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Vale Life
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Aug/Sept 2013
Cover picture: Ickford / Tiddington Tug ‘O’ War: see Page 7
Inside:
Summer Lovin’
Hot fashion from Haddenham
Come on down! It’s Towersey time
Aylesbury Rocks
The return of Hobble on The Cobbles
Let’s Twist
New Wendover hot spot is pretty cool Penny, Ruby, Hero, Naomi, Amanda and much more...
See our website at: www.vale-life.co.uk Free local listings for events and businesses
w dinner For Two at Temple Street Wine Bar w Cruise Show tickets w w Pampeano Polo Belt w why can’t my garden look like that? Book w
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Vale Life : Jun/July 2013
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Bartlett’s
The Hambledon Wing Open May 2013. To enquire please call 01296 747000 or visit www.peverelcourt.co.uk
Exceptional Elderly Care in Buckinghamshire Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
3
Premier Architectural Joinery Limited Ladymead Farm Quainton Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP22 4AN
T 01296 655555 Opt 6 E u2us@premieraj.co.uk
Bespoke Architectural Joinery for Period, Listed and Contemporary Buildings
Windows, Doors, Conservatories, Furniture, Roof Lanterns, Staircases, Bifold & French Doorsets, Gates, Wardrobes, Bookcases and Furniture.
www.premieraj.co.uk FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTATIONS
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Vale Life : Jun/July 2013
“Bringing you more than warmth”
JØtul “fighting the cold since 1853” Call in to see the range of JØtul stoves on display or come and see us at the Kop Hill Climb Sept 21/22
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
Luxury Coach Holidays Luxury Coach Holidays DayTrips,Theatres & Shows
DayTrips,Theatres & Shows Join one of our great value tours!
el.com .mottstrav l.com w w w : e n nli trave Book o line: www.motts n Book o l ast Hote
ge Co
Bembrid
Day Trips: August NEW OFFERS FROM WARNER See The Osmonds in Concert at Bembridge Coast Hotel I.O.W. All the way from the USA - the original 70s super group The Osmonds featuring Jimmy, Merrill & Jay will be performing live on the Saturday night of this great value weekend. Leisure Facilities, Breakfast & Dinner, live entertainment & excursions. Friday, September 27 - 4 Days: £335. Enjoy Sounds of the 60s on this mid-week break at popular Sinah Warren Character Hotel, Hayling Island. Half Board, Live Entertainment and excursions included! Monday, October 21 - 5 Days: £285. The Ultimate 1940s Variety Show! At Christmas. This fabulous festive break comes with 1940s theme and all the festive trimmings. Two nights live tribute act plus full 1940s Variety Show with tributes to George Formby, Vera Lynn, Gracie Fields and The Andrew Sisters, quizzies, competitions and excursions. Unlimited tea/ coffee throughout your stay at the 4 Star DeVere Staverton Park near Norhampton, Dec 23rd - 5 Days: £439 Self Drive £339.
New 2014 brochure available soon!!!
Sun Aug 25th: Le Touquet, French Coastal Day £36 Sun Aug 25th: Southend on Sea £19 Sun Aug 25th: Broadstairs & Ramsgate £19 Mon Aug 26th: New Forest Drive £19 Tue Aug 27th: Margate for Turner Gallery £19 Tue Aug 27th: The Shard Viewing Room and Designer Shopping at Westfield £45 Wed Aug 28th: Cité Europe and Adinkerke for low priced tobacco £36 Wed Aug 28th: Severn Cruise and Tewkesbury £26 Thur Aug 29th: Cadbury World Experience £31 See the best of UK’s Christmas Markets from £19! Please ask for our brochure
British Seaside Resorts - Special Event Breaks Garden Weekends - Scotland, Ireland & Isle of Man - Bulbfields Spain - Battlefield Tours - Italy - Switzerland & Portugal
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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
Motts Holidays Holidays 4 BuckinghamMotts Street, Aylesbury, HP20 2LD 4 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, HP20 2LD BOOKING HOTLINE: 01296 336666 BOOKING HOTLINE: 01296 336666
Job Vacancies:
Motts Crusader Holidays are currently seeking a part-time Customer Services person and a full-time Groups Holiday Co-ordinator. Please apply via Email to: valmott@mottstravel.com for further details
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 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
31
All the world’s a stage
9
Summer lovin’
36
Regeneration game
Here comes the sun
39
Let’s Twist
Raising the tone
40
Tomayto Tomaaahto
Summer hot squats
41
Bootiful job
Win win situation
43
By George!
Pick ‘n’ mix
45
Shooting stars
Viva ILC
46
Bring it on
Caring people
48
Cultural feast
Word of mouth
49
Aylesbury rocks
Amazing face
50
Come on down
Refreshingly different
52
The V factor
Making the best of it
54
Country Girl
13 14 15 18 19 22 23 24 25 26 28
Katy’s got festival fever All you need for fun in the sun “Kit off, cream on,” says Amanda Keep in shape the KaSo way Try a DIY tune up
Feeling lucky? You can’t lose! Ola’s flowers have international appeal Scoots is a Spanish success Bluebird embraces Dignity Campaign It’s smiles all round at Tavistock House Skin treatments that turn back time Does your accountant tick all the right boxes? Our House goes al fresco!
Ancient rivals
I
t’s been tales of the riverbanks for me these last few weeks. The 60th annual ‘Across The River Tug ‘O’ War’ contest between the Bucks village of Ickford and the Oxfordshire village of Tiddington took place on Aug 2nd. Each year the villages battle to win the coveted Coronation Cup and Tiddington continued to close the gap on their great rivals this year, retaining the cup with a victory that puts the score to
C
ongratulations to the following June/July edition competition winners! Hopefully your prizes will have arrived by now, let us know if not. Commiserations to those who weren’t so lucky - read on though for more competitions inside this edition, including
Penny’s always been a drama queen Progress report from Walton Court New bar has something for all Ruby’s chillin’ with an ice cup of tea! Village pub is back on the map New era for historic inn Oxford Gun Company aims to please It’s all kicking off down at The Waterside Authors flock to Thame festival Return of Hobble on the Cobbles It’s Towersey time! What’s live and local? There’s something fishy going on!
date at Ickford 32, pull, but it’s the Men’s Tiddington 28. pull that gets the trophy and the gentlemen of The contest is one Oxfordshire put in a of our great local traditions, albeit gritty performance against a fairly modern a stubborn Ickford team, one and a fun who just couldn’t quite spectacle drawing dig in enough to avoid Victorious Tiddington being tugged into the sizeable crowds return with the cup of supporters to drink - cue huge cheers their respective bank of The River from the Tiddington bank! Thame, which at the traditional Many of the contestants spot (a field near Tiddington) ended up cooling off in the river forms the county boundary. afterwards and the rivalry was put In hard-fought contests, the aside for another year as goodYouth Team pull was won by natured swapping of beer cans and Ickford, as was the Ladies Team slapping of backs took over. the chance to win: a Pampeona Polo Belt, Tickets for The Cruise Show, A meal for two at Temple Street Wine Bar, Aylesbury, a Gardening book.. Last issue’s prizewinners were: Tickets for The Great British Beer Festival: Rachel Madden-Jones, Aylesbury; Mark White, Aylesbury;
Alexandra Reading, Whitchurch; Adrian Goss, Watlington; Richard Zacharzewski, Calvert Green Personalised Zatchels bag: Helen Howlett, Thame Tickets for the Horse of the Year Show: Abi Burborough, Bicester; Steve Puddephatt, Aylesbury; Catherine Heller,
This was quite a contrast to the scene on the banks of the Thames at Henley in July, when the Regatta and Festival took place. The Henley Festival in particular is a fabulously glamourous event with well to do sorts strolling the bank in their DJs and cocktail dresses while sipping Champagne and enjoying some superb entertainment. Both are great local traditions and superb fun, long may they last. Enjoy the magazine,
Charlie
Charlie Trott, Editor
Princes Risborough Passes for Go Ape, Wendover: Kirsty Egan-Carter, Marsworth Dinner for two and overnight stay at The Broad Leys, Aylesbury: Lucy Couzens, Winslow Tin of ARGI+: Rebecca Favell, Chalgrove
Front cover picture: The Ickford Tug ‘O’ War team collapses exhausted after being pulled into the River Thame by Tiddington 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 : Aug/Sept 2013
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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 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...
I
t seems that at this time of year you can’t go anywhere without there being a festival or camping event nearby. But what to wear in this glorious yet unreliable country of our’s, where we can be basking in glorious sunshine one day and soaked to the skin the next.
Sara C Barque shift: Freerange Fashion, Thame
The Practicalities OK, it’s not fun, but you’ve got to consider your environment, the facilities and the weather. You are not going to be grateful for packing that extra pair of shoes when you’re the one lugging it across a field. So pare things down and think about how you are going to spend your time. Clotheswise, layering is a great idea as you can strip off if the weather turns balmy and cover up when the night draws in and you’re still out to party. Whilst you might want your footwear to be glam, it’s got to work come rain or shine and not leave you covered in blisters. With such an amazing array of fashion wellies out there, you can really make a statement without saying a word. Do yourself a favour and leave the sandals at home and instead pack something waterproof and bright. Skirts, shorts and dresses will serve you much better than jeans when you are short on space for both packing and dressing (how tricky is it to do the skinny jeans jump in a tent?). Denim shorts are an essential - just think of all those pockets! Choose well and you will have a simple but current look with ankle boots that will be much more practical should inclement weather strike. The Accessories Festival fashion is all about easy summer vibes so a hat is a must. Whether your’s is straw cowboy style, a practical baseball cap or a neat beanie, if it suits you and gives some cover from the sun, then team it with a pair of aviator sunglasses which are this season’s favourite style. When it comes to
Vila denim shorts: House of Fraser, Aylesbury 8
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
accessories, anything goes but you will be glad you took a couple of soft scarves which can double up as cosy cover ups into the night. The Glamour Love a festival but not the grunge look? Take a step back and add in some sparkle - who said comfort had to reign? Bring out the sequins and the bling and just enjoy yourself as it’s your personality that dictates your style, not fashion. The Colour To really make a statement, hunt out some of the more unusual and striking colourways which are on the high street (and right now, you can find some amazing sale bargains too). A maxi dress is a great look that has been around for a couple of seasons, easy to wear and dress up or down. Team with a loose cardi as the day cools. Simple shifts are great too either on their own or with a pair of contrast leggings, this laid back look is great accessorised with statement earrings. The Hair Simple updos and flowing plaits will be brilliant for those with long flowing locks and will leave hair in soft waves for a couple of days afterwards. A shorter style will be easy to manage whether loose and tousled or slicked back for a neater look. The fun is all in the event - so take a relaxed look at your festival style, embrace cool, laid-back comfort and just enjoy.
l Katy Dyer is an award-winning personal stylist based in Thame. She can help you discover the confidence to change or develop your personal or professional style and image. Bandini Crochet Go to www.katydyer.com Stetson : Accessorize, or call Katy on Aylesbury 07815 923109.
Gorgeous of Tring Curvy Kate bikini House of Fraser: BIBA Purple Goddess swimsuit Elegance of Thame Moontide Beach dress & bikini
Velvet by Graham & Spencer Maxi Dress: Gallivant, Thame
Melissa Odabash yellow beach cover up: House of Fraser, Aylesbury
Lola Rose Scarf: Gallivant, Thame
Bee and Daisy Print Scarf: Accessorize, Aylesbury
W
ell, what a surprise! Britain is enjoying one of the hottest summers for many a year. We’ve already had several days of sunshine in a row and it looks like there are many more to come. We can move life outside a little and enjoy a glass of Pimm’s, a cold beer or even a good old cup of tea on the patio or decking, without needing a blanket and windbreak. Of course you will need something elegant to float across your lawn in and at Haddenham, The White Hart Studio has a fabulous range of beautiful summer dresses at very reasonable prices. They are cool and stylish and will no doubt turn a few heads with their pretty prints and bright seasonal colours. There’s a wide range of separates and accessories too from beach bags to funky festival jewellery and more sophisticated pieces for those ‘cocktails on the terrace dahling?’ evenings. In the garden room the White Hart has a delightful selection of patio and conservatory furniture and gardenware from chunky French glass with funky bee and dragonfly beading, to outdoor clocks and mirrors, cushions, benches and seats,
French preserves
French glass
hanging chairs, pots, lanterns, candles, vases and a gorgeous range of preserves and dressings from Provence which will add a taste of the exotic to your barbecue, picnic or al fresco luncheon. Make hay while the sun shines they say, so seize the day, the sun has got his hat on possibly a wide brimmed straw one from White Hart - and there’s a whole lot of summer living for us Brits to catch up on. Best breeze along to The Studio today and be ready to enjoy, for once, a great British Summertime! 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
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 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 : Aug/Sept 2013
Win a fabulous Pampeano Polo Belt
T
Ginger-Interiors
Which country do Pampeano Polo Belts originally come from? Winner to be drawn at random and notified by email by Sept 10th.
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u unus d n a
al items from all
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l Pampeano, 14-15 Brook Farm, Dorton, Aylesbury, HP18 9NQ Tel: 0871 200 1272 Web: www.pampeano.co.uk
www. gingerinteriors.co.uk the
w
Tel: 01296 415035
Email: shop@gingerinteriors.co.uk
ld or
8 Duck Farm Court, Station Way, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2SQ
The colourful belts have evolved, from a variety of tribal patterns and colours, to team colours on the polo pitch and the subsequent wide array of styles for the hips of any judicious fashionista. They provide not only a unique and colourful style statement but also a glimpse of Argentinian polo history. Pampeano Polo Belts appeal to all ages, from children to the baby boom generation and are loved by men and women alike. If you’d like the chance to win a Pampeano Polo Belt, simply email your name, address, waist size and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@ vale-life.co.uk
Be au
hose of you with sharp eyes may have spotted Prince William’s rather stylish and colourful belt, as he was buckling newly born son, Prince George into the car for the trip home from hospital. It was unmistakably a Pampeano Polo Belt, ‘a waist embrace from the polo fields of Argentina’ and the must have trouser accessory of the moment for those in the know. Pampeano is a local company based in Dorton, near Aylesbury, which sells fabulous goods made from the finest Argentine leather. It is a growing business, becoming increasingly well known for it’s stunning array of Argentinian leather belts. They have over 20 different colours and styles to choose from with their most popular ones being the Hermoso, Multi or Jugadoro, pictured far right. The soft buttery leather and hand-stitched coloured patterns are said to be the finest quality on the market.
Prince William snapped sporting a Polo Belt from Dorton company Pampeano
@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 : Aug/Sept 2013
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SPECIAL OFFERS at Body & Soul Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
l Column:
Hero Brown
The urban guide
Receive these 5 travel size products along with the bag FREE with two Elemis purchases one to be skincare
www.muddystilettos.co.uk
Special uly June/J r Offe s
HOLIDAY TREATMENT OFFERS Book the OPI or Shellac Luxury Pedicure and get the OPI or Shellac Application on Fingers for HALF PRICE* Book a full leg, bikini and under arm wax for only £29* Minx toes for only £18 (normal rrp £22)
*All treatments must be taken within the same appointment.
59 Westmorland Avenue Aylesbury HP21 7HS Tel: 01296 434216
www.bodyandsoulaylesbury.co.uk
Your Jewellery is our Passion Fine Jewellery ▪ Everyday Jewellery ▪ Certified Diamonds ▪ Bridal Ranges ▪ Coloured Gemstones ▪ Designer Collections ▪ Watches ▪ Birthday Gemstones ▪ Silver & Pewter Gifts ▪ Jewellery Repairs ▪ Jewellery Redesigning ▪ Restringing ▪ Silver Repairs ▪ Engraving ▪ Watch Straps ▪ Watch & Clock Batteries ▪ Watch Servicing ▪ Clocks & Barometers ▪ Jewellery Cleaning ▪ Gift Vouchers ▪ Valuations ▪ Free Gift Wrapping and lots more . . .
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...
