Vale Life FREE MAGAZINE
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Nov/Dec 2018
Cover image: The stars of this year’s Aylesbury Waterside Theatre pantomime - Peter Pan, which runs from December 7th-31st See page 66
Inside:
Back to the future
Tring’s new vintage clothes boutique
Just meant to be
New gallery is a gift for givers
See our website at: www.vale-life.co.uk
Happy to be here
Top notch service at car firm’s new site Plus our columnists: Naomi, Polly, Amanda, Cathy, Charlotte, Lynnette, Nicola, Sandra, Shaun, Nigel, Rob, Alan, Sarah and much, much more...
Free local listings for events and businesses
The difference is Bartlett’s Exceptional Elderly Care Set in the heart of Buckinghamshire within extensive grounds and with views of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bartlett’s Residential Care Home is one of the county’s leading providers of care for the elderly. As a long-standing family business, our focus has always been on the happiness and standards of care we provide our residents. Personalised care delivered by talented and compassionate people. Providing our residents choice and reassurance and making them feel at the heart of the home. This is the Bartlett’s difference.
Find out more about life at Bartlett’s, including our recently opened Hambledon Wing online.
peverelcourtcare.co.uk
Drop by and see us. We would be delighted to show you around.
E: info@bartlettscare.co.uk T: 01296 747000 2
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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Eat, Drink & Dine
INVITES YOU TO CHRISTMAS AT THE CROWN Telephone: 01296 670216 E-mail: info@thecrowngranborough.co.uk Web: www.thecrowngranborough.co.uk
Winslow Rd, Granborough, Buckinghamshire, MK18 3NJ
The Crown, Winslow Road, Granborough, Buckinghamshire, MK18 3NP A mile south of Winslow, within 15 minutes of Aylesbury & Buckingham Within 30 minutes of Bicester, Leighton Buzzard and Milton Keynes
THE BEST PUB IN GRANBOROUGH
A charming village pub, situated between Winslow and Aylesbury, offering high quality dining in relaxed and comfortable surroundings, asEat, found at&our sister pub The Old Thatched Inn at Drink Dine Adstock. Real ales available or choose from one of our 50 gins from our Gin Bar! Winslow Road, Granborough, Buckinghamshire MK18 3NJ
Bookings now being taken for Christmas Parties, Bookings now being taken for Christmas Christmas Day Parties, Christmas Day and New Year. and New Year Real ales available or choose from one of
A charming village pub, situated between Winslow and Aylesbury, offering high quality dining in relaxed and comfortable surroundings.
our 50 gins from our Gin Bar! Pub open seven days - Monday: 5 - 9pm, Tuesday - Friday: 12 noon - 11pm, Saturday: 10:30am - 11pm,
12 noonTuesday-Friday: - 8pm. Open every Bank Holiday Monday: 12 noon - 6pm. Pub open seven days - Monday: 5pm Sunday: to 9pm, 12noon to 11pm, Food served - Tuesday - Friday: 12 noon - 2pm and 5 - 9pm, Saturday: 10.30 - 2.30 and 5 - 9pm, Sunday: 12 noon - 6pm. Saturday: 10.30am-11pm, Sunday: 12noon to 8pm Tel: 01296 670216 www.thecrowngranborough.co.uk Food served: Tuesday-Friday: 12noon to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm, Sat: 10.30am-2.30pm and 5pm to 9pm, Sunday: 12 noon to 6pm
Tel: 01296 670216 Web: www.thecrowngranborough.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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Download our FREE Guide to understanding COHABITATION & PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENTS Book a no obligation consultation with Anna Ferro today on 01296 432541 4
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Welcome to Coco Tamarind Fine Indian restaurant & takeaway at Askett, Princes Risborough
Coco Tamarind serves the finest modern and traditional Indian cuisine, in stylish, comfortable surroundings. The relaxed ambience and efficient service, plus our well stocked bar, will ensure your time with us is a most enjoyable experience, whatever the occasion.
Christmas Party bookings now being taken!! Large or small groups - call 01844 343111 for details.
New Year’s Eve party! with live music from Maria! Classic rock, pop, soul, funk and disco, plus a great party atmosphere to bring in 2019! December 31st, 8.30pm til late,
5 course meal & a glass of bubbly: £54.95 (Early sitting 5pm-7.30pm - no entertainment)
l
l 10% discount on collected takeaways l Free home delivery within 5 mile radius (min order £15) Become a Coco Tamarind Member and enjoy discounts and special offers l Please book ahead, we are busy all week!
Order your takeaway or reserve a table online at www.cocotamarindHP27.co.uk or call: 01844 343111 / 01844 346100 Coco Tamarind, Aylesbury Road, Askett, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 9LY
01296 01296622975 622975 07711750917 07711 750917
FF uu nn e re ra al lDDi ri re e cctot orrss 2121- -23 23 High Street,Wendover Wendover, HP22 High Street, HP22 6DU 6DU
bradleyandjones.co.uk bradleyandjones.co.uk time@bradleyandjones.co.uk time@bradleyandjones.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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! R LI for ing 01 DA you n 29 Y B r ow 6 RO 20 33 C 19 66 H 66 UR E
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EASTER CRUISES 2019 4 DAYS DEPARTING 19TH APRIL 2019 From £369* per person
THE SCILLY EU URING & R OISLES T OIRELAND P E F OF Ooptional An Easter treat with CMV aboard the intimate Marco O PoloR with an VER 40 YEARS visit to one of Europe’s most fashionable cities, Cork, on the Saturday and to spend Easter Sunday on peaceful St Mary’s in the beautiful Isles of Scilly. Relax and enjoy delicious full board PRICE INCLUDES cuisine, stylish evening entertainment and attentive service. • Return coach transfers from
2019 brochure out now!
BRAND Early booking discount up to £25pp applies to all telephone reservations made ‘LOVE LUXEMBOURG’ NEW FOR before 31st December, 2018. On-line booking discount applies as usual. local pick-up points BRISTOL • Marco Polo Cruise as stated > RINGASKIDDY (County Cork) for 3 nights full board > ST MARY’S (Isles of Scilly) > CARDIFF This superb early bird getaway weekend, full of• fabulous Afternoon tea and late night snacks fun, marvellous music and divine dining, stays at the ever
SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT BREAK
2019!
Shake off those winter blues with popular, 3* Grand Hotel in pretty Vianden • Self-service tea-& they coffee onefamily-run of our early specials in the Luxembourg Ardennes. Centrally located in(06.00 this – midnight) atmospheric, town complete Christmas with fairytale makemedieval fabulous presents! • On board entertainment *Based on two people sharing a Category 1 Standard Twin Inside Cabin; 4 day travel insurance £25 per person; £250 per person non-refundable deposit required. castle, the hotel has long been a favourite with Crusader & daytime activities Full payment due 3 months before customers. Your hosts, the Peverelli family, will ensure you of luggage (port Bideford • Porterage departure. have a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Highlights include two to cabin) Cruise T&Cs apply. Note: Some ports, passengers willsparkling land evenings of live entertainment, two breakfasts • Port taxes by launch or tender. with local fizz, two included excursions and a drink each
Snow Coach Arosa February 15th & March 15th 8 Days from £599
Irish music night
4 Star Irish Music Night February 24th – 2 Days from £159
Come and join the ‘craic’ with an evening of traditional Irish music. A superb line up as ever with the highlight being a trip TH awaits headed by Barry Doyle aka Farmer 5 DAYS DEPARTING 19 APRIL 2019 From £599 * per person on the magical narrow-gauge Alpine Dan and his band! Dinner, breakfast and ENTERTAINMENT Rhaetian railway travelling through useofofHolland leisurefrom facilities at the Holiday On Saturday night, resident singer, Lisa, will entertain The perfect way to see the best the picturesque Dutch Inn magnificent scenery waterways. to the Swiss skiall the comforts Enjoy of as thewell attractive river ship, MV Elstree as a 3* visit tocruise St Albans make with a great mix of popular songs and we have booked a Esmeralda, youand admire the ever changing scenery resort Arosa. 2 overnight hotelsasBB a great little getaway!floating by. Visiting fantastic live band for the Sunday night – old timer Marcell rainbow displays of tulips in the Spring has always been a PRICE 5 big nights (4 dazzling star) HB. Trioen and his Little Red Rooster Band – always a hit in Feldkirchthe night with dinner. Enjoy this fabulous, value for money This Crusader classic remains as popular getaway break to one of Europe’s ‘secret’ corners!
DUTCH BULBFIELD CRUISE
Make it a date in Devon
HELD FOR with their superb repertoire of 60s and 70s favourites.
January 25th – 4 Days from £199 2019
4 Star Amsterdam Weekend
firm favourite of Crusader but why not try this very special Bulbfields holiday and take to the water for Easter! No overnight sailing.
Caernarfon Castle
INCLUDED EXCURSIONS Kick off your holiday year in the attractive Luxembourg City small port town of Bideford. A full day excursion to Luxembourg City, the charming Come along and join in the fun on this little capital with its UNESCO listed Old Town in an special weekend attractive setting. with some lively
BB: March 15th – 4 Days from £279
DAY 1 Cross the Channel and board at Zaandam DAY 2 Optional visit to Zaanse PRICE INCLUDES Schans (open air museum with HB in resort: windmills) – cruise to Amsterdam. March 15th• -Return 8 Dayscoach fromtransfers £659 from DAY 3 Full day included excursion local pick-up points plus entertainment, competitions and quizzes. through the glorious bulbfields Channel crossing Moselle Scenic LittleHouse Switzerland plus a visit to Keukenhof Gardens. 3 NightsRiver HB at&The Durrant Hotel. • MV Esmeralda Cruise as A local guide will show you the very best of this Re-join the boat in Hoorn (no stated for 3 nights full board included lunch today). picturesque area including Remich, the ‘Pearl of the HB: March 15th – 4 Days (no lunch Day 3)from £299 HIGHLIGHTS DAY 4 Full day cruising around Moselle’ and scenic Mullerthal, known as the Little Valentine’s - February 11th • Afternoon tea on 2 days the IJsselmeer and onto Alkmaar.& dinner • Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast Switzerland of Luxembourg. • Late night snacks 5 Days from £269 with £1 Drinks Captain’s Farewell Dinner. HB: March 15th Days from £269 • A drink with dinner each night (local beer, wine–or4soft drink) February 22nd • Captain’s Farewell Dinner DAY 5 Early disembarkation for ACCOMMODATION A well-deserved break in Eastbourne will • 2 Sparkling breakfasts with free flow local (set bubbly menu) the journey back home. 4 Days from £199 GRAND HOTEL DE VIANDEN
Eastbourne Rocks!
A Welsh Winter Warmer in Cosy Caernarfon
Bavarian Winter Adventure
Entertainment Weekend in Vianden, Luxembourg Cosy Cornwall in Looe London Theatre
leave you feeling re-energised, refreshed
• On board entertainment for • Live musical entertainment The popular, family run 3* Grand Hotel deEnjoy Vianden *Based two people sharingon a Saturday and Sunday nights 3 nights half board inonthe Celtic andever invigorated! 2 nights Wednesday February 6th 5 day travel insurance is centrally locatedHotel in theon town its facilities Royal includeHotel where • Porterage & welcome drink on arrival a Lower warmCabin; Welsh The West Rocks the and seafront • Tour of Bulbfields & £36 per person; £100 per person from £59 (Ticket & Travel) bar, lounge is and All rooms Two included excursions as stated above welcome awaits•you. nearrestaurant, the town centre ourlift. base for are en-suite Keukenhof entrance non-refundable deposit required with TV. Please note that single rooms are small. Choice of: Everybody’s Talking about Jamie Bingo, quizzies, entertainment and 2
4 nights HB and we’ve included 2 excursions!
Full payment due 2 months before
included excursions.departure.
• Porterage
– Matilda – Lion King – Book of Mormon • Port taxes
Cruise T&Cs apply. | FRIDAY 15TH – MONDAY 18TH MARCH 4 DAYS From £299 per person Travel Insurance and Single Supplements are2019 not included in above prices.
No single supplement* Travel Insurance £34
01296 33 66 66 (Aylesbury)
*limited (Double room for sole occupancy £45)
01255 425 453 (Clacton)
www.crusader-holidays.co.uk
Visit us: Crusader01255 Holidays425 4 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Bucks HP20 2LD 01296 33 66 66 (Aylesbury) 453 (Clacton) www.crusader-holidays.co.uk
6
Crusader Holidays Crusader Business Park, Stephenson Road West, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex CO15 4HP Visit us: Crusader Holidays 4 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Bucks HP20 2LD Facebook.com/CrusaderHolidays Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018 info@crusader-holidays.co.uk Crusader Holidays Crusader Business Park, Stephenson Road West, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex CO15 4HP
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Contents 8
Most wonderful Thame
37
50 Gems of Bucks
14
The beauty of AGA
39
Time to go digital
Are you a super shopper?
44
Cool happenings
Shine, shimmer and sparkle
54
Spoilt for choice
Back to the future
56
Xmas with a difference
Pounce pots and sanders
58
Are you set for a cold Winter?
Just meant to be!
63
One for the birds
A gift that will last
64
Show much to see!
Spring in your step
64
It’s Christmaaaas!
Salon set to H-amaze!
66
It’s panto-time, oh yes it is!
15 16 19 20 21 23 24 27 29 35
Your go to town for Christmas shopping What’s it all about Aggie?
‘So what’s your type?’ says Sherry?
Lynnette’s tips for party season style Tring’s new vintage clothes boutique How to avoid writer’s blot
New gallery is a gift for givers Make your pressie a real gem Soothing soul cures shopper’s foot Visit to gym gets hair back in shape
The natural answer to anti-ageing 75 New technology holds back the years
Win a copy of the stunning new book Techno taxman wants to make a connection Styling with Soho Home How to pick your new carpet New ways to deck your halls
Bedding down the back garden
Win an RSPB Bumper Bird Feed Gift Box! Shaun’s local theatre round up Win tickets to see Slade at O2 Oxford Hooking up with Peter Pan
Talking turkeys
A local bird could make your day
Sweatpants at Tiffanie’s
77
Best of British
36 Cake bakers and trouble makers
84
Happy to be here
Win new RomCom by local author
Ever thought about joining the WI?
Pub’s grub is something special Top notch service at car firm’s new site
Remembering Nic
J
ust a few weeks ago I was shocked and saddened to hear that one of my son’s friends had unexpectedly died at the age of 22. Nic Willoughby was an extremely popular and likeable fellow, who I had watched grow up from friendly, cheeky, cheerful schoolboy into a charming, kind and thoughtful young man. Nic loved sport and over the years I’d seen him play in various teams with my son - football, cricket, rugby, golf... he’d even chosen sport as a career and worked his way up to Duty Manager at The Nuffield Health
C
ongratulations to the following Sept/Oct edition competition winners! Hopefully your prizes will have arrived
Fitness Centre in Aylesbury, where customers have remarked how they will miss his warm, friendly welcome, cheery smile, helpfulness and genuine interest in their wellbeing. It is a dreadful thing to lose one so young and my heart goes out to Nic’s family and to his friends. Nic was the centre of a particularly close bunch of friends, some who went back to their schooldays at Lord Williams’s in Thame and others who had joined along the way. Like his family, the tight-knit crew have been devastated to lose Nic and have joined forces with them, to set up a charitable fund
by now, please let us know if not. Commiserations to those who weren’t so lucky - read on though for more offers
Nic Willoughby in his name. The Nic Willoughby Fund will raise money to help support the kind of local grass roots sports clubs that Nic loved, whilst providing a lovely tribute and a positive legacy in his memory. The Heart of Bucks Community Foundation will help distribute the money that is raised
and competitions inside this edition, including the chance to win: an RSPB Bumper Bird Food Gift Box; a copy of 50 Gems of Bucks book; Tickets
to see Slade and Mud at O2 Academy, Oxford; a copy of Sweatpants at Tiffanie’s. Last issue’s prizewinners were: A Hape VW Camper
to small sports clubs in need across the county, giving crucial financial support on a small scale. Donations to The Nic Willoughby Fund can be made at: www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/ nicwilloughbyfund The fundraising page has been set up by Nic’s friend George you will see his name on the page. Donations large or small will be gratefully received and if you have ideas for fundraising events or activities please get in touch through Heart of Bucks: W: www. heartofbucks.org T: 01296 330134
Charlie Editor, Vale Life Magazine baby walker: Petula Lunt, Aylesbury A copy of The Oxford Art Book: Caroline Taylor, Haddenham
To advertise in Vale Life Magazine call Charlie on: 07702 006218 Vale Life Magazine is designed and published by Vale Life Magazine, 23 Glenham Road, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3WD Telephone: 01844 261579 Mobile: 07702 006218 Website: www.vale-life.co.uk Email: editor@vale-life.co.uk Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of Vale Life. We cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions or late changes. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the publishers. Printed in the UK by The Magazine Printing Company www.magprint.co.uk
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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Christmas in Thame Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
The most wonderful Christmas shopping should be fun, a time to soak up the seasonal atmosphere, enjoy the hustle and bustle of the festivities and delight in discovering unusual and inspiring gifts for family and friends. You don’t have to travel too far to do all this either, for Thame Town Centre has Christmas all wrapped up... Thame Christmas Lights Switch on takes place on Friday, November 30th this year
01844 214229 | www.thedeliatno5.co.uk | 5A BUTTERMARKET, THAME
COMING SOON...
POP UP GIN PALACE & WINE CAFE
STOCKING ONLY THE BEST IN BRITISH PRODUCE cheese | cured meat | tea | pate | crackers | wine specialist spirits | fine ales | handcrafted pottery
Cheese and Wine Tasting evenings or
Gin and Cheese and Charcuterie Tasting evenings we can host in the shop or at your home or work
WHY NOT ASK ABOUT OUR WEDDING CHEESE CAKES, HOMEWARE, TICKETED TASTING EVENTS AND HAMPERS
C
hristmas is right around the corner, and as your thoughts turn to presents, trees, turkey and trimmings, Thame should definitely be on your to do list - for the historic market town is well worth a visit at this time of year. The gorgeous old cobbled centre sparkles during the festive season, and this year there is even more reason to visit and explore with everything that is on offer - its thriving High Street and buzzing events calendar means there is something for everyone. Shopping Fom humble beginnings in Saxon
times as a crossing point on the River Thame, Tame, as it was then known, became a new market town after the Norman Conquest, and the right to hold a weekly market was granted by Royal Charter in
Books make the perfect gift! The Book House, 93 High Street, Thame, Oxon, OX9 3HJ Tel: 01844 213032 anybook@thebookhousethame.co.uk 8
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
www.powdercfc.co.uk Stockists of luxury Skincare, Cosmetics, Bath & Body and Fragrance, Gifts & Gift vouchers 17a Buttermarket, Thame, Oxon, OX9 3EP T: 01844 214816 E:sales@powdercfc.co.uk @powdercfc /PowderThame
Christmas in Thame Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
l Thame of the Year!
The Buttermarket the 12th century. The boat-shaped Upper High Street, purported to be the widest in the country, is
a reminder of these days when livestock was driven in and corralled in the centre of town on market
day - the cattle market is just out of the centre now but still active several times a week. With a mention in the Domesday Book and beautiful, old architecture everywhere, it is a town that oozes history and yet is very much in step with modern life. While many small town high streets have struggled in the face of competition from out of town supermarkets and retail parks, Thame has maintained a good balance and boasts many excellent independent stores and a fabulous selection of cafés, pubs and restaurants, which make shopping in the town a delight. There is lots of free parking amid the historic architecture and Thame is very much a ‘living’ market town today, with a popular general Continued on page 10
Christmas in Thame extended opening hours Shops open until 7pm on Thursdays through December: • The Aga Shop • Baban Boutique • Bliss Beauty • The Book House • Deli at No5 • fitch and fellows gallery • FROM (TBC) • Monera Beauty Clinic • Powder • Tapis Oriental Rugs • Thame Jewellery Workshop • Tilly Nilly • Wally’s Toy Shop Open on Sundays: • Fore Golf • Pretty Like Pictures • Bizzie Lizzie Flower Shop (Sunday 23rd December)
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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Christmas in Thame Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
De co rat iv e a cces s ori es a nd gi ft s Mi rro rs , f ra mes , v as es s e rv e rs , li ght s , l a mps ha des , cus hi ons , t hrows , ho me f ra gra nce di f f us e rs & ca ndl es , ha ndcra ft e d na tura l s oa ps , no te bo o ks & o rga ni sers
The Book House
2 Wheels
01844 220035 55 North Street Thame OX9 3BH
Continued from Page 9 market every Tuesday and a once monthly Farmers market (second Tuesday). Lining Thame’s streets are ancient medieval buildings standing alongside Georgian and Victorian architecture, a wonderful backdrop, especially when the Christmas lights go on and the air is cool and crisp. There is a wealth of shops, salons, pubs, cafés and restaurants that call the town home and are just waiting to be explored, not to mention a popular theatre and a museum.
Shop MonMon-Fri 1010-5 Sat 1010-4 Studio MonMon-Fri 99-4 Late night shopping Thursdays through December
Wally’s Toy Shop
Visit us in Thame
20% OFF your purchase using code THAME20
T&C’s apply. Valid at Crew Clothing Company Thame on full price items only. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Valid from 1st November to 24th December 2018.
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Christmas in Thame Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Bizzie Lizzie
The Deli No.5
With more than 120 independent businesses in the town centre a short stroll soon reveals jewellers, gift shops, arts and craft galleries, clothes and accessories boutiques, bookshops, florists, a toy shop, beauty products, and several speciality food delicatessens. At Christmas these shops come into their own, providing beautifully presented and unique gifts. The next few pages are filled with some of what is on offer, but there is more, so much more, to see - so make sure you visit the town and pick up some gifts that are certain to delight and
inspire whoever is lucky enough to receive them. This year shopping in Thame couldn’t be easier. There is free, 3-hour car parking in the Upper High Street Car Park every day, except Tuesday, and free long-term parking each Saturday in December – so you can make a day of it. In addition to this many shops in the town centre will be staying open late on Thursdays and opening on Sundays through December for the run up to Christmas, allowing you to combine your shopping trip with a night out.
There will be offers and activities throughout the month, so to make sure you don’t miss out on these follow the ‘Christmas in Thame’ Facebook page: www.facebook. com/ChristmasInThame From November 1st, 2018, those who live in Thame and the surrounding area can also sign up to ‘Thame Rewards Club’, a brand new initiative that will give shoppers incentives and rewards when they shop with participating independent businesses and services within a 5-mile radius of Thame. More Continued on Page 12
Thame Rewards Club Sign up to ‘Thame Rewards Club’and receive regular incentives and rewards when you shop with participating independent businesses in Thame and surrounding area. For more information and to see the offers available now and across the Christmas period please see: www.thamerewardsclub.com
Plastic free shopping is Jolly good!
J
ollybrew is not something Santa Claus knocks back to keep out the chill, it’s a delicious range of teas you can drink all year round! Founded in 2014 by tea lover Greg Hassell, Jollybrew has recently expanded and added to the amazing range of loose leaf teas, whole leaf teabags and tea accessories, for which they are known, to become Jolly Wholefoods. This is in response to an increasing local demand for plastic free, by-the-scoop, supplies of wholefoods such as nuts, oats, muesli, seeds, dried fruit, pasta, rice, lentils and more, which Greg can now serve from his containers into your own jar or one of his recyclable/compostable bags. Greg has a background in retail and has used his skills to produce stylish eco-friendly packaging and branding for his Jollybrew tea and coffee products and an inviting and inspiring display of goods in his cosy shop, which he opened a year ago, opposite The Cross Keys at the top end of Thame’s Upper High Street.
