick Whittington, which tells the story of a young man and his feline friend Tommy, as they undertake a fun-filled quest for fame, fortune and streets paved with gold. There’s adventures to be had on the way and questions to be answered - will Dick win the hand of the lovely Alice, and will he defeat the dastardly evil Queen Rat? Hopefully so, with a sprinkle of Fairy Bowbells’ magic... Sam Bailey is set to enchant us with her amazing voice come December, but in the meantime we’ve been asking her just what we can expect from our new panto starlet: Who are you playing in this year’s panto? I am going to be playing Fairy Bowbells! It’s my first ever panto and I can’t wait to join the Dick Whittington cast! It’s a great story and
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Melanie Masson (King Rat), Andy Collins (Idle Jack) and Sam Bailey (Fairy Bowbells) in costume for Dick Whittington at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre from Fri, Dec 11th what better way to celebrate this Christmas then coming down and joining us! You wait
Annie: Mon 14th to Sat 19th March 2016 Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
until you see my costume - it’s so sparkly and glam. It’s going to be lots and lots of fun, with plenty of laughs., I can’t wait to get my wings on! What are you looking forward to about the production? I used to go to panto every year as a kid and I started taking my children a couple of years ago. I can’t wait to bring them to Aylesbury to see mummy on stage as a fairy! My kids are so excited, they jumped up and down when I told them. I’ll be nervous when they’re in the audience watching me though. I’m nervous generally, but I think that’s a good thing, I‘d be worried if I wasn’t nervous. What can we expect from your performance? I’m going to be belting out the songs, that you can be sure of! There’ going to be loads of singing and dancing - I’m particularly good at the running man - I like to think I’m down with the kids! (She laughs). The songs I’m singing I’m keeping secret, but I’m going to sing my heart out.
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
The Glenn Miller Story: Tue 19th to Sat 23rd Jan, 2016 Do you have fond memories of the X Factor? I embraced being in the X Factor, and let’s face it, I owe it a lot. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for that show and probably wouldn’t be doing panto, so I’m very grateful and I continue to enjoy every minute of what I’m doing. I’m looking to pursuing acting further alongside my singing, as it’s something I really want to get my teeth into. There’s a lot happening at the moment, I’m getting my fingers in a lot of pies and looking forward to Anton & Erin - Just Gotta Dance! Sun, Feb 7th 2016 the future! How will you spend your time in Masson). here are her answers: Aylesbury? Mince Pie or Yule Log: Mince Pie I’m looking forward to going out and about Tinsel or Bauble: Bauble exploring the town, I’ve seen already that Bucks Fizz or Mulled wine: Mulled Wine there are plenty of food and drink places. I Cracker or Present: Present also love the fact Bicester Village is just up the Pigs in blankets or stuffing balls: Stuffing Balls road. A cheeky shopping trip will definitely be in order. I think I’m going to have What are you waiting for?! fun - both onstage and off! Book your golden ticket for What are your first this purrrrfect family panto impressions of the Waterside now. Visit the Box Office, Theatre? call: 0844 871 7607 (calls 7p I love the venue - I drove per min, plus your phone past it and thought wow - what company’s access charge), or a building! My kids will be visit the website: running riot here! It’s gorgeous, www.atgtickets.com/ and just huge. I feel very lucky aylesbury (bkg fee). to be having the Waterside as my King Rat home this Christmas. l Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, (Melanie Masson) Bonding with the baddie! We also got to put some quick fire questions to Queen Rat (AKA Melanie
Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1UG Telephone Booking: 0844 871 7607 Website: www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury
Coming up at The Waterside Your at-a-glance guide to what’s on... The Full Monty
Mon 23rd to Sat 28th Nov
Big Band Dance Night
Fri 8th Jan
Silver Wheels Roller Disco
Sat 9th Jan
The Glenn Miller Story
Tue 19th to Sat 23rd Jan
Anton and Erin Just Gotta Dance
Sun 7th Feb
Rehearsal For Murder
Mon 22nd to Sat 27th Feb
Annie starring Lesley Joseph as Mrs Hannigan
Mon 14th to Sat 19th Mar
The Rocky Horror Show
Mon 18th to Sat 23rd Apr
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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l Column: Alan Candy’s Altomobiles
Just unique! Toyota Auris Tourer 1.6D TSS
I
t’s no wonder we see so many Toyota Auris models on the roads of the world. It is – literally – unique. The first and only manufacturer to offer a choice of diesel, petrol or hybrid powertrains. There are also three bodystyles from which to choose, with hatchback, hybrid and Touring Sports wagon. And the icing on the cake? They’re all built here in the UK at Burnaston, in Derbyshire. Now the 2015 models feature fresh styling inside and out; upgraded and cleaner engines; and an all-new 1.2-litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine joins the range for the first time. Toyota can claim best in class CO2 emissions in their power category and have listened to their customers before tackling comfort, handling and driver involvement – even the cabins boast better sound