A
hhhhhhh! That is the sound, Vale Life readers, of me being realigned, relaxed, ready for action (not that sort of action – I’m married for pity’s sake) and feeling ever so slightly smug that I’ve had a fantastic holiday. These days there’s a terrible pressure to have the ‘perfect’ holiday, and massive opportunities to get it horrendously wrong. Until our trip to Turkey this summer we’d endured years of awful mistakes. There was the excruciatingly expensive two-weeker to Sardinia with extra terrestrial mosquitoes so large we thought they were birds (well, nearly), and kids so overheated in the August weather they turned completely savage. There was camping hell last year, when Mr Muddy booked a Norfolk teepee in sub zero conditions and developed flu on site. Then there was the Airstream caravan on the Isle of Wight with torrential rain, toilets 200m across the soggy field and my youngest child’s devil bladder which instinctively knew when to unleash itself for maximum mayhem. And then a week’s tenting it in New Forest rain. We didn’t even bother to go on that one. We stayed at home and got drunk, though my youngest wasn’t keen on the special brew. Anyway, that’s all in the past. Now you find me, getting out and about, feeling superexcited about all the new ventures I keep stumbling acrosss. At the time of writing I’m off to see progress on an exciting new gastropub, The Hundred in Ashendon, from one of
the St John chefs no less (eek!). The Pink & Lily pub in Lacey Green recently reopened with a fantastic refurb to thunderous applause and some impressive hangovers. And Muddy’s resident superchef Paul Collins (www.chefpaulcollins.co.uk) organised his first pop-up restaurant in July in Great Haseley and it was sold out in three days - there are more to come (don’t worry, check on the blog and I’ll let you know when). And may I include myself in the general excitement? Muddy Stilettos continues to get bigger, groovier, more freakin’ fantastic by the day – oh come on, someone has to say it! But of course, as always (as Sandy sang so eloquently to Danny) I’m hopelessly devoted to you. So through August I’m running an £800 competition to win a River Cottage cookery course, dining and 5 star accommodation for 2. Then in September it’s time to give away a stunning diamond necklace - I know!! - from the brilliant Thamebased jewellers Biagio. Finally, since Kate Middleton has just managed to do something incredible that no woman in the history of the UK has ever managed to – give birth – I am celebrating by running a comp to give away a case of champagne to any Muddy Stilettos subscriber who also gets a friend to subscribe (all details for comps are on the blog at: www.muddystilettos.co.uk). 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
visit hesterclarke.co.uk for more information
Fine Jewellers 10-14 Cambridge Street ▪ AYLESBURY ▪ Bucks ▪ HP20 1RS 01296 482963 ▪ hesterclarke.co.uk
Expert fitting into awkward spaces sssincluding under sloping ceilings Call for a brochure or to arrange a sssfree no obligation survey 01525 854142
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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
Amanda Trott
l Column
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
The sun has got his hat on but you and I need to be a little more careful to ensure our hair and skin is protected from those potentially harmful rays...
S
ummer - that time of year most of us look forward to while quietly quaking in our flip-flops. It’s time to emerge from the Winter layers but even if we aren’t baring all this Summer, what should we be doing to look after our skin and keep those summer tresses in tip top condition? Most make up today has an SPF of at least 15, so if you like to use a tinted moisturiser or even a mineral make up such as Bare Minerals (excellent at staying put in the heat) be sure to check it contains some kind of sunscreen. If not, aim to use a moisturiser that does. Our faces are not the only part that needs protecting from the sun, if you have short hair be mindful not to burn the back of your neck or shoulders - carry a small bottle of sunscreen in your handbag just in case things brighten up. Many of us apply sun protection whilst on holiday but don’t give it a thought while out and about back home. Look for sunscreen that contains protection from both the damaging effects of UVB and UVA. UVB filters prevent your skin from burning - use factor 15 or above - but it is the UVA filters that protect us from the damaging rays that can cause skin cancer. These filters
are graded using a star category with 5* giving the highest protection. Suncream doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Many supermarkets and chemists sell own brands and for sun protection alone these can be extremely good value, (under £5 a bottle). Spending a little more may give you other skin benefits though. Clarins do a range of suncreams, for both face and body, containing plant extracts, from less than £20. They protect from the sun’s rays and also contain anti-wrinkle properties and formulas for sensitive skin. Clarins self tanners, (also around £20), give wonderful streak free results, being cleverly tinted so you can see where to apply. (Available at Monera Beauty Clinic, Thame, Tel: 01844 260454). Hair is also vulnerable in sunny weather. UV rays can strip the colour and too much chlorine in the pool can turn sun-kissed locks a nasty shade of green! But fear not, there are now many products that will not only protect our hair from the sun and sea but give it the added bonus of a deep conditioning treatment to boot. Phillip Kingsley’s amazing Swimcap prevents the drying effects of chlorinated and salt water, stops discolouration and protects
Wonder Walk unlocks door into fantasy world
D
ive head-first into Oxford’s famous fantasy stories with a brand new familyfriendly tour - The Wonder Walk. Visitors are invited to journey into Middle Earth, Wonderland and Narnia to discover: · Where Tolkien was working when he dreamt up The Hobbit; · Who and where inspired Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland · How the ideas for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe took shape Oxford is brimming with myths and legends and its inspiring history and ancient library have fired the imagination of some of the world’s most famous writers. There may not be wardrobes or rabbit holes to escape into, but Story Museum guides offer a sensory and playful glimpse into the worlds created by JRR Tolkien, Lewis Carroll and CS Lewis. Visitors of all ages will see the city through their eyes as the magic of
their stories is brought to life. Discovering enchanting places such as Pembroke College and Christ Church, the one and a half hour guided walk steps into city secrets such as the ‘Narnia’ door in St. Mary’s Passage. Visitors are invited to bring along their own imagination, with fun and surprises along the way. The Wonder Walk runs throughout August: on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2.30pm and on Saturdays at 10.30am. Tickets (bookable in advance) are £5 (£3 concessions). All proceeds go towards The Story Museum’s fundraising campaign, which aims to raise £8m. The tour has been designed for everyone to enjoy but children must bring a grown up with them. l The Story Museum, Rochester House, 42 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP Tel: 01865 790050 Web: www.storymuseum.org.uk
against the damaging UV effects of the sun. It also contains Phillip Kingsley’s famous Elastercizer, so whilst protecting your hair you are also giving it a deep conditioning treatment. Redken’s Extend range has been formulated to care for coloured hair, they have Colour Extend Sun After-Sun Shampoo (£12.50) and Colour Extend Sun After-Sun Mask (£20.75). Both the shampoo and treatment contain ingredients to gently remove minerals, chlorine and salt deposits whilst helping to repair sun damaged hair with intense moisture replenishment. Redken and Phillip Kingsley products can be found at Eclipse Hair Design, Thame, Tel: 01844 260062 (www.eclipsehair-design.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 in Thame. Call 01844 260062 to book or arrange a free consultation.
Join c’lebs on the tee for Helen and Douglas House
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f you enjoy a round of golf now and then - and the weather has been rather fabulous on the fairways of late - then September 6th is the date for your diary. It’s when actors Warren Clarke and Dennis Waterman are hosting a celebrity golf day in aid of Helen & Douglas House, at Bicester Hotel, Golf and Spa. This is the ideal opportunity to celebrate an important birthday, entertain clients, bond with colleagues or relax with friends whilst supporting a great local charity. Each team of three will be joined by one of Warren and Dennis’ celebrity guests on a fantastic Par 71 course at Bicester and superb 2 course dinner in the evening with entertainment, presentations and an auction (£480 per team of three). Non-golfers can also come to pamper themselves with an
Warren and Dennis exclusive Spa Day Package which also includes some retail therapy at the nearby award winning Bicester Village. For further information and to book placess, please contact fundraising at Helen & Douglas House on 01865 799150 or email: fundraising@helenanddouglas.org.uk Helen & Douglas House is a local hospice for children and young adults with life-shortening conditions. There are two hospice houses: Helen House for children 0-16 years old and Douglas House for young adults 16-35 years old. Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
Lots of local gyms and groups offer exercise classes but if working out with a room full of fitness fanatics seems a daunting prospect, you might like to consider the KaSo community...
A
re you thinking it’s time to get some exercise and join a local fitness class? For many of us it’s a scary prospect. We look at the adverts and they promise so much while suggesting we should be taut and lycra-clad to take part. Perhaps we need to get in shape before we join up! But those plans to exercise at home, never seem to quite get off the ground! Brill based KaSo Studios has developed classes over a number of years of which are specifically designed for those of us who would normally be put off joining a club or a class. They are easily accessible, taking place in village halls across the local area and you won’t get overlooked or ignored in the crowd, as KaSo deliberately limits the number of people attending their classes to make sure everyone gets the individual attention they deserve. KaSo has a range of classes for all abilities and age groups which are easy to join and lots of fun. Even if you go along on your own your teacher will ensure you feel part of the team and if you can’t attend every class it doesn’t matter, you can simply ‘pay as you go’ so it’s affordable too (no group class is
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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
The con
currently more than £5). Among the KaSo classes currently on offer are: Total BodyTone - A great exercise programme for those wanting to get in shape or STAY in shape Total BodyTone Light – specifically designed for clients of 50 to 65 years. Total BodyTone Gold - Ideal for 65 years upwards and for those with medical/physical limitations. KaSo Total BodyTone programmes aim to make sure that you get the very best workout, exercising all areas of the body, whilst varying the routines so you don’t get bored. You are not put through an hour of misery and clock watching - the classes are full of fun while being safe and effective. KaSo re-designs the classes every 6-8 weeks so there is always a fresh feel and the music used will be familiar too as it is selected specifically for the different classes. In TBT Gold classes, KaSo uses music which literally spans a century, so there is something for all ages and tastes. For even more variety, or a different approach, why not try a Zumba® class. KaSo’s Zumba® is a great way to get some powerful exercise, burn calories and tone up those all-important muscles around the waist, bottom and thighs. It’s packed with the fun factor and with groovy World Music driving
the movement, it’s ideal not only for those just starting out in exercise but also for those who love having a boogie and building up a good sweat! Ever thought of trying Ballet? This graceful form of dance is a formidable way to tone - especially your legs and tummies - and improve your posture. Beginners and Improvers classes are available now. KaSo Tap classes for Beginners and Improvers are ideal for those wanting to get their feet tapping for the very first time or to brush up their technique. KaSo classes are about more than just exercise though. there’s a real sense of community and you will make friends, have lots of fun, learn new skills and perhaps try something you never thought you would. In the last year members of the KaSo team have been a part of Relay for Life, Flashmobs, Christmas Parades, Latin Nights and many other charitable activities. You can find KaSo classes in many local towns and villages including: Thame, Stone, Haddenham and Wheatley. In Thame alone in September, you can join Ballet (Beginners and Improvers), Tap (Beginners and Advanced), Total BodyTone, TotalBodyTone Gold and Zumba classes. l Kaso Studios: www.kasostudios.co.uk For more info call Sophie on 07989 205498, or email: sophie@kasostudios.co.uk
l
Column: Chris Gallagher ‘Fitness Focus’
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
Summer hot-squats
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f you’ve been reading this column since the turn of the year and following our advice on keeping fit and getting your body in better shape you have six or seven months of effort behind you. Now Summer is here, along with the school holidays, you may not have as much free time to attend the gym or the inclination to be cooped up indoors and away from the sunshine. Life gets in the way - there’s kids to look after, or such nice weather for a change, that when you leave the office you don’t fancy getting sweaty in a stuffy gym with the mercury pushing the high 20s. A cold drink in a sun soaked beer garden is so much more appealing. It’s hot, it’s sticky. Workouts seem harder. Your mouth is dryer. It can feel hard to breathe. The last thing you want to do is put yourself through a tough workout. But you certainly don’t want to lose what you’ve gained and achieved exercising this last half year. Too much good food and beer or wine (part of most holidays)
will put those pounds back on and affect your training, even if you are keeping up with it. So what can you do to keep up your fitness and maintain the summer beach body you’ve sculpted this year? We’ve had clients who’ve gone off to their Iberian Summer holiday homes packing a training plan that they can complete in the local gym near their summer base. We’ve had one lady tell us that child minding duties are severely going to hamper her ability to make the gym, so we’ve furnished her with a ‘minimal equipment’ or ‘bodyweight training’ routine, she can undertake in her own home. Better still you can get your kids out and being active with you. The weather is glorious, the ground is dry and with the summer holidays they need some form of physical activity to use up all their excess energy. You could explore the countryside on a family bike ride or cool off with afternoons in one of the many local swimming pools. So you’ve taken care of the kids and worn them out, they’ll sleep
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www.swimkidz.co.uk Now in Wendover / Thame / Chinnor / Aylesbury tracey@swimkidz.co.uk www.swimkidz.co.uk www.swimkidz.co.uk 0118tracey@swimkidz.co.uk 959tracey@swimkidz.co.uk 7874 | 07889 905678 www.facebook.co.uk/swimkidz 0118 959959 7874 | 07889 905678 0118 7874 | 07889 905678 www.facebook.co.uk/swimkidz www.facebook.co.uk/swimkidz
well at night now. But what about your own fitness? There are plenty of options: Running early in the morning or later on in the day either before the sun is up, or once it has gone down can make cardiovascular training feel much more comfortable. If you are worried about your strength training, much like our client above, you can make use of what you have at home. execution of any of the exercises Try putting these exercises or need easier or harder variations together in a circuit where you then feel free to email: perform each exercise for 1 minute info@pt-results.co.uk. before moving on to the next. Remember - always ensure that After one full circuit rest for you keep yourself well hydrated 60-180 seconds before beginning while exercising, especially at this again: time of year. Glute-ham bridges Squats l Chris Gallagher is Press Ups Fitness Director of PTLunges Results, Aylesbury Plank For a free Glute-ham bridges consultation and Dips personal training Leg Raises taster session with Mountain Climbers Chris email: info@pt-results.co.uk If you are unsure on the and quote ‘ValeLifeTaster’ .
Chris Gallagher
Fitness Focus
Elizabeth Gurney Mombrun MCFHP Mobile Foot Health Professional • Fungal Foot • Nail infections • Ingrowing nails • Corns and callus • Routine nail cutting • CRB checked • Member of BAFHP For appointments and queries please phone: 01295 810384 Mob:07817957986
Adult one-to-one swimming lessons in Thame
Learn to be at one with the water
Tel: 01844 351 253 Mob: 07886 268 745 Email: cathycavenderswimming@hotmail.com Web: www.cathycavenderswimming.co.uk Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
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Providing the ultima
What’s new at
Vicki applying colour
E
clipse Hair Design moved into its North Street salon some three years ago. It’s been a good relocation for the business, as the new salon is not only light and spacious but also much more visible, being in an elevated position, opposite A bit of ‘Wow’ on the stairs!
Amanda styling the library, on one of Thame’s main streets. Now the salon has just enjoyed a complete redecoration: from the stylish new reception desk, right, to the gorgeous feature wallpaper, luxurious new chairs and impressive wall art, left. It is looking totally fab! There’s a new retail area sporting a huge range of GHD, Redken, Moroccanoil and Philip Kingsley products too. “Our new massage chairs are amazing,” says Salon Director Vicki Krol, above. “They are big, comfortable chairs to relax in while having your hair washed. The backs go down and the footrests come up and while you are lying there having your hair washed the chair massages your back - it’s lovely! “I’m really pleased with our wall art. We’ve got some great photographs and a huge mural on the stairs of a catwalk model coming down to meet you. It’s really got that wow factor! “The colour room upstairs is looking smart and even the loo has had a makeover! We are really pleased with the results. We’ve brought in a hint of our green company branding colour in
Bev cutting
the wallpaper and front door and the overall effect is clean and stylish with a hint of glamour. “Our customers say they like the atmosphere here. We have a great team who all get on really well and the salon is friendly, warm and welcoming. We place high importance on giving excellent service and making our clients comfortable from the minute they walk in and the new decor is really adding to the experience.” To try the new look Eclipse salon pop in or call: 01844 260062 to book an appointment or free consultation.
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 16
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
te salon experience Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
Massage chairs
Jenna on reception
The Eclipse team: Bev, Ashleigh, Amanda, Milly, Vicki, Kelly, Jade, Amy, Bev, Chloe and Tye
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
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£ £ £ £ SUPERDRAW 2013
Date of draw: 2nd October 2013 Players must be 16 years or over
The Hospice Lottery
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
Supporting SEVEN local hospices
Name __________________________ Address ________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________
£
Tel ____________________________ Email __________________________ Completed ticket stubs & payment should be returned to the promoter by Monday 30th September. Please do not return any unsold tickets.
