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Vale Life
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Sept/Oct 2014
Cover picture: Amy Fleming photographed by Kayleigh Victoria Make-up: Lorna Shepherd Hair: Charlie Wilkinson page 9
Inside:
What are you wearing?
10 pages of new season fashions
Face of the Vale
Netmum who started it all
Bottoms up!
Barrels of fun at Beerfest
Down to business
See our website at: www.vale-life.co.uk
Inside the Sanderum Centre And the usual suspects: Katy, Penny, Heather, Naomi, Polly, Amanda, Janice, Rob, Alan and much, much more...
Free local listings for events and businesses
w CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2015 w Gorilla Dreams Book w w dinner for Two at the bell, stoke mandeville w
The Old The Old Thatched Inn Thatched Inn Gastro Pub
Gastro Pub TheMainOld Street, Adstock, Buckinghamshire, MK18 2JN hatched Inn
Gastro Pub Main Street Adstock Buckinghamshire MK18 2JN
Open seven da Lunch from 12 Dinner from 6p Serving all day
We offer a uniq We offer a unique blend of high quality dining, hosted in a relaxed Tel 01296 712584 in a relaxe and comfortable environment, serving locally sourced food www.theoldthatchedinn.co.uk ser Open seven days
Main Street Adstock Buckinghamshire MK18 2JN
Lunch from 12 noon - 2. Dinner from 6pm - 9.30p Serving all day Sunday
Open seven days We offer a unique blend o Lunch from 12 noon - 2.30pm Dinner from 6pm - 9.30pm in -a9pm relaxed and com Serving all day Sunday from 12 noon Telephone: 01296 712584 serving locally
01296 712584
theoldthatchedinn.co.uk 2
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
www.theoldthatchedinn.co.uk
Bartlett’s
The Hambledon Wing Open May 2013. To enquire please call 01296 747000 or visit www.peverelcourt.co.uk
Exceptional Elderly Care in Buckinghamshire Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
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Launching a new business venture?
Church View
We have all of your communication solutions under one roof:
The Independent Family Funeral Service
design
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Established 1992
Funeral Directors
campaigns
leaflets digital print adverts exhibition forms
cost effective web rollers banners SMS Messaging
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Feel free to contact us to see what we can do for your business, whether it be a complete project or a re-brand of your corporate identity.
46 Buckingham Street Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP20 2LL media
Telephone: 01296 398553
t 01296 432612
24 Hour Service
e info@comproommedia.com w www.comproommedia.com 18 Edison Road x Rabans Lane x Aylesbury x Bucks x HP19 8TE
6288 CRM_Vale Life Ad_May.indd 1
A tradition of dignity, respect & choice
25/04/2014 10:32
SUNDAY
Y VER CAR INN E HOLIDAY AT TH
£13.95
Why not treat the family this Sunday to a delicious Three Course Carvery Lunch at the Holiday Inn, Aylesbury.
PeR ADuLT
£9.95 CHILDReN uNDeR 12
Call us to book your table in our child-friendly Junction Restaurant, where we will have a fantastic Three Course Lunch waiting for you at an amazing price!
decoration station There’s an ice-cream er too! and a colouring corn Perfect venue for family gatherings, birthdays and anniversaries.
PRIVA T EVENT E AT THE S HOLID A Y INN
Packages available from £20 per person to include Three Course Meal and private room hire.
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
TRIBUTE NIGHTS
AT THE HOLIDAY INN Three Course Buffet, Disco & Tribute Act Sat 22nd November…Abba Night
£32.95 PeR PeRSON
Fri 28th November…70s Disco Night Sat 29th November…2Tone, Reggae, Pop, Motown and Soul Band
For more information or to book any of the above events, contact us on 01296 734000 and quote reference ‘VALe eVeNTS 1’
Windows, Doors, Conservatories, Furniture, Roof Lanterns, Staircases, Bifold & French Doorsets, Gates, Wardrobes, Bookcases and Furniture.
Gates, Stairs, Ballustrades, Fire exits, Walkways, Security Grills, Windows, Doors, Structural Lintels and Fabrications, Balconies, Juliet Balconies etc
Bespoke Architectural Joinery for Period, Listed and Contemporary Buildings
Bespoke metal fabrications for any application, no job too large or too small and all made in house to your exact requirements
www.premieraj.co.uk
T - 01296 655555 Option 6 E - U2us@premieraj.co.uk
www.pmfuk.co.uk
T - 01296 655555 Option 7 E - U2us@pmfuk.co.uk.co.uk
Ladymead Business Park, The Willows, Quainton, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. HP22 4AN Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
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www.mottsholidays.com
Luxury Coach Holidays
Theatre trips, day trips and short breaks
DayTrips, Theatres & Shows
Day Trips: October
Sun 5th Gloucester Quays Food & Craft Market: £19 Thu 9th Knitting & Stitching Show Alexandra Palace: £29 Fri 10th Waverley Paddle Steamer (River Thames): £49 Sun 12th Portsmouth coastal day: £20 vel.com ottstraExhibition Tue 21st Sherlock Holmes m . w w w : nline Book o & Afternoon Tea (London): £45 Sat 25th Disney on Ice ‘100 years of magic’ - NIA Birmingham: £49 Thu 30th Warwick Castle Haunted House: £33
Day Trips: November Sat 1st Thorpe Park ‘Fright night’: £47 Sat 1st Chessington World of Adventures ‘Hocus Pocus’: £46 Thu 6th Westfield & London Eye flight at dusk: £38 Sun 9th Crafts for Christmas Birmingham NEC: £29 Sat 15th Matilda Matinée theatre trip: £65 Tue 18th Thursford Christmas Spectacular: £65
2015 REUNION – WARNER LAKESIDE COASTAL RESORT
Come and join us for our 2015 reunion at the Warner Lakeside resort set on Hayling Island! The chalet accommodation really adds to the friendly village feel, offering a unique atmosphere no other village can deliver. Reunite with friends, old and new and speak to drivers and office staff whilst enjoying the plethora of activities on offer as we take over the entire resort. Expect fun and games throughout
ATTENTION GROUP LEADERS!!
Member of a social group and looking to book a group holiday away? We have a dedicated groups department who will organise a personalised holiday to meet your requirements. Let us take the strain for you. No matter what it is you are looking for, give our friendly and experienced staff a call and we will help organise the perfect itinerary for you.
Warner Lakeside Resort
with quizzes, sports events and live entertainment and great prizes on offer. With Lakeside included excursions cabaret restaurant to the New Forest and maritime Portsmouth, this is not one to be missed! Fri 27th Feb 2015 - 4 days half board: £205.
Motts can help organise your group itinerary
Free group leader places available! Call: 01296 314322 for more information, or email: carly@crusader-holidays.co.uk
We are pleased to announce that the Crusader Holidays 2015 brochure is now available. There are several new holidays, including themed breaks to Chelsea Flower Show, Taste of Lancashire, Splendours of Sussex and a Whiskey Trail in Scotland. In Europe there is now a special touring section where we visit no fewer than six countries including Lithuania, Latvia,
Estonia, Finland, Sweden and Denmark on the Baltic States 12 Day Holiday. Add to that, Vienna, Prague & Berlin and our ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ holiday for lots of exciting new adventures ahead. In addition to all our old favourites, we have also now added Ilfracombe and Hastings to our seaside roster. What are you waiting for? Request your copy by calling the number below!
Motts Holidays 4 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, HP20 2LD BOOKING HOTLINE: 01296 336666
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
www.facebook.com/mottstravel
Ri HOng LI now 01 DA fo 29 Y B r y 6 RO o 33 C ur 66 H 20 66 UR 15 E!
CRUSADER HOLIDAYS 2015 BROCHURE OUT NOW!
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
Great rates Amazing results To advertise in Vale Life Magazine Call Charlie on 07702 006218
Spread the word across The Vale: see: www.vale-life.co.uk for details
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Autumn Style
27
Off the beaten track
Get Carter!
28
Soft touch
Curve appeal
31
Call saves kittens
All wrapped up
32
Enter the bazaar
In with the new
36
It’s good to share
Autumn glow
38
First impressions
Unearthing Chinese treasures
45
Watching the birdies
War memorials
49
Keeper of the lawn
Face of the Vale
53
Nothing too taxing
Bringing home the harvest
54
Down to business
Beguiled by hawks and hounds
57
Sink or swim
Off to university
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A literal feast
Smooth operator
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Bottoms up!
Katy previews the new A/W season fashions Whimsical twists from an English gent Versatile designs for stylish ladies Clothes, jewellery and chocolate! Established boutique moves with the times Brighten up the greyest of days Sally’s got a thing for Ming
Remembering those that fell Tring mum Cathy is internet sensation Appreciating our farmers
Snuggle up with our recommended reads Caroline’s tips for student life 100 days of shiny hair
10 out of 10 by George!
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Aches and pains? Try soft tissue therapy Box of cats found at roadside Get your home on the Marrakesh Express Trust schemes get first timers on property ladder ‘Deck your hall’, says Charlotte Bolton Give your feathered friends a tweet! Professional help will get your patch up to scratch Tax expert loves saving you money! So what is The Sanderum Centre? Advisors on insolvency and how to avoid it. TAL festival is a real page turner Beer festival boasts barrels of fun
justgiving.com/George10in10/. And read his challenge blog here: www.thame10in10.co.uk If you would like to benefit from George’s advice and motivation you can get a Free 7 Day Pass To one of his Thame Boot Camps at: www.myfreeweek.com Well done George, an incredible feat of endurance! Interestingly we have a fitness focus piece in this edition that may appeal. It’s on a local Soft Tissue Therapist, who could be of use if those aches and pains don’t ease up soon! Happy reading everyone!
can’t imagine running a single marathon, let alone ten in ten days, but that is what Thame based motivational running, health and fitness coach George Anderson has just done. George says his original idea was to give himself a bit of a challenge and I guess he can now help clients with his motivational techniques certain that they really do work! It’s been fascinating watching his video clips, filmed while running and to see him occasionally describing the pain he is in while appearing to be as fresh as a daisy! One of his marathons was sponsored by Charles Tyrwhitt and
George ran the whole distance in one of their standard suit, shirt and tie ensembles, looking great - see pic right. When Daniel Craig steps down this man could definitely fill 007’s DJ with equal aplomb! George has used his 10in10 challenge to raise funds for local children’s charity Thomley Activity Centre at Worminghall, a recreation centre used by young disabled people, their families, and school friends. His original target was £10,000 and amazingly he has cracked that, but if you find his efforts inspiring or would like to help his Just Giving site is still active at: https://www.
ongratulations to the following Aug/Sept edition competition winners! Hopefully your prizes will have arrived by now, please let us know if not. Commiserations to those who weren’t so lucky - read on
though for more competitions inside this edition, including the chance to win: Dinner for two at The Bell, Stoke Mandeville; a signed copy of the Gorilla Dreams book; a CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2015.
C
Map your progress with fun sport
Charlie Charlie Trott, Editor
Last issue’s prizewinners were: Dinner for two at The Three Pigeons, Milton Common: Izzy Lambert-Russell, Long Crendon 50 years of Towersey Festival book: Claire Davis, Wheatley
George Anderson about to set off in his Charles Tyrwhitt marathon kit! A Pocket Ninja tool: Louise Way, Aylesbury; Matt Hinchey, Watermead; Terry Kaye, Great Kimble Clay pigeon shooting session at Oxford Gun Company: Sue Maldonado, Ashendon
Vale Life Magazine is designed and published by House of Mouse, 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 : Sept/Oct 2014
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with Katy Dyer
Personal stylist and fashion expert Katy scours our local boutiques and passes on tips and tricks for looking your best, plus the latest news on the high street trends Dorothy Perkins Harper skinny roll up jean £26, teamed with denim shirt, textured leather look biker jacket and court shoes
Autumn fashion
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ith a chill in the air and a crispness to the breeze, Autumn is on its way. New coats, boots and winter goodies are already in the shops to tempt. But if you are not sure which way to go when choosing key pieces that work for you, look no further - here is the lowdown on the new season to make your wardrobe a winner for Winter. Tactile Texture Lots of gorgeous tactile fabrics are around - great for snuggling up and keeping warm during the colder winter months. Look out for sumptuous fur (faux, naturally), shearling (sheepskin), soft feather details plus sheer fabric features in knitwear to add stylish comfort to your new season look. It’s all in the detail Sometimes it is just the details that can update your look. For the autumn, look out for zips on bags, shoes and clothing - designed for aesthetics rather than function. A necklace or detail on the hem
of a blouse is a brilliant way of introducing on-trend fringe to your wardrobe, without the look being OTT. Grey is the word Grey is all set to be the staple neutral for the coming months more versatile and less harsh against most skintones than black, and there is a shade for everyone. Grey works brilliantly with bold tones such as pink (for cooler colourings) and orange (for those with warmth to their overall look). If you want to keep your outfit pared down then just a hint of colour on a garment or in an accessory will do the trick. Colour your Style Look out too for bold, bright colourways to make a statement. Red hot, the perfect pink or winning autumnal shades such as golden yellow and pine green. Perhaps not in block colour, but in print, patchwork or multi-shade knits. Flats Flats in boots, shoes both smart and casual are a worthwhile investment. Choose your best Continued on page 10
Accessorize Zip detail gloves, available in suede black & burgundy Accessorize Faux Fur Tippet
M&S Autograph Brogues £55
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
Hauber Caban Jacket Andrew Gardner, Wendover £469 Curve, Wendover Cooper & Ella Pale Grey blouse £89
Autumn/Winter fashion
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
Images from Vale Life new season shoot:
Isabella’s Closet Black maxi dress £49.95
Photographer: Kayleigh Victoria www.kayleighvictoriaphotography.com Facebook: /kayleighvictoriaphotography Tel: 07780 468781 Email: kayleighburr@gmail.com Make-up: Lorna Shepherd (www.makeupbylorna.com, Facebook /makeupbylorna2013) Hair - Charlie Wilkinson (www.charlieloveshair.com) Models - Amy Fleming / Laurence Norman Clothing: Isabella’s Closet, Thame D4seven (www.d4seven.co.uk); Jewellery: www.sophiecourtdesigns.com Facebook /Sophie Court Designs Location - The James Figg, Thame
D4seven Wanderlust jumper £35
Dorothy Perkins Mink Boyfriend Faux Fur Coat £69
Isabella’s Closet printed shirt £TBC Leggings £40
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
Continued from page 9 neutrals such as black, navy or brown to maximize versatility with the rest of your wardrobe. Look for pointed pumps, brogues and lace-up boots - also for for texture in suede, patent and tassle detailing. Rewind & Rework Take a look at pieces in your wardrobe, as continuing trends from Spring/Summer include painterly prints, slim cut trousers and culottes. Rework with your winter warmers like jackets, knitwear and opaques to create a new look from some of your current favourites. Double Take Double denim is more fad than trend - but if you can carry it off, then make sure to add a twist by varying the colour and texture - so chambray with jeans or your favourite true blue jacket teamed with denim sneakers or bag. Slogan pieces are also all over the new season, but again perhaps not a trend to last. Don’t forget to review your make up bag for the new season. Try out new shades play with darker colours than usual for a different look, unless you have a very light or ‘Scandinavian-type’ colouring – in which case, soft pastels with a bright accent will work brilliantly to highlight your best features. l Katy Dyer is an award-winning personal stylist and image consultant. From her home studio in Thame, she can help you discover the confidence to change or develop your personal or professional style and image - whether it’s finding the right outfit for a special occasion or to completely reinvent your look and make the most of you. For more details about the products and services available, visit: www. katydyer.com or email: katy@katydyer.com
Isabella’s Closet, Thame Lightweight monochrome check coat £59.95
l Katy is running Autumn/Winter Seasonal Style Update Sessions in October. To receive your invitation contact: katy@katydyer.com or call 07815 923 019
Images from Vale Life new season shoot: For creative team details please see previous page. Young models pictured right: Harry Burr is wearing blue trousers (£45) and tartan waistcoat (£30) from www.down-with-the-kids.com Tel: 07824 470852 E: robyn@down-with-the-kids.com Macie Burr is wearing clothes from Lily and Rosie. (£25 for dress and jacket set made to order/commissions) Facebook /lilyandrosie
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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2014
Isabella’s Closet, Thame Monochrome blouse £45-£55 Sophie Court Leaf and Acorn necklace £36 www.sophiecourtdesigns.com
NOW IN-STORE… and… NOW ON-LINE Autumn/Winter 2014 Collections Sandwich
Masai
Desigual
Peppercorn Fransa Uttam Boutique Boo! A Postcard from Brighton
Boutique 19 High Street, Princes Risborough, Bucks HP27 0AE
Baby and Nursery Boutique Thame
www.chocolateboutique.me.uk
Sherlock Combs 61 North Street, Thame Tel: 01844 218087
Come and see the new light weight iCandy Raspberry “For the best possible iCandy package, matched with unsurpassed service”
Needs
New iCandy Bags
The Baby Studio store is exclusively iCandy and carries Peach 3, Jogger, Apple, Raspberry, Cherry Premium brands organic clothing age 0-4y, Baby bags, Baby gifts, Traditional wooden toys.
90 High St, Thame, OX9 3EH - Tel: 0844 504 1736 Email: sales@thebabystudio.co.uk Facebook The Baby Studio Ltd
43b Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, HP20 2NQ Tel: 01296 423233 / 0800 298 8514 Email: suesflowers2@hotmail.com www.suesflowers.co.uk w Weddings w Corporate w Special Occasions w w Birthdays Parties w Sympathy w Gifts w w Soft Toys w Wines and Champagne w Innovative, contemporary and traditional designs Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
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imon Carter Voucher
imon Carter Voucher
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Vale Life : Aug/Sept Sept/Oct 2014 2014
Gentlemen who like their clothes to be extremely stylish, of excellent quality, original in design with a whiff of whimsical English individuality and great value, will probably already know of Simon Carter. The brand boasts but six exclusive stores across the UK and happily one is in Wendover...
V
oted Menswear Brand of The Year at last year’s Drapers Awards, Simon Carter continues to wow those in the know with his quirky quintessentially British brand. Its unique style and quality often appeal to more discerning disciples of fine clothing ahead of international heavyweights such as Paul Smith and Ted Baker and the label is growing increasing popular within international markets. “Simon Carter clothing and accessories are still designed in London’s Mayfair under Simon’s watchful eye,” says Fah Mickleburgh, who runs the Wendover store with help from husband James. “His attention to detail is
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meticulous and it shows throughout our new collection of clothing and accessories, which have just arrived at Wendover for Autumn/Winter 2014. “We continue to support the UK textiles industry working with famous mills such as Robert Noble, Harris Tweed, Moons, and Liberty of London, with some designs exclusive to Simon Carter, to ensure the brand remains unique in every way. “This season’s range of tweed jackets, suits and velvet jackets are very cool, while the deconstructed vintage cord jackets are tailored
from British woven cotton in a slightly slimmer, shorter fit. They feature a liberty print buggy lining, elbow patches and stag lapel pin, inspired by our best-selling stag cufflink.” You can see the new range at Simon Carter on the corner of South Street at the top end of Wendover High Street and even better Fah and James are kindly offering Vale Life readers 10% off with the voucher, top left. Go on, get Carter - you know you want to! l Simon Carter, 6 South Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6EF Tel: 01296 625277 Email: fahra.james@btinternet.com Open Tue-Fri: 10am-6pm, Sat: 10am-5.30pm Facebook: www.facebook.com/simoncarter.wendover
l OFFER: Go to www.curvewendover.co.uk sign up to the mailing list and
receive a voucher for £25 redeemable against any purchase over £100.
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
If you are looking for original designs that work together for a versatile, wearable wardrobe, take a trip to Wendover...
H
oused within an attractive Grade II listed Tudor building on the roundabout at the lower end of Wendover High Street, Curve is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The pretty ladies’ fashion boutique is owned and run by Preeta Cooley and offers a relaxed and friendly approach to styling, whether you are searching for a special outfit, a complete wardrobe, or an individual piece to complement an existing purchase. Preeta Cooley Curve has been a stunning success but when Preeta, who was born in Aylesbury and grew up in Halton, started the business with a friend in 2004, neither had any experience in retail! “I’d worked in sales and marketing for an electronics firm,” says Preeta. “It was a small company that grew rapidly and I became a director. I left following a merger and worked as a consultant for a while but really wanted a job closer to my home in Wendover. “I’d talked about setting up a shop with a friend and when I saw the premises here were vacant I went to the library, did some research, wrote a business plan and we decided to give it a go! We looked through our wardrobes, made a list of brands we liked and then went in search of suppliers. My education in retail began there and happily, ten years later, it’s all going very well. We called the boutique Curve because our building curves around a corner and women’s bodies are naturally curvy. “Actually many of the principles are the same as when I was marketing electronics, but I am a lot more interested in my product line now!” After a few years Preeta bought her friend out and has built a small but enthusiastic team to help her run the boutique. “Karen is really my
number two,” says Preeta, “then there’s Ann, Vicky and Samantha. They are lovely girls and very positive. They love the clothes and have a great relationship with our customers, providing friendly and professional guidance and helping them to choose clothes that flatter and fit well. “Our range is selected to suit our customers, who are predominantly 30+ plus, stylish and want to look good with a nod to fashion, but are concerned with quality, wearability and what is right for the occasion. “There’s everyday wear - smart casual suitable for work or the school run, as well as more glamorous outfits for Henley or Ascot, christenings, parties and balls.” Curve’s key brands are Joseph, Velvet, denim from 7 for All Mankind and Citizens of Humanity, Ash footwear, luxurious cashmere from 360 and amazing Italian designer dresses from D.Exterior. The boutique is also stocking a new line of really pretty and feminine sleepwear and loungewear from Eberjey, gorgeous Australian dresses from Montique and Harris Wilson - another new label for Curve - offering great designs at very reasonable prices, while American label Hale Bob does great tops to wear with jeans or trousers and some lovely dresses. There’s also shoes, jewellery, gifts and accessories “We aim to give honest and helpful styling advice,” says Preeta. “and we offer a ten day refund policy, so you can take an item home and show your partner or try it on with other items from your wardrobe. We also offer a free alteration service on full price items. We want customers to leave here feeling truly delighted with the service they receive and the purchases they make.”
l Curve, 2 Aylesbury Road, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6JQ Tel: 01296 620623 Email: info@curvewendover.co.uk www.curvewendover.co.uk Open Mon-Sat, 9.30am-5pm.