“There’s quite a movement in Thame to get rid of plastic Greg Hassell with wholefood dispensers packaging,” says Greg. “People were saying they wished they could buy food items such as pasta and nuts loose, and supply their own containers, but there wasn’t anywhere locally that did it. I’m into reducing plastic and food waste, so I thought i would respond and set up a supply here. We sell our tea and coffee in wax paper lined recyclable bags and in reusable tins already, so we are used to Jolly Wholefoods shop Jolly Brew teas measuring items out and many more... and selling by weight.” For Christmas Greg has lots of Jollybrew has around 55 blends brilliant gift ideas and in addition to of tea in the range - you can buy his range of mugs, cups, strainers, online at:www.jollybrew.co.uk or infusers, tea pots and timers, you pop into the shop where there are can make up a presentation box set around 35 blends on display from of three glass containers filled with All Day Breakfast to Absolutely your own selection of wholefoods. Assam; Bonfire Brew (Lapsang “We also stock Chiltern Candle Souchong); Calming Chamomile; Company’s naturally scented Delicate Darjeeling; Elegant Earl Grey; Majestic Mint Green; Rooibos candles, which smell gorgeous,”
says Greg. “and Mama Dor’s curry spices, which are ready mixed for specific dishes and come with a recipe card - they are amazing and produced by a lady from Chinnor.” Coffee is generally available ready ground and bagged and there is a coffee of the week which can be ground while you wait for ultimate freshness. Jollybrew’s Thame Blend is a delicious combination of Arabica beans from Brazil and Indonesia - a velvety smooth, full-bodied coffee with sweet cinnamon notes. Greg also stocks a selection of decaff teas and coffee. Jolly Wholefoods is making a positive impact on the environment by reducing both packaging waste and food waste. Greg is keen to ensure that the business is ethical and sells only the best quality foods, teas and coffees.
l Jolly Wholefoods, 1 East Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3JS Tel. 01844 690210 E: team@jollybrew.com W: www.jollybrew.co.uk Open Tue-Fri: 9am-2.30pm Saturdays: 11am-4pm Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
11
Christmas in Thame Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Rumsey’s
Umberto’s
FROM
Powder
Continued from Page 11
be returning to his Thame Grotto, laden with presents… for those who have been good of course! Following a poll on the Christmas in Thame Facebook page, asking residents which attraction they would most like to see at the event, two adorable reindeer will be accompanying Santa, and visitors will be able to feed and pet them, as well as take photos in his authentic sleigh. If a photo opportunity for your annual family Christmas card is what you have been waiting for, this could be your moment! And the Snow Globe will be returning
this year too - lit up all evening for you to enjoy. Refreshment stalls will be laden with hot food and drink including the all-important mulled wine - to keep you warm. Gift stalls will line the High Street whilst many of Thame’s fantastic independent shops will stay open late too, especially for the event. Over past years the Christmas Lights Switch-on has included a variety of amazing performances from local groups, and this year will be no exception, with indoor and outdoor entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening, from ten
local performance groups. Thame primary schools will parade their beautifully created lanterns down the High Street at 6:15pm - a sight not to be missed! The town’s Christmas lights will be switched-on at 7pm by the winner of this year’s Town Trail and the Mayor, Cllr Ann Midwinter. If you would like to be in with a chance of turning on the town’s Christmas lights, make sure you get involved in this year’s ‘Runaway Reindeer’ Town Trail competition which will run throughout November, find out
information about the businesses already signed up, and the offers available throughout the Christmas period can be found at: www.thamerewardsclub.com Events The countdown to Thame’s Christmas Lights Switch-on has begun and as always, it promises to be a fabulous highlight in the town’s Christmas events calendar. Santa has the date in his diary and on 30th November from 3.30pm he will
Players panto is a real Beauty!
T
hame Players is a vibrant and thriving community theatre group with around 200 members and friends. Founded nearly 75 years ago and based at The Players Theatre in Nelson Street, the group presents a wide variety of productions across the year from Shakespeare to the annual Christmas pantomime - an excellent programme of high quality entertainment. A registered charity, run and staffed by volunteers, the theatre hosts occasional social events (pop along to the next social evening on 21st November from 7.45pm - if you’d like to find out more - all are welcome) and numerous visiting shows - a wide mix to appeal to all sections of the community. It is also the home of Thame Cinema which puts on weekly screenings of good films old and new. “We are really looking forward to welcoming local families to our pantomime,” says Thame Players Director and Treasurer Tony Long. “There’s a great atmosphere and
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RobbieWratten as Chuckles and Tony Long as the Dame in last year’s pantomime it’s a lot of fun. A great way to kick off the Christmas season. “We always get a good crowd in for the pantomime and there’s often a few that are new to the theatre too which is particularly lovely. We are keen to get new faces involved, not necessarily to appear on stage, although that is great too, but for all manner of roles - lighting, sound, backstage, set building, front of house... we’ve got a great team but can always cope with a few more! “With a couple of events on most
weeks there’s plenty to get involved with. Each year we put on around 30 to 35 performances of our own Thame Players shows and we stage another 30 or so outside shows, which might be music, drama, comedy or celebrity evenings. We host events for the Thame Art and Literature Festival too, the theatre is very well used and a real plus for the local community. “This year’s pantomime is Beauty and the Beast by Ben Crocker, which I’m really excited about.
It’s a very good script, written by a master of the genre and will appeal to audiences of all ages. I’m once again playing the Dame! We have talking furniture and walk-in beds, silly jokes and slapstick and a Beauty who must release the Prince from his curse with the power of love! What more could you want!?” Panto tickets are available via the Thame Players website: www.thameplayers.co.uk or by phoning the box office (at Spear Travels) on: 01844 217228. Hurry, though, The Players Theatre only has 132 seats and tickets will go fast! l The Players Theatre, Nelson
Street, Thame, OX9 2DP Box office 01844 217228 www.thameplayers.co.uk www.facebook.com/thametheatre www.twitter.com/thametheatre To join Thame Players email: membership@thameplayers.co.uk or call Tim on: 01296 747017 To hire theatre: 07938 857291
Christmas in Thame Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Tilly Nilly
Ladies clothing
more on the ‘Christmas in Thame’ Facebook page. The light switch-on is just the start of festive events, with craft fairs, tribute nights, live music and performances, not to mention the side-splitting Panto from Thame Players! There is something on almost every day of advent. To make sure you don’t miss out search ‘Christmas in Thame’ on Facebook or #ChristmasInThame on Twitter, or keep checking www. thametowncouncil.gov.uk/christmas where details will also be available. Other points of interest visitors
to Thame might like to know about include a lovely Museum (www. thamemuseum.org) housed in the Old Court House on the Lower High Street, the spectacular 13th Century Church of St Mary’s which dominates the skyline and is open to the public most days, and hidden away, a short stroll from the church, is the Bandstand which came from the Wembley Exhibition of 1921. The Birdcage Inn, on the Cornmarket, was built in the 15th Century and once housed French prisoners from the Napolionic wars
while they were awaiting trial. Walking around the town you may notice Blue Plaques drawing attention to the places that historically significant people and events were associated with. These include: John Hampden; W. B. Yeats; John Fothergill who ran the Spread Eagle Hotel many years ago; bare-knuckle fighter James Figg; Henry Boddington (18131886) founder of Boddington’s Brewery, who was born in Thame and Alfredo Campoli (1906-1991) the respected violinist who retired to Thame in 1986.
You can follow a trail to view the Blue Plaques and other historical sites, as well as the more modern ‘Midsomer Murders Trail’. The TV mysteries were filmed in and around Thame and Midsomer guided walking tours are available in the Summer months. Leaflets are available from the Information Centre in Thame Town Hall with more information and suggested walks and trails around the town - you can also see them online under the ‘Visit Thame - Town Trails’ menu at: www. thametowncouncil.gov.uk
Amazing festive offers at Monera!
M
onera Beauty Clinic is an award-winning Clarins Gold and Guinot Crown Salon in the heart of the bustling market town of Thame. Established more than 25 years ago Monera Beauty Clinic is proudly owned by Karen Case. Her team of highly trained and experienced Beauty and Skin Care Experts provide an amazing service to which the salon’s many loyal clients are testament. During the winter months your skin can be challenged by the combination of cold weather and central heating, so Monera offers some amazing treatments, which can really help, and the best product advice for home care. “We recommend the Guinot Hydradermie Lift Deluxe 1hour & 45 mins facial (£95),” says Salon Manager Laura Morris. “This facial is really two Guinot treatments in one. One to deeply hydrate, stimulate collagen production, tighten open pores, and deep
Guinot Aromatic candle cleanse and one to lift your neck and facial muscles. “If you book in to enjoy this treatment between 1st and 15th December use the code ‘PAMPER ME’ and you will receive £10 off! “We also recommend our Cosy Winter Warmer Package (1hr & 30 mins: £85) to completely relax and unwind in the busy run up to Christmas. This includes a Back and Shoulder Massage, incorporating Warm Lava Shells to warm, relax and ease tight and stressed muscles. The package also includes a one hour Facial of your choice from our treatment menu.
“We recommend our clients have a Free Skin Care Consultation before booking to ensure you the optimum results for your skin type. “Through November we have an exclusive offer on our popular Nouveau Eyelash Treatments including the LVL lash lift treatment for only £46 (normally £56) and Eyelash Extensions for only £60 (normally £70) both of which are perfect for the Christmas party season!
Clarins Fragrance Gift Set “Patch tests are quick and easy and recommended 48 hours before eyelash extensions and all LVL treatments in case of sensitive eyes. Please visit our Reception Team for more details or to have a patch
test.” Opening hours at Monera in the run up to Christmas Mon/Wed/Thur: 9am-8pm Fri: 9am-6pm, Sat: 9am-4pm Tue/Sun: Closed Plus - exclusive Sunday opening on 23rd December from 10am3pm - please book now for your festive treatments or pop in for last minute gifts! Gift vouchers can be purchased for any treatment or monetary value you require. Monera has a beautiful range of Guinot and Clarins Christmas gifts this year, including: Guinot Aromatic Candle £20, Clarins Double Serum Gift Set £57£75 (includes free Clarins goodies). Follow www.facebook.com/ Monera-Beauty-Clinic or www. instagram.com/monerabeautyclinic for Black Friday and Christmas discounts on Christmas Gifts. l Monera, 62 - 63 North Street,
Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3BH Tel: 01844 260454 W: www.monera.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
The beauty of AGA AGA cookers are known for their large cast iron ovens which can accommodate a 13kg/28lb turkey or up to seven pans - perfect for Sunday lunch or a family Christmas. And if you’d like to find out just how much fun AGA cooking can be there are some great demonstrations coming up at your local AGA shop in Thame...
T
he AGA showroom in Thame features a comprehensive collection of the very latest AGA range cookers, with models to suit every home and every lifestyle, as well as a highly desirable selection of high performance cookware and kitchen accessories. Regardless of where and how you live, there’s an AGA for you. The newest models are designed for 21st century life, offering innovative, energy saving controllability while using the same radiant heat method to cook as traditional models, so ensuring MADE IN BRITAIN great tasting food.
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The new AGA 3 Series (see image below) is extremely flexible, offering brilliant cast-iron, radiant heat cooking and a whole host of innovative features at a very competitive price point. The hugely versatile AGA Total Control can save you up to 80% on running costs compared to some traditional AGA cookers. With a clever touch-screen control panel, the ovens and the hotplates can be operated independently of each other and are on when you need them and off when you don’t. The AGA 60 offers that great AGA cooking performance in a
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Marcia Poole demonstrates the ease of AGA cooking smaller package, just 60cm wide. It has two ovens offering roasting, baking and simmering functions and a versatile hotplate which can be set to boil or simmer, and a gas hob option with four burners. Like the AGA Total Control, the ovens and hotplate can be operated independently. With the AGA Dual Control the ovens are always on, but the hotplates can be turned on and off individually as you need them, saving on energy and fuel bills while also allowing you to enjoy the unique AGA warmth, all day long. For owners of older AGA cookers, trade-in offers are available. So if you’re looking to update your cooker it’s well worth speaking to the team at AGA Thame. And although AGA cookers come in 16 gorgeous standard colours, the new AGA Bespoke colour matching service means you can actually have an AGA in almost any colour you want, just supply a colour sample for AGA to match! An AGA demonstration offers a fantastic way to learn more about the world’s best-loved cooker, with lots of AGA cooking tips and a chance to sample some of the
delicious food cooked on the day. Upcoming demonstrations include: Christmas/My Total Control Saturday, 17th November, 11.30am2pm with Penny Zako Prep ahead for Christmas Saturday, 24th November, 11.30am2pm with Sarah Whittaker. Christmas entertaining Monday, 26th November, 11.30am2pm with Simon Brown. An AGA Christmas - Saturday, 1st December, 11.30-4pm with Marcia Poole. Christmas with my AGA Saturday, 8th December, 11.30am4pm with Sarah Whittaker.. Christmas with my AGA Friday, 14th December, 11.30am4pm, with Marcia Poole. Places are limited, so please book ahead (tickets range from £30-£40 per person). Call AGA Thame on: 01844 214214. For more on the AGA range cooker collection, pop in to AGA Thame or visit: www.agaliving.com l AGA Thame, 10 Upper High Street, Thame, Oxon, OX9 3ER. Tel: 01844 214214 E: Thame@agarangemaster.co.uk W: www.agaliving.com
A d ro p o f s h e r ry
by Sherry Hostler
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Are you a super shopper?
C
The most common spot is on the sofa, a desperate look in their eyes as they scroll mindlessly through pages and pages of online gift retailers. The second place to find them is in the shopping centre, undertaking what can only be described as a frenzied trolly dash - sweat pouring from brows and wallets alike as they shout to the store owners: “Just give me whatever you’ve got, I don’t care how much it is!” The third place is in the pub... sozzled and weeping!
hristmas shopping divides us into one of three personality types… which one are you?
The super-organised type generally start their Christmas shopping during the January sales, and then pick up little gifts throughout the year, to be stored away ready for the festive season. This type of super-human takes their time working out what to get people, and the best place to get those gifts at the best price. Not forgetting Christmas cards either. They’re all bought, written with personal messages and sent by 1st December. Not November, as that’s just wrong, but stamps will be stuck down on November 30th so they’re ready to go the next day. Of course all this means that they can then relax, fling on a bit of festive music, pop open the mulled wine and enjoy wrapping those presents beautifully, ready to be
distributed under the tree. Then we have the unorganised, who leave their Christmas shopping until the last minute, thinking they have loads of time before the big day. They can generally be found in one of three places during the week before Christmas.
Sherry Hostler
A drop of Sherry
I buy Christmas cards and not enough stamps, and reams of wrapping and no cellotape. Oh, and last year I thought it would be a good idea to visit Christmas markets with a view to buying gorgeous trinkets for people. I ended up buying a life-sized papier maché reindeer who now serves as a glorious reminder that I cannot be trusted with a credit card and too many gin tasters! Merry Christmas and Happy shopping!
And then there’s the worst personality type. The unorganised person who actually thinks they’re organised. That’s me! I make loads of lists of what to get people throughout the year, but then I lose them. I do buy some presents early and hide them away, but I then often forget where I’ve hidden them; or I find a gift that I think will be better than the first one and end up buying both.
l Sherry Hostler is a freelance
writer and blogger. She loves dogs, red wine and snowboarding, but not all at the same time. You can find her at www.adropofsherry.com
Amazing gifts for all the family! Eye-catching, different, handmade, Fairtrade, reclaimed, recycled... hand-picked from the four corners of the globe, come and see... . Beautiful items for you and your home - gifts, homeware, clothing, jewellery, furniture, bags, accessories, buddhas, gemstones, crystals, home fragrance and. much more...
Our price promise - if you find it cheaper we will match! Holy Cow Home 6 Cambridge Street, Aylesbury Buckinghamshire, HP20 1RS 01296 485158 www.holycowhome.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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with Lynnette Jackson
Personal stylist and image consultant Lynnette passes on tips and tricks for looking your fashionable best, plus the latest news on the high street trends...
Shine, shimmer & sparkle
T
he party season will soon be upon us! It’s a great opportunity to catch up with friends and family, and have a glass of prosecco or two. But it can also be a super busy time of year - so let’s take time out early and get your party outfits sorted with these tips for how to shine in this social season.
The AW’18 catwalks have been overflowing with the ‘casual glitz’ trend – which is perfect for the party season. Think sequins matched with woollens and boots, shimmer thread through your jumper or a sprinkle of sparkle on your pumps. The casual glitz look is very much relaxed styling – and what we are aiming for is looks that say you’ve
out your shoulders and give the impression of a wonderful hourglass figure. So what’s the best casual glitz in the shops near us right now?
Velvet Biker Jacket - Pure Collection (at John Lewis), £150
Sequin top - Next £20
Shimmer batwing jumper Phase Eight (at John Lewis), £65 Jeans - Next £42
Leather look trousers Boss (at Next) £129
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made an effort but at the same time you haven’t tried too hard. Plus this trend is very much an easy style - wear your top or bottom half glamorous and the other relaxed. This also means that your party wardrobe can go so much further by mixing and matching - which is a double win! But before we get stuck into browsing the shops – let’s take a moment to think about your body shape and how to maximise that with a touch of sparkle in the right place. Sparkle and shimmer are great at saying ‘hey look at me’ which means that they are best used in the places you want to emphasise. So if your hips are wider than your shoulders, you might consider yourself a pear shape - and pears look great when wearing their sparkles on their top half. This draws all the attention away from your hips and towards your lovely narrow shoulders. Now, if your hips are narrow compared with your shoulders, and you have more of an athletic build with a strong shoulder line – then you look great with sparkles on your bottom half. The result will balance
Twinkle Tops This sequin top from Next has a straight cut and T-shirt-style neckline which lends a casual touch to a design that might look highmaintenance at a first glance. It also comes in a variety of colours - so why not choose one that makes you look fab (and that could be something other than black!). Teal is a great colour that works on most people, especially if you have blue or green eyes. Or if you have blonde hair then the blush colour would look gorgeous on you! You could wear with black or a dark coloured leather or leather look trouser, or even a relaxed blue jean. If you were looking for a subtler why to shine, then this shimmer batwing jumper from Phase Eight is perfect – as it will inject a little bit of colour too (and purple is another colour which is great on all skin tones). This is a great top for dressing up or down - dress up with a pencil skirt that you probably already have in your wardrobe. Add a pair of sparkly heels and you are ready to party! Or you could also team it with the leather trousers or jeans (as above) to match the occasion and how glitzy you want to be. And last but by no means least, you could pop this fabulous velvet biker jacket over anything from jeans and a t-shirt, to a party dress to add some party style. Biker jackets are great for creating an hourglass silhouette so work very well on most body shapes.
ADAMS TRAVEL QUIZ NIGHT in association with Kuoni Raising money for Florence Nightingale Hospice Saturday 2 February 2019 at 7pm Weston Turville Village Hall, School Approach, HP22 5RW £10 a ticket including a fish & chip* supper. Bring your own drinks. A raffle will be held on the night. *Alternatives available: sausage & chips or veggie burger & chips.
The Tythe Barn
The Tythe Barn at Christmas Seasonal ideas and inspiration for decorating your home
Tickets now available to purchase from Adams Travel Adams Travel | 11 Market Square, Aylesbury, HP20 1TJ | 01296 873017
Adams Travel Your Local Independent Travel Agent
11 Market Square, Aylesbury Tel. 01296 873017 aylesbury.adamstravel@gmail.com www.adamstravelaylesbury.co.uk
Helen Grace
Hats and Fascinators to match your outfit available to buy or hire HG
Bespoke pieces can be designed to perfection HG
Enjoy a one-to-one at our studio in Shabbington To book an appointment
T: 01844 201017 E: helen@helengracehats.co.uk W: helengracehats.co.uk
Opening Thursdays to Saturdays 9.30am – 5pm and Sundays 10am – 4pm November 1st to December 16th The Tythe Barn, Manor Farm, Church End, Haddenham, Bucks, HP17 8AH www.thetythebarn.com
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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Bronze bead statement necklace - Next £18
White Shirt - Dorothy Perkins, £22 Sequin Skirt - Oasis (at John Lewis), £39
Cashmere Jumper - Fat Face, £98 Velvet Wide Legged Trousers - Somerset by Alice Temperley (at John Lewis) £99 Rose Gold Heels - Dorothy Perkins, £28
Sparkly Gold Clutch F&F (at Tesco), £12.50
Next Sequin pom pom beanie, £12
Brilliant Bottoms This sequin skirt from Oasis is a great colour that can be paired with any coloured or neutral top so despite it being a sequin skirt it would be an adaptable item to wear throughout the party season. You could pair it with a simple white shirt or even a cashmere jumper, like this super soft one from Fat Face. Just casually tuck it in at the front, or
leave it to sit on your hips If you are more of a trouser lady then these gorgeous velvet wide leg trousers from Somerset by Alice Temperley, are stylish but comfortable. Keep your silhouette clean on your top half and wear with a slim fit top for an instant casual glitz look. Prefer to keep your outfit plainer? No worries at all – just add a touch
ANTIQUES AT… WENDOVER
of glitz to your accessories. Whether that’s a sparkle to your footwear, bag or jewellery - a shimmer here will give a nod to the glitz trend but in a cool and understated way. And if you want to carry on the casual glitz everyday – well how about this sequinned beanie for when you are walking the dog? If you want to know more about which coloured sparkle works best
for you or how to dress your body shape, then drop me a line. Go forth and shimmer! l Lynnette Jackson is an awardwinning Personal Stylist and Image Consultant. She can help you look good whatever your size, shape, age or budget! Web: www.mycolourandstyle.com Facebook.com/mycolourandstyle Tel: 07971 198047
AW'18 Styling Sessions available now
A Dateline ANTIQUES CENTRE Est. 1987 A QUALITY ANTIQUES CENTRE offering town and country antiques in a Tudor, brick and timber house, with wall paintings and inglenook fireplaces. Park in the Courtyard at the rear, where you will find Garden Antiques, a Tea Room, the Barn Courtyard Shops and an Artist’s Studio. We are open every day from 10am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday and from 11am to 5pm, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Late 17thC child’s two panel oak chest. Small initials I.C. & K.M. are carved on the left front… previous owners? £390 The Old Post Office, 25 High Street, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 625335 Email: antiques@antiquesatwendover.co.uk Website: www.antiquesatwendover.co.uk 18
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Lynnette Jackson image consultant, personal stylist 07971 198 047 lynnette@mycolourandstyle.com www.mycolourandstyle.com
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Back to the future
Vintage clothes are old, pre-worn and passed on, yet they are more popular than ever; they are back in fashion and offer the wearer a unique mix of soul, style, sustainability, history and culture...
W
hen Sebastian Grace founded his Tring blacksmith’s business in 1750 he couldn’t have imagined that 250 years, and several generations, later his enterprising family would still be key members of the local business community. G. Grace & Sons Ironmongers and Hardware store, at 68 High Street, is today run by Gilbert Grace (now in his 80s but still putting in a six day week) while upstairs at the back, the loft premises that previously housed his son’s Arrow Valves business has recently been reborn as Loft 68 Vintage Clothing. Loft 68 Vintage was launched in September by Gilbert’s grandson Jordan, a DJ with a background in hospitality and his girlfriend Georgina, a fashion graduate. The couple both have a background in fashion retailing - they met whilst working for Hollister and came up with the idea of setting up a vintage clothing business whilst travelling in South Africa where there is a thriving vintage clothing trade. “We were really impressed with some of the vintage stores in South Africa,” says Jordan. “We discussed the idea a lot on our travels and then with my grandfather on our return. He was really supportive and has been kind enough to open up the loft rooms at No.68 for us to use. We moved back to the area and started doing the loft up in June ready for a soft launch in September. “Loft 68 is more boutique than thrift store, so it’s about quality rather than quantity. The clothes we source are top grade and we hand pick and sort every item ourselves to ensure that they are in first class condition. Some second hand stores buy clothing by weight and don’t know exactly what they are getting, whereas we individually select all our stock. “We are looking to build relationships with our customers and want them to be really pleased with what they have bought, come
Georgina and Jordan at Loft 68 Vintage back again and trust us to source for them.” Jordan and Georgina have done a great job of fitting out their premises. The building is full of character and they have created the perfect setting for their vintage stock with atmospheric decor, old skool lighting and recycled accessories, which include some old metal Grace signs they’ve managed to salvage. The boutique is neatly laid out and easy to navigate, a mixture of hanging rails and shelf units with a surprising variety of stock for the space. There’s clothes from across the last 50 years and beyond, from jeans to old band T-shirts, 70s womens blouses, Hawaiian shirts, jackets, sweaters and coats, bags, headwear, sunglasses, 90s sportswear, which is very in at the moment, trendy Burberry trenchcoats, biker jackets and lurid 80s ski jackets including an original and unique one-off Norwegian Alpine Ski team jacket. Prices are reasonable and range from £25
for unbranded jeans to £38 for designer jeans by labels like Armani, Levi, Ralph L and Tommy H, while the most expensive item is a rare vintage ski jacket at £150. “We’re selling better quality clothing than you might buy new today and it’s better for the environment,” says Jordan. “Sustainability is important to us having worked in the fast fashion industry and seen the wastage and our carbon footprint here is quite small - we are recycling clothes , we use LED lightbulbs, wooden hangers and paper bags and have our own cotton tote bags which are free at the moment if you spend £20 or more. “Tring has been really supportive, we’ve had a lot of interest, and feedback has been great. We’re taking on board what people would like to see us stock more of and we’re happy to source specific items for customers, so just ask! We have a buying programme too, so if you have a vintage item you’d like to sell, please get in touch.” Loft 68 Vintage is currently open Thursday to Sunday- see Facebook, Google and Instagram for hours. Giftcards are available too. l Loft 68 Vintage, 68 High Street, Tring, Hertfordshire, HP23 4AG E: info@loft68vintage.com www.facebook.com/loft68vintage/ Inst: Loft68Vintage Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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C u r i o u s Wo r l d
by Nicky Gregory
Pounce pots & sanders
P
ounce is a fine absorbent powder, most often made from cuttlefish bone or gum sandarac, a resin from small cypress-like trees native to northwest Africa. Later talc or sandstone were also used. The ‘powder’ was the consistency of sand, hence the alternative name ‘sander’. It was used to dry ink and smooth a rough writing surface to make it suitable for writing with a quill or steel nib. Once sprinkled on the newly written page it was gently shaken to ensure no pounce stuck to the ink. With the correct materials the ink would be sufficiently dry within ten seconds to allow the paper to be folded without blotting. If a mistake was made the ink would be scraped off and the writing surface re-pounced to ensure the ink would not soak into the scraped area and become indistinct. Pounce pots come in a variety
Victorian ‘Cat in a hat’ pounce pot
James Dixon & Sons pewter pounce pot
Nicky Gregory
Curious world
breaking a tooth.
