Living Along the Thames March/April 2018 by Living Along theThames

March / April 2018

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A Warm Welcome to our Spring Edition Goodness the year is already starting to fly by! As you read this the days are getting longer and brighter and before you know it the clocks will go forward and we’ll be, hopefully, getting closer to some warmer weather. I always love this time of year as the environment around us springs to life, our spirits are lifted, and everyone seems to walk around with a spring in their step and a smile on their face! This edition is all about spring in the garden, the latest accessories to jazz up your kitchen, the latest pantone colour, ultra violet, and how to use it in your home as well as in some of the latest fashion pieces. There are some fabulous articles on creating space in the home as well as the best way to use your walls to show-off all your art and photos. We feature interviews with Angela Rippon and Victoria Pendleton as well as a recipe from Head Chef, Chris Wheeler at Stoke Park and a chicken tray bake from Gordon Ramsey’s Ultimate Fit Food. There are some tips on brain boosting food as well as why you shouldn’t sit at your desk for too long. Does your dog have arthritis? Then head over to page 52 for some information on how you can manage the condition. Have you chosen your holiday destination for 2018? Look no further than page 54, where we feature Mauritius, which is celebrating its 50th year of Independence. We also have some tips on some of the financial pitfalls to avoid when booking your holiday. We have all our usual features, including both March & April Stars, motoring and of course, what’s going on locally. As always put up your feet, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy our latest edition.

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Serena Edwards Editor

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Living Along the Thames is hand delivered into 12,000 ABC1 homes every two months in Maidenhead, Marlow, Henley, Cookham & Bourne End, including High Streets. 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. Copyright © March/April 2018 Living Along the Thames 2018 ISSN 2398-9343

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Supplying & Installing Qualit y Log Cabins since 1982 Log Cabins, Summerhouses, Home Offices, Garages, Gazebos, Sheds and much more. Quality Garden Buildings are a family-run business and have been established in Berkshire for over 30 years. In addition to supplying your log cabin or summerhouse, we offer a full range of services including base preparation, electrical installation, water and drainage, and a FREE site survey. Based in Hare Hatch, Reading we have an extensive on-site display of sheds, log cabins, garden buildings and we offer FREE delivery. Quality Garden Buildings are authorised main dealers for Lugarde, Shedlands, Regency Garden Buildings and TGB sheds, and can supply their entire ranges of garden buildings. If you cannot find what you are looking for on our website you can download their brochures here - we would be more than happy to give you a FREE Quote. The sizes listed on this website are standard sizes but all of our Lugarde wooden buildings can be made bespoke for your garden and can be fitted with uPVC windows. We can also supply larger buildings for schools and other commercial purposes.

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Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

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Want Eye-Popping Clematis Blooms? Want flowers as big as saucers in late spring and early summer? Some clematis need pruning now for that to happen. Hannah Stephenson shows you how. Clematis are among the most stunning climbers, with flowers ranging from delicate bells to blousy show-stoppers. Those who want a dazzling display of large blooms will often opt for the large hybrids known as Group 2 clematis, which flower firstly in spring and early summer on shoots produced in the previous year, then in mid and late summer on new growth. Group 2 types include ‘Doctor Ruppel’, ‘Marie Boisselot’, ‘Miss Bateman’, ‘Barbara Jackman’, ‘Fireworks’,

Clematis Nelly Moser

‘Lasurstern’, ‘Nelly Moser’ and ‘Niobe’ - but there are many from which to choose, ranging in colour from white to the deepest purple. They are easy to prune, but you need to get your timings right so you don’t use this year’s flowers.

First year pruning Cut back all the stems in late winter to 30cm (12in) to encourage branching and more vigorous growth. Large flowered hybrids need pruning to give them the best chance of producing healthy blooms. You’ll need to remove any dead, diseased or spindly growth in late winter or early spring to produce a well-spaced framework, before new growth has started. Cut the stems back to a pair of healthy buds, which will bear flowers in the current season. Tie healthy stems with vigorous shoots on to trellis support and space them for maximum coverage.

Clematis Niobe

After the first flush of flowers in early summer, prune off the old flowers to

strong buds immediately below the old bloom, to encourage a second flush of flowers later in the summer.

Second year pruning In the second year pruning is less dramatic, as you can cut the stems back in late winter to 1m (40in) to encourage branching higher up the plant. For a long season of flowers, cut back some stems harder than others. The more gently pruned stems will flower on wood produced the previous year, while those pruned hard will flower later on new wood.

