Living Along the Thames July/August 2016 by Living Along theThames

Quintessentially British

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Welcome

a l on g t h e t h a m es

to July/August

Well here we well into our English Summer and it has been as unpredictable as ever, but doesn’t the countryside look gorgeously green?? Have you had the chance to get the BBQ out yet? I know we have a few times this year but not recently, there is nothing better than eating al fresco so let’s hope for some nicer days to enjoy rhat experience. Many of you will be counting down to the Summer holidays whether you are staying at home or going away, it is a great time to spend with family and friends wherever you are. In this edition we have focused on summer fashion in the form of Maxi dresses, holiday beauty essentials and those, all important, mini versions of favourite brands that we want to take on holiday with us rather than the very heavy larger versions. As ever we have a jam packed edition. We managed to catch up with local fashion designer Arzu Kara and we also have interviews with Tom Hiddleston and Kay Mellor. Do you love your Gin, well look no further than pages 12 and 13 for some boutique gins and fantastic cocktail recipes for the summer. Congratulations to our winners in our May/June edition Frank Cashman who has won the James Bond Poker Set, Katie Hathaway for winning the Frenzy Scooter and Louise Marten for winning dinner for two at Humphry’s Stoke Park. We have some more competitions for you to have a chance to win – a pair of Yull shoes, tickets to the Wedding Show in September, the Windsor Festival in July and a print from local artist Nicola Metcalfe. We hope you enjoy this edition and have a fabulous summer and we will see you back in September as the kids go back to school and autumn approaches.

Serena Edwards Editor ADVERTISING: 01628 627 488 CONTACT US: Living Along the Thames Magazine Studio 108, 5 High Street, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 1JN Tel: 01628 627 488 Office@AlongTheThames.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS: Dru Ross, Jenny Allen, Arzu Kara, Christine Chalklin, Karine Jackson, Tom Hyland, Jacky & Mark Bloomfield & Michael Darren ACCOUNTS: Office@AlongTheThames.co.uk DESIGNED BY: Digital Bear Design LOVE MAGAZINES?: subscribe to 6 copies for £18 a year www.VividTitles.co.uk/magazine/ View our recent editions online at: www.VIVIDTITLES.co.uk FOLLOW US: @AlongtheThames

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9. Summer gardens with the National Trust 10. Wild Walks & family days out 12. The ‘Gin’ Crowd 18. Fitness: If you want to make a change then you need to make a change 24. Fitness: in the swim 26. Interview: 5 minutes with Arzu Kara 38. Travel: Chile 44. Tom Hiddleston on his new film: I saw the Light 46. Kay Mellor on ‘In the Club’ To advertise within Living Along the 48. Your Stars in July Thames Magazine contact us at: 58. Pets: holidaying & dogs Office@AlongTheThames.co.uk 59. Motoring: Maserati Levante Visit us at www.vividtitles.co.uk Reader’s Offers 27. Win a pair of Yull shoes 31. Win tickets to the Wedding Show in September 49. Win Tickets to the Windsor Festival 57. Win a Print from Nicola Metcalfe. Living Along the Thames is hand delivered free into 12,500 ABC1 homes every two months, including areas of high footfall in Marlow, Maidenhead, Henley, Cookham and Bourne End.

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Produced by Living Along The Thames Magazines. All Rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the Publisher and is protected by copyright. The views expressed in Living Along the Thames magazine are not necessarily the views of the editor/publisher. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure quality and content, the publisher cannot be held responsible for errors in articles, advertisements and photographs.

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Pruning is the most common tree maintenance procedure next to watering. Pruning is often desirable or necessary to remove dead, diseased, or insect-infested branches and to improve tree structure, enhance vigor, or maintain safety. Because each cut has the potential to change the growth of (or cause damage to) a tree, no branch should be removed without a reason. Removing foliage from a tree has two distinct effects on its growth. Removing leaves reduces photosynthesis and may reduce overall growth. That is why pruning should always be performed sparingly. Overpruning is extremely harmful because without enough leaves, a tree cannot gather and process enough sunlight to survive. However, after pruning, the growth that does occur takes place on fewer shoots, so they tend to grow longer than they would without pruning. Understanding how the tree responds to pruning should assist you when selecting branches for removal. Pruning mature trees may require special equipment, training, and experience. If the pruning work requires climbing, the use of a chain or hand saw, or the removal of large limbs, then using personal safety equipment, such as protective eyewear and hearing protection, is a must. Arborists can provide a variety of services to assist in performing the job safely and reducing risk of personal injury and damage to your property. They also are able to determine which type of pruning is necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance, and safety of your trees.

Have you seen this plant? It’s the foreign invader damaging our natural environments. Let’s stop it, before it stops your mortgage! Are you applying for a mortgage and not sure if you have Japanese Knotweed? RootsShootsLeaves can perform a site inspection and advise you as to whether Japenese Knotweed is present. It spreads easily, often by accident, and will quickly take hold in a garden and cause damage to structures, driveways and out competes all other plants. If you do have Japanese knotweed RootsShootsLeaves will produce a Management Plan (approved by most Mortgage Companies) including a Survey Report detailing the extent of the weed and what treatment is

required to eradicate it allowing you to buy or sell your property, even during the treatment period. With Japanese Knotweed the sooner treatment starts, the quicker the plant is dealt with and less damage is caused. Call us today for a no obligation site survey and we can get the ball rolling! 01344 985885

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5 Tips

For Planning a Deck Or Patio Where your garden gets the sun at different times of the day could make a big difference to how much you’ll use your new deck or patio. The usual place to put it is near the house, so it’s convenient for alfresco dining and entertaining, but there might be a better spot elsewhere. While most of us want a sunny deck or patio, some people prefer one with shade, which might mean putting it at the opposite end of the garden to the house. When deciding on the location of your patio or deck, think about things like drainage, where the doors to the garden are, and if the patio or deck will be overlooked. Also consider the prevailing winds, traffic noise, if any, and what you’ll be looking out on when you sit and relax. Decking is a good way to make sloping gardens usable, as an alternative to creating tiers. By extending the deck out from the house to cover the whole garden, you’ve solved the problem of an awkward, hard-to-use and even potentially dangerous (if you have small children) outside space. Decking can also be the best way to cover something that’s already there, such as concrete or a dated patio, because you can go over the top of it. With small, courtyard gardens, decking or paving the whole space makes sense if they’re too small for a lawn. It’s important to have a patio or deck that’s in proportion to the size of the house, and to use colours and materials that work well with

the building, unless you want a deliberate contrast. While it should be in keeping, your design can also be creative. Decking can be built on different levels, with things like built-in benches and planters that make it more practical and interesting. You can do a similar thing with paving - an easy way to add interest is to incorporate a circle or other design into your patio using a paving kit. Before you start building your patio or deck, check if any permissions are required. For general advice about planning permission, click on the deck or patio on the Interactive House at www.planningportal.gov.uk, or ask your local council for specific advice about your home.

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

Summer gardens with the National Trust

There’s nothing like an English garden on a summer’s day. Small flowers tumble in tangled profusion in herbaceous borders, bright spikes thrust for attention in bedding displays and intrepid climbers splash walls with their colour. Walking around a garden, drinking in the sight and scent of those full blooms hanging heavy in the languid air of a warm afternoon is an experience that shouldn’t be missed. The National Trust cares for some of the biggest and most beguiling gardens in the area. You can while away a whole day at Cliveden, near Maidenhead. This historic estate is 350 years old this year and its gardens are grade 1 listed. Note the use of gardens, plural – Cliveden has a series of different gardens to wander through, each with its own distinct character and reasons to return. The Rose Garden is based on former Cliveden resident, Lord Astor’s vision to draw visitors in and envelop them in colour and scent. There are taller roses on the outer beds and more compact ones on the inside. A phasing of colour takes visitors on a journey from pale yellows in the east through bright oranges to deep velvety reds in the west. The Long Garden is aptly named. Long, narrow box-edged beds are filled with flowers to create rich blocks of colour that stretch far into the distance. Flowering climbers creep along the boundary walls as a backdrop to the herbaceous borders.

The parterre is the showstopper, though. It was created in 1849 by Head Gardener John Fleming, a pioneer of ribbon and carpet bedding. To this day they’re full to bursting with bright colour from July through to September. Hughenden Manor’s parterre, whilst not as large as Cliveden’s, is also a sight to behold in July. This year, the High Wycombe manor’s garden team have recreated Mary-Anne Disraeli’s display from 1958. Heliotropes, Nicotiana and Salvias have been planted as a striking blue backdrop for taller flaming orange Calendulas and Cosmos. Also, don’t miss the head gardener’s favourite tree in July. The Crimean Lime flowers for just one week but has an incredible fragrance that reaches the terrace at the other end of the garden. Greys Court’s garden near Henley-on-Thames has a more intimate feel than Cliveden or Hughenden. It was virtually derelict when Lady Brunner took it on in 1937 and she transformed it into a pretty, peaceful haven. A series of room-like walled gardens, each with its own planting scheme, are linked with little doors, winding paths and cosy floral arbours. In August, there’s a profusion of kitchen garden produce which is used in the café and kitchens and the surplus is available for visitors. In the Rose Garden, the hydrangeas are coming into their own. The award-winning Rosalba and Preziosa open white then gradually age through pink to rich reddish purple. The garden at nearby Nuffield Place is gradually being restored to complement the Arts and Crafts former home of philanthropist and Morris motors millionaire Lord Nuffield. The garden is a fitting tribute to a practical, generous man as there’s a thriving kitchen garden, lush planting at the front of the house contained in neat – though not formal – beds, a rockery, woodland garden, wildflower meadow and croquet lawn with mallets for visitors. The gardens are open every day throughout the summer. For opening times, directions and more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

Wild walks and family days out By Jacky & Mark Bloomfield Are you up for a wild adventure this summer? On the edge, where every decision, could mean the difference between success or abject failure? No. Well truth be told, neither are we. Our idea of a great adventure is to get out into the countryside and see nature and wildlife. If you would like to do the same, but need a bit of help getting started, we have the answer for you. Our highlighted wild walk is around Henley on Thames. The full walk is 21 km or 13 miles and will take about 5 hours. Don’t panic if that is too far. To be honest, the speed we walk at, it would likely take us five days. As we have to stop, every couple of hundred metres, to photograph something. You don’t have to do it all, The Berkshire Buckingham and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) walk sheet available from their website, (www.bbowt.org.uk/naturereserves/wild-walks) gives several alternatives for shorter walks. This wild walk, gives you the opportunity, to learn a little about the history of the area you are walking in. Discover; historical buildings and monuments, alongside the flora and fauna. Along the walk you will encounter many different habitats, woodland, open fields and meadow. Summer is a good time to

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see plenty of plants showing their colourful displays. Look out for Red Kites, on the section from Middle Assendon to Warburg Nature Reserve. It’s a delight to watch them, soaring high in the sky. Also in this area keep your eyes on the fields and hedgerows. You may be lucky; there are three species of deer present here Fallow, Roe or Muntjac. Mornings and late afternoons are best times to catch a glimpse of a deer. Fallow deer; are particularly active, coming out of the woods to feed in the fields, from late afternoon. Warburg Nature Reserve; you can park your car and start your walk. It is well worth a visit on its own. The reserve is in a valley bottom and has grasslands and woodland habitats. From April to September the reserve is rich with orchids and in autumn it has over 900 species of fungi. You can help the Wildlife Trusts, take a notebook with you and record what you see. You can enter your results on the Wildlife Trust website, www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildwalks.

Information you gather will help the trusts’ Living Landscape initiative; a new way of looking at how we manage our land for wildlife, people and the economy. Don’t forget to pick up your map from BBOWT or buy Ordinance Survey Map No 175 in the Landranger series. These maps are easy to follow and have all the paths and bridleways marked. If you have a smart phone, you can download an electronic version. So even if you can’t read a map, you will never get lost. Wherever you do your walking, get out and enjoy our wonderful countryside this summer.

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

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The Gin Crowd Thanks to the current gin craze, there’s a vast array of infusions to coax you into having a gin and tonic or martini. A distilled spirit flavoured with juniper berries, botanicals and herbs, the recipe can be as free-spirited as the gin maker, produced anywhere in the world - London dry is a generic term for unsweetened dry gin - and, most importantly, reward us with an instant lift and leave you pining for more. To open the gateway, here are some hand-picked gins worth foraging for...

HOLD YOUR HORSES

Highwayman Gin (£39, 40% abv, 70cl, store.claptoncraft.co.uk) Launched last year by Vestal Vodka, Highwayman is a small batch gin made from Vestal vodka’s cream base and infused with juniper, coriander and angelica root. Made with local ingredients where possible, only 12 bottles are made a day at the distillery in Kentish Town to create the distinctive creamy palate with a refreshing citrus top note and floral sweetness.

FRENCH FANCY

Waitrose cites gin as its bestselling spirit with “shoppers always looking for new gin flavours and distilleries to explore”. Try Audemus Pink Pepper Gin (£40, 44% abv, 70cl, Waitrose) from Cognac in southwest France. The juniper, Spanish pink peppercorns and lesser spices are distilled separately to create the concentrated aromatics and the peppercorns are dominant on the nose and palate with classic juniper and spice in the background.

BLONDE AMBITION

A Scottish gin that can be enjoyed neat over ice, Daffy’s Gin (£28.79 from £35.99 until June 8, 43.4% abv, 70cl, Waitrose) scooped a Gold at the IWSC (International Wine & Spirit Competition) last year and it has a creamy, complex character with no shortage of citrus, spice and juniper. Botanicals include Lebanese mint and it’s smooth and well rounded.

OUT OF AFRICA

A London Dry Gin from Birmingham, Whitley Neill Gin (£24, 44% abv, 70cl, Sainsbury’s) gets its flavour from a balance of nine traditional and African botanicals such as cape gooseberry and baobab. Known as The Tree of Life thanks to its ability to store water in its wide trunk, the fruit from the baobob tree is rich in vitamin C, and this smooth spirit is aromatic with a classic juniper punch.

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BALANCING ACT

Bright and citrusy with a herbal finish, the team behind Pickering’s Gin (£27.95, 42% abv, 70cl, www.31dover.com) created this spirit from an old Bombay recipe and foraged for some new ingredients to create the perfect balance. Using nine botanicals, there’s a zesty, lemon, juniper character with hints of coriander, cardamom and cloves, anise and fennel.

NORTHERN ACCENT

Most famous for its bitter, the Yorkshire moors provide the bilberries, sweet hawthorne berries and spicy bog myrtle for Whittaker’s Gin (£31.95, 42% abv, 70cl, www.31dover.com). Aromatic and fresh, delicate floral notes run throughout this Yorkshire gin with coriander, juniper and traces of cream and rose petals on the finish.