2nd Prize
1st Prize
_______________________________ Postcode _______________________
£7000 £1000
£
£
£
£
£1
The Hospice Lottery Partnership Limited registered in England No. 3458520. Licensed by The Gambling Commission (www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk) under The Gambling Act 2005. Promoter: The Hospice Lottery Partnership Ltd. Responsible Person: Mr Nick Mason, 72-80 Akeman Street, Tring, Herts. HP23 6AF. Tel: 01442 891459
Superdraw ticket 2013-3.indd 1
Draw Date:
Draw Date:
2 x £500 5 x £100 10 x £50
per ticket 10/01/2013 15:39
the HOSPICE £1 LOTTERY top £200 pRIzE plus Tickets
Ticket Number:
Ticket Number:
Draw Number: Name ______________________ Address ______________________ ______________________________ Telephone ____________________ Email _________________________
The Hospice Lottery supports: Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity (Charity No 1119499) Grove House (Charity No 1003462) Iain Rennie Hospice at Home (Charity No 297847) Michael Sobell Hospice (Charity No 1079638) South Bucks Hospice (Charity No 295452) Thames Hospicecare (Charity No 1108298) The Hospice of St Francis (Charity No 280825)
HLP or the hospice partners may wish to contact you with news and events. Please tick box if you do not wish to be contacted
The Hospice Lottery Partnership Ltd (HLP) Registered in England No. 3458520 Licensed by The Gambling Commission (www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk) Promoter: HLP Ltd. Responsible Person: Nick Mason. 72-80 Akeman Street, Tring, Herts HP23 6AF 01442 891459 www.hospicelottery.org.uk
or our
Rollover
Draw Date:
Draw Date:
which could reach up to £10,000!
£1,000
3 x £100 30 x £20 80 x £10
EVERY FRIDAY!
the HOSPICE £1 LOTTERY top £200 pRIzE plus Tickets
Most of us enjoy winning and the local Hospice Lottery offers the opportunity to give to some very worthy causes and be in with the chance of some great cash prizes - you can’t£1,000 lose really... Ticket Number:
Celebrity chef Jean Christophe Novelli helps with the Superdraw
TV presenter Matt Baker digs deep for a winning ticket
Ticket Number:
Draw Number: Name ______________________ Address ______________________ ______________________________ Telephone ____________________ Email _________________________
The Hospice Lottery supports: Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity (Charity No 1119499) Grove House (Charity No 1003462) Iain Rennie Hospice at Home (Charity No 297847) Michael Sobell Hospice (Charity No 1079638) South Bucks Hospice (Charity No 295452) Thames Hospicecare (Charity No 1108298) The Hospice of St Francis (Charity No 280825)
HLP or the hospice partners may wish to contact you with news and events. Please tick box if you do not wish to be contacted
The Hospice Lottery Partnership Ltd (HLP) Registered in England No. 3458520 Licensed by The Gambling Commission (www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk) Promoter: HLP Ltd. Responsible Person: Nick Mason. 72-80 Akeman Street, Tring, Herts HP23 6AF 01442 891459 www.hospicelottery.org.uk
or our
Rollover
Draw Date:
Draw Date: Ticket Number:
which could reach up to £10,000!
3 x £100 30 x £20 80 x £10
EVERY FRIDAY!
the HOSPICE
T
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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
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Tickets
£1 OTTER L2012 Y Ticket Number: at the Hospice nurses Superdraw
Draw Number: Name ______________________ Address ______________________ ______________________________ Telephone ____________________ Email _________________________ HLP or the hospice partners may wish to contact you with news and events. Please tick box if you do not wish to be contacted
The Hospice Lottery supports: Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity (Charity No 1119499) Grove House (Charity No 1003462) Iain Rennie Hospice at Home (Charity No 297847) Michael Sobell Hospice (Charity No 1079638) South Bucks Hospice (Charity No 295452) Thames Hospicecare (Charity No 1108298) The Hospice of St Francis (Charity No 280825)
top pRIzE
or our
£200 Rollover
which could reach up to £10,000!
plus 3 x £100 30 x £20 80 x £10
£1,000 EVERY FRIDAY!
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The Hospice Lottery Partnership Ltd (HLP) Registered in England No. 3458520 Licensed by The Gambling Commission (www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk) Promoter: HLP Ltd. Responsible Person: Nick Mason. 72-80 Akeman Street, Tring, Herts HP23 6AF 01442 891459 www.hospicelottery.org.uk
Draw Date:
the HOSPICE £1 LOTTERY top £200 pRIzE plus Tickets
Draw Date: Ticket Number: Draw Number: Name ______________________ Address ______________________ ______________________________ Telephone ____________________ Email _________________________
The Hospice Lottery supports: Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity (Charity No 1119499) Grove House (Charity No 1003462) Iain Rennie Hospice at Home (Charity No 297847) Michael Sobell Hospice (Charity No 1079638) South Bucks Hospice (Charity No 295452) Thames Hospicecare (Charity No 1108298) The Hospice of St Francis (Charity No 280825)
HLP or the hospice partners may wish to contact you with news and events. Please tick box if you do not wish to be contacted
The Hospice Lottery Partnership Ltd (HLP) Registered in England No. 3458520 Licensed by The Gambling Commission (www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk) Promoter: HLP Ltd. Responsible Person: Nick Mason. 72-80 Akeman Street, Tring, Herts HP23 6AF 01442 891459 www.hospicelottery.org.uk
Ticket Number:
or our
Rollover
Draw Date:
which could reach up to £10,000!
£1,000
3 x £100 30 x £20 80 x £10
EVERY FRIDAY!
15
the HOSPICE £1 LOTTERY top £200 pRIzE plus Tickets
Draw Date: Ticket Number: Draw Number: Name ______________________ Address ______________________ ______________________________ Telephone ____________________ Email _________________________
The Hospice Lottery supports: Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity (Charity No 1119499) Grove House (Charity No 1003462) Iain Rennie Hospice at Home (Charity No 297847) Michael Sobell Hospice (Charity No 1079638) South Bucks Hospice (Charity No 295452) Thames Hospicecare (Charity No 1108298) The Hospice of St Francis (Charity No 280825)
HLP or the hospice partners may wish to contact you with news and events. Please tick box if you do not wish to be contacted
The Hospice Lottery Partnership Ltd (HLP) Registered in England No. 3458520 Licensed by The Gambling Commission (www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk) Promoter: HLP Ltd. Responsible Person: Nick Mason. 72-80 Akeman Street, Tring, Herts HP23 6AF 01442 891459 www.hospicelottery.org.uk
Ticket Number:
or our
Rollover
which could reach up to £10,000!
£1,000
EVERY FRIDAY!
Lott tick 13.indd 1
he Hospice Lottery Partnership (HLP) was set up in 1997 by three local hospices as a way of raising additional funds. The three founding partners were Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity in Aylesbury, Iain Rennie Hospice at Home in Tring and South Bucks Hospice in High Wycombe. Local interest in the venture grew as did interest from other local hospices and subsequently four more local hospices joined the partnership; The Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted, Thames Hospice in Windsor, Michael Sobell Hospice in Northwood and Grove House in St Albans, making HLP one of the biggest joint hospice lotteries in the UK. This not for profit organisation has now passed on over £5.6 million pounds to the seven partners - a huge achievement with all profits going directly on to the hospice partners on a monthly basis. Local people have shown fantastic support for HLP, which currently has around 28,000 members. Each member pays just £1 per week* to be in with a chance of winning some great cash prizes including a grand First Prize of £1000, three prizes of £100, thirty prizes of £20 and eighty prizes of £10, plus a £200 Rollover which can roll up to £10,000!
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If you would like to enter the lottery and help support HLP, join up online at: www.hospicelottery.org.uk/products-page If you don’t feel you can commit to £4.34 a month, why not play the annual Superdraw! With a top prize of £7,000, the second prize of £1000, two prizes of £500, five prizes of £100 and ten prizes of £50, you could have Christmas all wrapped up on October 2nd! Each entry is just £1. Call 01442 891459 for your tickets or purchase online. It’s an easy and fun way of fundraising and win or not, members know that their money is going directly to help the invaluable work of their local hospices. Every day, hospice staff and volunteers provide a comforting presence to individuals and their families facing life limiting or terminal illnesses, grief and loss. Not just in the hospices but in the patients’ own homes. Hospices are committed to providing care that treats the whole person and emphasises the quality of life. “When you are told you have a terminal illness, it’s really shocking and it’s scary,” said Elizabeth, a patient at Florence Nightingale Hospice. “After you’ve been told, you feel very much alone and it can be a dark place. Family and friends are fantastic but it’s hard
3 x £100 30 x £20 80 x £10
15
30/04/2013 17:20
for them too - they can’t understand what you’re going through. No one can, unless they’ve been through it themselves. The warmth, companionship and understanding you get at the hospice is amazing. The nurses can help to control your symptoms and manage your pain but it’s the encouragement and real understanding that’s absolutely fantastic. Coming here is like drawing a little bit of the poison out.” The seven hospice partners within HLP offer a complete range of services from Children’s Teams, Day Centres and In-Patient units to the At Home services, all of which are free of charge to the patients and can only run because of local fundraising efforts. Many of the hospices work in partnership to ensure that all services are available in our regions. *£1 a week payable by Direct Debit at £4.34 per month to take into account months which have 5 weeks l The Hospice Lottery Partnership, 72-80 Akeman Street, Tring, Herts, HP23 6AF Tel: 01442 891459 www.hospicelottery.org.uk
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
In Poland, Ola’s flower shop was one of twenty on the town square! Now she’s based in Aylesbury things are, thankfully, a little less competitive, but her flowers are as lovely as ever...
O
la Flowers is a busy family run florist in Aylesbury Town centre. Ola is actually the nickname of owner Aleksandra Pietrzak, pictured right, who originally hails from Rzeszow in Southern Poland, where she grew up on her parents’ farm. “I’ve worked in floristry all my life,” says Ola. “my parents are flower growers, we used to grow a different type of flower each year. When I was a little girl we’d grow flowers all year round, but now, because the cost of heating the greenhouses has gone up so much, they can only grow in the summer months. “I had my own flower shop in Rzeszow but it is a big flower growing area and there are many florists, so competition is very fierce. “My sister was living in England, she worked in a flower shop in Maidenhead, so seven years ago I came over with my husband and joined her there. I worked in various jobs, as a florist, as a cleaner, making up bouquets for an online flower firm and for a flower wholesaler and saved up until we had enough to open my own shop again.” Ola Flowers opened in Cambridge Street, just off Kingsbury, behind the High Street in July 2011: “There is only one other florist in the centre of Aylesbury since Valerie’s on the High Street closed,” says Ola. “Business has been good, people are very welcoming here and I have some lovely regular customers.
“We have an even mix of men and women coming into the shop. The difference tends to be the ladies usually know what they want and the men need a little help! “We cater for all occasions: birthdays, anniversaries, a new born baby, weddings, funerals, static displays for companies (fresh and artificial) or flowers for events. I can design and deliver unique arrangements for you, at quite short notice if necessary. A bouquet can usually be picked up within 15 minutes of ordering or delivered locally within an hour. “All our flowers and plants are delivered daily from Holland and are always the freshest and highest quality. If you are looking for a particular flower and we don’t have them in the shop we are happy to order them in and can normally get them within a couple of days. “We also have a selection of artificial flowers, gifts, plants, chocolates, glassware and ceramics which can be delivered with your flowers and also candles and greetings cards. “Our aim is to provide a professional and friendly service. We pride ourselves on the quality of our designs and dedication to ensure you get the flowers that you want, delivered when you want.” Ola has brochures of arrangements, if you are looking for ideas and being from Poland, where flowers are often a big part of
Aleksandra ‘Ola’ Pietrzak celebrations, she has pictures of some really different and imaginative displays. Ola can also have bouquets delivered anywhere in the country and even abroad through the eflorist and iflorist networks. “I love working with flowers,” says Ola. “Everybody loves flowers, they are so colourful and smell so lovely, they brighten your day. You have to be happy working in a flower shop!” l Ola Flowers, 26 Cambridge Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1RS Tel: 01296 710940 Website: www.olaflowers.com Open: Monday to Friday 9am - 5.30pm Saturdays 9am - 3.30pm Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
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Vale Life : Jun/July 2013
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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
Left: Rita Taun on Scoots. Above: Scoots can be broken down for transport
Not being able to walk very far can mean missing out on all sorts of fun but with the help of little Scoots even a trip to sunny Spain is possible...
R Your Local Mobility Shop Independent Living Consultants
Get out and about!
Great Deals on pre-owned & new mobility scooters! Also : wheelchairs, walkers, rollators, adjustable beds, riser/recliner chairs, daily living aids, and much more!
Can’t get to us? Call to arrange a home assessment. Visit us : Woodway, Princes Risborough, HP27 0NN
0845 6011933 www.IndependentLivingConsultants.co.uk 22
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
ita Taun, left, suffers from osteo arthritis of the spine and has been having some knee problems too. She gets a lot of pain and has trouble walking. “I can’t walk that far without getting achey and tired,” she says. “Sometimes I get painful spasms. It’s made simple things like going to the shops quite difficult. I even have trouble getting in and out of the car.” Rita and her husband had planned a trip to Spain but how she would get around once there, would clearly be a problem. “I was at the Independent Living Mobility Shop at Woodway near Princes Risborough looking at their adjustable beds,” says Rita. “When I saw ‘Scoots’, my little red mobility scooter. My husband had been intending to take a wheelchair abroad for me, but I gave Scoots a test drive, fell in love with it and bought it. It’s second hand but in excellent condition. I didn’t know how I’d get on with it, but we phoned Monarch Airlines, our carrier and they said we could take it on the plane for free! We just had to email the scooter’s specifications through so they knew what to expect and that was it! “At Luton airport we signed in at the disability desk and they said I could ride the scooter right through to the boarding gate and up to the ambi-lift, where we parted company. I went into the cabin while the scooter went into the hold. “When we got to Spain I got out of the plane and sat on a chair and the scooter was brought to me, so I could ride it through the terminal. “It was such a positive experience that I had to write a letter to ILC on my return with a photograph of me on Scoot in Spain, just to let them know how well it all went,” says Rita.
Rita’s scooter can be simply and quickly dismantled into about five sections which are small and light enough to be picked up and loaded into a small car. When you get to your destination they clip back together again just as easily. The scooter battery is plugged into a standard socket for charging, so you need an adaptor plug if abroad. Batteries last for between 10 and 15 miles depending on usage (hills/ speed etc). “The scooter is very easy to drive and so portable,” says Rita. “I can go to the shops and even walk the dogs now, it’s lovely. “ILC have been very helpful. They have lots of ideas for useful gadgets. I’m an independent girl, I like to do my own thing and the scooter has given me back that independence.” l Independent Living Consultants, Woodway, Loosley Row, Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 0NN Tel: 01844 273050 Email: risborough@bucksmobility.com Website: www.independentliving consultants.co.uk
Rita and Scoots on The Costa Del Sol
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
With a second birthday approaching Bluebird Care has already developed a reputation for high quality, cost effective care-at-home and is a staunch supporter of the Dignity in Care campaign...
I
t’s been a brilliant couple of years,” says Ruth Levett, right, owner of Bluebird Care (Aylesbury). “We’ve met some fantastic people along the way and we really enjoy running a business where we live and being part of the community. I love seeing staff or customers when I pop to the shops and saying hello. It’s been hard work too, and long hours but we knew it would be at first.” Bluebird Care, is the largest provider of privately funded care in the UK and Ruth and partner Edward Banks took on the Aylesbury area franchise (which also covers Wendover, Haddenham, Princes Risborough and surrounding villages) almost two years ago. They have steadily built their care-at-home business with the emphasis on quality of care, dignity and respect for customers. “It’s been a steady climb over the last two years,” says Ruth. “We’ve been building our caring team and our office team, but it can’t be rushed. We have 21 members of staff now including Care Manager Paul Jones and new Supervisor Kerry Cooper, pictured, who joined us in March this year. Kerry lives in Aylesbury and has many years care experience. She is half office, half community based and is here to supervise the welfare of our customers and provide support and help for our carers. Kerry will be training carers and keeping up to date with customer care plans, by visiting customers at home. All our customers have a dedicated office contact who they can call if they wish to discuss their care provision. “We have joined the Dignity in Care Campaign, hosted by the Social Care Institute for Excellence, which aims to put dignity and care at the heart of UK care services. This has always been at the heart of our everyday practice, so it’s an obvious campaign for us to support.” “Dignity and respect is an important part of working in social care,” says Supervisor Kerry Cooper. “It is vital we have respect for all human beings, regardless of their age, sex or disability. We have so much to learn from the
Kerry Cooper
Ruth Levett older generation and it makes me sad to see people forgotten and left out. Signing up to the dignity pledge just reinforces everything that we already do to help our customers remain safe, happy and secure in their own homes, whilst being in control of their lives.” “As carers we aim to empower our customers and promote independence and personal choice,” says Ruth. “All of our Bluebird carers must be both good communicators and good listeners. It is a quality that is difficult to find but we are extremely selective when recruiting staff. Experience is not so important, as we fully train all our carers in-house, but having the right qualities as a person is. “Our customers see the same few carers week in and week out and build a relationship with them. They go from being strangers in a uniform to trusted friends. Our carers get to know their customers which helps them spot if a customer is not their usual self and possibly becoming unwell. Changes may be slight, so would only be noticed by a regular carer. It may be nothing but they will report back to the office and a note will be made to keep a special eye on the customer. If there wasn’t a regular carer going in you would miss these tiny details. It’s quite an important
Bluebird Carers Tracy Impey (left) and Loren Harding part of what we do.” Bluebird can provide care on a respite, convalescent or occasional basis, which is a good introduction as the customer can gradually get to know those providing the service: “We can offer support for a week while a carer/relative is on holiday,” says Ruth. “It might mean popping in briefly each day to make sure the customer has taken medication or to help with shopping, cleaning or tidying - our care packages are specifically tailored to the needs of the individual, we offer care visits from 15 mins upwards.” Bluebird Care caters for people aged 18 years and above, not just the elderly. These could be customers with complex needs: learning disabilities, mental health issues, physical disabilities or dementia, or someone recovering from an operation. “We are a private company,” says Ruth. “You can fund the care yourself, or, if you are eligible for funding from the council, you can choose to have bluebird care. We are happy to help with applying for funding and explain how it all works. You can go to a broker who will help you find care firms in your area, or you can come directly to us. Phone for a chat about the kind of care you would like and how we might help. l Bluebird Care Aylesbury, 39 - 41 High Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1SH Tel: 01296 399000 Email: aylesbury@bluebirdcare.co.uk Website: www.bluebirdcare.co.uk Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
National Smile Month may be over, but the team from Tavistock House has plenty to grin about. Their surgery is looking rather fabulous and is packed with some pretty snazzy equipment too...