Third year pruning and beyond Cut back all stems to a strong plump pair of buds and remove any dead and weak stems. Mature plants should only need a light tidy up annually. You can even leave them unpruned and then hard prune them every three to four years in late winter, cutting them back to around 50cm (1.5ft) and retraining the new growth.

When to Prune your Fruit Trees Spring is nearly upon us and couldn’t come soon enough. By April time buds will start to appear on plants and trees and new growth will develop. Calibra Tree Surgeons advise that it is especially important to prune your Fruit Trees before the new growth begins. New growth is produced by the stored energy in the roots. If you remove the new growth before the tree has a chance to replenish the energy, it can weaken the tree. The pruning work should generally be carried out in February, March time as warmer temperatures in April may stimulate budding and tree growth. For more information please contact your local tree surgeon.

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

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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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Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Spring Flowers As our countryside emerges from cold dark winter days, our wildflowers awaken exploding into colour, to herald the days of spring. At this time of year longer warmer days are perfect for woodland spring flowers. Shelter provided by a wood means it’s warmer than the surrounding countryside. Giving wildflowers a good head start and as such they are some of the first to appear. Timing is everything. In a short few weeks, trees start to unfurl their leaf buds, plunging the woodland floor into darkness. Although their days in the sun, are limited, for many wildflowers it’s a perfect home. It’s no wonder many of our early spring flowers became firm favourites. With so little colour in early spring, their flowers stand out. That stand out colour was the reason we brought many of these plants into our gardens, providing a splash of colour, to an otherwise drab season. Bright is the order of the day. Bright flowers are an adaptation to try and attract what few flying insects are about, to enable pollination. It’s a strategy that fails most years; so many woodland wildflowers have to propagate and spread vegetatively. Without setting seed woodland plants spread very slowly. Seeing large numbers of plants, like the

yellow flowers of Celandine, Ficaria verna. Is a good indication of undisturbed old woodland. Celandine is one of the earliest plants to flower. The bright yellow flowers bathe the woodland floor with colour; a favourite plant of the poet William Wordsworth. He wrote three poems, celebrating the Celandine.

Primrose, (Primula vulgaris) needs no introduction. Its soft yellow flowers herald spring. “First rose” or prima rosa, now Primrose, is found in woodlands and gardens up and down the country. An interesting fact is that the 19th April is Primrose day. Queen Victoria, created Primrose day, to honour the passing of Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. Whose favourite flower was the Primrose. In Victorian times, many girls born on this day were named Primrose. Our favourite, is the Wood anemone, Anemone nemorosa. Part of the Buttercup family and a good indicator of mature woodland. The distinctive large white flowers are unmatched at this time of year.

You may have noticed; we’ve been using the common and Latin names. There’s a good reason for this. Many wildflowers have a different common name, depending where you come from. Wood anemones for instance, are known as Windflowers, Thimbleweed and Smelly fox. We believe Smelly fox is due to the musky smell of its leaves. Last on our short list, is the Bluebell, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, it may seem common. You hear “Oh, I’ve got Bluebells in my garden”, but most garden Bluebells are Spanish imports, not our native Bluebell. As the UK is home to about 50% of all the native Bluebells in the world, they are not difficult to find. They grow in mature woodlands, in vast numbers if undisturbed. Hopefully we’ve inspired you to visit a wood. How about Aldermoors Nature Reserve: www.wokingham.gov.uk/ countryside-parks-and-conservation/ country-parks/aldermoors-naturereserve/ or Bowdon woods: www.bbowt.org.uk/reserves/ bowdown-woods Get outdoors and enjoy our early spring wildflowers. Jacky & Mark Bloomfield

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

how to photograph BLUEBELLS

By Hugh Mothersole, National Trust volunteer photographer Bluebells in woodlands are one of the joys of spring, but they are not the easiest subject to photograph. The dappled light in woodlands presents a range of challenges.

When

Bluebells usually bloom from mid-April to mid-May, although this can vary according to spring weather. A lightly overcast day is ideal for photographing bluebells as this reduces the contrast problems you might experience on a sunny day. Taking shots around midday gives a more neutral light. Sun-dappled woodland floors that look great on a sunny day can present problems with contrast. Misty mornings can add atmosphere to your shots and shooting into a very low sun at the beginning or end of the day can give an interesting sunray effect. The effect of backlit flowers can also be very effective.

Avoid damaging the subject

Most bluebell woods have well-defined paths and it is important to avoid accidently damaging the plants with your camera equipment, or your feet. When plants are trampled, not only does this reduce the enjoyment of others, it also means that the bluebell bulbs can’t produce enough energy to survive and flower the following year, so they die. However, by shooting from a low angle it’s easy to create the illusion that a person is sitting or standing amongst the bluebells when they are actually out of harm’s way on a footpath. Look for bends in the paths or junctions if you want flowers in the foreground as well as behind your subject. Try using the footpath as part of your composition to lead the eye to your subject. A small child bending to smell the blooms on the edge of a path, or family group wandering along a winding footpath between carpets of bluebells, can make great compositions and they minimise the risk of damage to the plants.

