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Sept/Oct 2013
See our website at: www.vale-life.co.uk
Free local listings for events and businesses
Inside: Nifty shades
Autumn colours are something to see
Here’s lovely
Different clothes for women and girls
Animal quackers
Pet boutique opens Aylesbury store
Weigh to go!
Parcel firm takes on post office
Cover picture: The Almighty Abseil Photographed by Pow Pow Pictures www.powpowpictures.com See page 7
Penny, Ruby, Hero, Naomi, Amanda, and much, much more...
w dinner for Two at the thatch, Thame w £100 Voucher for Aylesbury Bullion w w £100 Voucher for Ella Jane Gifts w Good Pub Guide w A Pair of Skribbies w
“Bringing you more than warmth”
JØtul “fighting the cold since 1853” Call in to see the range of JØtul stoves on display
The most comprehensive showroom in Oxfordshire Over 75 stoves and 15 under fire on display Kiln dried and Eco logs
Jøtul – logo
HETAS registered. Ample free parking. Boundary Business Park, Wheatley Road, Garsington, OX44 9EJ Showroom open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm, Saturday 10am-1pm For technical advice it is advisable to make an appointment
01865 361505 www.manorhousestoves.co.uk Featured stoves from JØtul
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
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Vale Life : Jun/July 2013
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For all your stone needs... Internal stone at our Gallery in Thame The Gallery Stoneworld, 43A Upper High Street, Thame, Oxon, OX9 2DW. Tel: 01844 279307 Email: sales@stoneworld.co.uk
External stone at Great Milton
Views Farm, Great Milton, Oxon, OX44 7NW. Tel: 01844 279274 Email: sales@stoneworld.co.uk
Stoneworld is a family-run, independent company offering help and advice on all aspects of stone purchase and use
Our extensive range includes: l Over 30 different natural stone paving options l Variety of finishes including hand cut, tumbled, sawn and honed l Natural stone block paving l Cobbles and pebbles l Rockery stone l Over 50 different ornamental gravels l Swimming pool edging l Natural stone walling l Range of interior stone for floors, walls & worktops l Feature stones and water features l Bespoke fireplaces and hearths l Bespoke digital masonry service
See the new Scavolini Kitchen range at Gallery Stoneworld, Thame Best sellers in Italy for 30 years
Showroom now Open
Luxury Coach Holidays Luxury Coach Holidays DayTrips,Theatres & Shows
DayTrips,Theatres & Shows Join one of our great value tours!
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Fabulous festive and New Year breaks! Christmas Markets 2013
Festive Breaks 2013
Winchester Nov 29 3 Days: £169 York Nov 29 4 Days: £239 Rhine All Inclusive Dec 6 & 13 4 Days: £239 Plus many more: Cologne, Rudesheim, Black Forest & Cochem - call for details.
UK Christmas breaks to: Scarborough, Torquay & Cornwall Dec 23rd: 5 Days from £529. Austrian Lakes, Bruges, Switzerland and Italy 5 & 8 Days: from £459
New Year Celebrations Scotland, Harrogate Babbacombe, Bournemouth 4 Days from £379 Paris & Rudesheim 4 Days from £289 Austrian Lakes 8 Days £599 Diano Marina 8 Days £689
4 Star DeVere
1940s-themed Christmas Break at Staverton Park Great entertainment, food and company! Tributes to Vera Lynn, Gracie Fields, George Formby and The Andrews Sisters. Breakfast & Dinner, Traditiional Christmas lunch & free tea/coffee all day. Dec 23, 5 Days £439
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
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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Style file
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Time to smile
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Nifty shades
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Man in the middle
Here’s lovely
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Home from home
Just Awe-tumn!
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Something old, something new
Vive la detail!
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Cupboard love
Happy 10th studio!
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A touch of the hebe-beebies
TLC for BHS
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Made to measure
Animal quackers
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Weigh to go!
Thinking pink
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Syria on my mind
Hole lot of fun
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It’s raining again
Make it easy on yourself
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Gorgeous gifts
Top to toe
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Simply unmissable
High fives all round
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Here’s to hospice
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Katy eyes up the new season Autumn colour is in at Chocolate New boutique is a little different Boxes of fun for Gallivant girls Men’s boutique has sharp new looks Why not join the White Hart party? High street store is looking good Pet boutique opens Aylesbury store Beauty Spot’s at Body and Soul Try golf with this great new promotion Do you need motivation?
Rebecca’s holistic business Mediclinic celebrates fifth anniversary
Getting down
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his issue’s cover picture shows the lengths our public spirited local citizens will go to, if it means raising some valuable cash for a good cause. The event was called The Almighty Abseil, for which 100 volunteer abseilers hung themselves 200 feet above Aylesbury’s Walton Street and then enjoyed a Spiderman-like vertical descent down the concrete face of County Hall.
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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
The intrepid adventurers raised a staggering £10,000 for Buckinghamshire Youth Bank in the process. Bucks Youth Bank is a grant-making panel for young people’s projects that benefit the community. There are two panels, one in Aylesbury and one in Wycombe, giving grants to local groups or individuals, aged 13-19. For more information see: www.buckscc.gov.uk/youthbank Fundraisers were getting down in a slightly more funky way at The Spread Eagle in Thame this month in support of Thame Youth competitions inside this edition, including the chance to win: £100 voucher for Aylesbury Bullion; 4 Tickets for The BBC Good Food Show London; A meal for two at The Thatch, Thame; £100 voucher for Ella Jane Gifts, Thame; a copy of The Good Pub guide 2014; a pair of Skribbies,
Dental excellence at Tring practice Mediation can save you money Supported living in Princes Risborough Our House looks at recycling
Hello to Wendover’s new kitchen showroom Is our small town girl getting broody? Family firm offers bespoke service Save on mail at Parcels2Post Help Ruby support victims of war Spotlight on John Godber Speen fair is a date for the diary Thame Art & Literary Festival update Time to toast hospice at Aylesbury Beer Festival
Memorial. Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley joined a motley crew of fancily dressed revellers to announce the prize draw, help judge the costumes and very kindly pose for pictures. Over £2,350 was raised for the local charity, which is dedicated to providing a place of reflection for people in Thame and the surrounding villages who are affected by the loss of a young person. An area of public space in the centre of Thame was dedicated to the Charity in 2010 for the creation
of a garden of remembrance and this year’s target for the Charity is to complete the garden with the installation of a permanent memorial sculpture. Thame Youth Memorial garden will be officially opened by Thame Mayor, Peter Lambert, on Sunday 29th September at 12pm, with entertainment for the assembling crowds from 11am. For more information, please visit www.thameyouthmemorial.org
Tickets to The Clothes Show Live, an Artistry Youth Xtend Power System and a Dobble family game set... Last issue’s prizewinners were: Pampeano Polo Belt: Eleanor Fenemore, Quainton Tickets for The Cruise Show: Rosemary
Glasspool, Buckland; Pauline Murphy, Aylesbury; Hazel Godley, Aylesbury Dinner for two at Temple Street Wine Bar: Joanne Squires, Aylesbury A copy of Why Can’t My Garden Look Like That?: Stan Clarke, Aylesbury; Alexandra Reading, Whitchurch
Charlie
Charlie Trott, Editor editor@vale-life.co.uk
Front cover picture: The Almighty Abseil at County Hall, Aylesbury. Picture by Terry Lee, Pow Pow Pictures (www.powpowpictures.com) 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 2013
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
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...
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s the days begin to get shorter and there is that telltale chill in the air, it’s time to turn your thoughts to new pieces to update your wardrobe and bring your look up to date for the new Autumn/ Winter season. Feature Knitwear: THE trend for Autumn - if you choose just one thing, make it a statement knit. With a pattern or motif, this look is a key feature of the new season’s collections. For a real touch of luxury, seek out soft cashmere in a
Black Spot on Ecru Jumper: Curve, Wendover
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
flattering neutral shade.
Colour Story: There are three key colours this season. Red: Be it burgundy, scarlet or geranium, choose red to update your look. Pink: Certainly one of the hottest shades for the winter, choose your pink carefully. Those with darker colouring, stick to deep magenta and plums, those with lighter hair and skin tone, choose baby pinks and dusty shades. Grey is the new black, with everything from deep charcoal to brightest silver – a great neutral on Tartan: Last year’s geometric which to base your wardrobe, then monochrome has softened into deep add a splash of colour to make the tartans for Autumn/Winter 2013. look your own. Whether it’s printed trousers or a plaid lining, tartan is a great way to Katy is running two Autumn/ make a statement in trousers and Winter Style Updates at Thame skirts or something a little more Barns Centre on Thursday 3rd unusual such as a handbag or trim. October. Book your place to discover more about the new season These boots are made for trends and how to make them work walking: Or strutting your stuff. for your own style and personality. The boots are getting shorter Tickets are £15 per person and can skinny jeans with ankle boots is booked online at www.katydyer.com still a great look. If you want to l Katy Dyer is an award-winning add length to your legs, make sure personal stylist and image to choose a hemline that blends consultant. She can help with your chosen footwear to avoid you discover the ‘chopping’ your silhouette making confidence to you look shorter than you actually change or develop your personal are. Animal Print: All over or just a hint, animal print leaps straight into Autumn/Winter style. Accessories are a great way to update your look, and there are plenty of animal prints to choose from starting with leopard scarves right through to snakeskin in bags and belts. And it’s not just the traditional colourways - prints on red and magenta are out in force too. If you’re keen to have a really dramatic look go for a couple of different prints within one outfit.
Shoe story: Pointed shoes are most definitely back, not so much winkle-pinkers but stylish flats, again in animal print or with a metallic toe - the look is a little more streamlined than last season. Clutch continues: The clutch story goes on and gets bigger and better. Make an oversize clutch a statement piece in your new season wardrobe. The perfect size to hold essentials and much more plus glamorous enough to take from the office to the cocktail bar.
or professional style and image - whether it’s a new career, a new stage in your life, finding the right outfit for a special occasion or to completely reinvent your look. For details of products and services available, visit: www.katydyer. com or email: katy@katydyer. com
Pied A Terre Coat: House of Fraser, Aylesbury
Gorgeous of Tring Curvy Kate bikini House of Fraser: BIBA Purple Goddess swimsuit Elegance of Thame Moontide Beach dress & bikini
Sandwich dress and cardigan: Chocolate Boutique, Princes Risborough
Feather & Stone Foil Feather Scarf: Curve, Wendover
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Colour is making a big statement this season, from rich berry reds to burnt orange, vintage blue and mustard hues the rails at Chocolate Boutique in Princes Risborough are simply glowing...
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utumn is the time of year for cosier clothes and rich, warm colours and Chocolate Boutique is bursting with vibrant earthy tones. There’s gorgeous chunky cardigans in muted antique blue from Sandwich and skinny jeans from Peppercorn and Fransa in a variety of shades: “It’s an exciting time for us,” says Boutique owner Jo, “There’s a terrific range of really beautiful, innovative, affordable fashion for this season. We’ve expanded our range over the last year and have a great selection of utterly fabulous but really wearable items, in a wide range of sizes (up to XL - 16/18). We have a silver jewellery range and a gorgeous
Sandwich
statement costume jewellery selection too.” On the rails there’s feminine and bohemian Noa Noa while Spanish label Desigual, is strong, bold and stylish in vibrant reds and black. There’s dresses and tunics for everyday wear - bold coloured tops, standout prints and delicate knits The Yumi Midnight Menagerie mirrored bird print tunic, right, looks great paired with leggings or skinny fit jeans, whilst the yellow Yumi cable knit jumper and pleated full skirt with PU waistband and pocket binding, below, and both outfits could be worn from day into evening. Chocolate also stocks bags, boots, hats, scarves and leading accessories brand Pia Rossini. Pictured below is their Aniston Wrap and top right, Josie soft knit beret, scarf and gloves. .“We have a Special Shopping Evening on November 14th, we’ll be open in the evening from 6pm onwards,” says Jo, “all are welcome to pop in for special offers, gift ideas and a glass of wine. There will also be a prize draw to raise money for The Princes Centre, Princes Risborough. If you’d like to come please RSVP by email with your details to: enquiries@chocolateboutique.me.uk
Pia Rossini ‘Josie’ beret, scarf and gloves
Yumi
l Chocolate Boutique, 19 High Street, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 0AE Tel: 01844 346688 Website: www.chocolateboutique.me.uk Open 9.30am-5pm, Monday-Saturday.
Sandwich
Pia Rossini Aniston Wrap, Carolyn Hat, Brooklyn Glove, Angela Poncho, Morgan Hat
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Yumi
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Camilla shows off her fabulous selection of frilly, brightly coloured 50s style petticoats
Every girl wants clothing to make her look and feel lovely and at Thame’s new ‘purveyors of loveliness’ The Lovely Shop there’s a unique selection, not only for ladies but kids too...
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he vintage vibe is much in evidence at the moment. Whether it’s clothes or interiors, you’ve got to include a piece of the past to be really up to date! Luckily a new Thame boutique has the loveliest clothes and they are bang on trend! The Lovely Shop in Swan Walk, Thame is owned and run by Camilla Fraser. She has been selling crafts and clothing with her sister Emily at vintage markets, craft fairs and festivals for around five years, but has now gone solo and opened her first shop specialising in clothes and accessories in July this year. “I’m trying to offer an alternative to the usual high street clothing,” says Camilla. “Things that are a bit different but still wearable and lovely. We have a Rockabilly line with 50s style dresses that are gorgeous. They fit really well and look amazing with a frilly petticoat. There’s polka dots, sailor style and colourful prints. There’s a big revival going on at the moment and these styles are very popular. The dresses come in a good range of sizes (up to 18/20) and look great on curvy women as the designs are feminine, really easy to wear and cut for real, modern women.” The Lovely Shop also has some 40s influenced wrap dresses: “People really like the style and the sizing,” says Camilla. “We’ll soon be stocking some more mainstream, floaty, bohemian styles - gentle hippy with a vintage twist too! “I’ve got Rockabilly party dresses coming in for the Autumn season, including a beautiful velvet one, and separates which are more of an everyday look. I’m buying small quantities
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
of each design and when it’s gone I’ll move on to a different one, so there will always be something new to see in the shop.” Her children’s range goes from 0 to 11 years and is either FairTrade, Homemade, (sometimes by Camilla herself) or Organic and sometimes all three. There are some great four-way reversible mini skirts (£30), they are made in India under Fairtrade conditions. The are bright and colourful and each one is totally unique as there is never quite the same material combinations. They also come in adult sizes (£42/£46) and are great for funkin’ up your wardrobe and wearing with tights or leggings. The Lovely Shop has lovely prices too. The clothes are excellent quality and very reasonable with tops from around £25 and dresses great value at between £40 and £75. The shop also stocks an inexpensive, bright and colourful make-up range, Stargazer hair colour and funky tights. Camilla grew up in Bishopstone. She studied Swedish at Edinburgh University (her mother is half Swedish) and seven years later was taking a PhD in Children’s Literature when family illness brought her back home. She is interested in crafts and teaches crochet and patchwork. She also sells fabric online at: www.lovelyfabrics.co.uk If lovely is your thing, pop into Camilla’s shop for a browse, you won’t be disappointed! l The Lovely Shop, 6 Swan Walk, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3HN Tel: 07718 956284 Email: lovelyandlovelymail@gmail.com Web: www.lovelyandlovely.co.uk
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Rose & Rose scarves
As the sun sets on a lively summer season and the new autumn deliveries arrive daily in store, it’s a busy but exciting time for Thame’s Gallivant boutique...
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he fashion industry is always looking ahead, so at this time of year there’s not only new stock to process and a boutique to be dressed with the new season trends, but there are catwalk shows and the London fashion week to attend - Gallivant owner Heather Gant is already buying and sourcing her 2014 collections; “It seems we are all going Japanese for Spring!” she says. “Our customers love their winter clothes though and we’ve already had a few sociable mornings sipping cups of tea with ladies eager to see what is in the latest delivery boxes - it’s a bit like Christmas! “The new colours are gorgeous - rich berry tones with red, fuschia and forest green (including the fashionable gypsy rose prints) and the softest pinks with pale taupes and khakis - Marc Cain has camouflage prints in these colours. Blues with silver is another theme - look out for our lovely geometric blue/black chequered print collection from Luisa Cerano. “Our customers like the return of the fit and flared skirt shape, which looks great with oversized knits. Also popular have been the overprinted and leather-look, pull-on leggings; everyone enjoys easy dressing!
“James Lakeland is making a popular return to Gallivant this season - he has mastered the art of easy dressing at a very affordable price. Also well priced is the popular Velvet collection which include some great flocked, printed, sweatshirts and easy tunics. “For outer layers we have a stunning green oversized cocoon coat by Luisa Cerano; Rock chic Leather biker jacket and luxury shearling coat from Trapper Queens; plus very strokeable Marc Cain faux fur and Armani jeans quilted jackets. “Key wardrobe staples such as denims, coats, bags and shoes are already selling well and we are updating our website with images of our winter shoes and bags to give a flavour of what is in store. We also have a selection of patent or ostrich leather purses from our Italian leather bag collection, Coccinelle.” Gallivant will be launching a website gift page and with this in mind Heather has bought in some new accessories for this season: “We have a new and exciting find from one of the shows,” she says, “luxury jewellery designer Gillian Julius who combines sterling silver tubes and gems on waxed cotton thongs. We have also introduced a new British scarf collection, Rose & Rose and statement jewellery from the Lola Rose new Boutique Collection and jewellery from Butterfly. “We couldn’t resist the Lola Rose ditsy, animal-printed, cute, brushed cotton pyjama sets or Ruby and Ed cosy slippers and as usual we have luxury Falke Tights and shapewear from Yummie Tummie. You’ll find Gallivant smelling particularly gorgeous this autumn too, as we’ll soon have beautifully packaged candles, soaps and bath salts from Ortigia in store as well!” l Gallivant Boutique, 6 Greyhound Walk, Thame , Oxfordshire , OX9 3DY Tel: 01844 218097 Website: www.gallivantboutique.co.uk
Ida baby cord skinny jean
Coccinelle Celeste bags
Unisa over-the-knee boot
James Lakeland dress
Gillian Julius thonged cuff bracelet Ash Sheepskin lined wedge boot
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
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Fine Jewellers Cambridge Street ▪ Aylesbury ▪ Bucks ▪ HP20 1RS ▪ 01296 482963
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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
Hero Brown blogs about her life in the sticks at: www.muddystilettos.co.uk Here’s a taste of what she’s been up to...