S
ince we last visited, some 18 months ago, Carlton Morris and his team at the Tavistock House Dental Practice in Aylesbury have not only been quietly and efficiently caring for their clients’ dental needs but have also given their practice a bit of a facelift. “We’ve put in two brand new surgeries, upstairs and down,” says Carlton. “We’ve freshened the decor and have installed the very latest equipment: from new X-ray machines, to superbly comfortable, luxury dental chairs for our patients. We also have flatscreen televisions mounted on each of the surgery ceilings to help distract our patients during their appointment. We believe that by helping to take their mind off their visit, they become more relaxed. “We feel that the best way to give our patients effective, quality treatment is to have the most comfortable and up-to-date equipment.” Their new phosphor plate X-ray machines instantly transfer images taken onto the computer, and the quality is so good, filters, which enhance the image, can be applied to pick out problem areas you wouldn’t see on a traditional X-ray. “We try to diagnose things early here and treat them minimally to avoid serious problems developing,” says Carlton. “We have always promoted preventative care and encourage regular visits to our hygienists (Tavistock House was one of the first local dentists to have a hygienist - now
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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
Emily, Lesley, Sue, Paul, Cherelle, Hilary and Carlton outside Tavistock Dental Practice they have four!), which can really make a difference in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Earlier this year, the regulations regarding hygienists were relaxed. Now, for the first time, anyone can book to see one of our hygienists without a referral from a dentist.” The practice was established in the early 1970s by dentists Peter Gellatley and Paul Fuller, who still work there part-time, along with Patricia Gallop and Simon Wombwell. “Pat is the youngest dentist in the practice,” says Carlton. “She has been with us four years now and has the wonderful ability to make her patients feel very relaxed. Simon is the newest member to join us, and coincidentally was a clinical tutor of mine when I was at Guy’s. Both Pat and Simon are superb dentists as well as being, equally importantly, very personable and approachable to our patients. We have a very strong team supporting us too in our friendly and always helpful reception staff, Lesley and Hilary and our brilliant nurses, Emily, Alex and Cherelle. “Peter and Paul established Tavistock House almost four decades ago, and I feel privileged to be carrying its good name and reputation today. “Peter does a lot of work raising funds for charity with Winslow Rotary Club and is presently in training for a fundraising trek to Left: Dentist Carlton Morris with dental nurse Emily and happy patient enjoying one of the luxurious new dental chairs
climb Mount Kilimanjaro later this year, which the practice is proud to support him on.” Tavistock House Dental Practice combines family dentistry - helping younger patients grow up with healthy teeth and gums and offering treatments such as fissure sealants and topical fluoride applications to protect against decay - with cosmetic dentistry: bridges, white fillings and veneers, tooth whitening, dental implants and a new teeth straightening system, Smilelign, which straightens teeth using invisible aligners rather than conventional braces. “A lot of our new patients come to us by way of recommendation and word of mouth from our existing clientele,” says Carlton. “We are a busy, popular practice, but we are always happy to take on new patients.” See the new Tavistock House website for a summary of services available, call up or pop in to chat over how they can help - you’ll soon be smiling!
l Tavistock House Dental Practice, 77 Tring Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1LE Tel: 01296 481615 Email: info@tavistockhouse.co.uk Website: www.tavistockhouse.co.uk
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
Like many ladies Vale Life’s Andrea Frost has read articles about non-surgical procedures that promise to restore and rejuvenate your skin. A healthy sceptic she has taken such claims with a pinch of salt, until a recent trip to Aurora Skin Clinics produced an about face... ‘
H
ave you ever wanted to turn back the signs of ageing, rejuvenate your skin and make yourself look naturally younger?’ says the Aurora Skin Clinics’ website. ‘We can help you to look more youthful and radiant with our range of specialist anti-ageing treatments for men and women.’ As someone who believes the proof of the pudding is in the eating Vale Life’s Andrea was the ideal candidate to test out Aurora’s claims. So off went our intrepid reporter to the Paddocks Hospital in Princes Risborough for a no obligation consultation at the local Aurora Skin Clinic. “I was a little apprehensive,” says Andrea, “but friendly Skin Clinic Co-ordinator Caroline, put me at ease and explained how my consultation would work. I was first to see Melanie Recchia who is an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner and then Aesthetic Practitioner Jenna Harrison. They would assess my skin condition, find out what I wanted to achieve and advise on any treatments that might be of benefit.” Melanie started her nursing career in 1997 as a Registered Nurse at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Following qualification, she worked for three years in the Burns Unit, then for a further eight years as a Sister in Accident and Emergency. Before nursing she had worked as a Beauty Therapist in various clinics and run her own salon. Since her move into aesthetic nursing Melanie has managed two successful clinics, one in Stoke Mandeville and one in Northamptonshire. “Mel talked me through how anti-wrinkle injections work and the difference between Botox and Fillers,” says Andrea. “She explained how they could work for me but did not at any time pressure me to have anything done. I was given information to take away and left feeling confident that if anyone was to administer Botox, Mel was the professional to do it. “I was then taken to see Jenna, who explained how skin responds much better when it is perfectly cleansed and buffed. Sun damage and pollution play havoc with our faces and this was demonstrated with
Jenna with Andrea under skin scanner
Consultation with Mel
Skin Scanner image the aid of a special UV Skin Scanner. Not a pretty sight! I have now resolved to use sun protection much more than I already do! “After checking for areas of sun damage, oily spots, dry patches and dead skin, Jenna described the options available. It seemed I might benefit from either Microdermabrasion or a glycolic peel. Both treatments remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the face, to reveal a smoother, more youthful and fresh appearance. I was advised to try the lowest percentage glycolic peel, as not having had anything like this done before I was unsure how my skin would react. I have suffered for many years with Acne Rosacea and my skin generally overreacts to facials. “Jenna carefully explained the whole process and then my face was thoroughly cleansed using a NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash. Next a Peel Preparation was applied, to remove any oil and then a barrier cream to protect the eyes, nose and lips. “The chemical - an Alpha hydoxylacid (AHA) derived from fruit acids which, used as a peel, encourages cell turnover so that new skin can come to the surface, was then painted on with a small brush. Things got a little itchy
Jenna applies chemical peel and slightly warm but only for a minute or so. Jenna then applied a neutralising solution and the process was complete. I was red but this faded within an hour. Of course I bumped into someone I know as I left the clinic, but they actually remarked on how well I looked! “A few hours after my peel I could honestly see a great improvement. My husband actually said that I looked fresh faced and youthful which is no mean feat when you are over 50! My skin looked really good though and I would recommend this to anyone (they do men too). “A week later and I am still clear skinned and fresh faced. I have taken the plunge and tried something new and I am amazed at the instant results! “I would recommend the team at Aurora. T hey are experts in skincare and provide excellent service and products - I am already considering a second visit!” l Aurora Skin Clinics, BMI The Paddocks Clinic, Aylesbury Road, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 0JS Tel: 0800 328 5743 / 01844 390110 Website: www.aurora-skin-clinics.co.uk Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
It’s not surprising that accountants have a reputation for being dull! Dealing with tax issues, payroll, audits and accounts is a serious business. But being professional in your duties doesn’t mean you can’t be friendly, approachable and even fun to work with! Welcome to Lancasters...
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t could be the idyllic rural location of their offices, in a converted barn at Manor Farm, Aston Sandford, a tiny hamlet near Haddenham, or the easy-going, friendly nature of owner Richard Griggs, but Lancasters Chartered Accountants seem a happy, likeable bunch of number crunchers. ‘Refreshingly different’ says their strapline and I guess you wouldn’t normally expect an accountant’s premises to exhibit a bowl of jelly beans on the boardroom table, a wooden Lancaster bomber or giant paperclip artwork. “Accountancy might not sound exciting,” says owner Richard Griggs. “but here at Lancasters we enjoy our work. We enjoy meeting people and getting to know them and their businesses. Our client base is broad, from large companies to small businesses and personal accounts for individuals, and we believe it’s important to understand our clients as individuals, so we can better serve their needs and tailor our services to suit. We offer an extensive range of services and have a team of qualified and experienced accountants and bookkeepers to deliver them with personality, in a personal and tailored manner.” Richard grew up in Wycombe and attended Wycombe Royal Grammar School before going on to gain his professional qualifications. He founded Lancasters 18 years ago, in 1995, setting up on his own from an office in Thame. The practice has built from there, mostly by recommendation and word of mouth and is now a well respected firm of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors. In addition to their experienced staff the firm now also employs a trainee who is studying for professional exams. “It’s been a natural expansion,” says Richard. “I’ve gradually taken on staff as the business required. We were in Thame for five years then moved to our converted barn in Aston Sandford 12 years ago. It’s an attractive, modern office with easy access and plenty of free parking and the clients that visit seem to quite enjoy their short trip into the country.
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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
“We’ve always been a general practice firm and the work is very varied. We are dealing with companies of all types and sizes, their accounting needs and financial issues. “Some, such as tax, can be technical, but we try to present them in a simple and understandable way and work closely with our clients to help them see how to better run their businesses and make more profit. “As well as traditional accounts preparation for limited companies and sole traders, we provide a wide range of other services, including bookkeeping for firms who prefer to outsource their bookkeeping and management accounting, audits, payroll, VAT returns and tax advice. Our clients are a complete cross-section of local, national and even international firms, from retailers to internet companies, wholesalers and solicitors, sole traders, LLPs, Limited Companies... it’s what makes our work so fascinating. “We aim to be accessible, personal and professional at all times. Accountancy is a relationship and if you are not happy with that relationship or not getting the personal service you want, it may be time to change. “Prospective clients are welcome to get in touch either by phone or email and we can meet for a chat to discuss how we can help. We’d like to get to know you before we look at your accounts. We feel it’s the only way to really understand your financial needs. That’s why when you come to see us for a free initial consultation, we sit down and chat about you... over a nice cuppa and perhaps even a jelly bean and it definitely won’t be boring!” l Lancasters Chartered Accountants, Manor Courtyard, Aston Sandford, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8JB Tel: 01844 292270 Email: richard.griggs@lancasters.uk.net Website: www.lancasters.uk.net
Richard Griggs Suzanne
The Manor Farm barns
Jenny with client
N op sh Th ew en ow am in ro e g A om ug us t
from design to build The Loggia Conservatory Modern Glass Extensions Cross Over Extensions Traditional Conservatories
01844 208605 The Loggia
Coming to Swan Walk, Visit our showroom. Open Mon-Sat. Thame, OX9 2HN
New Stables, Notley Farm, Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire, HP18 9ER | www.crendonconservatories.co.uk
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Vale Life : Aug/Sep 2013
Our House by Melanie Parr
Igloo chairs, Tillynilly; bunting, Wallaces Home Boutique
Enjoy the warm weather, head out to the garden and create a summer haven with elegant furniture, fairytale lighting and stylish accessories... Where to get the look... Tillynilly 01844 220035; info@tillynilly.com; www.tillynilly.com Lucas Furniture Rabans Lane, Aylesbury, HP19 8RE; 01296 486255; www.lucas-furniture.co.uk FROM 16 Cornmarket, Thame, OX9 2BW; 01844 217998; www.fromroundhere.com
Jardin planters, White Hart Studio
Ginger Interiors 10 Duck Farm Court, Station Way, Aylesbury, HP20 2SQ; 01296 415035; www.gingerinteriors.co.uk
John Lewis Home Holmers Farm Way, Cressex Centre, High Wycombe, HP12 4NW; 01494 462666; www.johnlewis.com At Home 1 Well Street, Buckingham, MK18 1EW; 01280 430148; www.athomebucks.co.uk
Joe 90 Apple lanterns, Tillynilly
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s I write this, it’s St Swithun’s Day and sweltering, so here’s – optimistically? – hoping for 40 days of glorious weather. Cue barbecues, al fresco breakfasts and Mediterranean-style outdoor living. And if your garden’s more overgrown wasteground than chic haven, there’s still time to turn it into a smart open-air abode. John Lewis has plenty of lovely weather-proof seating worthy of a living room: choose anything from traditional wicker to contemporary resin in hot summer colours such as fuchsia or lime. Fans of contemporary design should head also to Tillynilly for sleek Italian polycarbonate chairs in translucent tones. For vintage-style metalwork seating, try The Design Company, or World’s End Garden Centre for traditional garden furniture. If the sun decides to hide, give conservatories an update with smart and colourful loom-weave Amelie dining chairs from Lucas Furniture. Lighting is key in creating an ambience after sundown. Think twinkling garland lights and soft solar lighting from The Lighting Bug and flickering lanterns from The Design Company, Tillynilly and Cargo Homeshop.
Lanterns, The Design Company (above); Diva chairs, Tillynilly (right)
Foliage lights from The Lighting Bug
The Lighting Bug 26 Upper High Street, Thame, OX9 3EX (by appointment); 01844 217035; www.thelightingbug.co.uk Cargo Homeshop 18 Cornmarket, Thame, OX9 2BL; 01844 217171; www.cargohomeshop.com The Design Company 5-7 Duke Street, Princes Risborough, HP27 0AT; 01844 690409; www.fabandfunky.co.uk
World’s End Garden Centre Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD; 0844 288 5053; www.thegardencentregroup. co.uk
Dragonflies, Ginger Interiors
Wallaces Home Boutique 2 Cornmarket, Thame, OX9 3DX; 01844 217123; www. wallaceshomeboutique.co.uk
Bilbao lounging armchair and footstool set and Devon lounging seat, john Lewis 28
Vale Life : Aug/Sep 2013
Vale Life : Aug/Sep 2013
Charles Huntington Flooring
Assisi light, The Amberden Weave, World’s Lighting Bug End Garden Centre
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Just like indoors, accessories can complete the look. Why not try retro bunting from Wallaces Home Boutique, rustic metal planters from White Hart Studio, or metal drangonflies from CARPETS • VINYLS SISAL Ginger Interiors? Fingers crossed the sun •stays put for a little while longer. SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD
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Java table and Santos chairs, John Lewis
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Charles Huntington Flooring Vale Life : Jun/July 2013
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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
l
Column: Penny Harper ‘Thoughts of a small town girl’
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
Penny Harper
H
ow do you feel about acting in your knickers?” was the first thing out of Steve’s mouth as he showed me round the Thame Players’ Theatre some ten years ago. “Erm...like I need to pop home and shave my legs” was my somewhat gulped reply. I’d heard of a casting couch but I didn’t know it existed at am-dram level. Turns out they just needed chorus members for the September production of ‘Cabaret’. It was one of those sweltering summers of your childhood (oh wait, of your recent adulthood!) where you just want to bunk off work and play in the river... which my friend and I did, and then got told off because apparently in 1930s Berlin, ‘ladies of the night’ didn’t have bikini-strap tan lines and sunburnt shoulders. From that moment on, I was hooked, and the theatre fast became my home away from home and my fellow players,
my extended family. For me, amateur dramatics had always meant waiting for karate club to finish before we could rehearse, using a bomb shelter as a dressing room, and having to peg it across car parks with your Victorian frock hitched up round your knees to stop it getting wet. My eyes were like saucers as I was shown round Thame Players’ Theatre for the first time. There were proper theatre seats that didn’t need to be piled away after every performance so that the Brownies could meet; there was a props area that meant you could actually wait in the wings instead of outside with an umbrella; there was an actual real-life dressing room with lights all round the mirrors that made you feel like any minute now someone would stick their head around the door and shout “five minutes, Ms Minnelli!”; hell, there were even proper working toilets which meant you didn’t have to leg it across to
the Beehive pub during half time. Every time I stepped on stage I felt like it was next stop...Broadway! Sure, there were some sticky moments. I’ll never live down the time I was supposedly locked in the toilets in a production of ‘Outside Edge’ and then missed my queue because the audience was laughing so loudly (curse them all for enjoying themselves too much) which meant I actually was stuck in the ‘toilets’ while the entire cast waited for me on stage. Then there was the time I ended up doing costumes for the pantomime by mistake. Like all things relating to the theatre though, it’s ALWAYS alright on the night, sometimes I have no clue how... but there you go. Now the theatre building is 100 years old and members are working hard to raise money for Phase Two of the redevelopment; the transformation of this little church into a wonderful place of comedy
Small Town
Girl
and tragedy... and I don’t just mean my work as a seamstress. If you live in Thame and haven’t ever seen a show there then you can’t call yourself a Thamensian. You must get down there immediately - that’s an order! The Thame Players are the most dedicated, talented am-drammers I have ever had the pleasure to perform with. Sadly I no longer take the stage with this fine troup and miss them all terribly, but I rest assured that the show will go on... and on...and on.
northmillstoves.co.uk 01844 342400 info@northmillstoves.co.uk Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
31
l Column ‘In the Garden’ with
Naomi MacKay
Anyone for tennis?