Alan Candy’s
AltomobilES insulation. I have been driving the elegant and dynamic looking Toyota Auris Business Edition Tourer 1.6D manual TSS, which offers generous luggage space in a comparatively compact footprint, excellent economy and highly relaxed, comfortable driving. Crucially, Auris is a modernistic visual treat and the Tourer version I tried has a harmonious and well proportioned profile. Continued on page 79
Toyota Auris Tourer
Tel: 01844 274652
Email: info@risboroughservicecentre.co.uk
www.risboroughservicecentre.co.uk Chinnor Road, Bledlow, Princes Risborough, Bucks HP27 9PH
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Aston Martin • Jaguar • Subaru • Landrover Mercedes • BMW • V W • Audi
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03/11/2012 09:32
Factfile: Model tested: Toyota Auris Business Edition Tourer 1.6D manual Tourer TSS. Price: ÂŁ21,845. Power: 4-cylinder 16V DOHC VVT-i engine of 1,598cc, 110bhp. CO2 emissions: 108g/km. Economy: Combined 67.3mpg..
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Telephone: 01844 353388 l Bosch Car Service Centre l MOTs including Class VII (3.5 tonnes) l Servicing, repairs, tyres, exhausts and air
conditioning for cars and light commercials l Diagnostics: we have the most up to date work
shops and equipment in the area
l High ceilings and long ramps enable us to service
long wheelbase vans, campers and trucks
Motologic Autocentre Unit 7, The Point, Gatehouse Way Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 8DB Tel: 01296 422226 www.moto-logic.co.uk Tyres l Brakes l Batteries l Servicing l Exhausts l MOTs Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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Toyota Auris Tourer
Buck’s leading Jaguar, Jap & performance car Specialists Save up to 50% on labour rateS without affecting your warranty
In 2000 John Dennis opened his own establishment to service & repair Land Rovers, including all makes of 4x4s.
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Servicing & repairs l 4 wheel laser alignment Servicing andequipment repairs l Courtesy car available Engine diagnost Latest diagnostic l 24Hr recovery & vehicle movements 4 wheel laser alignment Diesel tuning an l Diesel tuning and ECU remaps MOTs arranged Tyre's, Brakes, C l Fast and friendly service l Full workshop facilities l l
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We pride ourselves on our friendly unique approach and the personal touch which reflects in our high level of repeat business.
land rover specialists
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
t: 01296 640750 m: 07768 173131 www.johndennis4x4.co.uk www.4x4vehiclehire.co.uk
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AutoTorque, Unit 9, UBF Industrial Estate, Bicester Road, Westcott, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0JX Tel: 01296 658257
We service and repair all makes and models
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Continued from page 64 Like Alf Ramsey’s World Cup Winning team of 66, the Auris now has virtually no wings and a V-shaped, smooth bonnet points down to narrow, horizontallyaligned, tied-in headlights and slim grille, connected centrally by the stylised ‘T’ Toyota badge. A handsome side view, shark fin antenna, inset rear door and chunky, three-dimensional rear lights complete the look. Inside, the immediate impression is of quality and an exploring hand discovers tactile soft surfaces on dashboard and doors, plus a wrapped leather wheel. Instrumentation and displays hold no real mysteries and are logically grouped and labelled, uncluttered by unnecessary wording. Hooded main dials offer a clear readout, with the benefit of a realtime info panel between them, and the all-important Road Sign Assist, satellite guided to flag up changing speed limits and approaching cameras. The vehicle’s stop-start function works so unobtrusively that it’s
easy to forget it’s there. A main 4.2 inch touchscreen colour information display is one of the most simple around to use, although pastel colours can be a little wishy-washy to read easily on the move in daylight. The 1.6-litre diesel engine betrays its fuel choice on start-up but soon smoothes out on the move, where it proves a steady, quiet and refined companion. Petrol-like power delivery and useful engine braking is a bonus and a light clutch and smoothaction six-speed manual gearbox, plus consistently good ride, all add to the relaxed driving style. Toyota have beefed up the steering feel and responsiveness of the car, which has improved driver involvement, so the Tourer shows it has a fun side as well as being a great long distance cruiser. A huge load floor is revealed when the rear seats quickly convert, although it’s not completely flat behind the front seats. Auris proves itself a car that moves with the times and it’s hard to think of a more versatile, focused range on the market today.