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new season always causes me to reflect on the one just gone. I know, I’m just deep like that. What do I remember of this balmy summer, I hear you cry? Well, the feeling of flesh on plastic seat is a hard one to erase. I was so flippin’ hot through August that I spent half my days writing Muddy Stilettos in my undies, causing my poor postie daily distress over my mismatched bra and knickers (he’s a stickler for sets). I can remember my kids looking at me with limpid eyes, expecting to be entertained, like, now. Cue third memory, bossily telling my kids they couldn’t play on the ipad or X-box because they should be doing something creative, before pathetically recanting as my deadlines piled up. I see squealing children jumping through sprinklers, my tomato plants wilting, icecreams consumed on garden benches. It was a busy, wonderful, stressful and special summer – probably just like your’s. Now we’re in Autumn, kids are back at school, post-summerpromises-to-self have been made, and there’s this sense of regeneration and hope for the coming months. I sense it in terms of Aylesbury Vale itself too. Newspapers are murmuring about house prices rising in the area (so brace yourselves, bragging rights are up for grabs at dinner parties once more). Businesses are popping up everywhere, from local cookery
schools like the fantastic Hamptons Cookery just outside Thame (www. hamptoncookery.com) and Cici Coco in Cuddington (www.cici-coco. com), to interiors traders like Frame Revival based in Oving (fab vintage frames, revamped as modern pinboards (www.frame-revival.com). Expansions are underway - Biagio the Jeweller opens a stunning new shop in Bicester in October, Thame boutique FROM has created an online shop (http://shop. fromroundhere.co.uk/), the Thame Food Festival and Thame Arts & Literature Festival are both on the grow. And, ahem, I have my own little development too! The Muddy Directory launches in late September on the Muddy Stilettos homepage (www.muddystilettos. co.uk ), your go-to little black book for the best businesses and services in the area, from fitness instructors to interior designers, printers to plumbers, complete with a comment function so that the businesses are accountable to the those who count (that’s you). So yes, the weather’s turned, the tan’s faded, and the summer holiday feels long gone, but Autumn holds its own promises - not least to keep me covered up for the next 9 months. Royal Mail employees will be thankful for that alone. l Sign up for free email updates on the best things to do in Bucks & Oxon from Hero’s award-winning blog at www.muddystilettos.co.uk
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: closed 12
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Tel: 07742 361711
Email: s.madness@yahoo.co.uk www.facebook.com/shear.madness1 www.shear-madness.webs.com
Expert fitting into awkward spaces sssincluding under sloping ceilings Call for a brochure or to arrange a sssfree no obligation survey 01525 854142
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
‘The difference is in the detail’ according to men’s boutique, Gallant and they should know. The Thame fashion store specialises in brands that stand for exquisite quality and their new autumn range has gorgeous items with plenty of detail...
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he autumn season is off to a great start at Gallant with the arrival of Handstich, a Bavarian company specialising in stylish outerwear garments that are uncompromising in their quality and practicality. Handstich jackets and coats combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary concepts, fusing state-of-the-art techniques with classic materials like leather and cotton for a fashionably rugged look. Tailoring is also having it’s moment and September is the time to update this aspect of your attire. There’s something about the quality of the fabrics and the sharp cut of a suit at this time of year that supersedes Summer’s more relaxed offering. After the bitter cold of last Winter - coats, jackets, leathers and waterproof macs are a real focus and Gallant is prepared for every eventuality. “Our customers can rest assured we’ll have something that will be functional but with a fashion element, for every occasion,” says boutique owner Lucy.
Circle of Gentlemen
“Our diverse shirt ranges are as prominent a feature as ever this season and will give any man’s look that quick freshen up, whether things are appearing tired or not. “Rich colours and exquisite fabrics are fundamental for the new season’s collections - a real antidote to the dull days… cashmere blend knitwear in shades of red wine burgundy; warm caramel and smoky charcoal, will definitely do the trick.” And not forgetting accessories. The introduction of Giorgio Fedon, Italian made leather goods will be a great addition for Gallant - upholding that boutique feel, with attention to the subtleties that make something a bit extra-ordinary. With luxury items like these, you can plainly see, the difference is very much in the detail... l Gallant, 10 Greyhound Walk Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 3DY Tel: 01844 218400 Email: info@gallant-thame.co.uk Website: www.gallant-thame.co.uk
Gant
Lagerfeld jacket Duchamp scarf
Duchamp Eton ties
Circle of Gentlemen
Suit: Without Prejudice Shirt: Eton Tie: Duchamp Gant
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
White Hart Studio began trading in October 2003 with a small amount of antique furniture and giftware displayed in a single room. Ten years later, it’s a thriving lifestyle boutique with four rooms of beautiful gifts, cards, homeware, clothes, vintage furniture and jewellery...
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etail is a tough business and it seems life on the high street is getting harder by the day, so it is even more impressive that owner Jane Davies and her team at the White Hart Studio, tucked away in the pretty village of Haddenham, are about to celebrate their tenth birthday, having done impressively well over the last decade. It helps that Jane has a natural eye for interesting and exciting products - whether it’s a gorgeous one-off marble-topped dresser, shabby chic rocking chair or fabulous party dress, she has developed the White Hart style so that regular customers know they will find that perfect gift, lovely piece of jewellery, funky vase or slightly unusual greetings card and it will be reasonably priced and of excellent quality. “It’s really just evolved,” says Jane. “We’ve gradually expanded to keep up with demand and to keep things, fresh, different and interesting. I’m always looking for new things. We started doing clothes about five years ago and that has gone really well, not basics really, just nice pieces to complement your wardrobe. Suddenly furniture seems to be very much in demand, so I am keeping my eyes open for interesting one-off pieces. Deliveries are coming in all the time, so it’s always worth popping in to see what is new. “Cards have been an amazing success. I’m always sourcing interesting new designs. There are a lot of talented artists out there producing greetings cards now and the standard has really improved in recent years.” Of course at this time of year Jane is buzzing about the new season’s fashions: “We have some lovely sparkly lightweight jumpers with bows or zip features and lace on the back,” she says, doing a twirl, for she is wearing a rather stylish example herself. “And we’ll soon be displaying a range of cosy new coats from Bohemia and Heart. They are gorgeous, bold, colourful and different. We sold out of them last year, they are both very popular makes, great quality and great value.
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Heart ‘Eucalypta’ Cardigan
Heart Fongheiser coat
“There’s some beautiful winter floral prints about. I have lovely gypsy style tiered skirts from Bohemia and some striking black and white prints too. “There’s also some soft wool tunics from Heart in warm reds, mauves and browns and black and white. They are comfortable and wearable but quite smart.” October 17th is exactly 10 years to the day since Jane first opened White Hart Studio. To celebrate she is holding an open evening with drinks, nibbles
(canapés from Made In Provence) and live music (The Voice Series 1 contestant Kate Read) and would like friends and customers old and new to drop in from 6.30pm and join the celebrations. Many Happy returns White Hart! 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
Win a £100 voucher for Ella Jane Gifts
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lla Jane Gifts opened on Thame’s Swan Walk some six months ago. It is run by Alison and her daughter Rosie Ella Jane. The store, which is named after Rosie, is a treasure trove of gifts and accessories and a lovely addition to the rejuvenated Swan Walk, which has seen several new businesses moving into vacant units there, over the last few months. There is an amazing array of gifts for all ages at Ella Jane, from cuddly toys to beautiful British designed leather bags, lovely handpainted, high quality furniture, a variety of wonderful scarves, jewellery and homeware. The shop also has an excellent range of greetings cards and Alison will gift wrap your purchases for you, if required, making it the perfect place to do any present shopping. “For a cheery welcome and good quality gifts sold with a smile come to Ella Jane Gifts,” says Alison “We would love to see you.” Since we featured Ella Jane gifts in Vale Life Magazine earlier this year, Alison has welcomed quite a few readers who have popped in for a browse and thought it would
be nice to say thank you, with a fun competition offering the chance to win £100 of Gift Vouchers to spend in her store! To take part simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Who is Ella Jane gifts named after? Winner to be drawn at random and notified by email by Oct 20th. l Ella Jane Gifts, 11 Swan Walk, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 2HN Tel: 01844 260865 Email: alison@ellajanegifts.com Website: www.ellajanegifts.com Open: Mon: 9am-4.30pm, Tue to Fri: 9am-5pm, Sat: 9.30am-5.30pm
Ella Jane Gifts
Win Tickets to The Clothes Show Live
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lothes Show Live 2013 is set to be the hottest ticket on the fashion calendar this year! It’s the show’s 25th anniversary and over 500 leading fashion and beauty brands, non-stop catwalk shows, gorgeous celebrities, tempting bars, and inspirational fashion demonstrations will all be spread over five exciting days at the NEC, Birmingham in December. There’s something for everyone so whatever your style, it’s time to make space in your wardrobe. This fashion festival is not to be missed! Take your seat in the spectacular ALCATEL ONE TOUCH Fashion Theatre and watch in awe as more than 40 models and dancers showcase the latest high-street, designer, boutique and couture fashion collections on the world’s largest catwalk. Find the tools and techniques to shimmer, shine and gloss with make-overs, style transformations and inspirational trend reports all under one roof. Shop ‘til you drop and discover your perfect party outfit from the top fashion and beauty brands on offer. The star-studded event will also welcome the first ever episodes of Take Me Out Live, hosted by the king of dating, Paddy McGuinness. A selection of bachelors will aim to impress a line-up of 30 single girls, all in search of Mr Right, with 10 girls being chosen at the show each day. Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model will also bring TV to the stage as this year’s contestants give the inside scoop on model life, holding exclusive autograph sessions, and
strutting their stuff on the catwalk in their first public appearance since the show. Fancy a modelling future for yourself? Learn the tips and tricks of the industry in a Model Masterclass and look out for casting opportunities as the big names in fashion scout the crowds for emerging talent. Vale Life Magazine has teamed up with Clothes Show Live to offer lucky readers the chance to win one of three pairs of tickets to attend the year’s most prestigious fashion event, absolutely free! To take part simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Where is Clothes Show Live 2013 taking place? Winner to be drawn at random and notified by email by Nov 1st. Tickets are valid across all days of the show. l If you’re not a lucky winner you can still buy tickets to the show by visiting: www.clothesshowlive.com or calling 0844 5811 256. Twitter: @Clothesshow Facebook: www.facebook.com/ClothesShow Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
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NEW HOMES IN A LOCATION THAT KEEPS YOU CONNECTED Show Home Coming Soon Nestled amongst the beautiful countryside, Thame Fields is a brand new development located in the picturesque village of Haddenham. Available on a Shared Ownership basis, these new homes are complemented by contemporary interiors, a private rear garden and allocated parking. Thame Fields is ideally positioned within walking distance to Haddenham & Thame station, with direct trains to the surrounding areas and London Marylebone in just 38 minutes.†
Phase One – 2 & 3 bedroom houses from £84,000* Call 0845 601 7729 or visit www.homesbycatalyst.co.uk * Refers to a 35% share in a 2 bedroom house valued at £240,000. Monthly rent and service charge also apply. To be eligible you must live or work in the Aylesbury Vale District Council area. Computer generated image of Thame Fields. Prices are correct at the time of print. †Train times from nationalrail.com at peak times. Terms and Conditions apply. Catalyst Housing is a charitable housing association.
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Over the past 85 years, BHS has grown from a single South London store to a multinational retail company. It is one of Britain’s best known and much loved High Street brands and as our Aylesbury branch shows, a shop that customers love and the staff take a great pride in...
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hen the first BHS opened in Brixton in 1928 there were items priced from as little as a shilling (5p). They’ve gone up a bit since then but the BHS principles of quality and value for money continue. Great value products are important to most of us, but a dash of contemporary cool is also required these days, and now when you visit BHS, you’ll find the quality fashion, homeware goods and lighting you’ve come to expect, but in stylish modern colours and designs. Regulars at BHS Aylesbury, in Friars Square Shopping Centre, will have noticed the store has had a refurb and change around and boasts some super new lines too. There’s a slinky, luxury lingerie collection ‘Secrets’, (now downstairs) celebrity home ranges, must-have womenswear, dapper menswear, and great value childrenswear (now upstairs). The new Warm As Toast range is a good example of BHS landing butter side up, see below, a perfect blend of cosy and chic for the home. Traditional checks have been updated with bright contemporary colours while cute owl motifs add a quirky but on-trend appeal. Store manager Rebecca Duff, above, has been with BHS for four years and took charge of the Aylesbury branch earlier this year. “I’m really pleased with the revamp,” she says. “Most of the decorating was done by the staff themselves and you can see they really care about the store. They take great pride in giving good customer service and looking after the store. It’s a friendly, energetic and
Store manager Rebecca
Lissa and Billy fun place to work and customers can feel that when they come in. Some of the staff have been here for many years. Billy Colley, our longest serving, for 20 years, since the store first opened in fact, and Lissa Sharpe for 18 years! (See picture above, right). “We now have womenswear and lingerie downstairs and excitingly, a new Wallis concession opening in-store around mid October. Our womenswear range caters for all ages and a wide range of sizes. We also have a bra fitting service with fully trained staff. There’s great knitwear, including supersoft jumpers and cardigans, from as little as £12 for a knitted Tee plus shoes, bags and accessories.” The men’s range covers smart, casual and formal wear from suits to shirts, trousers and leisure wear. There’s also shoes and accessories and a larger men’s gift section is Country chic from the Warm As Toast range (dog not included)
promised for the festive season. “In the run up to Christmas we’ll have a huge gift department,” says Rebecca, “something for all the family, plus cards and wrapping and a big children’s sleepwear section with snuggly dressing gowns and cosy pyjamas. We have lovely robes and nightwear for adults too of course! Santa’s Christmas Grotto, outside BHS in the square, is another reason to visit at that time of year too.” It’s no surprise BHS now welcomes over one million visitors worldwide to their stores every week. The business is committed to delivering a great shopping experience and if the Aylesbury store is anything to go by that ethos seems to be firmly embraced by the staff. If you haven’t been to BHS for a while it could be time for a visit. Why not pop along on Friday, Sept 27 or Saturday, Sept 28 when Friars Square has a Fashion Weekend with Mannequin shows, Catwalk and Flash Mob fashion. l BHS Ltd, 26 Friars Square, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2TA Tel: 08444 885003 Website: www.bhs.co.uk Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 9am-5.30pm, Sun: 10.30am-4.30pm
Vintage-inspired throws add a pop of colour
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
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A B C AYLESBURY BULLION COMPANY The Family of Jewellers
11a, High St Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP20 1SH Tel:
01296 423198
Jewellery designed and produced to your specifications, or choose from our extensive range of new, secondhand and antique pieces. l Diamond merchants (certified stones always available) l Antique restorations l Hand engraving
l Valuations: insurance and (carried out on the premises) l Insurance claims advisors l Complete repair service
probate
Servicing of Rolex, Tag, Omega, Raymond Weil, Gucci etc. Batteries fitted and waterproof testing carried out on the premises. Top prices paid in cash for antique and modern jewellery, watches (especially Rolex), coins, gold, silver, platinum and scrap precious metals. Part exchange available.
11a High Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1SH
Tel: 01296 423198 www.aylesburybullion.co.uk
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Win a £100 voucher for Aylesbury Bullion
Stephen Cox of Aylesbury Bullion
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ylesbury Bullion is an independent and traditional jewellers, run by Stephen Cox and his family and originally established in 1977. The business has been trading from premises at the top end of Aylesbury High Street since 1989. “We have a beautiful collection of jewellery to suit all budgets,” says Stephen, “which includes brand new, custom-made, second-hand and antique items. Our custom-made jewellery is made by hand, using traditional techniques, to create a unique item designed to meet your exact requirements. Here you can find something you will treasure for a lifetime, or that someone special will love.” If you wish to sell items of jewellery, Aylesbury Bullion will pay top prices for unwanted antique and modern jewellery, engagement rings, watches, coins, gold, silver, platinum and precious scrap metal. “We can usually give you an instant valuation and cash payment,” says Stephen,
“drop in any time.” Aylesbury Bullion offers a full range of expert services including: Antique Restorations, Diamond Merchants, Hand Engraving, Valuations for Insurance and Probate purposes, Insurance Claims Advice, Repair Services, Servicing of luxury watches by Rolex, Tag, Omega, Raymond Weil, Gucci etc. Strap adjustment, battery fitting and waterproof testing can be carried out on the premises. “We featured in the first ever Vale Life Magazine three years ago,” says Stephen, “we are a regular advertiser and always enjoy reading the latest copy. Now to celebrate our three year partnership, we would like to offer Vale Life readers the chance to win
£100 of Gift Vouchers to spend in our store! To take part simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk On which Aylesbury street is Aylesbury Bullion located? Winner to be drawn at random and notified by email by Oct 20th. l Aylesbury Bullion Company, 11a High Street, Aylesbury HP20 1SH Tel: 01296 423 198 Website: www.aylesburybullion.co.uk Shop opening times Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat 9am - 5pm Thurs 10am - 4pm Sun, Mon Closed
CeX, Unit 1, Crown Buildings, High Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1SL Vale Life : May/Jun 2013
Opening Hours Mon to Fri: 9.30am-6pm Saturdays: 9am-6pm Sundays: 11am-5pm
Buy, sell, exchange! At CeX you can buy, sell and exchange technology and entertainment products including DVDs, mobile phones, consoles, video games, computers, Blu Ray movies, digital electronics, laptops, cameras, iPhones, Blackberrys, iPods, xBox, iPad, Playstation...
We’re at the top of the High Street! Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
An ex duck farm is a perfect spot for a pet supplies store and Jenna Tomlin’s Unique Pets firm has just opened its second branch at Duck Farm Court, Aylesbury. It’s a quacking choice...
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enna Tomlins, right, runs Unique Pets. She started the business nearly two years ago with her first pet supplies shop on Winslow High Street and it has proved so popular with pet owners across the area that she has now opened a second branch in Aylesbury. “We’ve built up slowly,” says Jenna, 30, who loves animals and specialises in good, healthy natural products, that will enhance the welfare of her customers’ pets. “We needed more space though as the product range has broadened and we’re getting through a lot more as business has increased. Our new unit has a lot more room and will help us store Winslow stock too. Jenna has always been fond of wild birds and wildlife and was a student volunteer at St Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital in Haddenham, where she studied for a Diploma in Animal Care and Husbandry. “Customers have been coming to our Winslow shop from as far afield as Waddesdon and Weston Turville,” she says. “Aylesbury will be easier for them and there is parking right outside, as well. We work with a couple of animal rescue centres in the area too: Help For Hounds and Rabbit Ritz, so it’s nice to be closer for when we have fundraising days and events. “Amanda is running the Winslow store for me while I am manning Aylesbury at the moment, Lacie, above, helps out in Winslow at weekends. “Natures:menu raw diet is our biggest seller. It really seems to help dogs and cats with a variety of problems such as itchy skin, dental problems or bad joints, which are often down to diet. The animals love it - it is just meat and vegetables with no additives, or nasties and because it is raw there is not the extra sugar you get in cooked foods. It works
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Lacie and Jenna out cheaper than a lot of the dry or tinned alternatives too. You can buy it ready made or mix your own from separate ingredients. The meat is all from ethically raised, human grade sources, it really is lovely, healthy food for your pet. You can find out more in store, or see www.naturesmenu.co.uk for information.” Unique Pets has a great selection of foodstuffs, toys and accessories for most pets and Jenna is happy to order new items in if there is a demand, although she prefers to stock, healthy foods with clearly labelled natural ingredients. There’s a huge selection of wild bird food, lots of natural treats for dogs and cats plus dietary supplements and medical items. There’s toys such as boredom busters, Busy Buddies treat balls, soft toys, beds, harnesses, grooming products and leads. The store also stocks food, bedding and accessories for small animals such as mice, ferrets, rabbits, hamsters and Guinea pigs: “All the staff have them,” says Jenna, “so we know about looking after them. We also stock
Unique Pets, Duck farm Court poultry food for chickens and ducks. “We cater for reptiles with food from crickets and locusts to pinkies and rats and we have fishfood for tropical, pond, and goldfish. We can cater for any animal really, and we offer free local delivery for orders of £15 or more. It’s lovely when people come in for a browse and a chat and tell me about their pets, or to discuss a pet problem. I have access to a good vet and I’m happy to do research, if something unusual comes up.” Unique Pets also holds talks, classes and puppy socialising parties. See their website for details. l Unique Pet Boutique, Unit 11, Duck Farm Court, Station Way, Aylesbury HP20 2SQ Tel: 01296 715697 / 01296 706403 Email: getintouch@uniquepets.co.uk Website: www.uniquepets.mobi www.facebook.com/UniquePetBoutique Open 7 days: Mon to Fri: 10am-6pm (Open to 9pm on Wednesdays) Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm
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Tel: 01296 415035
Email: shop@gingerinteriors.co.uk
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8 Duck Farm Court, Station Way, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2SQ
@Gingerinteriors
w Wall art w Clocks w Candles w Lamps w Mirrors w Vases w Ornaments w Homeware w Prints w w Fireplace sets w Signs w Furniture w Kitchen & Dining w Gifts w Cards w Mats w Handcrafted Fairtrade Products w Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
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Providing the ultimate salon experience
What’s new at
Redken models with the Diamond Oil shine
Diamond Oil’s a girl’s best friend!