FAMILY FAVOURITE

Foxdenton The Original 48 London Dry Gin (£29.50, 48% abv, 70cl, mainland UK only, www.foxdentonestate.co.uk) has a higher bottle strength than most and masks the alcohol well. Excellent in a martini, it’s rich and full of flavour with a creamy smoothness. Beyond the juniper there are herbs, coriander and spice, and lemon and lime contribute to the bright, fresh finish.

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

Summer Cocktails The Wingfield is an innovative, sophisticated, quintessentially British summer drink, named after the pioneer of Lawn Tennis, Major Walter Clopton Wingfield. To be enjoyed chilled, poured straight from the bottle, on the rocks, or with a splash of soda or sparkling wine and an orange twist. For al fresco events, picnics and summer entertaining. The Wingfield is the Summer aperitif of choice. Available www.harveynichols.com | www.maltofmalt.com. Prices from £30.00.

The Wingfield Spritz Recipe 100ml The Wingfield Gin Aperitif 50ml Fever Tree Soda Water Served in a wineglass of cubed ice. Garnished with a long orange twist.

The Wingfield Daisy Stir with ice Strain into a chilled cocktails glass Garnish with a twist of orange peel.

Umpire’s Call A delicious aperitif that bridges the gap between a white wine spritzer and a vodka and tonic, a white port and tonic is this summer’s trendy tipple. So much so, sales of Taylor’s Chip Dry White Port, Portugal (£13.29, 75cl, Waitrose) at Waitrose have risen by 25% over the past 12 months. Dry and fresh with nutty aromas and a hint of oak. Serve on the rocks topped up with tonic water and a sprig of mint.

Winning Doubles Team A pretty pink fizz, Perlezza Spumante Rose, Italy (£9, Spar) is delightfully fresh and crisp with red fruit aromas and notes of strawberry. Pleasantly quaffable with a clean finish, it’s a perfect match with strawberries and cream.

Winning Serve A stroke of genius, Sipsmith London Cup (£18.95, 70cl, www.31dover.com) is the cup of choice for summer soirees. Crafted from their award-winning gin, it’s infused and blended with Earl Grey tea, borage, lemon verbena and other botanicals to create its zesty, slightly bitter sweet taste. For the quintessentially English tipple, pour a generous amount into a large wine glass, top with lemonade and garnish with a wheel of lemon.

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

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Outlaws

Catch of the Day N

athan Outlaw’s statement that “seafood is the best convenience food ever” may be bold - but the seasoned chef, for want of a better phrase, refuses to eat his words.

“Most seafood will cook within minutes - much faster than any ready meal - and that, for me, is what makes it such a great choice for everyday meal occasions,” reasons the 38-year-old. “Just be brave; try something different!” Catering for anything from light bites to leisurely lunches, summer barbecues and family-style entertaining, all bases are covered - and the book’s peppered with Outlaw’s personal top tips, gleaned from years in the industry. “An old man behind the stove, cooking a bit of fish for people.”

Monkfish Satay

Lay the monkfish chunks on a tray and coat all over with the marinade. Cover the tray with cling film and refrigerate for one hour. If you are barbecuing, light your barbecue 30 minutes before you intend to cook. Meanwhile, make the peanut sauce. Heat a medium pan over a medium heat, then add the oil. When it is hot, add the shallots, garlic and chillies and sweat for three minutes. Stir in the sugar and cook for a further three minutes, then add the fish sauce and coconut milk. Bring to the boil and let it bubble for a couple of minutes. Stir in the peanuts and lime juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm (or allow to cool if preparing ahead and reheat to serve).

(Serves 4)

600g monkfish fillet, trimmed of sinew and skin, cut into chunks 2tbsp coriander seeds 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped 2tbsp finely grated fresh ginger 3 lemongrass stalks, coarse outer layers removed, finely chopped 2tbsp sunflower oil 2tsp soy sauce 2tsp fish sauce Grated zest of 1 lime (use the juice for the sauce) Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

When the monkfish is ready, thread four to five chunks onto each of the four skewers. If using a char-griddle, heat up over a high heat. When the char-grill is smoking or the barbecue coals are white hot, carefully lay the monkfish on the griddle and cook for two minutes on each side.

For the peanut sauce: A drizzle of sunflower oil 6 shallots or 2 banana shallots, peeled and finely chopped 4 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped 2 red chillies, deseeded and finely chopped 2tbsp brown sugar 1tbsp fish sauce 200ml coconut milk 160g unsalted peanuts, roasted and finely chopped Juice of 1 lime

To serve the monkfish on or off the skewers with lime wedges and the peanut sauce in a bowl on the side. Accompany with plain rice and a leafy side salad.

For the marinade, toast the coriander seeds in a dry pan over a medium heat for a minute or two, until fragrant. Using a pestle and mortar or spice grinder, grind the seeds to a powder.

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Add the garlic, ginger and lemongrass and grind again. Add the oil, soy sauce, fish sauce and lime zest and mix well.

Everyday Seafood by Nathan Outlaw, photography by David Loftus, published by Quadrille, £20.

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

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Buy 1 main course and get the 2nd free. Each voucher is valid for up to 4 people and can only be used on the main menu. The voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. Offer expires 31/08/16. Please book in advance either by phone or through our website mentioning the offer. The voucher must be presented to a member of staff on request of the bill.

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

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WHAT’S ON AT CROWNE PLAZA MARLOW JULY CHARITY FAMILY FUN DAY RAISING MONEY FOR CLIC SARGENT

From 12pm, Sunday 24th July

AUGUST BRAZILIAN OLYMPICS BBQS

Throughout August and September

Celebrate the end of the school year at our Family Fun Day. Join us for a day of family fun on the lawns. Live music, BBQs, bouncy castles, face painting, games on the lawn and much more. Free Admission

With the Summer Olympic Games in Rio putting Brazil in the spotlight, we’ll be cranking up the heat with our Brazilian themed BBQs during August and September. Email enquiries@cpmarlow.co.uk for more information

Also available for Meetings and Events, please call 01628 496 860 for more information.

SEPTEMBER NITRO NINETIES — REWOUND AND RELOADED TRIBUTE NIGHT

A dynamic 90’s show featuring top West End stars with chart toppers from MC Hammer, Back Street Boys, Michael Jackson, Spice Girls, Britney Spears, Robbie Williams, Blur and much more!

7pm, Friday, 16th September

Includes a 2 course dinner, followed by music until 12.30am.

Book a table of 10 and receive half a bottle of wine per person for your table whilst dining. £32.00 per person, including Tribute Act and 2 course meal TRIBUTE PACKAGE: PLAY AND STAY £125.00 Includes Tribute Night, accommodation and full English breakfast for two.*

PLEASE BOOK IN ADVANCE AT WWW.CPMARLOW.CO.UK/WHATS-ON OR CALL US ON 01628 496 800. DON’T MISS OUT ON OUR FABULOUS EVENTS AT CROWNE PLAZA MARLOW. *Subject to availability Crowne | enquiries@cpmarlow.co.uk | 01628 2016 496 800 Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 16 | Plaza Marlow, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1GJ | cpmarlow.co.uk

Unmissable

Opera A weekend of fantastic Opera at the Stubbings Estate, now in its 19th year. Opera Brava, Britains largest and most successful touring Opera company will be performing both Carmen on Friday 22nd of July and Mozart’s sublime opera The Marriage of Figaro on the 23rd of July.

Now in its 28th year Opera Brava has assembled a fabulous cast of young, exciting and thrilling singers mixed with some international artists who perform in major opera houses including English National Opera and the Royal Opera House. On Friday 22nd July, Opera Brava will perform Carmen. Set in Spain, Carmen is one of the world’s most famous and most popular operas and includes perennial favourites, like the stirring Torredor Song. Carmen follows the story of a young army corporal who is drawn into a maelstrom of lust, duty and betrayal with deadly consequences. The cast is led by rising star Lilly Papaioannou as the charismatic heroine and Cameron Rolls as Don Jose. On Saturday 23rd July, Mozart’s masterpiece The Marriage of Figaro will be performed by a star-studded cast, two of whom have played the same roles at the Royal Opera House. All the action takes place over one day in the life of Figaro at the court of Count Almaviva, all to great comic effect. Ian Beadle sings the eponymous hero with Stephanie Bodsworth as his betrothed, Susanna. Anna Huntley who was described by the Guardian as a “ fast rising British talent’, sings Cherubino with Nicholas Morris, sings Count Almaviva and Elinor Rolfe Johnson performs the Countess. Make your summer complete and enjoy an evening of Opera in the beautiful surroundings of Stubbings Estate, bring picnics (from 5.30pm), champagne, friends and make the most of this first class live entertainment, fully staged, sung in English and accompanied by a piano and chamber ensemble. Friday 22nd July 7-30pm Carmen Saturday 23rd July 7-30pm The Marriage of Figaro Tickets adults £45.00 children £15.00 under (16 years) Box office: 01628 820140 or online www.stubbingsopera.co.uk Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

BIZET’S

Friday

22nd July

MOZART’S

THE

Marriage of

Figaro

Saturday

23rd July

Tickets: Adults £45.00 Children £15.00 (Under 16 years) Gates open for picnics at 5.30pm Performances commence at 7.30pm. Hampers available see online for details Box Office:

01628 820140

or buy online at

www.stubbingsopera.co.uk Stubbings Estate l Henley Road l Maidenhead l SL6 6QL

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“If you want to make a change, then you have to make a change” Albert Einstein is quoted as saying: “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

Don’t eat with emotions

So here are a few easy adjustments that you can make to your dietary and lifestyle habits in order to improve your metabolism, health and general body composition:

A large number of people eat to improve their emotional state. Comfort eating is present in most of us. Try to replace this tendency with exercise. The rush you get from endorphins released during exercise is much more fulfilling and is also likely to improve your food making decisions post-exercise

Take the stairs

Snack more often

Yet, all these years later, some people are BAFFLED as to why they’re bodies aren’t behaving as they wish it would.

It’s an oldy but a goody. Once you do it EVERY time you’ll realise how many steps there are in the world. You’ll burn more calories and improve leg toning. Every little helps!

Eat more protein

This isn’t just for the guys in pursuit of big muscles, everyone can benefit from eating high amounts of protein. It improves metabolism, alertness and is a great source of energy. Furthermore it will help with repair and recovery from everyday strains and exercise. Aim for at least 1g protein per kilogram of bodyweight every day

If you eat prio food shopping r to yo much less likel u’re y to impulse buy a purchase food nd base on your curren d t state.

Get outside

If you can, exercise outdoors. If not, make sure that you get some time outside everyday – lunch breaks are a great opportunity. Exercising outdoors improves both mental and physical wellbeing. Outdoor exercise has been found to offer greater feelings of revitalisation, increased energy and positive engagement, together with decreases in tension, confusion, anger and depression

Be your own transport

Do you always NEED to take the car, bus or train? Why not walk or ride a bike? Get off the train a stop earlier and walk? You’ll burn some extra calories each day, improve lower body toning and feel revitalised and alert when you reach your destination

Drink more water

It’s basic but heavily underrated – water is your bread and butter... if that makes sense? The human body is made up of around 70% water, a large majority that needs regular topping up. Water is responsible for regulating metabolism, bodily functions and flushing out unhealthy toxins and waste products

Control your food portions

From a young age, many people are told “Finish what’s on your plate”. This is a terrible habit to learn and one that’s tough to break. Be conscious of your food portions and differentiate if you’re eating the food because you need it or because it’s there. Remove some of your food, eat what you have and wait 10-20 minutes before deciding if you need the rest of the food.

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Don’t be afraid to snack, in fact structure them into your day. Often people will wait until they’re overhungry before eating. As a result, food choices are often compromised as is the perception of portion control. As a result you eat less clean and healthy food, and more of it

Do some resistance work

You may consider yourself a “cardio person” or similar but EVERYONE should perform resistance work each week. Benefits included improved strength, posture, bone density, metabolism and reduces the chance of injury, to name a few.

Eat before food shopping

If you eat prior to food shopping you’re much less likely to impulse buy and purchase food based on your current state. Instead you will be clear thinking and able to make healthy, appropriate decisions to fit your lifestyle and diet

Leave nothing to chance

When it comes to living a more “healthy” lifestyle, it’s essential you plan meticulously in order to make sure you follow through with your good intentions. Have food prepared, ready and easy to access. Plan gym visit times and exact sessions for each visit. The more difficult you make “being healthy” for yourself, the less likely you are to achieve anything Michael Darren, Personal Trainer at The Marlow Club.

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

FINISHED EXAMS AT SCHOOL, COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY? LOOKING FOR CAREER INSPIRATION OR LOSING YOUR WAY AT WORK? Get the very best careers advice to make the right educational and career choices, to help you achieve a more fulfilling life ahead.

Contact Janet your local Chartered Psychologist 07801 282821 / 01494 881596 email: janet@newmansconsulting.co.uk www.newmansconsulting.co.uk

The SAMARITANS need volunteers We give callers who are distressed and despairing the time and the space to talk. Could you help us to help them? We need Listening Volunteers who are able to listen with empathy to our callers and give 4 hours a week. We offer excellent training for this role. We need Support Volunteers who have IT skills, have an interest in fundraising or publicity we would be able to give some time to the Charity Please call our recruitment line on 01753 575254 or look at our website www.samaritans.org

Could you be a Samaritans Volunteer?

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

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Yoga Studio Opening in Bourne End, Summer 2016 For more information on location, current classes, private classes, and/or to register your interest in future studio classes, please contact Gabriella (member of the Register of Exercise Professionals)

Tel. 07828 148657 Email: gabriellap100@hotmail.com Web: www.gmyoga.co.uk

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Have Fun, Make New Friends, Get Fit And Relax

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

MAIDENHEAD ROWING CLUB SATURDAY AUGUST 6th 2016 Come and have some fun down by the river at our

ROWING REGATTA 9am-5pm JUNIOR / SENIOR / MASTERS / MASTER NOVICES / NOVICES / IM1-3 / IM3 MASTERS EXPLORE / SUPERSPRINT / PATHFINDER

Walk over Maidenhead Bridge towards Taplow and turn first right into River Road With special thanks to our business partners Absolutely Karting, Berkeley Group, Cliveden House Hotel, Energy Saving Lighting, GCD Security, Goyals, Kempton Carr Croft, Living Along the Thames, Nene Overland, Prospect Estate Agency, Ufit Drinks, Windrush VW Maidenhead Rowing Club, River Road, Taplow, SL6 0AT

fear and doubt to hold you • Dobackyoufromallowreaching your goals? • Do you feel you are on the right career path?

a reality?

You have a destiny, chosen by your soul to go the distance and reach your full soul potential...