N
ow’s the time of year when most of your hard work in the garden is done. Apart from liberal watering and some deadheading, take some time out to enjoy the weather and make the most of the garden. Here are some ideas for garden games to make sure there’s plenty of fun to be had in your garden this summer. If you have a smartphone, chances are you’ve played/been addicted to Angry Birds. For anyone who doesn’t know, the aim of the game is to fire birds at towers of walls of blocks and bricks and hit the green pigs, which burst and disappear once they hit the ground. To make your own version in the garden, collect together lots of boxes, and some green bouncy football size balls. Enlist the kids’ help to paint the boxes in suitable colours and patterns, and paint piggy faces on the balls. Take a number of different sized balls and paint with angry bird faces. Build up your wall of boxes, leaving gaps for the pigs to sit in - jam jar kids are quite useful for getting the pigs to stay in place - and then throw the balls at the blocks until you’ve got all the pigs.
For full detailed instructions head to http://www.sheknows.com/ living/articles/994275/how-tomake-a-life-size-angry-birds-game If you’ve always fancied having a pool table or table tennis table but there’s just no room indoors, how about getting one to put in the garden? The Evergreen Outdoor Slate Bed pool Table doesn’t come cheap at £1,365 inc delivery from www.libertygames.co.uk, but it is made from pressure treated all-weather materials, with a waterproof cloth that can be left outside all year round. If table tennis is more your game, you can spend rather less on the Donnay Performance 300 (£299 inc. delivery), which has an outdoor resin playing surface, a
Left, outside pool table. Right: anyone for table tennis?
‘Playback’ position for one-player training and it includes accessories – two bats, six balls and net. A couple of other garden toys we’ve been trying out are the Wicked Boomaring, which is a cross between a Frisbee and a boomarang. Unless you have a massive garden, we’d recommend taking it to the park or you’ll keep losing it over your neighbour’s fence. But perfecting the throwing technique to get it to come back to you is quite addictive. We’ve also enjoyed playing with the Didicar, a self-propelled ride-on with no pedals, motors or batteries. Great for kids and grownups - you will need a really flat patio to get it to work well - just turn the steering wheel and off you go. (£44.95 from
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
www.didicar.co.uk) Heading out over the holidays? Stow Landscape Gardens has a number of events on over the summer holidays, including Greek Myths & Monsters on August 13, when you can discover tales about mythical monsters and dark, dark places in the gardens. Hear tales about a three-headed dog who guards the grotto. You can even make your own mythical monster to take home. See a full list of events at Stowe at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stowe/ things-to-see-and-do/events/ Gardens open for the National Gardens Schemes, which raises funds for charity include: Homelands, Springs Lane, Ellesborough, Aylesbury, HP17 0XD: Aug 11, 2-5pm. Secluded ¾-acre garden, semi formal to wild flowers meadow and wildlife pond. Nether Winchendon House, Near Thame, Aylesbury, HP18 0DY: Aug 26, 2-5.30pm. Seven acres of garden with fine and rare trees surrounded by parkland. Mediaeval house set in stunning landscape. l Naomi Mackay is a freelance journalist and publisher of a new website for parents of primary aged boys called www.itsaboything. net. See for tips on raising boys, connecting with education, book reviews, days out, toys, games, gadgets, hobbies and competitions.
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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
As the multi-million pound remodelling of Aylesbury’s Walton Court Centre progresses, Vale of Aylesbury Housing explains how its investment is transforming the local area...
A
lthough Vale of Aylesbury Housing has been providing affordable homes and services since 2006, Walton Court Centre is arguably one of its most challenging projects to date. The complex layout and inward facing design have previously made it a hotspot for Anti-Social Behaviour, earning it a less than favourable reputation within the local community. The Trust is working to transform both the centre itself and public opinion, by investing £11.35 million in its regeneration. Perhaps surprisingly to some, the project involves extensive remodelling of the existing site rather than complete demolition and re-building. This approach has been championed by ‘upcycling’ gurus Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway who believe strongly in bringing old items back into use. Applying this principle to urban design means that they have a unique approach to regeneration and have been instrumental in the development of key plans, alongside the Trust, Bramall Construction (part of the Keepmoat Group), Keegans and ECD Architects. New homes The regeneration will provide 21 new properties including: • Four one-bed live/work units (see below for details) • 12 two-bed flats • Four three-bed flat
Designers Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway have been involved with plans to regenerate the Walton Court Centre since 2009 • One two-bed, wheelchair accessible flat The four live/work units are ideal for small businesses as they combine living and working space together under one roof. Not only does this help to keep costs down, it also saves time, as there is no need for a daily commute. The units each include a one bed, twoperson flat, plus a work space of 20.7sqm. Rents will be set at £116.31 per week and a service charge will also be applied to each unit. Not every business is suitable for this type of set up, but anyone wanting to find out more should call Jaggard Baker on: 01494 677755 or email: info@jagbak.co.uk Working with local communities Back in November 2012 the Trust gave
children at Ashmead Combined School in Aylesbury the chance to create a larger than life mural for the Walton Court Centre. 140, Year 3 and Year 4 pupils contributed to the design as part of their study into artist L.S Lowry. Using his works as inspiration, they each added their own unique interpretation of life in their community and this was transformed into one collective masterpiece by local artist Stu Mclellan. In contrast to the muted palette of black, ivory and white traditionally used by Lowry, the children’s interpretation was designed to be vibrant and striking, using an array of colours to tell their story. The final artwork, made up of 30, eight foot boards, was unveiled at a special ‘Lunch with Lowry’ event and will remain on site
Lowry inspired artwork by pupils of Ashmead Combined School, Walton Court and artist Stu McLellan 36
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
The new Walton Court Co-op
Trina and Shamus Walton Court refurbishment from park side Grand opening of new Walton Court Co-op in April 2013
Walton Court , Hannon Road frontage until the hoardings are removed. A special mini mural which captures all the detail of the original has been donated to the school and a copy also hangs proudly in the Trust’s reception area in Buckingham Street. The school invited the regeneration team back again in January 2013 to highlight the issue of site safety. This time they were joined by Considerate Constructors mascot, Ivor Goodsite who taught the children all about construction and the works that were taking place on their doorstep.
Walton Court Centre in numbers £11.35 million: the amount that Vale of Aylesbury Housing are investing in the regeneration 21: the number of new homes being built as part of the project 8: total number of retail units at the newly regenerated Walton Court Centre £116.31: weekly rent for each live/work unit. Ideal for those looking for living and working space in one 30: the number of 8ft boards completed by Ashmead Combined school as part of the Trust’s Community Art Project
Retail relocation One of the most innovative aspects of the regeneration is the relocation of the existing shops. Rather than facing inwards onto a courtyard area, the new units face outwards onto a main road, effectively turning the old layout inside out. This instantly enhances their visibility and the chance of increased footfall from passing trade. The first retailer to move into its new home was The Co-op (including the Post Office) which opened its doors to customers back in April 2013. The next will be Coral, closely followed by Boots in the Autumn. Communal garden for residents Once all works are completed the current courtyard will become a secure private area, for residents only. This communal space will feature landscaped gardens, with raised planters for herbs and flowers. Healthy Living Centre The Healthy Living Centre is undergoing extensive remodelling which will provide a brand new café, kitchen and servery, five meeting rooms of varying sizes, a large crèche for up to 20 children. A large IT Suite will also be available once works are complete. These improved facilities will enable the centre to deliver additional services to the local community. In the meantime it’s business as usual as the
Walton Court Courtyard will become a secure private area for residents only centre continues to offer activities for all ages. Contact them on: 01296 334562 for details of their latest programme. What to expect next… • The next new shop to open will be Coral • The new Boots store is forecast to open in Autumn 2013 • The extension of the Healthy Living Centre is due to be ready in Autumn 2013. Services will then be run from the extension so that the original building can be remodelled • The first four new flats are due to be ready in Autumn 2013 l Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust, Fairfax House, 69 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Bucks HP20 2NJ Website: www.vaht.co.uk Email: info@vaht.co.uk Tel: 01296 732600
Looking at the plans back in 2011 during ‘Meet the contractor day’
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
37
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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
John Johnston and his Prosecco with a Twist
Ex Village Gate manager John Johnston is managing new wine bar - Twist@Wendover in what was Rossini/Robina’s on the High Street. It’s a clever mix of café/bistro by day and cocktail/wine bar by night and is already proving popular with the sophisticated Wendover crowd...
J
ohn Johnston has over 20 years experience in the hospitality industry, running pubs, restaurants and cocktail bars. His new concept, Twist@ Wendover is a wine bar and restaurant that begins the day with a café/bistro feel and ends up like a cocktail/wine bar. Open seven days a week from 9am serving a selection of freshly ground coffee, home made food and handpicked wines, it offers a place to relax and unwind on comfortable sofas or party the night away with some bubbly or cocktails. “There were rumours a nightclub was opening here!” says John, “I think because we applied for a late licence! But we are not. Twist@Wendover is a nice environment in which to enjoy food, drink and good company. We are here for the local community and will be open all day, from 9am for breakfast.” The breakfast menu looks rather appetising too with: Eggs Benedict, Eggs Florentine, Bagels, Croissants/Pastries, Toast, Loose Leaf Tea by Suki and Fresh Coffee (served with a handmade treat). There’s free WiFi for those business breakfasts too. From 12noon the lunchtime menu offers sandwiches and light bites such as Mini Sausages or Spicy Chicken Wings, snacks like Sardines on Toast or a Greek Salad, plus Deli Boards and Pizzas. The sharing platters are
fun and easy to eat. The fish board is lovely, Lemon Marinated Crayfish Tails, Smoked Salmon, Taramasalata, Potted Shrimps and a Mini Loaf (£12.50) and ideal on a hot day with some chilled Chardonnay! Most of these items are available through until 10pm with the later addition of Steaks and Burgers from the grill and a variety of Pasta dishes in the evening. Prices are reasonable and range from around £4-£5 for snack items through £8-£10 for a pizza, pasta or a burger up to £20 for a steak. “We have Frizzenti ‘Classico da uve Prosecco’ on tap, draught lagers, ales and Guinness,” says John. “The Prosecco has proved very popular. A house Twist is the addition of an Hibiscus flower which slowly opens in the Prosecco and adds a pink tinge and a slight sweetness. It’s edible too! “We wanted to offer something different. The winelist aims to be interesting, accessible and reasonably priced, but not the labels you will usually drink on the high street. We’ve found some really good quality wines at great prices, mostly between £15 and £25 a bottle. “We have an unusual but gorgeous Greek white that is quite excellent, ‘The Sticky End’ - a Sauvignon Blanc dessert wine from New Zealand and an Australian Pinot Noir, ‘The Cruel Mistress’ also a fabulous Sicilian Chardonnay by Planeta, full bodied, almost Burgundan - deep straw yellow, full buttery flavour - it’s amazing. We have Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand, which is the new Cloudy Bay and a Chateau Longueville Pauillac - a mature, complex and elegant red Bordeaux, great with food. The Gérard Bertrand Picpoul de Pinet (an alternative to Pinot Grigio) is very easy to
drink and his Gris Blanc Rosé is excellent too. “Our non-vintage in-house Champagne is Laurent Perrier, it has quality and flavour and comes in pink too and for vintage Champagne lovers we have Pol Roger, which was Winston Churchill’s favourite! Being close to Chequers here, it seemed appropriate. Apparently Churchill would drink it by the pint, saying a glass is not enough and a bottle is too much! He even had special pint bottles commissioned - we won’t be serving it by the pint here though! “You can get something to eat at any time of the day, so we are hoping families with younger children, or teens, will come in for lunch, or early evening for a pizza or pasta and then as the evening progresses it will be a more adult crowd as the wine bar vibe takes over. The atmosphere is great at night, we’ve got some subtle lighting effects and cool music to give it a more cocktail bar feel and it’s really quite buzzy already. Our hours are 9am-12am Monday to Saturday and 9am to 11.30pm on Sunday. “As for the name - ‘Twist’ seemed to fit with everything we do here - there is the twist of a corkscrew, the twist of the coffee machine, a twist of lemon in your drink, the hibiscus in your Prosecco, David the chef ’s twist on a classic recipe, the twist that we are a coffee bar come bistro/restaurant during the day and a wine bar with food at night. It just fits and of course it’s a great place to twist the night away!” l Twist@Wendover, 20 High Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6AR Tel: 01296 696 380 Email: info@twistwendover.com Web: www.twistwendover.com Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
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l Column:
Ruby Rasa ‘Tomayto Tomaaahto’
Some Y like it cold! Sun Tea
(makes one litre) What You Need: 3 Rooibos (or other) tea bags 1 handful fresh mint leaves Simple syrup to taste (optional) What You Do: 1. Fill carafe or pitcher with 1 litre of cold water. 2. Add tea bags, stir and leave in sun (or warm spot) for a day. 3. Add mint leaves and simple syrup to taste. 4. Serve over ice and store in fridge.
ou may be reading this thinking, ‘I don’t need a recipe for tea’ but you’d be wrong. Because, while you Brits may brew up the best cups of hot tea this side of Assam, when it comes to drinking tea any other way you’re practically clueless. There, I said it. Iced tea, which makes up about 3/4 of all the tea drunk in the US, is also popular in many other cultures around the world, particularly in the Far East. In Thailand it is gorgeously sweetened with condensed and/or coconut milk. Thai restaurateurs in Britain have told me they initially experimented with putting it on the menu but ultimately gave up because ‘the English like their tea hot’. Mad dogs and all that. Just sayin’. Don’t worry, you’re not entirely alone. In the Middle East tea is drunk hot, despite the heat. And therefore I, with my English and Arab genetic make-up, really should ‘like it hot’. But my American years have intervened, especially those spent in New Orleans where iced tea is practically a religion. And if I can be converted, then you can at least give it a try. Perhaps not most of the year, when a nice hot cuppa is
required to warm our damp bones, but for those precious few summer days, when we’re stubbornly out soaking up every bit of the 30° midday sun, surely then a refreshing iced tea might go down a treat? If you’re game to give it a go, then here’s how. You can brew an extremely strong cup of hot tea and add ice, or do it the ‘Big Easy’ way: throw a few tea bags into a pitcher of cold water and forget it in the sun all day. My kids and I enjoy making this with Rooibos, which is lovely unsweetened. But if you like sweet tea, then add simple syrup, made by boiling equal parts sugar and water and letting it cool. l Ruby is a local freelance writer and photographer. Please contact her via her website: http://lensandletter.com
Win dinner for two at The Temple Street Wine Bar
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haring the elegant Queen Anne style Aylesbury Literary Club, The Temple Street Wine Bar enjoys historic light oak panelling, the highest of ceilings and huge leaded windows. Refurbished last Summer the look and feel is now a comfortable modern mix of natural wood, leather sofas and Rattan chairs. It is smart but not formal, relaxed and welcoming with quirky touches such as the German ‘wine glass’ chandelier and extravagant gilt mirrors. “We specialise in good, reasonably
priced food, served by friendly staff in a relaxed atmosphere,” says owner David Berry. The menu is Modern British, dishes such as: Fish and Chips with Tartare Sauce & Mushy Peas; ‘Burger, Chips & Salad’ and ‘Sirloin Steak Chips & Salad’; ‘Lamb, Dauphinoise Potatoes & Red Wine Sauce’; ‘Baked Gnocchi with Spinach & Gorgonzola Cheese’. There are also ‘Light Bites and Starters’, say ‘Baked Camembert’, ‘Salt Beef & Pickle Sandwich’ or ‘Whitebait with Lime
& Dill Mayonnaise’ and of course roast Sunday lunch. Dishes come with vegetables, so you won’t usually need to pay extra for sides and are reasonably priced - around the £10£15 mark for main courses. If you’d like to be in with a chance
of winning *dinner for two, with a bottle of house wine, at The Temple Street Wine Bar, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Which road is the wine bar on? *Prize meal to be taken Sunday to Thursday. Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Sept 10th, 2013. l Temple Street Wine Bar, 7 Temple Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 2RN Tel: 01296 337228 Web: www.templestreetwinebar.co.uk Open from 12noon every day. Closed Sunday evening.