We have recently started stocking the new Diamond Oil range from Redken. You may have seen some adverts recently for this new product in fashion magazines such as Glamour and Style. It really is amazing using an exclusive formula of silicone-free hair oils that include: camelina oil, coriander oil, apricot oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil and others to strengthen hair from the inside-out. The results are unprecedented strength and shine. Diamond Oil delivers a nourishing blend of oils that target all layers of the hair to strengthen, replenish and protect with each use. The hair is fortified and sparkles with intense shine.
‘This is what it’s all about,’ says Ellen It’s smiles all round as Vicki, right, shows her client how healthy and shiny her hair looks after a Diamond Oil treatment
The salon was buzzing on Diamond day! We have in stock the Shampoo and Conditioner as well as the Leave-in Oil Treatment and a Deep Conditioning Mask. Diamond Oil Shampoo: Rich foam cleanser strengthens hair to prevent breakage and hair fall while boosting smoothness & shine. Diamond Oil Conditioner: Essential oils moisturize, protect & detangle hair while reducing hair breakage & boosting high-shine & softness. Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine hair oil: a concentrated leave-in hair care by Redken. Strengthens & reinforces for smoother, shinier hair while protecting
from breakage. Diamond Oil Deep Facets Hair Mask: Shine boosting deep conditioner nourishes, strengthens & replenishes hair to prevent damage & breakage.
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... Like us on Facebook for up to date information and promotions: Eclipse Hair Design 22
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Amanda Trott
l Column
ValeLife Life::Aug/Sept Sept/Oct 2013 Vale
Elemis spa-therapies and products are available through an elite network of over 1200 spas and salons around the world, including Aylesbury salon, Body & Soul...
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ucked away, amongst the houses of Bedgrove in Aylesbury is Body and Soul Beauty, Tanning and Wellbeing salon, founded by Laura Gilbey. Laura qualified as a Beauty Therapist at Aylesbury College over 15 years ago and worked as a salon therapist and for sunbed company Ergoline before taking on the Sands franchise in Fairford Leys in 2005, which in 2008 became beauty salon Body and Soul. The business grew and in 2011 Laura relocated the salon across town to larger premises on Westmorland Avenue. Body and Soul now boasts two Ergoline vertical sun beds and works with a select range of well known brands such as: Biosculpture, OPI, CND, DermaCo, Fantasy Tan and
Elemis - one of the leading luxury British spa and skincare brands. Developed first and foremost for professional treatments, Elemis have extended their range of skincare to be used at home and combining natural active ingredients and cutting-edge technology, have now developed a popular range of antiageing products as well. When I visited Body and Soul
Elemis Offers Buy 1 facial & get the second half price* If you purchase any Elemis products on the same day as your facial we + will give you 15% discount on those products. (*paid for altogether and taken by the same person and within 2 months of purchase +cannot be used in conjunction with any other special offer)
Pro-Intense Lift Effect Night Cream
Pro-Intense Lift Effect Super System
NEW
NEW
This lifting and firming night cream, formulated with a powerful blend of gardenia stem cells, arjuna and lupin, helps reduce the appearance of sagging jowls, cheeks and chin. Facial contours appear shaped and skin texture visibly improved.
on a very busy Monday afternoon I met therapist Claire, who introduced me to Elemis using a mini prescriptive Modern Skin Facial. Elemis spa therapy treatment is designed to work on the body as a whole and so each facial starts with a Thai foot ritual, you then take three deep breaths before your facial begins. You will also enjoy a face and scalp massage along with masks and serums designed specifically for your skin’s needs. After a soothing foot massage my skin was treated to a concoction of deliciously scented anti-ageing creams and serums. Then, while I relaxed under a mineral rich mask, Claire proceeded to give me a neck and shoulder massage. It was a pleasant and relaxing experience and after the mask was removed, my face was left clear, fresh and glowing. Elemis are once again supporting Breast Cancer Awareness month (October). They are pledging to donate £10,000 to the Breast Cancer Care charity to help raise vital money needed to provide information and support for anyone
affected by breast cancer. You can help by buying one of their great value ‘Think Pink’ Breast Cancer support kits, below, currently available at Body and Soul. Presented in a vibrant pink case, this collection is just £32.50 and includes: • Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 30ml • Limited Edition Pro-Collagen Lifting Treatment Neck and Bust ‘Boob Tube’ (15ml) • Quiet Mind Relaxing Bath Elixir (50ml) l Body & Soul, 59, Westmorland Avenue, Aylesbury, Bucks HP21 7HS Tel: 01296 434216 www.bodyandsoulaylesbury.co.uk l Amanda is a talented, creative and experienced, Vidal Sassoon trained hair stylist. She managed Charles Worthington’s Covent Garden salon and her own salon in Princes Risborough. If you would like your hair cut, styled or coloured by Amanda she is available locally on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at Eclipse Hair Design, Thame. Call 01844 260062 to book or arrange a free consultation.
This high-tech formulation is clinically proven to significantly decrease the appearance of cheek sagging and double chin after just 30 days.* 94% of users in independent clinical trials said it restored skin’s youthful tone and firmness* *Independent Clinical Trials 2013
REFLEXOLOGY AWARENESS WEEK
is coming to Body & Soul. From 22nd - 29th September, we are running an amazing offer of 25% off reflexology appointments, so book now to give it a try!
59 Westmorland Avenue Aylesbury HP21 7HS Tel: 01296 434216
www.bodyandsoulaylesbury.co.uk
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
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AVEDA HAIR CARE THE ROOTS OF AVEDA Aveda started with one shampoo and a mission to create naturally-derived products that care for your hair and the world we live in. Today our ingredients are over 95% naturally-derived and harvested worldwide. Our hair care systems deliver salon proven results and feature unique flower and plant Pure-Fume™ aromas that change your mood while you cleanse and condition your hair.
INNOVATIVE CUTTING
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Vale Life : Jun/July 2013
Complimentary Scalp Massage, Hand Massage and Make-up Refresh
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
A winning combination of exercise, sporting skill and social interaction, makes golf more than just a game. It brings people together to enjoy good health and happiness both on and off the fairway...
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t doesn’t matter if you’ve never played golf before, or just haven’t picked up a club since your schooldays, or an almost-forgotten holiday. Now is the time to start, or get back into the sport, with the Get into golf campaign, which is giving the opportunity to take advantage of a one hour taster session for only £5. Golf is a great game whatever your age, sex, background or ability. But as well as having fun in the fresh air, playing golf also brings some impressive health and wellbeing benefits that can help you look and feel your best. Research shows that this increasingly popular sport incorporates the core ingredients that doctors recommend for optimum physical and mental health and wellbeing. Here’s how…
Golf is better than a fast and furious gym session Playing a round of golf could be better for you than a quick, intense workout, according to new research from Maastricht University. Scientists looking into the healthiest ratios of activity and inactivity found that doing moderate activity for longer periods of time leads to more significant improvements in blood fats and insulin than an hour of intense exercise. Scientific proof that walking around the golf course for a few hours is healthier than a fast and furious session at the gym… Golf keeps you healthy Playing golf can boost your mental and physical health. A game burns up to 900 calories as well as working your heart and lungs. Research shows that golf, combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle, can reduce your risk of heart disease, stress-related illness, stroke, diabetes and high cholesterol. Doctors recommend that we do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week and the average game of nine-holes will take you almost up to that quota. Golf helps combat stress Golf is unlike any other sport for building social connections. The handicap system means you can play anybody whatever their age or ability. Research shows that the better our social life and social support the happier and healthier we feel. Taking up a new interest and learning something new is a great way to make new friends as well as spend quality time with those you already have. Playing together gives you a common purpose which in turn triggers positive emotions. One hour golf session only £5 Why not give golf a go and book a one hour taster session for just £5, Ellesborough Golf Club near Wendover is hosting sessions locally. You’ll receive a basic introduction to golf from PGA professionals, together with information about club membership and follow-on coaching opportunities. Equipment
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will be provided so all you have to do is turn up on the day in comfortable clothing. The Get into golf campaign, supported by Sport England and funded by the National Lottery, is now making the game more affordable and welcoming than ever before. l Ellesborough Golf Club, Wendover Road, Butlers Cross, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP17 0TZ For more information go to: www.getintogolf.org/bbo or call: 0800 118 2766 Twitter @getintogolf Facebook/getintogolf
Get into golf
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Column: Chris Gallagher ‘Fitness Focus’
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Make it easy on yourself
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f you take a wander into your local gym you will see a diverse range of people. There are those who can’t wait to get their daily gym session in. They relish their workouts and see them as something to look forward to. There are those who are there, not because they want to be, but because they need to be - perhaps to lose weight, to improve their health or to improve performance in sport, and there are those who go to the gym because they have a vague awareness that they are unfit, unhealthy or underweight. Many people fall into this last group and see exercise as a real chore. They don’t want to be doing it. They would rather be doing anything else. But their weight, their fitness levels or health make them unhappy and they want to change. Recently at PT-Results I started a new client whose experiences were certainly familiar. Mark joined a local gym, was given the standard gym induction and followed this programme for a few
months before it gradually began to tail off. The workout was boring, the results were slow and Mark lacked the motivation to stick with it. It was whilst lying on a beach on holiday, unhappy with his health and appearance that Mark decided to take the plunge and enquire about personal training. Mark is just one of a number of trainees who we have helped to get enjoyment from their training. The biggest reason for a lack of motivation in our experience is a lack of results. You get your initial programme, you follow it to the dot. But you don’t progress the exercises regularly. You don’t run further or faster. You don’t lift more weight. Because you don’t have the experience required to adapt and improve the programme as you grow and progress. Healthy weight loss is normally quoted as only a couple of pounds a week. When you look at yourself in the mirror or stand on the scales the results come slowly compared to the effort applied at the gym. And so it is hard to stay disciplined
an stay motivated. This is where I was able to help Mark. I took control of his strength and conditioning programme with every exercise tailored to his individual needs. Together we progressed his training every session and every week. Over the space of a month or two he was adding weight to various exercises; a couple of kilos a week. After 4 or 5 weeks he was lifting 10kg more on squats than when he started. This session by session and weekly progress gave Mark a sense of achievement and purpose to his training. He could see progress in the numbers on the weights or on the treadmill or rower. This was mirrored by the progress he could see on the scales (21lbs lost so far), in the fit of his clothes and in the mirror. Everyone enjoys the feeling that they are getting better at something. That they are progressing towards their goals. The short term progress seen in the gym helped keep Mark motivated towards the longer term goals of
Chris Gallagher
Fitness Focus fat loss, an improved body image and overall health. Now he is doing things properly, making regular progress and seeing the little steps towards his goal, he is loving it. He has gone from being a gym-o-phobe to looking forward to his training sessions. If you don’t feel motivated by exercise, you may just need the right kind of exercise programme to ignite your interest. l Chris Gallagher is Fitness Director of PT-Results, Aylesbury For a free consultation and personal training taster session with Chris email: info@pt-results.co.uk and quote ‘ValeLifeTaster’ .
Thame Therapy Clinic Complementary Health Therapies from Experienced Practitioners
l Quality dentistry in a friendly and relaxed environment l Established 40 years l Full Hygienist Service l Advanced treatments available including: Veneers, Implants and Whitening l Open: Mon & Wed 8.15am-5.30pm, Tue & Thur 8.15am-7.30pm, Fri 8.15am-3.30pm
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Maria Bray
Nutritional Therapy
The Science of Health and Vitality l
Eat Well l Live Well l Feel Well
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Call for free half hour consultation Boost your energy 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 l l
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I can assist you to achieve your desired health improvements with a mutually agreed and appropriate stepped programme of dietary and lifestyle changes.
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Holistic therapist Rebecca has long dreamed of running her own business. She has now launched Chiltern Holistic Therapy and is offering a variety of treatments at your home, or from her treatment room at Consult Pharmacy in Aylesbury...
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hen Rebecca Jardine and her husband were told it was extremely unlikely they would ever conceive naturally, IVF treatment was recommended - the couple were desperate to start a family. Being a trained Reflexologist, Rebecca knew that Fertility and Pregnancy Reflexology could help and booked some treatments. Amazingly, the month the couple were due to start IVF, Rebecca found she was pregnant naturally: “It was completely against the odds,” she says. “We’d been told there was virtually no chance and I really feel that complementary therapy helped me to conceive. “I also had Reflexology and Acupuncture throughout my pregnancy and didn’t suffer any morning sickness and then had a 45 minute labour and a pretty pain-free birth, without using any pain relief!” Despite being a mum now, Rebecca has just launched her own Holistic Therapy practice specialising in: Reflexology, Fertility and Pregnancy Reflexology, Indian head Massage and Hopi Ear Candles. “My mum is a Reiki healer,” says Rebecca and when I was little she worked for a world renowned medical herbalist. I think that planted an early interest in complementary and alternative therapies and as I found out more I could see they have a place and a part to play alongside western medicine. “I wanted to be a nurse but when I started my training it soon became clear that I couldn’t cope with the sight of blood, so I ended up making a career in HR instead!” Rebecca took a course in Reflexology, qualifying in 2004, followed by courses in Indian Head Massage and Hopi Ear Candling
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as her interest grew. She has been practising in her spare time ever since: “After having my baby, I was looking to return to work on a parttime basis,” says Rebecca, “but my company wouldn’t accommodate that. The time had come to take the plunge and set up my own business, doing what I really wanted to.” Reflexology is an extremely relaxing treatment and may provide relief from a variety of illnesses, stresses and strains. Examples of conditions that can be treated effectively by Reflexology include: Fertility and sub-fertility; Irritable bowel syndrome; Headaches and persistent migraine; Pregnancy side-effects, Hormonal imbalances; Menopausal problems; Back-pain; Stress and anxiety. “I’m quite tactile,” says Rebecca. “I like the hands-on nature of the treatments I offer and the fact that the therapies may treat or provide relief from the effects of a variety of medical conditions. I’ve experienced that myself and I’ve seen it in treating others - I’ve had quite a lot of successes. “The feet are like a mini map of the body and you can balance the body by putting pressure in specific places. I can feel if there is an imbalance and can even tell which side a lady is ovulating from, or if someone has a shoulder problem, or back pain. While treating my sister, I discovered she was pregnant, before she had even realised herself! “Reflexology sessions usually last an hour and cost £30. The first session will be at least 90 minutes as I need to take a detailed medical history and find out more about the client and their reason for coming to see me. I update their record as treatments progress so we can measure improvements. “Depending on the problem a client might need anything from a single treatment to three or four but should be experiencing some improvement relatively quickly. I am particularly keen to help couples struggling to conceive. Having been through it myself I know how lonely it can be but I firmly believe Reflexology can help and I am happy to give them all the support I can. “The Indian Head Massage is intensely relaxing. It takes in the upper back, shoulders, neck, face and head and uses a selection of oils
Rebecca Jardine -Reflexology that benefit the hair and scalp in different ways. It is great for relieving tension, takes about 45 minutes and costs £25. “Hopi Ear Candling or Thermo Auricular Therapy can be used to treat many conditions of the ear, nose and throat area. The candles I use are traditionally made using ancient Hopi Indian techniques. One end is lit while the other is placed in the ear. The vapours gently massage the eardrum and auditory canal and the tubular candle causes a mild suction effect, drawing wax and impurities out of the ear. “It is a relaxing, non-invasive and good for: Snoring; Sleep apnoea; Sinus conditions; Excessive or compacted ear wax; Water in the ear, Headaches and migraine; Flying or diving pressure problems and Vertigo. They are really effective. The treatment takes about 30 minutes and costs only £20.” If you would like to book a treatment with Rebecca, or find out more, please contact her as below. l Chiltern Holistic Therapy, Aylesbury Tel: 07801 440936 Email: info@chilternholistictherapy.co.uk Web: www.chilternholistictherapy.co.uk www.facebook.com/chilternholistictherapy Treatments available in your own home or at: Consult Pharmacy, 172 Tring Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1JR
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
It’s five years since Caron Vetter founded Whitethorn Fields MediClinic with business partner and Consultant Plastic Surgeon Mr Sudip Ghosh. To celebrate the clinic is planning an exciting event and some great offers for Vale Life readers...