Mystery object 1821 Georgian Silver Barrel of shapes and sizes and are made from pewter, silver, bone and wood - usually boxwood, yew or lignum vitae. In the 19th century pounce pots or sanders often had a shallow round dished top so that the excess pounce could be returned to the pot. The process is very effective for quickly drying ink, and although blotting paper has been
available since Tudor times, pounce continued to be used throughout the nineteenth century. Pounce pots are often mistaken for pepperettes or pepper pots. They are distinguishable by size, as pepper pots are smaller with the top in proportion to the body. Pepperettes have small holes to prevent larger pieces of pepper from over-spicing the food or
Our Sept/Oct edition mystery object was a Perpetual Calendar. Can you guess what this one above is? Email your answers along with your name, address and contact telephone number to: editor@valelife.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 T: 01296 625335 E: antiques@antiquesatwendover.co.uk Web: www.antiquesatwendover.co.uk
Record year for Pardon my English! MS Mile walkers A local dialect ‘Call My Bluff’ by Jacot de Boinod Can you guess the right definitions of the following words?
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from the public and support from the volunteers. It was a huge achievement for me to walk a mile and I am grateful to have been able to complete the walk. I couldn’t have done it without my family and the help and support I have received from the MS Centre. I am so pleased I was able to be an ambassador this year to promote the most successful ‘Walk the MS Mile’ yet. The money that has been raised so far is incredible.” MS is an unpredictable, often disabling disease and living with MS can be tough. Many symptoms can be treated with physio, hydro, oxygen, complementary and occupational therapies though. 550 people with MS, just like Nathan, are members of the Centre, enabling them to access practical, physical treatment and also the emotional support they need.
l www.chilternsmscentre.org
1) Sawney
(Hertfordshire dialect)
A) foolish, a foolish fellow B) tired from complaining C) furious
2) Whittle
(Buckinghamshire dialect) A) to blow, displace, or scatter with gusts of air B) of geese: to descend rapidly from a height once the decision to land has been made, involving fast side-slipping first one way and then the other C) to cut into chips with a knife
3) Crinklings
(Buckinghamshire dialect) A) the frayed and unravelled ends of a rope B) wax drips from a candle C) the tissues left after the lard has been boiled out of fat
4) Core
(Hertfordshire dialect) A) the six of hearts in playing cards B) a large playing marble C) a small island in a stream
l Adam Jacot de Boinod was a researcher for the
television series QI and is the author of The Meaning of Tingo and Other Extraordinary Words from around the World, published by Penguin Books. Having researched our rural dialect, he is setting a fun ‘Call-My-Bluff Quiz for Vale Life readers - mind your language now... ANSWERS: 1A) foolish, a foolish fellow 2C) to cut into chips with a knife 3C) the tissues left after the lard has been boiled out of fat 4C) a small island in a stream
M
embers and friends of the Chilterns MS Centre walked, wheeled and scooted around Aylesbury town centre in September as part of the annual Walk the MS Mile fundraiser. Despite the rain, walkers and riders of all ages took part in the one mile walk to increase awareness of the Centre and raise vital funds to help keep the charity going. And amazingly more than £12,000 was raised - the largest amount from a single walk in the history of the event! This will provide over 300 hours of treatment for members of the Centre living with multiple sclerosis (MS), helping them manage their symptoms and lead the best lives they can. People like Nathan, who was one of the ambassadors of this year’s walk. When asked about the walk afterwards, Nathan said “I was overwhelmed by the response
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Just meant to be!
Named after one of owner Rebecca Cleland’s favourite walks, which passes an ancient hill fort at the nearby Beacon Hill - Cymbeline Art and Cards is a delightful gift shop and gallery, at the M&S end of Princes Risborough High Street, where you’ll find stunning original art and much more too...
B
ecky Cleland feels fate drew her to cycle into Princes Risborough last year and discover the vacant shop that is now home to her gallery shop, Cymbeline. She is no newcomer to retail having worked for Laura Ashley in their heyday and for John Lewis in fashion and furnishings and more recently, for 13 years, at The Book House in Thame, where she was principal card buyer (they do have a great range). Becky is also an artist, having gained a degree in Fine Art during her early forties. “I hadn’t actually been looking to open a shop,” says Becky, “but the idea came to me when I saw the premises that day. I felt the area could do with more places for local artists to display their work and I have a varied selection on show now that are selling well.” Indeed, there are colourful prints of local landscapes by Christine Bass, who is from Wing and has a distinctive modern style; textile art by Barbara Shaw whose fabric collages of local landscapes and towns have proved very popular; fascinating abstract images by Emma Williams from Risborough, who morphs maps with aerial views and trees, on marble paper that she makes herself and colourful wildlife linocuts and screenprints by Marian Carter, a printmaker from Bledlow. “The striking black and white limited edition tree prints by Sarah Woolfenden have been very popular,” says Becky. “She is actually from Devon but her Beech, Yew and Oak prints have gone down very well here too. “The art evolves and changes with the seasons, so there’s always something new
Becky Cleland to see. I am having a show by Oxford Printmakers each year - some 40 works Heather Power took part this year and I have continued to display and sell her limited edition tree silhouette prints and printed glass coasters, which make lovely gifts.” More than half of Cymbeline is not gallery though, it is stocked with ceramics, cards, books, jigsaw puzzles, decorative lights (indoor and outdoor), costume jewellery, Venetian glass jewellery, handcrafted silk and wool scarves - including beautiful fairtrade scarves from Hands and Looms (hand coloured and made on wooden hand-looms in India, Nepal and Tibet, using traditional techniques) - shawls, cotton throws, arty cushions, funky Roka outdoor bags (great for walkers); bamboo plates, trays and portable coffee cups (ideal for collecting your free Waitrose coffee, now they don’t supply cups) Nicky James bags and tableware; Orla Kiely
homeware; Liberty print washbags; scented candles, wrapping paper, Christmas cards and decorations, Angela Harding calendars and advent calendars; Izzi Rainey homeware; mugs, stationery, diaries, Thornback & Peel kitchenwear and hanky sets; fun books of poetry, Repeat Repeat mugs and tea towels; Candle People candles and candle holders... it’s an inspiring and eclectic selection but Becky has an artist’s eye for colour and design and a love of quality and workmanship, plus many years of experience working in retail and there is a cohesion to this range - a distinct Cymbeline style is evident and rather appealing. “It’s been a really good first year, business has built gradually and I’ve got some lovely regular customers already,” says Becky. “It takes time to find the right suppliers and to build relationships with the different artists. Most of our customers are fairly local but we’ve had people come from further afield for specific items like the handmade scarves.” Cymbeline is the ideal place to shop for an unusual or individual gift for that special someone, or even yourself! There’s plenty to choose from and as items start at only a couple of pounds, it’s even good for finding a ‘secret Santa’ pressie! l Cymbeline, 3-5 High Street, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 0AE T: 01844 698224 E: cymbelineartandcards@gmail.com W www.cymbelineartandcards.com www.instagram.com/cymbelineart/ www.facebook.com/pg/Cymbeline-Art-and-Cards Open: Tue to Sat, 10am-5pm
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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s a m t s i r h C y r Mer Festive dates for your diary in Aylesbury Town Centre 3
The Christmas Lights Switch On
Thursday 15th November Town Centre, 5.30pm–7.30pm
Join the fun in Aylesbury Town Centre to herald the start of Christmas! Our hugely popular Christmas Light Switch On, hosted by Mix 96 and the Aylesbury Town Centre Partnership, will take place on Thursday, November 15th between 5.30pm and 7.30pm in Market Square, along with a funfair in Kingsbury until 8.30pm. The lights will be switched on at 7pm, followed
by a colourful fireworks display. There will also be a host of live acts performing throughout the event plus members of the cast from this year’s Waterside Theatre panto, including Holly Atterton and Andy Collins. To keep you going there will be a range of street food available, from German sausages to Burritos, Indian cuisine, hot roasted chestnuts, fudge and fresh doughnuts, or you can pick from one of the town’s many restaurants. There really is something for everyone!
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Santa’s Sunday Sunday 25th November Town Centre, Parade 10.45am
A real family favourite! This year the parade will be led by an amazing Snow Lion. The parade will also include Christmas puds on roller skates, stilt walkers, real donkeys, a samba band and a colourful array of music and dance groups all performing in procession. The parade of characters and local groups will sing and dance
their way through the town centre, starting at 10.45am from the High Street and making their way around to Market Square. After the parade, there is a range of entertainment on offer, including go-karts, a small funfair and donkey rides. Why not start your Christmas shopping on the day too? Aylesbury hosts an array of national and independent shops and there will be a selection of street food for you to enjoy as well.
Christmas shopping hours Date
Friars Square Hale Leys
Thur 15 November 9am - 8pm Thur 22 November 9am - 5.30pm Fri 23 November 9am - 5.30pm Sun 5 November 10.30am - 4.30pm Thur 29 November 9am - 5.30pm Thur 6 December 9am - 8pm Thur 13 December 9am - 8pm Fri 14 December 9am - 5.30pm Sat 15 December 9am - 6pm Sun 16 December 10.30am - 4.30pm Mon 17 December 9am - 8pm Tue 18 December 9am - 8pm Wed 19 December 9am - 8pm Thur 20 December 9am - 8pm Fri 21 December 9am - 8pm Sat 22 December 9am - 8pm Sun 23 December 10.30am - 4.30pm Mon 24 December 9am - 5.30pm Tue 25 December Closed Wed 26 December 10.30am - 4.30pm Thur 27 December 9am - 5.30pm Fri 28 December 9am - 5.30pm Sat 29 December 9am - 5.30pm Sun 30 December 9am - 6pm Mon 31 December 9am - 4pm Tue 1 January (BH) 10.30am - 4.30pm 22
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
9am - 8pm 9am - 5.30pm 8.30am - 5.30pm 10am - 4.30pm 9am - 5.30pm 9am - 7pm 9am - 7pm 9am - 5.30pm 9am - 6pm 10.30am - 4.30pm 9am - 7pm 9am - 7pm 9am - 7pm 9am - 7pm 9am - 7pm 9am - 7pm 10.30am - 4.30pm 8.30am - 5pm Closed 10am - 5pm 9am - 5.30pm 9am - 5.30pm 9am - 5.30pm 9am - 5.30pm 9am - 5.30pm 10am - 5pm
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AylesburyMarket No Market No Market 9am - 4pm No Market No Market No Market No Market 9am - 4pm 9am - 4pm No Market No Market 9am - 2pm 9am - 4pm 9am - 6.30pm 9am - 4pm 9am – 4pm No Market 9am - 4pm Closed Closed Closed 9am - 4pm 9am - 4pm No Market No Market No Market
Christmas 2018 Shopping info for Aylesbury Town Centre 2 • Santa’s Grotto opens 17th November • Late night shopping every Thursday from 6th December up to Christmas • Free parking from 3.30pm every Thursday from 22nd November until Christmas in AVDC Aylesbury town centre car parks and Friars Square Car Park For more info see: www.visitaylesbury.co.uk
Sunday 2nd December 2018 Sunday 2nd December 11am – 3pm Market Square, 11am-3pm Historic Market Square The largest, free Christmas Craft & Gift Fair in Buckinghamshire, boasting more than 80 stalls, will be lining the cobbles of Aylesbury’s beautiful and historic Market Square. The Christmas Craft and Gift Fair is a spectacular free event that has grown rapidly over the last three years and now offers a huge assortment of items produced by local businesses. You can immerse yourself in an eclectic mix of stalls while enjoying live music. There will also be a delicious range of street food on offer. Many traders will be there for the first time this year with Christmas decorations, jewellery, soft furnishings, children’s gifts, soaps, cosmetics, candles, Italian delicacies, cheeses, herbs, children’s handcrafted clothing, classic car memorabilia, collectable toy cars, accessories, homeware, craft beer and gin and much more. Aylesbury Town Centre Partnership is delighted once again to welcome Young Enterprise representatives. The budding local entrepreneurs from Aylesbury schools have set up companies with the support of Young Enterprise and will be selling the products that they have created.
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
A gift that will last Finding a meaningful Christmas gift can be a difficult task, but one that is well worth the effort. Rather than a gift to be forgotten at the bottom of a drawer, or one that is scoffed or quaffed before the celebrations are over, a piece of jewellery will be remembered and cherished for years to come...
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your partner, parent, best friend, or sk any of the expert staff at Hester Clarke even as a treat for yourself! So what advice would you get Fine Jewellers, and they will tell you that the from a fifth generation jewellers when it comes to buying jewellery greatest gifts come in the smallest this Christmas? boxes. And they should know; the Aylesbury jewellers has been “For me, jewellery is meant to be worn,” says Julia Clarke, Managing providing Christmas gifts for Director of Hester Clarke. “It’s their clients for the last 126 important that a piece of years! When you walk into jewellery is both meaningful their Cambridge Street and easy to wear. If you are showroom this festive buying for somebody else, season, you can be sure it’s important to consider of a warm welcome. The whether it will fit in with Clarke family and their their current lifestyle friendly, helpful 18ct White Gold with staff are ready to Morganite and Diamonds and personal taste. Do they like small and guide you towards delicate pieces or do they prefer that perfect gift, whether it’s for
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
Christopher Clarke and daughters Julia, left and Nicola bold statement jewellery? Is their out for this Christmas? According style classic and timeless or are to Hester Clarke, it’s all about they more likely to enjoy a finding something slightly different. modern, striking design? “We’ve definitely seen a move Asking yourself these towards some of the more questions and trying unusual Gemstones,” says Julia. to understand what “They look set to be one of they would like to wear the biggest trends for us this will ensure your gift is Christmas season, especially personal and meaningful, some of the beautiful warmer and likely to be enjoyed colours. Morganite, Tanzanite, for many years to Pink Tourmaline and 18ct White Gold with come.” Tanzanite and Diamonds Pink Sapphires will all “Planning is be featuring heavily in key!” says Julia. “While we are our Christmas line-up, and these always open up until Christmas colours work exceptionally well Eve to help with those last minute with Rose Gold. We are also seeing gifts, our customers often have a demand for British gemstones something in mind and want to find like Derbyshire Blue John, which that perfect piece of jewellery they has gorgeous tones of purple and have imagined, or perhaps even blue.” have a bespoke piece commissioned So with the above in mind, for them. In that case, it’s best why not pay a visit to Hester to give yourself plenty Clarke’s Cambridge of time to find what Street showroom this you are looking Christmas. With a wide for. If you want to range of jewellery for make your gift even him and her, as well as 18ct White Gold with more personal, it’s Tanzanite and Diamonds an extensive range of important to leave giftware, you can be time to have it beautifully engraved sure to make it a Happy Christmas too. Whether it’s a message, a date, with Hester Clarke. a name, or even a private in-joke l Hester Clarke, 10-14 Cambridge secretly hidden out of view, adding Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1RS engraving is a lovely personal Telephone: 01296 482963. touch.” Website: www.hesterclarke.co.uk What about the trends to look www.instagram.com/hester_clarke Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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Health & Beauty
B e au t y s p ot
by Amanda Trott
Spring in your step With more than 7,000 nerve endings in each foot it is no wonder they can ache at times. These nerves are connected to the rest of our bodies though and a foot massage can have wonderful therapeutic results for your whole being...
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as the thought of Christmas shopping already made your feet ache? If so, then I know just where you can go to find the most blissfully relaxing foot massage. Jane Brooks owner of Hands-On Holistic Therapy in Stoke Mandeville has recently added Thai Foot Massage to her repertoire of holistic treatments. Jane, who grew up locally, originally trained as a Biomedical scientist and worked in a lab at Stoke Mandeville Hospital for 30 years, analysing cervical screen samples, later gaining a Masters in clinical cytology. After being diagnosed with breast cancer she decided to retrain in something completely different and having been interested in massage, was inspired by a course at The Belmore Centre. She trained and fell in love with massage. She knew that a holistic approach, believing that our well-being relies not just on what is happening in our body physically but also psychologically, emotionally, socially and spiritually, was the path she wanted to follow. Six and a half years on, she has her own home clinic and now, alongside Thai foot massage, offers aromatherapy, pregnancy massage, and Indian head massage. Jane is a member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists and was trained in Thai Foot Massage by Simon Gall, founder of The London School of Traditional Massage. Jane kindly invited me to try a Thai Foot Massage for myself. I arrived at her clinic on a cold wet evening and was welcomed by the deliciously uplifting scent of Litsea cubeba or as it’s commonly known, May Chang. This essential oil is obtained from the fruits of a small tropical tree with fragrant leaves and flowers and has a citrus aroma that is somewhere between orange and lemon. It’s uplifting and also antibacterial, so perfect for keeping those Winter cold germs at bay. Jane explained that each foot has more than 7000 nerve endings, which are connected to the internal organs of the body, so massaging them is a wonderful way to create deep relaxation, balance and wellbeing. She explained that the lower legs and feet are stretched and massaged to open the Sen lines, which are the invisible energy channels that flow up through your body from your feet. Specific pressure points, which stem from 24
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Initial consultation in Jane’s treatment room
Amanda Trott
Beauty Spot
Nice and cosy!
Gentle use of Thai massage stick ten major energy lines which run throughout the body, are stimulated. These pressure points provide a map of the body and organs. After laying me on her massage couch tucked up cosily up in blankets, Jane began her massage by sounding a Tibetan singing bowl, to signal the start of the treatment and cleansed my feet with warm towels infused with essential oils. She wrapped each foot up in soft, fluffy towels and then using a combination of camomile and jasmine cream mixed with sweet almond oil, unwrapped my left foot and began to warm it, starting the flow of energy. Jane tells me that traditionally, massage starts on the left foot for the woman and the right for the man. She uses a combination of long, firm but gentle strokes and smaller localised massage on some of the reflex points incorporating a Thai massage stick. Each foot and leg is massaged in turn whilst the other is wrapped up. The treatment lasts a whole hour, ample time for a rejuvenating snooze! Jane is not one to rush her clients in and out
All wrapped up!
of the door and gave me plenty of time to wake up and drink a glass of water before climbing down off the couch. At this point, I would have been much happier if someone could have picked me up and just popped me straight into bed, rather than having to drive myself home! This is such a relaxing treatment that I would recommend you go home afterwards and do absolutely nothing for the rest of the day, as Jane’s expert touch leaves you in a state of deep relaxation. This is the perfect massage for anyone who enjoys a little pampering and I for one, will be visiting Jane again very soon, Christmas shopping or not! l Jane Brooks, Hands-On Holistic Therapy Tel: 07740 588076 E: info@handsonholistictherapy.co.uk www.HandsOnHolisticTherapy.co.uk www.facebook.com/HandsOnHolisticTherapy Online booking: www.handsonholistictherapy.setmore.com l To contact Amanda please email:
editor@vale-life.co.uk
Life bites
Health & Beauty
by Sarah Virág
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Seven simple energy boosters
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ost of us wrongly assume that our energy level is capped. Yet as with so many things in life, we’re far more in control than we actually believe! Here are 7 straightforward things I rely on to keep my energy & natural confidence levels high. Try them for yourself and feel the benefits - whatever life throws at you; 1. A POSITIVE MINDSET: It’s a simple fact; negative thinking drains your energy, whilst positive thoughts boost your energy. Even under difficult circumstances, always strive to maintain a good, upbeat attitude. 2. DYNAMIC SPEECH & BODY LANGUAGE: Fuel your day with positive speech and body language, and you might just be surprised at the uplifting effect it has on both yourself and others around you. Someone with a generous smile, upright, open posture and warm handshake leaves much more of an impression than a peer who
potatoes and white rice all create unhealthy sugar spikes. They‘ll lift you temporarily and then drop you – quite literally – like a sack of potatoes! Opt for healthier, low GI alternatives such as chickpeas, couscous, beans and lentils.
slouches into a room with downcast eyes and rounded shoulders. Stand tall and be the person who creates energy in a room! 3. EXERCISE: With colder months on the horizon, a commitment to any form of exercise – even a brisk, daily walk around the block – will reward you with extra energy, a better mindset, and weight loss too if you’re looking for that. 4. SAY NO TO EMPTY WHITE CARBS: No matter what your dietary preference, I always recommend giving these energy suckers a wide berth. White bread,
5. WATER: Nothing replenishes like good, old fashioned water. When you start to flag mentally or physically, make water your first port of call – with regular intake throughout the day. 6. SLEEP: Hectic lifestyles mean that many of us lack regular, quality sleep. Aim for 6-8 hours a day as a non negotiable element of general health and wellbeing. Waking up refreshed does wonders for overall self confidence and day to day productivity. 7. AVOID LIGHT DIMMERS: There are those who drain the life and energy out of you, and others who make you feel positively uplifted with their enthusiasm. Make a conscious decision to avoid relationships that bring little or
Sarah Virág Confidence Coach nothing to your life. In conclusion: everything feels better when we’re motivated and engaged with our world. So take responsibility for your own energy level - a few simple tips, like the ones above, will make a visible difference! l Sarah Virág BA (Hons) is a
confidence coach, writer, former global events manager and author of Amazon #1 bestselling book ‘Wings for Life‘ (available at www. amazon.co.uk/dp/1720076804). Website: www.sarah-virag.com Email: sarah@sarah-virag.com FB: /SarahViragConfidenceCoach Instagram: @sarah.virag
Louise Coates Independent Hair Stylist 079121 20025 / 01296 433233
I am an Independent Senior Stylist with 10 years salon experience City and Guilds trained to level 3 catering for all aspects of hair dressing.
Creative Cutting - Colouring - Styling - Perming I am fully insured and based at First Impressions, 18 Bourbon Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 2RR I look forward to welcoming clients old and new.
For all your beauty needs Unit 5, Layby Farm, Stoke Mandeville Buckinghamshire HP22 5XJ 07771 330366 laura.gilbey@hiddenbeautyaylesbury.co.uk www.hiddenbeautyaylesbury.co.uk
Charlotte Mobile Hairdresser Reflexology for adults and children Ailments which can benefit from reflexology sessions include: Headaches and migraines Stress & anxiety Digestive problems l Menstrual problems l Tiredness & fatigue l Aches & Pains l
l
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I’m an experienced Reflexologist treating all ages and a wide variety of ailments in my treatment room at Great Kimble. Tel: Rebecca Holmes on 07713355428 Email: rebeccaholmes7@gmail.com website:www.chilternhillstherapies.com
Professional Hairdressing for
Everyone All in the comfort of your own home
Over 12 years of salon experience Tel: 07479 939461 www.mobilehairdesign.com charlotte@mobilehairdesign.com • modern cutting techniques • colours (all types) • • colour correction • blow dry • curls & waves • • perms • sets • hair extensions • special occasions • Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Salon set to H-amaze!
Gymfit4less, Aylesbury’s popular town centre fitness facility (in the old LJs /Kudos premises), boasts a café, barbershop and lash boutique on site. And now, a stylish new hair and beauty salon has opened there too! Best of all these businesses can be used by the general public as well as gym members...