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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
It’s taken more than a bit of spit and polish to give this old boot a new lease of life, but folks are hot footin’ it to Bledlow Ridge now, where the village pub is looking particularly well-heeled...
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n 2010 residents of Bledlow Ridge raised the funds to buy their village pub and save it from being redeveloped as housing. Since then a string of managers struggled to find a winning formula, until new tenants, Emma and Andy Goddard, took over, earlier this year. The local couple have kicked off in fine style, investing their own funds in a fabulous refurb and hitting the right note with a reasonably priced menu of traditional pub food with a modern twist. The restaurant has been busy from day one and it’s now recommended to book ahead if you want to be sure of a table at peak times! While Andy has been a villager for five years, Emma grew up in Bledlow Ridge. Her mum worked at The Boot and when Emma was a little girl she used to love playing in the twisted tree by the pub terrace. Her father has been a Boot regular for many years, so when the recent modernisation took place it had to be not only stylish and comfortable for diners but informal and welcoming for villagers stopping by for a pint. Quite often in medieval times cobbler’s shops were attached to ale houses and this may explain the name of the pub, although it is thought this Boot was originally built in the 1800s. It was a small square building and bits have been added over the years causing layout problems: “Moving the bar was the biggest expense,” says Emma, “but it just didn’t work as it was before. The eating area felt too big, too hall like. We’ve tried to make it a nice relaxed place with a cosy atmosphere. “It’s got to be a pub and appeal to villagers and be a restaurant. It’s got to work for adults and for children, for dogwalkers and retired people, for families and couples and to cater
Andy and Emma for the occasional function - we can put a marquee up in the garden for larger parties. “We’ve recruited an experienced and creative Head Chef, who was previously working in Cookham, and have another chef, recently qualified from Aylesbury College, to assist. We’re working with Aylesbury College to provide opportunities for chefs to experience working in a busy commercial kitchen - we are averaging 100 meals a day at the moment, which gives them a taste of the real world!” The refurb has certainly worked. The Boot now feels stylish and modern while still pubby enough for a beer at the bar. There’s comfortable seating areas with leather sofas and tub chairs, a long walnut bar and an airy restaurant area. Foodwise you can choose from lunchtime snacks, pub classics or main dishes. How about a Meat or Fish Sharing Platter at £12 or from the starters: Bubble & Squeak, Crispy Smoked Bacon, Poached Egg, Hollandaise £6.50; or Carpaccio of Beef, Capers, Cornichons, Parmesan Basket & Horseradish Cream £7;
Main dishes include: Salads £7-£11, The Boot Steak Burger (using locally sourced fillet and sirloin) with Toasted Bap, Salad, Mayonnaise & Hand Cut Chips £10; Fillet of Sea Bass with Confit of Fennel, Tomato & Basil Salsa, Basil Crisps & Balsamic Reduction £14; or Slow Roast Pork Belly, Braised Cabbage, Black Pudding, Crackling, Glazed Apple, Dauphinoise, Jus£13.50. Dessert examples include: Baked Lemon Tart with Mixed Summer Berry Compote£5; or Soft Meringue Roulade with Glazed Banana £5. The lunchtime sandwiches sound good too with fillings such as: Bacon, Brie and Avocado; or Minute Steak with Red Onion Marmalade, Rocket and Horseradish. They are served with Salad Garnish and Crisps. There is also a children’s menu with dishes for just £5. See their website for full menu listings. At the bar there’s Rebellion from Marlow or Sharps Doom Bar from Devon, lagers, ciders and a selection of good quality, reasonably priced wines from £14 to £40. Emma and Andy have completely changed the Boot and it’s all for the better. It’s now a welcoming pub with excellent food and a friendly team of happy, helpful staff and well worth a visit, especially for a bite to eat. Look out for occasional live music events and the popular quiz night (next one Tuesday, Aug, 27th from 8pm). l The Boot, Chinnor Road, Bledlow Ridge, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4AW Tel: 01494 481499 Email: theteam@theboot-bledlowridge.co.uk Website: www.theboot-bledlowridge.co.uk Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
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l Column: Jacqui
Toastmaster
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y name is Jacqui Thorndyke, and I’m a cook book addict. There, I’ve said it, now cancel my Amazon account and send me to a self-help group. Jamie, Gordon, Nigella, Good Housekeeping, Michelin Star chefs, Indian, Thai, Japanese, British, Cakes, Cocktails, Salads… you name it, I’ve got it. I’m also fairly particular about the condition of my beloved books – they either have to be beautifully food splattered, representing the regularity of their use, or remain in pristine condition. Needless to say, when MrF left one of my Raymond Blanc books (pardon monsieur) out overnight in the rain last year, after using it to fan the BBQ… one was not amused; in fact, on finding the sodden collection of Michelin star recipes slumped sadly over the picnic bench, I may well have threatened some form of physical violence. Overreaction? Nah. So do I need all these cook books? Of course I do; if I need inspiration for what to cook next
Thorndyke ‘Foodie On Tour’
week, have a dinner party or family event to cater for, I reach for my trusty cook books and plough through a selective stack of my favourites. Happily nosedeep in images of elegant starters, sumptuous mains and delectable desserts, I could while away hours on this part of the process alone. I’ve unearthed recipes from within these volumes that have wowed guests, along with recipes that have gone on to be regulars on the Foodie Family dinner table – Gizzi Erskine’s Moroccan Chicken, Jamie Oliver’s Tray Bake Fish, plus Nigella’s Italian Roast Chicken to name just a few. My cook books are a constant source of enjoyment for me and I cannot get enough; the littering of them in my Amazon wish list is proof enough. It therefor may come as some surprise to you, as it did to me, that the most satisfying recipe I ever learnt was how to make perfect cheese on toast... from none other than MrF himself. I know annoying right?! He owns maybe two cook books at best, rarely cooks our meals and has a recipe repertoire of about four dishes (that’s another story entirely) -
including the cheese on toast! His is, however, the most amazing cheese on toast. It bugged me enormously when, after tasting his masterpiece, I was unable to recreate it myself – despite several attempts. Feeling somewhat defeated, I gave in and admitted I needed his recipe; here are the simple rules he shared: 1) The bread CANNOT be toasted Jacqui Thorndyke in a toaster, it must go under the grill 2) The bread can only be toasted have at my disposal, on ONE SIDE an incredibly simple 3) Cover the cheese on bloomin’ UNTOASTED toast by my very own side with slices MrF is the star of Jacqui loves a good cookbook the show; how very of cheese, before returning to the grill (you can add annoying. seasoning at this stage: salt, pepper, Don’t think for one minute Worcestershire sauce maybe). though I’m ditching the cook 4) DO NOT overcook the cheese – it books… I’ll have ordered at least must be melted, but not brown and another two by the time this goes bubbly to print! 5) Add a small swipe of butter l For local food and restaurant across the top as a final measure & reviews and recommendations, visit EAT WHILE WARM www.foodieontour.co.uk, or follow So there you have it – the Jacqui on Twitter @FoodieOnTour. perfect cheese on toast. With all To contact Jacqui directly, please the stunning array of recipes I email foodieontour@yahoo.co.uk
August Bank Holiday Beer Festival: August 23rd-26th A host of tempting tipples to help wile away the weekend! 20% Food Discount Food for ‘I Love Wendover’ Loyalty Card holders Monday to Thursday, 1 card per 2 people
225 Aylesbury Road, Wendover, Buckinghamshire HP22 6BA Tel: 01296 623884 Email: info@villagegatewendover.co.uk Website: www.villagegatewendover.co.uk
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
George is the word of the moment it seems, with a new Prince for the Royals and the rebirth of Princes Risborough’s George and Dragon. Welcome to new landlords Ian and Elle...
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an and Elle Betchley took over The George and Dragon in Princes Risborough in March. The couple have already turned around The George and Dragon in Chesham and have a good manager in place, looking after things there, so are turning their efforts to Risborough’s historic High Street pub. As locals will know The George and Dragon closed recently for a refit and redecoration and is now looking rather smart. “We’ve got a new bar and new furniture,” says Ian, “we’ve done the car park, the pub’s had a complete redecoration, with new signage and we’ve styled the bedrooms (there are three overnight rooms available). “We’ve gone back to more of a traditional pub feel. It’s what we believe a pub should be - a centre for the community. We do excellent food at very reasonable prices in a smart, comfortable setting but we’re not trying to be a ‘gastro-pub, we’re a proper pub!” The food at the George and Dragon certainly looks amazing. It is very well presented and extremely good value with main courses such as: Home Roasted Ham, Egg and Chips; or Cheese and Leek Pie with Mash and Seasonal Vegetables; or a Pea and Spinach Risotto with Crumbled Feta, around
Elle and Ian £8. Even the 8oz Rump Steak with Chips, Tomato, Onion Rings, Portobello Mushroom and dressed leaves is only £12.50 or there’s an 8oz Sirloin for £12.95. Starters and desserts are around £5 and there’s burgers, salads, sandwiches, jacket potatoes and paninis for those who want a light snack. For those who like an all day breakfast, the ‘George Brunch’ has all you could wish for in a fry up for £6.95 and for those who like to share, the Larder Boards (Farmhouse or Seafood) sound rather good. There’s fabulous desserts and a children’s menu too, at only £2.95 a dish. Food is available lunchtimes from 12noon-2.30pm and evenings from 5pm-9pm plus of course a Roast Dinner on Sunday from 12noon to 4pm. “Everything is homemade and cooked on premises,” says Elle. “It’s pub classics really, but brought up to date and nicely presented. We have two good chefs and the food has been getting great reviews. We also cater for parties and functions and if you like music, there’s live entertainment every Friday night. “We have just been assessed and received a Cask Marque award,” says Ian, “which shows our beers are well kept. We have Doom Bar, a guest ale and several lagers and ciders to choose from.” Ian and Elle met in Spain, where they both
ran bars, some seven years ago. They were married and came back in 2009. Elle, who is from North Yorkshire, has been in the pub trade for many years since running her first pub at the age of 21, while Ian who is from Surrey, has over 14 years in the business. They are a friendly, outgoing couple and love the social side of being landlords and making people feel at home in their pub. The George & Dragon is Grade II Listed and thought to date from the early 19th Century, although there are mentions of The George at Princes Risborough in records from 1678 where it is described as ‘ancient’, so must date back even further. During the 1800s it was one of three coaching inns in the town and the only one now remaining a pub. It was for some time the Excise Office and location of the Petty Sessions or Magistrates’ Court and was known as the George Hotel and George Inn before becoming the George and Dragon. Today Ian and Elle are waiting to give you a right royal welcome, why not pop in for a drink and wet young George’s head! l The George & Dragon, 74 High Street, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 0AX Tel: 01844 343087 Email: info@gndpubco.co.uk Website: www.gndprincesrisborough.co.uk
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
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Win a copy of Why Can’t My Garden Look Like That?
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hy Can’t My Garden Look Like That? is written by John Shortland. John worked as Head Gardener for a number of country houses and has been an advisor to the public at the Chelsea Flower Show. He has also worked alongside Dan Pearson on Channel 4 Television’s Garden Doctors. John believes that anyone can have the garden of their dreams without studying for a degree in horticulture and has outlined easyto-follow advice on design, planting and maintenance. With his book you will learn how best to use your time in the garden; how to improve the layout of your garden, maintain visual interest throughout the year, use plant combinations, colour and foliage for maximum impact; and how to prune and control weeds and pests. John lives in Oxfordshire and runs The Garden Coach, which teaches gardening skills to people in their own gardens and also The Glyme Garden & Landscape Company for those who don’t want to design or maintain a garden themselves.
If you’d like a chance to win a copy of Why Can’t My Garden Look Like That? simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk In which county does John live? Winner to be drawn at random and notified by email by Sept 10th. l Available from Amazon and all good bookshops. Published by Spring Hill, an imprint of Constable & Robinson
Open 7 days a week from 5.30pm-11pm. Tel: 01296 615245 / 615927
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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 44
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
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
Open Day 10am-5pm, Sat, Sept 28th: All welcome
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
Clay pigeon shooting is enjoyed by men and women of all ages and is becoming increasingly popular with teens too. The Oxford Gun Company at Oakley is a family run firm with excellent shooting facilities, a gun shop and country clothing store - just aim for Jericho Farm...
David, Shirley, Doug and Nicky pictured last year celebrating 30 years in business
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he Oxford Gun Company is run by Doug and Shirley Florent, son David and daughter Nicky. Doug first shot at the West London Shooting Ground in Northolt when he was 21 and absolutely loved it. He got seriously into the sport became an excellent shot and with Shirley has been all round the world competing in shooting events. He was recently awarded a lifetime achievement award by the gun trade. “I started a gun club in West London,” says Doug. “It went well and led to the opening of a gun shop, The London Gun Company, in Greenford in 1982. We sold guns and country clothing. “We wanted to move out to the country though and in 1988 we bought Jericho Farm at Oakley. Shirley ran it while I commuted into London. I didn’t enjoy the travelling though, so we moved operations to Oakley and are now The Oxford Gun Company. We have the shooting school, gun shop and clothing store all on site here.” Doug and Shirley know their sport and have created an excellent facility at Jericho
Farm. It’s set in some 250 acres of beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside and boasts a converted 17th century barn for a shop and a huge meeting place/conference centre in a second barn. The shooting stands are all covered, so guests can shoot in comfort, whatever the weather and the course layout is changed every month to keep it interesting for regulars. It is the only shooting ground to have twice won the title of No.1 Shooting Ground in Britain in the Shooting Industry Awards. “We cater for everyone from novices to experienced shots,” says Doug, “but we’ve always tried to encourage beginners to come along and see how much fun shooting can be. We’ve had over 20,000 new shots try our ‘Have-a-go’ days and nearly half these are ladies. The days are on the first Saturday of each month - you can book up to a few days before. You get 25 cartridges/25 clays, the use of a shotgun and 1/2 hour with a professional instructor all for only £20 per person. “We also encourage youngsters through The Schools Challenge programme. We have Novice Schools Challenge Instruction days on
through August (ages 12 to 21). Find out more at: www.theschoolschallenge.co.uk “If you’ve tried the Have-a-go Day, enjoyed it and want to learn more, then every Thursday we hold a group coaching day. The day starts at 9.15am for coffee, talk and gun-fitting, you go out shooting from 10am-1pm (with a break in the middle), have a pub lunch, and then more shooting and instruction from 2pm-4.30pm. We have courses for novice, intermediate and advanced levels and occasional ladies only courses too.” “We also cater for Stag and Hen parties, Corporate Days and Special Events which include not only the clay pigeon shooting but also Archery and Airguns and there is the possibility of Cross Bows, Blindfold Driving, Quad Biking, Falconry, Gundog training, Tractor Driving and Off Road 4 x 4 Driving. “More experienced shots can do ‘pay and play’ during the week and staff member Rosie, who shoots competitively, will take them out and arrange targets to suit their abilities and give the occasional tip if required.” The Oxford Gun Company now employs eight full time staff and about 20 part-timers and boasts one of the biggest gun shops in the country. They have a great selection of country clothing and accessories too, pop in if you are passing - it’s bang on trend! l The Oxford Gun Company, Jericho Farm, Oxford Road, Oakley, Buckinghamshire, HP18 9RG Tel: 01844 238308 Websites: www.oxfordguncompany.co.uk www.theschoolschallenge.co.uk www.oxfordcountryclothing.co.uk Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
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West Side Story
Hopefully this gorgeous Summer weather will linger late into Autumn and we won’t notice the nights drawing in, for Aylesbury Waterside will already be brightening up the dullest of days with a fabulous feast of entertainment, from music to comedy, theatre and dance, read on...