For all your vehicle repairs, servicing & MOT testing a first-class service at competitive prices We are opposite Tesco Broadfields, Aylesbury Family run garage All makes & models l Servicing & repairs l MOT Testing (class 4 & 7) l Tyres l Exhausts l Brakes l Air-Con Regas l 4 Wheel Alignment l Cam belts l l
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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l Column: On
The Road
Aud of this world! AUDI RS3 SPORTBACK
C
onsider the fact that Audi’s new RS3 Sportback has an engine that is barely longer than your average loaf of bread and you might be left thinking that it’s a slice short of a full wholemeal. But that’s about as far wide of the truth as a claim that the mice are jumping on the traps because mother-in-law is coming to stay. The clue’s in the title. RS. Two letters that sum up the importance to Audi of having products that are the pinnacle of their product range. So, far from being a measly half stale bap if we carry on the bread analogy, what we have here is a freshly baked and still warm ciabatta. Just begging to be sampled. Which I’m happy to say will leave anyone doing that wanting considerably more. The RS3 Sportback is a highly addictive blend of everyday five door compact practicality with ‘light the blue touch paper and enjoy’ performance. Lots of it. Here is a pleasing on the eye hatchback with its RS styling cues (bumpers, enlarged air inlets, flared arches, sill extensions, rear roof spoiler and twin oval exhausts) that will scorch past 62mph in just 4.3 seconds and on to a limited top speed of
Audi RS3 Sportback
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
Rob Auchterlonie
ON The Road
155mph. If you want more it can be de-restricted and romp on to 174mph. But probably only if your name is Herman and there’s a handy traffic free autobahn at the end of your road. Undoubted pace, poise and a distinct lack of any torque steer as you feed in its 367ps and ensuing 465Nm of torque establish it as the most powerful production five cylinder engine in Audi RS history - a lineage that goes back
21 years. Audi’s technical wizards have instilled it with supercar performance, yet it can be sensible at times and allegedly return just under 35mpg on the combined cycle and its CO2 figure is a not too high at 189g/km. So, an everyday car if you like that will burble around before you unleash the 2.5 litre TFSI’s full potential, at which point the exhaust will spit and crackle and burble and let you know in no uncertain terms that this is a performance car with a capital P. Put another way, supercar
performance from a five door hatchback. In fact its sprintability (Audi word, not mine) is equal to and in some cases better than some supercars. That tells you just how good the five cylinder unit really is. Its mid range performance is nothing short of spectacular, with its huge reserves of torque on tap from 1625 to 5550rpm. In fact everything has moved up a gear – the new seven speed S tronic twin clutch gearbox shifts faster than before, directing the grunt to the quattro permanent all wheel drive system which is - yes you’ve guessed it - faster reacting than before. And with less weight to push around than before - the RS3 is 55kgs lighter - the end result is perhaps predictable. Launch control ensures maximum acceleration from a standing start, with minimal wheelspin, which I can vouch for after a couple of runs up the Shelsley Walsh hill climb in Worcestershire, the oldest continually used motorsport venue in the world. Prices start at £39,955. Expect the usual high quality cabin with exceptional fit and finish and a pair of very supportive sports seats in fine Nappa leather. And there are plenty of options available, some RS specific and others from the S3 like infortainment, Audi connect systems and assistance systems. Our test car on the UK launch last week had an additional £11,000
A ll makes serviced & R epaired
BMW & MINI specialist
T ired of M a i n De aler P ri ce s ? We can service your car and m aint ain your warranty by using genuin e par ts and oil and working to your m anufacturer’s guidelin es.
Audi RS3 Sportback worth fitted. Embellishments on top of a very fine car FASTFACTS: Audi RS3 Sportback; £39,955; five cylinder 2480cc TFSI, 367ps, 465Nm;
seven speed S tronic; quattro all wheel drive system; top speed 155mph (limited), 0-62mph 4.3secs; fuel – urban 25.2, extra urban 44.8, combined 34.9 (19”x8J wheels); CO2 189g/km.