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MAEZ hair and nails is the brainchild of businesswoman Mo Mbondiah Mandipaza. Mo, who is an experienced mental health nurse and runs a successful healthcare business with her husband Donald, recently moved with her family from the West Midlands, to live in Aylesbury. “On settling in Aylesbury at the beginning of the year,” says Mo, “I became aware of a shortage of high quality hairdressing salons, for people of colour like myself, in the area. And local people in similar positions told me they had to travel to Luton, Milton Keynes or London to get the hair and beauty services they were looking for. “It seemed there was a local need and I certainly didn’t have time to travel that far to have my hair done, so I went on a mission to provide local people with what they wanted!” Mo’s salon is called HMAEZ after her daughter, Hannah Mae and was officially opened on the 3rd September, in a unit at the 24-hour Gymfit4less complex, just off Aylesbury High Street, by Wilkinson’s. It’s a compact set up with just one backwash and a couple of styling positions, providing a
HMAEZ styling position
Mo Mbondiah Mandipaza at HMAEZ more private, individual experience than the average salon - a chance to relax and get some TLC from your hairdresser and unwind with refreshments on hand. “Our salon caters for all hair types,” says Mo, “but will specialise in Afro Hair, Braiding, Weaving, Straightening and Cornrows and will feature our own HMZ makeup range which caters particularly well for dark skin types. “We are working on an extremely flexible appointment-only basis to start with, so ladies can book outside of normal working hours, during the evenings and at weekends, if that suits them. Just get in touch and we will book
HMZ makeup products
you in at a time that is convenient for you - call: 07751 636183 or book online via our website at: www.hmaezsalon.com “Gymfit4less is open 24 hours so clients can come in before a night out or over the weekend if required. Ultimately we will cater for hair and make up, so you can come in after work, or after your workout in the gym and have your hair and makeup done ready for a night out. We will also cater for weddings and special occasion makeup. Our stylists are fully qualified and offer a full range of services from cut and blow drys to perms, microbraiding and straightening. “Although I’m not a hairdresser myself, I’ve always been interested in hair and makeup. I’m quite passionate about it really and I’m really excited the salon is up and running and our HMZ hair and beauty products are on sale! I am convinced that being centrally located and in a busy gym is a great position for us. It will be convenient for those already using the gym or shopping in the town centre.” As a special offer for Vale Life Magazine readers Mo is giving £10 off any HMAEZ hairdressing services purchased before December 31st, 2018. Just mention Vale Life Magazine offer when you book. If you are an experienced hair stylist and would be interested in working with HMAEZ, the salon has both full and part time opportunities available - call her for a chat if you are interested. l HMAEZ Salon, gymfit4less, Unit 2 Britannia Walk, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1QR T: 07751 636183 W: www.hmaezsalon.com FB: search for HMAEZ-HAIR-SALON
Applying HMZ makeup products All HMAEZ images by: www.facebook.com/CalinBordosPhotography Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
G o o d h e a lt h
Health & Beauty
with Sandra Smith
Someone to talk to “
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o one should have no one to talk to.” This simple yet powerful message is the essence of AGE UK’s winter campaign, which Interim Chief Executive, Bernadette Ashcroft, wants to spread across Aylesbury Vale. “From an older person’s perspective,” she continues, “living longer means outliving friends. With multiple long term health conditions which prevent people going out, and a transient population, prolonged loneliness has a massive impact on mental and physical health.” Help, however, is available in the form of the charity’s Befriending Service. Several hundred volunteers cover four geographical areas where the elderly are visited once or twice a week for a couple of hours. Person centred training is provided for volunteers (minimum age 18) enabling them to look out for the person’s physical and mental wellbeing. Where possible,
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location is acceptable for some, loneliness is always accompanied by a feeling of negativity. The popularity of social media, she adds, doesn’t necessarily translate to the elderly who often find it less accessible. At least for now. “Culturally we change; what those in their eighties will do in ten years’ time will be different to what they do now.” Age UK works with Carers Bucks, Bucks Mind and Bucks Vision. Nearly half of those who are visited by volunteers are between the ages of 80 and 90 and everyone first needs to be referred by either a GP or family member. “People aren’t necessarily lonely, but at risk of becoming lonely. We work with a Welfare Benefits Team; last year we supported £1.6m in unclaimed benefits across the county.” Anyone in Aylesbury Vale experiencing loneliness may benefit from Age UK’s Befriending
PHOEBE_AW18_059 Good Health Sandra Smith
mutual interests and backgrounds are matched in order to foster a level of connection with visits continuing for as long as they are needed and taking place during the day, in the evening or at weekends. Whenever necessary, there’s an emphasis on preventing premature admission to nursing care or inappropriate hospital admissions. Although loneliness is predominantly considered an issue for the elderly, Bernadette also cites visual or auditory impairment, and changes such as divorce, retirement, even having a baby, as common causes. And while social isolation or living in a remote
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T: 01296 431911 E: age@ageukbucks.org.uk W: www.ageuk.org.uk/ buckinghamshire
l Sandra Smith is a freelance
writer, follow her on Twitter: @TheCurrentMrsS or visit her website: www.TheCurrentMrsSmith.co.uk
PHOEBE_AW18_059
We stock an exciting range of DB Wider Fit Shoes for men and women - a stylish combination of elegance and comfort. RICHMOND_AW18_062 DB Shoes won the COMPTON_AW18_036 Footwear Industry Awards Comfort/Wellness Footwear Brand of the Year title last year, recognising their creativity, innovation and
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l AGE UK Buckinghamshire
Stylish shoes, boots, trainers RICHMOND_BLACK_AW18_005 and slippers for the wider foot
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‘Excellence for all your foot care needs’
Service. Meanwhile Bernadette offers some personal advice: “My philosophy is there are five ways to wellbeing: keep learning, socialise, keep active, take notice and give. People want to feel they are making a contribution.”
quality and the new Autumn/ with a pretty and graceful Winter 2018 range offers silhouette, whilst our men’s range combines comfort, elegance and comfort for men and women. value and craftsmanship. Our Shoe Shop is open Our ladies collection has RICHMOND_BLACK_AW18_005 footwear that will pamper from 9.30am to 4.30pm, your feet all day long, but Mon/Tue/Wed & Fri, when allow you to step out in style. our trained shoe fitter will be DB footwear incorporates available for a drop-in service the comfort of a wide fitting (closed 1-2pm). shoe and a deeper toe box,
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Feet First, 13a Upper High Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3ER SANDBACH_AW18_013 SHARON_AW18_013 Tel: 01844 261023 Email: enquiries@feet-first.org www.feet-first.org 28
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Skin focus
Health & Beauty
with Harmony Beauty Therapy
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
The natural answer to anti-ageing
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mooth, glowing skin really rolls back the years, and whilst we can’t stop life’s natural ageing process, we can delay it. Thanks to the latest generation of LPG endermologie® technology, which gently stimulates the skin to reactivate dormant cell activity, and the team of trained skin specialists at Harmony Beauty Therapy in Buckingham, Vale Life readers can now benefit from this 100% natural and noninvasive technique with proven anti-ageing and body contouring results. Since opening in 2004, Harmony Beauty Therapy has been offering the most advanced skin treatments, to rejuvenate the face and redefine the body, alongside an extensive range of traditional beauty treatments. And now their trained LPG experts can also give your face a ‘skin workout’ with the amazing endermologie® treatment head, which awakens and boosts the natural production of essential
substances within your skin, leaving it radiant and rejuvenated.
Results by LPG endermologie® face treatment
You can say goodbye to wrinkles and fine lines, eye bags and dark circles, dull complexion, double chin and sagging skin with this groundbreaking treatment that delivers visible results from the very first treatment!
If it’s body sculpting you’re after, the Alliance technology and body treatment head can simultaneously target stubborn localised fat to slim, firm the skin, reshape the body and smooth the dreaded cellulite that more than 90% of women develop. Not yet convinced? All treatments are personalised to meet a client’s individual requirements and target the specific areas they wish to improve, with visible results achievable quickly and painlessly. 300,000 people already use endermologie® daily. Working in harmony with other healthy lifestyle choices, it is a simple, low-maintenance solution to improving wellbeing, while preserving body and face from the ravages of time. Harmony Beauty Therapy is offering all new clients the
Shweta Kapur
Harmony Beauty Therapy chance to try this revolutionary treatment for just £20! This includes a free consultation and a 15-minute face or body trial. To book go to: www.harmonybeauty. co.uk, and use the discount code VALELIFE18. Find out more about endermologie® and Harmony Beauty Therapy on their Facebook page /HarmonyBeautyTherapy Buckingham l Harmony Beauty Therapy, The White House, Market Hill, Buckingham, MK18 1JX T: 01280 815821 E: relax@harmonybeautytherapy.co.uk W: www.harmonybeautytherapy.co.uk
Professional Teeth Whitening - guaranteed improvement in the shade of your teeth
• Gold Package: 1 hour in-chair whitening treatment plus Home Whitening Kit (custom-made trays and gels): £449 • Silver Package: Home Whitening Kit (custom-made trays and teeth gels): £299 • Bronze Package: In-chair Whitening Treatment 1 hour treatment session to improve colour by up to 7 shades: £149
Free consultations are available to discuss your treatment wants and needs. Gift vouchers available
8 Hampden Square, Fairford Leys, Buckinghamshire, HP19 7HT Tel: 01296 398 180 info@fairfordleyssmilecentre.co.uk www.fairfordleyssmilecentre.co.uk : Fairford Leys Smile Centre : @FLSmileCentre
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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Rated as
GOOD by CQC
Individual Care in Beautiful Surroundings Outstanding care in the heart of Buckinghamshire
A place of care for over 50 years, our focus is to tailor your stay with us to your agenda and your needs. If you are in need of recovery after an operation, a break whilst family are away or maybe you are looking for specialist respite care, we would be happy to help in all cases.
First-class rehabilitation
Delicious, nutritious meals
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“My stay at Chilton House was outstanding in every aspect, staff were amazingly helpful with positive attitudes, the food was excellent, and the physios worked closely with me allowing me to reach my recovery goal.� Mr A, Berkshire
Chilton House, Chilton, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 9LR www.chiltonhouse.co.uk | 01844 265 200 | enquiries@chiltonhouse.co.uk 30
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Kiss & Tell
Health & Fitness
with Tracy Kiss
Give the gift of fitness
H
ow on earth has Christmas crept up on us all so quickly? With the heating cranked up a little more daily, knitted blankets inducing cosy evening sofa snuggles and mugs of hot chocolate with sugared biscuits welcoming friends and family, we can be forgiven for putting on a few pounds over the festive season. As the colder days and darker nights draw in, motivation levels fall like the leaves of the trees and our desire for the perfect beach body suddenly feels a million miles away; but it doesn’t have have to be that way because you can stay fit and healthy throughout the festivities with just a little bit of forward planning and scheduling. After all, failing to prepare is preparing to fail! I attend GymFit4Less with my boyfriend Freddy and we’ve made working out a part of our date-night
Tracy and partner Freddy have fun training together
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Call 01844 261754
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routine, stopping off to burn some calories and boost our energy levels before hitting the shops or going to the cinema. Training with a partner makes fitness so much more fun as you can bounce off of one another, challenge targets together and
push your limits whilst having fun. I also find it less daunting to have a workout with a familiar face, but even if you train alone there are always plenty of friendly and approachable personal trainers about who can give help and advice or book you into classes to suit your needs. January is notorious for fresh starts and new beginnings with many of us taking on lifestyle changes, trying new diets and turning our attention to living well after months of over-indulgence - so why not get ahead of the game and give the gift of fitness to your loved ones this Christmas? Giving a gym membership card as a festive gift means you won’t have the stress of joining the crowds of shoppers this season and creates a great opportunity to challenge the family to a fitness tournament who can clock up the most hours at the gym, lose the most body fat or
u a
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to book your free trial or email info@racquets-fitness-centre.com
Tracy Kiss
Kiss & tell run the furthest distance in the shortest time? The loser can buy you both a lite lunch! Gym memberships are available from under £10 a month with many offering free classes as well as aerobic and weights machines plus saunas, 24hr access, free wifi and at GymFit4Less there’s even a healthy eating café and beauty salon on site as well! Here’s wishing you all a very healthy Merry Christmas from The Kisses x X x l Read Tracy’s blog at: www.tracykiss.com or follow her on: Twitter: @misstracykiss or Facebook: /TheTracyKiss
CRECHE for children 6 weeks to 5 years
BALL SKILLS included for children age 3 to 5
(Pre-booking required)
Great Off-Peak membership for just £31 per month or £310 for the whole year. Join before November 30th to avoid the £31 joining fee. Creche £4 for first child, £3 for siblings
When paying monthly there is a £31 joining fee. Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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Health & Beauty
E m ot i o n a l h e a lt h
with Lisa Lloyd
Beauty is an inside job
W
hat do we think of when we think ‘beautiful’? Thankfully, beauty in 2018 is diverse. The old rules no longer apply. There is a movement to celebrate uniqueness and reality in place of ‘fake’ appearances. Social media isn’t helping though in the way it promotes the wrong perception of what beauty should be, and the need to always look ‘ready’ for that selfie. We are bombarded with images of what we are ‘supposed’ to look like and because we’re social creatures, there is a need to ‘conform’. But what about when this impacts on our mental health? Supermodel, Adwoa Aboah, has spoken openly about her history with depression and her suicide attempt and observes that “this fake life that we try and project into the universe” is not authentic. Luckily there is a growing number of such icons, known for
a mission is very likely to affect our their beauty, who are highlighting emotional health. the fact that long legs, a tiny waist and lots of make-up is no longer A 2016 survey found that almost two thirds of Brits were on a diet relevant. What is important is in the quest to get the perfect body. what’s underneath. That doesn’t sound very fulfilling. Model Milly Evans struggled So, what is beauty today? to get support because people couldn’t understand Someone with a positive sense of self who that someone attractive can be depressed. And projects confidence and security. It’s about having when model Christie genuine relationships Turlington quit her based on the ‘real’ us addiction to tobacco she (warts and all). It’s put on weight and felt happier but was rejected about positive attention based on more than by the fashion industry. The result? A return Christie Turlington appearance. It’s feeling a sense of control and to school, a healthier appreciation instead of lifestyle and charity the 24/7 quest for the next ‘best’ work. Which is more beautiful? We need to dispel the myths that beauty thing. It’s about having a real sense of meaning and purpose in our brings you happiness. lives beyond beauty and fashion. Body Neurosis doesn’t And it’s about experiencing status discriminate. We can look beautiful by recognising our strengths, our to others but we still strive for our achievements and competencies. own version of perfection. And because there is no such thing, such So the important question is,
Thame Therapy Clinic Complementary Health Therapies from Experienced Practitioners 23 Upper High Street, Thame, OX9 3EX Tel: 01844 215555
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Lisa Lloyd It’s Time for Change “What makes you beautiful?” l Lisa Lloyd is a Psychologist,
Psychotherapist, Trainer and Consultant specialising in mental health and wellbeing. Lisa works with a wide variety of organisations including schools and colleges, charities, work places and with the public to make a difference to emotional health. Whether it’s training, workshops, consultancy, therapy, assessments or retreats, she is able to provide knowledge, skills and advice to help better mental health. To find out more, contact: It’s Time for Change T: 07766 252574 W: www.itstimeforchange www.linkedin.com/in/ lisapsychology/ Twitter: @Lisa_Psychology
Suffering with Anxiety, Feeling Sad & Unhappy, Relationship problems Caring, empathetic & confidential ? help is available. Hypnotherapy can & has helped many many people with these types of issues. FREE initial consultation
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Maria Bray
Nutritional Therapy
The Science of Health and Vitality
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II CAN CAN TREAT TREATCorns, Corns,calluses, calluses,cracked crackedheels, heels, nail problems, thickened nails and can treat nail problems, thickened nails and can treat people who have diabetes. people who have diabetes. II CAN CAN OFFER OFFERVisits Visitsininthe thecomfort comfort of of your your own home, a warm attitude, generalroom, foot care own home or atcaring my Thame treatment including regular nail cutting and filing and a a warm caring attitude, general foot care foot massage at the of your including regular nailend cutting and treatment. filing and a foot massage at the end of your treatment. TO ARRANGE A VISIT OR FOR MORE TO ARRANGE A VISIT OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ANTONIA BARNES INFORMATION CONTACT ANTONIA BARNES 01844 261766 or 07795 01844 261766 or 07795 692464 692464 www.feetforlifethame.com www.feetforlifethame.com
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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Helping to keep your feet in a healthy condition Based in Thame, I am also a fully qualified massage therapist offering holistic massage and reflexology REGISTERED MEMBER OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONERS
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BRAND NEW RETIREMENT APARTMENTS FOR SALE IN AYLESBURY
Coming Soon Britain’s award-winning retirement living specialists are coming to Aylesbury, so you could soon be enjoying a stylish, safe, secure and convenient new lifestyle. Make the first move towards Churchill Retirement Living today – you’ll be surprised how easy it can be.
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• Lodge Manager • Owners’ Lounge with coffee bar • Guest Suite for friends and family • Landscaped gardens • 24-hour support • Secure video entry system • Free parking • Lift to all floors Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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Do your dentures need fixing or replacing?
Our clinical dental technician, Roy, is a master craftsman who creates the ultimate in aesthetics for removable dentures. The ‘True to Life’ technique incorporates tissue colour mapping using digital photography and individual tooth and gum characterisation. l
Onsite dental implant lab - fast and reliable service
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Easy parking onsite
Call Oakview Dental directly on: 01494 569466 to arrange an appointment
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Experts in Mobility and Healthcare Supplies Come and visit our new showroom at Watermead, Aylesbury or, if you can’t get to us - give us a call and we’ll visit you! Specialists in ‘tilt in space’ riser recline chairs Lightweight wheelchairs Wide range of mobility scooters Extensive range of three/four wheeled walkers Bath and shower solutions Aids for daily living Profiling beds and stairlifts Discreet professional advice on continence management Advice and guidance on all aspects of mobility and personal care Equipment Hire Excellent after sales service and customer care 35 Lakeside, Watermead, Aylesbury, HP19 OFX | Tel: 01296 435607 | Web: www.theeasyliving.company 34
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
G o o d to g i v e
Health & Fitness by Diane Rutter
Help tackle loneliness
T
he recent announcement that GPs in England are being given permission to prescribe patients ‘social’ activities, such as dance classes and cookery, to tackle loneliness, speaks volumes about the increasing prevalence of this issue in our community. One in five patients visiting their GP are suffering from loneliness whilst around 200,000 older people have not had a conversation with a friend or relative in over a month. Launching the first loneliness strategy, Theresa May said: “This is a vital first step in a national mission to end loneliness in our lifetimes.” She also paid tribute to murdered Labour MP Jo Cox, who had campaigned to end loneliness before her death: “Jo Cox was absolutely right to highlight the critical importance of this growing social injustice. I was pleased to be able to support the Loneliness Commission set up in Jo’s name and I am determined to do everything
possible to take forward its volunteer driven solutions, including: recommendations.” Lunch Clubs, Gardening and Befriending services, Handy Helper For those of us who volunteer or work in the charity sector, it is Services and Community Transport Schemes, while other local something we have been tackling for some time. The UK is suffering a charities offering vital Befriending loneliness epidemic, which doesn’t Services for the elderly and isolated include: Age UK, Buckinghamshire just affect the elderly, but young people too and is Mind, Bucks Vision, Connection Support worse in rural areas. According to the and Good Neighbours. We all have one Campaign to End Loneliness two-fifths thing in common though – we all need of older people state more volunteers. Even that TV is their main form of company. if you can only spare a Matthew Rodda, right, takes couple of hours a week, So, where can time out to be a friend you go if you’re it could make all the difference. And it will feeling isolated, or make you feel better too! According know someone who is? There are to HelpGuide “the social contact a number of local initiatives in aspect of helping and working with Buckinghamshire targeting this others can have a profound effect issue. Community Impact Bucks’ on your overall psychological well(CIB) Community Services and being. Nothing relieves stress better Projects Team focuses on meeting than a meaningful connection to the needs of the vulnerable and another person.” socially isolated, working in the It seems pertinent to be talking heart of the community to develop
Your yoga practice is....
www.everythingyogauk.com
Classes and private sessions kate@everythingyogauk.com 07754 804 730
Good to give about loneliness in the run up to Christmas, but this is an ongoing, growing issue. We no longer have multiple generations of the same family living under one roof, young and old looking out for each other. We, as a community, need to step up to bridge the gap and prevent our neighbours from becoming isolated.” Age UK Befriender Matthew, pictured left, sums it up: “Time costs me nothing, but means the world to someone else.” For volunteering opportunities in your area, see: www. communityimpactbucks.org.uk/ volunteering/i-want-to-volunteer/ l Diane Rutter is acting CEO of
Community Impact Bucks: Tel: 0300 1111 250 www.communityimpactbucks.org.uk
Win Sweatpants at Tiffanie’s book
W
...Everything
Diane Rutter
riter Pernille Hughes lives in Amersham and has just had her first RomCom - Sweatpants At Tiffanie’s - published by HarperImpulse. Tiffanie Trent is not having a great week. Gavin, her boyfriend, has dumped her on their tenth anniversary, leaving her heartbroken and homeless and Frank Black, owner of Blackie’s boxing gym, where Tiff has been book-keeper for the last decade, has dropped dead. He’s not having a great week either. And if that wasn’t enough, Mike ‘The Assassin’ Fellner, boxer of international fame and Tiff’s first love, is back in town and more gorgeous than ever. When she discovers Blackie has left her the gym, Tiff, with her
saggy trackies and supermarket trainers, is certain she’ll fail. Can Tiff step up and roll with the punches, or will she be down and out at the first round? This ‘punchy, pacy’ novel is packed with ‘wit and warmth’ so if you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a signed copy, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@ vale-life.co.uk Where does author Pernille Hughes live? Winner to be drawn at random and notified by email by 4th Dec. l Sweatpants At Tiffanie’s is available in ebook and paperback (ISBN9780008307707) FB: /pernillehughesauthor Twitter: @pernillehughes Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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E d u cat i o n m at t e r s
by Nick Andrews
What effect are you having?
I
n response to queries from Vale Life Magazine readers, I am looking at three different types of parent for this edition and how they can affect their children at school. The absent parent The need for work and travel by the parents can bring enormous stresses into a family – and we often see the result of these stresses in schools. It is all too easy for a parent to arrive home and start to change the ground rules set up in their absence. This can be disastrous for the child. Who do they follow? There is a clear need for a ‘management contract’, agreed by both parents, as to how the child behaves and what happens in the home. There will always be stress points … TV watching times, meal times, pocket money, to name but three. So if consistency is the key, the best thing to do is work carefully and
Bucks FWI
consistently on the family contract when the family is together. Find out from everyone involved what the key areas are and address them openly and explicitly – there really is nothing to fear from taking these issues seriously enough to write them down and publish them somewhere in the home for all to see and refer to. The parent as a ‘pal’ I was talking to a mother recently of a boy with an attention deficit disorder (ADD) and a regular disruption to her evening. Her husband comes home at around 7pm and feeling that he should ‘get involved’ promptly regresses to a 7 year old - their son gets so over stimulated that bed and
sleep are out of the question until nearly midnight. It is all about being authentic; you care and are genuinely interested in the tales of football in the playground or friendships being made or broken but you care from a position of who you actually are, the age you are and the parent you are. Can you be a friend as a parent? Unequivocally No! You can be a friendly parent though. The parent as a step-parent It is vital to remember that step parents are often building a new life and leaving past hurt behind and may not always remember everyone else involved. Children involved may have to accept the arrival of a new ‘competitor’ on their patch. Furthermore, other children may have been transplanted into the home and all of the issues around status and security will need sorting out. It is a difficult time for everyone involved, that can only be addressed
Nick Andrews
Education Matters with ‘honesty and respect’. The adults involved must take charge and ensure everyone agrees the new rules and expectations. At school we often had to deal with the result of a lack of explicit boundary setting at this critical time. So, if you are absent – make sure you respect the rules when you return; if you want to be closer to your children be a friendly parent not a parent friend and if you are a step parent; take special care to establish fair and consistent boundaries for all the children in your care. Parents are a vital pillar of the identity of a child in their care; pillars are strong, straight and resilient – I guess that’s you then! l Nick Andrews is a retired headmaster who now works as an educational consultant and can be contacted on: nickubiq@gmail.com
with Kim Edwards
Cake bakers & trouble makers?
H
ello! We’d like to introduce ourselves on behalf of the 122 WIs (Women’s Institutes) in Buckinghamshire. Are we ‘Cake Bakers and Trouble Makers’, as dubbed by TV historian Dr Lucy Worsley, OBE? Do we just make jam, and sing the WI hymn Jerusalem at meetings? Either way, there’s a lot more to the WI than you might think! How did the WI ‘happen’? Back in 1915, during the first World War, the need was seen for communities to support the production of food, and for more women to get involved as men joined the Forces. Women’s organisations campaigning for suffrage in the early 20th century redirected their energies during this terrible time, and as a result the concept of the WI, originating in Canada in 1897, was born here - there are now around 6,300 WIs nationwide, making the WI 36
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
the largest voluntary women’s organisation in the UK. You can find out where your nearest WI is by checking on our website: www.bucksfwi.org.uk Joining costs £42 for 2019 and includes regular meetings and events, and the national magazine WI Life. You can choose how involved you get in your group - come along and make new friends, enjoy different speakers or take up new activities, crafts and causes. Members organise extra trips out to all kinds
of places of interest, at varying cost, such as Speaker’s House and the Houses of Parliament, Winchester Cathedral Flower Festival, mini holiday breaks, Newmarket Stud, museums, art galleries and theatre trips... If you feel strongly about a social or environmental issue then there’s the chance to campaign. Currently the WI is taking up the cudgel against microfibre contamination in our oceans ‘End Plastic Soup’ - we were on the case before David Attenborough! We also arrange miniconferences with this year’s selected expert speakers to present on the subject of Modern Day Slavery. This half day conference is on 15th November at the Ridgeway Centre
in Wolverton near Milton Keynes. Come and join us if you’re reading this in time! More information on our Events page on the website. We’ll be introducing you to different parts of our Group in the coming months. Watch this space for stories from Creative Crafts, Leisure & Lifestyle and Science & Society and more! Any questions? We’re on Twitter, FB and Instagram @bucksfwi l Buckinghamshire Federation of
Women’s Institutes, Stuart Lodge, Stuart Road, High Wycombe, Bucks HP13 6AG T: 01494 526685 E: HQ@bucksfwi.org.uk W: www.bucksfwi.org.uk
by Cathy Soughton
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
100 years since the end of WWI
N
ovember 2018 marks the centenary of the ending of the First World War at 11 o’clock on the 11th November 1918. The war ended then but its impact is still being felt. With no radio or TV at the time, the news was first announced to the general public in Aylesbury by a special official telegram issued from the Bucks Herald office. The news spread like wildfire with hooters and sirens sounding at factories and detonators being set off at Railway Stations. Schools and workplaces closed early and hundreds of people gathered in Market Square to celebrate the end of the war and attend hastily arranged Thanksgiving services in the churches. Obviously for many the ending of the war was marked with sadness; nearly every village and town lost men with the exception of around 50 which became known as ‘Thankful Villages’, the only one locally being Puttenham near Tring.