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efore this year’s annual, glitzy, family pantomime Sleeping Beauty wraps up 2013 with more jokes and join-in fun than ever from stars Anita Dobson, Andy Collins and Holly Brewer, Waterside theatregoers have a jampacked Autumn season to look forward to. Musical fans have some real theatrical treats in store. Get ready for the ride of your life as Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical, the feel-good international hit sensation starring Jason Donovan takes you straight to the heart of fabulous, with a hit parade of dance favourites. International smash-hit tour New Jersey Nights takes you on a nostalgic musical journey through the career of one of the biggest selling groups of all time, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Guaranteed to put a spring in your step and a tune on your lips, all-time favourite Seven Brides for Seven Brothers brings together a world-class cast led by Sam Attwater and Helena Blackman in the
The Drifters
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Joe Pasquale in Ho Ho Homes brand new re-staged version of the classic American Frontier dance musical. More familiar faces are set to grace the Waterside stage when Claire Sweeney and John Thomson arrive in John Godber’s bittersweet comedy September in the Rain, taking you through the lives of Jack and Liz and their annual holidays in the golden age of donkey rides, talent contests, saucy postcards, rolled up trousers and knotted hankies! For classical dance, don’t miss the 25th Silver Anniversary tour of Romeo and Juliet and Nutcracker from Moscow City Ballet and Ellen Kent’s sensational combination of spectacular ballet sequences with stunning opera in two productions, La Bohème and Aida. If you can be tempted by something a little different make sure you check out An Evening of Burlesque the slickest, wittiest cabaret spectacular of the year! If you fancy a spin around the dance floor yourself join Mike Smith’s Orchestra and Singers
New Jersey Nights including Matthew Ford in their second Big Band Dance Night as the theatre auditorium is spectacularly transformed into a ballroom with a 15 piece live band, or boogie the night away at one of the Waterside’s Seasonal Parties with tickets from just £20! There’s even the chance to support local charity Florence Nightingale Hospice, celebrating 25 Years of local Hospice care in this year’s must see dance spectacular Strictly Florence featuring Craig Revel Horwood. There’s music for everyone as some of the UK’s top touring artists arrive in Aylesbury including The Osmonds, The Drifters, Paul Carrack, Bill Wyman and his Rythm Kings, Bellowhead, Show of Hands, Steeleye Span, The Bay City Rollers show with lead man Les KcKeown, Chas and Dave and the latest from Friars
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
Coming up at the Waterside Your at-a-glance guide to what’s on...
John Thomson
Chas ‘n’ Dave with Marillion. They will be joined by the UK’s top tribute acts including UK Pink Floyd Experience, The Illegal Eagles, Mercury – The Ultimate Queen Tribute, Motown’s Greatest Hits, ABBA Mania, That’ll Be The Day Christmas Show and The Bootleg Beatles. Classical music lovers can look forward to the Waterside’s annual visit from The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with international cellist Jamie Walton leading an evening of classical favourites, and the theatre’s Orchestra in Association, Oxford Philomusica, with a celebration of music from Beethoven. Raymond Gubbay brings The Four Seasons by Candlelight while The Three Phantoms showcase some of the worlds favourite musical songs, and Grimethorpe Colliery Band of Brassed Off fame, rounds up the musical offerings.
Jethro
Claire Sweeney
Ardal O’ Hanlon
There’s plenty of comedy to keep you warm in the winter months with laughs galore from Sean Lock, Reginald D Hunter, Ardal O’Hanlon, Jethro, Jim Davidson and Richard Digance, Jason Manford, Ed Byrne, Ha Ha Holmes starring Joe Pasquale and the hugely successful monthly Comedy Club nights in the theatre’s Second Space. For something a little different join star of last year’s panto Russell Grant and TV chef Lesley Waters in Ready Steady Cook Live, The Reduced Shakespeare Company as they work their way through all of the bards 37 plays in just 97 minutes, The Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy Radio show Live with special guest star ‘voice of the book’ Clive Anderson, Test Match Special’s Blofield and Baxter sharing anecdotes and memories of working on radio’s most famous cricketing broadcasts, or an evening with psychic to the stars Sally Morgan.
Tonight’s the Night
Save The Last Dance For Me
Mon 26th to Sat 31st August
Blofeld and Baxter
Fri 6th Sept
Comedy Club (Second Space)
Fri 6th Sept
UK Pink Floyd Experience
Sat 7th Sept
The Drifters
Thur 12th Sept
Royal Opera House Live Screening: Turandot
Tue 17th Sept
The Osmond’s American Jukebox
Wed 18th Sept
The Bay City Rollers
Thur 19th Sept
Three Phantoms
Fri 20th & Sat 21st Sept
The Illegal Eagles
Sun 22 Sept
National Theatre Live Screening: Othello
Thu 26 Sept
LiveScreen at the Waterside continues to bring live theatre, musicals, opera, and dance from around the world. With the National Theatre’s Othello, Hamlet, The Habit or Art and Coriolanus, The RSC’s Richard II, Spartacus, Le Corsaire, Sleeping Beauty, Jewels, Lost Illusions and The Golden Age from The Bolshoi Ballet: Turnadot, Don Quixote, Les Vêpres Siciliennes, The Nutcracker, Parsival and Giselle performed live at The Royal Opera House. Book for this sensational season today 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
Moscow City Ballet
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
The fourth Annual Thame Arts and Literature Festival takes place from October 18th to 20th this year. This is not just for highbrows, there’s a fabulous range of interesting, entertaining and fun events for all ages and tastes from Barry Norman to The Boodlum Band, torture and jam...
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he Thame Arts and Literature Festival (TAL) is a lot of fun. The event takes over the picturesque town and for a weekend you will find talks and exhibitions, plays and concerts going on in all kinds of unlikely places. From political activism to early gramophones, exploring Antarctica and presenting the news from Downing Street, the programme for the 4th Annual TAL Festival is one of intriguing variety and really does boast something for all. From the world of TV, Nick Robinson, Barry Norman and Richard Baker are part of a 30 strong line-up of authors and journalists all of whom have fascinating stories to tell. Julie Summers tells of the Jambusters, the tale of the WI during the second world war. Indeed, heroism seems to be something of a theme this year; Felicity Aston is the first woman to ski across Antarctica alone, The team from Freedom from Torture brings a touching (and occasionally very funny) play based on the real-life experiences of some of those they have helped, and Professor Gary Sheffield and BBC History Magazine journalist, Nigel Jones examine the build up to the 1st World War exactly 99 years after it changed the course of human history. To call Ben Hall a photographer is a bit like calling Mozart a musician. Ben’s work is widely recognised as among the best in the world and he brings his unique view
Barry Norman
Felicity Aston
A. T. Williams
Julie Summers
The Book House Founder’s Lecture For the Founder’s Lecture this year, The Book House at Thame is delighted to present a landmark presentation from one of the country’s most clear thinking journalists and activists. George Monbiot is a writer and columnist known for his environmental and political activism. He is challenging and humorous in equal measures and TAL is delighted to welcome him to Thame.
on wildlife photography to the Festival. Add to these such wonderful contributors as Alysoun Owen, the editor of the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook; Mary Cutler, longest serving script writer for The Archers; Lucy Inglis, expert on Georgian History; Philip Hook; Sotheby’s Director of Short Story Competition Impressionist and Modern In conjunction with The Book Art; and A.T. Williams, the House at Thame, TAL Festival is current holder of The Orwell hosting a short story competition with Prize for Political Writing and a prize of £100 Book House vouchers. another amazing weekend in The stories must not be more than Thame is assured. George Mombiot 2,000 words and the subject is Family. TALKids continues to Entrants must be 18 or over. Full details can grow with events for ages ranging from 3 be found on the web site www.talfestival.org. to 16 and the weekend finishes on Sunday evening with music and l Thame Art & Literature Festival, A Portra it of Jo dance in the company of the in Wor hn Mas October 18th-20th, at venues around Thame ds efield Broadc and Music w ith aster Ri chard Ian English Boodlum Band Baker, Tel: 0871 288 3420 Bariton e and Ac Jim Mitchell co Graham mpanist and Greg Butler and his amazing Email: info@talfestival.org e O’Con nor. Website: www.talfestival.org original 40s, big-band disco. For something completely Tickets will be available from Monday different join Matthew Rice, artist, September 9th by phone and email and in writer and architectural historian on person from the TAL Box office at the Town Friday afternoon at Rycote Chapel Hall, every Tues. Thurs. Fri. and Sat. from to learn something of the history of September 10th. church architecture - a unique talk in TAL Festival is sponsored by CPM, Cargo a unique setting. Homestores and Thame Town Council.
The Sailor Poet
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John Ma sef (1878-19 ield Poet Lau 67) wa Ledbu s born reate the you ry, in th died at Herefordshi dispel his for a career re and Cli at sea addicti Abingdo fton Hamp on to boo and den ne n, Oxfor ar John Ma ks. dsh ire sefield At an ear . is chiefly remem ly age ber he was and ent Sea Fev ed for his poe orp rus er, ms of an aun ted to the gua haned and Rey Salt Water Bal rdiansh t and unc nar lads viewed ip le. The theatrica d the Fox. Als his love aun t o l suspicion of readin for childre works and sev for his g with and, aft eral boo at the n. er a brie Kin ks Many was tho g’s School Wa f period of rwick, ught tha it poems his most fam HMS Co We wo t are inc uld like ous nway wo the school-sh luded to thank Presen ip uld bot in this tation the Joh h prepar . n Masefi e eld Soc iety and also The Friends of HMS Conway for the ir valuab le assista nce.
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
It’s back after a two year break! It’s totally free! It’s taking over the town centre! It’s got household names and local talent in a rockin’ good line-up! Ladies and gents, it’s Hobble On The Cobbles...
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esurrected in 2006 after a gap of 28 years, Hobble On The Cobbles is the brainchild of local entrepreneur and music promoter Stuart Robb. Now running local events company Aylesbury Showcase he continues to help and support local bands and musicians throughout the local area. This year Stuart is organising Hobble On The Cobbles with support and funding from Aylesbury Town Council, The Aylesbury Town Centre Partnership and a number of local businesses and advertisers. “We have a fantastic line-up this
year,” says Stuart, “featuring 20 bands, across four stages and about eight hours of live music. We are particularly proud and excited to announce that 60s favourites, The Searchers, are to headline our free event.” The Searchers were classed as an English beat group when they emerged as part of the 1960s Merseybeat scene, alongside bands such as The Beatles, The Swinging Blue Jeans and Gerry and The Pacemakers. The Searchers had a string of huge hits including: Needles and Pins, Sweets For My Sweet, Sugar and Spice and Don’t Throw Your Love
The Searchers
Katie Buckhaven
Away to name but a few and are still a popular live act, regularly performing to packed audiences across the UK. Even better, the Searchers’ drummer for the event is Aylesbury’s own Scott Ottaway! Following in the footsteps of John Otway, Fish, Marillion, Scouting For Girls, Eddie & The Hot Rods and Kajagoogoo, other bands performing are: Jump, Tin Spirits (including Dave Gregory of XTC), Almost Midnight, Zealey & Moore (with Diz Minnit exMarillion), The John Young Band, The Synthetix, Katie Buckhaven, Palahniuk, Pete & Rob’s Musical Whimsey (Pete Trewavas - Marillion and Robin Boult - Howard Jones/Fish), The Observers, Glyn Devey, LuCozma (including Steve Askew of Kajagoogoo) and many more. “We’ve always tried to keep a
local feel to the event,” says Stuart, “and once again we are featuring and supporting some of the best of our talented local musicians and bands.” Barbara Cunningham, Aylesbury Town Council Events Officer adds “Hobble On The Cobbles is one of the biggest and best events in Aylesbury, and it is fantastic to see it return in 2013. Come rain or shine, August 25th is set to be a day to remember.” The event, on Bank Holiday Sunday, August 25th, will commence in Kingsbury at 12 noon and in Market Square at 1pm. The music continues all day until just before 8pm. So, if you like your music live, loud and local, and want to see what Hobble On The Cobbles has in store for Aylesbury this year, visit the websites below and come along on the day for some fantastic bands and maybe a few extra surprises as well. For all the latest Hobble On The Cobbles news and information visit: www.AylesburyShowcase.co.uk and www.AylesburyTownCouncil.gov.uk l Hobble On The Cobbles, Market Square, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire Email: office@AylesburyShowcase.co.uk Web: www.AylesburyShowcase.co.uk Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
What better way to bring your summer holidays to a close than 5 nights and 4 days of great music, dance, spoken word, street theatre, visual art, film and song, food and drink and camping, in beautiful surroundings, and all bathed in that special Towersey feeling...
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owersey Festival’s Showground programme offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience just some of what the famed annual event has to offer. Kicking off on Thursday, August 22 with an appearance from the legendary Blockheads, the festival continues with a packed programme of entertainment right over the Bank Holiday. A Festival Showground Ticket allows visitors access to the Showground area on Saturday 23, Sunday 24 and Monday, August 25, and a chance to enjoy a variety of activities, from music and dance, to street theatre and a sculpture trail - all for just £8/£3 concessions (available at the gate on the day). Over 100 stalls offer gifts and goodies, from handmade soaps, unique jewellery and clothing, to garden herbs, while Towersey Real Ale and Cider Festival, well stocked with acclaimed and award-winning beverages, offers the perfect accompaniment to the array of delicious street foods, courtesy of local artisan producers. As always, there’s also a range of free performances and activities aimed squarely at families, with art, craft, science and circus workshops, puppet shows, face painting, games, singing, dancing, storytelling and more. Among the many entertainers taking centre stage or mingling through the crowds are Pete White’s Suitcase Circus, Thingumajig Theatre’s giant mechanical hippo, and dozens of singers and musicians. Towersey village’s very own Phoenix Studio will be demonstrating traditional Japanese pottery firing, while the Rainbow Marquee offers craft activities all day long. The Sculpture Village showcases some weird and wonderful large scale sculptures, with demonstrations and hands-on activities. New for 2013, expect to see a host of 50
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
Thingumajig
great musical talent from the surrounding area performing in the Showground Bar, including Oxford’s own Samuel Zasada and Thame-based duo The August List. Festival Showground Tickets are available for Saturday 24, Sunday 25 and Monday 26 August 2013, from 10am-6pm, and can be purchased on the day at Zulu Tradition the gate. Car parking is free, and there’s also a red London Routemaster bus shuttle running regularly between Thame and Towersey throughout the festival. If you are attending, why not also check out the festival’s charttopping opening act The Blockheads (Thu, Aug 22, tickets £17/£9), upgrade to a Day Ticket (£10-£40, available Fri-Mon), or purchase a full festival ticket (£55-£125 with major discounts for Thame and Towersey residents) and enjoy such acclaimed acts as The Unthanks, Bellowhead’s Spiers And Boden, Show Of Hands with Miranda Sykes, Martin Carthy and Eliza Carthy, Mama Rosin and Nidi d’Arac, plus some
great films, spoken word activities, dancing. Under 5s are free. For further information and to book tickets, call 023 8071 1818 or see: www.towerseyfestival.com l Towersey Festival runs from Thursday, August 22, to Monday, August 26, 2013. Showground Tickets are available on the gate for just £8 (£3 Concessions) Parking is FREE And if you want to do more of the festival Tickets are available for the full festival from £55-£125; Camping tickets £55-£145. Under 5s free. Day tickets £10-£40. Special Offer: Thame and Towersey residents get 34% discount! Only £82 for the whole festival (camping extra). Twitter: @towerseyfesti Facebook: Towerseyfestival
Papa Truck
bank holiday weekend
24-26 AUGUST 2013 Near Thame
Come and join us at Towersey Showground for the best day out of the Summer! As well as Exotic produce, music, a children’s play area, circus, dance and food, we have...
A huge Real Ale Bar with live music all day, drop in craft activities and the Market Square stage with 500 seats.
The Climbing Wall challenge...
Madcap street theatre, Visual Arts & Sculpture, bubble making, Local produce Market and more.
Just £8 and £3 on the day. Inspiring Dance displays from all over the world...