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
Coeur De Lion necklace
Amulets by Creative Dezigns Sahara cowl top
When gift shop All Wrapped Up moved along Thame’s Buttermarket to larger premises the old unit became All Wrapped Up Too... and now sells an enticing mix of ladies clothes, jewellery and chocolate...
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ll Wrapped Up might seem the perfect name for a business selling cosy winter clothing, but in the case of the Thame store, the title comes from the firm’s origins as a gift shop. All Wrapped Up is a family run chain of five shops owned by Martin and Beverley Caket. The couple have many years experience in retail having both worked for major multiples before starting their own business in East Sussex fifteen years ago. “Thame is a place we have enjoyed visiting for many years,” says Beverley. “and we often talked about having a shop in the town and perhaps moving to the area.” The couple opened their first Thame store five years ago specialising in cards, gifts and homeware. Due to its success, larger premises were sought and All Wrapped Up can now be found at 2 Buttermarket, whilst the original store at 8 Buttermarket, under the new name ‘All Wrapped Up Too’, now specialises in womenswear, jewellery and accessories and stocks internationally renowned Belgian chocolates by Leonidas. “Our unique range of cards and gifts from smaller companies has proved very popular,” says Beverley, “and we have applied a similar concept to the new mix of products we are now offering at All Wrapped Up Too. “We initially introduced ranges of beautiful scarves and jewellery and they were very well
Cut Loose crepe tunic 2 14
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014 Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
Sahara bubble dress
Sahara cowl top received. The store needed a Bylin ‘Tulip’ bag broader product range to be viable though and having failed on many occasions, to find any clothes locally that I myself like, we realised an opportunity existed to provide a selection of clothing with similar women in mind. “The ranges we have sourced are primarily of good quality fabrics in simple timeless designs, offering both style and comfort based on a ‘less is more’ concept. “Several companies were trialled during the summer including: the versatile Sahara collection, which caters for all sizes with their combination of elegant styling and soft fabrics; San Francisco based Cutloose, renowned for their simple ‘figure skimming’ shapes, which are easily combined for a casual but sophisticated look; and knitwear by Saskia using quality natural materials. All proved to be very popular and have been included again in our new season offering. “New ranges from Ochre and Brodie have been added for the Autumn/Winter season. Both specialise in high quality knitwear, produced using the finest cashmere yarn from Mongolia. We also welcome Amazing Women Jeans, whose high cut waist design and use of quality stretch fabric give a comfortable yet
flattering appearance.” Clothing ideally complements All Wrapped Up Too’s popular jewellery range, which includes elegant and timeless designs by Coeur De Lion, beautiful contemporary pewter and leather combinations by Strata Design, distinctive silver designs by Banyan of Devon and the stunning statement pieces of Chinnor based Creative DeZigns, with their fusions of silver, copper and brass. An exclusive range of high quality scarves, handbags and accessories enables customers to purchase a complete look under one roof. l All Wrapped Up Too, 8 Buttermarket, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3EW Tel: 01844 218548
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
Marccain
Oui £105
Oui £159
Hauber Coat £469
Just off the lower end of Wendover High Street is a stylish boutique with a fabulous selection of wearable fashions for men and for women. And the new ladies’ range is quite lovely...
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ndrew Gardner has been quietly dressing stylish folk from the Vale and beyond since 1985. “We have a fabulous loyal customer base,” says womenswear manager Lynda Hammant. “who appreciate our expertise and honesty. Lifestyles and fashions are constantly changing and our range has evolved over the years to reflect that. We have become much more casual as fashion and customer demand has taken us that way. ‘Smart casual’ suits modern Buckinghamshire lives but we still cater for those who want something more glamorous for a party or special occasion. “We are very competitively priced with tops and T-shirts starting from £35. Our luxury designer labels represent great value too, for you’ll get lots of wear from an item that is superb quality, looks fantastic and you absolutely love wearing! “We have a very friendly, enthusiastic and experienced team - I have been here 26 years while Debbie has been with us eight years and Tracy two and we are always happy for customers to browse and try on items. We will give honest feedback if requested, as our aim is for people to leave with clothes they look really great in - pieces they can enjoy and get a lot of wear out of. Customers will come back to see us again if they are pleased with what they’ve bought and the experience they’ve had. Brands we stock include Marccain and Marccain Sport, Weekend by Max
Brax knitted top £79 Jeans £99
Marccain
Lynda Hammant Mara, Oui, Hauber (nominated as industry brand of the year for their luxury, smart casual, everyday wearable styles), Brax, Repeat - classic timeless and elegant clothing in cashmere and merino wool, Dtlm - luxury designer knitwear, Emu sheepskin boots and slippers, Wolford, and Me & Kashmiere - finest cashmere scarves. We also stock Heyland & Whittle candles, diffusers, soaps and lotions and will have a small perfume range in store soon too. Our jeans are by Brax and Marccain. “We have a core collection of popular brands but also stock an ever changing variety of smaller niche labels and capsule collections, such as Rabens Saloner, that change from season to season. “Our Autumn/Winter 2014 collection is mostly in now and looks absolutely fabulous. There’s lots of monochrome and fabric combinations - knits with leather panels and gorgeous faux fur or sheerling gilets. Chunky knits are strong this season too and we have both cotton and wool chunky knits to give a choice of weight. “It’s nice sharing the store with Andrew Gardner menswear as couples can come and both have something to look at. We have comfy seats and nice coffee for those who prefer to sit and watch though! “We also offer free alterations on non-sale stock and we are happy to order items in if you require a size or colour that is out of stock. Pop in and browse our new collection soon.” l Andrew Gardner, The Tanyard, Tring Road, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6ND Tel: 01296 625488 Email: women@andrewgardner.co.uk Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
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A B C AYLESBURY BULLION COMPANY The Family of Jewellers
11a, High St Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP20 1SH Tel:
01296 423198
Jewellery designed and produced to your specifications, or choose from our extensive range of new, secondhand and antique pieces. l Diamond merchants (certified stones always available) l Antique restorations l Hand engraving
l Valuations: insurance and (carried out on the premises) l Insurance claims advisors l Complete repair service
probate
Servicing of Rolex, Tag, Omega, Raymond Weil, Gucci etc. Batteries fitted and waterproof testing carried out on the premises. Top prices paid in cash for antique and modern jewellery, watches (especially Rolex), coins, gold, silver, platinum and scrap precious metals. Part exchange available.
11a High Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1SH
Tel: 01296 423198 www.aylesburybullion.co.uk
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Mustard Braintree cardigan £69.95 Melissa James necklace £60 Braintree dress £59.95 Braintree net £48 Bohemia
N
o spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face,’ wrote the poet John Donne. For Autumn is upon us, a time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for this grand finale! Sure there may be a nip in the air, but on a crisp, golden morning, toasty in your new winter wardrobe from The White Hart Studio, as the leaves turn and the fruit ripens, you can step out and enjoy the year’s last, loveliest smile. You’ll be smiling too when you see Jane’s Autumn/Winter fashions - the fabulous Bohemia range is quite stunning - beautiful fabrics, feminine and romantic, unique, distinctive and original skirts, dresses, scarves, jumpers, cardigans and coats layer them on as Autumn progresses and you’ll not only look chic and sophisticated, in a bohemian way, but be able to create your own Autumnal glow and ward off the cooler times ahead. The Braintree Clothing range is also particularly gorgeous this season. This is an ethical fashion collection made from beautiful organic and sustainable fabrics, which looks good for the environment while looking good on you too! Their seasonal fare includes exclusively designed dresses and tunics, soft knitwear, cosy jersey pieces, bamboo tops, funky tights and much more... their colourful Oksana dress, top right, (70% Bamboo 30% Organic Cotton Jersey) with flattering neckline and soft empire waist is designed to be noticed and appreciated, while the relaxed fit Lockhart cable knit cardigan, top left, is 85% Organic Cotton 15% Wool Knitwear, is an ideal companion for any Autumn outfit. It feels lovely and is pretty enough to cheer up the greyest of days...
Braintree Oksana dress £49.95 Gracie J necklace £20 Bohemia
l White Hart Studio, 15 Churchway, Haddenham, HP17 8AB Tel: 01844 292308 Open Tue-Sat 10am-5pm & Sun 11am-4pm Website: www.whitehartstudio.com www.facebook.com/WhiteHartStudio Twitter: @WhiteHartStudio
Braintree cardigan £45 Braintree skirt £45 Handmade vintage stone necklace by Anne Sherburne £45
Braintree turquoise cardigan £89.95 Braintree purple knitted dress £89.95
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
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l
Column: Sally Turner‘Fascinating finds’
Unearthing Chinese Treasures
T
he history of Chinese ceramics began some eight thousand years ago with the crafting of handmoulded earthenware vessels. Over the following centuries new ceramic technologies and styles were developed. The terracotta army found in the tomb of the First Qin Emperor(221-210 BC) is an amazing example of craftsmanship. The Horse and Camel terracotta figures shown here are from that period. These figures are often representations of exotic animals brought back from Asia along the Silk Road by Merchants from Asia. Most of us think of Chinese Porcelain as being primarily blue and white which was first produced in the C13th and perfected in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 ) but coloured wares from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) are to be found such as the C17th wall vase illustrated here which was made for the Emperor. Many domestic wares were exported from the C17th as more trade routes opened to the West and hundreds of thousands of items
Chinese ceramic camel and horse Circa 221-210BC
Terracotta horse and camel C. 220BC
C17th Wall vase
Sally Turner
Fascinating finds
Blue & white Chinese porcelain were packed onto ships for export. In 1984 when the The Dutch East India Company’s ship the Geldermaisen, which left Canton in December 1751 and floundered in January 1752 on its way to Holland, was discovered, it was found to have been carrying 239,200 pieces of porcelain! This discovery became known as ‘Nanking Cargo’. Pieces today from
Celebrating our Sapphire Anniversary 45 Years in Aylesbury
1969 - 2014
this hoard can be purchased from as little as £50 for a tea bowl. The items pictured here are examples of our past or present stock. At Sally Turner Antiques we are always keen to purchase oriental ceramics and objects and we would like to offer Vale Life readers free verbal valuations on oriental items until December 24th, 2014. Please call for details.
l Sally Turner is an antiques expert with many years of experience. She buys and sells antiques and jewellery at her shop in Wendover. She is an expert in diamonds and precious stones and offers services including: cleaning and repairs of furniture, jewellery, antiques, clocks, oil paintings, enamel and porcelain, remodelling of jewellery and much more... l Sally Turner Antiques, Hogarth House, High Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 624402 www.sallyturnerantiques.com Open 10am-5pm Mon-Sat (closed Wed and Sun)
ANTIQUES AT… WENDOVER A Dateline ANTIQUES CENTRE Est. 1987
Hester Clarke
A QUALITY ANTIQUES CENTRE offering town and country antiques in a Tudor, brick and timber house, with wall paintings and inglenook fireplaces. Park in the Courtyard at the rear, where you will find Garden Antiques, a Tea Shop and the Barn Gallery Shops and 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.
The Savoy Cocktail Book, 4th Edition, 1931, £575.
Fine Jewellers
Independent Family Jewellers since 1892 Goldsmiths House 10-14 Cambridge Street Aylesbury Bucks HP20 1RS www.hesterclarke.co.uk
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01296 482963
The Old Post Office, 25 High Street, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 625335 Email: antiques@antiquesatwendover.co.uk Website: www.antiquesatwendover.co.uk
by Cathy Soughton
War memorials
A
s this year marks the centenary of the commencement of the First World War, in this issue I am taking a look at some of the war memorials across our local area. The vast majority of our towns and villages have a war memorial to commemorate their men and women who died during the First and Second World Wars. Prior to WW1 there were relatively few war memorials commissioned, (one exception being the Boer War Memorial on Coombe Hill near Wendover) but the unprecedented loss of life during WW1 with over 900,000 casualties from the UK alone led to a subsequent demand by local communities for a permanent memorial to remember their dead. A few memorials were erected within weeks after the Armistice on November 11th, 1918, including one at Tring parish church, but the majority were built in the early 1920s. Many were erected from public funds with a local memorial committee established to decide the form and location of the memorial, whilst others were paid for by private subscriptions. The memorials generally included a
Roll of Honour inscribed with the names of those who died and included both military personnel and civilians. Most of our local war memorials are pretty conservative in design. Free standing memorials were normally
Unveiling of Aylesbury war memorial 1926
built of stone and include simple monuments such as the obelisk at Bishopstone decorated with a laurel wreath and a slightly more elaborate version at Haddenham topped with a ball decorated with a thistle, shamrock and rose. The majority of memorials though take the form of a cross. These include simple plain crosses such as Bierton’s memorial and ‘Crosses of Sacrifice’ - a cross with an upturned sword pointing downwards on its face, a good example being the large memorial in Aylesbury Market
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Square. Less common are tall lantern crosses which have a top carved to resemble a lantern, such as the one at Wendover. The most popular kind was probably the Celtic cross - a symbol that combines a cross with a ring or
of the Bucks Constabulary whilst in Princes Risborough there is a plaque on the old Market House. Other types of memorials included stained glass windows, whilst several Memorial Halls and Memorial Gardens were also built. Most of the memorials were subsequently updated to include details of those who died in WW2 and later conflicts. Details of all the war memorials in Buckinghamshire are provided in the website: www. buckinghamshireremembers.org.uk/ memorials.htm which also includes a useful database recording details of those Bucks men who died in WW1 and also the many who survived. There is also a national inventory of war memorials at: www.ukniwm.org.uk Out of the thousands of villages wheel surrounding the intersection; in England there were only around Thame’s memorial is such a type. Some 50 which did not lose any men sent memorials were placed within church to fight in WW1; these have become grounds but the majority were built in a known as ‘Thankful Villages’. The only central place within the village or town. one in the Aylesbury Vale is Puttenham In addition to the free standing near Tring which has a memorial in memorials many plaques were the church welcoming home the safe commissioned to remember the fallen. return of all its serving men. l Cathy Soughton is a professional Some were located within churches and genealogist and architectural historian chapels, whilst others were placed in schools, factories, Royal British Legion providing family history and house history research in Bucks and adjacent Clubs and other public buildings counties: Tel: 01296 624845 there is a memorial for instance in Email: soughton@btopenworld.com Aylesbury Crown Court to members Web: www.bucksresearch.co.uk
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4 Lakeside, Watermead, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 0FX Tel: 01296 708095 / Mobile: 07538 296430 Email:info@thelilypot.co.uk Web: www.thelilypot.co.uk Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
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Cathy Court OBE
Photograph by Pete Griffith, September 2014
Face of the Vale
C
athy Court may not be a household name but many readers will know of the UK’s biggest parenting website: www.netmums.com which Cathy and two friends, Siobhan Freegard and Sally Russell founded in 2000. Netmums.com now boasts some 1.8 million members and around nine million unique visitors a month and the three founders were awarded OBEs this year for ‘Services to Family’ in recognition of the support, help and information the site provides for mothers and the campaigns they have run in support of Health Workers and to improve diet, food labelling, childcare, help for those suffering from post-natal depression, obesity and many other family and parenting issues! Born in Winchendon, Cathy grew up in Long Crendon and went to Lord Williams’s School in Thame. She studied Physiology and Biochemistry at the University of Reading and then moved to London where she worked in purchasing for Prudential. She married Robert and lived in Harrow where she met Sally and Siobhan at health visitor sessions - all three gave birth to sons in July/August 1996. “Both Siobhan and Sally suffered from post 20
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
natal depression,” says Cathy. “They felt isolated and found it difficult to find any local support or helpful information. Our boys were in a playgroup together and we started collecting useful information for local mums like ourselves and posting it on a website for the Harrow area. “Other mums from around the country thought it a fantastic idea and we were able to get a network going with volunteers running similar sites for their areas. As it grew in popularity we attracted funding and sponsorship and were eventually able to cover the country with local netmums.com sites. “We put on a forum ‘the coffee house’ for people to discuss issues and get peer support and we agreed government funding for Health Visitors to be on there too, for when peer support isn’t enough. We’re hoping that this funding will continue as it’s a very important part of what we do. “Netmums changed from being voluntary about six years ago. We now have around 58 staff plus contractors and have an office on Baker Street. We have regional editors to maintain local information and national editors for topics such as family, food, pregnancy, child development etc. The website is mostly paid for by advertising and sponsorship deals and was
A Vale Life Magazine series with photographer Peter Griffith of All People Photography, Waddesdon. www.allpeoplephotography.com Send your suggestion for a Face of the Vale portrait to: editor@vale-life.co.uk bought by German publishing company Axel Springer’s auFeminin women’s network in 2011, which has worked out really well. Sally, Siobhan and myself are all directors and they have let us get on with covering with the areas and issues we know are important to mums.” Missing the countryside, Cathy and family moved out to Tring in 2006. “I’m a real Tring girl now,” she laughs. “I grew up with countryside around me and it’s like coming home, I love it here.” While not busy running netmums, or being an actual mum to Alfie, 18, and Amelia, 16 or wife to Robert, Cathy likes to keep fit, either running with Tring Running Club or canoeing with Chiltern Canoe Club. “The canoe club is great fun,” says Cathy. “We have 120 members and run both adult and junior courses and canoe on the canal and in Tring pool. We are currently looking for a canalside base in or near Tring - a shed or unit by the water to store canoes in, if anyone has one vacant!” Earlier this year Cathy was presented with her OBE by Prince William, who confessed that both he and wife Kate were fans of netmums. com having found the site invaluable in their own new role as parents!
l
Column: Heather Jan Brunt ‘This farming life’
Bringing home the harvest
A
s the summer gives way to autumn the cycle of farm life is coming to an end. The harvest marks the end of the agricultural year, and within a matter of weeks the fields will be ploughed, new seeds will be planted and the whole process will start again. At this time of year it is particularly easy to focus on the important work our farmers do as they are very visible on the roads, travelling with trailers full of corn. Over the past few weeks few people will have been unaware of the harvest being brought in as we see tractors and trailers hauling corn from outlaying fields to the farmyards. The prolonged warm spell saw most wheat and winter barley harvested early in the season, and the straw baled quickly afterwards. So when the county shows have come around many farmers have been able to allow themselves a day off.
We are so lucky here to live on the border of Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire and so we get two bites of the agricultural show cherry every year - with Bucks County Show on the last Thursday in August and the Thame Show now popularly returned to its traditional spot on the third Thursday in September.
These events give farmers a great opportunity to showcase their livestock and produce to a wider audience, and enable townsfolk to see exactly what goes on in the countryside. This year Guy Smith the vice president of the National Farmers Union visited Bucks County Show and said: “These shows are our shop window to the world and are very important.” Since Thame Show moved from its traditional September spot to a July date in 2010 gates have been down and traders have stayed away. Last year’s show, on one of the hottest days of the year, hit a new low with a very poor public turnout. Afterwards a public consultation was held and a questionnaire sent out to the people of Thame who gave their overwhelming support to see a return to the traditional date in September. Very quickly trade stand holders responded and bookings were taken up immediately for this year’s show. Perhaps this is a lesson to us all
This farming life Heather Jan Brunt
that tradition in all its forms, but especially when it comes to country matters, is a quality many need and find comfort in. And at this time of year a very popular and worldwide tradition taking place is the celebration of the harvest. Harvest festivals and suppers will be held in towns and villages throughout the country as we give thanks for the food on our plates. l Heather Jan Brunt is a journalist
and a farmer’s wife. You can follow her on Twitter @HJBjournalist. She and her husband sell their own award winning Terrick Beef and other local produce from their small farm shop in Terrick on the first Friday and Saturday of each month. See: www.downonthefarm.co.uk
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www.buckswindows.com Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
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l Column: Read all about it! Book reviews by The Book House, Thame
Beguiled by hawks and hounds
M
other Nature is thrusting autumn upon us a few weeks ahead of time, and even though the new school uniforms are rushing through school gates, it has come as a shock to feel the nip in the air and see the dew on the car windscreen after the heat of summer. A new publishing season also starts in September, and is always a bountiful harvest with publishers fixing their eyes on the prize at the end of December: Christmas bestsellers! A beautiful volume has recently swooped onto our shelves, in a livery of autumnal colours and sporting a fabulous woodcut on its cover: H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald, is not only a delight to hold but a beautifully written and moving treatise on death, grief and falconry. When her father dies, Helen is knocked sideways by grief and decides to train a goshawk. She’s been a falconer for years, but never attempted this before - goshawks are too big, too wild and too uneven of temperament.
the visceral reality of hunting, making no excuses as she goes. Whilst the subjects she tackles are large, the beauty of her writing makes this heartfelt book very beguiling - whether you have ever been interested in hawks or not it speaks of the relationship between humankind and the environment.