%DISCOU

the talents and gifts • Doyouyoucarryrecognize within you, to make your dreams

You have a destiny, chosen by your soul to go the distance and reach your full soul potential.

Be empowered to overcome your challenges, build on your strengths, and access your true life’s purpose. Allow your spirit to lead you to new beginnings and adventures. If you want to find out whether you are on the right path then a Soul Contract Reading can shed valuable insight into your life to help you make informed decisions... Discover the messages of your soul.

Liana Alexander Raye

07487 800 612 Liana7@inspirationalcentreoflivinghope.net

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

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Tel: 01628 635198

www.inspirehotyoga.co.uk

1st Floor | 39 Queen Street | Maidenhead | Berkshire | SL6 1NB

Get Hot

for Summer

I’ve been incredibly lucky to visit many beautiful yoga studios as part of my job, but my absolute favourite has to be INSPIRE. The girls here add a real spiritual quality to their hot yoga practice, something which before visiting INSPIRE, I had never been able to connect with – Sophie House (Sweaty Betty) For those of us who are not ‘gym bunnies’ and would rather do anything than pound a treadmill, then help may be at hand to give us the confidence to bare our legs and bodies in time for the Summer sun. Many do not like the competitive nature of the average gym and want something more comfortable than the typical yoga studio. Perhaps the ideal environment is somewhere between an exercise studio and a spa. Somewhere that allows you to focus on yourself and not worry about others and your hectic life outside but still work on your strength and fitness. It is quite a difficult balance to find and INSPIRE Hot Yoga in Maidenhead seems to have hit the nail on the head. It’s mission statement is “To offer excellent yoga classes in a beautiful environment that will inspire all who try them to continue on their yoga journey and find out for themselves the truly amazing benefits yoga will have

on both their physical and mental wellbeing” and it certainly has achieved that just based on the feedback from its clients alone. The INSPIRE studio is a purpose built hot yoga studio. They offer a variety of styles of Yoga in a beautiful heated studio. The heating system is infrared which helps to heat your body on a cellular level and not at all like those hot air systems which can be quite stuffy. This promotes more detoxification and fat burning as well as greater flexibility. There are 29 classes each week to choose from as well as specialised workshops each month. The classes start at 6.30 am and finish at 9pm most days, so there really is no excuse to go and give it a try. Once you have tried hot yoga you will never look back. If you are looking to become more flexible, more toned, lose weight, get fitter, feel more relaxed or de-stress, then it is definitely for you.

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

Inspire Hot Yoga was set up by Alan & Claire Stewart in 2015 and in recognition of their hard work and effort INSPIRE has won the award for Best Yoga / Pilates Studio in Berkshire 2016 in the coveted Muddy Stilettos Awards.

Eight Benefits of Hot Yoga • Weight loss • Increased flexibility • Detoxification • Burns calories • Improves fitness levels, strength and stamina • Improved focus and concentration • Pain management • Improved sleeping pattern for more information 01628 635198 www.inspirehotyoga.co.uk reception@inspirehotyoga.co.uk

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In the Swim

It’s one of the most popular forms of exercise - and for good reason. For starters, swimming’s the best all-round workout, ticking the cardio box and full-body strengthening (which makes it a great cross-training addition, whether you’re a runner, cyclist, dancer etc); it’s a life skill; and widely accessible. be doing the world of good. Freeman agrees that it’s “absolutely” worthwhile doing leisurely lengths.

“Swimming is the one activity you can do throughout your life, from birth through to older age,” says Ian Freeman, coaching system technical lead at the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA; www.swimming.org/asa). “As well as being great at relaxing the mind and providing a social environment, because water supports up to 90% of the body’s weight, swimming is the perfect way for people with impairments, injuries or illnesses to stay active.”

“A gentle swim can burn over 200 calories in half an hour - more than double that of walking - while a faster swim would see that indulgent chocolate bar gone quicker than if you went running or cycling. Plus, because exercising in water makes your body work harder, 30 minutes in a pool is worth 45 minutes of the same activity on land,” he explains. “By combining 30 minutes of swimming three or more times per week alongside a balanced, healthy diet and lifestyle is one of the best ways to reduce body fat and maximise weight losses and maintain a positive mental wellbeing.”

This is a big part of why swimming’s the most popular exercise among older age groups. Freeman notes that the ASA has also developed Dementia Friendly Swimming sessions to support people living with dementia, and their carers, in staying active.

Positive Waves Despite these benefits, ASA figures suggest one in five UK adults can’t swim, while Speedo recently found more than two-thirds (69%) can’t swim more than 100m, and one in three admit they’re not confident in water. A survey by Fusion Lifestyle, a charity that manages 80 public pools across the UK, found that ‘fear of water or drowning’ is the most common reason (20%) given by non-swimmers, while 9% blamed low body-confidence and not wanting to be seen in a swimming costume. The good news is these things can all be overcome. The thought of stripping down to a cossie does fill lots of people with dread - but swimming’s actually a fantastic way to take the focus off body-image woes, as it encourages you to shift the focus from what your body looks like, to how great the freedom of being in water, and getting fitter, feels (plus you’ll soon realise that humans come in all shapes and sizes and nobody really cares!). Building confidence in the water might take time, but it’s possible, and group or one-on-one lessons and coaching’s widely available - sometimes for free. Enquire at your local leisure centre, visit the ASA website and check out www.fusion-lifestyle.com/adultswim. Also, Speedo is offering free 60-minute swim fitness sessions with instructors across the UK until October (www.speedo.co.uk/dive-in).

Leisurely Laps With the Rio Olympics on the approach, and triathlons growing ever more popular, there is much more emphasis on ‘training’ nowadays, but if you’re happy with your gentle, leisurely swims, that’s great too - they’ll still

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Ramp Up Your Workout If you are looking to really improve your performance in the pool or pursue goals however, there’s lots you can do. Freeman suggests joining a local swimming club, which is a “great way to get tips on developing your swimming as well as having the support of other swimmers”. If you’d like to structure your own swims, as a good High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workout which is proven to increase metabolism - he suggests starting with a 10-minute warm-up using any stroke, followed by eight lengths with your fastest stroke with 10 seconds’ rest between efforts, and a five-minute cool-down using any stroke.

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

Weight Loss Programme Starting From

£220 Are you looking at your summer wardrobe with some concern, if you need help to lose weight I offer various programmes? Our time together would include motivation; support and your diet would be tailored to your needs. Coaching is an integral part of my practice as it bridges the gap between thinking and doing. It can really help to clearly focus your goals, uncover any barriers (often hidden) to achieving them and create a clear structured step by step path towards them

6 Weeks • 6 x 30 minute weekly consultations • Health Coaching

• A 7 day meal plan • Shopping list • Email Support /phone

Resident Nutritional Therapist at Danesfield House Spa For Appointments contact Linda Polansky DipION mBANT CNHC

E: linda@optimumdigestion.com W: www.optimumdigestion.com T: 07746 663196 Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

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5 minutes with Arzu Kara

Living Along the Thames caught up with Arzu Kara, Henley’s very own couture fashion designer, recently married and expecting her first child later this year. Arzu works out of a small warehouse on the outskirts of Henley, where she creates all of her stunning collections. How long have you been in fashion and what made you go into fashion design?

I have been in fashion for the past 20 odd years and it’s unknown to me and others why I have chose it. In the world of fashion, it is rather typical to have been influenced by a member of your family, usually a mother or grandmother. That can’t be said for me as I had a very practical mother and grandmother who did not wear a scrap of make-up or have a love for clothes. I had always been jealous of my friends from a very young age who had glamorous mothers that wore beautiful garments. I think I can safely say that it came from within!

When is the 2016 collection due out and how many collections do you produce a year?

I am very excited about my A/W collection, out at the end of August / early September as it’s my best collection yet. I have used a lot of natural and luxurious fibres using couture techniques, including super flattering and stylish wool/viscose jersey dresses for everyday wear. Currently we produce two collections a year: Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter.

How would you describe your style/collections?

My style is classic, simple but always with a twist. I like playing with lines and different textures and try on everything I design to see how it feels to wear. Sometimes things can look great sketched on a piece of paper or photographed but on a female body it can be a different story. I try to eliminate that. As a woman I know how important it is to feel good, the best version of yourself and comfortable. I feel female designers have an advantage as we know exactly what women want and how the garment should feel.

Who else do you make collections/pieces for?

I am the only designer who is in charge and control of every aspect of their work. I am not driven by numbers, shareholders or commercial forces. It’s very rare to be able to purchase garments directly from the designer and find out exactly where they were made and the story

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What does the future hold for your designs and do you have plans to grow? As of 2017 I will be including beautifully designed leather bags in the collections and increase the number of styles available. Designing collections is organic and depends on the textile industry so it’s a very exciting future. We have our first international stockist in Greece and I’d love to be in more countries next year.

What is it about Henley that you love?

I have lived in Henley for over 14 years so I am biased. It’s just so pretty and so close to London and I love the great walks around the river where you will often find my gorgeous sprocker spaniel and I out for a little stroll.

I make bespoke pieces rather than collections. The requirements change from client to client. On day I can be designing a wedding gown for the bride to be, dress for the mother of the bride or re-creating an old favourite.

What is Unique about you?

behind them. It’s been a passion of mine which is reflected in my designs.

Azru Kara’s Collections can be purchased locally at www.arzukara.com, Liz Felix in Henley and My Boudoir in Marlow.

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

Win a pair of Yull Shoes worth £75

Third of UK Women put Beauty before Bills In an independent survey*, commissioned by Jolen Creme Bleach, the number 1 selling beauty bleach in the world; women were questioned on their attitudes to beauty and key findings revealed: · 32% of women would prioritise buying beauty products over anything else including paying their bills. · Only 23% of women would put paying their bills as their No1 priority. · 24% of women made fashion purchases their number 1 priority.

Living Along The Thames is offering you a chance to win a Cinderella moment by winning the most stylish, affordable British shoes on the market, which are not only comfortable but will also turn heads. New for Spring/Summer is Yull’s first foray into the world of sandals – a departure from the ‘well heeled’ look that Yull is noted for.

Women With Partners Let It Slide

Single women were revealed to be continuously pruned and preened with regular tanning (76%), blow dries (76%), hair removal (50%) and wearing make-up (28%), but those comfortable in a relationship seem inclined to let their beauty routine slide. This was evident in terms of hair removal, with only 43% of those surveyed in a relationship adhering to regular hair removal, whilst rates for regularly tanning (63%) and blow drying (43%) were also down for those in couples….could this be down to budgets or just letting things slide?

Willingness To Change For A Partner

Each Yull shoe is named after and inspired by something British, usually an English Town or region. Names like Cheltenham, Mayfair, Chelsea, Beaulieu or Fulham can be found dotted around the Yull website at www.yull.co.uk.

Over half the women polled (54%) would be willing to change their appearance for a partner with 31% prepared to change their clothes, 20% prepared to change their diet & exercise routine and 11% willing to change the way they wear their hair & make-up.

For your chance to win a pair of Yull shoes, send your name, address and phone number to office@alongthethames by 12th August ‘Yull Shoes’ in the subject.

Biggest Turn-Offs

T&C: Open to UK residents over 18

*The survey was undertaken by Voxpopuk on behalf of Jolen Creme Bleach, in February and March 2016. 1,000 women in employment aged between 18 and 55 took part.

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

For partners, the biggest turn off was voted excess dark facial & body hair (35%) followed by bad body odour (22%) and rudeness (21%).

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Your ultimate guide to the world of “Maxi Dresses” We can hear you say you love the maxi dresses but can’t wear them! Panic not: We have found the only maxi dresses you’ll ever need. Frank Lyman | £220 www.swishboutique.co.uk

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Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

Roksanda, Elder Silk satin Dress ww.outnet.com £499 Kain Penny striped Dress www.outnet.com £53

Alice & You Pink ruched dress www.dorothyperkins.com £19

Off the shoulder pleated dress from Self Portarait at www.intermixonline.com £465

Rachel Zoe, Kim plisé Dress at www.netaporter.com £345

Phase 8 – Georgie Sude Clutch bag www.phase-eight.co.uk £69

Etro printed silk jersey maxi www.stylebop.com £1,212

Diana Von Furstenberg at www.theoutnet.com £299

Accessorize – Taylor embellished thong sandal www.monsoon.co.uk

Dune - Eddison www.dunelondon.com £65

Carolina Herrera, floral lace maxi dress www.farfetch.com £7,340 River Island Pink knot waist Dress www.riverisland.com £62

Valentino Silk Dress www.mytheresa.com £4,780

Arzu Kara Strapless maxi dress www.arzukara.com £205

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

Plunge neck dress at www.withchic.com £20

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SUMMER

hair

Welcome to Summer!

If you’re heading off on holiday this month, check out my tips on keeping your hair damage free in the sun and how to take your look from poolside to bar. Happy holidays! www.karinejackson.co.uk

Protecting your hair in the sun…

While the majority of us wouldn’t dream of going into the sun without sunscreen on our skin, it amazes me how many people don’t think their hair needs the same protection. You should think of your hair as being just as vulnerable and get into the habit of applying UV protection. You hair is made up of protein and moisture and when you expose it unprotected to the sun you’re effectively burning it. The sun opens the cuticle and then draws out the moisture drying it out and leaving it frazzled and coarse - it’s comparable to when skin goes dry and flaky and falls off. It’s like exposing hair to a constant hairdryer which you know isn’t good... And don’t forget your scalp! Our skin is so sensitive on our scalps, and it’s the area that’s most exposed to sun as it’s on the top of your head - don’t miss it out when you’re applying sun protection. Don’t think of hair protection as being greasy or as limiting your styling options, you can incorporate a heavier cream into a slicked style or ponytail, or if you don’t want to look like you have anything in your hair then many shampoos and conditioners contain UV protection - combine with a spray protector straight after your hair wash. I personally like to apply a good leave-in conditioner in the sun, it has the added bonus of leaving hair really deep conditioned because you’re harnessing the sun’s rays for good - they open the hair’s cuticle but instead of then burning the hair, the conditioner is penetrating and treating the cuticle.

Poolside to barside… If you’ve got curly hair, when you get out of the water apply an intensive conditioner to the hair and twist round your fingers as it dries to embrace your natural texture with a beachy twist. If you’ve got short hair, use the salt water as your styling product, simply get your fingers into your hair and ruffle to achieve a tousled finish. If you’ve got an on-trend bob or midi cut then I’d definitely recommend sleeking your hair back off the face, it look incredibly chic and the salt water already in your hair will help to hold the look in place. For those with fine hair, salt water will give your hair a little more guts but I’d definitely recommend putting it into an updo so the hair doesn’t look to limp as it dries. Try twisting the hair backwards of your face and pinning, it looks intricate but is actually incredibly easy. A swishy ponytail always works well, on any hair type as well.