Composition

When surrounded by a sea of blue flowers it’s easy to forget the need for a subject in your photograph. A winding path, a fallen log or the base of an interesting tree trunk can provide a focal point for your image but you might want to avoid areas of woodland floor with a lot of clutter, such as fallen branches and brambles. Alternatively, consider using a macro lens for detailed close-up shots of individual stems or flower heads. If it’s been raining, water drops on the flowers add interesting details and a sense of freshness.

Think about angle

Try a few shots taken with the camera or phone close to the ground at the level of the flower heads or even lower, looking up to make the flowers look larger than life. To capture the wider bluebell carpets, try shooting from about head height or just below. Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Where to see them

The old beech woodlands of the Chilterns are perfect for bluebells as they like undisturbed ground and dappled shade. You can enjoy a wilder experience in woodlands looked after by the National Trust at Bradenham (near West Wycombe) and Winter Hill Road woods by the old Brick and Tile works near Maidenhead. There are also popular bluebell woods at Cliveden, Hughenden, Greys Court and Nuffield Place (normal admission applies) where you’ll be able to get a cup of tea and slice of cake after your photography endeavours.

They Are Meghan Markle’s Preferred Blooms But How Easy Are Peonies To Grow In Your Own Garden? Pundits have been predicting that peonies may feature in Meghan Markle’s wedding bouquet, so enamoured is she with these saucer-sized romantic blooms. In the early days of dating Prince Harry, she posted a picture of a beautiful pink and white spray of peonies on Instagram, with the caption: ‘Swooning Over These. #London #peonies #spoiledrotten. You too could have peonies flowering in your garden come early summer, and some will be at their best around the time of the royal wedding in May. Their blousy blooms, in shades from deep red to white and everything in-between, add a touch of glamour to borders and, if you can bear it, you can cut them and bring them indoors.

How easy are they to grow?

Pretty easy, in the right conditions. The pot-grown peonies you find in garden centres can be planted at any time of year, while bare-rooted types are ideally planted in October. They prefer heavier soil in a sunny or slightly shaded spot, and add plenty of organic matter to the planting hole before you start. Don’t let them get waterlogged, though. Add horticultural grit if the soil is extremely heavy. Don’t plant them too deeply - the soil should just cover the topmost tuberous roots. Mulch them lightly in February or March with potash-rich wood ash to increase flower production. If you want huge flowers (but less of them), debud the sideshoots in April or May with a sharp knife.

Will they flower the first year?

You might be lucky, but peonies don’t like being moved or replanted, so it may take a year or two for them to settle in before flowering. If you are transplanting existing plants, do it in early autumn or spring, keeping the rootball as intact as possible.

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How long will the flowers last?

Any rules for cutting?

The flowers of herbaceous peonies are shortlived, lasting little more than a week or two, and if it rains they won’t last that long, as wet weather tends to make them flop, particularly the heavy, double flowered forms.

Indoor tips

That largely depends on the weather. Vast bowls of petals emerge from thick stalks above the pretty foliage in late spring and early summer, which will need supporting with a stake or frame to stop them falling over in the wind.

Any recommended varieties?

If you want huge pink fragrant double flowers, try Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sarah Bernhardt’, which is favoured by commercial cut flower producers. Familiar favourites include P. officinalis ‘Rubra Plena’, a deep red, frilly double cottage variety, or if you want a larger tree peony, growing up to 2.5m, consider P. ludlowii, which bears zingy yellow saucer-shaped flowers. For a longer flowering period go for ‘Bowl Of Beauty’, a Japanese type which flowers for almost twice as long as the others and has a fantastic fragrance, growing to around 90cm, so it will need staking.

Don’t cut stems in their first year of planting. Leave the plant to strengthen a bit and you’ll have more blooms to cut the following year. Always leave at least a third of the stems on each plant, which will help it gather strength and feed the root through summer and early autumn. Acclaimed floral designer Judith Blacklock, founder of The Judith Blacklock Flower School (judithblacklock.com) in London, explains: “You must cut peonies in bud but there must be some colour showing in the bud or it won’t open.” She recommends pairing peonies in arrangements with astrantia and Alchemilla mollis. Peonies are thirsty cut flowers, so fill up your vase every day with fresh water and they should last about a week. Snip off the base of the stems every couple of days to help them last a little longer. “Remove the lower foliage but don’t discard it as you can mass the leaves together and they will look gorgeous,” Blacklock adds. “The cooler the atmosphere inside, the longer the flowers will last.”