On an altogether lighter note, Is there a Dog in This Book? by Viviane Schwarz has made us all smile.
Drawing in some history of other goshawk trainers, most notably the author T.H. White, Helen charts her own progress alongside White’s disastrous attempts to befriend his own hawk in the years between the wars. Helen Macdonald has a fresh approach to nature writing, and also provides a cultural history of hawking alongside
Win Gorilla book
G
orilla Dreams by local author Sue Hampton is a new illustrated children’s book (Sue’s 19th!) for seven to 12 year olds. Mr Eden is a teacher with the magic to make stories live and in Sue’s new paperback he offers his class two very different Gorilla Dreams. First there’s the crazy, knockabout humour of Gilbert’s story. He’s a gentle gorilla who wants to be cool like his classmate Groover the Mover on his skateboard and motorbike. But Gilbert has a secret that could make a fool of him! Secondly there’s Sanyu, one of a troop of silverbacks in Uganda and everything the wildlife books describe - except that he loves to dance. Sanyu shares his story with a girl called Akello, whose life is touched by sadness, poverty and danger, but also courage and beauty. The spellbinding Mr Eden is a storyteller and a character too in Gorilla Dreams. The book has been described as ‘imaginative, animated and exhilarating’ and it has some delightful illustrations from Berkhamsted artist and illustrator Mary Casserley
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Wrapped in sunshine yellow, its clever, gentle humour (aimed at ages 3 plus but enjoyed by our group of ages 25+ 40+ and even 50+) is delivered with colourful, vibrant drawings, some clever flaps and peek-a-boo cut-outs. This is the third book from Viviane about the three cats, and in a clever twist they always speak directly to the reader, asking him or her to help them escape from the dog - about whom they have a lot of prejudices! “Dogs are snappy, yappy, smelly and noisy… Quick friend, hide us!! Can you move this sofa?” A quick flip of the sofa-shaped flap, conceals the cats AND reveals the (tiny) dog of whom they are all so afraid. Charming and fun, whilst delivering a great message about ill-founded preconceptions this is a book to enjoy again and again. Happy reading! l The Book House, 93 High Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3HJ Tel: 01844 213032 anybook@thebookhousethame.co.uk www.thebookhousethame.co.uk Open Mon-Sat: 9am-5.30pm.
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(www.1sthouseportraits.com) If you like the chance to win a signed copy of Gorilla Dreams, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Where does Sanyu the gorilla live? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by October 25th, 2014. l Find out more about Sue Hampton and her books at: www.suehamptonauthor.co.uk
l Column: Catherine Stoker Learning process
Off to university! Independent education consultant Catherine Stoker advises on how to prepare your teenager for University tips for parents ...
P
hew! Those all-important A level results are in the bag and your teenager is due to start university in the Autumn. Here are a few tips to prepare them for flying the nest. 1. Help them to familiarise themselves with the town or city where they will be studying - campus layout, location of faculty teaching blocks, public transport, location of the supermarket etc. A visit a few weeks before might help. 2. Try to secure a place in a hall of residence. Being among other ‘Freshers’ in a hall, rather than a rented house, during year one, will make finding their way round and meeting new friends easier. 3. Help them to plan the clubs and societies they will join during Freshers’ week. University is a fabulous opportunity to try a huge variety of new and exciting sports
Learning process Catherine Stoker and activities and make new friends. 4. Organise their finances by opening a bank account. Shop around for the one with the best student incentives - ideally with a branch located close to the university or on campus. 5. Spend some time going through the importance of budget planning and monitoring cash-flow carefully. Advise against credit cards and un-authorised overdrafts. 6. If their course timetable has room for part-time work to supplement their student loan, help them to get a CV and application letter ready and to research places where they might seek employment.
Want to Learn about the Maya, Aztecs or Inca? Magic, Witchcraft & Religion or Cultures of the World? Teachers - need training on the ancient Maya for the new primary history curriculum? Exciting new archaeology and anthropology adult education courses and ‘introducing the Maya to the classroom workshops’ starting in October in Weston Turville and Wendover.
Talk them through body language and basics of interview technique. Reliability, looking respectable and a friendly personality will be the key factors to get across. Review pictures and comments on their Facebook page as many potential employers will now review these before taking on young people. 7. Have some fun in the kitchen helping your teenager with planning and cooking healthy meals on a budget. 8. Have a serious chat about safety, keeping gadgets and tech safe, managing drink, turning down drugs and coping with peer pressure to do things which they may feel are out of their comfort zone. 9. Find out what the local GP arrangements are for students and register them. 10. Advise against taking too many possessions for the first term. Some things are essential, but having too much will cramp their living space and be too hard to keep track of. Make sure key items are covered by appropriate insurance. 11. Advise against taking a car until they have seen where they will be living and investigated the parking arrangements. If they do
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chose to take a car, drink-driving should be discussed. 12. A bike is a good investment don’t forget lights and a high-vis top. 13. A laptop with a good size screen is crucial. Consider getting a separate mouse and keyboard and ensure they have the latest up-todate software. Consider how their work will be backed-up and a few USB sticks might come in handy. 14. Agree how you will keep in touch. Email, text, mobile, Skype. Give them space to explore this exciting new stage of their life, but explain your need to hear from them every once in a while, to be reassured they are happy and safe. For advice on choosing the right course and applying to University through UCAS please call our team of consultants. Good Luck l Catherine Stoker is Managing
Director of the Independent Education Consultants, offering advice for parents on all aspects of education - from choosing a school, transition, to career planning and applying to university. For more details, visit: www. independenteducationconsultants.co.uk Blog: http://futureschoolsfairs.blogspot.co.uk
Weekly classes and holiday workshops in singing, dance and drama for ages 4-18. Make friends, have fun, develop new skills.
For more information and to book your place: Dr Diane E. Davies Tel: 07703 436398 Email: mesoarchaeologist@gmail.com Web: www.mayaarchaeologist.co.uk
Stagecoach Schools Aylesbury 01296 747758 Principal Louise Judge aylesbury@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/aylesbury
Thame 01865 763767 Principal Nicky Goodwin Men’s barbers, 245 Main Road, Walter’s Ash, Bucks, HP14 4HT Men’s hair: £10.50 Wash & Cut: £14 Boy’s hair: £8.50 Crew cut: £6.50 Senior Citizen: £6.50 Under 5s: £6.50 Saturdays: all cuts £12 Open Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 9.30am to 5pm Sat: 7.30am to 4pm, Thur & Sun: closed
thame@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/thame
Tel: 07742 361711
Email: s.madness@yahoo.co.uk www.facebook.com/shear.madness1 www.shear-madness.webs.com
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
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l Column
Amanda Trott
It’s Autumn, the season of mellow fruitfulness, harvest festivals, Hallowe’en, Guy Fawkes and cool, damp misty mornings that can play havoc with your hair...
M
ost of us would agree, that shiny, smooth hair is something we would love - whether you have a head full of bouncy curls or hair straighter than a yard of pump water; as my grandmother used to say! Achieving that with styling products alone is not always easy, especially when you step outside on a damp or humid day to find that in five minutes the style you worked so hard to create has become a fluffy frizz ball. No matter Stage 1: Steph applies the Kebelo lotion how great a haircut your stylist gives Before you, if your hair has a tendency to frizz, chances are it will. Regular readers of my column will know that my ‘other job’ is as a hairstylist working from Eclipse Hair Design in Thame, where in the past few months we have introduced Kebelo Smoothing System. We became aware that that our clients were looking at ways to control frizz in their hair but not looking to lose body or movement in the way a Brazilian Blow Dry does. We also wanted to use a system that actually Stage 3: Steph infuses the Kebelo Stage 2: Steph drying the Kebelo strengthened and repaired the hair into my hair with ceramic stylers into my hair and didn’t leave our clients without any styling versatility. Although I Blow Dry is do many of vast. Kebelo these in the Smoothing System salon, and have is a relatively several clients quick and simple who are definitely procedure that addicted to the promotes healthy, silky smoothness easy to manage Kebelo gives them hair but without and the ease of the use of strong manageability they chemicals such get when styling as formaldehyde, their hair at home, which is used in I hadn’t had the a Brazilian Blow opportunity to try Dry. It won’t it out on my own over relax curl hair and was keen After: The result - silky and shiny hair, so therefore it’s to do so. finished with a blow dry by Kelly perfect for clients Chloe who want to retain Merriman, lift and movement but would like Eclipse Hair Design’s Kebelo manageable hair. Ambassador explains the benefits: “The Kebelo Smoothing System “The difference between the Kebelo usually takes around 90 minutes Smoothing System and a Brazilian 24
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
to complete in a single salon visit, allowing our clients to leave with the desired result, whereas a Brazilian Blow Dry can take up to three days to show full effect! “The beauty of Kebelo is that it contains Carbocysteine and is infused with botanical proteins and amino acids. The carbocysteine strengthens, repairs and revitalises each strand from within, whilst the botanical proteins seal and replenish each cuticle. When completed the hair is left smooth, shiny, frizz-free and easy to manage for 100 days.” What’s not to like! Moreover, you walk away from the salon with an aftercare kit containing a shampoo, conditioner and weekly masque, all for £165. Kebelo Smoothing System is completely safe to use on colour treated hair and in fact, a colour can be applied immediately afterwards. The Kebelo actually creates a healthy foundation for the hair which in turn gives amazing colour results! Although I tend to style my hair each day for work, I have days when I just want to be able to wash my hair and give it a quick blast with a hair dryer. Normally I wouldn’t be able to leave the house for fear of scaring young children, but I’ve found since having the Kebelo my hair actually looks good with little effort! The results are even more noticeable when I take time to style my hair properly and I can now go out and not suffer from frizz even if I end up getting caught in the drizzle, something we’re all going to have to put up with over the coming months... l Amanda is a talented and experienced, Vidal Sassoon trained hair stylist. If you would like to experience the Kebelo Smoothing System, or to have your hair cut, styled or coloured by Amanda she is available in Thame from Mondays through to Thursdays at Eclipse Hair Design. Call 01844 260062 to book or arrange a free consultation.
Vale life magazine sept 2014 (chc wat)
2/9/14
12:01
Page 1
Transform your body & your life with therapy
Rowena Paul lost 2st 8lbs lost 4st 3lbs with 10 weeks of treatment with 16 weeks of treatment Paul before treatment
Rowena before treatment
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
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Open
Evening 29 September 2014 6pm-8pm
The Paddocks Clinic Princes Risborough
Come and enjoy an evening with the Aurora Skin Clinics team See demonstrations 6.15pm : Sculptra
by aesthetic nurse practitioner Melanie Recchia
6.45pm : eTwo Sublative by aesthetic practitioner Fleur Nicholls
ill be There w s canapĂŠ , ly b b u b g odie ba o g a d r an ucher fo o v a h wit entary m li p m o ac nt for treatme hat et everyon attends
7.00pm : 8 Point Facelift by aesthetic nurse practitioner Ruth Atkins
Surgical Advice
from Mr Adrian Richards
Mini Skin Consultations by aesthetic practitioner Jenna Harrison
Skin & Anti-Aging Advice from Dr Fiona Durban
Love the skin you’re in
26
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
info@aurora-skin-clinics.co.uk www.aurora-skin-clinics.co.uk The Paddocks Clinic, Aylesbury Road, Princes Risborough, Bucks HP27 0JS Tel: 01844 211777
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Health & Fitness
Column: Fitness Focus with Mike Shires
Off the beaten track
F
ancy a new outdoor activity that will keep you fit while out enjoying the countryside? If you can read a map, then orienteering could be the ideal sport for you. And if you’d like to give it a go, Thames Valley Orienteering Club (TVOC) is organising an introductory orienteering event at Green Park near Aston Clinton on Saturday, October 11th. The sport will be explained and you’ll have the chance to run, jog, or just walk, a choice of several courses. There will be something suitable for all ages and abilities, including families and children, as well as runners. So, what does orienteering involve? For starters, an orienteering race does not follow a set route. Instead you have to visit a series of checkpoints and register each one with an electronic timing chip. The checkpoints are denoted by marker flags in the woods and the challenge is to use your special map to choose the quickest route
Orienteering
between the checkpoints and then make your way along your route as fast as you can. You can follow paths, or go direct and navigate through the woods using the earth banks, streams and vegetation. All will be marked on your map to help you decide! If you love maps, exploring, and the great outdoors, it’s ideal! “Orienteering really is a sport for all,” says Mike Shires from TVOC. “Our events attract keen runners as well as families and children. Children love the buzz of finding the marker flags and it’s a great healthy outdoor activity. “It originally started as a military sport in Sweden but it’s
Thame Therapy Clinic Complementary Health Therapies from Experienced Practitioners 23 Upper High Street, Thame, OX9 3EX Tel: 01844 215555
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Thai Orchid Massage and Spa www.thai-orchid-massage-and-spa.webs.com Traditional Thai Massage, Swedish Massage, Aromatherapy Body Massage, foot massage, herbal hot compress, back, head & neck massage One hour Aromatherapy Full Body Massage £35 One hour Traditional Thai Massage £40
Reflexions Health & Leisure Centre
Tel: 01296 330311 Mobile: 07587 172659 Buckingham Road, Watermead, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 0FY
really taken off in the UK and there are now lots of events in woods and parks across the country every weekend, with each area offering its own unique challenges.” Orienteering is often called ‘the thinking sport’ because it involves map reading and decision-making as well as a workout. It’s a sport that everyone can enjoy, regardless of age, sex or experience. The competitive athlete can experience the exhilaration of running through the woods at top speed, whilst the non-competitive orienteer can enjoy the forest at a more leisurely pace. Events provide courses for all levels and there is even a special orienteering course for toddlers,
called the string course, for which the entire route is marked from start to finish, so no one gets lost. The courses at Wendover Woods and Green Park will range from around 1km up to 5km and will take around 30 to 75 minutes to complete. Whatever your fitness level and whether you want to have a go as a amily or as an individual, TVOC will be pleased to welcome you. Why not come along with your friends and challenge them to see who does best?! Just come along any time between 10am and 11.30am. Help will be available, no special equipment is needed and the cost is just £5 (£2 for juniors). l For more details visit: www.facebook.com/tvoclub or www.tvoc.org.uk, or email Mike at: publicity@tvoc.org.uk
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
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Health & Fitness
Column: Fitness Focus with Keith Crane Keith Crane with client
Soft touch W
e all experience aches and pains now and then and whether we are pushing our bodies for sporting activities or spending too much time at a desk or in the car a massage can really help. Keith Crane is a fully qualified Soft Tissue Therapist. Specialists in what is commonly known as ‘sports massage’ have recently been given the new title as their treatments incorporate much more than just massage. Soft Tissue Therapy combines the power of Sports Massage with advanced techniques to tackle pain and dysfunction. “I think my inquisitive nature was always going to lead me into a career that worked with the human body,” says Keith. “My first experience of sports massage came when I was at University studying an HND in Health & Fitness. and I was drawn to the powerful techniques and results that massage, alone, can achieve. “I’m now fully trained in a variety of advanced techniques in
addition to massage, which also deal with the soft tissue structures of the body - the subcutaneous layers of skin, muscle, tendons and ligaments. My discipline covers the “My client base is extremely workings of the whole human body varied as it’s not only gym users and addresses rectifying posture, with sports injuries that I see improving joint function and but, often, people who work long effective recovery after injury. hours at a desk, or fraught parents “I enjoy combining my skills in demonstrating the an individual, tailored physical stresses of way and targeting combining a job and specific muscles to family life.” suit the specific needs If you are of my clients. experiencing pain or “There is a fair your body is simply not amount of attention to doing what you want it detail and reflective to, visit Keith’s website thought process or give him a call to in formulating arrange an initial an individual’s consultation. He does treatment schedule. home visits so there’s Keith assesses a But with every client’s posture no need to travel if you session my objective can’t or prefer not to. is to alleviate the symptoms of injury, so my client l Keith Crane MISRM Soft Tissue can continue to enjoy their lifestyle Therapy. Tel: 07751 840262 / without being aggravated by pain 01844 698532 and dysfunction. Web: www.massagerecovery.co.uk
Keith Crane
Maria Bray
Nutritional Therapy
The Science of Health and Vitality l
Eat Well l Live Well l Feel Well
l
New Saturday morning Teen Clinic: £30 for 1 hour session
Exercise oror full healthy lifestyle coaching available Exerciseonly only full healthy lifestyle coaching available Joanna Beardsmore-Dilks Joanna Beardsmore-Dilks
«
Let’s Glow Let’s « Glow Let’s Glow
l Boost your energy l Lower ‘bad’cholesterol/blood pressure l Lose weight without starving l Brighten your skin, hair and nails l Take charge of your health l Help your child deal with
growth/development or food issues
I can assist you to achieve your desired health improvements with a mutually agreed and appropriate stepped programme of dietary and lifestyle changes.
Call for free half hour consultation
Tel: Maria on 0771 5414719 / 01296 581561
Current Classes include: www.mariabraynutritionaltherapy.com Current Classes include: High Intensity Interval Training, Aerobics, Current Classes include: Aerobics, Fitsteps™, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Bootcamps and Kettlebells. Fitsteps™, Bootcamps and Kettlebells. Aerobics, Fitsteps™, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Bootcamps and Kettlebells. Morning Classes: Fairford MorningLeys Classes: Fairford Leys Morning/ Classes: Fairford Leys Evening Classes: Bedgrove Junior School Fairford Leys /School/Fairford Evening Classes: Bedgrove Junior School/Sir Henry Floyd Grammar Leys/Mandeville School Evening Bedgrove Junior School/Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School/Fairford Leys/Mandeville School Sir HenryClasses: Floyd Grammar School / Mandeville School
EAR WAX REMOVAL
If you are troubled by excessive ear wax causing discomfort or loss of hearing, CV Health Aural Care “I really enjoy the class atmosphere” “6 yearsMark of friendship” Jill “Love Fitsteps, feeling great” Carole “I really enjoy the classMark atmosphere” Service can offer you a very effective treatment at its “I really enjoy the class atmosphere” Mark Jill “6 years of friendship” Jill “Love Fitsteps, feeling great” Carole “6 years of friendship” Medical Centre. Haddenham Micro-suction is the most up-to-date procedure for removing T: 01296 485933 E: joanna.beardsmore-dilks@outlook.com For more details on our classes contact Jo: obstructions in the ear and compared to syringing, it is safer, quicker, T: 01296 485933 E: joanna.beardsmore-dilks@outlook.com For more details on our classes contact Jo: better tolerated and more effective.
hy lifestyle coaching available Exercise only or full healthy lifestyle coaching available Joanna Beardsmore-Dilks Joanna Beardsmore-Dilks
For more Let’s details Glow contact Jo: 01296 485933 Email: joanna.beardsmore-dilks@outlook.com
Let’s Glow
Current Classes include:
Aerobics, Fitsteps™, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Bootcamps and Kettlebells. Morning Classes: Fairford Leys
Evening Classes: Bedgrove School/Sir2014 Henry Floyd Grammar School/Fairford Leys/Mandeville School 28 Vale Life Junior : Sept/Oct
Current Classes include:
What does it cost? CV Health offers a competitively priced service at £80.
Call now 01494 555204 Monday to Friday ( 9 am to 5 pm) or email for an appointment: c.v.health@nhs.net
Providing the ultimate salon experience
Restore thinning hair
T
here has been a massive buzz surrounding the launch of Redken’s new Cerafill range with reviewers raving about its instant effect in creating thicker, fuller-looking hair and how it is a breakthrough solution for hair-thinning problems! Cerafill is a science-based product that adds volume and density and if used over time, will actually encourage hair regrowth. Cerafill comes in two different systems - Defy and Retaliate. Defy is for those with normal to thin hair or in the early stages of hair loss. Retaliate is for those who are showing obvious and advanced hair loss. “Everyone’s hair naturally thins as they age,” says Eclipse stylist Ashleigh. “Defy will help stave off the onset of thinning hair, while Retaliate will encourage hair growth. “There are currently more than 40million men and women in the UK
suffering from thinning hair and many just don’t know what to do about it. Now our trained Cerafill stylists can
Andrew with Eclipse team
tailor-make a treatment plan that is right for you and you should notice the difference in a matter of weeks! “Cerafill Maximise Dense FX is amazing too, it creates instant volume and root lift. You can buy all these home use products from Eclipse Hair Design at Thame and also find out more about our new hair loss clinics.”