A few memorials were erected within weeks of the Armistice, including one at Tring parish church, but the majority were built in the early 1920s, mostly erected by a local memorial committee established to decide the form and location of the memorial whilst others were paid for by private subscriptions. Life slowly returned to some sort of normality but it took time; compulsory food rationing on basic items had been introduced nationwide in the summer of 1918 and whilst not as restrictive as in WW2, it continued after the war and didn’t finally end until 1920. Drinking hours in pubs were restricted for the first time during the war to reduce absenteeism from the workplace. Opening hours were limited to lunchtime and evening and these continued until the late
1980s when the rules were relaxed. Schools which had been requisitioned as military hospitals during the war including Aylesbury Grammar School were returned to their original usage as were some country houses which had been used to accommodate troops such as the later demolished Aston Clinton House at Green Park. In contrast the nearby Halton House which was also owned by a Rothschild and had been used as the officer’s mess during the war was sold afterwards to the newly formed RAF who would use it as a training base. Furniture factories in High Wycombe were used during the war to manufacture aircraft parts and employed many women as many of the male workers were released to serve in the forces. Whilst the large numbers of women employed in the workplace did not continue following the Armistice, a precedent had been set and women had proved that they could undertake work previously barred to them. This helped get women the vote in the Representation of the People Act in 1918, although it wasn’t until 1928 that all women over the age of 21 had the right to vote. Visibly one lasting change has
been an increase in the amount of woodland. The Forestry Commission was set up after the war to manage timber supplies, as the wartime need for timber to strengthen trench walls etc. brought the shortage of supply into focus. Large areas locally are still managed by the Forestry Commission, notably Wendover Woods. A series of events are taking place in Aylesbury to mark the centenary, see www.buckscc.gov.uk/news/aday-to-remember-and-give-thanksto-the-world-war-one-generation/ for more details. Thanksgiving for Peace on Church Square, Tring, 24th July 1919, (Tring Local History Museum) l Cathy Soughton is a professional
genealogist and architectural historian, providing local family history and house history research. W: www.bucksresearch.co.uk, E: soughton@bucksresearch.co.uk T: 07787 185962 Family History Gift Voucher 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 as above.
Win a 50 Gems of Bucks book Help for carers of elders in Oxon/Bucks Free help for family and paid or voluntary carers of elders. Local, practical, money and time saving tips: See:
www.maudandmum.com @maudandmum
Aylesbury Sports Massage For all your aches, pains and injuries Contact Clare Davies Hartwell, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire Tel: 01296 747477 Email: clare@aylesburysportsmassage.co.uk Website: www.aylesburysportsmassage.co.uk
T
he county of Buckinghamshire holds many delights, from the rolling Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, to the meandering routes of the Great Ouse and River Thames, and breathtaking views from the surrounding hills. Buckinghamshire is also blessed with some of the finest gardens in England and there is history and heritage aplenty, from Bletchley Park to Roald Dahl museums, as well as many wonderful historic houses that tell fascinating tales of Buckinghamshire’s varied past. 50 Gems of Buckinghamshire - The History & Heritage of the Most Iconic Places by Eddie Brazil is a new book packed with awe-inspiring photographs and fascinating facts to draw you closer to the places you already know and love and to tempt you to discover new gems of your own. It’s a beautifully photographed
selection of the county’s most precious assets and if you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a copy, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Where is the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre? Winner to be drawn at random and notified by email by 4th Dec. l www.amberley-books.com ISBN: 978-1-4456-7550 Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
d ow n to b u s i n e s s
with Philippa Batting
A winning strategy
W
inning and delivering on contracts is key to growing the turnover of any business. The path to success is challenging, but there is support and information available to help. It is vital that businesses understand what is required of them in order to bid for and secure contracts of all kinds, whether public or private, large or small. That’s why, at Buckinghamshire Business First, we dedicated a recent e-newsletter entirely to the issue of procurement. Buckinghamshire’s businesses are well-placed to capitalise on major infrastructure projects in the region such as HS2, Crossrail, East West Rail and the Heathrow expansion. Most online portals where contracts are advertised such as CompeteFor, ProContract and the government’s Contracts Finder are free and simple to register with. Actually bidding for contracts through
these portals can involve detailed qualification criteria. It is not just large infrastructure projects that businesses can get involved with though. There are so many contract opportunities available if you know where to look, such as with local councils and those available in other EU countries. UK suppliers who wish to access public sector contract opportunities in the EU can currently use the Tenders Electronic Daily (TED) service, which is a free-to-use portal that publishes more than half a million procurement notices a year. The EU has said that, post-Brexit, UK businesses can continue to use this service, while the UK government
has said that in the event of ‘no deal’ a replacement UK-specific e-notification service will be made available. The Buckinghamshire business community is, as you would imagine, full of businesses that have great experience in securing private and public sector contracts. For our newsletter we sourced some advice from business owners with experience of winning contracts and helping other businesses win contracts. Advice for writing bids included engaging professional bid writers if necessary, getting your pricing right, using clear and concise language, conducting site visits where possible, and asking for feedback if unsuccessful. Procurement is time-consuming and there’s a lot of information to take on board, so businesses will need support along the way. Buckinghamshire Business First, our 11,000-strong membership and our partners are on hand with
Philippa Batting Down to business
support and advice on all things procurement. Some of your fellow members could help you with aspects of procurement such as bid writing or compliance with health and safety requirements, for example. What’s more, any consultancy or investment in systems required to get you ‘contract ready’ could benefit from one of our £1,000 Growth Grants. For more information and support on procurement, email BusinessSupport@bbf.uk.com or call 01494 927130. l Philippa Batting is MD of Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF), working to support and facilitate success within the business community. Membership is free - visit: www.bbf.uk.com
it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ...and The Sanderum Centre elves are all hard at work making their lists, checking them twice, and making sure their clients' tasks are wrapped up for the year - now isn't that nice? If you'd like them to work their magic on your piles of paperwork too, give Katie and the elves a call. the sanderum centre would like to wish all of their friends, colleagues and clients a very happy christmas and a prosperous 2019 follow us twitter.com/sanderumcentre 38
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
find the space & support for your business 01844 211080 www.sanderumcentre.co.uk hello@sanderumcentre.co.uk
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Time to go digital? Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs agency is constantly on the move, adjusting thresholds, rates and allowances and more recently, announcing that tax records and returns will soon have to be kept and submitted digitally. It’s not just your tax that a good accountant can assist with though...
I
f you have to make VAT or income tax returns then the government’s new ‘Making Tax Digital’ initiative is something you will soon have to embrace. You will need to find suitable software, that is compatible with HMRC’s system and start keeping your business records and sending your tax returns digitally. For VAT-registered businesses above the threshold HMRC have set a start date of 1st April, 2019, although this may be delayed due to Brexit. Private Landlords are next in line, then Business tax, but not before April 2020. “I think the introduction of Making Tax Digital is going to take a lot of people by surprise,” says Chris Nurse, Senior Partner at Thame based accountants Templesmith Hart (TSH). “You won’t be able to type in your VAT return on the HMRC website anymore, you’ll have to have the right software, special software that can not only send information to HMRC but can also receive messages back. HMRC don’t supply this software, they just give a list of software that is compatible on their website - it’s up to you to get organised. “A lot of the mechanics of traditional accounting work are automated now, which is a good thing because it improves accuracy and saves time. We suggest that if you’ve got to make this change you might as well move to a decent bookmaking system such as Quickbooks and have an integrated system. We are happy to help and advise if anyone isn’t sure what they should be doing, what is best for them or how to go about it.” Chris is an experienced Chartered Accountant who trained with Price Waterhouse (now PWC) in London, in the 1980s, having graduated from Oxford with a degree in Law. After moving to Northern Ireland, he set up his own practice working with both smaller businesses and internationally, then returned to the Vale in 1995. He has specialist expertise in charity accounting and compliance. His company TSH boasts a team of highly experienced and qualified accountants and bookkeepers and has just become part of a network of smaller accountancy firms which specialise in different areas, so TSH can now also bring in experts to help with specialisms not generally covered.
Chris Nurse at the TSH offices in Thame “The shift to digital bookkeeping has been a big change and a big investment for us,” says Chris. “We’ve been using computerised bookkeeping systems since the 80s but the recent shift to cloud accounting is a huge advance as both we and our clients can access our software online, at the same time if necessary, and any problems can be addressed without either of us having to make a trip out of the office. “Whilst we are very focussed on getting things right technically, for our clients and are constantly updating and training our staff as rules and regulations change, we also aim to be a friendly, approachable and constructive source of help and advice, should they wish to talk over financial decisions, concerns or other aspects of running and improving a business or managing their finances. “We take an holistic view of the business as a whole rather than just focus on getting the tax returns in. We are interested in how our clients are doing and if we can help them be more successful. Clients can contact us at any time, we don’t invoice for every call, but work on a fixed fee basis and have a transparent fee structure, as we feel it’s important to keep communications open to help spot potential problems before they occur. “We work a lot with family businesses
and find people who are used to working alone can often appreciate and benefit from a different perspective and outside input to help them do better. They can get bogged down with the day to day running of their business and not be able to see the wider picture. There’s more to successfully running a business than getting your accounts in on time - forward planning is very important too. Having a strategy for how the business is going to develop over the next few months and years can make all the difference. “In the case of a family firm this could also mean looking ahead to who is in line to take on the running of the company next, wealth management and contingency planning, in case something unexpected happens. There’s a lot to think about but it’s all areas we have expertise in and can advise on and help with. “I like being able to help people make things happen and I enjoy helping businesses get things right - there are so many pitfalls you really need specialist input.” If you would like to find out how TSH can assist you, please contact Chris as below. l Templesmith Hart, 89 High Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3EH T: 01844 218836 E: TSH@hart-group.com W: www.tshtax.co.uk
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
s l ow c h i lt e r n s
by Neil Matthews
Rebels with a cause
G
uy Fawkes Night is celebrated each year on the fifth of November commemorating a failed attempt to blow up parliament. However, various rebels from round here had more success than Fawkes; some with political motivations, others dissenting on religious grounds. Here’s a quick list of places where you can find out more… • John Hampden (1594-1643, MP for Wendover) was one of the MPs who rejected Charles I’s demands to pay a ‘ship money’ tax, triggering the English Civil War. He is commemorated by the Hampden Monument just outside Prestwood, a statue in Aylesbury’s Market Square and a plaque close to the town hall in Thame, the town where he went to school, and eventually died. • John Wilkes (1725-97), a radical journalist and MP, sided
John Hampden with the rebels in the US War of Independence. Wilkes lived at Prebendal House near St Mary’s Church in Aylesbury. • Late medieval Amersham was a notable centre for Lollardy, a movement which rejected the trappings of traditional religion. Seven citizens from or connected with the town were executed as Lollard heretics during the reign of Henry VIII. They became known as
the Amersham Martyrs and there’s a special memorial in the fields above the town. • The Quaker Meeting House in Jordans (jordansquakercentre. org, house: open Apr to Oct, 2-5pm, Tue–Sun & bank holidays - burial grounds open all year round) was built in 1688, soon after new laws enabled Quakers and other religious non-conformists to worship legally for the first time. The house still hosts Quaker meetings. The headstones in the gardens behind the house include William Penn (1644–1718), founder of what later became the US state of Pennsylvania. • Sir Miles Hobart (1598-1632) locked the King’s messenger out of the House of Commons in 1629, enabling Parliament to pass critical motions on royal policy. There’s a monument to Sir Miles in All Saints Church in Marlow (where he was MP).
Neil Matthews
Slow Chilterns
• The wonderful hills of Sharpenhoe Clappers (open dawn to dusk all year round) feature a ‘Bunyan trail’ following in the footsteps of John Bunyan (1628– 88), who carried out much of his Puritan preaching around here. Bunyan began writing Pilgrim’s Progress while in jail for refusing to stop his preaching. Sharpenhoe Clappers may have been the inspiration for the Delectable Mountains featured in this classic work of literature. l Neil Matthews’ book Slow Travel: the Chilterns and the Thames Valley, co-written with his wife Helen, is published by Bradt Travel Guides in early 2019. See slowchilterns.com to find out more.
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Congratulations to Alan Chandler, for winning the EGI Most Active Dealmaker 2018 for Buckinghamshire. “The past 12 months have been particularly active in Buckinghamshire and winning the Dealmaker award is very pleasing as we have been doing some great deals for our clients over this period. The industrial sector has been particularly strong, and we are seeing the return of speculative development with several large development site sales, including two to Chancerygate that will see the development of almost 200,000 sq ft of new units in High Wycombe and Chesham. Rents are now well above £10 per sq ft and freehold prices are close to £200 per sq ft in some locations. The office sector remains challenging, although recently we have let 40,000 sq ft of Grade A space in Marlow, with a further 20,000 sq ft under offer, at rents close to £30 per sq ft. In Aylesbury we have completed several key lettings, including space in the iconic Blue Leanie building. Demand for PD opportunities remains and we have sold more than £30M of buildings recently. The retail sector is also challenging, but we are involved with new developments across the county, including a 7 unit 20,000 sq ft scheme in High Wycombe town centre.
Amersham
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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Homes & Gardens Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Step inside
by Polly Gibbs
Soho Home Store featuring their tile collaboration with Bert & May
Cool Happenings
Styling it cool with Soho Home
Soho House is an uber cool hotel chain and group of private members’ clubs originally aimed at those working in the arts and media, but more recently expanded to include those with a ‘creative soul’. The original location is at 40 Greek Street in Soho, with other locations including Miami, LA, New York, Istanbul, Berlin, Barcelona, Babington House and Soho Farmhouse located near Chipping Norton....
S
42
oho Home is an interiors collection from Soho House featuring furniture, upholstery, lighting, tableware, textiles art and accessories inspired by, or seen in, the Houses worldwide.
notions of style - with fringes, gathered fabric lampshades, velvet and old fashioned headboards, big features of the look. Yet, it totally works as a gritty, glamorous, edgy blueprint for styling it cool.
It has an American feel, rich in texture and comfort with brass light fittings, hints of industrial and a sprinkling of old Hollywood glamour. Falling in love with some of their collection may challenge pre-existing
Having worked for the brand in its early days, a few years ago, I retain an affection for its quality and ‘home from home’ style aesthetic, so I went along to Barber & Parlour on Redchurch Street, Shoreditch to support
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Polly Gibbs Step inside Polly Gibbs, Creative Director at Coco Design, shares her down to earth approach to interiors, from design secrets to trends and everything in between.
Step inside
by Polly Gibbs
Homes & Gardens Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Soho Home Lounge Live Room Set the launch of the Soho Home Store. The top floor has been transformed into a shoppable brand hub, offering visitors the chance to experience the products beyond the Houses. Room sets are based on the themes Live, Eat and Sleep and showcase pieces from the new Amsterdam and White City collections, as well as some of the existing best-selling products from cushions to crystal barware (the Barwell champagne coupes and ice bucket are particular gems. From £32). Pieces are investments in quality and timeless style, designed for life not fashion. Pictured (above) are the Salon Sofa (£3999), Podge Leather Chair (£1200 on sale), Vanderbilt Trunks (from £110 on sale), Hudson Floor Lamp (£325), Wittenburg Rug (from £395), cushions (from £55) and Burleigh Dinnerware (from £10). Continued on page 44
Left: Soho Home - Bert & May, limited edition tile display
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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Homes & Gardens
44
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Step inside
Homes & Gardens
by Polly Gibbs
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Soho Home - Bert & May Limited edition tiles Continued from page 43 Bert & May Bert & May are best known for their tiles, but through further collaborations with Anthropologie, Handmade Rug Co, Skinflint, Darkroom and Sofa.Com they also offer lighting, fabric, rugs and chairs
featuring their trademark style. Their latest collaboration with Soho Home offers three limited edition tiles, as featured in Soho House Berlin and 76 Dean Street. Each tile is handmade in a bespoke metal mould, from a mixture of sand, cement and natural pigments, with crushed marble. I particularly
like the candy stripe Soho Dean Street, pictured above, (£7.60 per tile. Made to Order 8-10wks). (See them in-situ on the Curious-Coco Pinterest board). Following the opening of the eagerly anticipated White City House earlier this year, the newest
collection draws inspiration from the Mid-Century interiors and heritage of the former BBC building. Soho House Design Director Linda Boronkay took cues from the building’s heritage to create the interiors, using vintage finds and a rich colour palette. Continued on page 46
High quality bespoke kitchens and furniture, handmade by skilled craftsmen in Buckinghamshire Complete Kitchens | Bedrooms | Wardrobes | Cupboards | Shelving | Storage Solutions | Furniture | Desks | Offices
‘Mark’s attention to details, such as the plate rack and bespoke drawer dividers, make everything a pleasure to look at and use.’ Unit 23, Kemps Farm, Chapel Road, Ford, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8XG Tel: 01296 706030 Email: mark@markwilliamsonfurniture.com Website: www.markwilliamsonfurniture.com Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
45
Homes & Gardens
Step inside
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Continued from page 45 One of the secrets of the House style’s success is its site specificity, referencing the history of each
building and/or location throughout the interior design within. At a recent Interior Designer Evening, Linda commented that “every new House is a creative
by Polly Gibbs challenge, not a case of ‘copy and paste’ because 40% of a room’s furniture is vintage so there’s no chance of repetition from House to House”.
Sleep - White City Bedroom Collection
Pictured left are the Morecambe Bed (from £2095), House Bedding (from £40), Monroe Oblong Cushion, Berry (£55), Reith Rug, blue (£295), Pebble Stool in sunshine wool (£695), Finsbury Chest of Drawers (shown as nightstand. £595), Broome Table Lamp (£160), Dawbarn Chandelier (£295), Lucas Floor Lamp (£230), Finch Mirror (£325) and Pluto Sunburst Clock (£150). The collection also includes a gorgeous orange striped velvet Baker sofa (£3995) from the Allis White City restaurant, the Tennant wall light (£125), and the Fielding rug (£695) inspired by those in the 8th floor club space. Amsterdam Collection The launch of Soho House Amsterdam has also been represented, showcasing items inspired by the city and specifically designed for the House. Collection highlights include Rosendale glassware in amethyst and amber (from £8), statement lighting, a pool towel (£55), Jordaan Rug (£395)
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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VISITS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY to book call our Head Office on 01487 740044 Open Tuesday to Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 2pm Closed Sundays, Mondays and Bank Holidays
Step inside
Soho House Amsterdam and The Dawson - a patterned throw that mirrors the stained glass windows of the House (£295). Visitors will be able to order and pay for items on site as well as shop online. A gifting station will offer a same day, three hour delivery service to central London on orders placed before 3:30pm (amazing). Gifting options include some of Soho Home’s most popular furniture, upholstery
usiness
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Soho Home Gift Ideas incl. Barwell Crystal and accessories, Barwell crystal, tableware, sleepwear, Cowshed and the much loved Soho House robes for children and adults that are like wearing a cuddle. You can also add a personal touch with an in-house monogramming service, which can be applied to robes, towels and textiles. True to the brand, this is shopping made easy. The Soho Home Store will be open until February 2019 at Barber
& Parlour, 64-66 Redchurch Street, London, E2 7DP Open: 10am-7pm, Monday to Saturday and 11am-5pm Sunday, with extended hours over the Christmas period. For more inspiration browse
the Curious Coco dedicated ‘Soho House & Soho Home’ Pinterest board and follow me on social. Source List: www.sohohome.com @sohohome; www.bertandmay.com @bertandmay; www.pinterest.co.uk/curious_coco/
l Polly is an award-winning designer, Decorex100 interiors influencer & Amara Interiors Blog Award Finalist. If you’ve got a rockin’ interior or design dilemma, message her and it could feature in the next issue. E: polly@curious-coco.com W: www.curious-coco.com Insta, Twitter, FB: @TheCuriousCoco
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Interior Walls & Ceilings Wallpapering Painting Woodwork Finishes Decorative Effects Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
47
Homes & Gardens Advertising feature
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Saint’s Hill success An outstanding collection of brand new 2, 3 and 4 bedroom family homes, built by award-winning developer Dandara, in the stunning Chiltern Hills at Saunderton, has been proving popular with buyers, who have already snapped up more than half of the properties in a range of styles and sizes...
Set amongst the stunning Chiltern Hills, Saint’s Hill boasts the great outdoors on its doorstep.
F
ollowing an extremely popular public Open Day, towards the end of September, homebuilder, Dandara, one of the UK’s largest independent property development companies, has announced that more than 50% of its new-build properties at Saint’s Hill, Saunderton have now been sold. There are still opportunities for buyers to secure their dream home, as an outstanding selection of two, three and four bedroom properties remain available but prospective purchasers will need to act quickly as sales continue to be agreed daily! Set in the Misbourne Valley amongst the tranquil Buckinghamshire countryside and adjacent the Chiltern Hills, Saint’s Hill residents have a designated area of outstanding natural beauty and a haven for wildlife and rare species of wildflowers to explore, literally on their doorsteps. Although enjoying a stunning rural location, Saint’s Hill is just a few minutes walk from Saunderton station, which links to London’s Marylebone Station in approximately 45 minutes, on a direct train service, while local shopping needs are catered for nearby at
Advertising feature
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Princes Risborough and High Wycombe, where the Eden Shopping Centre is just a 15-minute drive or seven-minute train journey away. A constant focus and key feature across the range of house types and sizes to choose
from at Saint’s Hill, is the quality of finish and sense of style which is evident throughout the properties. Features include modern kitchens by Moores with integrated AEG/Zanussi appliances, stylish fully tiled bathrooms with Sottini sanitaryware, as well as master
Stylish and modern kitchens by Moores feature throughout Saint’s Hill properties, as seen here in its Show Home.
Homes & Gardens Advertising feature
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Space and charm changed buyer’s perception of new home developments
W
hen Saunderton resident Lee Twycross realised it was time to look for a new home, there were a few key factors that were crucial – space, location and a community feel. With two growing children aged seven and 10, as well as Duggee the dog, Mr Twycross was looking for a bigger property that would suit his family and improve their lifestyle. After viewing several houses in the local area, Mr Twycross stumbled across Dandara’s Saint’s Hill development: “I catch the train to work every day from Saunderton station,” explains Lee, “which is just a few minutes walk from Saint’s Hill, so I noticed the development whilst on my commute.” Mr Twycross and his wife were initially unsure about living in a new build property due to concerns about size but this view changed once they set eyes on the beautiful collection of family homes at Saint’s Hill: “Before buying our new home,” says Lee, “my perception of new build developments was that usually a number of houses are packed into a small area. This changed on visiting Saint’s Hill for the first time where I was very pleasantly surprised by the generous space given to each property. “Our children love their bigger
Saint’s Hill family home
Advertising feature
Lee Twycross and Duggee, the family dog, outside their new home at Saint’s Hill, Saunderton bedrooms and we are all enjoying the extra bathrooms, as we have gone from one to three! However, we did not just choose Saint’s Hill because of the size and well thought-out floorspace, we chose our home because it has a particular charm which other new builds we viewed lacked.” The Twycrosses now live in a Leynham house type at Saint’s Hill, which is
a stunning three bedroom property. Featuring a modern kitchen by Moores with integrated AEG/Zanussi appliances, stylish fully tiled bathrooms, a cloakroom and master bedrooms with en suites and fitted wardrobes, the cottage style house has been carefully crafted to ensure it can meet the challenges of everyday living. Remaining in Saunderton was important to Lee and his wife when choosing the location of their new home: “Saunderton is a quiet part of Buckinghamshire,” says Lee, “with beautiful surroundings to enjoy. We have lived here for 11 years and have made lots of friends thanks to the community feel within the village. As a family, we love living here and we know we will be very happy at Saint’s Hill.” Although nestled in the stunning Chiltern Hills, Saunderton has great links to the City with London Marylebone just 45 minutes away on a direct train service from Saunderton station. l For further information about the two, three and four bedroom family homes available at Saint’s Hill, call: 01494 863134, see: www.dandara.com or visit Hamptons International Estate Agents in Great Missenden, which is open Monday-Friday, 8:45am-6pm and Saturdays, 9am-4pm (Hamptons International, 28 High Street, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, HP16 0AU).
bedroom en suites and fitted wardrobes - Dandara has once again ensured its homes can meet the challenges of everyday living. For added peace of mind, all Saint’s Hill homes come with a 10-year structural warranty, a twoyear Dandara warranty and the reassuring support of a dedicated Customer Care Team. Speaking of the development, Greg Kaye, Dandara’s Head of Sales said: “It’s brilliant to see that our beautiful homes at Saint’s Hill are proving popular. “Although there is still a great mix of contemporary family homes available, I do not think they will be around for too much longer, so I would urge anyone who is interested to get in touch. Even if
it is just for an initial chat to find out more or answer queries, we are always happy to help.” Prices at Saint’s Hill start from £515,000, with Help to Buy available on selected plots. For further information about the two, three and four bedroom family homes available, call 01494 863134 or 07725 698232, or see: www.dandara. com or simply drop in and visit the Show Home, which is now open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am to 5pm with no appointment necessary. l Dandara New Homes, Saint’s Hill, Saunderton, High Wycombe, HP14 4HL Web: www.dandara.com l Please contact selling agents Hamptons International on: 01494 863134 E: hamptonsnewhomes@hamptons-int.com
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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ARTICULARLY PHONE NUMBERS AND Homes & Gardens OUR EMAIL ADDRESS
tern Directories safe as houses
web. www.chiltern
with Nigel Grace
Money, money, money! ITED
I
t is said that ‘money is the root of all evil’ – whether that is true or not is a separate discussion but money can certainly be the root of a lot of problems on building projects. I have seen several projects where relationships have broken down due to problems with money – whether it be the non-payment of invoices or the contractor claiming money for work that perhaps they are not due. Whatever the root of the problem it leads to disharmony and in some instances the project coming to a complete halt. I have touched on this situation in previous Vale Life articles, but as I am now helping a client whose project is fast heading towards an expensive court appearance and with another who regularly pays builders late or not at all and then gets angry when they suspend works or walk off the site, I thought i would shine a light on this subject. Building projects are expensive and I think we canSall E S appreciate money E WIRtoELflowHto allow Eneeds R F your project StoWprogress. ITC Despite
what some people may think (OK - there may be a few exceptions), builders don’t make huge amounts of money on their projects. I was once reminded by a client that – ‘you have good jobs and you have bad ones’ and you hope that your good jobs outnumber the bad. If they don’t then your business won’t survive for long. This is very true, so your builder will need you to pay regularly and on time. Before you embark on any building project please make sure that you have the funds available to complete the build and then agree with your builder how often and when you will make payments. Is it going to be based on achieving certain targets on site – such as when the foundations have been poured, brickwork complete, roof on, building watertight etc or is it going to be time based. If it is going to be time based please make sure that you agree the frequency of payments – is it weekly, fortnightly, monthly etc. It is very important that you only pay your builder on receipt of
an invoice. Never just pay based on a verbal request. There are no records of what you have paid and what you have paid for. A reputable builder will have no issue in providing you with an invoice. When you receive it check it thoroughly. If you are not happy with what you have been asked to pay, then don’t pay it – but always have a conversation with your builder and explain why you are not happy to pay. Have a discussion, reach an agreement and then make the payment. Don’t just ignore it as this is a sure-fire way of increasing the chances of having a dispute. Also agree how quickly you will pay! Sounds strange but some builders expect payment immediately upon presentation of an invoice, some may give you 7 days, but others may give you 14-28 days. I wouldn’t agree to pay immediately – give yourself time to check the invoice, make sure you are happy with it and then arrange the payment. You may need to transfer money from a savings account or receive a drawdown
Nigel Grace
Safe as houses
from your mortgage company – all this takes time. Whilst we might not like it, most of us business owners don’t mind being paid late – if we are told in advance. If you have a problem making the payment for whatever reason, then tell your builder – don’t just hide your head in the sand. If you find that you are continually unhappy with what you are being asked to pay by your builder then take professional advice – that could be from your architect, a quantity surveyor or even somewhere like the Citizens Advice Bureau.
tel. 0771281 LEASE CHECK THIS PROOF CAREFULLY, tel. 075000482 ARTICULARLY PHONE NUMBERS AND web. www.chiltern OUR EMAIL ADDRESS
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l Nigel Grace MRICS is an experienced chartered quantity surveyor, who has built and redeveloped many houses himself. If you need help or advice on your project contact him on: nigel@ nigelgracelimited.co.uk
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Finally there is a real alternative to timber windows.