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Feel Good Look Great!
aron Vetter began running a beauty centre from her home in 1984. Then, some 22 years ago, she established The Belmore Centre in Stoke Mandeville; this health and beauty centre has developed over the years into a facility offering a wide range of health and beauty treatments and complementary therapies and also provides a home for the Cutting Room hairdressing salon and the Cat Booker Fitness Studio. Whitethorn Fields was the next step; a state-of-the-art clinic where cosmetic treatments are carried out by a team of highly
Whitethorn’s Prestige Anti-Ageing Package. Transform the way you look and feel about yourself with this intense high-powered package to rejuvenate, revive and refresh your skin. STEP 1: 1 x IPL Full Face
STEP 3: 1 x Lactic Power Peel
two weeks later
two weeks later
STEP 2: 1 x Dermaroller
STEP 4: 1 x Dermaroller
two weeks later
two weeks later
FINAL STEP 5: 1 x Meso Vital PriCe: £500 ShOULD Be: £857
an amazing saving for an amaZiNG new you!
experienced staff you can trust. such an experienced and loyal team There’s a wide range of the of staff. Between The Belmore most up-to-date treatments and Centre and Whitethorn Fields technologies available including MediClinic we offer such a vast anti-wrinkle injections, dermal range of treatments, there is literally fillers, peels, non-surgical facelifts, something for everyone. microdermabrasion, laser hair To celebrate its fifth anniversary removal, minor surgery and Whitethorn Fields MediClinic is cosmetic surgery. having an Open Day on Saturday, The clinic is set in a October 5, from 3pmpeaceful and discrete, 6pm, when they will be haven of tranquility, just demonstrating what is off the Old Risborough on offer. If you have Road in Stoke Mandeville. any concerns from skin A new website: www. problems to unwanted hair, whitethornmediclinic.co.uk fine lines and wrinkles or has just been launched eyebrows that need to look Caron Vetter: groomed, just pop along, where you can find out eyebrow tattoo see the demonstrations, everything you need to know about the treatments on offer chat to a plastic surgeon and have a and how to get in touch. free mole check! Caron also runs her Features Also find out more about For Life, cosmetic andlook medical new Prestige Transform the way you and feel about Whitethorn’s yourself with this intense tattooing business from WhitethornrevivePackage foryour Anti-Ageing, see high-powered package to rejuvenate, and refresh skin. Fields. As you may have read in left, and Laser Hair Removal STEP 3: 1 x Lactic Power Peel STEP 1: 1 x IPL Full edition Face ‘Beauty our Mar/Apr 2013 treatments and receive a fabulous Spot’ column, she is an extremely 25% off Vale two weeks laterLife reader discount, two weeks later talented and experienced medical on either of these packages when STEP 4: 1 x Dermaroller STEP 2: 1 x Dermaroller tattooist and did an amazing job you quote: VL25 (valid until Nov two weeks twobeauty weeks later on columnist Amanda’s 30th, 2013).later thinning eyebrows. Caron can also FINAL STEP 5: 1 x Meso Vital help restore esteem after breast l Whitethorn Fields MediClinic, Old PriCe: £500self ShOULD Be: £857 Risborough Road, Stoke Mandeville, operations with Areola Restoration Aylesbury, HP22 5XJ an amazing saving for an amaZiNG new you! and help disguise scars. Tel: 01296 614441 Her MT Training programme, Email: enquiries@ also based at Whitethorn, provides whitethornmediclinic.co.uk training for healthcare professionals Web: www.whitethornmediclinic.co.uk in medical tattooing procedures. Nurses are taught paramedical tattooing, so that eventually it will be available as part of reconstructive surgery for all NHS patients.. Designing new treatment packages and travelling abroad to investigate the latest treatments is Caron’s passion. “We now offer many treatments here that people used to have to travel into London, or further afield for,” says Caron. “I feel very lucky to be supported by
Feel Good Look Great!
Whitethorn’s Prestige Anti-Ageing Package.
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
A visit to the dentist is generally a much more pleasant experience today than it was a few years ago but one Tring practice is taking quality of care and patient comfort to a totally new level...
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owhouse Dental Practice is housed in a pretty double-fronted period cottage on Tring’s Western Road. The award-winning ‘Centre of Dental Excellence’ sports a stylish, modern reception area, a soothing ambience and charming staff. Established in 1989 Bowhouse is about to celebrate a 25th birthday, although you’d never know on visiting, for all looks pristine. The practice was taken on by Dr Edward Masheder in 2010 and has undergone a transformation. The reception and waiting areas are smart, comfortable and relaxing, whilst investments in the latest equipment mean the surgery is packed with cutting-edge technology: lasers, a CT scanner, an operating microscope and a CEREC 3D modelling machine - it really is state of the art and the kind of facilities you would expect in a top Harley Street practice. The only thing that isn’t top end are the charges, which are remarkably reasonable and very competitive. “We like to push the boundaries and offer the best treatment possible,” says Edward. “We have five dentists here, three specialists, myself and a general practitioner. We can deal with everything under this one roof, from crowns, bridges and implants to smile makeovers, porcelain veneers, tooth whitening and even facial aesthetics such as wrinkle reduction and fillers. Dr Rachel Kier is an expert in the treatment of patients with dental phobia and fears. She heads our Sedation Clinic which allows even very nervous patients to be treated safely and easily.” The CT Scanner is incredible. It produces a 3D picture of a patient’s tooth which can be viewed while discussing treatment options, while the CEREC machine makes up perfectly fitting, white, porcelain crowns and fillings
from scans of your teeth, while you wait! It’s not just the equipment that is first rate at Bowhouse though, Edward is a highly qualified and gifted dentist and has assembled an exceptional team of dedicated dental professionals. He was born in Aberdeen, but lived in Tring from the age of 11 and attended Tring School. He studied Dentistry at Dundee University, graduating in 1998 and has since built up extensive experience in all aspects of dental care. Edward has worked as a facial, head and neck surgeon and gained the highly respected MFDS qualification from the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh in 2004. He has special interests in Implant and
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Lorna Poulton, Rebekah Gallie, Dr Marina Arzoumanidi, Dr Edward Masheder, Dr Rachel Keir, Vicky Messenger, Financial Manager Senior Dental Nurse Periodontist Principal Dentist General Dental Practitioner Dental Nurse
Patient study: Justine Butler
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ustine, right, first visited Bowhouse three years ago.She had heard of Dr Edward Masheder’s reputation as a gentle, mild-mannered dentist and wanted to discuss facial aesthetics to combat the early signs of ageing. “Dr Masheder has created a unique environment at Bowhouse,”says Justine. ”Everything is beautifully designed, from the plush ultra-modern waiting rooms to the ceiling plasma screens that let you watch a movie during treatment. It feels more like a Day Spa than a dental surgery. I am a nervous patient but Edward’s calming influence immediately put me at ease. “He examined my teeth and suggested a course of treatment including CEREC (ceramic) fillings, which he said are much more durable than standard fillings. He explained the treatment in a language I understood and showed me the areas in need of repair on a state-of-the-art screen. “I was also curious to investigate facial rejuvenation and Edward explained how it works on wrinkles, and the need to ensure
injections are administered into the correct muscles for a perfect result. “I had some photos taken of my forehead area and was soon lying back experiencing light pin-prick injections into the area of my forehead that showed the most signs of ageing. “I have always been self-conscious about my teeth. Edward suggested an Invisalign six month treatment plan. Initially I was apprehensive, but the results have well and truly changed my life and I now love posing for the camera. “Thank you to Dr Edward Masheder for making me feel pretty.”
Cosmetic Dentistry to improve the face and smile and enjoys Orthodontics and the results achieved working with invisible braces. “We are a warm, friendly practice dedicated to you and your smile,” says Edward. “We employ the highest levels of technology and quality of service, tailored to your needs. Being able to help our clients look and feel their best is what inspires me. A beautiful smile is not just for the rich and famous.”
The team
l Bow House Dental Practice, 75 Western Road, Tring, HP23 4BH Tel; 01442 890384 Email: info@bowhousedental.co.uk Website: www.bowhousedental.co.uk
Richard Masheder Practice Manager
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Reaching an agreement can sometimes seem impossible, especially when relationships break down and strong emotions are involved. Appointing a neutral third party or Mediator can help opposing parties explore the issues, understand their differences and negotiate a solution...
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he courts are a last resort for people involved in civil or family disputes, (unless there are issues around urgency and safety, say in relation to child abuse or domestic violence). Mediation is recommended by solicitors and courts as an alternative way of resolving family disputes and one which should be tried before resorting to more stressful and potentially expensive legal action. You now have to meet with a mediator and obtain an FM1 form, which shows you have at least explored this avenue, before you are allowed to take your dispute to the courts. The Mediator facilitates a structured conversation that enables parties to reach ‘joint decisions’ that are realistic and practical and will enable their lives to move forward from the point they have reached. The individuals concerned have greater control and responsibility in resolving disagreements than if they went to court. Mediation empowers parties to control the length of the process, the issues they would like to discuss, and the outcome. Mediation can also be less stressful, particularly for any children involved and is about half the cost of having solicitors negotiate on your behalf. Mediation can be used for a whole range of everyday disputes from housing issues to employment disputes, personal injury claims, nuisance and harassment issues. Aylesbury based Symmetry Solutions is run by Mediator Amanda Ben-Scully and provides high quality mediation services for
Amanda Ben-Scully private clients. Fees are income based. Amanda and her mediators are all National Family Mediation (NFM) trained and have a variety of experience in different areas ranging from family law, counselling and teaching. They have completed the required level and standards set by NFM in family law, financial aspects of divorcing and child contact planning. “As mediators our job is to remain impartial to each party and manage a conversation that results in realistic solutions,” says Amanda, “so you and your children can proceed from where you are now in an affordable and time efficient manner. “We generally look to get the two parties in the same room, (although they can be kept separate in certain cases), and make a list of the issues that need discussing - is it property, finance, arrangements for the children - this may mean a Full Financial Disclosure of all property, pensions, debts
and investments etc involved, to give a clear picture of what the financial position is. This can be taken to their solicitors and will save them time later. “We then look at their options and work towards an agreement or Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU). It’s not a legally binding document but it is their agreement and most people will stick to that agreement, as they have created it themselves as something that works for them and has not been imposed or ordered by the courts. “If they choose to make it legally binding they can take the MOU to their solicitor who will draft a Consent Order which the courts will then rubber stamp. Many people are happy to stick with the MOU though and the mediation process can help build a lot of bridges and allow the parties to understand each other’s position better. “Ultimately solicitors will deal with a divorce; the legal paperwork and the court proceedings, but mediation is there to help with the process of reaching an agreement so it costs less and takes less time.” Amanda was born in the UK but has lived and worked in the USA, France and Japan. She gained a law degree in 2004 and qualified as a family solicitor in 2008. She has since trained with NFM as a Mediator and having worked with a local mediation service since 2011, set up her own firm, Symmetry Solutions, earlier this year. She lives with her family in Aylesbury. Symmetry Solutions has male and female mediators and works from meeting rooms in Fairford Leys, Chesham and Wycombe. Appointment times are flexible, to fit in with a client’s needs, and can be in the evening or at weekends. An introductory session costs £65, whilst standard session charges are from £80 depending on the nature of the mediation and on salary banding. Sessions last around 90 minutes and three to five sessions are usually required depending on how much is involved. For more information, or to book an introductory meeting call: 07926 528238. l Symmetry Solutions, Aylesbury Contact: Amanda Benscully Tel: 07926 528 238 Email: a.benscully@gmail.com Web: www.symmetrysolutions.org Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Older people finding it difficult to cope in their own homes, may be interested to find out about Abbeyfield, a charitable organisation aiming to enhance the quality of life for older people...
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bbeyfield is a charity which owns and runs a range of retirement accommodation designed to provide the very best quality of life for older people. Abbeyfield House, opposite St Mary’s Church on Church Street, in the centre of Princes Risborough, was originally a rectory. It’s an attractive, tranquil spot yet only a couple of hundred yards from the High Street. It’s been converted and modernised by Abbeyfield and now offers affordable supported living in 11 homely studio-sized flats. They are en suite with their own kitchen areas and can be furnished with the resident’s own furniture and belongings. It boasts a spacious and attractive, newlydecorated lounge and dining room and a pleasant south-facing garden with thoughtfully designed outside seating areas. The house has a comfortable, friendly and welcoming feel and the residents are a sociable bunch, enjoying coffee and biscuits in the lounge of a morning, or the chance to chat over lunch or tea, both cooked and served by staff in the airy dining area. Abbeyfield aims to provide a balance of privacy, support and security as well as the freedom to come and go as you please. There are professional, trained staff on hand to provide assistance if required and a call alarm system. You’d assume all this comes with a hefty price tag, but being a charity the rates at Abbeyfield are extremely reasonable, from £1,150 per month (inclusive of all accommodation costs). “It’s very, very comfortable here,” says Nora Milner, 94, who has lived at Abbeyfield for four years since she had a severe heart attack. “I think it’s ideal. You’ve got as much independence as you like and you’ve got help when you need it. Doing shopping and
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Abbeyfield House, Princes Risborough cooking is quite a burden at my age, so having meals prepared for you is lovely. The staff here are very good, we have an excellent team, we’re very lucky. The rooms are a good size and the fees are reasonable too. We have occasional outings and social events - there were barbecues in the summer and friends and family are welcome to visit. It isn’t like a home, it’s a home from home!” “The team here are housekeepers rather than carers,” says House Manager Caroline Beswick. “I’ve been here 9 years and I love coming to work, it really is like a second home, for the staff as well as the residents. We are open to all, you can come here on housing benefit or privately funded. If you require extra support, care packages can be set up, or if you already have one in place this can be continued here. We have volunteers who come in to help too. When a new resident applies we set up a guest stay for two weeks so they can see if it is going to suit.” Abbeyfield’s story is an interesting one - the result of one man’s vision. Richard, grandson
Left: Nora Milner, 94 and right, Marjorie Martin, 101, enjoying coffee in the lounge.
of Francis Carr-Gomm, (the man who took up the case of ‘Elephant Man’ John Merrick enabling him to live his last days in peace and dignity), shared his grandfather’s capacity to reach out to people in need. Working as Britain’s first male home help, in 1953, Richard was shocked at the isolation and loneliness of some of the older people he visited and decided to do more for them. He bought a small house in South London and invited two local residents who’d been living alone, to join him. The first Abbeyfield house was born! As more people were invited to live in the house, like-minded volunteers joined Richard in caring for and improving the lives of these older people and all sorts of folk started fundraising and donating money to help Richard and his team continue their work. By the end of 1960 Richard there were new societies in eight other London boroughs and the charity had spread to 15 places outside the capital, through the efforts of volunteers. The organisation became The Abbeyfield Society, dedicated to making the lives of older people easier and more fulfilling - a philosophy that survives and continues to inspire the charity’s growth to this day. Richard died in 2008 but his original vision has become an international reality. For more information on Abbeyfield House, or to arrange a viewing call House Manager, Caroline Beswick on 01844 342329. l Abbeyfield House, Church Street, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 9AA. Tel: 01844 342329 Email: c.beswick@abbeyfield.com Website: www.abbeyfield.com Charity No: 200719
by Cathy Soughton
The Old Market House, Princes Risborough
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he old Market House in Princes Risborough’s Market Square has been the focal point of the town for centuries. There has been a market in Princes Risborough since possibly as early as the 1370s when Edward, Prince of Wales, the ‘Black Prince’ who held the manor at Risborough, petitioned his father King Edward III to grant the town a weekly market and a two day annual fair. Risborough subsequently became known as Princes Risborough after the Prince. Market Houses were often built in small towns in the post Tudor period to protect vendors from the weather. The original brick building in Risborough was probably built in the early to mid 17th century and then comprised eight rounded arches encompassing an open area on the ground level, with an upper room accessed by a wooden ladder,
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
room, replacing the old ladder. The memorial was formally opened at a ceremony on 21st October, 1920 by Major Colingsby Disraeli, the former Prime Minister’s nephew. The names of those who died in World World II and most recently in Afghanistan have been added to the plaque. Markets are currently held at the Market House on Thursdays and Saturdays selling local produce. The access. This led to a long running which was probably used to hold upper floor of the Market House dispute over ownership of the meetings of the manor court and was used by the Town Council as building which remained unresolved. the Council Chamber until 2001, later used as a grain store. In 1824 The problem was nearly averted the building was restored by John but due to accessibility problems it when a steamroller struck a corner Grubb whose great uncle had was forced to move to alternative acquired Risborough manor in 1762. of the building in 1910 but no premises and the room is now major damage was caused and it was infrequently used. As a Grade II* The covered area was extended eventually agreed that the building by the addition of a slate ‘skirt’ listed building the Market House’s should remain. set on wooden posts on all sides future is secure but a building survey After the end of World War 1 and a turret was added to house a earlier this year identified a number it was agreed that a War Memorial clock which was paid for by public of problems and the building again should be erected to commemorate needs to be renovated. A Market subscription. those local men who had died in Further restoration work was House Restoration working group is undertaken in 1867 but the building the War. The Market House was currently looking at options for the was not liked by all the residents and considered the best location and a future. following complaints by local traders plaque listing their names was placed l Cathy Soughton is a local, between the arches facing the High that carts delivering grain to the professional genealogist and Street. Renovation work was also store blocked the road, the Parish architectural historian, providing undertaken on the building and a Vestry decided in 1888 that the family and house history research: new clock with four faces was added www.bucksresearch.co.uk Market House, which was proving whilst a boxed in staircase was built email: soughton@btopenworld.com, costly for the parish to maintain, to enable easier access to the upper should be demolished to improve Tel: 01296 624845 Princes Risborough Market Square and Market House circa 1900
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
WIN! Artistry Youth Xtend 4-Step Power System worth over £200
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e’ve joined forced with Amway UK to offer one lucky Vale Life reader the chance to win a brand new Artistry Youth Xtend Power System worth over £200. Amway tell us that after one week of usage, fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced and the skin’s healthy life is strengthened and extended, fulfilling women’s wish for timeless beauty! Fronted by beautiful actress and Warm Bodies star Teresa Palmer, right, the Artistry Youth Xtend range has been developed to help reprogram the future of your skin by protecting, repairing and reprogramming the skin. The product’s innovative ingredients stimulate the skin’s own proteins helping to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and protect against environmental influences. The 4-step Power System includes Protecting Cream, Enriching Cream, Serum Concentrate and Enriching Eye Cream all proven to dramatically reduce the signs of ageing. Every product in the ART-ISTRY
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Our House by Melanie Parr
Get eco-cool with vintage finds, a touch of upcycling and recycled objets, to create a chic home An extensive rangethat’s of far from shabby…
W Above: table by Jacks Vintage at Wallaces Home Boutique Right: door number made from recycled plastic cups by Ashortwalk at Tillynilly
luxury German kitchens
e’re all clued up on recycling our rubbish and which bin to use, but Traditional we could alsoand be a bitmodern greener when it comes to furnishing our bespoke furniture to homes. And while being kinder to the suit all tastes environment, vintage, upcycled and recycled An extensive range of pieces create a stylish and individual look. Marsh Gibbon-based interiors specialist Coco A personal service, luxury German kitchens Wallaces Design is evolving with its own home including full Home collection, featuring contemporary project-management Boutique artwork using recycled commercial Traditional and modern emulsions and stunningly simple bespoke furniture to silhouettes made from old books. Coco dates on the mount to create a special, A one-stop solution suit all tastes personalised present. Design can also take a customer’s Ercol has long lived by its green credentials, favourite book and add names and
Free CAD design and A personal service, visuals help bring to life your brand-new kitchen including full
project-management Top quality kitchens at amazing Competitive pricing - call forsolution a quote today! A one-stop throughout thevalue year prices Showroom near Thame An extensive range of luxury German kitchens
Traditional and modern An extensive range of bespoke furniture to luxury German kitchens suit all tastes A personal service, including full project-management
Traditional and modern bespoke furniture to A one-stop solution suit all tastes
Free CAD design and visuals help bring to life your brand-new kitchen
Free CAD design and An extensive range visuals help bring to life of luxury German kitchens your brand-new kitchen
A personal service, including full Competitive pricing ewaykitchens.co.uk | 01844 279 900 | www.ridgewaykitchens.co.uk project-management throughout the year A one-stop solution Free CAD design and visuals help bring to life your brand-new kitchen
Traditional and modern
Competitive pricing bespoke furniture to throughout year suit allthe tastes
A personal service, including full project-management A one-stop solution Free CAD design and visuals help bring to life your brand-new kitchen Competitive pricing throughout the year
info@ridgewaykitchens.co.uk | 01844 279 900 | www.ridgewaykitchens.co.uk Competitive pricing info@ridgewaykitchens.co.uk | 01844 279 900 | www.ridgewaykitchens.co.uk 36 Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013 throughout the year
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Where to get the look... Tillynilly 01844 220035; info@tillynilly.com; www.tillynilly.com Coco Design 31 Little Marsh Road, Marsh Gibbon, OX27 0AF; 01869 278004; www.coco-design.co.uk FROM 16 Cornmarket, Thame, OX9 2BW; 01844 217998; www.fromroundhere.com
Above: Pulped Fiction artwork by Coco Design Right: recycled glassware at John Lewis and as well as operating from an ecofriendly factory in Princes Risborough that uses waste wood for its heating and hot water, it offers a reupholstery service, Ercol reCover, to bring tired pieces back to life. John Lewis recycled Wallaces Home wool picnic rug Boutique in Thame is the Mecca for all things vintage – a brilliantly eclectic mix of original and repro
finds, from wartime trunks to upcycled furniture in Annie Sloan shades by Jacks Vintage. Meanwhile, at Tillynilly, innovative design brand Ashortwalk takes vending machine cups and turns them into anything from house numbers to clocks. Every house number plaque comes with a 300-year guarantee, the time it would have taken for a cup to biodegrade if it had ended up in landfill! Continued overleaf
19th century table, LASSCO
John Lewis Home Holmers Farm Way, Cressex Centre, High Wycombe, HP12 4NW; 01494 462666; www.johnlewis.com
Wallaces Home Boutique
Wallaces Home Boutique 2 Cornmarket, Thame, OX9 3DX; 01844 217123; www. wallaceshomeboutique.co.uk
Jacks Vintage (available through Wallaces Home Boutique) Contactable via Facebook and Twitter @ jacksvintage Chiltern Wood Recycling Unit 6, Lincoln Park Business Centre, Lincoln Road, High Wycombe, HP12 3RD; 01494 258185; www.chilternwoodrecycling.co.uk LASSCO Three Pigeons, London Road, Milton Common, OX9 2JN; 01844 277188; www.lassco.co.uk
Paxton table, Chiltern Wood Ercol Recycling Summerleys Road, Princes Ris-
Football’s coming home… In 2003, Great Missenden-based bespoke cabinetmaker Matthew Biddle got the chance to pull off the ultimate wood recycling project for football fans – the trophy ledge at the original Wembley Stadium. After dismantling the iconic piece of history, he was commissioned by a client to turn it into a beautifully clean-lined 1920s-style bureau and chair in-keeping with the architecture of the 1923-built stadium. The front panel of the bureau was made from the ledge that the Jules Rimet trophy rested on in 1966 when England won the World Cup, while the top has the piece of wood on which Bobby Moore famously wiped his hands before shaking the Queen’s hand to lift the prestigious cup.