Part-time position! As the first, and often the last, point of contact for each one of our valued clients, the Eclipse Hair Design Front of House team plays a pivotal role in the day-to-day running of salon business. From answering telephone calls to keeping stylists’ columns running smoothly and giving great product advice, this job is as much about client and staff liaison as providing a welcoming face at reception. We are looking for a Part-time Receptionist to join our team as soon as is convenient. You must be available for Training beforehand. Hours will be: Wednesdays 2.45pm-6pm Thursdays 6pm-8.30pm and Fridays 9am-6pm You must also be prepared to help cover Holidays If you are interested in the position please send your CV to: eclipsehairmanagement@ btconnect.com for the attention of Vicki/Jenna or call 01844 260062.
Eclipse Hair Design, 56 North Street, Thame, OX9 3BH Tel: 01844 260062 Web: www.eclipsehair-design.co.uk Email: info@eclipsehair-design.co.uk Follow us on Twitter: @eclipsethame and Facebook Eclipse Hair Design
STOP PRESS... New online booking service - see: www.eclipsehair-design.co.uk Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014 Like us on Facebook for up to date information and promotions: Eclipse Hair Design
29
Bow House is proud to celebrate the fact that they have been short listed for two prestigious awards Private Dentistry and also Dentistry Awards for...
Best Practice Best Marketing Best UK Practice Treatment carried out by Dr Edward Masheder BDS MFDS RCS PGcert IMPLANTS
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T 01442 890 384 E info@bowhousedental.co.uk W www.bowhousedental.co.uk
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Column: Emma Ward‘Country Girl’
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2014
Call saves abandoned kittens
M
y love of cats is no secret to those that know me; not only do I own items of clothing, phone cases and jewellery all with a feline theme but I also have four very real fluffy friends! I received my first kitty as a present for my 8th birthday and have been besotted with everything ‘cat’ ever since. Our house has slowly become a menagerie and is now home to our four cats, one Labrador, three chickens and an aquarium of tropical fish and it’s safe to say it’s the cats that rule the roost! I think what I have always admired about cats is their sense of independence and strong personalities. Earlier this year an opportunity cropped up for me. Whilst browsing on Facebook I noticed Chiltern Cats Protection were looking for more volunteers - my cat-loving self jumped at the chance. I could indulge my passion for cats while helping a fantastic local charity at the same time. Whilst I was prepared for lots of cat-talk, what I wasn’t prepared for was the sheer number of abandoned
Emma Ward
Country Girl
The five abandoned kittens cats and strays; as I write, the fostering pens are fit to bursting with cats and kittens looking for new homes. Unfortunately there has been an increase in abandoned kittens. On Monday 11th August Cats Protection received a call from Hampden vets at Haddenham regarding five abandoned kittens, who had been found by a gentleman who had pulled over to take a phone call in a layby just outside Longwick. He had pulled up next to a cardboard box and noticed that the box was moving slightly! When he checked the box he discovered the five kittens inside and took them straight to the vets. The kittens were approximately seven weeks old and apart from one, who
Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy Has helped many people in many ways. It could be just the help you need!
was a little lethargic and suffering from an upset tummy, they were all in good health. It appeared they had been well looked after prior to being dumped as they were all litter trained and had no sign of fleas. The four boys and one girl are now being cared for by volunteer fosterers at Cats Protection. Sadly there have been three similar cases in our area since. This situation highlights the need for cats to be neutered. Even outdoor cats, such as those living on farms and at stable yards, need to be caught and taken to the vets as it is amazing how quickly things can get out of hand and the kittens just keep on coming! A female cat can get pregnant from about five
months of age and can fall pregnant again just a few weeks after having her litter. It is also important for male cats to be neutered as it stops them from wandering (with an increased risk of getting run over) and scent marking in and around your house. It also protects from certain types of cancer. What often puts people off is the high cost of neutering, so during the month of October, Chiltern Cats Protection in partnership with Hampden Vets, Aylesbury are offering those on benefits or low incomes the chance to get their cat neutered and microchipped for just £15. For details please call: 01296 433992 or email: enquiries@ chilterncats.org.uk
What are you looking for from your dentist?
Angie Elbourn
DHP. MNRAH Reg Hyp. Reg CNHC Over 25 years experienced therapist
CNHC are the only regulatory body for the profession of hypnotherapy that is recognised by the Dept of Health. Tel: 07775 677796 Website: www.hypnohelp.co (just .co not uk) Email: Angie.hypnohelp@hotmail.co.uk
Kate Walker
Mobile Chiropodist
ü ü ü ü ü ü
BSc (Hons) Hcpc Registered
ü
General Foot Care l Verruca Treatment l Ingrowing Nails l Biomechanics
Relaxed atmosphere Friendly staff Appointments that are flexible and fit round you A dentist that spends time listening to you and doesn’t rush you out of the door Personal text messages to remind you of your next dental appointment Late evening (open until 9pm) and Saturday morning appointments to save you taking time off work FREE parking outside the practice
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Ring Di, Hannah or Lois on 01296 398 180 Or email us at info@fairfordleysmilecentre.co.uk www.fairfordleysmilecentre.co.uk Or come in and see us.
Tel: 078875 51591
Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
Step inside by Polly Gibbs
Marrakech Meets London
With summer travels a distant memory it’s time to bring a little faraway magic into your home let North Africa and the West collide for a relaxed interior with a touch of oriental mystery...
The Filaments by Suna Interior Design
M
arrakech is hot right now and not just for the weather. The continuing trend for geometric patterns and artisan goods make Moroccan style the perfect focus for this month’s feature. Interiors are interlaced with an Arabian rhythm that brings a sense of harmony to the home. Get it right and your home appears captivatingly relaxed - get it wrong and it will look more ‘shabby souk’ than chic. Great interiors appeal to each of the five senses making Moroccan interiors extremely alluring. History, culture, cuisine and decorative architecture merge into a kaleidoscope of smells, sounds, patterns, colours and artisan styling that make it a designers dream. Having braved the derbs (alleyways) and souk some years ago myself; sipped mint tea, held a snake (not by choice) in the Djemaa el-Fna square, visited a tannery (by accident) and fallen in love with the Yves 32
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
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. Saint Laurent gardens (www.jardinmajorelle. com), I can relate to this look entirely.
Souk style embodies an eclectic mix of Moorish arches, stucco plaster, kilim rugs, cushions, lanterns, candles, incense and lush greenery - tastefully personified by designer Meryanne Loum-Martin at her hotel Jnane Tamsna, “Big Garden”, just outside Marrakech. (www.jnane.com / www.villa12.com). What we are trying to achieve is a refined version that’s caught my imagination lately - a pared down fusion of Arabian influence and beautifully crafted materials, set against a chalky Western palette for a contemporary look that’s a little softer. What’s really lovely about this look is that in a world of fast moving technology, there is still a place for handcrafted decoration. There are a few things to note though. Although precisely symmetrical patterns are key to the look, you can’t have everything perfectly straight in the room. The layout needs to feel organic and spontaneous,
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2014
Left: Four Seasons Courtyard by Meryanne Loum-Martin Below: FiredEarth - ‘Walled’
Charles Huntington Flooring •Expert Advice •Professional Fitting •VeryinCompetitive geometric wallpapers oyster, pale grey/greens, or silvery whites to for Residential and add detail. Have Commercial a look at Walled, work pictured right, (www.firedearth. •Carpets suit all com), Origin, Jewel, Origamitoand Budgets Darcy (www.grahambrown.co.uk). There’s a wealth of fabrics and •Free Quotes soft furnishings with geometric patterns around•No at theObligation moment. Look out for a •Free statement rug - an Parking
informal and relaxed. The charm comes from a careful mix of geometric patterns and neutral textures, with warmth in a variety of materials including dark wood, copper, bronze and leather; topped off with beautiful pottery and quality antiques; not souvenir type trinkets that will cheapen the look. If chalky walls are too plain essential component, cushions and for you, there are decorators who specialise in polished upholstery with quatrefoil type (a symmetrical plaster (tadelakt) for an authentic CARPETS • VINYLSdesigns • SISAL • STAIRpattern RODS Continued on page 34 Moroccan texture. Alternatively, try
Charles Huntington Flooring •Expert Advice •Professional Fitting •Very Competitive for Residential and Commercial work •Carpets to suit all Budgets •Free Quotes •No Obligation •Free Parking
Charles Huntington Flooring
SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES
Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm Saturday 10am until 4pm. Any other time by appointment
•Expert CARPETS • VINYLSAdvice • SISAL • STAIR RODS SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES
•Professional Fitting Tel: 01296 337181 Mob: 07767370067 •Very Competitive Web: www.charleshuntington.co.uk Tel: 01296 Mob: 07767370067 for337181 Residential and 23 DUCK FARM COURT, STATION WAY, AYLESBURY, HP20 2SQ Web: www.charleshuntington.co.uk Commercial work DUCK FARM COURT, STATIONvinyl, WAY, AYLESBURY, HP20 2SQ WE WILL NOT BE BEATEN ON QUALITY OR SERVICE l Independent, family run carpet l Carpet, sisal, coir, hardwood l Extensive range of23traditional Charles Huntington Flooring to suit all and flooring specialists l Exclusive suppliers of Roger Oates and contemporary flooring •Carpets Charles Huntington Flooring Charles Huntington Flooring WEcan WILL NOT BE BEATENyet ON hard-wearing QUALITY OR SERVICE •Expert Advice Charles Huntington Flooring beautiful runners l Expert fitting service at competitive prices - we Budgets and rugs in our local area l Domestic and commercial match or better your quote •Expert Advice Charles Huntington Flooring Providing advice and installations •Expert Advice •Expert Advice•Free •Professional Fitting •Expert Advice to•Professional private customers, professionals and Fitting Quotes •Expert AdviceFitting •Professional •Professional Fitting contractors for over 25 years •Professional Fitting •Very Competitive •No Obligation •Professional Fitting for Residential and •Very Competitive •Very Competitive •Very Competitive •Very Competitive Extensive experience with Commercial work for Residential and for Residential and for Residential•Free and •Very Competitive Parking thatched, heritage and listed buildings. Commercial work for Residentialwork and Commercial Commercial work
Charles Huntington Flooring •
Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm S TA LL AT I NSaturday 10am until 4pm. Any other time by appointment
IC
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RV
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• SE
STOV
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for Residential •Carpets to suit and all Commercial work •Carpets to suit all Budgets Opening Times: Monday to Friday •10am 5pm CARPETS VINYLSuntil • SISAL • STAIR RODS CARPETS • VINYLS • SISAL • STAIR RODS CARPETS Saturday • VINYLS • SISAL • STAIR RODS CARPETS • VINYLS SISAL • Any STAIRother RODS SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES until•RODS 4pm. time•Free by appointment CARPETS • VINYLS • 10am SISAL • STAIR SAFETY FLOORING • WOODQuotes • BINDING TAPES SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES SAFETY FLOORINGTel: • WOOD • BINDING TAPES Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm 01296 337181 Mob: 07767370067 Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm •No Obligation 10am until 4pm. Any other time by appointment Opening Friday 10am until 5pmSaturday Opening Times: to Friday 10am until 5pm OpeningTimes: Times:Monday Mondayto to FridayMonday 10am until 5pm Saturday 10am until 4pm. Any other time by appointment Web: www.charleshuntington.co.uk Saturday 4pm. Any by appointment Saturday until time 4pm. Any other time Tel: by appointment 07767370067 Saturday10am 10amuntil until 4pm.10am Any other other time by appointment Tel:01296 01296 337181 337181 Mob: Mob: 07767370067 Tel: 337181 Mob:337181 07767370067 Tel: 01296 Mob: 07767370067 Web: •FreeHP20 Parking Tel:01296 0129623 337181 Web:www.charleshuntington.co.uk www.charleshuntington.co.uk DUCK Mob: FARM07767370067 COURT, STATION WAY, AYLESBURY, 2SQ Unrivalled customer service through
Commercial work •Carpets tofamily suitteam. all Budgets •Carpets to suit all •Carpets to suit all the commitment of our Budgets •Carpets to suit all Budgets Budgets •Free Quotes • VINYLS • SISAL • STAIR RODS Budgets Oxfordshire • Buckinghamshire • •Free Quotes exceptionallyCARPETS •Free Quotes •Free Quotes •No Obligation Hertfordshire • Berkshire • and beyond •Free Quotes •No SAFETY FLOORING • •No WOOD • BINDING TAPES •No Obligation Obligation •FreeObligation Parking •No Obligation •Free Parking Contact us to book your free home •Free Parking •Free Parking •Free Parking survey or to visit our showroom to see
stylish
the stoves in action.
Stoves
•
Installations
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North Mill Road Bledlow Bucks HP27 9QP 01844 342400 info@northmillstoves.co.uk www.northmillstoves.co.uk
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
33
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
Continued from page 33 representing four leaves/partially overlapping circles) and the eightpoint star, as both particularly embody Marrakech style. Take a look at the Marmoucha Rug with Berber imagery (rugsandpoufs.com), or Souk and Kasbah in steel by West Elm (www.westelm.co.uk). Fired Earth have a really good selection of artisan tiles including the appropriately named Marrakech range. I like Sofia and Riad, which would make a beautiful kitchen splashback for your tagine. Trellis is perfect for a Riad inspired hallway floor, while Arabesque Sous behind a hammered copper basin and bronze taps would make an inspired cloakroom. Furniture should be wooden and decorative, bone inlaid or metallic - see Martini, Chevron Bone and Carved Wood at West Elm, also Fontana and Camille at www. okadirect.com. Modern sofas and chairs will work, however they need to be arranged informally, inviting you to throw yourself onto sumptuous geometric tasselled cushions in greys and golds. (Check out Starburst, Hex and Scion Dhurrie at www.johnlewis.com). Oriental inspired lighting is particularly important; try hanging one large beautiful silver or nickel Moroccan lantern or cluster smaller lanterns together in a corner at various heights. Enjoy the beautiful contrast of perforated metal against chalky walls by day and the enchanting patterns they cascade at night. Take a look at the selection at www.moroccanbazaar.co.uk (the Round Silver Finish Moroccan ceiling light is stunning, though definitely an investment piece at £340!).
Canopy at Menera Airport 34
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
Step inside by Polly Gibbs
Take the look a step further with Mashrabiyas - wooden lattice screens carved with geometric designs, used on the windows of traditional Arabic architecture since the 14th century. Mashrabiyas offer privacy from the street, as well as relief from the intense sun. This makes them perfect as room dividers, window shutters or simply as decorative wall art. The canopy at Menera Airport, Marrakech, bottom left, is a great example of a modern interpretation. Accessorise with a leather pouf or two in gold, monochrome or white and a smattering of quality ornaments; think hammered metal bowls (Hex, Joy by Alessi or Tom Dixon Bash at John Lewis), Berber jars, a large pearl mosaic or wooden mirror, lots of candles, floor cushions and an engraved tin tray to serve mint tea of course. (Mint Tea £3.75 at www.maroque.co.uk). l Polly Gibbs is an interior turned homeware designer based in Oxfordshire. Her designs, trend forecasts and expert advice have graced the pages of many a publication, whilst the simplicity of her homeware range delights designers and design lovers alike. www.coco-design.co.uk info@coco-design.co.uk Twitter: @coco_design Facebook.com/cocodesign.style
Above: FiredEarth ‘Marrakech’ tiles Right: Pouf - www.rugsandpoufs.com w Luxury Furniture & Home Accessories w
Get the London Cows Look
Call to see our London Cows showroom at Stoke Mandeville or meet us at a Xmas sale at Twist, Wendover from 6-10pm, on Wednesday, December 3rd during the Christmas Lights Festival London Cows Ltd, Oak Tree House, 1 Lower Road, Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire, HP22 5UX sales: 01494 372270 / info@londoncows.co.uk
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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2014
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35
If you are a first time buyer finding it hard to get a foot on the property ladder, don’t despair! A shared ownership scheme from Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust may be just what you need...
I
f you are a first time buyer looking to purchase a property in the Aylesbury area, but can’t find anything in your price range, then shared ownership might be the way to approach your first home. Shared ownership (also known as a partbuy/part-rent scheme) helps people who can’t afford the full cost of buying a property get onto the property ladder. Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust’s (the Trust) shared ownership scheme has already helped a number of first time buyers turn their dreams of owning their own home into a reality. “Our scheme has been running for over three years now and is very popular,” says Carol Patching, the Trust’s Commercial and Major Works Manager. “A great thing about buying a shared ownership property in this area, is that the average monthly housing cost is actually The Avenue development in Stoke Mandeville has houses and apartments to much lower than those of first time buyers purchase on a shared ownership basis with the Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust on the open market - around £350 lower. “You don’t need to be a Trust resident 3-bed property for a Aylesbury, is due for completion in March or on a housing list to apply - but you will Carol Patching family of five and one 2015 and will offer nine 3-bed properties and have to have some links with the area, for 2-bed property for a family of three. three 2-bed properties for shared ownership. example you might already live or work here.” In this historic market town, just a short These spacious well designed homes will The Trust’s shared ownership portfolio drive from the picturesque Stowe Landscape come fully equipped with modern living areas is continuing to grow and it currently has Gardens and the bustling Aylesbury and plus good sized gardens and off road parking. three new developments in Aylesbury, Stoke Milton Keynes centres, residents will enjoy “These properties could make a great Mandeville and Winslow, with properties a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of investment for any first time buyer,” says available on the contemporary urban living. Carol, “as they offer practical living space part-buy/part-rent scheme. The Gateway development situated with modern amenities, and all are in fantastic The Avenue development in Stoke in Gatehouse Way, right in the heart of locations.” Mandeville, pictured above, has two 3-bed houses, designed over three floors, and four The Gateway development in Aylesbury 2-bed apartments available. Each property is due for completion in March 2015 is complete with a stylish kitchen, modern bathroom and off road parking. The properties are within a peaceful part of Stoke Mandeville, with the convenience of Aylesbury town centre just a short walk away. Near to the hospital and only two miles from the train station, these homes are in a perfect location for hospital staff or those working in London. The Verney Road development in Winslow, pictured left, ten miles north of Aylesbury, will be completed in October 2014. The second phase of this project will see two homes available for shared ownership - one 36
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
The two commercial units at Walton Court
Commercial properties available at Walton Court Centre, Aylesbury From October 2014, the Trust will have three new retail units available for lease at the newly developed Walton Court Centre, Aylesbury. The commercial properties, which offer flexible lease options, are currently being constructed within a parade of eight units where The co-op, Boots and the Florence Nightingale Hospice shop are already situated. Each unit will have mains services and the developer will also supply back of house amenities such as disabled WC, accommodation and kitchenette. The main sales area will be fitted to a shell and core only. For further information or to book a viewing, please contact either Carol Patching at the Trust on 01296 732600 or one of our sole agents directly: Alan Chandler at Stupples Chandler Garvey, Tel: 01296 398383 Email: ac@stuppleschandlergarvey.com or Stuart Rider at Jaggard Baker, Tel: 01494 677755, Email: scr@jagbak.co.uk
To apply for the Trust’s scheme you don’t have to be a current resident or registered on a housing list, but you do need to meet as many of its criteria as possible - such as: • You have lived within the district for six of the last 12 months • You have a permanent job or the offer of a permanent job wholly within the district • You have close family ties within the district If you are successful enough to join the scheme, the initial property purchase is 30% of the property value, which means your mortgage and deposit requirements are much less than if you were buying the property on your own. The remaining 70% is retained by the Trust and rented to you. Over time you can increase your equity, or ownership of the property, by buying further shares from the Trust as and when you can afford them. The amount varies depending on property location for example rural or in centre of town. Matthew Applegate, Chief Executive of the Trust says: “We are delighted to be able
These two semi-detached properties in Stone, were the Trust’s first ever shared ownership properties. to make our mark on the significant demand for affordable housing by providing Shared Ownership properties. This scheme brings owning a new home within the reach of people who would otherwise struggle to get on the housing ladder. “With the Trust, your chances of getting a foot on the property ladder are more realistic than you think.”
To find out more about the Trust’s shared ownership properties, please contact Carol Patching at the Trust on 01296 732600. l Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust, Fairfax House, 69 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2NJ Tel: 01296 732600 Email: info@vaht.co.uk Website: www.vaht.co.uk Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
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First impressions Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
Homestyle
by Charlotte Bolton
Homestyle
Charlotte Bolton
With the holidays over and the kids back at school, now is the perfect time to give your home some ‘autumnal pizzazz’. Interiors expert Charlotte Bolton targets two areas which can be relatively simple to transform...