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Music Column:
V
The Factor with Carol Jenkins
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
Judge for yourself
W Carol Jenkins
V
The Factor Carol is a journalist and and an ardent music fan She is also a presenter at Stoke Mandeville Hospital Radio. Listen to her live at www.smhr.co.uk Email: carol@vale-life.co.uk with all your gig news and comments she’d love to hear from you. Add gigs to our website: www.vale-life.co.uk click ‘what’s on, add an event’
El Bronson play The Court Theatre
Pick of the gigs
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atch indie-goth band the Devil’s Inside at the The White Swan, Aylesbury on September 12. Following their slot at Hobble On The Cobbles, popular covers band The Observers will be rocking Shoot Pool, Aylesbury on September 14 and The Black Horse, Tring on September 30. Aylesbury’s favourite Mexican bandit El Bronson will be playing The Court Theatre in Tring on September 6 in a lively performance that includes mud wrestlers - Yes, really! Veteran covers band Bustin Loose will be wowing their loyal army of fans at Shoot Pool, Aylesbury on September 27 and at The Aristocrat, Aylesbury on September 28. Singer and guitarist The Secret Drummer makes a welcome return to the Green Man, Aylesbury on Sat, Sept 21.
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Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
hen you read that Evette Judge is a performer of ‘folksy acoustic rock’ don’t make the mistake of thinking she is a politely spoken young wench in a cheese cloth dress and open-toed sandals lamenting about lost love and the wonders of the supernatural. Think again. Evette is an example of where music genre descriptions aren’t desperately helpful and can often alienate the listener before they’ve had the chance to hear for themselves whether they like an artist or not. Aylesbury-based Evette is a singer, guitarist and songwriter of whom seeing and hearing is believing. She played live on my radio show recently and none of us could predict just how gutsy, raw, emotionally charged and alive, yet controlled her singing and playing style would be. While her sound is unique, it comes as no surprise when she lists her main influences as Stevie
Yvette Judge and Paul Taylor Nicks, Alanis Morissette and Sheryl Crow, as she belts out her tunes with the gusto and flare of all three of her musical heroines. As well as performing solo, she also teams up with the self-effacing but talented bassist and singer Paul Taylor and the duo are now regular performers in the local pubs. Evette released her debut solo album Strange Changes in May last
Flamin’ hot A
s a self-confessed 80s music addict - it comes as no surprise that the decade, known as much for its dodgy fashion sense and even dodgier hair styles as its music, is enjoying a local resurgence among fans of all ages. Stars Bar in Market Square is paying homage to the 80s and the 90s every Friday evening from 9pm at its retro Party Night. Don’t be fooled into thinking your ears will be blasted with tunes by the Kids From Fame, Men without Hats or Joe Dolce though - the tunes are seriously cool club classics that will be enough to make you wish you hadn’t thrown away your deely boppers and your leg warmers the first time around. At the heart of this local resurgence is Dan Blasor - stage name DJ Dan Blaze who despite his young age has an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of seriously hard core 80s tunes. Dan has an enthusiasm and vigour that is hugely infectious and succeeds in getting the crowds at Stars dancing into the early hours of Saturday morning with his interactive sets.
year and she is now busy gigging all over the world. You can see her performing at Hobble on the Cobbles in Aylesbury town centre on August 25. She is also playing a gig at The Green Man pub Aylesbury later that evening, if you would like to catch her in a more intimate gig. For more information go to: www.evettemusic.com
One to watch
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DJ Dan Blaze He will also be searching for the next local singing stars when he launches a karaoke competition at the newly refurbished Old Millwright Arms, Walton Road next month. All you would-be singing stars take note - there is a £1,000 prize up for grabs! For more information about Stars go to: www.stars-bar.com
SinFiction
asis and Stone Roses fans need no longer mourn the demise of their heroes as Aylesbury indie rockers SinFiction are their natural successors. I am not a betting woman but I am willing to put money on SinFiction making a serious impact on the music scene in the year to come. They write their own songs; they are first class musicians and they glisten with that indefinable star quality that has Simon Cowell running for his cheque book and hoisting his trousers even higher with delight. The quartet comprises David Thornton on lead vocals/guitar; Danny Brook on acoustic guitar and vocals; Chris Woodward on bass; and Danny Campbell on drums. Check out their debut album Led by Verses or catch them live to fully appreciate their indie prowess. For more information go to: www.sinfiction.co.uk
Horsewyse CIC Horsewyse Children’s Summer Activities
Days full of the great outdoors, including riding and other horsey activities, nature walks and arts projects. Suitable for riders and non-riders alike. Improves confidence and team-building skills. Art Days, Riding Academy week and Cowboy Camp Out (Aug 15th, 6-9pm, 8yrs+) during the summer. For more information, visit the Horsewyse website or email horsewyse@btinternet.com Tickets: £25, available from Horsewyse
www.horsewyse.org.uk Tel: 01844 202966
Horsewyse CIC is a not-for-profit company providing equine facilitated learning for children and young people with learning and behavioural difficulties.
Drums & Percussion Education
Drum Tuition Studio Rental Rehearsal Room Hire
Website: www.dunxdrumschool.com Email: duncan@dunxdrumschool.com Telephone: 01296 651273 Mobile: 07708 733288
It’s a short run to Brum
S
JLS
eeing the really big acts doesn’t necessarily mean having to struggle into London. Some of the biggest names in music and comedy will be appearing this Autumn at The NIA and LG Arenas, Birmingham - a convenient drive up the M40. Below is just a selection of upcoming performances: Leonard Cohen
Jessie J
Barry Gibb
Micky Flanagan
(8 Sept - LG Arena) (21 Sept - LG Arena)
Fleetwood Mac
(29 Sept - LG Arena)
Crosby Stills & Nash (6 Oct - The NIA)
Jay Z
(8 October - The NIA)
Bruno Mars
(11 Oct - The NIA)
Deep Purple
(15 Oct - The NIA)
(18 Oct - LG Arena) (7-9, 23 Nov - The NIA)
Billy Joel
(8 Nov - LG Arena)
Stereophonics
(19 Nov - LG Arena)
Simple Minds / Ultravox (29 Nov - The NIA)
Boyzone
(6 Dec - LG Arena)
JLS
(11,13 Dec - LG Arena)
For further info visit: www.lgarena.co.uk and www.thenia.co.uk and for tickets go to: www.theticketfactory.com or Tel: 0844 338 8000
Join our bands!
O
n July 20th this year Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School shook to the sound of 45 Dunx Drum School pupils showcasing their drumming talents. The concert was a thundering success with an audience of around 150 people enthralled by the dexterity on display, see picture above. “It was excellent fun,” said tutor Duncan Lee. “The pupils coped really well and thoroughly enjoyed the thrill of playing in front of a live audience, some for the first time. We’ll definitely do it again. “I’m now looking forward to our Rock Band Workshop, which takes place from August 20th23rd. On each day there will be a maximum of 6 places in each instrument group (6 drummers, 6 guitarists, 6 bassists, 6 keyboard players and 6 vocalists).
The aim is to introduce the students to a band environment in both rehearsal and live situations. Students will be given a song to learn on the day and professional music tutors will mentor each group. Bands will form to play the final piece at the end of each day. This is a great opportunity for students to network with other musicians, form a band and gain confidence in the performance environment. To take part you will need to play either electric guitar, bass, keyboard or drums, or sing, and be at around Grade 2 level or above. You don’t need to have passed grade exams, just to have some basic playing ability. If you are interested see our website at: www.dunxdrumschool .com/workshops/rock-bandworkshop or contact Dunx Drum School, see advertisement, left, for details. Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
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l Column: On
The Road with Rob Auchterlonie
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
Going topless Citroen DS3 Cabrio
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ITROEN have taken the lid off and put the boot in with their latest small car challenger. Their DS3 cabrio joins a line up that has been an overwhelming success for the French manufacturer, with over 36,000 sold in the UK since DS3 came to our shores nearly three years ago. It’s majored on its chic and cheeky looks, its all round ability and the fact it can be personalised to really make it your own. Something for all tastes, if you like. Now it’s joined by a cabrio model, which has a number of unique selling points. Number one, when weighed up against its MINI and Fiat 500 rivals, is that it has room for five adults, while the others can only squeeze four in. Number two is the size of the boot, which can gobble up more than the others. At 245 litres, it’s the biggest in its class, and while
Rob Auchterlonie
ON The Road
the aperture to get your cases in isn’t that big, it’s no worse than the opposition. And how many cabrios allow you to close the roof while you’re still doing up to 75mph? Getting caught out by a quick shower could be a thing of the past now as you don’t
have to slow down to a crawl, and it’ll shut in 16 seconds. It’s worth pointing out that even with a roof that will fully retract to give you a limitless view of the sky above, the acoustics when it’s all closed up are just as good as the standard hatchback. And the body remains as stiff as the proverbial British upper lip, despite the metal roof being replaced by fabric. With the roof fully down it does obscure your rearward view so you have to rely on the door mirrors more than normal. Colleagues on the car’s launch were pondering how difficult it
would be to fit a relay to reverse gear that would bring the glass rear section up to make it easier to see through and hence back into a space. We’ll wait and see what happens on that one. Having said that the door mirrors are a decent size and do give you some help. Bold styling with plenty of character has won people over to the DS3, and as the UK is one of the biggest markets for cabrios, it’s obviously an important place to be selling this car. Especially to the ladies, who make up 80 per cent of the buyer profile. It’s worth noting there’s no extra weight to speak of (just 25kgs) to impair the performance. Prices start at £15,045, rising up to a couple of quid over £19,500. As an indication of how popular DS3 is, sales are up 42 per cent year on year so pretty good. And having a neat little cabio in the ranks is only going to improve its appeal.
‘You can still close the roof at up to 75mph’
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
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l Follow Rob Auchterlonie Twitter: @robauchy
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www.risboroughservicecentre.co.uk Chinnor Road, Bledlow, Princes Risborough, Bucks HP27 9PH
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l
Column: Emma Ward‘Country Girl’
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
Something fishy I n June I celebrated my 25th birthday and felt a rising panic at the thought of only being five years away from 30; where did the time go? As a result of this kind of early-life crisis I decided to, yet again, add to the Ward family menagerie by asking for the slightly unusual present of a tropical aquarium. Not really the present of choice for most 25 year old women! My sisters have now labelled me a ‘complete geek’, my boyfriend was very kind, simply saying I was ‘unique’ and my nan just laughed and asked: “What do you want that for?!” However I think the worst reaction was from my friend Mel, who queried: “Aren’t fish for children?” I must admit I was slightly insulted, but not put off! Luckily it was my mum and dad purchasing the tank for me, and they were nearly as excited as I was. I had a lot to learn about keeping fish, however. It’s not as simple
as plopping them into a bowl of water as you would the terrified goldfish won at the fair. So before the purchase of said fish, I had to do my homework. I eagerly bought books from Amazon, and also
the taunts of my prejudiced peers. I have also become a regular visitor at my local garden centres. Some of the staff, I am embarrassed to admit, are now on first name terms following the weekly questioning sessions I have subjected them to! After the tank had been set up and left to ‘establish’ itself, I could add the fish but only gradually, a few at a time. As I write, I am proudly watching my fish, of which I now have fifteen, and very beautiful they are too. I have tried to explain to my friends that they are less pets and more of a living work of art and this interpretation seems to be slightly more acceptable! I really do believe that statement is true though, especially when the light catches the iridescent patterns of my aptly consulted the power that is Google; named ‘disco guppies’. It makes the results surprised me. Apparently you marvel at the wonderful beauty there is a wealth of fish keepers out that nature is capable of creating. there, and young ones too, which My aquarium adventure has not gave me the ammunition to dispel been without its pitfalls though,
Tel: 01296 658257
Country Girl as the tragic tale of my cherry shrimps can prove. I bought some tiny little shrimps, which were a wonderful vivid red, never for a moment thinking that they might be small enough to slip through into the tank’s filter system. Needless to say all six have now gone to the great aquarium in the sky, via the toilet’s U-bend. Apparently I should have fitted a pre-filter sponge before attempting to keep such small creatures. Ah well, you learn from your mistakes and although it’s maybe not the norm, it has definitely been worth it. Now I’d best get thinking about what kind of eccentric present I could receive for my 30th - it’s coming up fast!
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Auto Torque, Unit 9, UBF Industrial Park, Bicester Road, Waddesdon, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0JX Tel: 01296 658257 Web: www.autotorque.net 52 56
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
by Cathy Soughton
Wendover Clock Tower
T
ravelling through Wendover you cannot miss the impressive Clock Tower which stands nearly 60 feet high at the junction of Aylesbury Road, Tring Road and the High Street and is alongside the ancient Ridgeway Path. Originally the tower was much shorter than it is now. It was constructed in 1842 as a market hall to replace the old dilapidated Town House which, at the time, stood across the road. There had been a market in Wendover since at least the 14th century and market halls were built to protect vendors from the elements. The new building was funded by Abel Smith, the Lord of the Manor. 21 feet square, it was enclosed by iron gates and built of local red bricks topped by a squat brick tower and capped by a turret and weather vane. It included a small lock up to hold those arrested before they could be delivered to Aylesbury gaol.
Wendover Clock Tower 1885 The market hall was short lived though as by the 1860s the market in Wendover had declined (it had disappeared completely by 1888 before being reintroduced in 1983). In 1870 it was decided that the parish fire engine should be housed in the clock tower. The then Lord of the Manor, Philip Smith (Abel’s third son) commissioned William Wilkinson an Oxford Architect, best known for designing the Randolph Hotel, to modify the building and add a new, much taller, more
striking, brick tower with a small timber belfry and spirelet. The ground floor was retained but some of the brickwork of the support piers had to be cut in order to enable the fire engine’s wheel hubs to pass through. The new tower was designed in the same popular Victorian Gothic Revival style used for the 1863 Literary Institute across the road (now The Town House) which Wilkinson had also designed. A new drinking fountain and a horse trough were added next to the tower. The building work was undertaken by local firm Holland and Senior who had recently completed the nearby new school. Field & Sons of Aylesbury built the new clock which had three, 4ft diameter faces. Two stone plaques which commemorated the original tower were retained with an additional inscription noting the rebuild of the tower in 1870. The parish fire engine was only kept in the tower for seven years before being moved, probably as it was too tight a squeeze. The lock up remained and the ground floor was used as a store but the building mainly served as the local time-keeper and a popular meeting
Vale Life : Aug/Sept Vale Life 2013 : Aug/Sept 2013
place. In June 1887 children sang hymns outside the tower to celebrate Queen Victoria’s 50th Jubilee before a parade marched to church. In 1962 the building was presented to the Parish Council by Philip Smith’s great nephew Lionel Abel Smith and it was subsequently decided to house the Parish Council’s office in the clock tower. Between 1985 and 1992 the building was modified, under the supervision of local architect John Yabsley, to allow the Tourist/ Community Information Office to operate out of the ground floor while the Parish Clerk’s office was placed on the first floor. Some of the original woodwork at the top of the tower now needs replacing and a renovation project has been launched to refurbish it. More information is available at: www.wendoverclocktower.org.uk or by visiting the tourist office at the tower which is open on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 10am and 4pm. l Cathy Soughton is a local professional genealogist and house historian: www.buckancestry.co.uk, email: soughton@btopenworld.com, Tel: 01296 624845
Thinking about a Career in Accountancy? Set within the beautiful Swanbourne Estate, Home Farm Day Nursery is a small and homely Nursery. Our aim is to provide the highest quality of care and education within a calm and secure atmosphere, allowing the children to flourish. Come and visit; you can be assured of a warm welcome!
Special features of Home Farm Day Nursery include: • Beautiful countryside location • Home cooked food • Baby sign • Sensory Room • Convenient location for commuters • Close to Swanbourne House and many village schools For details call 01296 720 835, email office@homefarmnursery.co.uk or visit www.homefarmnursery.co.uk 15 minutes from: Milton Keynes, Buckingham, Leighton Buzzard, Aylesbury
The AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting gives you the opportunity to gain skills and a nationally recognised qualification sought after by employers throughout the industry. Students of Haydon Training Business College, Stoke Mandeville will develop their skills in basic accounting practices and techniques from costing and double entry bookkeeping to computerised accounting. Fee: £550 + VAT, AAT Registration fee and books (can be paid in three instalments). If you are 16-24 you may be eligible for free funding under the Traineeship Scheme which aims to prepare you for a full Apprenticeship. For further information on funding, start dates and choice of day or evening courses, please email: anne.joslin@htbc.co.uk or call: 01296 612401
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www.haydontraining.co.uk Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
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Thai Orchid Massage and Spa 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
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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
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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
Old Farm Workshops Haddenham Road Kingsey, HP17 8LS
5/3/13
9:48 am
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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
Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2013
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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