borough, HP27 9PX; 01844 271800; www.ercol.com; www.ercolreupholstery.com
Taking down the famous trophy ledge at Wembley, and the finished bureau
Matthew Biddle Furniture 01494 864674; 07710 410210; www. matthew|biddlefurniture.com White Hart Studio 15 Churchway, Haddenham, HP17 8AB; 01844 292308; www.whitehartstudio.com
School desk c1870, LASSCO
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Our House by Melanie Parr Ercol reCover
Charles Huntington Flooring
Jacks Vintage at Wallaces Home Boutique
Continued from previous page
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Charles Huntington Flooring
Tillynilly will also make cushions using vintage or leftover fabric supplied by customers. Not-for-profit social enterprise Chiltern Wood Recycling, rescues wood destined for landfill and creates chunky furniture, as well as being a source of timber for DIYers and bargain firewood. For a statement Napkin rings by piece, LASSCO is a l Melanie Parr is a home interiors journalist with Ashortwalk at Tillynilly treasure trove of many years’ experience on a range of well-known antiques, whether magazines. If you have a features idea, CARPETS • VINYLS • SISAL homes • STAIR RODS you’re after an 18th century Louis-style fireplace please email editor@vale-life.co.uk or follow on FLOORING • WOOD Twitter • BINDING TAPES or an oak SAFETY pulpit. Definitely a talking point. @melaniejparr.
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Flock canvas (above left) by Coco Design and table and chairs (above) by Jacks Vintage
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
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39
l
Column: Janice Issitt ‘Making the most of it’
So far sloe good
H
ello, I’m Janice and I hope you are going to enjoy reading a little about my life in The Vale! I moved from London to a village near Aylesbury with my partner Ian, just over five years ago and I am glad to say the novelty still hasn’t worn off. The countryside never fails to astound us. It’s not just the stunning views but the country lanes and the wildlife - which is not only on our doorstep but very often in the back of our car too, as we recently started to volunteer rescue for St. Tiggywinkles wildlife hospital in Haddenham! I fit this in alongside activities as a photographer, craftmaker and stylist, I suppose I’m a bit of a Kirstie Allsopp! I make as much as I can for home and myself and am an avid upcycler. My style is for anything with a sense of history and a flavour of times and places remembered. If you get Homes & Antiques magazine you can see what I’m talking about as our home is in the September issue.
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
I enjoy getting out and about around the area and have already built quite a network of friends and fellow makers through places such as the Handmade and Vintage markets that are held at Winslow and Milton Keynes. Outside activities slow down as harvest festival approaches and its time to collect up the apples and pick from the hedgerows. This year I found an abundance of sloes
which are now soaking in Gin and Vodka. The apples will be taken for pressing and I will endeavour to make cider for the first time. Plans are to put these drinks in little bottles with hand made labels for stocking fillers at Christmas, after some taste testing naturally. Inside projects gear up a notch as the days get shorter. When it comes to crafts I usually have a few things on the go, some things for me and some things for around the house. Hand knitted gloves and socks, cushions, jewellery, decorations, quilts and revamped furniture. Suppliers for all these are a-plenty in The Vale. You can find amazingly priced pieces of furniture at Tring Auctions and in many of the charity shops. With a lick of Annie Sloan paint and wax they will not only look different but be unique to you. Lovely little market towns like Princes Risborough have great independent traders selling fabric, wool and beads, with expert advice on hand and classes for beginners. Check out Sally’s Sewing Box, Queenbeads and Clickettyclack. And don’t just snuggle under the quilt, make one yourself! Whether
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Janice Issitt
Making the most of it patchwork or knitted your local suppliers will be able to give you help and if you are serious about learning a new skill then check out the adult learning courses at Missenden Abbey in Iver, where you can learn anything from embroidery to silversmithing on weekend courses throughout October. 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.
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*Survey by familyinvestments.co.uk, 2012. Prices correct at time of going to press. Computer Generated Image shows homes at Old Kiln Lakes. Photographs show local area and typical Taylor Wimpey homes, kitchen image shows D layout, granite worktops, downlighters, floor tiles and upgraded appliances with additional costs of £4500 to £5000. Living room shows downlighters with an additional cost of £200 to £220. Please contact us for further details.
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
The perfect kitchen is the one which matches your personal needs. Whether a small kitchen with clever space planning, or an exclusive individual design with intelligent equipment details, Robin Goddard will ensure your new kitchen creates the ambience you crave...
I
f the man behind the worktop at Ambience Kitchens new Wendover showroom looks familiar, you’ve got a good memory. It’s been over 20 years since Robin Goddard ran The Kitchen Shoppe in the town but he has fond memories and always fancied returning one day: “I’ve always liked Wendover,” says Robin, “I was a partner in a kitchen shop here in the 80s. I’ve been running Ambience from my home in Stewkley for the last six years, but it feels the right time to open my own showroom again - it’s nice to be back in Wendover.” Robin is originally from Norfolk. He trained as a carpenter and joiner when he left school and went from making furniture for churches and public houses to making kitchens and running a workshop. He moved into the sales and design side and has worked for a couple of German kitchen companies, one of which brought him to the local area. Robin worked for Poggenpohl for 16 years both in Germany and the UK. He ran two or three sites for them, project managing kitchen installation at big developments of mixed housing from expensive large houses to compact flats. He started Ambience in 2007, working from home and is currently manning the showroom himself with help from wife Linda. “We’re open from 8.30am to 3.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday,” says Robin, “but I’m available outside these hours by appointment. “We work quite a bit with developers in London but I’m looking to do more locally. Our work comes from referrals usually. We take great pains to ensure a good job is done as it will often lead to another one. “Our main supplier is Leicht. They produce top quality kitchens that are built to last. We supplied their range when I had The Kitchen
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Robin Goddard Shoppe and I’ve sought them out again because they have such a lovely product. We also supply Pronorm, which was part of Poggenpohl but is a separate company now. “We don’t deal in volumes, we like to concentrate on one or two projects at a time. We have one fitter and that way I can ensure everything runs smoothly and to plan and gets my individual attention. “We supply a relatively modern range of kitchens - I like the German look - although there are traditional options, English company Crown has a classic look: wooden doors with top hats and square panels. They also do the in-frame shaker look which is very popular at the moment. Some people with period homes worry a modern kitchen will look out of place but in the showroom you can see they look great against our beams and bare brickwork. “We cater for all sizes of kitchen and costs can vary considerably depending on size and specification. We recently did a very small kitchen for just over £5,000 which included appliances but not fitting, which is about
Impressively spacious larder cupboard as low as we go. On the other hand a large Leicht Kitchen with quartz worktops and Miele appliances could be around £28,000 plus an extra £2,500 for fitting.” Robin is extremely experienced in everything kitchen, from the initial design phase to the installation. He also believes in being honest: “I’m not here just to sell,” he says. “I want every customer to be happy with their purchase. Happy enough to recommend us to others We do a good job for a fair price and I am always truthful with a customer - I’ll say if I think they are choosing something that won’t work for them.” If you are considering a new kitchen, pop in to Ambience. Robin is happy to chat and you can browse the brochures and units on display. Beware the huge larder cupboard, above, though, it could be love at first sight! l Ambience Kitchens, 35 High Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6DN Tel: 01296 625556 / 07530 932797 Email: ambiencedesigns@btconnect.com
l
Column: Penny Harper ‘Thoughts of a small town girl’
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Penny Harper
A
s I sit and write this, the Harper family is on high ‘baby alert’. We’re waiting for the call to action, or more specifically, to Dorset, where my sister-in-law currently resembles a beached whale (her words, not mine) and is avoiding tourist hot-spots for fear of being rescued by a team from Greenpeace and returned to the sea. It’s all very exciting as this is the first baby of this generation and, as my brothers and I are all in our thirties, I know my folks have been thinking “about bloody time”. We’ve all gone a bit newbie-bonkers, with Mum knitting enough blankets to cover the entire Northern Hemisphere and the rest of us getting all choked up over teeny-tiny clothes and cards with storks on them. I’m a bit worried
that we’re all getting a teensyweensy bit vomit-inducing, and she’s not even arrived yet. Poor little Hebe (that’s the name they’re going with at the moment) doesn’t have a clue what’s going to hit her. The name’s going to be the least of her worries. The only Hebe I know is a Labrador. I mentioned that to Mum and she said no, she knew another: apparently there’s a chimp at Monkey World where my sister-in-law works called Hebe. So that’s that mystery solved. I genuinely believed they were going to go with ‘Harper’, as per the Beckhams, until I realised that would make her ‘Harper Harper’. Sometimes I am way too gullible. I am still a little disappointed though that they’re not sticking with ‘Pearl’, which I think is an adorable name. The historic implications of
‘Pearl Harper’ might be a little too much though. So, with Ellie ready to ‘pop’ at any time, my thoughts turn to sloe gin, or more specifically, picking the ripe sloes ready to make some. I’m sure she won’t mind the comparison. Autumn has suddenly arrived and there are berries and fruits galore. Spring was the beginning of it all and autumn is when we see the fruits of our labour. I suspect though, that Ellie’s labour might be a little more arduous than me taking a stroll down to the bottom of the garden to pick some sloes. Mind you, pricking all the sloes before you add the sugar and gin is a REAL faff. Autumn is all about abundance, gathering and reaping, and the fulfilment that comes with stocking up for the long winter ahead. Thoughts have already turned to the first Christmas with our new littlie. It’s funny how everything comes together: this month sees the release of my latest book
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‘Lollipop and Grandpa and the Christmas Baby’ which is actually about the last baby of our family being born exactly thirty years ago, on Christmas Day. So, we’ll be celebrating Baby Harper’s first Christmas, and our Christmas Baby, Tom’s 30th. I can’t think of a more fitting way to end the year. An abundance of Harpers will gather together to eat, drink and be merry. We’ll say ‘Happy Birthday’ and ‘Merry Christmas’, and there might even be a drop of sloe gin to toast with.
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
43
l Column ‘In the Garden’ with
Naomi MacKay
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Now’s time for the fruits of your labour
I
t’s the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, and for us, those fruits mean apples and pears. Earlier this year, experts predicted that the cold spring could lead to a fruitful harvest, and if the fruit trees in our local area are anything to go by, they’re right. My own apple tree, which is barely three years old, is already groaning under the weight of its fruits, and the pear tree is starting to droop from the luscious green fruit dangling from its branches. If you’re lucky enough to have a tree, or have a kindly neighbour who is happy for you to help yourself to some of their excess harvest, when should you pick those apples and pears? Apples are ready to pick when they come easily off the branch when you lift them in the palm of your hand and give them a twist. The same with pears. Pears will be swollen and firm, and a subtle change in colour may be apparent on the skin, but don’t wait until they feel soft and ripe or they’ll be going off before your very eyes. Storing fruit can be tricky - pears in particular. Remember to only
ground, it is possible to grow fruit trees in pots - remember it will need to be watered and fed well. Another space saver is to grow your tree along a fence or wall (south-facing is best). You can buy ready-trained trees from the garden centre. Pear trees can also be grown in containers - look out for a tree grafted onto a rootstock called Quince C - they will be the right size for container growing. Ripe apples should If you want to find out more easily twist off the tree. about apples, it’s worth looking out for Apple Day events, where store perfect fruit - any bruised you will get the chance to taste fruit will spoil its neighbours. different varieties and get expert Find a room with a low, even advice from the people who grow temperature - a cellar is good – them. National Apple Day is lofts tend to be too dry and have October 21. variable temperatures. Grow your own Christmas If you think you’re missing out, dinner! now is also a good time to plant a Yes, I’m sorry to mention the fruit tree. A bare-root tree will take festive word when we’ve barely well now, while the soil is warm, waved the kids off to school and can be planted any time from for the new term, but I do have now until early winter. Containergood reason. Now’s the time to grown trees can be planted at any time of year, although not when the get sowing if you want to grow soil is too frosty, too dry, or too wet. vegetables for Christmas dinner: Carrots: take 12-15 weeks Choose a spot that is both sheltered to grow, so get sowing now. Try and sunny, which will give the fruit Autumn King or Chantenay Red plenty of time to ripen. Cored. If you need to leave them If you have no room in the
in the ground you can, or if it gets too wet and claggy, dig them up and store in sand in a cool place. Potatoes: Maris Peer and Charlotte will take about 12 weeks - pop them in now and you should just about have some ready for when Santa arrives, Turnip: Try a variety such as Purple Top Milan, which can be ready after just eight weeks. Kale: Some good green leaves will go down well, and a variety of kale such as Nero Do Toscana should be ready three months after sowing. Salads: Don’t forget the salads to go with all that cold turkey, ham and beef can also be picked fresh - look out for a mixture such as Suttons Seeds’ Winter Salad Cut and Come Again Mix, which includes lettuce, wild rocket and chard. l Naomi Mackay is a freelance journalist and publisher of a new website for parents of primary-aged boys: www.itsaboything.net. The site includes ideas on getting boys connected with education, expert hints on raising boys, book reviews, days out, toys, competitions...
Telephone: 01844 208401 Mobile: 07732 329118 Email: info@landmarkgardendesign.com Website: www.landmarkgardendesign.com
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Vacancies for hard landscaper and skilled labourers - contact Rodney on: 07732 329118
If you have caught a bus in Little Kimble lately, or just driven through, you may have noticed a new, rustically stylish bus shelter. It is the handiwork of Sharp Fencing who, despite the name are rather good at all sorts of wood construction, from fences to gates, planters, pergolas and more...
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harp Fencing are well known in the Aylesbury area for making and installing high quality domestic and commercial fencing. But from their workshop on Edison Road the family firm actually makes and installs a wider variety of products than their name might imply, from bespoke timber gates, fencing, signs and nameplates, to planters and pergolas, automated gates and CCTV security systems. Neil Sharp runs the company with sons Darren, 29 and Lee, 24, whilst his wife Neil and Darren Sharp Marilyn helps out on the admin side: “We can busier every day, so we’ve expanded and turn our hands to most things,” says Neil. moved to new premises on Edison Road.” “We offer a bespoke service, whether it’s a Sharp Fencing supply and fit all types chunky planter like the huge ones we made for The Harry Potter experience at Leavesden, of domestic and commercial fencing from closeboard, lap panel, post and rail, chain link or a large oak pergola, like the one we were and wicket fencing to welded mesh, Fortinet involved with at Bushy Park, Hampton Court, and wire netting, or for or just a good, solid wooden higher security, high gate for your garden, tensile metal fencing, anything is possible!” such as Palisade, Nylofor, Sharp Fencing is Paladin and Securifor. celebrating ten years as a “Since my sons have limited company this year, come on board we’ve although founder Neil has developed the residential been supplying and installing side more,” says Neil quality fencing and gates for “We now make a range many years. of good quality bespoke Originally from Wycombe, products. We will make Neil moved to Aylesbury in the early 80s and was Little Kimble bus stop to measure and we take anything on, from running a cleaning and property maintenance company: “The fencing a planter to a staircase, to a window frame or even a bus stop! We make a good quality business grew out of that,” says Neil, “We’d product and do a good solid job but our often be called upon to fit or repair fences prices are very competitive. and gates but thought the quality of the “Things have expanded naturally,” says products was poor. I thought we could make Neil. “We are qualified, experienced and better ourselves, so we started doing just that. approved installers of Came Gate Automation Word got round and orders started coming Equipment. We can supply and fit automated in. I started working from my garage at home gates, or automate existing gates and can also but soon had to take on a workshop. My sons carry out force-tests on existing gates to check have joined me now and things are getting they comply with the new health and safety regulations.” Darren studied IT at college. He designed the firm’s website and is their expert on gate automation and CCTV security systems. Sharp Fencing is an approved installer of CCTV equipment, employing a web-enabled system which allows the client to access their cameras, via the internet, from anywhere in Automated gates
the world. They get a text alert if movement sensors have started the cameras and can then go online to see what they are filming. The equipment produces high quality results and footage from one of their systems was recently used to successfully prosecute a burglar, identified robbing a local garden centre. “The CCTV side has grown alongside the gate automation,” says Darren, “as some customers wanted a camera, for security purposes, to identify who was at their door.” Sharp Fencing supplies hardwood and softwood products and sources their timber from sustainable forests. “Little Kimble bus stop is treated softwood with a cedar roof,” says Neil. “It’s ideal for a country bus stop or village location and we’ve already had a couple of enquiries from neighbouring councils for something similar. “We suggest people have a look at our products and services on the website,” says Neil, “and then email, or ring up to discuss what they are looking for and we can arrange a site visit. If it’s something unusual or unique, all the better, we can work from a picture or a sketch and design something to suit. We’ll try and get back with a quote that day, but it may take a little longer if there is bespoke work involved. “You can be assured of a top quality job at a very reasonable price - there’s no sharp practice here, well there is, but in name only!” l Sharp Fencing Ltd, 51 Edison Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8TE Tel: 01296 432018 / 07962 019981 Email: enquiry@sharpfencingltd.co.uk Website: www.sharpfencingltd.co.uk www.sharpeyedsecurity.co.uk Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
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Win a pair Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
of Skribbies
that doubles-up to provide a useful shoe ‘rubber’. Produced in a selection of colourways to suit boys and girls: Pink/Red, Neon Yellow/Black, Blue/ Navy, Skribbies are available in sizes ranging from UK Junior Size 10 to UK 3 (RRP £35.95). Skribbies is a UK based company founded by young entrepreneur Jennifer Duthie (27). Skribbies launched its first customisable children’s shoe collection in June, earlier this year. Skribbies are available to purchase online at: www.skribbies.com but if you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a pair simply email your name, address, telephone number and child’s sex and shoe size, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk What kind of fastening do Skribbies use? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Oct 31st, 2013. l Email: contact@skribbies.com Tel: 0203 2872944 www.skribbies.com www.facebook.com/Skribbies @twitter.com/skribbies
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Consumer Affairs
Award-winning BBC Three Counties presenter Jonathan Vernon-Smith extends his Consumer Hour to report for Vale Life Magazine on consumer issues that could effect you...