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Gordon Ramsayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ultimate Fit Food Tray-Baked Chicken With Butter Beans, Leeks and Spinach

Ingredients

Method

1 whole chicken, jointed, or 2 breasts, 2 thighs

1. Preheat the oven to 180 C/ gas 4. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

the stock. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom.

2. Place a large roasting tray on the hob to warm up and add the oil. Once hot, brown the chicken pieces on all sides until nicely coloured. Turn the chicken skin side up.

5. Turn off the heat and add the thyme sprigs, butter beans and spinach, nestling them between the chicken pieces. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and mix everything together, then put the tray into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Give the tray a stir occasionally to make sure everything is cooking evenly.

(Serves 4-6)

and 2 drumsticks, skin removed 1tbsp olive oil 1 head of garlic, cut in half horizontally 1 leek, trimmed, halved lengthways and sliced 200ml dry white wine 400ml chicken or vegetable stock 2 thyme sprigs 2 x 400g tins butter beans, drained and rinsed 250g baby spinach leaves Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

3. Add the garlic to the tray, cut side down, then add the leeks and stir around in the oil. 4. Pour in the white wine and allow to bubble for two minutes, then add

6. Remove the tray from the oven and leave to rest for five minutes before serving in warm shallow bowls.

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SIGNATURE COCKTAILS Astor Fizz sparkling wine, Belvoir elderflower £8

Bloody Nancy Chase English smoked vodka, tomato juice £8

Lightly Spiced Mixed Nuts(v) £4

Romanesco Dip (v) crudités £4

Bellini Prosecco extra dry, white peach nectar £8

SNACKS Crispy Fried Scallops lemon mayonnaise £7

SMALL PLATES Lightly Spiced Butternut Squash Soup (v) £8

Burrata red onion, anchovy, pine nuts, chilli £10

Prawn Cocktail lime, espelette £10

Cornish Mussels garlic & parsley, grilled sourdough £10

Orecchiette (v) parmesan, broccoli, pine nuts, radicchio £10/£14

Baked Gnocchi (v) red pepper, aubergine, pesto £10/£14

FROM THE GRILL Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich brioche bun, avocado, pickles, fries £16

Iberico Pork Cutlet £25 Lamb Chops £24 Rumpcap £22 10 oz. Ribeye £30 Chateaubriand to Share £75

The Astor Burger 8 oz. handmade beef pattie smoked raclette, house relish, spiced carrot slaw, fries £18

Béarnaise, Chimichurri, Peppercorn

Grilled Chicken Cobb baby gem, avocado, cucumber, tomato, organic egg £12/£18

Spiralised Courgette, Pumpkin, Bulgur Wheat & Green Harissa (v) £10/£16

SAUCES

Lobster & Fries garlic and herb butter, lemon £30 Halloumi Burger (v) portobello mushroom, rocket, kale & apple slaw, fries £18

SALADS Cliveden Superfood (v) spinach, broccoli, pomegranate, aged balsamic £10/£16

Chicory, Radish & Avocado, Pickled Mustard Seeds, Hazelnuts (v) £10/£16

FISH Grilled Seabass roasted artichokes, tartare sauce £18

Grilled Cornish Brill almond, caper, lemon, parsley £20

Baked Cod Fillet spiced tomato, spring onion, parsley £20

Fine Green Beans

Wood Fired Field Mushrooms with garlic, parsley, goat’s curd

Truffled Triple Cooked Chips

Sprouting Broccoli with lemon & seed granola

Sweet Potato Wedges

English Carrots pine nuts & parsley

Warm Date Pudding crème fraiche, caramel sauce

Rum Marinated Grilled Pineapple lime crème fraiche

Chocolate Ganache Oreo, honeycomb, salted caramel

Classic English Trifle white port jelly

SIDES £4.50

DESSERTS £9 British Cheeses Lincolnshire Poacher, Cerney Ash, Tornegus, Bath Blue, crackers, fig cake £11

If you require allergen information, please ask a member of our team. A discretionary service charge of 12.5% will be added to your bill. All prices are inclusive of VAT.