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Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

Win Tickets to

Grovefield House

The National Wedding Show autumn 2016 23-25 September 2016 London Olympia The National Wedding Show is the ultimate shopping destination for discerning brides and grooms across the country. Returning this autumn with a spectacular line-up of the nation’s finest wedding suppliers and the hottest names on the high street, the show offers everything from fabulous flowers and delectable cakes to show-stopping entertainment and exquisite stationery – not forgetting the all-important wedding dress! Take a seat at the Catwalk Show, the UK’s biggest bridal catwalk production, showcasing the latest trends for the entire bridal party from leading designers and brands including Jenny Packham, Vera Wang, David’s Bridal, Ben De Lisi, Berketex Brides and many more.* Make a bee-line for the Bridal Boutique and Designer Boutique; try on more dresses than you ever imagined from your favourite bridal designers, retailers and boutiques, you’re sure to find your dream dress, with many available to buy on the day. Head to The Wedding Theatre**, where a line-up of awardwinning industry experts will divulge their top tips and tricks for creating the ultimate bridal make-up looks and up-dos. Living Along the Thames has teamed up with The National Wedding Show to offer ten (10) lucky readers and their ‘plus one’ the chance to attend the year’s most prestigious wedding event, absolutely free! Tickets are valid any day and are limited to one pair per winner. So what are you waiting for? Send your entry today to Office@AlongTheThames.co.uk by 16th September For more information visit www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk Facebook – www.facebook.com/nationalweddingshow Twitter - @nationalwedding Instagram – thenationalweddingshow | #TNWS *as seen on the spring 2016 Catwalk. ** Only available at London & Birmingham.

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

Picture Perfect Wedding

Set in its own private grounds and gardens, Grovefield House is the perfect place to start your married life together. This Edwardian country house, tucked between Burnham and Windsor, has a licence for a Civil Wedding, a dedicated suite for your wedding breakfast, a private terrace for reception drinks on summer days and 40 luxurious and contemporary styled bedrooms for you and your guests. Autumn Wedding fayre 25th September (12-4pm) – free admission We work with you to create the wedding of your dreams. Call us on 01628

603131 or email

weddings.grovefield@classiclodges.co.uk Taplow Common Road, Burnham, Slough, Buckinghamshire SL1 8LR Tel: 01628 603131 www.classiclodges.co.uk Photography courtesy of: www.gleedphotography.co.uk www.grahamholtom.co.uk | www.chrisbarry.co.uk.

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as Smooth

as Silk I

n recent years there has been the emergence of a popular technique called “diode laser hair removal”. This process is commonly used to get rid of unwanted body hair from legs, face, underarms, or bikini area and can be used to treat men and women alike. The diode laser hair removal treatment is used by pressing a hand-held laser instrument to the skin. The light energy from the laser torch selects and enters the hair follicles through the skin causing permanent damage to the hair follicles and further disabling its tendency to grow without damaging the surrounding skin. During the treatment the laser light only affects actively growing hair as our hair grows in different phases over time, thereby requiring multiple treatments for the desired results, usually three to seven sessions.

“Having tried IPL before (which is not a laser treatment) I decided to have my underarms treated. I am very pleased with the results after two sessions as I have very little hair growth and had no reactions to the laser. “ Maidenhead resident

Depending on the laser or light source used, you and the technician will need to wear appropriate eye protection as well as protecting the outer layers of your skin with a cold gel or special cooling device. This will help the laser light penetrate the skin

You can have Diode laser hair removal at both LaserMed in Maidenhead and La Perla Clinic in Marlow.

Through this treatment the patient can expect a 90% reduction of hair which is relatively painless but you should always have a spot check before undergoing any treatment. Diode laser hair removal treatment is an attractive alternative to shaving, waxing, depilatories, or electrolysis. However, it may not be the right choice for everyone.

For more information or to book an initial free consultation or patch test (always required) contact LaserMed on 01628 318325 and La Perla Clinic on 01628 488499

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal • Permanently reduces unwanted hair growth in women and men. • Lasts far longer than any other hair removal method including waxing. • The best treatment for those suffering from ingrowing hairs. • Leaves you with smoother skin. • Safe on darker skin tones including Asians and African/Caribbean. • Safe on sensitive areas. • Sessions last usually for no more than 30 minutes.

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Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

DIODE LASER l HAIR REMOVAL rks iitt w woorks

it it is is

LL AFFORDABLE OON N AALL AFFORDABLE SSKKIIN PAINLESS N PAINLESS TT YYPPEESS it it is is

Lower Arms Lower Arms Under Arms Under Arms

£75* £75* Normally £160

Lower Arm Lower Arm Face Face

£75* £75* Normally £160

• • • • • • • •

Normally £160

Half Legs Half Legs Under Arms Under Arms Bikini Line Bikini Line Men’s: Men’s: Full Back Full Back Shoulders Shoulders

£95* £95*

Half Legs Half Legs Under Arms Under Arms

Normally £160 Normally £160

£95* £95* Normally £240

Half Legs Half Legs Bikini Line Bikini Line

Normally £160 Normally £160

Normally £240 Normally £240

Normally £240

£75* £75* £75* £75*

• Full back treatment in only 20 minutes IPL is NOT laser • Full back treatment in only 20 minutes IPL is NOT laser • Diode Laser is currently the most effective laser hair removal Generic Laser systems are not Diode Laser, which is • Diode Laser is currently the most effective laser hair removal Generic systems are most not Diode Laser,forwhich is technology clinicallyLaser shown to be the effective Hair Removal technology clinically shown to be the most effective for Hair Removal • It is relatively painless & Safe and effective for all skin types In most cases results are permanent • It is relatively painless & Safe and effective for all skin types In most cases results are permanent • Dermatologists recommend this system as it prevents folliculitis Special Package includes consultation and patch test • Dermatologists recommend this system as it prevents folliculitis Special Package includes consultation and patch test Sessions usually last no more than 30 minutes Sessions usually last no more than 30 minutes

La La Perla Perla

CLINIC CLINIC 01628 01628 488 488 499 499 www.laperlaclinic.co.uk www.laperlaclinic.co.uk 44 Marlow Bottom, Marlow SL73NB 44 Marlow Bottom, Marlow SL73NB

01628 318 325 01628 318 325 www.lasermed.co.uk www.lasermed.co.uk

27 Nicholsons Walk, Maidenhead, SL6 1LB 27 Nicholsons Walk, Maidenhead, SL6 1LB

* Price per session when buy a package of 5 or/more sessions |2016 Only half the full package is paid in advance | Offer not valid for single session treatments | Terms & Conditions Apply Living Along Theyou Thames | JULY AUGUST * Price per session when you buy a package of 5 or more sessions | Only half the full package is paid in advance | Offer not valid for single session treatments | Terms & Conditions Apply

33 |

Jet set beauty If you’ve ever had to sit on your suitcase or join the queue at excess baggage at the airport then you’re probably an over-packer! It seems Brits, particularly women, have a habit of piling an average 15 full-sized products into their luggage to maintain their beauty regime abroad, according to a recent survey by Eurostar. The solution? Switch to mini versions of your can’t-be-without faves! Here are some of our favourite shrunken essentials so you can travel light without compromising on cosmetics this summer….

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Olverum Bath Oil travel set | 3 x 15ml bottles for 9 baths | £16 | www.olverum.com

Katherine Daniels mini travel pack | pick & mix option from £3.75 | purchase 3+ products and receive a Complimentary Katherine Daniels Airport Security Approved wash bag | www.katherinedanielscosmetics.com

Pocket size multi-purpose green balm | £4.99 | 15ml | www.moalondon

Voya mini travel kit for the hair & body | £36 | 4 x 75ml | www.voya.ie

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

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Holiday Essentials

Sudocrem Skincare Cream |30gm | £2.11 | www.sudocrem.co.uk

Rock & Ruddle small brush | made in UK | £20 | www.roackandruddle.co.uk

Clarins self tanning milky lotion | 125ml | £20 | www.clarins.com

Natura Siberica Cleansing fluid for dry & sensitive skin | £5.40 | 200ml | www.naturasiberica.co.uk

Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield SPF 30 | Limited edition - £10 from every sales goes to the Princes Trust | £69.50 | 50ml | www.murad.co.uk

7th Heaven Face Masks | various | www.my7thheaven.com

Scentered Balms | £14.50 | www.scentered.me

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Bio Essence Bio Platinum BB Cream 10 in 1 SPF 25 | 30g | £18.90 | www.janiro.co.uk/collections/bb-creams

Environ RAD Antioxidant sunscreen SPF15 | £19.95 | available Harvey Nicholls

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

Aveeno Creamy Oil | 300ml | £9.65 | www.boots.com

P20 Sunscreen | SPF 15 | SPF 20 | SPF 30 | SPF 50+ | 100ml £13.99 | 200ml £24.99 | all major grocery and Pharmacy retailers

Skyn Iceland Hydro cooling firming eye gels | 8x0.11oz | £25 M&S | www.cultbeauty.co.uk/ skyn-iceland-hydro-cool-firming-eye-gels

Scholl Velvet Smooth Electronic Nail System | £29.99 | www.boots.com

Monsoon Rose Gold | 30ml £24 | 50ml £29 | 100ml £35 | www.monsoon.co.uk

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

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Brujo Glacier

Chile Comes out from the Cold

Clue Up On Culture In Capital City Santiago Experimental restaurants, a sophisticated arts scene and a general, all-round nod to eccentricity make Chile’s mountain-fringed capital one of the most intriguing cities in South America. Small enough to discover in a long weekend, Santiago is made up of several easily navigable neighbourhoods, all radiating their own special character. Considered a cultural heartland, the leafy Lastarria district offers pleasant pavement cafes and distinctive

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boutique hotels, many housed in the few colonial-style buildings spared by a succession of devastating earthquakes. Influenced by neoclassical French architecture, the grand Singular Santiago is one of the most spacious and atmospheric hotels in the city. Sip coffee in an elegantly cluttered lounge supervised by waiters attired in smart waistcoats, or zip right up to the 21st century at the hip rooftop cocktail bar. Many museums and historical buildings can be found in the 16th century Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square, where old men furrow brows over games of chess beneath the shadow of the ornate 18th

century Metropolitan Cathedral. But a more offbeat attraction is La Chascona (meaning ‘wild mane of hair’), the house built in the mid-Fifties by Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda for his lover Matilde, who had striking curly red locks. Like the man himself, the property is wonderfully eccentric: a secret doorway links the dining area and bedroom, allowing the host to surprise guests or disappear for a quick nap; and decorations include an enormous pair of men’s brogues, once used by a shoe shop to advertise their wares to the illiterate. The poet, along with his friend, social activist and singer Violeta

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

Parra, has also posthumously inspired a dinner/dance show not far from his house in the same Barrio Bellavista district. De Pablo a Violeta (depabloavioleta.com) skips, hops and strums through the cultural history of Chile, exploring dance, music, food and wine from different regions. Stick around afterwards to enjoy a limitless bar, as folklore bands do their best to lift the roof on one of the area’s typical 100-year-old houses.

National Park, benefits from several upmarket and ambitious design hotels. The Singular Patagonia (sister to their Santiago property) is set within the walls of a former early 20th-century abattoir, where heavy, iron British-made machinery is still displayed in a walk-through museum. A 5km distance from town, the property has its own pier with boat trips operating to the fjords. Recalling life in the area’s historic estancias, where European pioneers made their money from sheep farming, the Remota’s 72 rooms line long corridors connected by a ‘sheep channel’. The roof has been shaped to resemble a drying rack for wool, and ‘wind-bent’ picket fences surround the property.

Doubles at the Singular Santiago (www.thesingular.com) cost from £198 per night with breakfast. Get Your Guide (www.getyourguide.com) offer tickets to De Pablo a Violeta with hotel pick-up and drop-off from £68pp.

Horse Ride Across The Patagonian Steppes

Aside from trekking in Torres del Paine (a onehour-and-20-minute drive away), visitors can take a horse-riding excursion to nearby Sierra Dorotea. Led by a gaucho wearing a traditional ‘boina’ beret and characteristically nonchalant expression, riders on hardy Criollo horses venture up the grassy mountainside to sheer drop viewpoints and forests burned silver by 70kph gusts.

Patagonia’s vast, windswept steppes and jagged granite mountains are a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. But softer souls can also enjoy the environment, without having to pitch a tent or set up a portaledge.

The experience ends in a lichen-draped clearing, with the ritual of lighting a fire and drinking mate. A small gourd filled with herbal tea literally does the rounds, passed in a circle until the last person says ‘thank you’, a signal they’ve had enough.

The town of Puerto Natales, close to the popular Torres del Paine

Doubles at Remota (www.remotahotel.com) cost from £239 with breakfast. A horse ride to Sierra Dorotea can be arranged at additional cost. Doubles at The Singular Patagonia (www.thesingular.com) cost from£234 with breakfast.

Calvo Fjord Southern Ice Fields Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

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Cruise The Southern Ice Fields Glaciers cover 2.7% of Chile’s long, snaking surface, and dipping into the country’s icy fjords is made easy on a short four-day/ three-night cruise. A family business for more than three decades, the Skorpios III navigates the Southern Ice Field. (Sister ship Skorpios II offers a slightly longer cruise in the Northern Ice Field.) Sailing from Puerto Natales, a city close to top tourist attraction Torres del Paine and one of the key access points to Patagonia, the Kaweskar voyage sidles up to the honeycomb ridges of Amalia Glacier, deposits passengers on the rocks close to El Brujo Glacier, and salutes a cavalcade of frozen behemoths along the Calvo Fjord. The trip continues north to the Montanas Fjord, where multicoloured icebergs crack and hiss in a bay below Herman Glacier, and moraine-soiled peaks of Alcina Glacier resemble baked tips of a lemon meringue pie. Weather in the fjords is generally dull and rainy, but grey skies actually cast these icy showstoppers in their best light, bringing out their characteristic blue hues. At least, that’s what Captain Kochifas and his optimistic staff say to passengers.

Tatio Geysers at Atacama Desert

From the birdsong wake-up calls, to a chart illustrating global warming using underwear as a scale (with bloomers and a thong at either extreme), slapstick humour gently pervades every aspect of the journey. Comfortable en-suite cabins carry 90 passengers, enough to be convivial without being claustrophobic, and food is several notches above top restaurant standard. Swoop Patagonia (www.swoop-patagonia.co.uk) offer trips on Skorpios III from £1,154pp cruise only, including meals and activities. Available from October to March.