W
e all know first impressions count, but all too often our hall and stairs areas don’t get the ‘style’ treatment they deserve. Survey your hall as a visitor would... and think of it as a room, NOT just a space to pass through! Here are my top tips for a fab ‘new-look’ hallway... • Avoid a garish scheme in your hall - try to keep it light calm and welcoming • Clean glass door panels so they sparkle and revive metal letterboxes and door handles with Brasso or Silvo • Add a big mirror (or two) to a dim area it will reflect the light around, creating a sense of space • Fit a narrow ledge or shelf below your mirror for your hairbrush, keys and post
A radiator cover can look stylish and provides a useful display area • Put up a peg rail or coat hook (choosing a design with a handy shelf for extra storage) to keep coats and bags neatly tidied away (try www.notonthehighstreet.com, Ikea and Bhs for ideas). • Pop a rug down on the floor for an instant style update (you can’t beat Argos, Ikea or Next for high-fashion rugs at reasonable prices)
Keep things light, calm and welcoming
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
• Update a tired hallway radiator with an MDF cover. Choose a catchy design for an instant update then paint your radiator cover the same colour as the wall to blend in • Use the top of a radiator cover for ‘must have’ accessories such as a letter holder, pretty fresh flowers and scented candles • Create a family photo gallery in your hall choose photos on a theme such as weddings
tillynilly creative interiors BLINDS AND SOFT-FURNISHINGS – free measuring and quotation: assistance with choosing appropriate products and installation available INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE - tailored to your needs: from plan to completed design or help with finishing off your look Made to measure services include: • Wood Blinds • Romans • Curtains • Venetians • Rollers • Verticals • Room Dividers • Bench and Scatter cushions Re-upholstery and fabric supply also available
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or a special birthday for a ‘streamlined’ look • As hallways tend to have higher ceilings than other rooms, make the most of the space and hang a sparkling chandelier style fitting • If your hallway needs decorating (or you’re planning to re-decorate) try and link your hallway with the adjoining rooms by bringing in a colour that’s used in your living room or kitchen... whether it’s the main colour or an ‘accent’ one Bedrooms There’s nothing quite like spending the night in a posh hotel, but you don’t want to come back to earth with too much of a bump when you return home to your own bedroom! Imagine that your bedroom IS IN a hotel and you’ve just walked in. How does it look? The ideal bedroom is a neat, clean, calm and chic space. So if your own sleeping space is seriously lacking in the style stakes, follow these simple pointers to help you turn it into your dream room... • Clear any clothes from your bed or chairs
Boudoir cushions are chic and add a hint of luxury. Pick colours that tone with your bed linen. and pick up any dirty washing from the floor empty your rubbish bin, remove any glasses/
Mix plain bed linen with patterned cushions and/or throws
mugs and vacuum the floor thoroughly! • Keep laundry under control with a smart basket or bin • Open all your curtains or blinds fully every morning - it helps your bedroom feel different during the day and night • Mix plain bed linen with floral or patterned cushions/throws, picking out colours from the patterns for your plains • Pop a pair of rectangular ‘boudoir’ cushions in front of your pillows for easy chic. Play around with different looks - try a ruffled or frilly design for a bit of girly chic • Place a fabric runner at the end of your bed - it’s a great way of adding colour and pattern without the expense of a large throw • Use the space above your bed to display a collection of frames or mirrors • If you want your bed to be the star of the room, keep your bedside tables simple • Accessorise your bedside tables with something low key like a framed photo of your children or a silk flower in a vase - and keep them clutter free • Lay a fluffy rug on each side of your bed - perfect for sinking your feet into each morning • For understated glamour hang a mirror with a metallic frame on a wall painted in a soft shade. l Charlotte Bolton is a locally-based interiors writer/stylist who writes for some of the UK’s best selling homes magazines such as Ideal Home, House Beautiful, Style at Home, Your Home and Beautiful Kitchens. She writes about projects real people have completed in their own home, whether it’s a new kitchen, bathroom or whole house transformation. If you have a project you’d like to tell her about (and see it featured in the pages of a magazine) Charlotte would love to hear from you! These don’t have to be grand designs - it’s about style and individual flair – so whether you are thinking of spending £50, or £50,000 on a fabulous transformation, get in touch! “I am interested in real people, real families and how you live in your real home,” says Charlotte. “See: www.showoffyourhome.co.uk to see some homes I’ve written about. To get in touch, email me at: cjb@charlottebolton.com”.
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
Your kitchen. Your space. Your way.
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Visit our showroom near Thame. Call 01844 279900 to make an appointment. www.ridgewaykitchens.co.uk info@ridgewaykitchens.co.uk
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l
Column: Janice Issitt ‘Making the most of it’
Vintage fair is best ever
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
Janice Issitt
T
he next big vintage and handmade fair is fast approaching, so put these dates in your diary - from Friday 31st October to Sunday 2nd November the space outside John Lewis in the Centre MK will be transformed into the biggest and best fair of the season. In all my years of selling at London markets (back when I made stained glass and jewellery), I’ve never known a better fair! Not only is it free to enter but it’s easy to park and undercover too. For three days that dull old space is transformed into an old style market, packed full of stalls, selling vintage, retro, handmade and upcycled items. You can buy anything from a 1950s juke box to a handpainted gift. The best dealers and makers from three counties are handpicked to appear by its organiser Jacqui Lewis and it is a brilliant place to find something quirky and unique for your home, or a bespoke gift. This fair is also the best for realistic prices, which is just the
Making the most of it icing on the cake (oh yes you can buy iced cakes too). For lovers of the unusual it will delight and amaze, there are collectables brought over from Europe by their sellers (no middle men), ceramics, taxidermy, kitchenalia and retro. Several sellers have re-vamped and upcycled pre-loved items to give them a second life, including painted and decoupaged furniture and re-purposed homewares which
are truly one of a kind. The sellers take commissions too if you have something specific in mind. For those who like to make craft you can often find vintage fabrics and hand spun yarns and as it’s the last fair before Christmas there will be plenty of seasonal items too. Be prepared to spend the whole day so you can have a good ol’ rummage and try on some cool clothes, as handmade dresses nestle amongst classic clothing spanning
decades from the 40s to the 80s. The stallholders often sell at fixed units around the three counties so be sure to ask them where else they can be found and its worth a special mention that Secret Messages will soon be opening a three storey emporium in Buckingham which I shall be popping along too soon and reporting back for Vale Life. l Read Janice’s blog at: http:// janiceissittlifestyle.blogspot.co.uk where she posts photo tutorials about things to make and lovely pictures of life in The Vale.
AMBIENCE KITCHENS Design • Consultancy • Installation
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
43
‘The Art of Wood Burning’
JØtul “fighting the cold since 1853”
The most comprehensive showroom in Oxfordshire Over 75 stoves and 15 under fire on display Kiln dried and Eco logs
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01865 361505 www.manorhousestoves.co.uk Featured stoves from JØtul 44
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
l Column ‘In the Garden’ with
Naomi MacKay
Watching the birdies! A
s we say goodbye to summer and look forward to autumn, it’s a good time to start planning if you want to create a wildlife haven in your garden. Not only will you be doing your bit for the local wildlife, but they will provide you with hours
Peanut butter bird feeder
of enjoyment, watching them visit the garden. If you have kids or grandchildren, they can also join in the fun. Now is the time to start setting up bird feeders around the garden. Ideally, you want them near the house, so that you can watch from indoors as the weather cools down. Do remember to make sure that Continued on page 46
Mr & Mrs Birdee Nest Boxes (£19 each). Made in the UK from birch plywood from sustainably managed forests. Mr Birdee is designed for garden tits, Mrs Birdee for robins and wrens. The boxes could be decorated before being hung outside. From www.clareloves.co.uk
Haddenham
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
Stanbridge Road, Haddenham, Bucks, HP17 8HN Tel: 01844 290395 www.haddenhamgardencentre.co.uk
Family-owned independent, with the biggest range of plants in the area
Afternoon Tea now being served everyday between 2pm-4pm
Pet Food & Accessories
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Clothing, Handbags & Jewellery Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
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Continued from page 45 they are not near trees and fences if you have cats in the neighbourhood. They’ll find a lovely resting place to watch the birdies before they pounce! Birds are unlikely to visit a feeder in a busy area so avoid anywhere near the kids’ play area, or the patio where people are coming in and out of the doors all the time. A bright area will make it easier for you to identify birds, but if you are hoping to photograph them, you might need a bit of shade. There are all kinds of bird feeders. I was particularly taken with the peanut butter feeder pictured on the previous page, which comes with peanut butter mixed with seeds or fruit. It is £20 from www.desresdesign.co.uk. But you will find all kinds at your local garden centre - and plenty of expert advice. Also consider having several feeders and varying the food on them. Smaller birds won’t come to a table dominated by the larger more aggressive birds, so spread feeders around your garden for maximum effect. Different seeds will attract different species - for example, goldfinches love nyjer seed, while sunflower seeds
Ltdg ugh cin n o e r bo nery & F s i i ach Of R en M
and mixed seed should attract greenfinches, siskins and tits to your garden. These species along with sparrows also love fat balls - you can make your own homemade fat feeders too. Another fun bird feeder that children will enjoy making is made using a pine cone. Choose one that has opened out and then spread peanut butter in the ‘scales’. Roll in mixed bird seed and hang from trees and bushes. Hygiene is another important aspect of bird feeding - make sure you clean out feeders to avoid mouldy feed and droppings contaminating your feeding area. More expert advice on feeding garden birds is available on the RSB website at www.rspb.org.uk. You can also start putting up nestboxes now if you wish - this will give birds the chance to identify where they are when they are ready to nest in the spring. Different nestbox designs suit different birds and need to be sited in different places. Wrens and robins, for instance, need openfronted boxes that are hidden about 2m off the floor behind vegetation, while sparrows and tits want boxes with a small hole in that are positioned about 4m off the ground on a tree or wall. You can buy some fabulous nestboxes now - some look like
s plie Sup
phone boxes (Des Res Designs do the Police Box bird box pictured above, which would be great for a Dr Who fan, and costs £68), others like country cottages - or you can opt for something more natural looking. Small cameras designed
for placing in nestboxes are also pretty affordable nowadays and will offer a whole new insight into the secret world of birds. Put one on your Christmas list and you can have it installed before the birds begin to nest.
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
Vacancies for hard landscaper and skilled labourers - contact Rodney on: 07732 329118
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Here comes the sun! Here’s a thought for next year – 2015 is the Year of the Sunflower, and there are a number of new varieties coming out to celebrate the fact. Most are ready to be ordered from seed companies or pick up in garden centres now - so why not be prepared, so you are ready to sow your seeds come March? Not only will you have a bright, sunny display, but the birds will love
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you - as those sunflower heads with their massive circle of seeds are nature’s own bird feeders. Varieties on offer from Suttons include: Sunflower ‘Ms Mars’, which was a Finalist Plant of the Year Chelsea 2014; the bushy, dwarf type Sunflower ‘Suntastic’; and Sunflower ‘Tasty Treat’ – best for seeds for birds (or yourself!) £2.99.
l Naomi Mackay is a freelance journalist and publisher of a website
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47
vale_life_advert_Layout 1 21/07/2014 15:54 Page 1
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
If you want your garden to look its best, a healthy well-groomed lawn makes a big difference. It’s not easy to achieve, but with a little professional help you can have a lawn to be proud of...
B
eautiful lawns don’t just happen was 20 and stayed for 25 years, enjoying a - they require regular care and career in production management! He now attention to remain in tip top lives in Wendover with his wife and three condition. children and has given up the daily commute “The secret of a really good lawn is to to run his own Lawnkeeper business. have a programme of seasonal treatments,” “I’ve been stuck in an office for years,” he says Lawnkeeper’s Nigel Gamble. says. “I wanted a new challenge, “Feeding and weeding throughout to do something more physical, the year plus regular cutting, to be outdoors and to run my particularly during the growing own business. I’ve always had season, so the grass doesn’t get a passion for gardening and too long. lawns and was really enthused “Cutting is the customer’s job, by meeting Lawnkeeper founder as at times it may need doing Sam Langrick. His professional at least once a week, but at lawn care company, has been Lawnkeeper we help you achieve established for 20 years, providing and maintain a fabulous lawn with a unique, high quality service.” the application of professional As a Lawnkeeper franchisee Spreading lawn feed products, treatments and Nigel has undergone extensive techniques, honed over 20 years of lawn care. training to learn all about the theory of lawn “Mechanical treatments such as aeration botany, grass types, weeds, diseases and the and scarification may be required to improve various problems and treatments, feeds and root growth through the aeration of the soil techniques for nurturing, encouraging and and to reduce thatch levels, the grass may maintaining a really beautiful lawn. need fertilising, or there may be weeds or “We use professional products,” says Nigel, pests to be eradicated. “and are qualified in the safe use of fertilisers “We cater for any size of lawn, from a small and weed killers with a National Proficiency patch of lawn for a terraced cottage to a large Tests Council Certificate of Competence. We garden or country estate.” use pesticides for weed and moss control and Nigel is a keen gardener with a passion for also to control pests such as Leatherjackets, lawns. Originally from South London, he got Chafer Grubs and Ants. We can also help with a temporary clerical job at the BBC when he wormcasts. “Every lawn is different so we have a variety of techniques, which we employ depending on what is required for the location, type and condition of the lawn. We can seed with specific grass types depending on the conditions, amount of shade, drainage etc. and type of lawn. “On a new instruction I start with a free site survey and take a soil profile,” says Nigel. “I check the soil type and level of thatch, see which weeds are present and then make a recommendation as to what can be done with a quotation for any treatment required. “The Lawnkeeper service is very good value - we use professional products applied with professional equipment and the results will be better and more cost effective than if you did it yourself with off the shelf Taking a soil profile products.”
Nigel Gamble with his motorised scarifier Nigel offers a professional service with a high level of customer care and is happy for customers to call him between scheduled visits if they need advice about their lawn or a new issue has arisen. “Any lawn, no matter how big or small will benefit from regular feeding and weeding,” says Nigel. “At the moment growth is slowing and mowing levels should be raised a little. Aeration and scarification can be done once the lawn has recovered from the stress of the dry summer and brown patches have rejuvenated. Our Autumn treatments are about de-stressing the grass and improving root growth and soil condition, which all help the overall condition of your lawn.” If you would like Nigel to visit and conduct a free lawn analysis and advise on the condition of your lawn and what can be done to keep it in good shape, contact him as below. For once the grass can be greener on your side of the fence! l Nigel Gamble, Lawnkeeper Limited Tel: 01296 821861 Mob: 07773 779235 Email: n.gamble@lawnkeeper.co.uk Web: www.lawnkeeper.co.uk Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
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l
Column: Anna Webb‘Barking blonde’
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
Introducing a mini me!
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ince Molly’s great escapade in a wheat field mentioned last issue, I’ve been under a bit of peer pressure to get another dog - something I’ve resisted for fear it might break Molly’s heart. ‘They’ say that a younger dog puts life back into an older one– injecting extra competition and energy into the home. I decided to play this card for Molly’s best interests and re-homed Dexter a two-year-old English Toy Terrier (ETT). The key thing is to choose the right dog. With Molly being a matriarchal madam, the whippersnapper needed to match her personality, but not have plans to rule the roost. Little Dexter needed a home and I’ve always loved the ETT Britain’s oldest Terrier. Rarer than the Giant Panda, they’re like little ‘sprites’ with huge pointy ‘candleflame’ ears. Sadly they’re one of 23 British breeds facing extinction mainly because most people don’t know they exist. Dexter is a tad nervous. He
Molly and new pal Dexter needs experiences and training to help man him up. He’s taking it in his stride though and has handled train trips into London, the underground and even a meeting with ITV, where his elflike enthusiasm scored us brownie points. He’s taking homeopathy to calm him including Gelsenium, which actors take for stage fright. Our only problem is Gremlin my streetcat who is being rather bossy.
Horsewyse CIC www.horsewyse.org.uk
October half term Pony Activity Days Tuesday 28th and Thursday 30th October
Fun activities, lessons and hacking, for children aged 5 to 12 years, including learning Polocrosse skills, team games and an opportunity to work towards Brownies and Scouts riding badge. Suitable for unaccompanied children with and without riding experience. To book call: 01844 202966 or email: horsewyse@btinternet.com
Polocrosse - the most amazing fun!
Chukkas on 6pm Tuesday & 4pm Sunday Taster sessions available Group hack 12.30pm every Saturday, Group jump lesson Sundays 10.30am Pub and 2 hour hacks by request. Horsewyse CIC: Assisted DIY, part and full livery. Horse walker, American Barn Stables, Indoor School, Polocrosse Pitch, Off Road Hacking and Qualified Instructors on site Horsewyse, Long Crendon Call: 01844 202966, or Email: Horsewyse@btinternet.com 50
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
In the eight weeks Dexter’s been here, Molly has perked up. Molly is first to get attention and any treats and it’s like Dexter is her ‘Mini Me’, he watches and learns. Molly enjoys the chance to boss him and show him the ropes, giving her a new purpose in life. Upping the ante on training means a supply of treats. Molly and Dexter have given the paws-up to VeggiDog - a new local firm making healthy nibbles that are air-dried, unprocessed, low fat and crispy. Molly is partial to a KONG stuffed with VeggiDog’s Beetroot & Carrot variety, Dexter’s not fussy. We’ve been back on The Titchmarsh Show as Pet experts. Molly’s TV and radio co-host, Matllda, a British Bulldog, were welcomed by stars and crew alike at the Southbank studios. Coleen Nolan’s face lit up when the lift doors opened revealing two bull breeds marching out confidently for show time. Dogs just have this extraordinary ability to make everyone smile. Research has proved that stroking a dog lowers your blood
Anna Webb
Barking blonde pressure, and dog owners tend to live longer and smile more than non-dog owners. Simply having a dog in a room gets people talking and feeling more relaxed as you can see on the Titchmarsh set. l Combining a psychology degree with
‘Naturopathic Healthcare & Natural Nutrition’ at the College of Integrated Veterinary Therapies, Anna Webb offers doggy life-coaching, training, natural health and diet advice. Anna regular contributes expert opinion and advice on national radio and television programmes and co-writes a weekly blog for The Independent (Barking Blondes). Her book ‘Barking Blondes’ co-written with Joanne Good is out now (Hamlyn). www.annawebb.info www.crendoncanines.com
Adams Travel Your Local Independent Travel Agent
l Column: Jonathan Vernon-Smith
Consumer Affairs
11 Market Square, Aylesbury Tel. 01296 873017 aylesbury.adamstravel@gmail.com www.adamstravelaylesbury.co.uk Award-winning BBC Three Counties presenter Jonathan Vernon-Smith extends his Consumer Hour to report for Vale Life Magazine on consumer issues that could effect you...
106xx out of the dog house a5 1pp 2 25/10/2013 10:40 Page 1
Out of the Doghouse Dog Listening
Contact: Roselle 07989 947316 email: roselle@ outofthedoghouse.co.uk
Does your dog:
Do you to give your puppy or rescue dog • jump upwant • pull on the lead• bark excessively the best possible start in your home? • display nervous, obsessive or aggressive behaviour Does your dog: bicycles or livestock • have issues with food • chase joggers, • jump up • destroy carpets or furniture when left alone? • pull on the lead
Dog Listening is a simple non-confrontational method, for all bark excessively dogs,• through which you can address undesirable behaviours • display nervous, obsessive or aggressive and build a rewarding relationship with your dog. behaviour
www.outofthedoghouse.co.uk • chase joggers, bicycles or livestock • destroy carpets or furniture when left alone • have issues with food? Dog Listening uses a simple non-confrontational method, suitable for all dogs, regardless of size, age or breed, through which you can address all undesirable behaviours and build a rewarding relationship with your dog.
The Dog Man
Contact: Roselle 07989 947316 or roselle@outofdoghouse.co.uk M.B.I.P.D.T. www.outofthedoghouse.co.uk or visitThe Guild of Dog Trainers: Grade ‘Master’
Peter Ross
One of the country’s leading Behaviourists, Handlers and Instructors All elements of Dog Education covered and much, much more!