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Labour rate more than 50% less than m ain dealers Quality service and repairs Adv anced diagnostics Local collection and deliver y / Loan car av ailable MOTs/Windscreens/AirCon Recover y av ailable ProTechCars Ltd, Unit 20 Fleet Marston Farm, Fleet Marston, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP18 0PZ Tel: 01296 655799 / Mobile: 07774 604149 Email: service@protechcars.com Website: www.protechcars.com
K.M. Commercials
Your Mercedes Technician
Independent commercial vehicle repairs (all makes) Servicing l Inspections l MOT preparation l Breakdowns l Recovery service l Class 4/7 MOTs l courtesy vehicles l Mobile on-site servicing l
Open Monday to Saturday: Unit 8, Brunel Gate, Telford Close, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 8AR Tel: 01296 488898 / 07720 706918 Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
81
Car, van & people carrier hirehire
‘Bringing your vision to life’
We are a family-run business, based in Aylesbury, with over 25 years experience within the home improvement industry
3B Hire & Servicing, Townsend Garage, Thame Road, Haddenham, Bucks HP17 8BY Tel: 01844 291430 Whether you are looking for a conservatory, windows, doors or roofline products, Buckinghamshire Windows Ltd can help bring your vision to life
For a no obligation consultation: 01296 326306 or email: enquiry@buckswindows.com www.buckswindows.com
w car, van, mpv & minibus hire w vehicle servicing - all makes & models w car valeting w tyres, exhausts, batteries Ad 1
5/3/13
www.3bhire.co.uk Page 1
9:48 am
R.W. PEARCE & SON LTD RO O F I N G C O N T R AC T O R S
Experienced double glazing installer, with over 15 years experience *Quality UPVC Installations *Doors & Porches *Domestic & Commercial work *Fascias & Soffits *French Doors *Conservatories Call Darren for a FREE quote on: 01296 483702 Mobile: 07900 987803 Email: dps7771@hotmail.com
Joinery
Specialists in hardwood and softwood windows
Tel: 07736 941539 Email: info@gdsconstruction.co.uk www.gdsconstruction.co.uk 82
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
Established 1958 Specialists in re-roofing Period Properties, Country Cottages, Farm Houses and Barns, using traditional materials. Slating and tiling repairs undertaken.
01844 345859 email:rwpearce@btconnect.com
Andrews of Thame Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2014
Painting & Decorating Property Maintenance Domestic & Commercial Call now for free estimates
Tel: 01844 260337 Mobile: 07590 573419
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning l
Fully insured l Over 8 years experience
Carpet cleaning Large lounge from £40 Small lounge/dining room from £25 Hall, stairs & landing from £35 Bedroom single/double from £15/£20 Whole house (1 Bed) from £75 Whole house (2 Bed) from £90 Whole house (3 Bed) from £100
Upholstery: Armchair £25 Two seater sofa £30 Three seater sofa £35 l No shrinkage l Minimal drying time Guide prices based on average sized rooms. Quotations available for larger houses
We don’t cut corners, we clean them! Call: 01296 350205 or 07788 799733 www.buckscarpetmaster.co.uk
Windmill Services Before
Your local, professional and eco-friendly, cost effective oven cleaning service Hurry - call now for pre-xmas slot!
After
Property Maintenance & general building work
Telephone: 01844 279519 Freephone: 0800 7837194 Email: windmill2@btinternet.com Website: www.windmill-services.co.uk
Tel: 01296 399450 www.iovenclean.co.uk
Workwear for local businesses • • • • • •
High quality garments for your staff Huge choice, great value for money In-house embroidery of your logo Fast order turn round for your needs Flexible and personal service levels Ask for copies of our FREE catalogues
01844 338941 www.chiltern-leisure.co.uk enquiries@chiltern-leisure.co.uk
K Collins Roofing Ltd
12274 Chiltern Leisure Vale Life Advert.indd 1
07/10/2014 14:38
Roofing Specialist
Local business, Roofmaster approved, Established 1969
Flat, felt and rubber roofing We also do slate and tiling repairs, PVC fascia boarding and chimney repointing
Call today for a free estimate 01296 655526 / 07831 465501 www.kcollinsfeltroofing.co.uk Email: kenny.collins@btinternet.com
Your friendly & reliable local plumbing service Gemma Lawrence-Davis T: 01296 425969 M: 07769 330983 E: gemma@theplumbersgem.co.uk www.theplumbersgem.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2015
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www.watermark.gb.com
2015
kbbreview RETAIL & DESIGN AWARDS FINALIST
Customer Service Of The Year Award
Worminghall Road Oakley Buckinghamshire HP18 9UL T 01844 338137 E sales@watermark.gb.com
Showroom Opening Times: Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 4pm