Take A Balloon Ride Above The Atacama Desert Stretching more than 4,000km, Chile spans extremes of temperature and topography. In the north lies the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, where surreal rock formations, sky-soaring geysers and shimmering white salt flats have sparked a growing tourist industry. Most resorts are based around the town of San Pedro on a high plateau 2,400m above sea level. At the Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa, low-lying cabins are set against a backdrop that

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flips between flaming red rocks and diamond-studded, starry skies as the clock turns from day to night. Adventurous activities bookend the day, with long lunches and spa treatments enjoyed in-between. Hike through the Dali-esque dunes of the Valley of the Moon, watch flamingoes settle on the Atacama Salt Flats, or study stars through a telescope on the hotel’s observation deck. This autumn, there’ll be even more action in the skies with the introduction of hot air balloon rides above the Valley of the Moon. Sunrise trips will start from £205 per person (www.balloonsoveratacama.com). Doubles at Alto Atacama (www.altoatacama.com) from £444 per night with breakfast. British Airways will launch a direct flight from London Heathrow to Santiago, Chile on January 3, 2017, departing four times per week. Flights now available at a special introductory fare of £749 return in World Traveller (economy). Visit www.ba.com

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

BE GOOD AT BEING YOURSELF Unlock your child’s potential with Stagecoach Performing Arts Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 6 year olds, where students learn to embrace life with creativity and courage

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Creative Courage For Life Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

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What to do if your child hasn’t progressed By Tom Hyland

As the end of term approaches, the summer holidays begin to appear on the horizon. Before we dust off the beach mats and pack the buckets and spades there are a few key tasks left to complete in schools. Perhaps the most essential is the end of term report, a summary of the progress your child has achieved throughout the year. It’s an important document and, in conjunction with parents’ evenings, tells you a lot about how they have been getting on. Most of the time, reports are a pleasing read (my mother would surely disagree!), however, they can sometimes highlight a disappointing year where your child appears to have made almost no progress. What should you do if you find yourself in this situation and how should you react?

Don’t panic

Firstly, it’s important not to overreact. Read the report and the grading carefully, making sure to double check. Pick out anything you’re not sure about, in case you want to discuss things with your child’s class teacher. Look at the positives you can take from it and then list any parts which concern you.

Talk to your child

You should always check with your child how they are getting on at school. Towards the end of the year, ask them how they feel things have gone and what things they think they did well or found difficult. It’s crucial you consider their input at all stages. Once their books are taken home at the end of the year, have a look through them and see the feedback they have been getting from teachers and the general standard of their work.

Work with them

If a capable child needs to work on a few areas that may be stalling progress, use the summer break to go over topics together. Ask the class teacher if there are any resources available or if they are able to suggest some useful websites and suchlike. Make sure you don’t overburden children in the break though, as a re-charge of the batteries is essential for next year - little and often is the way forward.

Talk to the teachers

As well as gaining their input on work you can do at home, talk to your child’s class teacher if you’re unsure or deeply concerned about a report. Make sure you catch them at a good time and approach things with the mentality of working as team. Ask them to guide you as to what the areas for development are and what you can do at home to address them. Discuss how your child has been across the year and what aspects suggested to the teacher that they hadn’t been progressing.

Tutor

Sometimes parents and children working together can be a recipe for disaster. Consider bringing in outside help to overcome this. Tutors can offer

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individual, one-to-one support, which targets those areas that require work. Share the report with the tutor as it will give them a great basis for the topics they need to cover. With targeted focus, children should start making tangible progress.

SEN

An often-overlooked factor of poor progression is underlying cases of SEN (Special Educational Needs). Things like dyslexia or dyscalculia can remain undetected for years in the mad bustle of the classroom and can severely hamper a child’s attainment. If you notice unusual behaviour patterns or are concerned with some areas of your child’s work, arrange to talk with the school about these issues and what can be done.

Other factors

As with every situation, external factors can hugely influence children’s performance. Things like bullying or domestic issues can weigh heavily on young children’s mind and spill over into their studies. Sometimes children just don’t “click” with their class teacher and an entire year can be a write-off. Often these problems lead to a loss of confidence and self-esteem, hugely affecting their progress in the classroom.

Different levels of progress

Children develop at different rates and very often some leave it “late in the day” to start flourishing at school. As many parents and teachers say, one day the penny does drop and things begin to fall into place. Children are still young and finding their place in the world.

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

Rush

High Wycombe Things are getting even more exciting here at Rush High Wycombe. We have had a very busy start to the summer with the installation of our brand new Total Wipeout, Boutique and the addition of ‘Discocise’ to our revamped fitness timetable! More importantly, Toddler Time has now become even more fun for your little bundles of energy! This week we had a super special delivery, and have welcomed 4 new members to our Rush family! Your little ones can now bounce with the company of Micky the Monkey, Frankie the Frog, Danny the Dog or Kenny the Kangaroo. They might even get the chance to have their face painted like their favourite friend, and a photo to cherish forever. What’s more, our dedicated Toddler hours have been increased from the 13th June, lasting until the 15th July, so they will now be able to safely come and bounce between 0900 and 1200 Monday to Friday!

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

Parents, when you book for your Toddler to come and bounce, you will receive a free hot drink voucher to be redeemed in our very own Rush Cafè! You can enjoy a freshly brewed tea or coffee whilst you watch your little one bounce, or if you feel like sharing the fun and bouncing with your little one, why not pop up to the Rush Cafè for a post bounce snack.

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‘I Put Huge Pressure on Myself ’ By Susan Griffin

Tom Hiddleston loves to let loose on the dance floor. He’s proven this on various chat shows, where he’s happily demonstrated some of his favourite moves, and only the other week, a video of him dancing with Taylor Swift at New York’s glamorous Met Gala went viral.

But it was the intense sex scene, with actress Elizabeth Debicki, that caused a real sensation.

“I love dancing - who doesn’t?” says the 35-year-old, laughing when I mention it. “It’s a weird one. I haven’t actually danced for a long time, but I happened to be dancing at the Met Gala because it was a party.

It must be strange to wake up and discover newspaper columns and online forums dedicated to the sight of your bare buttocks?

“I was on a table with Taylor Swift and The Weeknd was playing, and she said, ‘The thing about these parties is nobody gets up to dance’. And she, as a musician, was like, ‘We’ve got to dance for The Weeknd’, so we got up and danced.” With a grin, he adds: “I didn’t know it was going to ping round the world, but it’s all good.” It’s not the first time footage of him has gone viral. His recent performance as undercover agent Jonathan Pine, in the TV adaptation of John Le Carre’s espionage drama The Night Manager, drew huge acclaim - along with calls for him to play the next Bond.

Elizabeth Olsen as Audrey Williams & Tom Hiddleston as Hank Williams

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Tom Hiddleston as Hank Williams & Bradley Whitford as Fred Rose

Hiddleston shakes his head and laughs. “I have no control over anyone else’s opinion of my work, or who I am or what I do, so you just have to keep doing what you do,” he teases. At the time of the reaction, he was in Vietnam filming Kong: Skull Island, which is due for release next year. “I had an immediate job to get on with, so that’s where my focus was”.

Update Still from ‘I saw the Light’ Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

Hiddleston, today dressed in dark trousers and a long-sleeved grey sports top, listens intently to questions, offers considered, articulate answers in a smooth, soothing voice, and generally exudes an air of calm. It’s difficult to imagine the actor, who was born and raised in London and Oxford, boarded at Eton College and earned a double first in Classics from Cambridge University, ever feeling ruffled - but he can where work’s involved, he admits. Marc Abraham, the writer and director of his latest movie, I Saw The Light, has described him as a perfectionist - which Hiddleston doesn’t deny.

“It’s hard to say why I choose to do the films that I do. It’s hard to say why I play the characters I choose to play. But it’s always something instinctive. It’s a pure gut feeling,” he explains.

“Marc’s right about that. I put a huge amount of pressure on myself as an actor, with everything I do,” confesses the actor, who was spotted by a talent agent during a university production of A Streetcar Named Desire, and appeared in numerous TV and stage projects before graduating from Rada in 2005. I Saw The Light explores the life of Hank Williams, who emerged from the local Alabama music scene after World War II and revolutionised country music. It charts the music legend’s rise, his volatile relationship with his wife Audrey (played by Elizabeth Olsen), and his struggles with substance abuse and spina bifida occulta, before his death on New Year’s Day 1953, aged just 29.

through one at certain points, I was so frustrated,” the actor confides. “I had to change the way I naturally sound to sound like someone else, and also to try and express the sincerity and authenticity of his songs. “There was something in Marc’s script, which I read for the first time four years ago, which seemed incredibly authentic and which I really connected to. Marc had written Hank Williams with such compassion and lack of judgement.” Before filming commenced in late 2014, Hiddleston “filled myself up” with everything he could find about the late singer-songwriter.

“In some instances, that came very naturally - I recorded Why Don’t You Love Me in an hour. I have no idea why I found it so easy,” he adds. “[But then] It took me two weeks to record Lovesick Blues, because the way he sings it is so strange. That’s where I’m a perfectionist.” Hiddleston might be playing those Bond rumours down, insisting no one’s talked to him about it, but his career looks set to continue on a stellar trajectory.

“I felt a huge responsibility to Hank Williams and his legacy, and I felt it even more keenly when I arrived in Nashville,” reveals Hiddleston.

Determined to sing all the songs himself, he also stayed with Crowell for five weeks before the cameras rolled.

“I kept saying to Marc and Rodney Crowell [a country star and the film’s executive music director], ‘It’s like I’ve turned up in Liverpool and I’m going to play John Lennon’.

“It was practise, practise, practise. Hank’s tone is not an easy one to emulate, and I had to refine my yodel and inflect my vowel sounds,” says Hiddleston.

“In Nashville, people have a very strong opinion about Hank Williams. He’s revered as one of the godfathers of American music. So the responsibility to play him honestly, and to satisfy people who care very much about him, was massive.”

“Rodney was sweet about it, but he wasn’t going to let anything past him. He’d say, ‘Tommy boy, I can hear your English choirboy comin’ out now’.” Some days they’d sing for eight hours straight.

“A very great musician,” Hiddleston adds, “who was at least as great as Hank Williams, called John Lennon, wrote a song called Let It Be, which is very wise.”

But accepting the challenge felt ‘right’.

“I didn’t physically punch any walls, but I would have put my own head

‘I Saw The Light’ is in cinemas now

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

So how is he finding the whole fame game? “The way I find peace with it, or the way I feel easy with it, is just going, ‘Well I know who I am and know what my life is, and everyone else’s opinion is their own opinion’. You just have to allow it,” says the actor, who’s currently filming Thor: Ragnarok, his fourth outing as the villainous Loki, following his introduction to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2011.

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The Ultimate Creation ‘In The Club’ creator Kay Mellor talks about the joys of motherhood, famous fans and why she has absolutely no regrets. When Kay Mellor became pregnant she was terrified and thought her life was over. It was 1967 and at 15 she felt wildly underprepared for parenthood, as did her boyfriend Anthony who was 17 and an apprentice motor mechanic. So the couple decided to keep it a secret until at five months her growing bump became impossible to hide. Now, almost fifty years later, Mellor,65, is one of the greatest writers in British television and credits motherhood with shaping her incredible career, she is also still happily married to Anthony and the pair have two daughters, TV producer Yvonne Francas and actress Gaynor Faye. “At the time it seemed like an absolute disaster; five months pregnant and getting married at 16. But in the end it was one of the best things that could have ever happened.” she explains. “Because I was a young mum I was able to study when the girls were at school, and that eventually led me to where I am today.” After studying drama at university she went on to form her own theatre company, but it soon became clear that Mellor’s real talent lay in writing and over the last three decades she has become famous for her specific brand of drama; honest, heartfelt and intrinsically Northern. From her first major series Band of Gold to her most recent BBC drama, In The Club, Mellor rarely strays from her beloved Yorkshire, saying: “Leeds is my home and when it comes to my characters I simply write them where I see them. But I think that intrinsic ‘Yorkshireness’ that people talk about is in the warmth and humour.” To further her point, Mellor recalls the time Steven Spielberg called her up to say how much he enjoyed her hit lottery drama The Syndicate: “He said he thought it had ‘a real sense of community and place,’ and thinking about it, that must be because I draw inspiration from the people and world around me.”

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Given her reputation for writing from experience, it seems surprising it has taken Mellor so long to pen In The Club, which encompasses every aspect of parenthood, both good and bad. The BBC drama, now in its second series, follows six women who bond in their antenatal class and go on to remain close after the birth of their children. It is a fearless and refreshing look at the many joys and pitfalls of life as a new parent and Mellor says that it was a perfect opportunity to ‘exorcise her demons.’ “I had the idea quite a while ago but wrote Fat Friends instead, and I thought to myself ‘it’s a shame I never wrote that.’ Because there’s a lot to said about birth and life itself. It’s the ultimate creation isn’t it? Life. you can’t create anything more than that AND it is life changing. Life will never be the same for again after you’ve had a child.” In The Club available now alongside In The Club Series One and Two Box Set.

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

in July 2016 Aquarius: January 20 - February 19

Your work, lifestyle and your health are all in the spotlight this month. With Mercury, Venus and the Sun all in sensitive Cancer, your communication is intuitive and gentle. Those around you will take note of what you have to say and relations with friends and co-workers are strong and positive.

Pisces: February 20 - March 20

The Sun, Venus and Mercury all line up in the creative and romantic sector of your chart this month. Assertive Mars in Scorpio ensures it will be an exciting month and the Cancerian new moon in sensitive Cancer on the 4th helps negotiations and big plans move forward more positively.

Aries: March 21 - April 20

Motivational Mars, in dynamic Scorpio activates the area of finances and resources for you this month. An exciting new idea presents itself and there is abundant energy for a project to get off the ground. With Venus arriving in confident Leo on the 12th enhanced leadership skills are all yours.

Taurus: April 21 - May 21

During July your ideas and all communications are positively highlighted, you’ll be amazed at how you relate to intuitive new ways of thinking. The new moon in sensitive Cancer on the 4th brings a new project into focus and help may arrive from unexpected quarters.

Gemini: May 22 - June 22

July brings a different kind of energy to the forefront as your funds and assets come into focus. With three planets now powerful in the sign of Cancer, you’ll be examining new ways of increasing your earning potential. Use your brilliant communication skills to be even more creative.

Cancer: June 23 - July 23

July is your birthday month and new and exciting opportunities are highlighted. The motivation that you may have lacked in recent months is returning and there is a strong drive to improve your life on many levels. The new moon in your sign on the 4th confirms that possibilities are endless.

Leo: July 24 - August 23

With energetic Mars in determined Scorpio all month there’s plenty of scope for success. Three planets in the sign of Cancer indicate that opportunities to work behind the scenes will arise. A more positive and forward looking attitude can win you many admirers.