Call: 01296 615905 / 01442 870990 Visit our website at: www.rosswaydogtraining.co.uk
All Pest Service
Wasps £40 inc www.mrbeesknees.co.uk 01296 770214
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adly over the years I have dealt with many consumer problems concerning animals. You name it, from the puppies that suddenly become ill the day after purchase, to the animals with hereditary conditions where the breeder takes no responsibility after their wallet is full of your £20 notes and it’s all too common. I have to say though that on many occasions, I find myself becoming furious with consumers and the irresponsible way they often go about purchasing a new addition to their family. If you want to do things the correct way, without getting ripped off, then listen carefully to my advice. Firstly, animal rescue centres are absolutely overflowing at the moment with dogs, cats, rabbits etc. that have been abandoned either by irresponsible, ghastly people who didn’t think carefully before taking a pet on, or by folk whose circumstances have changed through no fault of their own. Obviously, if you feel able to rescue a pet, and take on any problems that animal may come with, this is preferable. Check to make sure the animal rescue centre has a good reputation. However, there are many people out there who want to experience the pleasure of raising a pet from a young age. If this is the case, then chances are you’re going to have to part with some money. As tempting as it may be, NEVER purchase an animal being advertised on the internet. No self -respecting breeder would ever advertise an animal on online sites for buying and selling. You may well get a bargain dog or cat, but if that
animal has started life in some kind of pet breeding factory where there is little regard for the animals’ welfare, you may be taking on an expensive and potentially dangerous problem for the future. It is also worth mentioning that unless you have met the animal’s mother and father, you have no idea of the temperament or health of the animal you’re purchasing. NEVER buy an animal if you cannot meet its parents. If you are told to meet the ‘breeder’ at a half-way point or in a lay-by, then massive alarm bells should be ringing in your head! So what should you do? Well, my advice is to search out a good, reputable breeder with the right ethics. Generally, making contact with a breed specific club who can put you in touch with good breeders, or (for dogs) finding a Kennel Club fully accredited breeder, will ensure you are buying a good quality and well-bred animal. You will have to pay more money, but with pets and most things in life, generally it’s worth every penny. If you DO buy an animal, then ensure you organise good pet insurance to run from the minute you commit to buying him/her. If you have a problem, then you are still covered by your usual consumer statutory rights. Finally, as always if you follow my advice but still have a problem with a furry addition to your family, then you can always contact me at BBC Three Counties Radio and I’ll do what I can to help. l Listen to The JVS Show weekday mornings from 9am on BBC Three Counties Radio: www.bbc.co.uk/ threecountiesradio
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Column: Penny Harper ‘Thoughts of a small town girl’
In and out of Africa
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knew getting 13 teenagers up Mount Kilimanjaro this summer was never going to be easy, but I had no idea how emotional, exhausting and overwhelming the whole experience was going to be. Looking back on the few photos I actually managed to take, with my hands frozen around the camera, it all seems like some bizarre dream. We’d taken five days to reach the camp at Kibo in order to get us acclimatised and ready for summit day. We’d been walking at a snail’s pace for no more than a few hours every day, always told ‘polepole’ (slowly!) and never quite believing it was necessary, until we tried to walk to the long-drop at normal speed and almost passed out once we got there. One of the lads came and sat next to me one night, struggling for breath and trying to get his words out. “John, what’s the matter?” I asked. “It’s alright Miss”, he panted, “it’s just hard work having a poo at altitude”. Welcome to my world. If you had romantic notions of climbing a mountain, you might want to think again. You don’t wash for more than a week (imagine the stink of the boys’ tents after seven days) and baby-wipes become your new best friend. There are no toilets on the summit (obviously) and you have been walking for up to seven hours straight, so you really do have to watch out for the yellow snow! I hope I am painting a nice picture here. We started out for the summit at around midnight. It was perishing cold and we knew we weren’t going to warm up because we weren’t going to be moving fast enough. You can only see the spot right in front of you, illuminated by your head torch (or in Matt’s case, a regular torch he had gaffa-taped to his head because he’d broken his other one), or if you happen to glance above as the crocodile of people zig-zags upwards, you can see the little line of bobbing torches from the groups ahead of you. It’s like sleepwalking on a really cold night. No one ever tells you that summiting a mountain is really, really…boring. You know you have six and a half hours until the sun comes up and you are just wishing the time away. Sam, the lad who was walking behind me, told me afterwards that he actually rested his head on my backpack and went to sleep every time there was a break. In my delirium, I just hadn’t noticed. The odds were completely stacked against us. There’s less than a fifty per cent chance of any individual making
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it up the mountain, so, as a group of 17, there should have been no way we were going to succeed. My money was on James, who threw up just about every twenty minutes all the way to the top. He’d been fine all week and then altitude sickness hit him right in the belly. Each time he paused, he dragged himself back up onto his feet. I asked him repeatedly if he wanted to stop and he would point at someone who was making their way down the mountain. “I’m not going to be THAT guy”, said James, and he would carry
so you can’t really grumble, and you’re pretty out of it anyway. One of the things that happens to you when you spend six weeks in the company of teenagers is that you develop speech impediments. You can’t say more than five words without adding ‘like’ to the sentence and it’s, like, so annoying. They also take everything literally, by which I mean, they use the word ‘literally’, literally all the time. We were all sat, in a complete daze, looking at the pink clouds and wheezing a little when Lucy piped up, “it literally takes your breath away, doesn’t it” and then we laughed so hard we almost had to crack open the oxygen cannisters. When you’re at Gilman’s you still have 200 metres to go…and those are the hardest we walked. It takes another two hours and getting to your feet is the biggest challenge. Something happened to us all then. We were absolutely shattered and then someone (I think it was Nick) shouted ‘Go Big, or Go Home!’ and suddenly we were all up and walking
on, stronger than before. I will never forget the wave of emotion that washed over me as the sun began to rise. We hadn’t quite reached Gilman’s Point and we all stood and turned and let the light warm us from toe to head. We dropped just where we had stood and waited for a few minutes to take in what was happening. It was like seeing the sunrise for the first time in your life. Harry, the clown of the trip and voted ‘the biggest liability’, offered me his hand and helped me to my feet. He said, “come on Miss, don’t get all mushy. Tell us to get cracking, like usual”. So I did, and we did. We all made it to Gilman’s for a cup of teawhich was horrible, because it was full of sugar, but you’re up a mountain,
again and it was pretty much do or die. When we got to the summit…and we all got to the summit, the tears really started to flow. I have never felt a swell of pride quite like it. It will forever be one of the most memorable moments of my life. I knew my lot were gutsy, but I couldn’t believe we were all up there, beating those stats. Through the tiredness and the cold came jubilation, relief and a release of every emotion. Hugs, kisses and pats on the back were given and team photos with rows of beaming teammates, young and…not so young were taken. It was a truly perfect moment. I will never, ever forget what that felt like. Coming down the mountain was brutal and exhausting, as was the three
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
Penny Harper
Small Town
Girl
hour trek that same afternoon to get down to the next camp. We were all too tired to eat, too tired to change out of our clothes, too tired to talk, and we flopped down onto our deflated air beds and slept. Back in Moshi the following day, we reverted to fighting over how long everyone got in the shower, who was sharing a room with whom and how much money we were allowed to spend on our evening meal. It was wonderful. At the dinner table that evening, we looked like one giant, dysfunctional family, all talking over one another, making a grab for the food, knocking over drinks and laughing our heads off. As we reached the Indian Ocean the next day, we had completed our coast to coast trip across Africa, from Namibia to Tanzania. Sure, we all looked wind and sun-burnt from the mountain, I had a chest infection, Harry had ring worm, Beth had blisters the size of a planet and Nick had lost half his bodyweight over the course of the six weeks, but we had made it! Physically battered but emotionally high as kites we all watched the sun set on our African adventure. Over the course of the journey we had walked with lions, spent seven days building a house for a Zambian family, got soaked to the skin at Victoria Falls, punted alongside hippos in Botswana, watched a cheetah bask in the midday sun, cooked 39 delicious meals over a campfire and climbed a mountain. Anyone who ever dismisses teenagers; writes them off as sulky, belligerent or lazy, obviously hasn’t invested enough time in getting to know them. At 15 and 16 years old, this was a life-changing experience for my group, who knew how lucky they were and who weren’t short of ways to express their emotions, their gratitude and their appreciation for where they were and what they had done. At 36 years old, it was an education for me too. I will never, ever forget the experience and the bonds we formed. It was an incredible chapter of my life. Bring on the next adventure, wherever and whenever it might be!
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
Self assessment taxation forms Property Taxation and National Insurance enquiries and investigations Inheritance taxation Pensions, including
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ou could say Raymond Brett has been around the block. There’s not many accountants who could boast the breadth and variety of experience that Raymond has gained from his many years as an accountant and tax specialist. “My job is really about making people happy,” says Raymond, “by taking away the stress of preparing accounts and tax returns and by saving them money and helping them plan for the future. It gives me real job satisfaction. I’m interested in people and in business and I thoroughly enjoy making sure the taxman doesn’t get more than he’s entitled to!” Raymond grew up in Pinner and trained and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with a medium sized firm in the City of London. He later became Senior Manager for a firm of national Chartered Accountants and then worked as a specialist for worldwide accountancy network BDO International (then BDO Stoy Hayward), before setting up his own firm. He is a Registered Auditor as well as a member of The Chartered Institute of Taxation and has a list of past clients that range from sole traders to multi-national companies. In 2005 Raymond became one of the first Chartered Accountants to be awarded the ACCA Quality Checked Award, which recognises that he applies best professional practice procedures and he has maintained these ever since. In the 1980s Raymond established his own practice in Berkhamsted and over the following years grew the business from a one man operation to a thriving company with some 50 employees and offices from Bournemouth to Beaconsfield. In 1998 he sold his business and considered retiring, but realised he just enjoys his job too much! He is now based near Princes Risborough and enjoys working with a modest client base of small and medium sized businesses for which he tackles tax related issues such as: helping the business grow whilst minimising tax liability (Income Tax, Corporation Tax, VAT, Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax); helping Sole Traders,
Raymond Brett FCA, FCCA, CTA Partnerships and Limited Liability Partnerships plan their tax strategies; reducing tax liabilities with the formation of limited companies and tax planning; dealing with rentals and lettings income and legally minimising any tax payable; and helping with, or doing, quarterly VAT returns. “I have a traditional, personal approach,” says Raymond, “in that I like to meet new clients face to face, to see if we would be comfortable working together and can build mutual trust - I offer an initial free, no obligation, meeting to see how we both feel. “It’s not all about last year’s accounts people need to know where they are going tomorrow, when they need to pay their tax and if they have enough finance to run the business. If they are not already doing so I can help them set up a proper method of bookkeeping. It’s an ongoing relationship ideally and that’s what makes the job fascinating. “I’ve always been interested in tax because it’s about saving people money, which gives me a lot of satisfaction. Tax returns are stressful to most people and they are often unaware of the expenses that can be claimed. On occasions I’ve had cause to challenge the Inland Revenue and I’ve never lost a challenge yet!” Raymond has also handled many tax
New business taxation planning Capital gains taxation Corporation tax Capital allowances
enquiries and never had a single client who has had to pay more tax as a result of that tax enquiry. His expertise has developed not just through many years of experience but with continued professional development and by keeping up with changes in regulations for both tax and general accounting. Raymond likes to work with small and medium sized businesses and individuals but is offering more than accountancy and bookkeeping: “It’s really a personal finance service with accountancy as the tool,” he says. Should you engage Raymond Brett Associates, you will be dealing with Raymond directly, not a junior member of staff but his fees are still extremely competitive as he operates with very low overheads. “Dealing with people’s money is a privilege,” says Raymond, “it’s a trust situation. I very much enjoy meeting new clients and building relationships and my job satisfaction comes from knowing they are happy and that I’ve saved them some money!” l Raymond Brett, FCA, FCCA, CTA, Raymond Brett Associates, Woodside, Westfields, Whiteleaf, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 0LH Telephone: 01844 346099 Email: info@raymondbrettassociates.co.uk Web: www.raymondbrettassociates.co.uk Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
contribution and benefits Benefits in kind Investment taxation PAYE and National Insurance compliance Self employed taxation Family company taxation Partnership taxation
No one wants to pay more tax than they have to but with complex and constantly changing tax regulations you, or your business, may well need the services of an expert, to legally minimise your obligations, or just to help you organise your returns and accounts...
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
If you’ve seen a Sanderum Centre sign and wondered what went on inside, read on - it’s not, as it sounds, a therapy clinic or scientific research lab, but you might well find their services useful... The Sanderum Centre at Thame
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amed after a parish in Denmark (Sanderum) and owned by two brothers, Michael and Richard Boughton, The Sanderum Centre Ltd actually operates two local business centres. The Sanderum Centre at Chinnor originally provided a home for Mike and Richard’s brewing industry equipment business (Micro Matic), but had more space than they needed and so the idea of letting out units as serviced offices came about. It proved a popular concept and the company has since taken on the adjacent building at Chinnor and a
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second site in Thame and in addition to the fully-furnished and serviced office space, has been providing secretarial support services, virtual offices, meeting rooms (from £12 per hour), hot-desking (from £10 per half day), ad-hoc admin and more, to a diverse range of businesses, for 15 years. The bright, stylish and modern buildings are conveniently located at the top end of the Upper High Street, Thame and in Chinnor on Oakley Road, not far from the co-op. Sanderum Centre secretarial and admin support services such as typing, spreadsheet work, photocopying, binding, collation,
bookkeeping and accounts are all available to non-residents as well as residents, as is hire of the Chinnor based meeting rooms. Small enterprises depending on answer machines to field calls and enquiries could benefit from a virtual office at The Sanderum Centre, where their services convey a professional image without the costs or commitment of a dedicated office space and staff. It’s ideal for start-ups, micro businesses, freelancers and anyone running online businesses from home. A virtual office with optional, ad-hoc support services could be just the kick-start you need to take your
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
Sanderum Centre at Chinnor
Sanderum Centre at Chinnor basis and providing additional support where business to the next level. It’s a spare pair of required. Katie has been with us 11 years hands when you need them without the stress and also deals with enquiries from new and of additional overheads when you don’t. prospective clients and has Services provided can be responsibility for letting the tailored to your own particular office space and ensuring new needs and circumstances; whether clients are settled in and aware you require a professional business of the facilities and support mailing address or would like call available. answering or some administrative “I have been with the support. You choose what you company for 20 years and can need, when you need it, without worrying about long-term offer accounts and business commitments. support from a business owner’s perspective, having had The Sanderum Centre’s friendly, Caroline Cope over 15 years experience of professional staff can answer the running a business myself.” phone in your company name, in accordance with your instructions and being a relatively “Our serviced offices are fully furnished small operation will personally know and and let on quarterly contracts for three, six or understand your business and become twelve months,” says Katie. recognised by your regular callers, just as your “The monthly fee is allown receptionist would be. inclusive, although firms are “We’ve built a really good team here,” says Managing Director Caroline Cope. “They are free to organise their own friendly, professional and focused on offering broadband (Cat 5 cabling is in place). Sizes range from really excellent customer service. Charlotte one person start-up offices, Ramskill (Senior Receptionist) and Megan to units for 10-12 people. Lindsay cover reception and admin support while Katie Austin is our Business Centre The buildings are secure and Katie Austin alarmed, reception is staffed Manager, overseeing operations on a daily
from 8.30am-5pm, Mon-Fri, while residents have 24-7 access. “We also offer a ‘hot desk’ facility, so if you don’t need an office full-time you can rent desk space with internet and phone for £20 per day, or £10 per half day!” The Chinnor centre has two comfortable, well-equipped (wipe boards, flip charts and LCD screen) meeting rooms, available to residents and non-residents by the hour at very reasonable rates. One caters for 8-10 people, the other up to six. Refreshments and lunches can be arranged too if required. The two Sanderum Centres offer handy, local, flexible options for small modern enterprises - services and accommodation that might be just what you need to kick-start your business or take it to the next level. See their website for more information, or contact Katie to have a look at the facilities. l The Sanderum Centre, Sanderum House, 38 Oakley Road, Chinnor, Oxfordshire, OX39 4TW The Sanderum Centre, 30A Upper High Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3EX Tel: 01844 353969 / 01844 211080 Email: hello@sanderumcentre.co.uk Web: www.sanderumcentre.co.uk
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
Last year’s inaugural Aylesbury Business Show was a vibrant jostle of talent, industry and ideas, showcasing an impressive selection of our area’s most exciting enterprises - and it’s back...
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ver 60 exhibitors have already signed up for this year’s Aylesbury Business Show, which takes place on Thursday, October 16th at Aylesbury Vale District Council’s Gateway offices from 10am to 4pm. From design agencies to web companies, accountants to training providers, cloud based solutions companies, stationery suppliers, car and van leasing and sales firms, secure documentation management companies and leaflet distributors, to name but a few! Rarely is there the opportunity to meet so many of the area’s leading small and medium sized businesses in one day, under one roof. Admission to the show is free and there is plenty of free parking available for visitors at the site too. Last year’s attendance figures reached over 400 and organisers are predicting considerably more will come to network and view the wide range of products and services being exhibited this year. The show is organised by Wilde Events, an Aylesbury based company formed three years ago to create a portfolio of bespoke events, across the Vale of Aylesbury, run in collaboration with event management students from Bucks New University. “The show is a great opportunity for
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The Jones & Cocks stand at last year’s event
local business to meet each other, network, find new suppliers and most importantly, find new customers.” says Wilde Events’ Communications Officer, Antony Baker. “And for businesses large and small to come together to explore collaborative local working. “This year’s show has many new features, including the free networking café, sponsored by Fieldstead Insolvency (see page 54), which it is hoped will be an enticing spot for both exhibitors and visitors to meet over coffee and discuss projects and opportunities. “Our headline sponsors for 2014 are; Aylesbury Vale District Council, Office Innovation and Lloyds Bank. Aylesbury Vale District Council will be on hand throughout the day to discuss their business plans and opportunities for local businesses to get involved and help shape the area. “There are many local businesses offering great service and excellent value and by connecting these businesses and encouraging
them to use each other’s products and services, contracts stay within the local community and help to boost our local economy. “After last year’s show a number of the exhibitors reported covering their costs in new business enquiries while at the show, and even more reported great feedback when they later followed up on leads they met at the show. “We look forward to welcoming a wide range of business people to the event, from small business owners and start-ups to larger companies that have branches in the Vale.” For more information or to enquire about exhibiting at the show, see contact details below. l Aylesbury Business Show Organiser: Wilde Events Tel: 01296 821533 Email: info@wildeevents.co.uk Website: www.aylesburybusinessshow.co.uk
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
If your business is struggling, or you are in personal financial difficulty, it may be wise to take advice sooner rather than later - ideally before the county court judgements start rolling in...