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hildren no longer need to be confined to colouring on paper, whilst being reprimanded for scribbling in places they shouldn’t (walls, furniture, carpets, etc), for with the launch of NEW British children’s footwear brand, Skribbies and their exclusive range of repeatedly customisable shoes for kids, an exciting new option is at hand, or rather at foot! Inspired by the fabric paints of the 90s, Skribbies fashionable, hi-top shoes with convenient Velcro fastening, combine style with a very individual sense of creativity. Think whiteboard on a shoe, Skribbies provide an ideal blank canvas for children to express themselves through colour and showoff their artistic flair. The unique wipeable surface enables children to alter the look of their shoes over and over again. Simply draw-wipe-draw to create a truly unique pair of shoes every time! Each pair of Skribbies comes with its very own selection of magic ink pens, a collection of Skribbies stickers and a pen holder wrist-band
l Column: Jonathan Vernon-Smith
or Goodness Sake – PAY BY CREDIT CARD! I’ve been fighting for consumer rights on my radio programme for many years now, and there’s one message I have been repeating constantly PAY BY CREDIT CARD! Whenever I repeat this mantra, I receive so many calls and emails of complaint from people saying that I’m encouraging debt, I lose the will to live. However, I simply refuse to be silenced. But why do I get on my high horse? I’ll tell you why. If you pay for goods or services by credit card you are protected in so many ways. The woman who paid £1,000 by cheque for a bed that never turned up because the company went bust, the young man who put down a £500 deposit in cash for a new car only to find the dealer had misrepresented the kind of vehicle it was. These consumers could have received all of their money back with one phone call if only they’d paid by credit card. You see under the Consumer credit act of 1974, the credit card company is equally liable for ‘for any breach of contract or misrepresentation by a supplier of goods or services on credit’. As long as the product or service costs between £100 and
£30,000, you are covered for most unfortunate events. There’s also absolutely no need to get into debt when paying by credit card. If you were proposing to pay by cheque, cash or debit card then simply pay by credit card instead and pay the credit card bill off in full the very next day. So next time you plan to buy that new sofa, car, holiday or conservatory, FOR GOODNESS SAKE – PAY BY CREDIT CARD! l Listen to The JVS Show every weekday morning from 9am on BBC Three Counties Radio www.bbc.co.uk/threecountiesradio Winner of Sony Radio Academy Awards 2013 Silver for ‘Best Speech Programme’ and Gold for ‘Best Mid-Morning Show’ at the Gillard Awards, Jonathan VernonSmith’s JVS Show not only brings you The Big Phone In each day and some amazing stories but his team tackle consumer problems. You can call: 08459 455 555 with your view on the big daily phone-in from 9am. Text 81333 or email: jvsshow@bbc.co.uk If you have a story to tell, JVS wants to hear from you about your interesting real life experiences. And if you’re having a nightmare with a company, council or organisation then get in touch. Email details of the problem and your contact number and if the team can help, they’ll get in touch. Email: jvsshow@bbc.co.uk
Win four tickets to the BBC Good Food Show
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he BBC Good Food Show London, takes place this year at Olympia from November 15th to 17th and will be serving up a feast of culinary inspiration from live demonstrations by your favourite TV chefs to 100s of the UK’s finest producers, plus, for the first time this year, every advance ticket includes a seat in the Supertheatre! You can see some of the nation’s favourite TV Shows brought to life from The Great British Bake Off sessions featuring Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry, MasterChef cook offs featuring John Torode and Gregg Wallace and Saturday Kitchen Live
Light lunch
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evin McCloud and British artist Bruce Munro will be ‘In Conversation’ at Waddesdon Manor on Wednesday 9th October. Hear these experts in the glorious setting of the Manor, as they talk about the importance of light, how they use light in their work and discuss Bruce’s current Waddesdon Coach House installation Cantus Arcticus, with an opportunity to see this on the day. Bruce will also give a preview of his winter exhibition of six outdoor light-based installations, which is part of Waddesdon’s contemporary programme and runs from November 13th to January 1st 2014. The
two will also reminisce about their friendship which spans 20 years! The day starts at 10.30am with coffee/tea on arrival in the Manor Restaurant, followed by the talk, a 2-course lunch, and a visit to Waddesdon’s contemporary gallery to see Bruce’s work. You can also visit Windmill Hill the new award-winning contemporary building on the estate which houses the Waddesdon archive. Tickets £35/£27 NT Members (refreshments and tours included). Grounds close at 5pm. For Bookings contact the booking office at Waddesdon on: 01296 653226.
l www.waddesdon.org.uk
Pumpkin party
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allowe’en is nearly upon us and at The Bell in Stoke Mandeville, landlord James loves an excuse for a party! So make your way to the The Bell on Saturday, October 26th, from 1pm until 6pm and you can join The Great Pumpkin Jamboree! The event is in support of Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity and
will include a Pumpkin carving Competition, Hog Roast, Traditional Games, Live Jazz Music, Junior & Senior Welly Wang, Face Painting and much more.
l The Bell, Lower Road, Stoke Mandeville, Bucks, HP22 5XA Tel: 01296 612434 www.thebellstokemandeville.co.uk
sessions featuring James Martin, plus Michel Roux Jr is back live in the Supertheatre, sponsored by Tesco. Shop from hundreds of exhibitors in the Producers Village and The Great British Bake Off Village and make sure to visit the Pop-Up Restaurant and Street Food Experience to savour some of the best food London has to offer. If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning four tickets to the BBC Good Food Show, London 2013, (standard cost around £25 each) simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to:
editor@vale-life.co.uk Where is the 2013 BBC Good Food Show London being held? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Oct 31st, 2013. l The BBC Good Food Show Opening times: Fri 15th November: 9.30am-6pm Sat 16th November: 9.30am-7pm Sun 17th November: 9.30am-6pm Wine Cellar open from 11am www.bbcgoodfoodshowlondon.com www.facebook.com/ BBCGoodFoodShows
Fifty years on F ifty years ago a small group of dog lovers from Bucks held a public meeting in High Wycombe’s Guildhall. It led to the formation of Wycombe Dog Rescue and Welfare Society and within a few years this small local charity acquired a muddy, smelly former pig farm off Oxford Road, Stokenchurch. With determination, elbow grease to clean and develop the site, and fund raising events, the supporters’ dreams became a reality. Now it’s called Stokenchurch Dog Rescue with light and airy kennels for up to 60 dogs, an isolation unit and treatment room. It rehomes an average of 40 dogs a month. In 50 years it’s saved the lives of tens of thousands of dogs from Bucks, Oxfordshire and beyond and found them new homes for a better life and brightened their new owners’ lives.
SDR never put a healthy dog to sleep, unlike sadly some other dog pounds. Many of its supporters are from the Aylesbury, Thame and Princes Risborough area. Golden anniversary celebrations are being held by the charity this year. It has also opened a fund raising shop at the kennels selling donated items including top name brands of clothes and goods. Anyone able to support SDR should call the kennels on: 01494 482695. Donations and legacies are welcome plus extra pairs of hands in the kennels or at fund raising events.
l Stokenchurch Dog Rescue, Tower Farm, Oxford Road, Stokenchurch, Bucks, HP14 3TD Tel: 01494 482695 www.stokenchurchdogrescue.co.uk Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Fed up with queuing at the Post Office? A new postal system has been launched in Aylesbury which is not only convenient but will save you money when sending your parcels and post...
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ylesbury businessman Stuart Rivett, founder and Managing Director of ParcelRoute Services Ltd based in Gatehouse Way, is the man behind an innovative new consumer postal service, Parcels2Post. Stuart already oversees the worldwide distribution of millions of parcels every year and has a sophisticated sorting depot at his disposal in Aylesbury, so when postal charges shot up last year he felt it was time to offer consumers another option. “I was fed up with the year on year postage increases,” says Stuart. “There’s no alternative supplier, so High Street consumers have had to put up with the rising costs. Over the last year I have worked on our touch screen kiosk solution from concept to launch. I wanted to offer a cheaper alternative to online and High Street postage prices for both domestic and international post and parcels and this is something I am now pleased to have achieved. There are also additional savings for small business that are VAT registered.” Part of B2C Europe group, ParcelRoute Services Ltd, processes large volumes of mail and parcels from their Aylesbury warehouse. The company utilises a variety of delivery services, including Royal Mail, but combines volume discounts and intelligent parcel routing to reduce costs, so Parcels2Post can undercut the cheapest comparable online and High Street prices by at least 10%. Parcels2Post kiosks are now installed in the
ParcelRoute foyer and are already being used by local customers. “At present the service is only available at the ParcelRoute offices in Gatehouse Way,” says Stuart, “but we are looking to expand using a network of retail partners, so that in addition to offering price savings, we can also offer the service at sites which are much more convenient to customers, both in location and opening times. Although here at ParcelRoute we are open Monday to Saturday, there is free parking outside and no queues as yet! Anyone is welcome to come in and use the service.” Parcels2Post kiosks are simple to use with a touch screen similar to cash machines and supermarket self-checkouts. You can send mail and parcels up to 30kg anywhere in the world using a network of global carriers that are familiar to us all. By simply placing the parcel onto the scales and following the on-screen instructions, customers will be able to choose the service they require, pay by debit or credit card and then attach the postage label. The item is then dropped into the secure postbox ready for collection and dispatch. Postage costs depend on weight and service, size is not a restriction. You can choose to track your parcel and your receipt will be printed with a code for this purpose. You should make a saving sending just one parcel, but the service will be of significant benefit to regular parcel senders and EBay traders, who will rack up considerable savings.
Managing director Stuart in the Parcels2Post sorting office
Parcels2Post kiosk at their Aylesbury depot “It will save you money,” says Stuart. “We match our prices not only against the Post Office but also online parcel brokers and aim to be at least 10% cheaper than anyone else. “The actual delivery will be by a standard parcel delivery firm or in many cases Royal Mail but the sender will still benefit from our lower rates.” Originally from Chesham, Stuart now lives near Chinnor. He is an IT, management systems and operations expert with many years experience in the distribution of retail and online merchandise. He was previously operations director for WH Smith and set up ParcelRoute with wife Carolyn some seven years ago. More information can be found on Parcels2Post at: www.parcels2post.com l Parcels2Post, c/o ParcelRoute Services Ltd, Unit 4 Gatehouse Close, Aylesbury, HP19 8DE Email: customerservice@parcels2post.com Website: www.parcels2post.com Opening Hours: Mon to Fri: 8am-8pm, Sat: 10am-6pm, Sunday Closed
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Win a tin of Dobble!
Full accounting for your company and a nice brew
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ast and furious family card game, Dobble, offers a brilliant and unique way of spending time with your family and friends! Dobble is the award-winning visual perception card game for 2-8 players aged 6 and above that can be played by anyone, regardless of age and interests. In Dobble, players compete with each other to find the one matching symbol between one card and another. Every card is unique and has only one symbol in common with any other in the deck. The match can be difficult to spot as the size and positioning of the symbols can vary on each card. Once a player finds the match, they shout it out before other players and either take the card or place it somewhere else, depending on which mini-game they are playing. The game is incredibly easy to play but difficult to master. Players must have a keen eye and lightning reactions in order to be the first to spot the matching symbol. As the game is based on reactions and visual perception, there is no
advantage for adults over children, making it the perfect family game The deck of cards is protected inside a small circular tin to keep them safe and make Dobble the perfect travel game! The game provides hours of fun, for a retail price of just £12.99. If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a Dobble pack simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk What do the Dobble cards come in? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Oct 31st, 2013.
At Lancasters Chartered Accountants, you’ll find all the financial advice and expertise you’d expect, delivered in a way you didn’t. Our personal and friendly approach means we get to know you before looking at your accounts. We think it’s the only way to fully understand your financial needs. Call us for a free consultation. We’ll get the kettle on.
Manor Courtyard, Aston Sandford, Bucks, HP17 8JB www.lancasters.uk.net
01844-292270
| Refreshing advice
l www.esdeviumgames.com www.facebook.com/EsdeviumGames
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
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Book your place now at The Jonathan Page Play Centre Aylesbury’s best kept secret… • Are you looking to add variety to your children’s after school activities? • In a quality, secure venue with friendly and qualified staff? • That offers flexible bookings to cater for your needs? If the answer is yes, the Jonathan Page Play Centre After School Club could be the perfect option for you. This purpose-built play centre offers a range of equipment, indoor and outdoor pursuits and a free choice of play
opportunities and organised activities for children aged 4 to 12. So whether it’s playing in the secure outdoor play area, looking after the centre’s garden, taking part in the educational and fun themed activities or sitting down in the quiet homework area, there’s something to suit your child’s interests and needs. Open between 3.15pm and 6pm with a healthy snack tea available, the After School Club costs £7.50 per session or £6 with a Passport to Leisure card.
The Centre even provides a collection service from several Aylesbury schools, by foot, minibus or taxi. Flexible, last minute bookings can be made with hours suited to meet your needs. To book a visit to view the Centre on a day that suits you, or for further information call: 01296 336413. l Jonathan Page Play Centre, 147 Meadowcroft, Aylesbury, HP19 9HH Web: www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/leisureculture/play/jonathan-page-play-centre/
Junior Autumnwatch is back and wilder than ever! • Are you looking for a fun-filled family day out with a difference? • Want to encourage your children to take a break from playing video games, watching TV and surfing the internet? Junior Autumnwatch is an exciting event on Saturday, 26th October, from 11am to 3pm for children, young people and their families to enjoy outdoor activities and to get interactive with nature and wildlife. The event runs alongside the BBC programme Autumnwatch which broadcasts through September and October. The day will be packed with fun things to do and see, including birds from Shuttleworth Birds of Prey, farm animals for the children to play with and live creepy crawlies from The Butterfly World Project, as well as fun, hands-on activities such as willow weaving and wildthemed arts and crafts. Fun yet educational activities provided by various environmental organisations, local voluntary groups and children’s play providers will also be on offer. Information will be available about local places of
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Our previous Autumnwatch event in 2010 had over 1,000 children and families attend and we’re expecting this year to be even bigger! Come along, have a great time and learn something too. The event will take place at the Jonathan Page Play Centre, Quarrendon and Meadowcroft Community Centre, Aylesbury, HP19 9HH. For more information about the Jonathan Page Play Centre go to: www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/play l Junior Autumnwatch information:
www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/leisureculture/events-and-holidayactivities/2013-juniorautumnwatch/
interest, local clubs and organisations. There will be a small entry charge and parents must attend with their children.
Drums & Percussion Education
Drum Tuition Studio Rental Rehearsal Room Hire Rock Band Workshop now booking! Tues/Wed/Thur 29th/30th/31st October 10am til 4pm each day Call: 01296 651273
Horsewyse CIC Come and saddle up for a fun time at Horsewyse · Pub rides (a fun hack across beautiful countryside over fields and bridleways to pub and back) · Children’s birthday parties from age 4 years Groups up to 12. Party activities for all abilities · Return to riding adults who have had a break and are ready to get back in the saddle Riding stables based at Long Crendon
www.horsewyse.org.uk
Drum lessons limited availability only School nearly full Book now to avoid disappointment!
Tel: 01844 202966
Website: www.dunxdrumschool.com Email: duncan@dunxdrumschool.com Telephone: 01296 651273 Mobile: 07708 733288
Horsewyse CIC is a not-for-profit company providing equine facilitated learning for children and young people with learning and behavioural difficulties.
Ian & Elle welcome you to
The George & Dragon
We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded a 4 Star Rating by the AA Guide for our Guest Accommodation The George & Dragon is a perfect spot to stop and enjoy a pint of ale or some food. Open all day our chefs serve top class, beautifully presented meals with a daily specials board to tempt even the most distinguished palate. Our excellent Sunday roasts are also not to be missed. Ingredients locally sourced where possible
• Our Restaurant is open: Monday to Saturday 12pm-2.30pm and 5pm-9pm • Sunday Roasts from £9.95 12pm-4pm every Sunday Bookings Advisable • Friday Nights: Dinner and Music Night - every week Live Music from 9.30pm
• Celebrate your party with us! Thinking of planning a Christmas party or staff Christmas meals? Call in for menus and details. • Our Christmas Menus are now available and will run from the 18th November.