Action- packed Mars is in the dynamic sign of Scorpio all month, perfect for determination and focus to keep you on track. The new moon in Cancer on the 4th brings opportunities for new beginnings, changes and breakthroughs. Sensitive Cancer is the sign of the family and of the past, important adjustments in the home can now be successfully tackled. Venus, the goddess of love and relationships, moves into the passionate and golden sign of Leo on the 12th. This bestows excellent opportunities for romantic encounters and all kinds of joyous relationships. The first half of the month is all about kindness and gentleness and then mid-month as the Leo energy gets going, be playful, be creative and have lots of fun!

Visit www.VividTitles.co.uk to see how you can navigate your way to success in August

Virgo: August 24 - September 23

July brings renewed vigour as energetic Mars in Scorpio stays in the communications sector of your chart all month. Jupiter in your sign indicated positive moves and you’ll find people around you are in a cooperative mood. The new moon on the 4th indicates enjoyment with friends.

Libra: September 24 - October 23

This month continues the theme of exciting new opportunities. Powerful Mars in Scorpio stirs up your financial sector, indicating positive new earning potential. Three planets gather at the highest point of your chart, emphasising your goals and the importance of your intuition.

Scorpio: October 24 - November 22

Mars remains powerful in your sign all month, emphasising the importance of staying focussed on the task at hand. Strong planetary aspects bring excellent opportunities for adventure and new directions. The new moon in Cancer on the 4th enables you to broaden your horizons.

Sagittarius: November 23 - December 22

July shines the spotlight on your finances and resources, and three planets in intuitive Cancer help you make some important decisions. The full moon in Capricorn on the 19th indicate that things will be picking up pace again as you become much clearer about your ultimate goals.

Capricorn: December 23 - January 19

With three planets in sensitive Cancer in the first half of July, indications are that relationships and partnership will be high on your agenda. You feel like setting your sights very high now and are not at all afraid to go after what you truly desire. An important issue will come to the forefront after the new moon on the 8th.

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Tune into positive and productive planetary cycles and become more successful in life and in business. Christine Chalklin has an international client base and all her consultations are available in person by telephone or Skype. Christine Chalklin www.restyleyourlife.co.uk Christine@restyleyourlife.co.uk Telephone: 07813 483549

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

Windsor festival

Readers Offer

Celebrate the Summer of ’66 and the Summer of 2016 at Royal Windsor Racecourse on July 23rd and July 24th

A special anniversary concert is being held at the same venue that the first ever Rock concert was held, Royal Windsor Racecourse, over the same weekend. The day starts at 12 noon and finishes at 10.30pm on both days

But why the sixties… and why now? In 1966 there was the World Cup, London was swinging, teenagers were finding their own identity and pop culture was booming. Culture itself was changing and this seemed to be epitomised with the first proper rock festival. Some of the biggest hit makers of the era, such as Donovan, The Manfreds, Beth Rowley, Mollie Marriott and many more, join forces to celebrate that special summer of ’66 on Saturday 23rd, along with a celebrity studded tribute to Bowie. While Sunday 24th hosts artists including Squeeze and The Feeling alongside New York hip fusion band Quantic and a special multi-platinum US Guest star (yet to be announced) performing his only UK festival date this year! However, there is more to the weekend than just nostalgia, good vibes and terrific music. Funds are also being raised in support of

Donovan by Michael Callopy

Squeeze by Rob O’ Connor

Macmillan Cancer Support to help ensure no one faces cancer alone. There will be a presentation on Saturday 23rd to Macmillan by 1966 World Cup winner George Cohen for funds raised. Living Along the Thames and Royal Windsor Racecourse/On Track for Summer have teamed up to give one lucky winner the chance to win a pair of tickets for the weekend. Please send your name and details in an email (subject line: Celebrate at Windsor) by 16th September for your chance to win to Office@AlongtheThames.co.uk. There are different tickets available including, Gold circle tickets which include a pass to the special artists’ bar and a commemorative programme along with guaranteed picnic style seating adjacent to the stage and standing room on the grass areas alongside. Other VIP packages are available from the Racecourse 01753 498400 or www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk The Royal Windsor Racecourse is the perfect venue for the two-day festival, it has dedicated car parking, a choice of transport to the venue (even chartered boat hire on the Thames from Windsor Town Centre) and all the hospitality that the Royal Racecourse offers.

Tickets Adult single day £39 | Gold Circle single day £79 ‘early bird’ weekend passes from £60. www.ontrackforsummer.co.uk/ Royal Windsor Race Course, Maidenhead Rd, Windsor, SL4 5EZ.

The Rivertime Boat Trust A decade making waves Summer is just around the corner and The Rivertime Boat Trust are back on the water to celebrate their tenth anniversary of enabling disabled children and adults to enjoy trips on the river at this magical time of year. Since its launch in 2006, The Trust’s specially commissioned boat ‘Rivertime’ has taken out 15,000 disabled passengers, travelled 8,000 Thames miles between Reading and Oxford, passed

through 4,000 locks and benefitted from over 6,000 volunteer hours and over 300 donations. In the year of its tenth anniversary, the Trust has been designated an ‘exemplar organisation’ by the Health and Safety executive for their work with ‘Rivertime’ and with the Accessible Boat Club at Bisham Abbey, where they operate Bell Boats that can be safely paddled by disabled children and a Wheelyboat for those who are in wheelchairs.

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

For further information on The Rivertime Boat Trust: please contact: boating@rivertimeboattrust.org.uk Visit www.rivertimeboattrust.org.uk/ Rivertime Boat Trust rivertimeboattrust @RivertimeTrust

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Inspire

with Design Tipsâ&#x20AC;Ś

There are so many ways to enhance and personalise your new kitchen, here are a few ideas from Ashford Kitchens & Interiors to inspire you and help boost your imagination!

Wood is now being used not only in traditional style kitchens but also in modern designs, instead of having a shaker door, wood effects are being used on plain slab doors. There are many different styles, colours and grain patterns to choose from. Now you can still go for a modern look but have the warmth of a wood style door.

your design. As well as offering much more in terms of cooking capacity and flexibility, there are many colours to choose from and can make a stunning statement centrepiece.

The colour grey is becoming ever more popular but there is so much more to grey than you may think. Darker greys for example paired with a light worktop can create a stunning contrast, this can be perfect to match with vibrant accessories or even natural wood tones. If you worry that grey is too bland, certain accessories or paint colours can bring that warmth and change the whole feel of your kitchen.

Staying under control of your clutter is the key to a clean, contemporary kitchen. A Quooker tap provides instant boiling water which saves time, money and space, meaning no need for a kettle. Choose items that work with the style of your kitchen. Cream and white accessories, for example, can keep that modern, minimalist look whilst maintaining a functional kitchen space.

Choose the style that suits you as there is no right or wrong way, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about what works for you, your home and family circumstances.

Wood has natural warmth and timeless beauty, it is still one of the best ways to bring real character into your kitchen design.

The best family kitchens are the ones that are always warm and welcoming. A great way to incorporate this into your kitchen is by adding a range cooker to

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Put your own personal touch to your new kitchen using the many styles and colour choices available.

For more design ideas and advice visit our showroom and book your free design appointment at Ashford Kitchens & Interiors showroom on The Parade, The Broadway, Farnham Common SL2 3QJ. www.ashfordinteriors.co.uk, info@ashfordinteriors.co.uk, 01753 642362

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

Thinking of replacing your kitchen, bedroom, or home office? Visit one of our large showrooms for inspiration & to book your FREE design visit.

Ashford Showroom

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Heat pumps are one environmentally friendly way to heat your home. Ground or air source heat pumps are most popular, as water source heat pumps aren’t practical unless you have a lake, river or stream in your garden. Ground source heat pumps extract warmth from the earth and use it to heat your home or hot water. The (above-ground) pump is connected to a series of pipes (the ground loop) buried in the garden and can be used all year round, although you may need a back-up heating system in winter.

Air source heat pumps take heat from the air outside and use it indoors. They’re either air-to-air pumps, which produce warm (and also cool) air and circulate it through fans, or air-to-water pumps, which supply your home’s (wet) central heating system. Air source heat pumps can be less effective when it’s colder than -5C, so another form of heating again may be necessary in winter.

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For Alternative Heating Systems

If your home is heated by radiators, they won’t get as hot with a heat pump as they would with a boiler - you’ll need to have them on for longer or replace them with more powerful ones. The perfect partner for a heat pump is wet underfloor heating because both work at lower temperatures, but this type of underfloor heating isn’t particularly easy to retrofit.

Biomass boilers are another eco heating option, ideal if you want to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions and have access to a regular supply of wood. These boilers burn wood chips, pellets or logs and can be used for central heating and hot water. The Energy Saving Trust

(www.energysavingtrust.org.uk) says that an automatically fed pellet boiler for an average home costs £9,000-£21,000, including installation, so it’s not cheap. However, if you replace an older gas heating system with a biomass system, you could save up to £360 a year, or up to £990 a year compared to an old electric heating system, according to the Trust.

If you want to generate your own electricity and have a sunny roof or wall, solar photovoltaic panels are worth considering, but you could fit solar thermal panels, which heat your home’s water, instead. According to the Energy Saving Trust, installing a typical solar water-heating system costs around £3,000-£5,000, but the savings you make will be moderate. As well as the solar panels, you’ll need a boiler or immersion heater to give you additional hot water and sometimes make the water heated by the panels hotter, especially in winter. You may also have to change your boiler and hot-water cylinder to ones compatible with the panels.

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A few rays of sunshine allows your outdoor space to be lived in, so make the most of it with some well-chosen accessories. All-weather cushions and pillows, in pinks and oranges, will pull the colours of the house into the garden, and make it feel like another room, where you can entertain, dine and relax. “When stocking up your outdoor kitchen, think low-maintenance,” advises Hedeman Gueniau. “Use durable materials that can stand the weather changes. Melamine, plastic and treated wood are all good. Then you don’t have to take everything inside all the time, but just leave it out until the season is over.

Think of the patio or garden as an extension of your interior landscape. Garden planters with flowers on a wall, plus mixing and matching materials and colours, will create a relaxed and carefree look.

“Lanterns for candles create a cosy light when dusk sets in. Being outside means you have the opportunity to go a bit crazier when decorating than you would inside. Pick the brightest plates and the funkiest prints.”

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Make an Impression Entrance halls give the opportunity to make a statement, to set the scene for the whole home. Jenny Allan from JCA Interiors explains how to make sure this space gives a great first impression. When designing an entire house the entrance hall is often the best place to start as it is the central core of the home and sets the tone for the rest of the design. The style must be coordinated with the other principal rooms which lead from the hall as there will be internal views through to those rooms when doors are open. An important part of creating a beautiful entrance area is an impressive front door and it should look good from the inside as much as outside. It must be in proportion and in keeping with the architecture of the property whilst being inline aesthetically with the rest of the interior. A further consideration, is the staircase which has the ability to be a real design feature. A multitude of choices are available in all different finishes. From floating treads to helical staircases,

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there is the chance to create a statement feature that will become a focal point. Good lighting is also a key ingredient in the successful design of an entrance hall. A chandelier or modern piece of designer lighting creates impact and can make a strong first impression. The proportions of double height entrance halls can be enhanced by this feature light which will encourage the eye to be drawn upward emphasizing the height and space on show. Further wall lights or downlighters can be incorporated to balance a statement centre piece ensuring all areas have adequate light. Creating a flow through the house is an important part interior design. This should be felt from the moment the front door is opened and furniture selection in an entrance hall plays a key role. If the hallway is a large area, it is

important for the space not to feel empty and bare so ensure there is enough furniture and features to make it feel homely. It often may be appropriate to include a seating area or even a grand piano to complete the look. The entrance hall can be the perfect area for prized pieces of artwork or sculpture as they will be seen everyday and appreciated by everyone who enters the house . Adding these pieces will be the finishing touches to an area of the house which has the potential to â&#x20AC;&#x153;wowâ&#x20AC;? visitors and create a stunning first impression. Elegant, eclectic or imposing, perhaps a mixture of the three, there are so many ways to create successful entrance hall but just ensure it relates in a holistic way to the interior design of the rest of your home.

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

Reader’s Offer

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‘I hope to celebrate the UK through my illustration, trumpet our eccentricities and exploit our dottiness’. This is more than apparent in her latest work, ‘We are UK’. ‘It’s a highly personal representation of the UK. There are lots of fine buildings, of course, but there is also a Blue Peter badge, a shopping trolley and a myriad of other nonsense which as a nation, gives us real substance!’ Living Along the Thames has teamed up with Nicola Metcalfe to give one lucky reader the opportunity to win a signed print of ‘We are UK’. Please send an email (subject line ‘We are UK’) with your details to Office@AlongtheThames by 12th August for you chance to win this stunning print. Nicola lives with her two children and two chickens in Buckinghamshire and has been illustrating all her life. As a former Graphic Designer Nicola often continues to create artwork digitally, adding a contemporary twist to familiar architectural landmarks. The addition of a few quirky social references results in a vibrant mix of colour and vitality which have been snapped up by the likes of Tate and John Lewis. Nicola has been working on the idea of place or locality for the past four years, creating a body of work that can be found from the United States to Australia. Events this year include Bucks Open Studios in June, The Henley Show in September, her second solo exhibition at Henley Business School and The Crowne Plaza Christmas Market, Marlow, in November. She is currently working on a map of the Thames which will be available later this year. For more prints: www.nicolametcalfe.com | email sayhello@nicolametcalfe.com

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Holidaying and Dogs – making sure everyone has a nice time The summer holidays are here so what are you doing with the dog? Are they coming with you or being left at home? Either way you need to make some preparations well in advance, particularly if you are travelling during peak time If your dog isn’t coming with you, the options are to leave them with family or friends, use a professional home based dog sitting service or kennels. Each have their pros and cons and your dogs’ disposition must influence your choice. Whatever you opt for, a dry run of some sort is a good idea, such as an overnight trial or weekend stay if your dog has never been away from home. Just imagine if you were abandoned in a strange place, you couldn’t get out of by the family, without any idea of whether they were coming back. How scary would that be? Choose the kennel you want well in advance and ask friends if they can recommend anywhere. Visit the service, look at the environment and talk to staff. Ask about exercise regimes and mixing with other dogs. Are staff on site overnight? Make sure you are confident that everyone who will have responsibility for your dog is competent.