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s business tough? Are you struggling to remain within your overdraught limit? Is the bank looking to reduce your borrowing and creditors pressing for payment? Are you struggling to pay your VAT, tax or National Insurance payments? “These are often warning signs,” says David Butler, partner at Fieldstead Insolvency LLP - one of the Vale’s leading independent insolvency firms. David is a Licenced Insolvency Practitioner with many years experience dealing with corporate and personal insolvency, business recovery, restructuring and turnaround work. “It’s always more satisfying to restructure a business and see it continue on a more profitable footing, than to close the doors and make everyone redundant,” says David. “Directors and individuals seem better at seeking advice at an earlier stage nowadays than they used to be. The earlier you seek advice the more options there are and the less likely it is that your credit rating gets damaged. There may be the possibility of refinancing, remortgaging etc, whereas if it’s later and there’s a string of county court judgements it’s much harder to find potential lenders.” “Fieldstead can provide advice on all of the insolvency and recovery procedures available to companies, businesses and individuals. “We also assists creditors to ensure their rights are protected and help professional advisors with specialist knowledge so they can enhance their services to their clients. “Our clients are mostly small and medium sized entities,” says David. “We are a small practice so you will deal face to face with one of our partners, probably myself or Judith Hall. We’re independent, so not tied to any other professional services firms and offer a cost effective, competitive service, that is excellent value. “Initially we would arrange a free consultation, either face to face or over the phone, to find out what the situation is and then advise as to the available options and any recommendations we have. It’s then up to the client to decide which route they would like
David Butler to take.” David is originally from Yorkshire. He studied accountancy (BA Hons) at the London Metropolitan University and then stayed on in the city gaining valuable experience in auditing, accountancy and insolvency with firms such as Levy Gee, Moore Stephens and Nunn Hayward. In 2009, David, who had moved to Aylesbury with his wife and family in 1995, helped set up Hillier Hopkins Corporate Recovery LLP - specialists in all aspects of business recovery and personal insolvency within the Hillier Hopkins Group. Last year, with business partner Judith, he bought out his practice from Hillier Hopkins and renamed it Fieldstead Insolvency LLP. The practice is now based at The Innovation Centre on Gatehouse Way in Aylesbury. “We have big firm capabilities with a highly personalised, small firm approach,” says David. “If your business is in difficulty, providing you act quickly, there are often ways to save it before a formal insolvency process becomes the only option. Our approach is to work closely with you, your lenders and creditors to secure the future of the business. “Not all businesses can be saved though and in such situations we recommend the
right formal insolvency option to best preserve the value of the business, whether that be for its shareholders or its creditors. We will guide you through the formal procedures from start to finish, adopting a structured strategy in winding down a business and ensuring full compliance with statutory obligations. “For sole traders and partnerships there are many complex factors to take into account before considering formal insolvency procedures such as administration, a voluntary arrangement or bankruptcy; while for individuals in difficulties we can provide professional advice and a structured solution to guide you through the difficult times, giving peace of mind and helping you to move on to a positive future. We can also help you negotiate with your creditors on an informal basis. “On the other side of the coin, it is often thought that creditors never get anything out of an insolvency, but that doesn’t have to be the case. There are things that can be done to increase the chances of receiving a dividend and we can assist creditors, often without charge, in all matters related to creditors’ meetings and proving your debt. We also offer a service specifically for local authorities, helping them to maximise their recoveries. “Our profession is much more regulated than it was when I started out 25 years ago. You have to be a licenced insolvency practitioner now and undergo regular inspections. “I still very much enjoy the work though as we are helping people through difficult times and there is so much variety - from people who are potentially facing bankruptcy with £20,000 of credit card and loan debts to sizeable corporations with overseas interests we never know what might come in next!” l Fieldstead Insolvency - Licensed Insolvency Practitioners, 1st Floor, Barclays House, Gatehouse Way, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP19 8DB Email: enquiries@fieldstead.co.uk Tel: 01296 433303 Website: www.fieldstead.co.uk
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‘Hear no evil, speak no evil and you’ll never be invited to a party,’ ‘Some cause happiness wherever they go, others whenever they go!’ - Oscar Wilde was a comic genius as famous for his wit and flamboyance as for his novel, nine plays and numerous poems, short stories and essays. His finest comedy is about to bring mirth, merriment and bunburying to Aylesbury Waterside Theatre... The cast of The Importance of Being Earnest photographed at The Cadogan Hotel by Mary McCartney
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scar Wilde’s comic masterpiece is being brought to life in a production gracing the Waterside stage direct from the West End. With an all-star cast comprising Rosalind Ayres, Niall Buggy, Patrick Godfrey, Martin Jarvis, Christine Kavanagh, Cherie Lunghi, Sian Phillips and Nigel Havers, the plot of some of the finest dialogue to be found in theatre is sure to prove a hit in the Vale. Reporter Al Sentre spoke to cast member Nigel Havers, about returning to reprise his role in The Importance of Being Earnest, a production he was first involved in with the National Theatre 32 years ago, alongside fellow cast member Martin Jarvis. “Martin and I have always wanted to do The Importance again,” says Nigel, “and we’ve talked about it for years. Time went by and I woke up one morning and said to myself that we should do it before we all died. Martin felt that it was a fantastically good idea and that we should think about how to do it. In his opinion, being thirty years too old would not prove to be much of a barrier. Take the
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1950s film of The Importance of Being Earnest. Edith Evans as Lady Bracknell appears to be about eighty-five and Michael Redgrave and Michael Denison as Jack and Algy look as if they are both over fifty. Men did in those days. Ronald Harwood reminded us that The Importance is the funniest comedy in the English language and so we couldn’t hope to top it. However, we decided to ask somebody to give it a framing device and so it is Simon Brett who has written the witty prologue. I can’t give too much away but what I can say is that audiences will certainly get this play performed by actors of a certain age with extras thrown in.” Nigel has very happy memories of Sir Peter Hall’s 1982 production in which Messrs Havers and Jarvis were joined by a stellar cast including Dame Judi Dench as Lady Bracknell, Zoe Wanamaker as Gwendolyn and the late Anna Massey as Miss Prism. “We had a ball doing it,” recalls Nigel. “I think that it was the finest stage work I’ve ever done. We hope to have an equally good experience this time around but with a different spin. Peter Hall was extraordinary,
brilliant. I loved the atmosphere which he created in the rehearsal room and he had a really good handle on the play. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere generated by this 2014 production is the unexpected connection between this year’s revival and the National Theatre staging, as Nigel explains: “We asked Lucy Bailey to direct the production without knowing that she had sat in on our rehearsals back in 1982. Apparently she’d written to Peter, asking to meet him. So he invited her into the rehearsal room to watch and see how it worked. Lucy sat in a corner and observed. We had no idea about any of this and so it makes the most wonderful coincidence.” It was at this period, from the late 1970s into the early 1980s that Nigel emerged as a leading man. The success of the National Theatre’s Importance cemented the impact which his performance as Lord Andrew Lindsay, the hurdling aristocrat, had made in the Oscar-winning Chariots of Fire the previous year. “Looking back, in retrospect, it was indeed
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
- Oscar Wilde
Nigel Havers all happening for me. That was all down to my agent Michael Whitehall. I did whatever he told me to do and I just got on with it.” Whitehall is probably best known now as the irascible father of actor/comedian Jack Whitehall, Nigel’s godson. Hasn’t the senior Whitehall retired from representation to pursue a career in comedy? “I know but I’ve refused to leave” reveals Nigel.” I’ve always tended to go with the flow. I’m what’s known as a letter-box actor. I tend to do any script that comes through the front
door. My wife can’t understand it. She thinks that acting is faintly stupid. It’s not a proper job, she says. I’ve been very lucky in that I’ve worked with the best in the business.” Given his background as the younger son of Michael Havers, Margaret Thatcher’s Lord Chancellor, it is perhaps surprising that Nigel did not feel honour bound to follow the traditional Havers’ career path. “There was no family pressure on me to go into the law” he says. “I had an elder brother who was doing that for me. He is eighteen months older than me and he is now a top Silk but when we were both starting our respective careers he was extremely envious when I earned enough from acting to be able to buy an old car which he couldn’t afford. My Dad was very chuffed that I’d made a success of acting and it was only after he’d died that we discovered that he’d recorded every single piece of my television work.” Like many actors, Nigel prefers to look ahead: “I just don’t dwell in the past - it’s always the future which interests me. I don’t differentiate between film and theatre: I treat them all in the same way. Of course, there are separate techniques. If you have a camera stuck up your nose, you underplay, you speak quietly. But if you have an audience twenty feet away from you, you project. In fact,
my wife always complains that I project too much, particularly in restaurants!” Nigel recently concluded a lengthy run in Coronation Street, thoroughly relishing his role as the caddish Lewis, a character that had overtones of an earlier television triumph. “The Coronation Street cast and crew were the most delightful people who made me very welcome,” he says. “In a way, Lewis was a reincarnation of The Charmer. I thought that playing The Charmer would have ended my career but it was so successful that LWT wanted to revive it. “‘But I’m dead!’ I pointed out. ‘We can get round that’ they assured me. “Perhaps one of the reasons The Charmer worked so well was my turning to the camera. As we saw in House of Cards, if you talk directly to an audience, they feel as if they are colluding with you and they love it.” Tickets are selling fast, visit Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Box Office call 0844 871 7607 (bkg fee) or visit www.atgtickets.com/ aylesbury (bkg fee). l Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1UG Telephone Booking: 0844 871 7607 Website: www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury
Coming up at The Waterside Your at-a-glance guide to what’s on... Dawn French
Wed 24th Sep
The Drifters
Thur 25th Sep
Jackson Live in Concert
Fri 26th Sep
The Songs of Sister Act
Thu 2nd Oct
Rock ‘n’ Roll Paradise
Fri 3rd Oct
The Importance of Being Earnest
Mon 6th to Sat 11th Oct
Jim Davidson
Tue 14th Oct
The Hollies
Wed 15th Oct
The Illegal Eagles
Thu 16th Oct
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Tue 28th Oct
The Dreamboys
Wed 29th Oct
The Sensational 60s Experience
Thu 30th Oct
Psychic Sally on the Road
Fri 31st Oct
The Dreamboys Wednesday, October 29th
Dawn French Wednesday, September 24th
Sally Morgan Friday, October 31st
Jim Davidson Tuesday, October 14th
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
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l
Music Column:
Turn it up! with Stuart Robb
What a year, so far...
S Stuart Robb
Turn it up! Stuart Robb is an award-winning music professional who has supported the local music scene for over 15 years. He ran his own successful record label, and has organised countless gigs and music festivals (including Hobble on the Cobbles). Stuart is now actively supporting Friars Aylesbury, and the British Guitar Academy. Contact Stuart with local gig and music news at: stuart@stuartrobb.co.uk Add gigs to our website what’s on diary at: www.vale-life.co.uk
Live Music Saturday 20 September: Steve Rothery (solo album launch night) 7pm, Pendley Court Theatre, Tring. Saturday, 27 Sept: Five Fold Kiss, 10pm, ShootPool, Aylesbury. Sunday 28 September: Jam Night 8pm, The Queen’s Head, Aylesbury. Friday 10 October: Nevermind 10pm, ShootPool, Aylesbury. Saturday 11 October: The Brahmas (covers and originals) 9pm, ShootPool, Aylesbury. Saturday 11 October: Rockfall 9pm, The Weavers, Aylesbury. Friday 24 October: Engine Room (rock covers and originals) 10.30pm, ShootPool, Aylesbury. Sunday 26 October: Jam Night 8pm, The Queen’s Head, Aylesbury. Friday 31 October: Sinfiction (Indie) + Replica Rockaholics (rock/pop) 9pm, ShootPool, Aylesbury. Saturday 1 November: Ostinato (covers 80s - present) 9pm, The Bell, Tring. Saturday 15 November: Kevin Tait 9.30pm, The Green Man, Aylesbury. Ska Souls UK 9pm, The Weavers, Aylesbury. 60
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
teve Rothery’s long awaited debut solo album ‘The Ghosts of Pripyat’ is now available, having been released on September 22nd. Steve had this to say to Vale Life: “What a year it’s been so far! The Steve Rothery Band tour of Italy in February was a great success. We recorded the first night at the Crossroads Club and the album ‘Live in Rome’ was released last month, which has been very well received”. This stunning show sees Steve
and the band premiering some of the material from the solo album, along with a few Marillion favourites. Steve added: “The Rome concert was only the second time my band had performed together, but they are some of the finest musicians I’ve ever worked with and the concert was an unforgettable experience. The incredible interest I’m getting for the studio album from all round the world makes this an important record of the progression of ‘The
Ghosts of Pripyat’.” He continued: “At the end of May we also played the Santo Tirso guitar festival in Portugal, a great evening with the band sounding the best I’ve heard it, then in June we had an amazing two days at Real World studios recording live tracks and shooting the documentary footage for the special edition with Lasse Hoile”. I’m extremely proud of this album and hope you enjoy it!” For information and tour dates visit: www.steverothery.com
Band shines for Macmillan
L
et There Be Light has released a new single in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. The band comprises Damian Carruthers, Hollie Pearson and Abigail Pain, and together they recorded a song entitled ‘Heaven’ in memory of Damian’s stepfather, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in October 2012. Damian said: “We went to Regal House Studios to record the track. Whilst we were at the studio my real father passed away, so it kind of has double meaning to it now.” All proceeds from the song, which features the vocal talents of David Pickup, will be going directly to Macmillan Cancer Support and the song, and supporting video is available now. I caught up with them recently fort a short interview... Hi guys, so how did it all start? The band started in 2012,
almost by accident. I was living in a shared house at the time and vocalist David Pickup just happened to move in and we began writing songs together... we got our first live show because a band pulled out of a local gig and things just seemed to snowball from there. Soon we added Hollie Pearson on percussion and began touring and recording. I hear David has now left the band. Yes, earlier this year David left
the band to focus on his career working in hospitality, so we recruited Abbie Pain to take over. Apart from the single, what else have you got lined up? We have a UK tour planned for September to help promote the single and have plenty of press and radio involved, too. ‘Heaven’ is available on iTunes. For more information visit their website at: www.ltblband.com or their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/ lettherebelightmusic
They came, they saw, they hobbled...
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his year, our seventh Hobble on the Cobbles took place in Aylesbury Town Centre on August bank holiday weekend, but this time organised by Aylesbury Town Council. The free music festival is now firmly rooted in Aylesbury’s calendar, as one of the biggest and most successful events of the year and saw a total of 20 bands appear across four stages, during eight hours of live, (mainly local), music - this year headlined by Toploader.
Other stand out bands of the day were SkasoulsUK, Goldheart Assembly, El Bronson and Lost Minute, to name a few of the truly fantastic line up. Five year-old Jack Manders made a welcome return to HOTC, performing on drums, to a backing track of Bastille’s ‘Pompeii’ and enthused a packed Market Square. HOTC also played its part in a marriage proposal between Gareth Foster and Gemma Moreton. Gareth took to the
Showcase stage in Market Square, and in front of the audience asked that all important question, presented her with a sapphire engagement ring, and was delighted when she accepted. Every year the event just seems to get bigger and better... Thank you to everyone involved in making Hobble On The Cobbles another great success and trouble-free festival once again! See you all next year! www.hobbleonthecobbles.com
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
Where can you attend BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions with Jonathan Dimbleby, watch Mike Harding reading poetry, hear Michael Morpurgo talk about his new book and pick up some cooking tips from Tom Kerridge? At TAL 2014, that’s where...
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he Fifth Thame Arts and Literature Festival takes place from 15th-19th October, 2014. Thame’s annual celebration of the creative arts is now firmly established in the festival world as this year’s cornucopia of delights clearly shows. Events start on Wednesday 15th October with a visit from Lord Charles Spencer and his new book Killers of the King. Thursday evening could not be more different. Festival Folk Night at the James Figg features some extremely talented local musicians including Songs of the Urban Past. The festival explodes into full life on Friday and across the weekend with some 30 eclectic and fascinating events - talks, music, film, poetry, workshops and photography and subjects as diverse as The First World War, Cooking, Gardens, Genealogy, Antiques, Detective stories and so much more... New for this year is the Festival Film Club at The Players Theatre - on Saturday morning there’s a sing-along children’s showing of Frozen. Saturday evening In Secret, an adaptation of Zola’s Therese Raquin starring Jessica Lange. And on Sunday morning - A Night at the Cinema, a glorious miscellany of
Tales from the kitchen with Tom Kerridge, Thame Town Hall, 11am, Saturday
Mike Harding performs the poetry of The Connemara Cantos at The Players Theatre, 3pm, Sunday.
films and newsreels that recreate a typical night out at the cinema in 1914. Michael Morpurgo, the writer of War Horse, brings us Listen to the Moon - another chilling tale from the First World War for all ages; Mike Harding, folk singer, broadcaster and legend of Rochdale, performs poetry from his brand new collection, The Connemara Cantos; and Paul Atterbury, Antiques Roadshow expert, tells the story of the First World War in 100 family treasures. With Tom Kerridge’s best ever dishes, the tale of a Rugby club who lost so many players in the trenches, a thrilling modern spy story, the real life of servants in England’s past, Mindfulness, the real story behind Lord Lucan, the Galapagos Islands, and the most amazing stand-up mathematical comedian you
have ever heard, we are absolutely sure there is something for everyone. The Book House Founder’s lecture this year features the eminent Professor of English and literary critic, John Carey who reflects on a life in academia and the media in conversation with the BBC Senior Producer, Beaty Rubens. Enjoy music from the Claydon String Trio on Friday (4pm at Rumseys) and Thame Chamber Choir on Saturday and marvel at the irrepressible, Ian English and his pop-up choir, then finish the weekend with a literary pubquiz, courtesy of Thame Book Club. l Thame Arts and Literature Festival 15th-19th October various venues. Website: www.talfestival.org Tel: 0871 288 3420 Festival Director: Yvonne Maxwell Email: yvonne@talfestival.org Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
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Welcome... Eat Well, Laugh Much, Drink Often...
Welcome... Andy and Emma welcome you to The Boot, modern country pub and eating house, in the heart of the picturesque Chiltern Hills. Join us for a casual drink, a delicious evening meal or a leisurely Sunday lunch, you will always be greeted with a friendly smile and attentive service.
ober 2014
FC, Thame
Our Christmas Menu is being served from November 18th. Christmas Party bookings now being taken for lunch or dinner. Open: Tue-Sat : 11am-11pm Sundays: 12noon-7pm Food served: Tue-Sat: 12noon-2.30pm and 6pm-10pm (from 5pm Fridays) Coffee and pastries from 11am Sundays: 12noon-6pm. Closed Mondays
4 October 2014 th
Chinnor2014 RFC, Thame 4th October
4th October 2014
Chinnor RFC, Thame
Fully Licensed Bar
Midday till late
Midday till late
Glass & Pint £10 Entry
Fully Licensed Bar Chinnor RFC, Thame
40Entry Guest Ales £10 Fully Licensed Bar
Chinnor Road, Bledlow Ridge, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4AW Tel: 01494 481499 | Email: theteam@theboot-bledlowridge.co.uk Website: www.theboot-bledlowridge.co.uk
40 Ciders & Special lagers40 Guest Ales 01844 213735
Free Oktoberfest Glass & Pint 40 Guest & Ales Free Oktoberfest Glass Pint Live Music
Live Music
Gourmet BBQ
40 Ciders & Special lagers
£2.50 Per Pint £2.50 Per Pint
Gourmet BBQ
01844 213735
40 Ciders & Special lagers
01844 213735
£2.50 Per Pint
clubhouse@chinnor-rfc.com
clubhouse@chinnor-rfc.com
clubhouse@chinnor-rfc.com
Midday till late £10 Entry
Fully Licensed Bar
Free Oktoberfest Glass & Pint
40 Guest Ales
Live Music
40 Ciders & Special lagers
01844 213735
Gourmet BBQ
£2.50 Per Pint
clubhouse@chinnor-rfc.com
Stay Warm This Winter! Dry Logs
Prompt Delivery
Pick Up Only
Pre-Packed Coal
For Open Fires & Multifuel Stoves
Visit Us For:
lagers
01844 213735
lagers
clubhouse@chinnor-rfc.com 01844 213735 clubhouse@chinnor-rfc.com
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
- Large Selection Of Fruit & Vegetables - Extensive Freezer Selection- Home Produced Lamb & Beef - Top Brand Pet Foods & Animal Feeds - Chiltern Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil -
P E Mead & Sons Farm Shop Wilstone, Nr Tring, HP23 4NT 01442 828478 www.pemeadandsons.co.uk
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Hot and cold food on offer, plus live music on Saturday night from festival favourites Dragon Drop
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he 21st annual Aylesbury Beer Festival in aid of Florence Nightingale Hospice returns on Friday 24th (6pm-11pm) & Saturday 25th (11am-11pm) October - at Bucks CC Sports & Social Club, Lower Road, Stoke Mandeville, HP21 9DR - bringing the Hospice Silver Jubilee celebrations to a festive close, with a selection of real ales, cider and perry to really whet the appetite! Supported by CAMRA The two-day event, in partnership with CAMRA, promises festival-goers the chance to sample quality ale from a number of local breweries including: XT, Rebellion and Vale, and new for this year, all drinks will be only £3 a pint! It’s a great opportunity to come together for some fun, froth and frolic in this well-supported community event raising funds for Florence Nightingale Hospice.
Last year’s Mayor of Aylesbury Cllr Tom Hunter-Watts, centre, enjoying a pint at the 2013 festival with David Roe of CAMRA and Teresa King of FNHC. Pic: Bucks Herald who support sick children from birth to 19 in the familiarity of their own homes often ‘round the clock’. The Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity would like to thank local breweries including XT, Aylesbury Brewhouse, Rebellion, Vale, Chiltern and Tring for their support.
What your £3 means Since the festival started two decades ago, it has raised thousands of pounds for the Florence Nightingale Hospice, which is based in Stoke Mandeville and provides a complete package of care for local families affected by life-limiting illness, through both in-patient and at-home services, including: Day Hospice, Nightingale 24/7 (providing vital home-based care and support) and the Florrie’s Children’s Team - paediatric nurses Bic
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Tickets cost £5 in advance or £6 on the door. Simply call Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity’s Fundraising Team on: 01296 429975, or pop in to any of the Charity’s Hospice shops in Aylesbury, Wendover, Chinnor, Winslow and Leighton Buzzard, or visit Aylesbury Tourist Information. E-tickets can also be sent out this year for convenience so you can purchase a ticket over the phone while at your office desk, out and about on your mobile phone, or from home - it couldn’t be easier!
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From 12-4pm on Saturday, there will be children’s arts and crafts activities as well as face-painting.
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l The Florence Nightingale Hospice www.fnhospice.org.uk Facebook: /florencenightingalehospice Twitter: @fnhospice
How to get your ticket
Stoke Mandeville Hospital To Stoke Mandeville & Princes Risborough
Travel by bus - the Arriva Service 55, Service Line 300, Red Route 9 and Green Route 4 buses provide a regular service to the venue, which is opposite Stoke Mandeville Hospital, from Aylesbury Town Centre and further afield. www.arrivabus.co.uk/buckshealthcare Travel by train - Stoke Mandeville station is a 20 minute walk to the venue. www.chilternrailways.co.uk
Aylesbury Brewhouse l Chiltern Brewery l Rebellion Brewery l Rough Old Wife l Tring Brewery l Vale Brewery l Westons Cider l Windsor & Eton Brewery l XT Brewery
The annual Aylesbury Beer Festival involves supping a bevvie or two in aid of our local Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity. Every pint bought raises vital funds for the organisation which provides hospice care for local people. So charge your glasses and drink up for a great cause...