The George & Dragon, 74 High Street, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 0AX Tel: 01844 343087 Email: info@gndpubco.co.uk www.gndprincesrisborough.co.uk
Come and see what everyone is talking about! Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
51
l Column:
Ruby Rasa ‘Tomayto Tomaaahto’
Syria S on my mind
Sfeeha (Syrian pizza) (makes 12)
What You Need: 500g lamb or beef mince (not lean) 1 medium onion, grated 1 can diced tomatoes, drained 2 Tbsp plain yogurt 2 Tbsp pomegranate molasses (optional) 1 tsp lemon juice 1 clove garlic, minced 2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper Handful pine nuts 12 small plain naan
What You Do: 1. Mix all ingredients together (except the naan obviously). 2. Using your fingers, spread about 2 Tbsp. of mixture onto each naan. It should be approximately 1/4’’ thick. 3. Turn oven to medium broil and place sfeeha (in batches if necessary) on a pizza tray or directly on the middle shelf until meat is cooked, approximately 15 minutes. If they’re soggy, turn oven off and leave them another 5-10 minutes.
yria’s been on my mind lately, with all the press coverage of the horrors there and the dangling question of what can or should be done. Politics aside, I’m sure you, like me, feel compassion for the people there whose lives are being torn apart, if not ended outright, by the ongoing violence. As I was shopping for school uniforms last month, I learned that there are Syrian children who are orphaned and hiding in caves. It’s simply heart-breaking. So what does all this have to do with a recipe column? Well, I’ve decided to use my voice here to round up some humanitarian aid. A friend of mine from Seattle runs medical and humanitarian missions to Syria and to Jordan’s Zaatari refugee camp every couple of months, taking donations of food, clothing, medicines - essentially anything you might need if you had to walk away from your home and everything in it, and had people shooting at you as you went. I’m asking you to help me help her. In exchange, I’m sharing with you my dad’s recipe for Sfeeha - a Syrian pizza popular in various forms all over the
region. He taught me a handy shortcut too - instead of playing around with dough, simply bake the meat mixture onto naan. It’s fast, easy and addictive. My shamelessly transparent hope is that, by sharing their food, you might somehow feel closer to the Syrian people and reach out to help. If you would like to contribute, please go to my website (lensandletter.com/ projects) for more information, or get in touch via email: ruby@lensandletter. com. Shukran, as they say in Syria. Thank You. l Ruby is a local freelance writer and photographer. Please contact her via her website: http://lensandletter.com
Win dinner for two at The Thatch
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Vale Life favourite, The Thatch inhabits a row of cottages on Thame’s Lower High Street and is a classic English pub, serving top quality food, fine ales and carefully-chosen wine. The main building dates from 1555 and the front door opens into an ancient flagstoned bar with a huge open fireplace. The front dining room
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is filled with a wonderful mismatch of old furniture, including fine 18th century chairs and tables which look right at home amid the oak beams and wooden floors. Once past the bar, the main eatery is a light, contemporary room which looks out onto the sunny courtyard to the rear. In the Autumn and Winter The Thatch is a warm and welcoming place with a blazing fire for when the cockles need warming. Food is served all day and depending on how the mood takes you, you can choose to eat in a traditional or modern setting. The food is excellent quality fare served with honesty and skill traditional pub favourites as well as some more sophisticated dishes. Expect fantastic sausages; free range chicken and eggs; simple, panfried fish and seafood - all sourced from producers who take pride in their products and an ethical stance in their production and service which is always charming, efficient and friendly even though it can get quite busy. If you’d like to be in with a chance
of winning dinner for two, with a bottle of house wine, at The Thatch, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk How old is The Thatch? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Oct 31st, 2013. l The Thatch, 29-30 Lower High Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 2AA Tel: 01844 214340 Web: www.thethatchthame.co.uk Open Sun-Thur, 10am-12am, Fri/Sat, 10am-12.30am
l Column: Jacqui
Beef dreams
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s I write this I am on the verge of a major breakthrough, a breakthrough back into the world of proper food; and by proper food, I mean everything I’ve been forbidden during pregnancy. While the advice changes from generation to generation, and from country to country, the NHS these days say no raw or undercooked eggs (goodbye pert poached perfection), no undercooked or raw meat (bye-bye Beef Wellington), no unprocessed cheese (au revoir camembert), plus zero liver and paté (so long chicken liver parfait). Basically, lots of foodie favourites go flying out the bloomin’ window. You may feel a (very small) pang of sympathy for me then, to learn my pregnancy was confirmed just one week before Christmas… a Christmas that involved a giant family feast hosted by MrF and I, including garlic & rosemary infused baked camembert, charcuterie platters, stunning pates and enough booze to keep AA occupied for
Thorndyke ‘Foodie On Tour’
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Happily Jacqui has now given birth and is currently tucking in to anything beefy she can get her hands on! days! Grrrr, if only I’d found out a week later. Oh how I’m bored of food restrictions, of having to analyse restaurant menus, avoiding all the best sounding dishes; in some cases, avoiding whole restaurants entirely because their menus are compiled purely of all my restricted items. In honesty, I’m looking forward to simplifying my dining experiences almost as much as I’m looking forward to the bounties that await me. I’ve certainly gained some insight into those with permanent food restrictions - I can only imagine the frustrations for vegans, vegetarians and coeliacs, constantly having to choose from a reduced selection of dishes. The mixed knowledge of waiting staff, when asking about safe
ingredients, has been somewhat disappointing too; one waitress amusingly told me she thought I should eat the questioned dish (featuring liver) anyway, as the restrictions were basically petty. Thanks for that, but I think I’ll pass. During my last pregnancy, my main craving was for pate; MrF won major husband points by bringing some to the hospital for me, the very day after MiniF was born. There I sat, sleeping newborn by my side, blissfully tucking into a long awaited pot of pate. This time round, it’s been all about the beef; for eight long months, it’s all I’ve been craving... but not just any beef – medium-rare, juicy, lip-smacking, perfectly seasoned, caveman style, carnivoretastic beef! Nothing else quite compares or scratches the
Jacqui Thorndyke
itch. It is now, while I’m within weeks of my due date, that I can finally start preparing to tuck into a decent steak. So, dear readers, the next time you hear from me, I will be a new woman; I’ll be a sleep deprived, Mum of two, joyfully tucking into plate after plate of juicy, pink steak! See you on the other side… 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
Open 7 days a week from 5.30pm-11pm. Tel: 01296 615245 / 615927
Fr e
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Little Kimble Indian Restaurant New restaurant serving the finest quality Indian cuisine
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Come and experience the authentic tastes of India. Our menu has all your favourites plus exciting new dishes created by our expert chefs
Thursday Banquet Night: Starter/Main Dish/Side Dish/ Rice or Nan only £12.95
Risborough Road, Little Kimble, Bucks, HP17 0UF Tel: 01296 615245 / 615927 www.littlekimbleindianrestaurant.co.uk
Sunday Gourmet Night: Starter/Main Dish/Side Dish/ Rice or Nan only £12.95 Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
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Column: Emma Ward‘Country Girl’
Life’s a boat A ugust was the most fantastic month! Not only did we have gorgeous weather (a God send to all my farming friends getting the harvest in) but I had a whopping three weeks off work, two of which were spent on holiday in the Canary Islands. Now, I have a confession to make; I have managed to get to 25 without going abroad, apart from a few days on a school trip to France when I was 14. So this was my first proper ‘hot’ holiday! My teenage years were spent dreaming of holidays raving in Ibiza, but my plans never quite came off. Finally, eventually, this summer, my dreams of soaking up some exotic sun were to become a reality! However, this holiday wasn’t to be a regular ‘young persons’ holiday’... I was going with my grandparents and our home for two weeks would be the P&O cruise ship Aurora! I must admit I was dubious about going on a cruise as I had visions of old
ladies playing bingo and falling asleep in the sun, their knitting on their laps. I guess it was a bit like that, but it was also so much more than I was expecting! On first boarding the ship I was surprised - it didn’t feel like being on a ship at all; it felt exactly like being in a hotel. There was also plenty of things to do every day if you so wished (yes, even bingo) but I found I spent the majority of our time at sea lazing by one of the three pools, reading a book. And when I was wasn’t outside I was in the library which handily had a Costa situated next to it. At first I was also rather wary of the evening entertainment, expecting a cabaret fuelled nightmare but mid-way through the cruise I decided to go to the theatre after dinner, and was pleasantly surprised, especially by the Michael Buble tribute, who could give most chart-topping artists a run for their money. Everyone likes to indulge whilst
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
on holiday, and there were many opportunities for that on board, especially if you love your food (who doesn’t?!). I have never had such a range of food in two weeks and I have probably come home considerably heavier as a result. Every night on Aurora we had a three course meal in the Alexandria restaurant and were never once disappointed. I was most impressed when, on our last night, a beautiful swan made out of meringue and sticky toffee pudding flavour cream was presented to us. The service was also impeccable. You get to know your waiters fairly well over the two week period and on the last night it is genuinely like leaving friends behind! As if the culinary delights at mealtimes weren’t enough, we all decided to go to the ‘Chocoholics Buffet’ held one afternoon; needless to say it was amazing too. On par with the delicious food (almost) is the sense of adventure and variety that comes with cruising. It was a great experience to wake up in a different place each morning, watching the sun rise over the steep mountains of
Emma Ward
Country Girl the Canaries. There was plenty of exploring to be done too. My favourite item on the itinerary being riding camels across the sand dunes at Maspalomas in Gran Canaria. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who doesn’t like getting their hands dirty though; the camels are rather smelly, they growl and spit and you will arrive back at base very sweaty and dusty. It was far removed from the Laurence of Arabia vision I had in my head! For now, I have given up that dream of wild Ibizan nights partying ‘til dawn. Instead I think I have been converted to a more relaxing way of holidaying. I’ll go and grab my knitting...
Now booking - Christmas Menu available throughout December: Lunch £19.95, Dinner £24.95
Delicious, three course festive menu 5 choices of starter, 5 choices of mains, 4 dessert choices
Christmas Day Menu: £65 per person
Come in, or see our website for full details
225 Aylesbury Road, Wendover, Buckinghamshire HP22 6BA Tel: 01296 623884 Email: info@villagegatewendover.co.uk Website: www.villagegatewendover.co.uk 54
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Now Booking:
Wine evenings with local wine expert Neil Irvine Wednesday October 23rd & Wednesday November 20th
Christmas Party Menu and Christmas Platter Menu now available To book your party or reserve a wine evening place call John on: 01296 696380 or email: info@twistwendover.com 20 High Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6AR Tel; 01296 696380 Email: info@twistwendover.com Website: www.twistwendover.com Open: Monday - Saturday: 9am-12am, Sunday: 9am-11.30pm Food served all day.
Welcome... Eat Well, Laugh Much, Drink Often...
Relax...
Andy and Emma welcome you to The Boot - newly-refurbished, modern country pub and eating house. Unwind in the heart of the picturesque Chiltern Hills whilst enjoying fresh, locally produced food, local ales and fabulous wines. The menu reflects the chef ’s desire to create exciting dishes suitable for all tastebuds, so families can dine in style. The Boot boasts a huge garden for children to play in and a stunning outdoor eating area. There is ample room for marquees to cater for larger events too. So, whether you fancy a casual drink, a delicious evening meal, or leisurely Sunday lunch, The Boot has it all! Chinnor Road, Bledlow Ridge, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4AW Tel: 01494 481499 | Email: theteam@theboot-bledlowridge.co.uk Website: www.theboot-bledlowridge.co.uk
Stay Warm This Winter! Dry Logs
Prompt Delivery
Pick Up Only
Pre-Packed Coal
For Open Fires & Multifuel Stoves
Visit Us For:
- Large Selection Of Fruit & Vegetables - Extensive Freezer Selection- Home Produced Lamb & Beef - Top Brand Pet Foods & Animal Feeds - Chiltern Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil -
P E Mead & Sons Farm Shop Wilstone, Nr Tring, HP23 4NT 01442 828478 www.pemeadandsons.co.uk Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
The gorgeous Summer weather seems to have broken now and at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre it’s raining inside and out! You shouldn’t get wet watching John Godber’s September in the Rain, although the bittersweet comedy has been known to induce an occasional teardrop...
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eep the Summer holiday spirit alive with September in the Rain Mon 14th to Sat 19th Oct at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre. Starring Claire Sweeney and John Thomson, this bittersweet comedy charts the life of Yorkshire couple Jack and Liz through their annual summer holiday jaunt across the Pennines to Blackpool - a 40-year-ritual for the couple. Join them as they reminisce on the golden age of donkey rides, talent contests, saucy postcards, stripy deckchairs, ice cream and knotted hankies! Vale Life’s Byron Savage spoke to Writer and Director of the play, John Godber:
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Claire Sweeney and John Thomson as Liz and Jack in September In The Rain
What inspired you to write the play? “I wrote September in the Rain as a companion piece to an earlier play, Happy Jack, which was actually inspired by my grandfather, Jack Deakin, a giant of a man, and his little wife, Liz, who mostly controlled his tempers. Jack had been orphaned and was a volatile, but loving character who adored his two daughters, my Mum and my Aunty. In many ways the relationship of Jack and Liz in these two plays is an amalgam of my parents heated but loving relationship, my grandparents stoical brooding relationship, and that of my wife Jane and I, which is brutally honest and hopefully healthy. We are still able to argue about anything and do, daily!” Is it true you and your wife were the original cast? “Jane, my wife, played in Happy Jack along with Andrew Livingston. He had a part in Mr. Cinders and we needed someone to play opposite Jane as we were considering a sequel to Happy Jack to take to Edinburgh in 1983. I stood in, went to Edinburgh and Jane and I became an item. Thirty odd years later she is still Mrs Godber. September in the Rain was the first play we ever did together and Radio Four recorded us as their classic theatre slot in the play almost two years ago.
John Godber Where did the title come from? ‘September in the Rain’ was my mother’s favourite song, especially when sung by Jo Stafford, and it became her favourite play. After having flown to LA to see Bouncers win seven Los Angeles Drama Circle Awards in 1986, my mother told me that I should write something nice ‘like September in the Rain. Why did I always want to write about the gutter?’ I felt like George Bernard Shaw! This is one of your most popular plays, why do you think people relate to it so well? What’s interesting in this play is that beneath the bickering is a real sense of affection. Jack and Liz are two people for whom language is not their most comfortable form of communication. The affection within the play is demonstrated through love and tears, and in many ways the non-verbal aspects of the play, the body language, the gestures and posturing are just as important as language itself for a miner and his wife. Jack is a man for whom noise, black soot, aggression and death were a daily reality. We see them desperately seeking to find each other and hoping to express their deeply held feelings in awkward ways in Blackpool, in the rain, rather obviously in September.
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Coming up at the Waterside Your at-a-glance guide to what’s on... National Theatre Live Screening: Othello
Thu 26th Sept
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Tue 1st Oct
Comedy Club (Second Space)
Fri 4th Oct
Sean Lock: Purple Van Man
Mon 7th Oct
The Reduced Shakespeare Company
Tue 8th Oct
Reginald D Hunter
Thu 10th Oct
Ardal O’Hanlon
Fri 11th Oct
Oxford Philomusica
Sat 12th Oct
Jethro
Sun 13th Oct
Jim Davidson & Richard Digance
Sun 20th Oct
New Jersey Nights
Tue 22nd to Sat 26th Oct
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Mon 28th Oct to Sat 2nd Nov
New Jersey Nights
Claire Sweeney and John Thomson as Liz and Jack in September In The Rain September was the annual miners holiday week in West Yorkshire. It was what was called Leger Week back then, since it was the week the St Leger horse race was run at Doncaster.
Do you think the glory days of the traditional seaside have passed? Liz says in the play “Blackpool’s changed, everything changes!” but maybe some things remain the same!
How does it feel to be directing other actors in the parts you and your wife were the first to play? Every actor brings something new to a part, and I guess John and Claire recognise something of themselves or people they know in this simple but deeply human tale. A director told me twenty years ago that September was one of the few plays that communicated what love is. Maybe it has stood the test of time because that is true? We need love in the theatre at any time, and perhaps we need to see it expressed more openly in this fast-paced, digital, insensitive age more than ever, since despite whatever we may think about the world, if you cut us, we bleed.
Join Jack and Liz as they recall their trips to the seaside, from their first holiday as newlyweds, to their last, as Senior Citizens, sharing memories filled with tears and laughter, fish and chips and wet and windy promenades in September!
Ardal O’Hanlon
Jethro
The Reduced Shakespeare Company
Book now at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Box Office call 0844 871 7607 (booking fee) or visit www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury (booking fee) l Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1UG Telephone Booking: 0844 871 7607 Website: www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury
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It may be a tad early to mention the ‘C’ word but you won’t want to miss this unique gift and card buying opportunity in the pretty village of Speen...
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estled in the heart of The Chilterns is the picturesque village of Speen. The annual Christmas Market is held in The King William IV in the centre of the village, a two-day event, (November 15th & 16th this year) which is becoming increasingly popular year on year. Originally a humble sale of Hospice Christmas cards over a cup of coffee, the event has grown over the last five years and David Hill, the owner and Landlord of the pub now allows Speen Group to fill The King William IV with the work of many exciting local designers and artists from jewellery
to ceramics, art, quilting, glass, candles and much more. Charity Christmas Cards supplied by Florence Nightingale House, Helen & Douglas House, Rennie Grove Hospice and The South Bucks Day Hospice, the four Hospices supported by Speen Group will of course also be on offer and in addition there are Cakes, Game and other festive foods. Vendors will differ over the two days The Speen Supporters Group was founded by Suzi Rose in 2001, with the aim of raising funds for the local hospice charities by putting on local events. They are now known as ‘The Speen Group’ with several of the original
The Speen Group’s Annual
in support of local hospices at the
King William IV Hampden Road, Speen HP27 0RU
Friday 15th November 11am - 4pm & Saturday 16th November
members still on the committee and everyone giving tirelessly of their time and effort for free. With limited Government funding the Hospice Charities rely heavily on organisations like Speen Group to raise the funds necessary to care for people with life limiting conditions and give support to their families. The King William IV dates from 1668 and creates a wonderful atmosphere for the Christmas Market, with the old beams bedecked in festive glitter, the log fire lit and the Market running the full length of the pub. There will be seating near the fire where you can enjoy drinks or the special menu available from the bar. The pub is steeped in history. It started life as a farm, with a John Free obtaining its first Liquor Licence in 1827. The idea of the owners having two professions continued into the 1850s when the Landlord and Master Tailor was Thomas Stevens and the 1890s when the Landlord Thomas Gomme was also a Wood Turner. In 1935 Speen residents purchased most of the land from the Wheelers Wycombe Breweries (2.75 acres) for £160 with the Brewery retaining the land between
11am - 3pm
Charity Christmas Cards • Wonderful Gifts • Jewellery • Cakes • Raffle Bucks Fizz breakfast & food available all day Entrance fee £1 on the door
THE
Speen G R O U P
SUPPORTING LOCAL HOSPICES
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We support Florence Nightingale House • Helen & Douglas House Iain Rennie Hospice at Home • The South Bucks Day Hospice
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Gift Fair in full swing
the pub and Studridge Lane. In 1960 the Courage Brewery owned the pub and over the next 30 years the pub changed hands several times even becoming an Indian Restaurant at one point. In 2008 after a total refurbishment the premises were re-established as The King William IV by the current owner David Hill and re-opened as a freehouse and home for his family. The rustic style food is inspired through locally sourced suppliers including gluten and wheat free dishes, with special event evenings running throughout the year. www. thekingwilliamivspeen.co.uk The pub is well worth a visit and especially so when Speen Group’s Charity Christmas Market is in residence and you can find unique gifts for your family and friends whilst raising vital funds for the local hospices. l The King William IV, Hampden Road, Speen, Buckinghamshire, HP27 0RU. Christmas Market Opening: Friday 15th Nov: 10am to 4pm Saturday 16th Nov: 10am to 3pm Email: jem@symondson.co.uk or antoinette.james@hotmail.co.uk Admission just £1 per person
Ben Hall
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
From the sacrifice of the men who fought in the First World War, to the unsung efforts of the Women’s Institute in the second and from the individual bravery of the first woman to ski across Antarctica, to the accidental heroism of the survivors of torture, the stories and tales being told at TAL Festival 2013 have something to say to us all. Come to Thame, October 18th to 20th...