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If you choose a professional dog sitting services they will either care for your dog in your own home or keep the dog in their home. Sometimes several dogs will be looked after at the same time so if your dog doesn’t like crowds, you need to ask about this. Going for a walk or two with someone you are proposing to leave your dog with will allow you to see how they interact with dogs and let you give them information as to how you do things. A good carer will ask for this information too, so if they are not quizzing you on how you do things, don’t use them. Home care with family or friends still needs preparation unless you are in the habit of doing this. If it is an occasional activity, you should walk the dog with them several times leading up to when you go on holiday so everyone is comfortable in each other’s company – human and dog. Whenever leaving your dog with someone, stay for a short while to check they are settled. Don’t just ‘throw them out’ and head off as the dog needs to know that you are leaving and not just discover you are no longer there. Holidaying with your dog in the UK is a lot easier than it used to be as there are a larger number of rental cottages, hotels and other accommodation options accepting dogs by advising you of good walks and dog friendly pubs in their area. Several websites list dog friendly holiday options so take a look and perhaps use the ‘dog friendly’ tag as a way of deciding where to go on holiday. Weather permitting, you may have plans to go to the beach so check that the beaches in your selected holiday area allow dogs on them. You don’t want to leave them in the accommodation while everyone else is out enjoying themselves, and you certainly do not want to leave them in the car which will quickly overheat. Dogs do die in hot cars. It is distressingly common for dogs to go missing when on holiday due to both them and their owners being unfamiliar with an area. The dog doesn’t know the ‘normal route’ and you don’t know where they might have followed their nose to. Make sure the address on their microchip register is up-to-date and that they have a tag on their collar with your mobile phone number on it. If you don’t have the paperwork for their microchip, get them re-chipped. So really, the short message is that when planning your holiday take some time to factor in how your dog is going to have a good time as well, whether or not they are with you Dru Ross

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First Drive:

Maserati Levante (350hp) What’s new?

The spec sheet makes interesting reading. A Maserati SUV fitted with a soulful turbocharged V6 made in Modena. By Ferrari. Take that, Porsche. The 3.0-litre engine used in the Quattroporte and Ghibli has been turned up to 11 for the five-metre Levante with 345bhp and 424bhp versions, promising speed and drama in equal measure. The Levante is based on the Ghibli platform, but heavily modified to take the extra weight and to deliver off-road capability. The suspension, double wishbone at the front and five-link at the rear, has been modified for longer shock travel, better stiffness and higher strength. As for drive, the company’s own Q4 four-wheel-drive system has been adapted with new software to enable it to handle off-road terrain. The air suspension can even be raised and lowered from the driver’s seat.

Looks and image

There’s no missing that huge, gaping grille, or the active shutters behind it, which stay closed for cold engine starts to catalyse the warm-up process before opening to offer full air ingress when needed. The Levante makes a big statement with the way it looks, although the

standard 18-inch wheels on the cheaper 345bhp car are criminally small. Upgrade to 20s as a minimum.

Space and practicality

Even with a tall driver at the helm, there’s good legroom for three rear passengers, and plenty of width in the broad cabin too. The glass area is quite small with a high shoulder line, so smaller kids might complain of not being able to see out, but in general it’s a practical space. The central storage bin beneath the armrest is deep, with cupholders at the base. On top of three 12-volt power sockets in the cabin, the boot has a fourth within its 580-litre cavern. The lip is high, but can be lowered with a special ‘parking’ ride height that drops the Levante as low as it can go. The tailgate is powered as standard.

Behind the wheel

Pops, bangs and thunderous gargling from the quad exhausts are the order of the day in Sport mode. It’s a bit of a monster, and it’s much louder outside the car than inside. It’s as naughty as SUVs get. You’ll hear one being driven in anger through quiet countryside even if you’re in the next village. The 345bhp car isn’t actually particularly quick - for a Maserati. It responds best to manual flicks of the long-travel shift paddles south of 6,000rpm, as power tails off between there and the redline. It sounds great, though, all anger and divine retribution.

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

If this car The ride is was a...: very good phone it w ould be and cabin oversized , powerfu refinement is l and full o remarkable, f exciting fe atures yo allowing u can’t se em quiet to put dow n. conversation even at 125mph - good news if you have an autobahn on your doorstep. Wind and road noise on 20-inch wheels is contained impeccably. The eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox shifts smoothly, with just a murmur passing up through the car’s structure with each shift. It doesn’t roll a lot even at its softest, although slimmer people will lean more than they’d like because the seats are so wide. Activate Sport Suspension with two presses of the Sport button and the Levante stays uncannily flat, gripping the road for all it’s worth and giving even more confidence to push the V6 harder.

Value for money

At the time of writing it had only just been confirmed that the petrol version would be coming to the UK at all, so prices were unavailable. It’s likely to cost more than the diesel, though, which will top out at around £55,000 before options - and most buyers will want a lot of those.

Who would buy one?

Think of a buyer who wants a large SUV but wishes there was something a bit more exciting and a bit less common. The petrol Levante is a niche product and Maserati knows it, but there’s something comparatively special about it. The exotic is an evergreen Italian trump card and, here, it’s played to perfection. This car summed up in a single word: Brutus

by Matt Kimberley

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Deadline 12th August

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Coffee Break ACROSS

1. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid of everything terrifying (8) 5. A pair of braces? (4) 9. Divide role (4) 10. So returns finally as finest incombustible material (8) 11. Higher in the group, perhaps (5) 12. A rum one to inflame with love! (7) 13. The scale of sanity? (6,7) 18. Padre has links, including converted friend (8) 19. Repair what Malcolm has (4) 20. End of the road that is difficult for obstinate politician (7) 21. Some fine verses? Not at all! (5) 22. The end of the game for a fellow-worker (4) 23. It covers the wound when putting clothes on (8)

DOWN

Down: 2 Example; 3 Retreat; 4 Master builder; 6 Outworn; 7 Reserve; 8 Recall; 13 Macadam; 14 Nearest; 15 Afloat; 16 Aimless; 17 Concern. Across: 1 Fearsome; 5 Four; 9 Part; 10 Asbestos; 11 Upper; 12 Enamour; 13 Mental balance; 18 Chaplain; 19 Mend; 20 Diehard; 21 Never; 22 Mate; 23 Dressing.

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What’s On at the Regal

What’s On

at the Cinema The Secret Life Of Pets (U)

Katie (voiced by Ellie Kemper) lives in her Manhattan apartment with a mischievous terrier named Max (Louis CK). “Our love is stronger than words or shoes,” explains Max, referring to his penchant for chewing his owner’s footwear when he was a puppy in training. He is good friends with other domesticated animals and birds including a pampered Eskimo dog named Gidget (Jenny Slate), who is head over fluffy tail in love with Max, and a sardonic house cat named Chloe (Lake Bell), who nurtures a healthy disdain for anything that doesn’t enrich her selfish existence. “Dog people do weird, inexplicable things,” she purrs, “like they get dogs instead of cats.” Max’s bond with Katie is threatened when his owner brings home a lolloping mongrel named Duke (Eric Stonestreet), who she has saved from the pound. Intense rivalry spills out onto the city streets where Max and Duke fall foul of a sphynx cat called Ozone (Steve Coogan) and are mistaken for strays by animal control officers. The snarling enemies are rescued by a maniacal white rabbit named Snowball (Kevin Hart), who pressgangs them into service in his army of unwanted animals, who live in the sewers. The Secret Life Of Pets is the brainchild of the makers of Despicable Me and Minions, and retains a similar visual style and family-friendly sense of humour.

Independence Day: Resurgence (12A) It has been 20 years since US President Thomas J Whitmore (Bill Pullman) issued his rallying cry to the entrenched human race. In the aftermath, survivors salvaged the remains of fallen alien technology to create hybrid weapons systems. We also initiated the Earth Space Defense (ESD) under the direction of David Levinson (Goldblum) as an early warning system against future incursions by hostile extra-terrestrials. On the eve of the July 4 celebrations, a hulking otherworldly destroyer enters our atmosphere in response to a distress call from the fallen fleet. Current US President Elizabeth Lanford (Sela Ward) commands elite pilots to take to the skies, including Dylan Hiller (Jessie Usher), orphaned pals Jake Morrison (Liam Hemsworth) and Charlie Miller (Travis Tope), whose parents perished during the failed first invasion and Chinese golden girl Rain (Angelababy). On the ground, Levinson searches for a scientific miracle aided by Whitmore’s plucky daughter Patricia (Maika Monroe), French psychiatrist Dr Catherine Marceaux (Charlotte Gainsbourg), African warlord Dikembe Umbutu (Deobia Oparei) and Area 51 boffin Dr Brakish Okun (Brent Spiner), who suffers from the human-alien residual psychic condition. Independence Day: Resurgence lazily embraces disaster movie cliches, while performances struggle to make an impact above the din of pyrotechnics and a rumbustious orchestral score.

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Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie with Bolly and Brunch Darling! Lock up your sons and get out your finest shell suits, sweetie darlings! Join us for Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie as we raise a toast to Edina and Patsy’s big screen debut. A ticket for this event includes a cinema ticket, brunch and a glass of champagne. Sat 2 Jul, 11.15 and Sun 3 Jul, 12.50 Discover Arts St Peter’s And The Papal Basilicas Of Rome takes a tour of these stunning buildings in the company of experts. Mon 4 Jul, 6.30 Branagh Theatre: Romeo And Juliet Live via satellite, with Lily James and Richard Madden as the star-crossed lovers, and Derek Jacobi as Mercutio. Live: Thu 7 Jul, 7.15 Encore: Mon 11 Jul, 1.00 and Thu 14 Jul, 7.00 Glyndebourne: Die Meistersinger Von Nürnberg Wagner puts music-writing and singing themselves centre stage in Glyndebourne’s biggest production ever. Captured live. Tue 12 Jul, 5.30 Almeida Live: Richard III Ralph Fiennes takes the title role opposite Vanessa Redgrave as Queen Margaret in this first live broadcast from the Almeida Theatre. Thu 21 Jul, 7.00 André Rieu’s Maastricht Concert 2016 The King Of Waltz is back for his legendary annual Maastricht concert! Captured live. Sat 23 Jul, 7.00 and Sun 24 Jul, 3.00 Regal By The River Enjoy an evening under the stars in Mill Meadows as the Regal returns for outdoor cinema by the River. Our Pop Up event includes a complimentary drink and snacks from Leffe. Thu 28 Jul, 9.15/Dusk Star Wars: The Force Awakens (12A) Fri 29 Jul, 9.15/Dusk Back To The Future (PG) Sat 30 Jul, 9.15/Dusk Footloose (12A) Glyndebourne: Béatrice Et Bénédict Berlioz picked the most sparkling elements of Much Ado About Nothing and set them to ravishing music. Live via satellite. Tue 9 Aug, 6.30 Regal Picturehouse, 2 Boroma Way, Henley RG9 2BZ 0871 902 5738 | www.picturehouses.co.uk

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

July

Diary Dates

06-10: ‘Henley Festival’ www.henley-festival.co.uk/

07: ‘Summer Concert 2016’ at Taplow Court, Cliveden Road, SL6 0ER, 19:30, bring a picnic from 17:00 and explore the beautiful grounds, free entry, a collection will be taken in aid of Thames Valley Adventure Playground for children and adults with special needs.

08: ‘Flower Festival’ theme A Jolly Good Read at All Saints Church, Marlow 19:30-21:30, preview evening, admission by ticket, £8 (includes wine) from the Marlow Information Centre. Saturday + Monday 10:00-18:00, Sunday 12:30-17:00, £3.

08: The Rotary Club of Marlow proudly presents ‘Ascot Brass & Choir’

12: ‘The Derek Nash Acoustic Quartet’ with guest star Martin Shaw. A one off opportunity to hear them locally at Christ Church URC, Oxford Road, 20:30, tickets £10 from 01628 486227 or www.ticketsource.co.uk/musicinmarlow

13-16: Slot Machine Theatre produced by Turtle Key Arts present ‘Your Toys….on a big adventure’

at Great Marlow School, Bobmore Lane, SL7 1JE, 19:30, £10, under 18’s £5 (includes a glass of wine or soft drink) in aid of ROTARTY charities, tickets from the Marlow Information Centre, located in the Marlow Library – 01628 483597

this show is made up by your toys, bring your own toy to the theatre to join in this gigantic adventure at Norden Farm, Maidenhead, for times and prices visit www.nordenfarm.org or call 01628 788997.

08+09: ‘Big Camp’ at Cliveden

Who will put it up again? – Keith Parry’, Marlow Archaeology, 8pm, Garden Room, Liston Hall, Marlow SL7 1DD: www.marlowarchaeology.org

discover the wildlife that comes out at night before falling asleep under canvas in the middle of our historic woodlands, play games, explore trails, adventure pack, picnic, bat walk, hot chocolate and storytelling round a campfire, 16:0023:00, £27 per adult, £17 per child – 0844 249 1895.

10: The Marlow Society “Victorian Marlow Walk” meet at Marlow Museum, 14:30 – 01628 482754.

10: ‘And now it’s time for the weather’ presented by The Songbirds a climatic show featuring some of the world’s greatest weather songs at the Shelley Theatre, court Garden, 19:00, £12/£7 – www.the-songbirds.com

10: Voice Bucks Youth Choir – Summer Singing ‘Training Day’ free non-auditioned singing day for singer ages 13-23 with the sponsorship of Bucks Music Education Hub www.voicebucksyouthchchoir.weebly.com

14: ‘Marlow Bridge has fallen down!

14-17: ‘Art in Action’ at Waterperry Gardens, Nr Wheatley, Oxfordshire – www.artinaction.org.uk

15+16: ‘Big Camp’ at Cliveden discover the wildlife that comes out at night before falling asleep under canvas in the middle of our historic woodlands, play games, explore trails, adventure pack, picnic, bat walk, hot chocolate and storytelling round a campfire, 16:00-23:00, £27 per adult, £17 per child – 0844 249 1895.

15-17: ‘Thames Traditional Boat Festival’ 16: Hambleden Concerts, Makoto Nakura - marimba, The Parish of St Mary the Virgin, 19:30 £15.

11: ‘Boutique Cinema showing “Youth” at Claytons Marlow sit back and sip a cocktail or grab some food on a comfy leather sofa and enjoy a film on a big screen, caters for 25 people, 20:00, booking recommended – 01628 488404.

12: Marlow & District Horticultural Society Brook Cottage Gardens through the Year by Tony Clear at Liston Hall, 20:00-22:00 – 01628 486206.

Living Along The Thames | MAY / JUNE 2016

63 |

17: 10K/5K Burford Bolt

Diary Dates

Marlow Bottom 09:15, Raising money for new IT equipment for Burford School, burfordbolt@burfordschool.co,uk

17: Stokenchurch Dog Rescue ‘Open Day’ stalls and kennel talks, fun for the kids, charity auction, refreshments and more, £3, under 12’s and dogs free, 12noon – 16:00, Tower Farm, Oxford Road – 01494 482695.