A fully stocked showroom including Solidor
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Omega Homestyle has over 25 years’ experience of designing and fitting premium doors, windows and conservatories We firmly believe that by keeping the entire process as stress free as possible, we are adding to your enjoyment of your new windows, doors and conservatories. For an individually tailored service and to find out exactly what we can do for you please contact us or come and visit our newly refurbished showroom. Omega Homestyle, Woodway Farm Industrial Estate, Bicester Road, Long Crendon, Aylesbury, Bucks HP18 9EP Tel: 01844
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
51
‘The Art of Wood Burning’
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
homestyling
Homes & Gardens by Marie Westerman Roberts
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Minimalist or Hygge?
I
sometimes have clients ask me if my style of home staging, influenced by my Swedish roots, will be too minimalist for their home. They might be selling a cottage or a town house and have a traditional view on what it should look like. There is absolutely no need to worry! My Scandinavian style is contemporary but warm, homely and cosy - very hygge, as the Danes would call it, rather than minimalist. In my own house for example you will find plenty of displays, throws, tea lights, art on the walls... and I love plants and books. Not so minimalist you would say right? But ask my friends and they would say my home is very Scandinavian. So, what is it that turns my typical British living room with a John Lewis sofa, conservatory and a fireplace, into a “Scandi-style” living room? Scandinavian design is characterised by functionality, aesthetics and natural materials
Marie Westerman Roberts
Left - Natural materials and large plants help create a fresh and vibrant feel Right - trendy “New Nordic” Scandinavian interior design. A tight black and white art wall, designer chairs, large green plants, wooden floors, no curtain windows and a lot of light - simple things, but which indicate a very desirable lifestyle. and has become increasingly popular all over the world in recent years. One of the big trendsetters within styling and home staging in Sweden is Jesper Laursen, founder of Scandinavian Homes, who has created a style that is much admired. His home staging company has over half a million followers on Instagram and is
actually setting some of the trends in international interior design at the moment. Jespers advice to succeed with creating their style and selling your home is to use “complex simplicity”. It’s all about the colours, the quality, and the light. I once read an article by an English designer who said, “The
Swedes have adopted a look that embraces some of the elements of traditional ‘shabby chic’, but with modern flourishes and a nod to cutting edge design. It’s more sparse, punchier, less feminine, and to our minds, less trite.” So in essence, I would say that Scandistyle is more about creating a fresh, vibrant and at the same time cosy feeling rather than being minimalist. l Marie Westerman Roberts is an experienced home stager and the owner of Scandihome Home Staging Services. For more information visit: www.scandihome.co.uk email: marie@scandihome.co.uk or call: 01844 390017 You can also follow her on Instagram @scandihomeuk for inspiration and ideas
on kitc Ne di he w sp ns la y
Stylish kitchens for modern lifestyles
Book your free design appointment today The Italian sense of beauty is here… Stoneworld Kitchens 43A Upper High St Thame OX9 2DW 01844 261768 www.stoneworldkitchens.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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Homes & Gardens Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Spoilt for choice! Good quality carpets can make your home. They instantly transform a space, softening the look of a room and absorbing noise to create a cosy, homely and stylish environment. But making your choice is tricky. “From pile types to colours - the options are seemingly endless!” says Charlie Trott...
L
ike cheap shoes, cheap carpet is not a great investment - unless you are planning on moving in the near future. Most of us are working to a budget though and want not only a good product but value for money. On the internet you will find all sorts of amazing offers but what you really need is good honest advice from someone who knows what he is talking about and of course some first class fitting. David Castellano, owner of Charles Huntington Flooring has been in the carpet business for more than 30 years and in that time has laid pretty well every type of flooring going. He is still as enthusiastic as ever though and amid the stunning range of beautifully displayed carpet, sisal, seagrass, coir, jute, wood, vinyl and synthetic flooring in his Duck Farm Court showroom, he is excited to introduce my wife, Amanda and I to some of his latest carpet samples. “I’ve taken on a couple of new suppliers,” says David, showing us some beautiful handwoven carpet samples in undyed 100% natural wool by ITC. Part of their Connoisseur range the carpet is very thick and soft to the touch and apparently hardwearing too. There is an Eco-rib, an Eco-Loop and an Eco-velvet: “The rib is unusual,” says David, “as the line runs across the width rather than down the length. It’s all hand finished, excellent quality and very luxurious.” There is a surprising range of colour
Amanda with David Castellano at Charles Huntington Flooring in Duck Farm Court, Aylesbury options, considering the carpet is undyed and the shades are completely natural. The muted natural tones are very in, at the moment, too. We are on a modest budget but want a good quality hard-wearing carpet, suitable for a modern bedroom, so David shows us some loop pile samples in the Mayfair and Fine Lines range by Clarendon Carpets, in a
ITC Connoisseur range Eco-Rib undyed 100% pure wool
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
50% wool / 50% polypropylene mix. We liked the bouclé or textured weave in a tight loop and thought it looked particularly smart and elegant in their Parfait grey shade. “Loop carpet is good for anywhere in the house,” says David. “Clarendon’s uncut, yarn loops have a weave that bounces back to shape and a textured appearance, which is a
Off The Loom stair runner
Homes & Gardens Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
The new underlay is down and carpet unpacked
New chrome door strip
In comes the carpet Shaving the door down to clear the pile
Ensuring a perfect fit nice feature. It also comes anti-moth treated for peace of mind! Grey is probably the most popular colour at the moment, it’s taken over from beige! David stocks a varied selection at Charles Huntington: “We can supply pretty well anything a customer might request,” says David, “but we also like to inspire with designer carpets and flooring that are a little different and which you don’t find at larger suppliers. We offer a wide range of standard styles - something for all tastes and budgets - but we’ve made an effort to source some interesting alternatives. I’ve got carpets here from great value budget weaves to tufted silk at over £200 a square metre!” I’d given David rough measurements but he wisely came to the house to check them and then took care of ordering for us. The carpet arrived within days and David kindly stored it in his warehouse while we prepared the rooms with a little decluttering and decorating! A date was set and David and his assistant Jordan arrived and set to removing some of the larger bits of furniture and dismantling the bed. The process was quickly and efficiently executed and within an hour new underlay was down and the carpet was being laid. They did two bedrooms for us in a few hours and even took a door outside to shave a little off the bottom edge, as it was uneven and rubbing the new carpet. The furniture was soon reinstated and the carpets looked fantastic. All was done with minimum fuss and no mess - they didn’t even require a cup of tea! We couldn’t be happier, the new carpets are lovely. This was a small job for David who has laid huge conference rooms and bedrooms at top
hotels plus many private homes, big and small over the years. “I laid the carpet at the Hindu Temple in Neasden once,” he says, “it nearly killed me! It was a huge job, very complicated with numerous panels of carpet to be matched up. It looked stunning when it was finished though!” David set up Charles Huntington Flooring
Perfect or should I say ‘Parfait’ in 2010: “I supply and advise on carpet and floorings,” says David, “but I still enjoy going out and personally ensuring the job is laid down correctly - ‘a carpet’s only as good as the person who fitted it’ they say in the trade!” David has been busy with the trend for stair runners and striped carpet and has recently become an exclusive local supplier for Off The Loom stair runners, rugs and accessories. The company weaves lovely contemporary runners
in bright bold colours, which come in a range of widths, or made to measure if required. “We are experienced in templating stair runners with turns and half landings,” says David. “We offer a variety of finishes: binding tape, blind stitching, or whipping - we’ve also a good selection of stair rods and stair clips. “We stock quite a range of flooring here from brands such as: Cormar, Brockway Carpets, Victoria Carpets, Weston Hammer, Alternative Flooring, Jacaranda, Crucial Trading, Karndean... something for all pockets and tastes. “We do a good range of sisal as well Crucial Trading have a great selection. It gives you a nice crisp clean look. We can make rugs with it too. Sometimes a customer will have wood flooring laid in the hall and then we’ll make a sisal rug with bound edges to go on top. Rugs can be made with any carpet and to any size and then neatly finished with stitched edging.” David is always happy to visit a customer at home, if they prefer, but I’d recommend going to have a browse around the showroom - so you can feel the samples! Take your paint swatches down and have a look. David is happy to chat over the options and you’ll get good honest advice from someone who really does know what he’s talking about. l Charles Huntington Flooring, 23 Duck Farm Court, Station Way, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2SQ. Tel: 01296 337181 Mob: 07767 370067 Email: info@charleshuntington.co.uk Web: www.charleshuntington.co.uk Open: Mon-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-3pm
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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Homes & Gardens Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Real Living
by Charlotte Bolton
Christmas with a difference
Real Living
Impress family and friends with a beautiful new look for 2018...
Charlotte Bolton
I
f you’re looking to freshen up your seasonal decor this Christmas, look no further. The festive decorations can be so much fun - the perfect place to unleash your creativity - and if you’re lacking a little inspiration as yet, then here’s a few ideas for every style and budget! GOLD AND GLAMOROUS... Don’t be afraid of a little bling this year! From soft, muted gold tones to brassy and rich bronze shades, gold adds warmth and elegance and looks especially fabulous at Christmas - use golds in tree decorations, wrapping and festive accessories. Gold can also be used as an accent colour all year round to lift and finish a simple room scheme. If your room is neutral, a gold-finish lamp or metal-frame side table will add polish and life - as will glittery gold cushions and throws/rugs etc with hints of gold. GO FULL ON WITH BLUES A diverse colour that adds warmth and richness to any home, decorative blues have taken a firm place in our homes in recent years . From midnight skies to icy aquamarine, blue is surprisingly festive, and goes beautifully with traditional Christmas golds and silvers. The ‘blue’ look is also easy to create with baubles and simple festive decorations in varying shades - just make sure to keep the blue as the ‘one main’ colour.
Blue and bold 56
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Gold and glamorous
WINTERY WHITE It can seem daunting to use such an unforgiving colour, however its sparseness provides a striking look. More really is more with white - so stack it up high and experiment with different textures and materials. Try this look in your dining room
Wintery white
perhaps where white tablecloths and china are a great start. TRY DUSKY PINKS With the growing popularity of the PINK poinsettia at Christmas time, shades of pink are quickly gaining their place on the
Dusky pinks
Real Living this Christmas! This cold but glitzy colour creates a look that speaks ‘uber stylish winter wonderland’. Create a bold centrepiece - perhaps with a mirror - wall hung or floor standing - and accentuate its shine by dotting silver candles and glittery silver pots throughout the room. Finish the room with a tree hung with decorations in muted shades of silver and white - complemented with shimmering cushions and cosy throws.
Shiny silver
Christmas decorative palette. As a softer alternative to red and a warmer one than white, dusky pinks cover an enormous spectrum, so there is something here for everyone. Complement a grey and pink living room with shimmering pink baubles and wrapping paper in similar shades, or bring in a rich, velvety arm chair for added effect. SHINY SILVER Dazzle and shine - silver must make it into your home
Homes & Gardens
by Charlotte Bolton
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
This rich wintery shade is warm and glamorous. Traditionally associated with pageantry and royalty we couldn’t think of a better colour to incorporate into our homes at this special time of year. Another great alternative to traditional red - its deep hue looks great combined with bright pinks on the Christmas tree and on your dining table.
Traditional red and green
A PURPLE PALETTE
Play with a purple palette
GO TRADITIONAL WITH RED AND GREEN The colour of winter holly berries and Rudolph’s nose, nothing says Christmas like a splash of red, especially when partnered with lush green foliage! Go ultra traditional this year with rosy red candles, red and green tree decorations, cosy warm blankets and traditional patterned wrapping paper. Hang a garland made with real pine dotted with red berries to complete the ‘festive feeling’.
Above all have fun, enjoy being creative and have a very Merry Christmas! l As Charlotte Bolton Interiors Charlotte offers Home Staging services - ‘dressing’ or ‘styling’ a home ready for sale. If you would like to find out more about having your home dressed in preparation for putting it on the market and receiving viewings, contact Charlotte Bolton at Charlotte Bolton Interiors, Tel: 07903 655592 info@charlotte-bolton-interiors.co.uk www.charlotte-bolton-interiors.co.uk
on d en an se Gr gns As 4’s esi C D
Find us at Views Farm, Great Milton, OX44 7 NW
01844 279274 www.stoneworld.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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Homes & Gardens
I n t h e ga r d e n
with Naomi MacKay
Are you set for After the gorgeous, long hot summer we have just enjoyed, we now need to get ready for the chilly weather to come, Naomi MacKay reminds...
I
A bumper harvest of Victoria Plums
t’s been an amazing summer – although a long season of watering for many of us. But we have been well rewarded for it this autumn. My freezer is full of Victoria plums thanks to my plum tree, which after only producing a plum for each of the three of us last year – decided that it was going into overtime this year. I stopped counting how many pounds of plums it produced - and I ran out of time to keep making crumble and other fruit-based desserts, so the fruit has been frozen until I have the time and inclination to do more cooking. Likewise our pear tree has surpassed itself. We have lived in
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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our house for eight years and it never disappoints, but this year the pears looked ready by the end of August – we’ve left them until October to harvest and they are the biggest fruits we’ve ever had. And we only stopped harvesting outdoor
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Homes & Gardens
I n t h e ga r d e n
with Naomi MacKay
a cold winter?
SunBelievable ‘Brown Eyed Girl’
Lots of lovely juicy pears tomatoes at the end of October! And down in Devon, RHS Garden Rosemoor, which holds the National Collection of Holly, tells me that the trees this year are absolutely loaded with berries and will create a fabulous display
this winter once the autumn leaves from surrounding trees have fallen. This is all marvellous but you know where this is heading… country lore tells us that when the trees and bushes are full of fruits and berries there’s a hard winter
ahead. After the summer we’ve had it wouldn’t be surprising. When we first moved here we had several fabulous summers, but snowfall followed each winter as regular as clockwork. The papers are already full of stories of plunging
temperatures and heavy snowfall for November and December. So, make sure that your garden is ready ahead of time for the frosts and any snow by ticking off these 10 jobs in preparation: Continued on page 50
Festive Family SANTVAES Weekend I R AR 0am 4th at 1a d y 2 Saturember! Nov
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R Chriesal t Tr mas avai ees the of
lable begi from Decemnning ber
Join us for a weekend of festive fun including: • Fairground Ride • Children’s Farm • Face Painting • Santa’s Grotto Our traditional grotto costs just £5.50 and is run by Haddenham & District Rotary Club with all proceeds going to charity.
Stanbridge Rd, Haddenham
01844 290395
haddenhamgardencentre.co.uk
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
I n t h e ga r d e n
1. Ensure you have somewhere to bring in any tender plants. 2. Wrap any tender plants that can’t be moved in horticultural fleece to keep them cosy over the colder months. 3. Mulch tender trees such as acer with bark to help keep their roots protected. 4. Make sure your outside tap is insulated against the cold. 5. Clean paths and patios so they won’t become slippery. 6. Clean leaves away from ponds and drop a ball in to stop the surface icing over. 7. Clean all your garden tools before putting them away for winter – come spring you’ll be so glad you did! 8. Make sure young trees are
Bark Mulch
secured and staked to protect them from the wind 9. Add mulch to any semi-tender border plants 10. Make sure pots sit on ‘feet’ to stop the water getting in – and wrap any that are vulnerable in fleece or bubble wrap. With all this talk of chilly weather, I thought it would be nice to bring a touch of sunshine to your day! Thompson & Morgan’s SunBelievable ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ long-flowering sunflower has been winning awards all over the world after its success at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May with accolades coming from as far afield as Japan and the US. “Customer feedback for SunBelievable ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ has been extremely positive” says Peter Freeman, Thompson & Morgan’s New Product Development Manager. “We’ve been amazed at the plants’ performance this summer – particularly through the heatwave and drought conditions. Those that were planted in the first half of the
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“
Continued from page 49
with Naomi MacKay
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
I n t h e ga r d e n
with Naomi MacKay
Nasturtium ‘Orchid Queen’
Beet Morello
summer are still flowering now!” The company’s 2019 mail order seed range can be ordered now – so order a catalogue and have a browse as the nights get darker and colder. Some of the most popular orders so far are for Flower of the Year, Nasturtium ‘Orchid Flame’, and in the veg garden Beet Morello and Tomato ‘Sweet Success’ are
already selling well. l Naomi MacKay is a Bucks-based
freelance writer and editor who specialises in gardens. She also helps small businesses get their message to potential clients using websites, blogs, social media and more traditional printed products. Email: naomimackay@gmail.com
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
a n i m a l m ag i c
with Lucy Ellis
Pets and fireworks!
B
onfire night, New Year’s Eve, religious celebrations and many other occasions are now marked with firework displays which our furry and feathered friends can find a bit scary. There are ways we can help them stay calm though. Create a den: Find a favoured spot and create a comfy hideaway where your pet can retreat. Consider a crate if you don’t already have one, a padded box or an igloo-style bed with walls and a roof to cocoon your pet. You can also put a used T-shirt in the bed to give a familiar comforting smell. Chewing helps to release endorphins and is a great stress reliever, so keep your dog occupied and happy with a raw bone or a natural chew. Natural support: Herbal products can help alleviate nervous symptoms in all animals and enable them to relax in a stressful situation. Valerian is a particularly
effective natural calmer, which comes in many forms such as tablets, liquid, spray or diffuser to suit your household. Unique Pets specialises in homeopathic remedies, so ask them for help with natural solutions. An anxiety wrap is a specially designed coat for dogs and cats which wraps around the neck and chest to relieve stress – ideal for combatting separation anxiety, they are also useful during firework season. Normalise noises: For dogs, one of the best things to do is to normalise big noises so that your hound is not fazed by loud sounds. Download tracks of a range of noises and play quietly at first, slowly increasing the volume over time, so that it becomes mundane instead of threatening. For maximum disinterest, distract your pet, while you play the sounds, with a game of ball or by offering treats. It’s also a good idea to mask firework noises by having a radio or TV on as background.
Be led by your pet: If your pet comes to you for reassurance, it’s OK to cuddle her; it won’t reinforce the need to be scared and can help relieve her anxiety. Don’t force your pet into an embrace if she doesn’t want it though – pets will be defensive at times of stress, and cats in particular are likely to lash out if constrained. Let your furry friend deal with the problem in their own way, whether that’s seeking comfort from you, sitting on top of the wardrobe, under your bed or behind the couch. Don’t chastise them if they have an accident in the house, just clean it up without fuss. Outdoor pets: Being outside will be noisier and scarier for any animal, so if you know there will be a firework display nearby, keep your dog and cat indoors and bring any cages or hutches inside if at all possible. If small mammals can’t come inside, consider moving them to a shed or garage or, failing that, place a heavy blanket over the cage, to help drown out the noise and
Lucy Ellis
Animal Magic make them feel more secure, and provide them with lots of bedding for burying themselves. Preparation is key: Have your dog and cat wear identity tags, so that if they do escape in fear, you can be easily reunited with them. Take your dog out for a last walk before the bangs begin and play some mental games at dusk so that he is really exhausted. Keep windows, doors and cat flaps closed, draw the curtains and provide background noise. Ensure access to fresh water as anxiety will make them pant more and be thirsty. l Lucy Ellis is a writer and
blogger who with Jenna Tomlins runs Unique Pets (Aylesbury & Winslow), independent pet shops, www.uniquepets.co.uk
Pet Industry Federation Independent Retailer of the Year!
Aylesbury 01296 706403 Winslow 01296 715697 www.uniquepets.co.uk Chamberlain Road, Aylesbury / High Street, Winslow
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Call 01296 706403 or pop into shop to book your grooming appointment 62
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Stay Warm This Winter! Dry Logs
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Christmas Magic at Green Dragon O
nly nine miles from Aylesbury, the Green Dragon Eco Farm nestles in Aylesbury Vale surrounded by 45 acres of gently rolling countryside. The paddocks, meadows and trails provide plenty of space for outdoor activity, but there are indoor facilities too where visitors can meet the animals, play in the warm and get a bite to eat. Farmer Christmas Land Farmer Christmas returns this year on his gigantic red tractor! Children will be welcomed by the Green Dragon Elves and invited to explore Farmer Christmas Land - an exciting enchanted place full of festive fun and activities, where children can dig in Santa’s Snowpits, walk through the Enchanted Forest, meet the Christmas Animals and make a star for the Wishing Tree. They also get to meet Farmer Christmas, sit up on his tractor and receive a Christmas gift. Tickets are only £9.95 per child, with 2 free
Farmer Christmas
accompanying adults and can be booked online or on the day at reception.
Reindeer not just for Christmas! The Green Dragon reindeer herd is very popular with visitors to the new Wildlife Zone that opened on 1st August, 2018. Not just for
reindeer and experience the wonder Christmas, the reindeer go through seasonal changes which make them of Farmer Christmas Land! really interesting to visitors all the Wildlife Zone News year round. Phase Two of the new Wildlife During the summer the reindeer Zone at Green Dragon is now were ‘in velvet’ which means their antlers had been covered in a soft completed which means the visiting public, schools and groups bristly coating. At the end of the summer, this started Ranger for the day are able to enjoy the fully enclosed indoor area that to fall off in preparation for the rutting (or mating) is the centre-piece of the zone - a huge under cover season. This autumn at area for close encounters Green Dragon, the cows with the animals. have been put with the With these latest bull, Rudi, until the season is over. The cows will have additions, the animal encounters programme is a pregnancy of 222 days now even more fascinating – so reindeer young are expected in May or June next year. for the visiting public, particularly ‘Rangers for a Day’, an exclusive Found in the Arctic, Reindeer experience for 10 to 17 year olds are well-adapted to living in that makes an ideal Christmas gift! cold, rugged conditions, therefore associated with winter and l The Green Dragon Eco Farm, Play Christmas. At Green Dragon, the Centre & Eaterie, Claydon Road, reindeer take part in the Farmer Hogshaw, Bucks, MK18 3LA Christmas Land Experience and T: 01296 670444 are ‘stars of the show’. BOOK W: www.greendragonecofarm.co.uk Open daily 10am-5.30pm TICKETS NOW to meet the
For more details about the Wildlife Zone, Ranger for a Day, or Christmas activities and events, please ring 01296 670444 or email info@greendragonecofarm.co.uk
Win bumper bird food gift box
W
ith support from the general public, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) protects wildlife and the wider countryside you love. But you can help to save nature too, starting in your garden, window-box or on your balcony! As Winter begins to bite, food and drink will become harder for our feathered friends to find. Putting out a bird feeder and source of fresh, clean water can be a real lifesaver. Birds need water for drinking and bathing. Birds have no sweat glands, so they need less water than mammals, however, they do lose water through respiration and in their droppings. Most small birds need to drink at least twice a day to replace the lost water. At this time of year, put out food and water on a regular basis. In severe weather, feed twice daily if you can: in the morning and in the early afternoon. Birds require high-energy (high-fat) foods during the cold Winter weather to maintain their fat reserves and survive the frosty
RSPB Bumper Bird Food Gift Box nights. Use only good-quality food and scraps though. Always adjust the quantity given to the demand, and never allow uneaten foods to accumulate around the feeders. Once you establish a feeding routine, try not to change it as the birds will become used to it and time their visits to your garden accordingly. For the RSPB to continue its work looking after birds and wildlife it needs to raise funds and you can help by buying some Christmas gifts, cards
or bird related products from their website or catalogue. The RSPB’s lovely Christmas Catalogue for 2018 is packed with homeware, accessories and gift items all with wildlife in mind. There’s an amazing selection from high quality birdseed to binoculars - a huge range of beautiful items: treats, wildlife technology, beautiful home gifts and toiletries, as well as a range for children - there’s something for everyone. The RSPB Bumper bird food gift
box, above, is crammed with more than £40 worth of bird food and feeders - a fantastic selection of seeds, suet and nibbles - every kind of top-quality treat, that will attract a wide variety of garden birds. This is a great gift for bird lovers or the perfect starter set for those who want to start feeding garden birds. For this and other bird essentials visit: www.rspb.org.uk/shop If you’d like to be in with the chance of winning an RSPB Bumper bird food gift box,* simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk What does RSPB stand for?? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Dec 4th, 2018. *Contents may vary from those shown in picture but we promise a good selection of bird food, as well as two suitable bird feeders, all with a retail value of at least £40 or above. l RSPB Catalogue: www.rspbcatalogue.co.uk www.rspb.org.uk/shop Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
s h ow t i m e
with Shaun Nolan
Show much to see!