For more information or a full festival list of breweries and brews, visit: www.aylesburybeerfestival.org.uk or www.fnhospice.org.uk and sup up in support of Florence Nightingale Hospice. Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
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Win Good Beer Guide
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he Good Beer Guide 2015 recommends the best pubs in Britain for real ale drinkers. With 178 pubs listed in the Central Southern region alone, the chunky tome is published by CAMRA (The Campaign for Real Ale) and compiled through independent judgement and recommendations, meaning pubs are chosen on merit alone rather than being charged for an entry, as is the case with many other guides. If you have a passion for ale and want to know the best places to find it, then this book could be an invaluable resource. The pub guide is broken down by region and also town, which makes it easy to find the best pubs in your area or another area of the country you might want to visit. It’s an exciting time for beer drinkers too - according to the Good Beer Guide 170 new breweries have
started up in the UK over the last 12 months. There are now 1,285 breweries operating in Britain and the country can boast that it has more breweries per head of population than any other country in the world. It’s the biggest number of British breweries since the 1930s and 40s and the industry is growing at over 10% a year, with nearly all new breweries producing caskconditioned real ales as their core products. If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a copy of CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide 2015, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk How many breweries are currently operating in Britain? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by October 25th, 2014. l www.camra.org.uk
Win meal for two at The Bell, Stoke Mandeville
T
he Bell, on Lower Road, Stoke Mandeville, has topped off an amazing first year under new owners by being recognised as County Dining Pub of the Year for Buckinghamshire by The Good Pub Guide 2015, which combines consumer reviews and a judging panel to pick a winner for each county. James and Nicky Penlington opened the doors to The Bell in January 2013 and have turned the tired old boozer into a stylish and welcoming, modern, dining pub, without losing that village pub feel. Now known for consistently good food, warm service, well kept ales and a wide selection of international wines, the latest award tops a list of recent accolades. “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this recognition,” says James. “There has been a lot of hard graft from all involved to get The Bell to this point but we’ve had fantastic support from the local community in Stoke Mandeville and the surrounding villages. “We set out to make The Bell the sort of place that my family and I would like to come to. Our food is simple, honest fare, cooked freshly on the premises and it’s been 64
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
The Bell
James and Edward
really well received. Customers have recommended our combination of well-cooked food and relaxed, informal atmosphere and their support and reviews have made us the No.1 pub for the local area on the review site TripAdvisor. To now get national recognition is hugely rewarding. “We cater for all dietary requirements and keep our menu gluten free where possible. If we can, we source our ingredients from within a ten mile radius and have found some fabulous local producers - our Orchard View Farm sausages are always a big
hit and are produced only a mile and a half away in Little Meadle. “Dishes range from Slow Roast Pork Belly, Butterbean, Tomato & Chorizo Cassoulet; to Spiced Fishcake, Cucumber & Piquillo Pepper Salsa; or Barnsley Lamb Chop, Mint Pea Purée, Sauteed Potato & Rosemary Jus. There’s small plates or starters such as Superfood Salad, Grilled Mackerel, Pea Shoots, Pickled Ginger & Soy; or Bubble & Squeak, Smoked Bacon, Poached Egg & Hollandaise; while on the Bar Menu there’s Scampi, Chips & Peas; Chicken
Caesar Salad, Crispy Bacon & Anchovy; or Roast Beef, Horseradish Crème Fraiche & Watercress Sandwich, Chips & Salad. Puddings are equally tempting; Sticky Toffee Pudding & Butterscotch Sauce; Banoffee Pie & Caramelised Banana; or Vanilla Panna Cotta & Berry Compote to name a few. On Sundays Roasts are served from 12pm-8.30pm (booking advised) with a choice of Pork with Crackling & Apple Sauce; Beef & Yorkshire Pudding; or Lamb with Mint Sauce. All come with Braised Red Cabbage, Root Vegetable Purée, Seasonal Greens, Roast Potatoes & Yorkshire Pudding and cost £13.50. If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning dinner for two, with a bottle of house wine, at The Bell, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Which county is The Bell in? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by October 25th, 2014.
l The Bell, 29 Lower Road, Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire, HP22 5XA Tel: 01296 612434 Email: info@bellstokemandeville.co.uk Web: www.bellstokemandeville.co.uk
l Column: Jacqui
Simple the best
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hen it comes to food, simple is often best. Traditional Victoria Sponge, good old steak and chips, comforting cheese on toast, or early morning bacon sarnies on really good bread - all these things can be perfectly executed with little need for fuss. Every now and then though, I just need something, well, different. Tonight I’m off out to a restaurant near Mr F’s hometown, where the menu consists mostly of burgers and steak. Not just any old burgers and steak though, seven different cuts of steak (or a mixed grill if you simply cannot choose) and eighteen, yes EIGHTEEN, variations of burger. There are small plates and salads available, but when online reviews promise the ‘best burgers’ in the local vicinity, which are ‘to die for & on par (if not better) than high end
Farmers’ Markets Aylesbury: Old Market Square, last Tuesday of month, 9am-2pm. Diane Fawcett: 01296 585880 / dfawcett@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk Haddenham: Vale Harvest, Haddenham Village Hall, Haddenham, HP17 8EE. 1st Sat of month, 9am-1pm. Web: http://valeharvest.weebly.com/ Thame: Upper High Street. 8.30am1.30pm, 2nd Tuesday of month and every 5th Saturday, www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk Tel: 01844 212833 Tiddington: Sandy Lane Farm. Every Thursday, 2pm-6pm, Charles Bennett, Email: enquiries@ sandylanefarm.net Tel: 01844 279269. Tring: Alternate Saturdays at: The Marketplace, Brook Street, Tring, 9am-12.15pm, enquiries@ tringfarmersmarket.co.uk Tel: 01442 842252 www.tringfarmersmarket.co.uk
Thorndyke ‘Foodie On Tour’
London restaurants’, well, what’s a Foodie to do - I’ll take one of those thank you very much. In fact, I’m currently struggling to decide between The Frenchie: topped with pan fried Foie Gras, gingerbread and truffle mayo, and the Crabby Patty: a pan fried crab burger with baby herb leaf, tomato and spicy mayo. Decisions, decisions. The trend for gourmet burgers with endless topping choices clearly isn’t a new thing; neither is pulled pork, which seems to be on 90% of all menus these days. But some trends do stick around for a while, ultimately ending up shoehorned on mainstream chain restaurant menus, in a sad kind of ‘child star’ style downward spiral. 2012 trends predicted by The Telegraph included: cheap cuts of meat, slow roasted and served up with store cupboard essentials; all things picked, inspired by kimchi (Korean pickled cabbage);
meatballs; salt beef; casual dining (think minimal interiors or supper clubs); and doughnuts. All recession-friendly and easy on the pocket. Jump forward to 2014 and slow cooked meats are still on menus, you’ll likely still see kimchi and salt beef kicking around and supper club popularity continues to rise. According to The Guardian though, future food trends are much scarier. Kale ice lollies? Please God no. Smart knives that can check the levels of harmful bacteria while you’re cutting? Too much information. Alcohol awareness ice cubes, which warn you if you’re drinking too fast? No thank you. Sensors embedded in your teeth that report your diet and smoking habits back to your doctor? No. Freaking. Way. There’s a fine line between genius and crazy, but you sometimes have to go a little crazy to find the genius ideas. Personally, I can’t
Wendover: Off High Street, 3rd Saturday of month 10am-1pm, Wendover Parish Council: 01296 623056
l P E Mead & Sons Farm Shop, Wilstone, Near Tring, Hertfordshire, HP23 4NT. Tel; 01442 828478 Web: www.pemeadandsons.co.uk Mon-Sat: 9am-5.30pm, Sun: 9am4.30pm
Winslow: Market Square, 1st Sunday in month, 10am-2pm, Winslow Town Council: 01296 712448 www.winslowbucks.org
Farm Shops l Bucksum Farm Shop, Shabbington Field Farm, Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire, HP18 9EU Tel: 07784 333977 Email: david@bucksum.co.uk Website: www.bucksum.co.uk Wed 12-5pm & Sat 9am-1pm
l Peterley Manor Farm, Peterley Lane, Prestwood, Great Missenden, Bucks HP16 0HH Tel:01494 863566 Web: www.peterlymanorfarm.co.uk Open: Tue-Sat 8.30am-5pm, Sun 9am-1pm l Sandy Lane Farm, Sandy Lane, Tiddington, Oxfordshire, OX9 2LA Tel: 01844 279269
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
Jacqui Thorndyke
wait to see what comes next , and I’m all in favour of a little crazy – you just won’t catch me near the kale lollies! l Bitten Street Food Festival is on Oct 4th at the Oxford Castle Quarter. Follow Bitten Oxford on Twitter or Facebook (BittenOxford) for further details, or visit the website at www.bittenoxford.co.uk. l For local food and restaurant reviews and recommendations, visit www.foodieontour.co.uk, or follow Jacqui on Twitter @FoodieOnTour. To contact Jacqui directly, please email: foodieontour@yahoo.co.uk enquiries@sandylanefarm.net Web: www.sandylanefarm.net l Seasons Farm Shop, Home Farm, North Dean, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4NQ Tel: 01494 562481 Web: www.seasons-farmshop.co.uk Open Mon-Sat, 9am-5.30pm l Terrick Beef, Grove Farm, Risborough Road, Terrick, Buckinghamshire HP17 0UA Telephone: 07767 493653 Email: terrickbeef@yahoo.co.uk Web: www.downonthefarm.co.uk Open first Fri (12-6pm) & Sat (10am-1pm) of each month
l Howe Farm, Ashendon Road, Dorton, Nr Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0NY. Tel: 07852 417218 Email: Amber@howefarmshop.co.uk Web: www.howefarmshop.co.uk l Orchard View Farm, Stockwell Lane, Little Meadle, Buckinghamshire, HP17 9UG Tel: 01844 273387 / 07968 560724 Email: Helen@orchardviewfarm.co.uk Web: www.orchardviewfarm.co.uk Open: Tue-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm, Sun 10am-4pm Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
65
l Column: Alan Candy’s Altomobiles
Juking around Nissan Juke NISMO
W
e’ve all heard of the Nissan Juke. But how about NISMO? This is where Juke gets interesting. NISMO is Nissan’s performance brand and the Juke is the first road car in Europe to wear its badge. I’ve met it, driven it and I’m impressed. Mightily. I haven’t had so much fun in a car since the last GTI. Comparisons are difficult, because the VW Golf is a hatch and Juke is a crossover but you get my point. Once word gets round, NISMO could soon stake its own claim to fame. Juke is already famous for its Marmite looks – you either love it or hate it. One of my friends says it’s the ugliest car he’s ever seen. I’m in the other Marmite camp. I believe Juke is a startlingly brilliant piece of timeless automotive art. NISMO takes Juke a huge step forwards in terms of design,
Alan Candy’s
AltomobilES performance and handling. The 1.6 DiG-T version I drove in Storm White (yes, white is still the ‘in’ colour) boasted the familiar high riding stance and bulbous wings. But NISMO adds red outside mirror caps with in-built indicator strips, smart grey side sills with a red stripe and a chunky rear roof spoiler, plus fabulous 18inch alloys. Inside, NISMO is equally smartly dressed. Let’s start with the three-spoke sports steering wheel, which features a unique soft suede section where the hands
Nissan Juke NISMO rest and a red strip that indicates the top centre. There’s a black and grey colour scheme that works effectively and red piping detail on gearbox surround,
wheel and seats, plus a generous helping of ‘piano black’ gloss surfacing. All switchgear is located on the centre stack and is logically
Telephone:
A ll makes serviced & R epaired
BMW & MINI specialist
01844 353388
40 Oakley Road, Chinnor, Oxfordshire, OX394ES (to rear of Claremont Automatics) Email: johnnixey@btconnect.com
Telephone: 01844 353388 l Bosch Car Service Centre
T ired of Main D ea ler Pri ces? We can service your car and m aint ain your warranty by using genuin e par ts and oil and working to your m anufacturer’s guidelin es. l l l l l l
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
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
l MOTs including Class VII (3.5 tonnes) l Servicing, repairs, tyres, exhausts and air
conditioning for cars and light commercials l Diagnostics: we have the most up to date work
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l High ceilings and long ramps enable us to service
long wheelbase vans, campers and trucks
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Next to Chiltern View Nurseries, Wendover Road, Weston Turville
arranged; the driver has a choice of Normal, Sport and Eco drive modes; the tuner is simple to operate and the touchscreen sat-nav can miraculously be
understood and set in seconds. There’s even a retro CD slot, although Juke boasts hands-free phone, colour reversing camera, Continued on page 69
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
GS Motors had a tough year after a fire at their garage, last July, left them without premises. The family kept going though working from temporary accommodation and are now back at their newly rebuilt and rather smart workshop on Smeaton Road, ready to take care of your car...
G
S Motors, named after owner Gurdeep (Pip or Pepe) Sagoo, is a family garage based at Smeaton Road, Aylesbury, next door to Euro Car Parts. Pip is an experienced mechanic who inherited his interest in cars from his father, who also ran a garage in Aylesbury, many years ago: “I came to England with my family from Kenya when I was about four,” he says. We moved to Aylesbury in 1965, my father was an engineer at Luton airport and later started his own garage. As a teenager, I used to go down at weekends and help out.” Pip went to Mandeville School and then took a City & Guilds in mechanics at Aylesbury College, going on to work for GS Motors team: Pali and Gurdeep (Pip) Sagoo, their son Sanjay and trainee mechanic Alex Merrits Jaguar dealership. “I’ve worked on most types of car over the Pip’s wife Pali works for the Post Office worked well for us so far, we have a lot of years,” he says. “I set up my own business in part-time and helps out with admin and repeat business from our loyal customers. the early 1990s and have had workshops in reception at GS Motors when she can: “We “We cater for all types of mechanical work, several different locations around Aylesbury bought the Seaton Road workshop five years from services and MOTs, to fault-finding, since then. ago,” she says, “and repairs, gearboxes, electrical work, full engine “My son Sanjay has things were going rebuilds, tyres, exhausts... anything. We don’t followed me into the trade. really well. But then the just have the diagnostic equipment, we also He’s 25 now and a fully garage was gutted in the have the knowhow to resolve any issues. qualified mechanic - he fire and we had a really “Euro Car Parts is right next door too, studied at Cherwell College. worrying time waiting which means we can usually get any parts Sanjay is very good with for the insurance needed quite quickly.” all the latest technology, company to investigate “I enjoy the work,” says Pip, “We cater for computers and diagnostic and check we weren’t all makes and models of vehicle, so you never software. I’m more at fault for the blaze. know what’s going to come in, there’s plenty Reception and waiting area traditional in my approach It then took a year for of variety. I like the challenge of diagnosing and have a lot of experience to draw on, so it to be rebuilt, so we took what the problem is. I’ve been it’s a good combination. on alternative premises around cars for a long time “Alex is our trainee mechanic who helps out at Griffin Lane to tide us and there’s not much I haven’t when not studying at college.” over. We had to replace all seen! Hopefully Sanjay will our tools and equipment, it take over the business one Workshop wasn’t easy but we are back day. We have a state of the in our workshop now and art, fully equipped facility everything is new, smart and Sanjay at work here and offer a first class clean and all is looking good. service. From an oil change “We now have the facility to undertake to an engine change, there is no job too big Class 7 commercial vehicle MOTs as well as or too small!. Class 4 and we are looking to take on another l Unit 21 Anglo Business Park, Smeaton Close, full-time mechanic and expand the business.” Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8UP “We aim to offer a friendly, honest and Telephone: 01296 425 000 accommodating service. We are a small local Email: info@gsmotorsltd.co.uk firm, so we depend on doing a good job and Website: www.gsmotorsltd.co.uk people passing the word around, which has Open Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-1pm
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
Continued from page 67 USB port, AUX socket for MP3 players and Nissan Connect with six speakers. But all this would count for little if the NISMO didn’t excite the senses on the move. This it does in some style. The smooth 1.6-litre 200hp unit is a potent reminder of just how good a tuned petrol engine can be, putting diesel back in the dark ages. It’s everything you hope it might be - zesty, with a lusty pull right through the range and dynamic response when you put your foot down - the NISMO can smack past the 62mph mark in a very quick 7.8 seconds. Juke’s major trump card is the superb high driving position and the mystery is how Nissan
have managed to make such a tall-riding car perform so well. Being able to see the bonnet and bulging headlamps allows the driver to ‘point and shoot’ the car with pinpoint accuracy and the NISMO has no qualms about attacking bends with barely any lean and great adhesion. A slick six-speed manual gearbox adds to the driving fun. The boot is disproportionately small, yet with the back seats down, a decent amount of space is achieved. A minor grumble in the great scheme of things with this great (yes, GREAT) car. Factfile: Nissan Juke NISMO, £20,395 (Juke prices start at £13,420) Sports suspension and steering set-up Fuel combined: 40.9mpg CO2: 159g/km
Tyres l Exhausts l Brakes l Servicing MOT Testing (class 4 & 7) l Air-Con Regas l Latest 4 Wheel Alignment Technology l l
Tyred and Exhausted is an independent, family-run garage, doing much more than tyres and exhausts! We are expert mechanics and have solid knowledge in all areas of vehicle repairs, servicing and MOT testing and provide a first-class service at competitive prices. 2a & 3a Broadfields Court (opposite Tesco), Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 8BU Tel: 01296 432552 Web: www.tyredandexhaustedaylesbury.co.uk
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Independent commercial vehicle repairs (all makes) Servicing l Inspections l MOT preparation l Breakdowns l Recovery service l Class 4/7 MOTs l courtesy vehicles l Mobile on-site servicing l
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69
l Column: On
The Road
Buckle up! Peugeot RCZ-R
I
f ever there was a car that gave a manufacturer an instant hike in the credibility stakes it’s the Peugeot RCZ. No disrespect intended, and hopefully none taken, but while Peugeot produce a worthy range of cars to suit all sizes, tastes and needs, there was no real stand-out product. Until RCZ came along in 2010. It’s fair to say it’s been a hit for the French manufacturer. And now it’s got a racy engine to go with its sleek, racy looks. RCZ-R is without doubt the stand-out model in their range. Put simply, something of a driving sensation. Its modestly sized 1.6 litre four cylinder engine forces 270bhp through the wheels to give this French exocet a sub six second sprint to 62mph and a 155mph top speed. And believe me, it’s far too easy to get to the wrong side of what’s acceptable in terms of speed limits (small efficient engines
Rob Auchterlonie
ON The Road seem to have been a recurrent theme in recent weeks…). The race bred engine (witness the subtle Peugeot Sport stamping under the bonnet) gives the neat coupe an almost indecent turn of speed, and the sound coming out of the back end via the two large exhaust pipes emphasises that. If you like cars that sound like they’re doing the business, then this is one for you. There’s a tiny turbo under the bonnet but with a very big heart…. Continued on page 72
Tel: 01844 274652
Email: info@risboroughservicecentre.co.uk
www.risboroughservicecentre.co.uk Chinnor Road, Bledlow, Princes Risborough, Bucks HP27 9PH
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Aston Martin • Jaguar • Subaru • Landrover Mercedes • BMW • V W • Audi
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Motologic Autocentre Unit 7, The Point, Gatehouse Way Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 8DB Tel: 01296 422226 www.moto-logic.co.uk Tyres l Brakes l Batteries l Servicing l Exhausts l MOTs Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
71
Peugeot RCZ-R
Continued from page 70 The intention from Peugeot was a develop a more intense version of the RCZ that had ultra-high performance for sporting use on a race track while retaining comfort for everyday use. Consider the box ticked. The view from the door mirrors is all sweeps and curves around the rear arches. Low and squat, with a purposeful gait. The ride height is lowered and there’s a large fixed rear spoiler to improve aerodynamic efficiency. A unique feature you won’t easily miss from the outside is the double bubble Batman’s bum rear window and roof, reminiscent of their Le Mans racer from a year or two back, with its unique curve that is curiously barely evident from the inside. There’s very little wind noise out on the open road, possibly because the exhausts are doing a good job drowning it out.... And there’s a nicely balanced feel in normal mode and it sits well on the road – but that can change when you call up the performance available and things get a bit ‘ooh, err’ as the front wheels struggle a touch to control all those horses
Tel: 01296 658257
surging through them. It’ll torquesteer like a goodun if you don’t feed the power in smoothly. But it’s a fluid mover on narrow, twisty and sweeping lanes. It’s one that sits well on the road – a car that gives you a warm glow of familiarity once you’ve completed a few miles together. And as a day to day car it has a degree of practicality – courtesy of its ability to carry four people (two adults and two ewoks) and has a decent enough boot space. Colour combination of any car is crucial to the final effect - this one came with Mercury Grey paintwork, trimmed inside in grey leather and alcantara and set off by its very smart 19 inch R alloy wheels. A real eye catcher, head turner, call it what you will. FASTFACTS: Peugeot RCZ-R THP 270; £32,000; 1598cc four cylinder, 270bhp, 330Nm; six speed manual gearbox; top speed 155mph, 0-62mph 5.9 secs; Fuel – urban 33.6, extra urban 55.4, combined 44.8; CO2 145g/ km (VED £140); Will it fit the garage? 4294/2107/1352 (l/w/h).
e us a try! v i G y ed riendl ’t be disappoint F & n o t Fas You w
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Servicing & repairs 4 wheel laser alignment Engine diagnostics Servicing and lrepairs l Latest diagnostic equipment l Courtesy car available 4 wheel alignment Diesel tuning and ECU remaps l 24Hr recoverylaser & vehicle movements l Diesel tuning and ECU remaps MOTs arranged Tyre's, Brakes, Clutches, Exhausts l Fast and friendly service l Full workshop facilities l
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www.autotorque.net
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
All cars welcome, especially Evos, Mitsubishi and Nissan GTRs! Call Chris for more details: 01296 658257
a speciality
Peugeot RCZ-R
Les Liney
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We have over 20 years of Land Rover experience…
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Ford Fiesta 2.0 ST 3dr 2005 (05 reg), Hatchback, 121,305 miles, Manual, 2000cc, Petrol, Black, Part leather ST sports seats, A/C, 17” 11 spoke alloy wheels, Full service just done, New tyres, brakes & suspension, Electric front windows, Remote central double locking…£3,995
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Land Rover Range Rover Sport 2.7 TDV6 HSE 5dr Auto 2007 (07 reg), 4x4, 115,000 miles, Automatic, 2700cc, Diesel, Grey, Front & Rear Parking sensors, Black Leather, Privacy Glass, Premium navigation system, Premium leather upholstery, Personal telephone integration system with Bluetooth, 19” V spoke alloy wheels with spare wheel…£14,995 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6 HSE 5dr Command Shift 2010 (60 reg), 36,000 miles, Auto, 3000cc, Diesel, Black, HDD Premium navigation including voice control & touch screen, Premium leather, Bluetooth, Front & Rear Park sensors, Rear view camera, 20” alloy wheels, iPod/USB/MP3 connection…£30,995
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73
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Andrews of Thame Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2014
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2014
75
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