18: ‘Boutique Cinema showing “Room” at Claytons Marlow sit back and sip a cocktail or grab some food on a comfy leather sofa and enjoy a film on a big screen, caters for 25 people, 20:00, booking recommended – 01628 488404.

23-24: ‘Maidenhead Festival’ at Kidwells Park www.maidenheadfestival.org.uk

23 Jul- 04 Sept: ‘Summer Big Games’ at Hughenden Manor come and play our giant games in our apple orchard giant quoits, skittles, droughts (checkers) and more! Free, normal admission applies.

23 Jul- 04 Sept: ‘Knights and Castles Trail’ at Hughenden Manor

18-23: ‘Henley Fringe Festival – Theatre’

The Hughenden kingdom is in danger! Follow the trail to the dragons den to save us all, free trail, normal admission applies, 10:00-17:00.

www.henleyfringe.org

24: ‘Charity Family Fun Day’ at Crowne Plaza

19: Marlow Jazz Club

Marlow, raising money for ‘Children with Cancer’ live music, BBQ, bouncy castles, face painting, games on the lawn and much more, from 12:00, free admission.

The Return of the fantastic Rebellion Big Band at Royal British Legion.

19: The Marlow Society

25: ‘Boutique Cinema showing “Spotlight” at Claytons Marlow

“Sandham Chapel and Highclere Castle with lunch at the Carpenters Arms” 09:00, early booking essential – 01628 476610.

sit back and sip a cocktail or grab some food on a comfy leather sofa and enjoy a film on a big screen, caters for 25 people, 20:00, booking recommended – 01628 488404.

22:’Open Air Opera – Carmen’

26: ‘Beasts and Butterflies’ at Hughenden Manor

at Stubbings Nursery from 17:30, www.stubbingsnursery.co.uk

23: ‘Meet the Beekeepers’ at Hughenden Manor learn all about the fascinating honey giving creatures, our volunteers even make candles from the hive produce and these will be available to purchase , there’s even a bee themed trail for the kids to follow, 11:00-16:00, free event but normal admission applies – 01494 755573.

23:’Open Air Opera – Mozarts: The Marriage of Figaro’ at Stubbings Nursery from 17:30, www.stubbingsnursery.co.uk

23: ‘The Canterbury Tales – Outdoor Performance at Great Marlow School Grounds 19:00, a cast of 5 actors present every single one of Geoffrey Chaucer’s timeless tales in less than two hours – www.thepantaloons.co.uk/shows/summer2016.asp

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kids can be nature detectives on this walk with our rangers, catch as many beasties as you can with a net and identify them through a magnifying pot, £4 per child, accompanying adults go free, normal admission applies, 11:00-12:30.

28+29 Jul/ 04+05/11+12/18+19/25+26 Aug/ 01+02 Sept: Knights and Castles Crafts, every Thursday and Friday at Hughenden Manor during the Summer holidays, the Hughenden Kingdom is in danger! Prepare yourself to slay the dragon, create your coat of arms and craft your shield and weapon, £3 per child plus normal admission 10:00-15:30.

28-30: ‘Maidenhead beer & cider festival’ at Desborough College www.maidenheadbeerfest.camra.org.uk

Living Along The Thames | MAY / JUNE 2016

Diary Dates 29: ‘The Great Big Tree Climb’ at Hughenden Manor two highly skilled and friendly instructors can help all ages reach new heights in a fantastic tree, enter a trees canopy using ropes, knots and karabiners whilst being securely attached in a harness at all times, £20 per person to book visit – www.bigtreeclimbing.co.uk

30: ‘Marlow Transition Town Community Market’ local crafts and produce, refreshments available at Liston Hall, 09:30-13:00.

30: ‘The Great Escape’ Prisoners with one mission, escape! 10KM course, 20+ obstacles, run, climb, crawl, jump, for everyone from beginners through to seasonal racers at Culden Faw Estate, Marlow Road, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 3AG – www.intrepid-events.com/the-great-escape

30: ‘Henley Town & visitors regatta’

07: Open Days at Taplow Court Cliveden Road, Taplow, House & Grounds open to the public, 14:00-17:00.

07: ‘Thames Marathon: Bridge –Bridge’

– www.henleytownregatta.org.uk

14km downstream for 18+years age, entry £93 enquiries@henleyswim.com

31: “NGS Delightful Deepwood Stud Farm

09: Marlow & District Horticultural Society

Stubbings Maidenhead, 14:00-17:00, £4 admission, www.ngs.org.uk

‘Gardening for Wildlife’ by David Bevan at Liston Hall, 20:00-22:00 – 01628 486206.

August

19: ‘Maidenhead at the Movies’ in Kidwells Park

02: ‘Rebellion Brewery Open Night’

19-21: ‘Rewind Festival South The 80’s Festival’

all ales currently being brewed available on the night. Talks also given on brewing history and methods, 19.00-21.30, Bencombe Farm, Marlow Bottom, SL7 3LT. All welcome, £12.50pp, BBQ all year round!

02: ‘Beasts and Butterflies’ at Hughenden Manor kids can be nature detectives on this walk with our rangers. Catch as many beasties as you can with a net and identify them through a magnifying pot, £4 per child, accompanying adults go free, normal admission applies, 11:00-12:30.

03: ‘Cookham Regatta’ 10:00-17:30 – www.cookhamregatta.org.uk

05: ‘The Great Big Tree Climb’ at Hughenden Manor, two highly skilled and friendly instructors can help all ages reach new heights in a fantastic tree, enter a trees canopy using ropes, knots and karabiners whilst being securely attached in a harness at all times, £20 per person to book visit – www.bigtreeclimbing.co.uk

06: ‘Thames Valley Police Annual Open Day’ at Sulhamstead training centre near Reading

06: ‘Maidenhead Rowing Club Regatta’ 9:00-17:00 - www.maidenheadrc.org.uk

www.enjoymaidenhead.com

Temple Island Meadows, Henley-on-Thames.

21: ‘Rowers Revenge’ row/bike/run at Higginson Park – www.rowersrevenge.org.uk

22: ‘A Week in Wonderland’ art & drama summer workshop for children aged 8-12 at St Mary’s Church Hall, Marlow Bottom, £125 – booking required – 07967 059412.

25+26: ‘Children’s Outdoor Theatre Danny Champion of the World’ an afternoon of outdoor theatre for the whole family at Cliveden, 14:00-15:30 + 18:00-19:30, 14:00-15:30 on 26th, £14 adults, £10 children aged 3-16 years – 0844 2491895.

26-29: ‘Chilterns Craft Fair’ Stonor. 28+29: ‘The Cliveden Set’

join the political and celebrity minds of 1934 as they roam the formal estate at Cliveden, meet Lord and Lady Astor at their family home, come and mingle with an Asquith or Roosevelt in our spectacular setting, free but normal admission applies, 12:00-16:30.

29: Marlow & District Horticultural Society Annual Show at Liston Hall.

Living Along The Thames | MAY / JUNE 2016

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29: ‘Meet the Beekeepers’ at Hughenden Manor

learn all about the fascinating honey giving creatures, our volunteers even make candles from the hive produce and these will be available to purchase, there’s even a bee themed trail for the kids to follow, 11:00-16:00, free event but normal admission applies – 01494 755573.

September 2-4:Cicus Ginnett’

comes to Stubbings Nursery, www.stubbingsnursery.co.uk

03: ‘Fingest Great Barn Opera – Don Pasquale by Donizetti’,

18:00, tickets £75, in aid of SMA & Child Bereavement Trust, 01491 638474, www.fingestopera@btconnect.com

04: ‘Maidenhead half marathon’ 9:30 start, cost from £24, closing date 21st August for entry – www.purplepatchrunning.com

10: ‘The Henley Show’,

Greenlands Farm Hambledon, 8.3017:00 – www.thehenleyshow.co.uk

10: ‘Gung Ho’

biggest UK inflatable obstacle course in Windsor, raising monies for charities, www.begung-ho.co.uk

10-11: ‘Henley Fringe Festival – Film’, www.henleyfringe.org 11: ‘Fingest Great Barn Opera – Cosi Dan Tutte’

18:00, tickets £75, in aid of SMA & Child Bereavement Trust, 01491 638474, www.fingestopera@btconnect.com

ONGOING EVENTS - General Marlow Art & Craft Society 1st Thursday in month | 19:30 Marlow Bottom Village Hall Marlow Antique bric-a-brac fair 1st Saturday of the month at Liston Hall | 9:00 - 16:00 Marlow Museum Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays | 1pm to 5pm | www.marlowmuseum.org | Pound Lane - opposite the Leisure Club Marlow Camera Club every Tuesday | 19:45 - 20:00 | The Methodist Church Hall, Spittal Street, Marlow, SL7 3HJ Henley Photographic Club every Tuesday evening | 20:00 - 22:00 | YMCA Hall, off Waterman’s Road, Henley www.henleyphotoclub.com Stanley Spencer Gallery 2nd April - 1st November 2015 | 10:30 - 17:30 daily Speak Spanish in Beaconsfield, Beaconsfield High School Wednesdays | 19:30 | Suitable for all levels except beginners | Tony on 07947 508755 | anthony.mitchelmore@sky.com Maidenhead Camera Club every Tuesday, Cox Green Community Centre | 01628 630861 The East Berks RSPB Group monthly | 7.30pm to 9.30pm on Thursdays High Street Methodist Church Hall, Maidenhead www.eastberksrspb.org.uk Maidenhead Heritage Centre last Wednesday of the month | WRVS, Maidenhead | 780555 Colenorton Dragon Boat Club Sunday 10.00 - 12.30 | Bray Lake Water Sports, Maidenhead SL6 2EB | www.colenorton.co.uk South Bucks Walking Group Regular walks programme + club weekends, coach rambles, and other social walking events | Di Olden - 01494 714486 | www.southbuckshfwalkingclub.co.uk Cookham & Cookham Dean Horticultural Society last Wednesday of the month from January - May & September - November | 19:30 | Cookham Dean Village Hall | clairephillpot@btinternet.com Maidenhead National Trust second Thursday every month but August | 19:45 | Altwood School, Maidenhead | 01753 516502 Jazz Every Thursday | 20:30| Hedsor Social Club, Hedsor Rod, Bourne End, SL8 5ES | £6 Maidenhead Giant Car boot set up from 10am, gates open from noon, A4, exit junction 7 of M4. Sun 13th March until Sun 8th May – 07947 121 336 – www.giantcarboot.co.uk Henley & Goring Ramblers No need to book, just turn up, we are a friendly group and new walkers and non members are always welcome | www.ramblers-oxon.org.uk

ONGOING EVENTS - Markets

At time of print all dates are correct. For more information/ changes to schedules as listed or information please call Marlow Information Centre on 01628 483597 or Maidenhead Library on 01628 796969 or Henley Library on 01491 575278. To add an event: office@alongthethames.co.uk

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Maidenhead Produce Market 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month on Maidenhead High Street The Farmers Market 2nd Sunday of the month from 10:00, Grove Street Car Park Bourne End Country Market Small Hall 10 - 12, Every Friday Henley Farmers Market every 4th Thursday in Falaise Square, Henley, 8:30-14:00 Bourne End Community Market second Saturday of every month 10:00 - 13:00 in the Jackson Room of Bourne End Library. Transition Town Marlow last Saturday of every month | 9:30 - 13:00 | Liston Hall, Chapel St, Marlow | 07904 369829

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

Useful Numbers CLUBS: MAIDENHEAD Rotary Club of Maidenhead 632797 The Maidenhead Players 07879 476301 Maidenhead Drama Guild 635017 Maidenhead Operatic Society 671589 Maidenhead Musical Comedy Society 07813 979894 Grimm Players 820429 Maidenhead Concert Band 624514 Maidenhead Folk Club 448268 Tuesday Singers 629012 Athletics 522797 Maidenhead & Bray CC 07885 240209 North Maid enhead Cricket Club 624137 Rugby 629663 Hockey 622669 Desborough Bowls Club 629403 Rowing 622664 SportsAble 627690 Maidenhead Tennis 623785 Thames Valley Cycling Club 638984 East Berks Badminton 636283 Maidenhead Camera Club 630861 East Berkshire Ramblers 634561 Lions Club of Maidenhead 634333 Maidenhead Golf Club 624693 Five Aces Duplicate Bridge Club 625663 River Thames Society 624025 Belmont Badminton Club 638844 Scottish Dancing Club 628372 Stanley Spencer Gallery

471885

COOKHAM Tennis & Croquet 07968 173757 Line Dancing 486362 Petanque 417453 Cookham Bridge Rotary Club 07724 042708 Cookham & Bourne End Inner Wheel Club 07715 441713 Bourne End & Cookham Rotary 810967 HENLEY Rotary Club of Henley Bridge Henley Rowing Club Henley Players Henley Hawks Rugby Club Henley Cricket Club Lions Club of Henley Henley Bowling Club Henley Tennis Club Henley Hockey Club Henley Wednesday Bridge Club Henley Choral Society HADISC Badminton Club Henley Music School Henley Henley-on-Thames U3A

01491 628284 01491 573943 01491 636253 01491 574499 01491 577743 01491 576717 01491 579271 01491 572230 01491 576988 01491 573958 01491 576929 01491 577909 07989 396210 07901 674779

Living Along The Thames | JULY / AUGUST 2016

MARLOW Liston Hall 472558 Archaeology in Marlow 472126 Marlow Archaeological Society 523896 Bowls 485274 Boxing 01494 532826 Crafts 473872/473539 Football 483970 Hockey 521830 Plants (Orchids) 486640 Petanque 521783 Photography 483030 Rugby 483911/477054 Marlow Striders 475548 Four Seasons Club 474095 Tennis 483638 New Marlow Tennis Academy 488438 Rifle & Pistol Club 01494 676676 ALF (Longridge) 486595 Marlow & District Wine Society 483294 Marlow Society/History 476140 MOAS 07899 867757 Rotary Club 01494 530952 LETS 01494 523978 U3A 485220/488865 Community Choir 602581/661182 Railway Society 486433 Choral Society 472998 Marlow Orators 07738 540287 COUNCIL SERVICES MARLOW Bus Services 0871 2002233 Marlow Information centre 483597/481717 Library 0845 2303232 Town Council 484024 Neighbourhood Watch - Nic Martin 01895 837220 Wycombe Council 01494 461000 RBWM Bus Services 0871 2002233 CIS 507587 Council Tax 683850 Library - Cox Green 673942 Library - Holyport Container 796555 Library - Maidenhead 796969 Library - Cookham 526147 Recycling 796474 Town Hall 683800 Youth & Community Centre 685999 Thames Valley Adventure Playground 628599 HENLEY Henley Library Henley Town Council

01491 575278 01491 576982

BOURNE END Library 524814 Community Centre 527502

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