A
s much as I love the Summer, I think that the Autumn period is my favourite time of the year and I know I’m not alone in this. It’s a time for excitement (Christmas is coming!), but most importantly, great new culture. As theatres start to prepare themselves for panto season through December and January, we see them cramming in as many incredible shows as they possibly can in the build-up. Here’s my list of some of the best. At Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre, there’s a lot to choose from, but two that I’m going to see are Finding Joy (19th Nov) and Fame (26th Nov – 1st Dec). Finding Joy is a new show from Vamos Theatre, one of – if not the – most wellregarded theatre company working with masks in the country. I’ve long admired their work and am so excited to see a show of theirs come to the Vale. This production
Sharon D Clarke in Caroline, or Change
focuses on the issues that dementia sufferers face and how everyone in the community can help. I think it sounds unmissable. Fame needs a little less explaining I’m sure! This 30th anniversary production of the stage musical stars Keith Jack, Mica Paris and Jorgie Porter and is sure to be a hit with local audiences. I saw a previous production of Fame at the Waterside almost five years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it, so it will be nice to have it back again.
In Tring at the Court Theatre, there are two major productions that sound pretty exciting to me. First is Peter Whelan’s The Accrington Pals by the Frayed Knot Theatre Company (14th – 17th Nov). This play, set during the First World War, is being produced to mark the centenary of the war’s end. Frayed Knot are Tring staples and this one should be good. And a few weeks later, the Berkhamsted Youth Theatre hit the stage with Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. Arguably one of the greatest English plays to ever exist, this ever-brilliant young team will tear this one anew I’m sure. Up in London, there is so much opening that I’ll be bouncing back and forth from there like a yo-yo! I’m most excited for the Chichester Festival Theatre revival of the musical Caroline, or Change, running at the West End’s Playhouse Theatre from November 20th. I saw it off-West End at the
Shaun Nolan Showtime!
Hampstead Theatre earlier this year and it’s a sensational and unique restaging of the show. But I’m also going to direct you towards the Theatre Royal Stratford East’s European premiere of The Wolves by Sarah DeLappe. It was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2017 and is one of the best plays I’ve seen all year. It closes Nov 17th. l Shaun Nolan is a freelance writer
and producer who, when he isn’t writing columns, is typically found writing his own fictional stories and scripts. You can find him at @ shaunycat on Twitter and if you want your show mentioned in this column, tweet him and let him know!
Win tickets to see Slade at O2 Oxford
I
t’s Christmaaaaasss! Well it soon will be and you can’t approach this festive time of year without Slade’s classic Yuletide anthem ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’ ringing in your ears. The band are on tour with original members guitarist Dave Hill and drummer Don Powell, joined by ex Mud bass guitarist John Berry, frequently spied in the guise of the Big Issue seller in Eastenders, and new lead vocalist Mal McNulty - a seasoned rocker with Noddyesque vocal chords. Slade are no one hit wonders and boast a catalogue of Glam Rock classics that seem designed for a Christmas knees up: Coz I Luv You, Mama Weer All Crazee Now, Gudbuy T’Jane, Cum On Feel The Noize, Skweeze Me Pleeze Me, My Friend Stan and many more. Slade will be playing the O2 Academy Oxford (Cowley Road) on Friday, Dec 14th supported by Mud 2 - Tiger Feet, Dyna-mite, Lonely 64
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
This Christmas, The Cat Crept In, Oh Boy, Running Bear, Hypnosis... If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning two tickets for the Slade/Mud Oxford gig, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Who was Slade’s original singer? Winner to be drawn at random and notified by email by 4th Dec. l O2 Academy Oxford Box Office: 0844 477 1000 www.academymusicgroup.com/ o2academyoxford
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
c l a s s i ca l l a s s
with Nicola Lisle
Lots to sing about!
O
ur classical music scene over the coming weeks is dominated by choral music and, of course, a few seasonal offerings to get you in the festive mood. First, though, there’s a feast of Gilbert and Sullivan at The Player’s Theatre, Thame, from November 2nd to 4th with Opera Anywhere, who will be presenting three of the best-known Savoy operas, The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance and HMS Pinafore, alongside the slightly less wellknown Patience, Gilbert’s skit on the Victorian aesthetic movement. On 24th November, Aylesbury Symphony Orchestra is at St Mary’s Church, Aylesbury, with an all-Russian programme, which includes Borodin’s Prince Igor overture, Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.2 (with soloist Ben Bachmann) and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.1, ‘Winter Daydreams’. On the same night, Mozart aficionados are spoilt for choice
Opera Anywhere founders Vanessa and Mike Woodward as Katisha and Ko-Ko in The Mikado as Princes Risborough Choral Society performs Mozart’s glorious Coronation Mass at St Mary’s Church, Princes Risborough, while Amersham Choral Society is at St Mary’s Church, Amersham, with the joyous Exsultate, Jubilate and the intensely moving Requiem, plus Albinoni’s Adagio. December begins with Bicester Choral and Operatic Society performing Haydn’s exciting and evocative oratorio The Seasons at St Edburg’s Church, Bicester, while Aylesbury
Festival Choir launches its 60th anniversary season with Brahms’ sublime German Requiem and Mendelssohn’s famous Hear My Prayer. A fortnight later, Tring Choral Society is at the Church of St Peter and St Paul, Tring, with an enticing double bill of Charpentier’s Te Deum and Mozart’s Mass in C Minor. The Christmas offerings kick off on 1st December with the Thamebased Lord Williams’s Festival Chorus performing Handel’s everpopular Messiah. On 8th December we go from the familiar to the little-known as Wendover Choral Society sings The Christmas Story, a musical setting of the Nativity by the 17th century German composer Heinrich Schutz. There’s some more unusual fare from the Little Missenden Festival with Christmas Past, a selection of medieval carols interwoven with readings performed by The
Nicola Lisle
Classical Lass Telling. Catch this event at Little Missenden Church on 14th December. You can hear both the familiar and the unfamiliar from Great Missenden Choral Society on 15th December at the Church of St Peter & St Paul, Great Missenden. In Rossini Rejoices with Britten, the choir performs Britten favourite A Ceremony of Carols, Rossini’s delightful Petite Messe Solennelle and a contemporary carol, When a Baby is Born, by Mike Sheppard. So, plenty to choose from - enjoy! l Nicola Lisle is a freelance writer and author specialising in classical music, genealogy and social history. Follow her on Twitter @NicolaLisle1 and send her a tweet if you would like your event mentioned in this column.
Christmas Gift Fair 11 - 3pm 10th November 2018
A beautiful selection of gifts including Christmas decorations, jewellery, food, homeware and more... The Gateway Conference Centre, Aylesbury, HP19 8FF FREE PARKING Entrance £3 / Concessions £1.50
Pace is a charity providing an outstanding education and first class therapy for disabled children. thepacecentre.org
Charity No. 1011133
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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It’s pantotime – o
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Well shiver me timbers if it ain’t time to catch a flight to Neverland, courtesy of Peter Pan airways. You know the way - second star to the right and straight on til morning! You can also get there via the Box Office at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre. Hurry though, it’s a family favourite and tickets are flying out… Peter Pan: Friday 7th to Monday 31st, December
I
t’s the most wonderful time of the year, and at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre a swashbuckling adventure is in store with this year’s must-see pantomime, Peter Pan (Friday 7th to Monday 31st December)! Gracing the stage as villainous baddie is familiar face from Holby City and Coronation Street John Michie playing Hook, alongside family favourite and BBC Three Counties Breakfast Show presenter Andy Collins, larger-than-life La Voix (Britain’s Got Talent), and ready to sprinkle a generous helping of fairy dust, Holly Atterton from Nick Jnr’s Go! Go! Go! as Tinker Bell. Add into the mix an acrobatic pirate crew (The Nitwits), galleons of laughter and the Waterside’s trademark 66
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Peter Pan and Tinker Bell go down to the woods
oh yes it is! John Michie as Hook
the Waterside. Check it out on Youtube or Facebook, you’re sure to get hooked!
With panto on the horizon, it’s time to look ahead to New Year’s entertainment offering. There’s a show for everyone if you’re looking to give the gift of theatre this Christmas. Comedy capers are in store with The Comedy About A Bank Robbery (Tuesday 12th to Saturday 16th March), for musical lovers look no further than Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage (Monday 25th to Saturday 30th March) and Thriller Live (Sunday 21st to Monday 22nd April) celebrating the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, and for a groundbreaking comedy classic, catch Jodie Prenger starring in Abigail’s Party (Monday 18th to Saturday 23rd March).
audience interaction and you have yourself a journey into Neverland to remember. The countdown to the festive production has been started in style with This Is Smee, a parody video based on The Greatest Showman starring a cast of more than 200 local businesses, charities and community groups. The ambitious venture has taken social media by storm and sees local companies like never before – singing and dancing to the catchy tune, featuring lyrics exclusively written by
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Ones to be added onto the list for Santa include Dr Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat (Thursday 31st January to Sunday 3rd February), David Baddiel’s Animalcolm (Wednesday 6th to Thursday 7th March) and the return of The Little Mix Experience (Sunday 13th January). For a full programme of events pick up the Spring What’s On or check online at atgtickets.com/aylesbury. l Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1UG Telephone Booking: 0844 871 7607 Website: www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury
Andy Collins as Smee
“It’s a sign,” says Panto Dame La Voix.
Coming up at Aylesbury Waterside Your at-a-glance guide to what’s on... The Carpenters Story Fame The Musical
Peter Pan Pantomime
ROH: The Nutcracker Encore Screening Santa’s Christmas Party (Second Space) The Johnny Cash Roadshow Motown’s Greatest Hits Believe – The Cher Storybook The Chicago Blues Brothers – Motown Mission
Sunday 25th Nov Mon 26th Nov to Sat 1st Dec Fri 7th to Mon 31st Dec Sunday 9th Dec Friday 21st Dec Friday 4th Jan Saturday 5th Jan Thursday 17th Jan Friday 25th Jan
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The ink said
Swallowtail
T
he day had begun like any other. A gentle sunrise, a breeze quivering the muslin curtains, two spoons of coffee in the pot. Melanie sat on the terrace, sipping the bitter brew only as often as she remembered, waiting for the children to wake up with a mixture of relief and dread. Unusually for a Saturday morning, she felt hungry, and reached for a pear from the fruit bowl. A tiny family of fruit flies swarmed for a moment and settled again. She wrinkled her nose. Too comfortable to dislodge herself from the chair and wash it, she
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Ink Paintings and Micro Stories by Gabrielle Turner
began to peel it with a table knife left out from the night before. A shame, she thought, as its freckled skin fell away in ragged strips, because wasn’t the skin supposed to be where all the vitamins were? Pear juice streamed from her fingertips to her elbows, dripping onto her bare feet. Typical, she sighed. But she didn’t get up. The pear juice was drying, her coffee was cold and minute by minute the sun was climbing higher in the sky. Every other hour of her life was accounted for: driving to pick the children up, preparing contracts, visiting clients, attending dull events. Here, in the morning quiet, it felt luxurious to let time slip by. She had abandoned half the pear. It lay cut open on its
haunches, seeds facing the sky, in a pool of its own juice. A dozen ants had discovered it and marched back and forth to their commune, excitedly spreading the word. A lone wasp, the most capitalist of insects, circled, keeping wisely out of swatting radius. Then, on the still-intact stalk, a butterfly alighted. She rested there, like a ballerina on pointe, raising and lowering her wings so precisely that she could have been talking in semaphore. Melanie leaned in. They were so close. She held her breath. The creature edged gingerly forward onto the pear’s moist surface and unrolled her tongue. Inside, a door slammed, and the swallowtail was gone.
Gabrielle Turner The ink said l Gabrielle Turner is a writer and artist at the Phoenix Studio near Thame. As @theinksaid on Instagram she writes daily micro-stories inspired by her abstract ink paintings. Also at www.theinksaid.com and www.gabrielleturner.co.uk
o u r c r e at i v e va l e
with Sandra Smith
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
People as landscapes
W
ithin moments of arriving at Wendy Lewis’s Loft Studio I learn of her heightened awareness of senses, dyslexia and the four coats of paint it took to mask the dark blue walls when she first moved into Wendover’s Barn Courtyard premises several years ago. I’m intrigued. In fact, if it wasn’t for a deadline, I’d happily spend the afternoon exploring the mind of this shrewd artist. But that’ll have to wait. Because right now I’m here to discuss Drawn to the Chilterns, a project focussing on characters with connections to the area, and images far more convoluted than traditional portraiture, each one a macrocosm of the numerous influences which symbolised the subject’s life. “I’m not an historian. These canvasses are a visual narrative. I want to tell a story through the vehicle of The Chilterns which has so much to offer.” Glancing around assures me of
Wendy Lewis Wendy’s storytelling skill. Take the unmistakable figure of Elizabeth I, for instance. This colourful interpretation (“That’s how to use watercolours, they have to sing, dance”) celebrates the stature of one of our most famous monarchs and her links to Chenies Manor yet tiny arms and hands are equally indicative of an underlying vulnerability. As in many of her linen (“It has longevity”)
canvasses an aura of playfulness pervades: “I love humour. If anything gets really heavy I have to lighten it with a bit of a chuckle. My paintings are palatable for all ages.” Palatable, yes. Though there’s no running away from facts. Roald Dahl, for instance, is more muted, an overtone to the author’s fondness for smoking, while Noddy characters in bright, primary colours contrast with duller tones mirroring the darker side of Enid Blyton. As I congratulate the artist on her ability to capture both people and landscapes I’m met with a typically pragmatic response: “I think people are landscapes.” Such thought provoking retorts continue. Describe your describe style, I prompt. “I don’t believe in style; Picasso said there’s no such thing.” Do you paint for yourself or to sell? “Myself! Though I get a thrill when someone wants my work on their wall.” Engaging, complex and
Creative Vale
Sandra Smith irresistibly interesting, Wendy Lewis’s paintings are testament to a breadth of interpretation and creative imagery by an enquiring mind. I suggest you see for yourself. Call in at her studio any Thursday, Friday or Saturday afternoon, or during Barn Courtyard’s Late Night Opening on 16th November from 7-9pm. l E: wendylstudio@gmail.com
Twitter@LiveLifeLiveArt
l Find out more about Sandra Smith’s work as a freelance writer by following her on Twitter: @TheCurrentMrsS or visiting her website: www.TheCurrentMrsSmith.co.uk
PACKAGELS L TO SUIT A
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Phone 01296 734030 Email: events@hinnaylesbury.com Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
69
In the kitchen
with Nick Coffer
‘Lighter’ Coq au Vin
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oq au vin is a traditional autumnal dish, slow cooked to get all the flavour out of the meat. That said, it can be a little heavy. This simple version, created by Andrei Lussman (owner of the Lussmans restaurants in Hertfordshire), is a lighter take on the French classic. Andrei is a fascinating and charming character, almost an old-school restaurateur and raconteur from a bygone age. This dish would grace a midweek family supper or a dinner party alike.. Ingredients (Serves 2) 2 large free-range chicken legs 150g tomato wedges 400ml beef stock Handful of fresh basil 150ml white wine 80g red onion, sliced 6g fresh red chilli, chopped 25ml oil 10g garlic, peeled and chopped Salt and pepper to season Method If you do not have an oven-proof dish which can also be used on the hob, do this first part of the recipe in a deep skillet or frying pan and then transfer to an oven-proof dish. Pour the oil into your dish, put it
some lovely crusty bread. l Hear wonderful recipes on Nick Coffer’s Weekend Kitchen every Sunday morning on BBC Three Counties radio at 11am. You can also join Nick weekday afternoons at midday for music plus local guests with great stories.
on a medium heat on the hob and and pop your seasoned chicken legs in. When these begin to become nice and golden, add the red onions. Cook until the onions are caramelised, then add the basil, garlic and chilli. Pour over your white wine, stir through and finish with the stock. Cover the dish and place in a preheated oven (180C/ Gas Mark 4) for between one and one and a half hours. The dish is ready when the meat falls off the bone. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve, preferably with
Harvest Moon
Tastefully decorated, authentic Chinese restaurant, serving traditional dishes to suit every taste. Eat-in and takeaway service. Perfect for parties - we can cater for groups of up to 50 people. Harvest Moon, 1 Pump Lane, Thame, Oxon, OX9 3BT Tel: 01844 215272 / 214834 Email: harvestmoonthame@gmail.com Website: www.harvestmoonthame.co.uk 70
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
In the kitchen Nick Coffer
Christmas on Pound Street
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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The Seasonal Table
I
by Virginie Bonvalet
5. In a large frying pan over a medium heat, cook all the sliced mushrooms in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, gently stirring every couple of minutes, for about 8 minutes.
f you read my featured recipes last month you are going to think that I am mushroom obsessed, and you would be right!
I love them in every shape, form or origin, from the exotic to the humble button mushroom. Mushrooms are also great sources of protein, fibre, B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, minerals, and selenium and they contain antioxidants that are unique to mushrooms, so what’s not to like? With winter on its way, packing up with food high in vitamins is definitely the way to go.
Mushroom & Roasted Butternut Squash Serves 2-4 preP: 20min cooK: 1.5hrs
Butternut squash 1 large Portobello mushrooms 3 large Chestnut mushrooms 200 g Parsley 1 chopped handful Olive oil 3 Tsp. Rapeseed oil 100ml Garlic 1 Bulb Sage 6 Leaves Salt & Pepper 72
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
6. Once the mushrooms are cooked, scoop some of the butternut squash onto a plate and pour the mushrooms on top. Season with salt and pepper to your liking and add the freshly chopped parsley.
1. Preheat your oven to 150C. 2. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthways, remove the seeds, lay on an oven dish - drizzle with olive oil and scatter the garlic cloves around it. 3. Roast in the oven for at least 1.5 hours. You will know that your squash is cooked by poking it with a knife. You should be able to insert it right through with complete ease. 4. Next, clean your mushrooms and cut in slices, about the thickness of your little finger.
7. This step is optional but I really like the texture that it adds. Take a little saucepan, pour in about 100ml of Rapeseed Oil, put it on a high heat and throw your sage leaves in. Cook for no more than a minute or until nicely crisp. Sprinkle over the top of the mushrooms as you serve. I recommended serving this with fresh crusty bread such as a sourdough or rye loaf to make sure you are able to soak up all the lovely juices! Enjoy… Bon appetit! All photographs, recipes & words ©Virginie Check out my brand new website www.virginiebonvalet.com Email: bonjour@virginiebonvalet.com Social: @virginie_bonvalet
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FIND
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Experience the Authentic taste of India
Win a box of Mama Dor’s spices
M
ama Dor’s Kitchen is a new business based in Chinnor making authentic Indian Spice Blends. Ghazala Dor (Giz), who has set up the venture, is passionate about cooking and believes that Indian food should be made without pomp or ceremony and without the hassle of dry frying or grinding of spices and be eaten without guilt! To this end Giz has handcrafted a range of authentic Indian spice blends which come ready to use with a laminated, easy to follow recipe card, with step by step instructions for putting healthy, fresh and delicious Indian food on the table – typically in under an hour! Originating from India, all Mama Dor’s spice blends are authentic, homemade and passed down through generations of Giz’s family. There are flavours here that the whole family can enjoy and all Mama Dor’s blends are sugar and
gluten free and suitable for vegans. They allow you to create fresh, healthy and authentic Indian food in the comfort of your own home. Mama Dor’s is also very environmentally friendly! All the spice blends are provided in refillable glass jars - with a discount for refilling your empties! Gift boxes, Curry Parties and Curry Making Lessons are also available; which could be perfect for the upcoming Christmas season. .. For more information, check out www.mamdorskitchen. co.uk or contact Giz at hello@ mamadorskitchen.co.uk. If you’d like to be in with
the chance of winning a gift box of spice blends by Mama Dor’s Kitchen, (three spice blends of your choice plus recipe cards, plus a bottle of chilli sauce, in a lovely gift box) simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk In which country would you
find the city of Mumbai? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Dec 20th, 2018. l Mama Dor’s Kitchen Contact Giz: 07834 117272 ww.mamadorskitchen.co.uk E hello@mamadorskitchen.co.uk FB: /mamadorskitchen Twitter: @GizDor Insta: /mamadorschinnor
Farm Shop open Thursdays 11am-6.30pm & Saturdays 10am-2pm Fresh organic veg, slow-reared free-range meat & more... Events throughout the year & ‘pop-up’ Seasonal Suppers Visit: www.sandylanefarm.net for more information Find us in Tiddington (between Thame & Wheatley) OX9 2LA Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
73
T h i s fa r m i n g l i f e
by Heather Jan Brunt
Emotional time on farm
S
elling a farm isn’t a quick procedure, it involves wrapping up a business, a home and an entire lifestyle. The result of this is that the sale of our farm has been an ongoing process for this entire year. In amongst meetings with the land agents, accountant, solicitor, livestock market, bank manager National Farmers Union, prospective purchasers and the eventual buyers, there are two dates that stand out. The first was the day our suckler herd was sold in June at Thame Market and the second was the day of the farm sale in September when all the deadstock (machinery, equipment, vehicles) was sold from the farm. Thame Market handled both of these events. The day the cattle left the farm was hugely emotional. The bloodline of the herd goes back to before our children were born. We started with Shorthorn/Limousin cross cows, changing the breeding over the years so that at the end most of the cows were Charolais
Heather Jan and Geoff Brunt with their children on the day of the farm sale Some of the Brunt’s suckler herd
crosses. The cattle were the biggest part of our business, and the most time consuming. In addition to twice daily feeding through the winter months, they filled the fields in the summer months. The herd became well known locally as we sold the meat, Terrick Beef, through our farm shop. Our son came home to help with the sale of the cattle. On the
morning they were taken to Thame Market in five lorries we rose early to help the livestock hauliers separate the cows from their calves for the journey. This was done for health and safety reasons and they were reunited at the market and sold together. I filmed the whole day and our son edited the footage to make a video for our YouTube series DownOnTheFarmEngland. The day of the farm sale in September involved a huge amount of preparation. Again, our son came home, this time taking a whole week off work. I did the same, as all hands were needed to clean, move and present hundreds of items for sale in the yards and fields. Thame Market staff were with us in the days leading up to the sale, to assist, and to lot the items. Our daughter came home the night before the sale, and my husband’s sisters and brother also travelled to be here. The days leading up to the sale had been bright and sunny, perfect weather for the work involved, but the day of the sale was forecast to
This farming life Heather Jan Brunt
be overcast and stormy. Fortunately, there were only two short showers, and they were during the morning when the items under cover were being auctioned. By the time we got outside to the larger items, it was dry. Now, we are still in the farmhouse, that hasn’t been sold, and there is a lot of paperwork to be completed in order to wind up the business by the end of the year. People ask what the future holds and to be honest I can’t say. Circumstances change all the time and life has a habit of altering plans. So, for now, it’s a day at a time. The video of the farm sale will hopefully go onto YouTube before the end of the year. l Follow Heather Jan Brunt on
Twitter @HJBjournalist
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 74
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2017
Talking turkeys
A traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings is at the centre of our seasonal festivities and it’s important to ensure your turkey has the right qualities to play a starring role. Here foodwriter Franky Cookson shares her five top tips for Christmas Turkey perfection...