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he Fourth Thame Arts and Literature Festival (TAL) is now booking and many of the events are in quite intimate venues, so don’t wait to get your tickets (www.talfestival. org / Tel: 0871 288 3420) From October 18th to 20th there’s the chance to attend talks, exhibitions, plays and concerts and from the clear thinking of George Monbiot, to the critical analysis of the BBC’s Nick Robinson and the challenging writing of A.T Williams, this year’s festival looks like being the best ever. Souvenirs is a play written and performed by survivors of torture. The name comes from a comment by one victim who said: ‘These marks on my body will be my souvenirs.’ Poignant, challenging and sometimes very funny, Souvenirs is life enhancing and thoroughly enjoyable. Meet these amazing people and learn something of the unquenchable human spirit. It is 99 years since we marched to war with Lord Kitchener’s famous epithet ‘Your country needs you.’ Professor Gary Sheffield and historian Nigel Jones lead a discussion on the causes and issues that led up to the “war to end all wars’. The First World War represents a change in so many ways but why did it happen? In fiction, we celebrate Teri Terry’s heroine from her Fractured Trilogy for young adults. Fractured Futures at Thame Library is a discussion of fiction for young adults with fellow author, C. J. Daugherty. Alone in Antarctica is an adventure of spectacular proportions. As Felicity Aston tells the story of her epic ski across the bottom of the world you can feel the Sarah Goss
Glenn Hoddle Ice&Fire: Souvenirs isolation and conditions in every word. ‘A brave and often terrifying account of a record-breaking journey’ - Ranulph Fiennes In Jambusters Julie Summers brings us the unsung heroism of the Women’s Institute during the Second World War. With their men fighting overseas and the bombs dropping around them, these brave women made sure there would be something to return to. And there is so much more: Glenn Hoddle, Matthew Rice, Ben Hall, Alysoun Owen, Lucy Inglis, Coralie Bickford-Smith, Sarah Goss, Richard Baker, Barry Norman, Philip Hook, The Boodlum Band, Mary Cutler... Meet them all and others at Thame Arts & Literature Festival, 18th-20th October 2013. www.talfestival.org Tickets are available by phone and email and in person from the TAL Box office at the Town Hall, every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Richard Baker Julie Summers l Thame Art & Literature Festival, October 18th-20th, at venues around Thame Tel: 0871 288 3420 Email: info@talfestival.org Website: www.talfestival.org
TAL Festival is sponsored by CPM, Cargo Homestores and Thame Town Council.
Ian English Boodlum Band
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Artists & Makers Fairs 2013 Thame Town Hall OX9 3DP
26th October 30th November 10am - 4pm
Hodge Podge Arts Iron Forged designs
Niki Bell Sue Graham
Waddesdon Plant Centre HP18 0JW
5th and 6th October 10am - 4pm
S
ally Evans Artists and Makers Fair returns to Waddesdon Manor Plant Centre on October 5th and 6th and is followed by her popular fairs at Thame and Wendover in the run up to Christmas. The Glasshouse at Waddesdon Plant Centre will once again be buzzing with an exciting collection of painters, printmakers, photographers, ceramicists, jewellers, glassmakers and many more genres of talented artists, jostling to inspire and amaze with their stunning works and techniques. The Fair is one of the largest visual arts events in the area and is more than just an exhibition or sale, visitors will be able to see local artists in action giving live demonstrations of their work. Organiser Sally Evans, says: “It’s great fun visiting these events, not only to support our local artists and marvel at their skills, but for
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gift ideas, as there will be plenty of work on sale. It is ideal at this time of year when that different, or unique something for someone near and dear, can be so hard to find on the high street.” This event and Sally’s following fairs at Thame and Wendover are open from 10am-4pm each day. Entry is £3 at Waddesdon - supporting Helen & Douglas House and Young Carers Bucks, whilst entry to Thame and Wendover is free. To find out more about the event and the artists taking part, visit Sally’s website at: www. sallyevansevents.co.uk l Artists & Makers Fair, 10am to 4pm, October 5th & 6th, 2013 Waddesdon Plant Centre, Queen Street, Waddesdon, Nr Aylesbury Buckinghamshire, HP18 0JW. www.waddesdonplantcentre.com For more information contact Sally by email at: sllyevan@aol.com Web: www.sallyevansevents.co.uk
Wendover Memorial Hall HP22 6HF
23rd November 10am - 4pm www.sallyevansevents.co.uk 01296 696747 sllyevan@aol.com
Call for artists
Pleasecontact contact me me if you Please if you like would would to like taketopart in take this partAutumn. in our Fairs Fairs
T
Saturday Night: Live Music with Alex Toye
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
It’ll soon be time to sup up at the annual Aylesbury Beer Festival and this year there’s 25 reasons to raise a glass to Florence Nightingale Hospice which is marking a quarter century of providing total hospice care for local people. Every gulp raises vital funds for them too, so bottoms up...
A
ylesbury Beer festival promises ale and cider lovers (not forgetting the non-drinkers among you!) an opportunity to come together for some fun, froth and frolics with a variety of beers on offer for under £3 a pint! In its 20th year the two-day event, in partnership with CAMRA, will be taking place on Friday 18th October (6pm-11pm) and Saturday 19th October (11am-11pm) at Bucks CC Sports & Social Club, Lower Road, Stoke Mandeville. The local XT Brewery at Long Crendon is already busy brewing a special festival beer in honour of the 25th anniversary, to be named ‘FN25’. Fruit beers are the ‘in’ flavour of the moment and FN25 will be a plummy little number and is already arousing interest among ale fans! XT took their very first barrel of beer to the Aylesbury Beer Festival in 2011. ‘XX’ as it was called went down a treat with festival-goers and took the coveted ‘Beer of the Festival’ title. Over the last 20 years the event has helped to raise thousands of pounds for Florence Nightingale Hospice, which provides a complete package of care for local families affected by life-limiting illness, including a 12-bedded In-Patient Unit, Day Hospice and Lymphoedema Clinic, along with Specialist Community Nursing Teams and Florrie’s Children’s service – a team of paediatric nurses who visit sick children in the familiarity of their own homes often ‘round the clock’. It costs £120 to fund a Florrie’s nurse to make a home visit - that’s around 40 pints of beer on the night, so let’s get drinking! Local brews will be on offer from XT, Aylesbury Brewhouse, Rebellion, Vale, Chiltern, Tring and more, and beverages from across the UK include Chiltern Beechwood, Rebellion Pickled Ghoulies, St Austell Bucket of Blood and the welcome return of Woodford’s Wherry, along with cider and perry such as Blushing Old Wife, Tasty Old Wife, Old Weston and Hertfordshire Perry.
Image courtesy of The Bucks Herald
Support the 25th year of the Hospice by sponsoring a barrel If you are a local company and haven’t sponsored a barrel at the festival yet, what better way to show your support for 25 years of Hospice care? For £100 a barrel, your company will receive an advert in the festival programme, logo featured on the barrel itself, publicity, and two complimentary tickets. To sponsor a barrel please contact Teresa King on 01296 429975 or email: teresaking@fnhospice.org.uk Visitors at the two-day event nominate their favourite festival tipple and last year Chiltern Brewery’s ‘Beechwood’ took the coveted Aylesbury Beer Festival crown. Throughout the festival a selection of hot and cold food will also be available to keep you well-nourished throughout the day. Paula Carvill, Bucks CC Sports & Social Club Chairman said: “We are thrilled to be hosting this event once again and look forward to welcoming festival-goers over the two days. I can’t think of a better way to help celebrate the 25th Anniversary year of the Florence Nightingale Hospice - a fantastic
local cause.” Full details, photographs and news are available on the Aylesbury Beer Festival website www.aylesburybeerfestival.org.uk l The Florence Nightingale Hospice www.fnhospice.org.uk Facebook: #florencenightingalehospice Twitter: @fnhospice
Don’t drive - catch the bus!
Leave the car at home and catch the bus - the Arriva Red Route 9 bus provides a regular bus service to the venue from Aylesbury Town Centre, every 15 minutes.
Tickets: £5 (advance) or £6 on door. For advance tickets call the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity on: 01296 429975, pop along to any of the Charity’s Hospice shops in Aylesbury, Wendover, Chinnor, Winslow or Leighton Buzzard, visit Aylesbury Tourist Information Office or email: fundraising@fnhospice.org.uk Tickets can also be purchased over the phone and emailed to you! Simply call the Fundraising Office with payment details. New For This Year - take away a special commemorative glass in celebration of the Hospice’s 25th Anniversary Year. Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
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l Column:
On The Road
Not for your Gran BMW 650i M Sport Gran Coupe
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
B
MW’S first foray into the four door coupe market has certainly caught the eye. And if it’s power you crave, then you‘ve no need to look much further. The range is topped by a new 450hp twin turbo V8 that should satisfy the most ardent petrolhead. You can’t overlook its credentials: 0-62 in an exceedingly swift 4.6 seconds, a top speed they’ve limited to 155mph, yet they say it has the ability to eke out the fuel to 31.7mpg on the combined figure. I didn’t check – I just kept putting fuel in so I could enjoy what this pinnacle of the range had to offer. And as an elegant and sporty grand tourer, it offers quite a bit. The stretched wheelbase gives a superb amount of nappa leather lined cabin space which is as easy to get in and out of as any executive saloon.
Rob Auchterlonie
ON The Road But it’s very definitely a coupe - the long bonnet and sweeping roofline see to that. The interior is very driver orientated. The gear selector (which takes time to master), the electronic handbrake and iDrive controller sit in a centre console that runs through to the rear, but there’s still room to get an extra passenger in the middle between the two rear sports seats if required. There’s a big centrally located
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Your Mercedes Technician
Car & commercial vehicle repairs (all makes) Servicing l Inspections l MOT preparation l Breakdowns l Recovery service l Class 4/7 MOTs l Truck & Van repairer l Mobile on-site servicing l
Open Monday to Saturday: Unit 7A, Smeaton Close, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8SU Tel: 01296 488898 / 07720 706918 62
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
with Rob Auchterlonie
10.2 inch high res display for the sat nav, rear view camera and other info - a bit like your own incar wide screen TV. For a big car it’s remarkably light and agile, thanks to the extensive use of aluminium and the employment of BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies which includes Auto Start Stop something that feels kind of out
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
of place in a beast of a car like this, but which nevertheless assists with lower fuel consumption and emissions. The powerhouse V8 drives through an eight speed automatic transmission something that’s been built to major on sporty driving and optimum efficiency. It’s so smooth you can’t feel it change, the only hint being a slight audible change
‘0-62mph in 4.6Secs and a top speed limited at 155mph’
Tel: 01296 658257
try! ive us a ed G y l iend t be disappoint r F on’ t& Fas You w
Independent servicing, repair & Car Performance performance tuning specialists repairs l Any Servicing make and and model of car welcome 4 wheel laser alignment mechanics l Highly trained & experienced
Specialists iPhone App now available to
Engine diagnostics download free Diesel tuning and ECU remaps fromExhausts The App (ex-motorsport team, international race andTyre's, Brakes, Clutches, MOTs arranged etc Store rally championship experience) Courtesy car available Fast & Friendly Service l Fully equipped workshop Airport transfers a speciality Full workshop facilities 24 Hour recover & vehicle movements l Comfortable waiting room l Reasonable rates
Auto Torque, Unit 9, UBF Industrial Park, Bicester Road, Waddesdon, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0JX Tel: 01296 658257 Web: www.autotorque.net Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
On The Road cont’d
Tyres l Brakes l Batteries l Servicing l Exhausts l MOTs
Keeping You on the Move
Independent autocentre
offering dealership style service Fully equipped workshop using the latest diagnostic equipment l Comfortable waiting area with free hot drinks, tv, wifi and newspapers l Warranty safe servicing on all makes and models l Tyres, tyres, tyres all makes at guaranteed unbeatable prices l MOT testing on class 4, 5 and 7 l All repairs undertaken from clutches to total engine rebuilds l
to the parts thrashing away under the bonnet and a different note from the huge letterbox exhaust pipes that dominate the rear view of the car. One downside worth noting is that the wing mirrors have a habit, a bad habit, of getting very dirty at their outside edges in rough weather. Probably not a problem in other parts of the world where this is sold, but it certainly is in the UK. But if it’s outright thrills you’re after, then the 640i M Sport expected to account for 80 per cent of all 6 Series Gran Coupe
sales - is your kiddie. And it’ll leave you grinning like one. AT A GLANCE: BMW 650i M Sport Gran Coupe £75,375 4.4 litre direct injection V8 450hp, 650Nm eight speed automatic gearbox Top speed: 155mph (limited) 0-62mph 4.6 secs; Fuel: 31.7 combined. CO2 206g/km. l Follow Rob Auchterlonie Twitter: @robauchy
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
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
2.5 miles from station
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Independent Specialists covering
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• Servicing & repairs all makes and models • MOT testing • • Brakes, batteries & exhausts • Specialists in 4 x 4 vehicles • • Full electronic diagnostics • Engine rebuilds & remapping • • Air conditioning (re-gas & servicing) • Tyre centre •
03/11/2012 09:32
Win a copy of The Good Pub Guide 2014
T
he Good Pub Guide is a national institution - a bible for pubgoers. The guides are based on regular feedback from 2,000 loyal and eagle-eyed correspondents, who look for real warmth and quality of service (over 4,000 actually voted for this year’s Top 10 Pubs). The pubgoers’ recommendations are then backed up by editor inspections, which determine who’s in and who’s out,
year on year. The Good Pub Guide 2014 (Ebury Press, £15.99) features over 4,700 pubs with friendly and informative descriptions. Organised county by county, each section highlights Main Entries that have been fully inspected and carefully selected to warrant their place. These are followed by a number of shorter Worth a Visit descriptions where outstanding pubs are clearly starred.
Discount
Tyres
All makes & models of car & van Economy to premium brands
w car, van, mpv & minibus hire w vehicle servicing - all makes & models w car valeting w tyres, exhausts, batteries
3B Hire & Servicing, Townsend Garage, Thame Road, Haddenham, Bucks HP17 8BY Tel: 01844 291430
www.3bhire.co.uk
This year The Good Pub Guide welcomes 163 new Main Entries about one in five - which cater to all pub tastes but all of which share the stamp of real quality. Whether it’s own-brew beer, the hustle and bustle of a town pub, or a comfy chair and a hearty meal you are looking for, The Good Pub Guide is the bestselling, most reliable and up-to-date travel guide to the UK’s best pubs you will find. In the next 12 months between 2,500 and 4,000 pubs will go out of business while over 1,000 new pubs will open - often visionary and energetic new licensees bringing fresh life to former pubs that had been shuttered for months or years. Many of these will join the Good Pubs - the 4,700 or so excellent places which fuel The Good Pub Guide with its raw material. If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a copy of The Good Pub Guide 2014, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk How many correspondents give regular feedback for the Good Pub Guide?
Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Oct 31st, 2013. l The Good Pub Guide 2014 is published by Ebury Press and available from all good book stores price £15.99
Telephone:
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 l MOTs including Class VII (3.5 tonnes) l Servicing, repairs, tyres, exhausts and air
conditioning for cars and light commercials l Diagnostics: we have the most up to date work
shops and equipment in the area
l High ceilings and long ramps enable us to service
long wheelbase vans, campers and trucks
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
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J.T. RecoveRy SeRviceS Debt recovery for small businesses Chasing overdue accounts can be frustrating and time consuming. Cash flow is crucial though, so let us worry about your overdue accounts, while you concentrate on running your business
F no ina ti l ce
Andrews of Thame Painting & Decorating Property Maintenance Domestic & Commercial Call now for free estimates
No wiN - No fee
Tel: 01844 260337 Mobile: 07590 573419
Tel: 0781 4398284 Email: JTRecoveryServices@yahoo.co.uk
Windmill Services Property Maintenance
For all your property maintenance needs
Tel: 01844 279519
WHAT-EVER DECOR
Decorating And Property Maintenance 26 Witham Way, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP21 9RR Tel: 07921 183784 whateverdecor@gmail.com
Chris Charman
Email: windmill2@btinternet.com Website: www.windmill-services.co.uk
K Collins Felt & Flat Roofing Specialist Local business, Roofmaster approved Established 1969 We also do slate and tiling repairs, PVC fascia boarding and chimney repointing
Chauffeur Driven Air Conditioned Mercedes for: l Special Occasions Airports Theatre Trips l The Races l Business Meetings l
Call today for a free estimate 01296 655526 / 07831 465501
l
www.kcollinsfeltroofing.co.uk Email: kenny.collins@btinternet.com
Ad 1
Les Liney
Vehicle Hire Car and van hire All sizes available including Luton tail lifts AA Cover Also available: Fully Insured 24 hour accident and Unlimited Mileage breakdown service Customer Parking
Tel: 01844 292783 Mobile: 07860 795236 66
Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2013
Old Farm Workshops Haddenham Road Kingsey, HP17 8LS
5/3/13
9:48 am
Page 1
R.W. PEARCE & SON LTD RO O F I N G C O N T R AC T O R S Established 1958 Specialists in re-roofing Period Properties, Country Cottages, Farm Houses and Barns, using traditional materials. Slating and tiling repairs undertaken.
01844 345859 email:rwpearce@btconnect.com
N R Hearn Glazing Ltd uPVC Installations l Sealed Units l Fascia/Soffit/Gutters l Repairs l
Glass Splashbacks l Property Maintenance (Handyman jobs) l
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
Please contact me for a free, no obligation quote
Tel: 01296 330311 Mobile: 07587 172659 Buckingham Road, Watermead, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 DFY
Telephone: 07718 529190 Email: nrhearnglazing@gmail.com
COMPUTER TROUBLE?
Quote ‘Val e Life
azine’ Ever felt like throwing your computer out of the window?Mag for 10% discount Fed up with it going slow, crashing or freezing? Strange messages popping up? Or would you just like to upgrade it?
www.wendover-computers.co.uk
Using a computer can be frustrating at times, so why not let me help. I am a qualified IT Technician and can assist with all your computer needs at very competitive rates. Call Pete on: 0800 3118385 Email: peter@wendover-computers.co.uk 70 Place Farm Way, Monks Risborough, HP27 9JY
All aspects of sign making and design undertaken Banners
A-boards
Shop signage
Vehicle signage
All aspects of sign making www.tring-signs.co.uk 01442 826846 & design undertaken Our professional team have the imagination and technology to create almost any sign you could imagine. From cut vinyl lettering & digitally printed graphics for company vehicles to acrylic signs & light boxes & window graphics for shops, whatever your business or personal requirements, we can take an idea and turn it into effective marketing reality!
Vehicle Signage
Shop Signage
ticed? Do you need tognge, taffonordable Stunning desi nt customer prices and excelle with us… service. Stick
A-Boards
Banners
01296 423769 www.tring-signs.co.uk
spread the word…
julie@jamtasticdesign.co.uk
01442 826 846 Trading Standards Approved
&
01296 488902
22-23
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Watermark, Worminghall Road, Oakley, HP18 9UL Family run business designing, supplying and installing kitchens and bathrooms for over 25 years Our extensive showrooms are open to the public - do drop in Bring us your measurements for your Free kitchen or bathroom design
Handmade Bespoke Kitchens now on display