C
hristmas comes but once a year and that goes for Thanksgiving, too. So, whether you’re planning a family feast, or a quiet meal for two, you’ll want to enjoy some well-earned applause as you dish up this annual treat. The centrepiece of your table is probably turkey. It’s the most popular and best value choice for a large party. For a smaller group, you can always choose a turkey crown (which is just the white – breast - meat). Turkey is so versatile that it invites a variety of delicious accompaniments: chestnut stuffing, bread sauce, chipolata sausages, bacon, gravy, cranberry sauce… the list goes on, because turkey marries so happily with rich and tasty side dishes. It’s wonderful for left overs, too, allowing the chef a wellearned rest the following day. Above all it’s essential to start with a tasty turkey, so here’s how to find one: Tip One: Buy from a reputable butcher, farmer, or farm-shop. A supermarket turkey, even from a quality supermarket, cannot possibly match the turkey you can buy from a reputable butcher or farmer/farm-shop. I’ll explain why, in Tip Three. Tip Two: Look out for the Traditional Farmfresh Turkey Association (TFTA ) badge of accreditation. The TFTA endorsement means that the turkey has been slowly reared, the traditional way. This is important, because a slowlyreared turkey will have a far better texture and flavour than a fast-reared bird. Fast-rearing involves food additives that speed growth – at the expense of flavour and texture. A TFTA turkey will also have enjoyed a high level of welfare. Tip Three: Ask whether the bird has been dry-plucked and hung. Like a good joint of beef, a turkey gains flavour and succulence whilst being hung. You cannot hang a wet-plucked bird (which is the massproduced system for most supermarkets), because the bird would not remain fresh. This explains why superior turkeys come from butchers, farmers and farm-shops. Dry plucking is more laborious, but it ensures that
your bird can then be hung, for better flavour. I have a friend who thought that turkeys were ‘tasteless’ and I knew exactly why - he always bought his turkeys from a supermarket! Tip Four: Barn-Reared White or Free-Range Bronze? So long as it has been traditionally reared, and dry plucked, the difference is
helping on Christmas Day, plus wonderful leftovers for later. If you are still confused, ask your butcher or farmer for advice. You can count on sound advice from local farmers, Patrick and Mike Lambert, at Starveall Farm, in Upton, near Stone. Patrick has been rearing turkeys for thirty years, so he knows a thing or two about quality and welfare. Starveall turkeys carry TFTA accreditation and have won Great Taste Gold Star awards for their flavour. The hot news is that, this year, for the first time, Patrick and Mike are also rearing geese, using the same traditional methods. A goose is the ideal size for four, or possibly five people. Starveall Farm ticks all the above boxes – and they are local, so you can buy directly Patrick and Mike Lambert with some of their Bronze free range turkeys at Starveall Farm, Stone. from them. Their exceptional turkeys and geese come subtle. Many people believe that the Bronze complete with simple cooking instructions, has more flavour, but so long as you’ve so you can look forward to basking in the followed the above advice, you won’t go applause, as your guests tuck in. wrong with either. The choice is yours. See www.starveallturkeys.co.uk, for Tip Five: What’s the right size? The information and online ordering, or call first question to ask yourself is whether you Patrick on 01296 747549 or want leftovers. Most people do, because a email: turkeys@starveallturkeys.co.uk good turkey is even more delicious cold, and l Starveall Farm, Oxford Road, Upton, lends itself to a wide variety of quick and Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8PZ easy dishes. So, assuming you want some Tel: 01296 747549 left-overs, the rule of thumb is around one Email: turkey@starveallturkeys.co.uk kilo per person. This will allow a generous Website: www.starveallturkeys.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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Best of British! Country pubs need to be a little bit special to attract customers these days. It helps if you have pretty, thatched, 18th Century architecture of course and are located in a picturesque village but what draws diners to Adstock is The Old Thatched Inn’s well deserved reputation for great food and service...
T
he Old Thatched Inn at Adstock, near Winslow, is a charming gastro-pub, offering high quality dining in relaxed and comfortable surroundings. The pub dates back to 1702 and combines this heritage with a modern kitchen that utilises the freshest seasonal ingredients, cooks to emphasise taste and presents dishes with a contemporary flourish. Managed by owner and ex-chef Andrew Judge and his wife Lisa, since 2005, the awardwinning Old Thatched Inn has developed a loyal following for top quality food and a relaxed dining experience. Built in 1645 as crofters cottages for farm labourers working at Adstock Manor, the building became a pub, The Chandos Arms, in 1702 and must have refreshed many weary travellers before closing Inside is an attractive mix Andrew Judge briefly in the 1950s in a poor of ancient and modern state of repair. open fireplaces, oak beams, After a few years it was done up and restonework and flagstones, subtle lighting, thatched and became The Old Thatched Inn. contemporary decor and a lovely comfortable It’s had a couple of extensions over the years lounge area with big sofas where you can have and a conservatory built at the rear in the a drink and peruse the menu. 1980s now provides an airy dining area which “We’ve tried to take the best bits of the can seat up to 60. The traditional bar area to traditional British pub and add a professional the front of the pub can seat a further 35. kitchen with fully trained chefs,” says Andrew.
The comfortable lounge area
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The Old Thatched Inn
“We have five full-time chefs, two kitchen porters, an F&B manager/relief chef and eleven full and part-time waiting staff. We aim for service to be professional, attentive and discrete. “We have a seasonal à la carte menu and great value set lunch menus though the week (two courses for £14.95 or three for £18.95). These won’t be available through December though as we’ll be offering our Christmas
The bar area dates back to the 1600s when it was a crofter’s cottage
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Lunch Set Menu instead, from November 6th to December 21st. We are taking bookings for Christmas parties already both for lunch and for dinner (through to Dec 22nd). We can cater for all party sizes - please call or see our website (www.theoldthatchedinn.co.uk) for menu details, we also cater for the occasional daytime wedding.” The Old Thatched Inn provides an excellent casual dining experience. There is plenty of variety in the dishes on offer, from classics such as: a Baked Camembert studded with Rosemary and Garlic, Homemade Chutney, and Freshly Baked Breads Starter; or Prawn Cocktail, Marie Rose Sauce, Brown Bread and Butter; Cumberland Sausage Ring, Creamed Potatoes, Braised Red Cabbage, Chantennay Carrots, Cumberland Sauce and Red Wine Gravy; or Beer Battered Haddock, Old Thatch Chips, Buttered Garden Peas and Tartare Sauce; to Confit Leg of Aylesbury Duck, Sweet Pepper and Tomato Provencal, Duck Leg and Potato Croquette Chorizo, Panetta, Pan Roasted Courgettes and Garden Peas; or Pan Roasted Chicken Breast, Root Vegetable and Lentil Casserole, Buttered Calvo Nero, Ox Cheek and Garlic Potato Cake and Truffled Celeriac Purée. In addition there is a daily changing Specials Board plus Fish Board - Andrew is a great fan of fish and seafood - with details of the daily
catch fresh in from Billingsgate. As you can imagine the desserts are pretty fabulous too anyone for Warm Plum and Almond Tart and homemade Vanilla Pod Ice Cream; Belgium Chocolate Parfait, Poached Raspberries, Honeycomb Shards and Butter Biscuit; or Blackberry and Fig Eton Mess with Cinnamon Meringues and Treacle Syrup!? Everything is freshly cooked so dishes can be adapted if people have got special dietary needs - just call beforehand. There is also a Vegetarian/Vegan menu with several choices for each course. The Old Thatched Inn is particularly popular on Sundays when their legendary Sunday lunch is served from 12noon to 8pm booking is advised! Drinkswise The Old Thatched Inn is a freehouse and boasts a wine list featuring around 60 selections, including excellent quality whites, reds, rosés and Champagnes and is probably one of the only gastro-pubs in the county to have five fine ales on tap along with a good selection of gins, single malt whiskies and brandys plus other spirits from across the globe. Andrew is a chef by trade. Originally from North London, he grew up in Borehamwood and trained with Intercontinental Hotels and at Cassio College in Watford. 28 years ago he came to work at The Old Thatched Inn as a
temporary chef and met his wife Lisa. He has stayed in the area ever since. He ran a small hotel at Sharnbrook near Bedford for five years but had always thought The Old Thatched Inn had potential. “It’s a lovely place and a good size,” says Andrew. “It is a bit tucked away but I knew we could make it work with the right kitchen team, so when the opportunity came I took it on. “There weren’t that many good places to eat around here at the time, so we concentrated on giving people a really good experience and business has gradually built. I think it’s a nice place to come - not all style and no substance as you sometimes find, eating out these days. We will serve you beautiful, freshly prepared food, that you will really love eating! Andrew also runs The Crown at Granborough, again applying his formula of taking the best bits of the traditional British pub and adding great food, which seems to be working extremely well! l The Old Thatched Inn, Main Street, Adstock, Buckinghamshire, MK18 2JN T: 01296 712584 E: enquiries@theoldthatchedinn.co.uk W: www.theoldthatchedinn.co.uk Open 7 days a week Lunch: 12noon to 2.30pm (last booking time) Dinner: 5pm to 9pm (first & last booking times) Serving all day Sundays from 12 noon to 8pm
The conservatory dining area can seat 60
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Roa d to t h e f u t u r e
with Alan Candy
Electric market ‘poised’ Electric vehicle site has info to empower drivers
A
UNIQUE advice and information website to help UK dealers and car makers achieve breakthrough growth in the electric vehicle segment has been launched. DrivingElectric.com will unlock consumer confidence in EVs and hybrids by providing an unrivalled source of independent advice and the most authoritative information on electrified vehicles available anywhere, in one place. DrivingElectric.com will also showcase latest products
Alan Candy from the largest brand names supporting, building or selling electric and hybrid vehicles in the UK, to help drive growth in a sector previously under-served with clear information. Independent advice will include when not to opt for electric, but its broad mission is to inspire consumer confidence and support a segment that it believes is still held back
by confusion and widespread misunderstanding. Steve Fowler (pictured right), Editor-in-chief of DrivingElectric.com, said: “We believe the electric vehicle market in the UK is on the cusp of a breakthrough, if only consumers could easily find the right information to help their carpurchase decision making. “Motorists have so far been bombarded with a confusing mix of negative stories or enthusiastic noise and hype when they really need clear, impartial, understandable information to help them make sensible choices. DrivingElectric.com is designed to provide a single source for that.”
The team behind DrivingElectric.com already serves an audience of six million in-market car buyers a year via its portfolio of automotive titles, such as Auto Express, Carbuyer and evo The website’s recent research has revealed an appetite for ‘straight answers’ to a wide range of questions from consumers who said that existing information around electric vehicles was either too specialist or often biased towards the high end of the market. Mr Fowler said: “Consumers are often confused or alienated by typical media coverage of electric vehicles. That’s because it is so often focused on negative news stories and comment, while promotional coverage tends to rely largely on aspirational but
Independent Truck, Van & Car Repairer
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with Alan Candy
Apply now for new Ford supercar!
Ford GT Supercar Production of the Ford GT supercar will be extended by about two years, to meet customer demand. Ford will reopen the application window to customers in selected markets, including the UK, for one month, beginning November 8th, delivering around 1,350 Ford GTs for customers worldwide. Prospective owners will be able to submit applications at FordGT.com Hermann Salenbauch, director, Ford Performance, said: “The response to our Ford GT
impractical options such as high end Tesla-type products. “It means a majority of ordinary people are under-served with information about a market they are curious about, but also
has been unprecedented, with demand outstripping supply more than six-to-one.” Production of the Ford GT began in December 2016, following the announcement of a limited run of 1,000 vehicles across four years. Successful European applicants from the extended production volume will be eligible for Ford GT vehicles produced in the 2020 to 2022 calendar years. Powered by a twin-turbocharged, 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, the Ford GT’s carbon fibre architecture and active aerodynamics help to
intimidated by. “Our research also revealed that many are afraid to ask what they fear might be silly questions or they simply find it difficult to find answers to even the most
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achieve a top speed of 216 mph. Ford also recently announced a new Ford GT Heritage Edition model that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the 1968 and 1969 Le Mans-winning Ford GT40, with a limited-edition Gulf Oil tribute racing livery, including a Heritage Blue and Heritage Orange paint scheme. Now the bad news – the Ford GT returns 18.9mpg fuel efficiency and 349.6 g/km CO2 emissions.
obvious issues, such as how much it costs to run an electric car or what it will be worth when they come to sell it later. “There was also clearly lots of untapped consumer excitement
about electric vehicles – we’re confident that DrivingElectric. com will convert many people from cautiously interested into confident adopters. Continued on page 80
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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 Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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Roa d to t h e f u t u r e Continued from page 79 “This is a market poised for a breakthrough and we aim to help the industry achieve that.” DrivingElectric.com will offer reviews, advice and news in plain English, focusing on facts, while avoiding jargon. Where personal circumstances point away from electric as the right choice, advice will be provided on the best alternatives. Social media content across YouTube, Twitter and Facebook, plus an outreach email address, will also provide a direct link with the DrivingElectric.com team for readers and viewers who have additional queries. Industry names welcoming the new site include Volkswagen, who will advertise to showcase existing product, such as the e-Golf, and use the DrivingElectric.com platform as a major plank in the launch of its forthcoming ID electric vehicle brand.
with Alan Candy
Volvo transformation wins award Volvo has reaped rich rewards in the first Car of the Year Awards from carwow, the online consumer car deals and reviews specialist, being honoured as Manufacturer of the Year and with the new V60 receiving the Practicality Award.
The Manufacturer of the Year Award recognises the advances Volvo is making as a brand, not just by bringing exciting new generations of saloons, estate cars and SUVs to the market, but also by demonstrating its commitment to the environment,
safety and the application of useful, advanced technology. Its priorities are striking a note with customers, helping drive global sales to record levels. Mat Watson, carwow Editorial Director, said: “Volvo has quite literally transformed its entire range, and the public perception of its brand, thanks to brilliant and desirable new cars such as the new V60 (pictured) and XC40.” Visit: www.volvocars.com/uk
Volvo V60 Glyn Butterworth, National Communications Manager of Volkswagen UK, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with DrivingElectric.com. The team at Dennis presented their vision for the way an EV website should work and this mirrored our advocacy and enthusiasm for the
electric car market. As such, this strategic tie up will really help us to reach and inform electric car considerers.”
welcomes the Department for Transport announcement that vehicle drivers and passengers will soon be encouraged to use the ‘Dutch reach’ when opening doors from the inside. A number of cyclists are ‘T-boned’ by blind-sided drivers and passengers who unthinkingly
A road safety body is urging drivers to ‘go Dutch’ in a bid to protect cyclists. GEM Motoring Assist
Tel: 01844 274652
Email: info@risboroughservicecentre.co.uk
www.risboroughservicecentre.co.uk Chinnor Road, Bledlow, Princes Risborough, Bucks HP27 9PH
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03/11/2012 09:32
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Roa d to t h e f u t u r e open a door without looking. Pioneered in the Netherlands, the Dutch reach is a method of opening a car door with the left hand (right hand for nearside passengers) when preparing to get out of a vehicle. This requires them to look over their shoulder, meaning they are far more likely to see any approaching cyclist – and can therefore delay opening the car door until after the cyclist has gone past. GEM road safety officer Neil Worth said: “We support the introduction of the Dutch reach. After all, cyclists are vulnerable, and we welcome this move to provide them with better protection. For drivers and their passengers it’s a small and simple change, but it could make a big difference for the safety of cyclists who might be riding past. “We also welcome the DfT’s announcement of new Highway Code guidance for drivers to give more room when overtaking cyclists.”
The winning Honda Civic diesel hartchback Follow GEM on Twitter @ MotoringAssist for latest industry news. Do you really believe the miles per gallon figures that manufacturers trot out? Usually the answer is no… unless you are an expert at fuel saving, of course! Team Honda has triumphed in the annual MPG Marathon, taking home a hat-trick of titles. The Civic diesel hatchback (pictured above) claimed the overall winner’s prize in this year’s event as well as best percentage improvement on
mpg, while the first generation 17-year-old Honda Insight took second place overall and winner in the heritage category. The two-day eco-driving challenge tests the real-world fuel economy of participating vehicles to the maximum and saw the fuel-sipping 1.6 i-DTEC hatchback record an impressive overall 87.53mpg over 331 miles, an uplift of 8.5% on its officiallyquoted combined offical figure of 80.7mpg, while the 2001 Insight achieved 84.8mpg over 360 miles. Drivers had to work out the most economical route between
with Alan Candy
a number of points across Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Shropshire, Northants and Warwickshire, starting and ending near Coventry. Each team was on a strict time limit to complete each day, with stringent penalties incurred for every minute driven over the allotted driving time. Taking shifts behind the wheel of the Honda Civic were BBC Transport Correspondent Paul Clifton and his daughter, Francoise Clifton. Alex Grant, editor of Fleet World, which organises the event said: “This year’s event took place against a backdrop of rising fuel prices and the transition to a new, more realistic, economy test. So the cost of filling a tank, and the distance it can take you, is as high on the agenda as it was when the first MPG Marathon took place amid the fuel protests in 2000.” For more information visit: www.thempgmarathon.co.uk
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o n t h e roa d
with Ron Auchterlonie
Money well spent... VOLVO XC40
T
HERE used to be an unwritten rule that to qualify for Volvo ownership you had to be closer to your pension than your youth – but not any more. Cars that decades ago had the aerodynamic qualities of a breezeblock are all of a sudden ‘de riguer’ in the desirability stakes, because while they still major on their commendable safety attributes, they also now have a big chunk of style built into them. Take this XC40. This is not a car for someone in their motoring dotage, who will only venture out onto the roads twice a week – once for the pension on a Thursday and the other to be at the head of a slow moving snake of traffic on a Sunday afternoon. Here is a Volvo with a bit of
Rob Auchterlonie
ON The Road style. Actually, that should read a Volvo with a whole chunk of style. Just one of a range that has encapsulated motoring for those who like a bit of class and quality when they cough up their cash and get behind the wheel. For a brand that has majored on sizeable vehicles in the past, it’s first ever compact SUV is a bold move. As is swathing the interior with orange carpet and door trimmings...
It’s dubbed the youthful cousin to the bigger XC60 and the Belgian built newcomer comes with all the collision avoiding systems and safety features you’ll find throughout the Volvo range. Its bold and distinctive front features a big grille with a prominent Volvo badge, just in case its origins escape you, and features the brand’s T-shape daytime running lights. You can have a contrast coloured roof, but with the car in single paint finish it’s not initially evident how small the rear windows are – until someone in the back bemoans the fact they don’t open downwards as much as expected. They’re more square than rectangular though there is a decent sized rear quarter pane to let more light in. The cabin is as impeccably finished as you’d expect a modern day Volvo to be but it can be a bit sombre in there, even with the
VOLVO XC40 panoramic sunroof fitted here. That’s down to the fact that there’s a large expanse of roof from the top of the windscreen to where the driver sits – so those who benefit in the main from that glass roof are those in the back. The list of standard kit fitted to every XC40 is impressive with the driver aids being intuitive and easy to use. All versions come with Sensus navigation, a nine inch centre console touch screen, LED headlights, a 12.3inch TFT driver’s information display, Drive Mode settings, and a whole boxful of safety features including emergency braking, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, and pedestrian/cyclist/large animal detection.
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The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the 2018 Mazda CX-3 range: Urban 33.2 (8.5) – 58.9 (4.8), Extra Urban 46.3 (6.1) – 68.9 (4.1), Combined 40.4 (7.0) – 64.2 (4.4). CO 2 emissions (g/km) 160 – 114. The MPG figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results obtained through laboratory testing. These are provided for comparability purposes only and may not reflect your actual driving results. Vehicles are homologated in accordance with the new type approval procedure WLTP (Regulation (EU) 2017/1151; Regulation (EC) 715/2007). To provide comparability the referred values are NEDC values determined in line with Implementation Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. Retail sales only, subject to availability for vehicles registered between 01.10.18 and 31.12.18 at participating dealers. T&C apply. *4.1% APR Mazda Personal Contract Purchase available on all new Mazda models. Finance subject to status, 18s or over. Guarantee may be required. Mazda Financial Services RH1 1SR. Model shown: 2018 Mazda CX-3 121ps 2WD Sport Nav+, OTR from £21,695. Model shown features optional Soul Red Crystal paint (£790). OTR price includes VAT, number plates, delivery, 12 months’ road fund licence, first registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years’ European Roadside Assistance. º Test drives subject to applicant status and availability. Details correct at time of going to print. Not available in conjunction with any other offer unless specified. Lodge Garage, trading as Lodge Garage Mazda is a credit broker not a lender for this financial promotion. We can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction.
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o n t h e roa d
with Ron Auchterlonie
VOLVO XC40 Out on the road and powered here by the 1969cc D4 diesel unit, the XC40’s all wheel drive set up is a confidence builder once you’ve got used to the small amount of body roll that’s evident. With 400Nm of torque available there’s never a time when you haven’t got the grunt to pass quickly and safely. There are 46 variants to choose from, so finding the right one for you shouldn’t be an issue. So, a premium compact SUV at a premium compact SUV price. While the range starts at £27,905, you’ll have to find another 12k to get your hands on a comprehensively equipped First
Edition version. Quality doesn’t come cheap, but with that in mind, it’s money very well spent. FASTFACTS: Volvo XC40 D4 AWD First Edition (based on R- Design Pro with lots of extra kit); £39,905; 1969cc four cylinder diesel, 190hp, 400Nm; 8 speed auto; Top speed 130mph, 0-62mph 7.9secs; Fuel – urban 49.6, extra urban 61.4, combined 56.5; CO2 133g/km; will it fit the garage? 4425/2034/1658 (l/w/h);
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Happy to be here! Many Thame locals will have noticed the new retirement homes in Park Street, built on the former Thame Service Station site, but may not realise that the popular service centre and car sales company has rebranded as Thame Cars and moved to a new location on the edge of town at Rycote Lane...
K
arl White, owner and MD of Thame Cars, founded the business some 24 years ago, in October 1994. Initially a one man car sales operation the business soon grew. Director Nick Allen joined after a couple of years and in 2000 they took over the Service Centre in Park Street, where a great many of Thame’s residents have bought vehicles and had their cars serviced, over the last two decades. In June 2016 they bought Thame Ford and relocated to the company’s prestigious purpose built showroom and workshop premises on the edge of the town at Rycote Lane. “We are well known in Thame,”says Nick Allen, “we’ve been trading here a long time and enjoy a good reputation, but we wanted to change our name from Thame Service Station, as it sounded like an old fashioned petrol station! Thame Cars keeps the Thame connection but is more modern and sums up what we are about - supplying and servicing cars. “Moving to the Rycote Lane site has been a real improvement for us as we were spread over several sites previously and it’s much more efficient to have us all under one roof - car sales, servicing, preparation and our car and van hire department. The new premises are amazing, we have a lovely, clean, bright, purpose built complex with a stylish showroom, plenty of parking, easy access and smart well-equipped service bays. “Many of our staff have been with us for
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Karl White
Nick Allen years, even longer than me in some cases! They are a great team, always happy to help and to put customer service at the core of our activities. We have taken on a couple of new faces too, so we have seven technicians now, a really good bunch with a great level of expertise and a good understanding of what we are about. We do MOTs, servicing, repair work, tyres, wheel alignment, vehicle preparation, the full range.” On the car sales side Thame Cars specialises in nearly new or ‘Perfect’ cars, which are generally six to eighteen months old and have clocked up less than 25,000 miles.
They tend to be the most popular makes: Nissan Qashqai; Ford Focus; Vauxhall Astra; Ford Fiesta; Vauxhall Corsa; Volkswagen Golf; Volkswagen Polo; Mini, BMW... and being nearly new they are in ‘perfect’ order, but offer a considerable saving against the price of new, having lost the initial new car depreciation. “We take great care in selecting our vehicles for sale,” says Nick, “and then in preparing them in such a way that, for our customers, it is like seeing, testing and driving away a brand new car. Every car is serviced, 100 point checked and cosmetically valeted to provide a
Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
Thame Cars showroom on Rycote Lane
new car feel. In fact you can drive it away that day as it will be ready to go - prepared to the highest standard in the motor industry. “In the past we have been particularly known for Ford and Vauxhall but we cater for a much wider range now. We take some great cars in part exchange too, often vehicles that we sold previously and have been maintained through our aftersales/service department. These are really good cars, generally between two and six years old with between 30,000 and 60,000 miles on the clock. Again we check and prepare them thoroughly, to a very high standard and then offer them for sale as our ‘Select’ range. “On the hire side we have small cars from £38.99 a day through to medium and large cars for use here in the UK and in Europe, Transit vans to Luton vans with tail lifts... we have a large range of vehicles available by the day, weekly or longer term and available at short notice. “Everything we do is designed to be ‘Simple, Safe, Convenient and Happy’. That means we try to make things simple to understand - for example our vehicle finance packages (offered through Black Horse Finance) come with one rate and easy to understand terms. Our cars are all prepared
to the same high standard and the levels of service and aftercare given are to the same high standard no matter how much or little you are spending. “Meanwhile you can be ‘Safe’ in the knowledge that not only are our vehicles ready for the road but that what we tell you is the truth and focussed on what’s right for you, not what’s convenient for us. We want to supply the car that’s right for you, not just to sell you what we have and we will advise accordingly. Similarly when it comes to servicing, you can be ‘Safe’ in the knowledge that we will advise you what needs doing and await your decision rather than do some work and present a bill. “‘Convenient’ means more than being open at weekends, it’s helping you out with a lift into town if you’ve left your car for servicing or taking a new car for you to try at your home or workplace if you can’t come to us - or to check it fits in the garage! Or it’s our service plan option which enables customers to pay monthly contributions towards the cost of their annual service, rather than having to find it all when the time comes. It also locks the cost down to current rates. “We believe keeping things ‘Simple, Safe and Convenient’ leads to happy customers and we work hard to ensure our staff are happy too,
so we are all happy to deliver on our promise. “In the past we have tried to be all things to all people but we are being more specific in our offering now. For example we won’t be the cheapest place to have your car serviced but our services include collection and delivery or a courtesy car, if required, wheel alignment check, wash and vacuum and a vehicle health check in addition to the service by one of our experienced technicians. You will be getting a higher level of service and value for money. “We aim to build a relationship with our customers based on trust and appreciation of what they are receiving, whether that’s when buying a car, having a service or hiring a car or van. We want them to be so happy, they refer us to others and come back themselves time and again.” Whether you’re looking for an agile city car, family hatchback, rugged 4x4 or stylish saloon, start your search at Thame Cars. Pop in and have a tour of the cars on their forecourt or see the website at: www.thamecars.co.uk where you’ll find full details on the latest vehicles including photographs and videos. l Thame Cars, Rycote Lane, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 2BY T: 01844 399374 W: www.thamecars.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2018
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