Cliveden House, Taplow, Berkshire, SL6 0JF Tel: 01628 607107 Reservations@clivedenhouse.co.uk www.clivedenhouse.co.uk

The Astor Grill Relaxed dining at Cliveden The Astor Grill offers an informal approach to dining at Cliveden under Executive Chef André Garrett featuring a mix of classic American and British dishes, reminiscent of Cliveden’s previous residents, the Astor family. They owned the house from the early 1900s. William Waldorf Astor, America’s richest citizen of his time, then gave the house to his son and daughter-in-law, Nancy Astor, in 1906, and Cliveden became a vibrant social hub of its time. The Grill is located in the charismatic old stable block, which once housed Lord Astor’s most prized horses and the equestrian theme has been maintained throughout the restaurant. The old stables have been retained and made into comfortable booths along with the original floors which have been brought up to their previous glory. Many of the features you see are listed and as such have been used very effectively in the décor. The Astor Grill is full of character offering a simple and informal approach to dining at Cliveden under Executive Chef André Garrett. Brunch is served from 9.30 - 11:30 and includes dishes such as crushed avocado with chilli on sourdough and a poached hen’s egg, buttermilk waffles with caramelized banana,

pecan and grilled bacon or chorizo eggs en Cocotte with rye soldiers. All can be enjoyed with a Bloody Nancy (a concoction of Chase English smoked vodka and tomato juice), a great start to the day. Why not start lunch or dinner with a signature bespoke cocktail such as the Astor Fizz, created from sparkling wine and Belvoir elderflower, while choosing from a selection of snacks, small plates, salads, fish and dishes from the grill. Starters consist of a variety of small plates or each of the salads can also be served as a starter size. The delicious small plates include, Cornish Mussels, Baked Gnocchi, Orecchiette or the classic Prawn Cocktail given a slight twist as it includes the flavour of espelette a dried chilli from southern France. The dishes from the grill include several classic cuts of steak along with a classic Chateaubriand to share or a decadent Lobster and Chips. For a more relaxed dinner you could choose from the Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich or The Astor Burger. If you are looking

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

for something a little lighter then there are several tempting fish dishes, including Grilled Cornish Brill, Baked Cod Fillet or Grilled Seabass. To finish off there are some delicious desserts including the decadent Chocolate Ganache a Warm Date Pudding, Marinated & Grilled Pineapple or perhaps some the English Cheeses. To go alongside the fabulous dishes on offer, Cliveden cellar has an extensive range of wines many served by the glass along with English craft beers and artisan ciders. The Astor Grill echoes the fascinating history of the House with its romantic setting legendary hospitality that Cliveden is famous for, it is the perfect place to escape to enjoy a late brunch, early lunch, or a relaxed supper. The Astor Grill is open for brunch then for lunch, 12pm to 2:30pm and dinner 6pm to 10pm. For reservations call 01628 607 107, or by email to reservations@clivedenhouse.co.uk.

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Bluff Your Way To Sounding Like A Wine Expert Are you an enthusiastic wine novice, but want to make your friends think you’re a fully-fledged expert? Of course you do - and it’s easier than you think! Here, Amelia Singer and Joe Fattorini, presenters of The Wine Show, decant some of their wine wisdom on buying, serving and tasting.

A soft drink can be your flavour guide

If you find Diet Coke is unpleasantly metallic, you are unlikely to like really big, full-bodied wines because your palette is really sensitive. You’ll tend to prefer lighter styles of red, like Boujele and a light-bodied Cotes du Rhone.

Make room for a magnum

Here’s how to feel like an oenologist - without having to bow to Bacchus, the Roman god of wine...

If you are going to buy two bottles of wine for a party, stop! Buy a magnum. It’s much more fun and the wine ages much more beautifully in it. So always buy magnums rather than two bottles.

Get the temperature right

Don’t put wine in the freezer

Contrary to popular belief, you should always put red wines in the fridge a little bit before you serve them, but take white wines out a little bit before serving them. Red wines are always a little bit too warm and white wines are always a little bit too cold, so just give them some time, the wrong way around.

Break the rules

Never ever think you can’t have red wine with fish or white wine with meat. It’s actually much more interesting to play around with the different flavours, such as condiments, spices, sauces and textures. You can balance out your pairings by mixing a spicy wine with a spicy dish, or you can contrast.

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If you need to quickly chill a wine, don’t put it in the freezer. What will chill it much faster is to put it in a little tub with water, ice and a bit of salt, and you just keep on swirling the bottle around. That will chill it down in just a few minutes.

Invest in stemware

Glasses do make a difference. It’s worth buying either Riedel or Zalto specialised wine glasses. The different shapes enhance the different stylistic features in a wine. For instance, a very light, elegant, Burgundy will be more bowl shaped. If you want to have a slightly oaked chardonnay, the glass will be more tulip shaped they enhance the perfume and evolution of the wine.

Tasting notes

If you ever have to describe a wine to somebody and why you like it, tell them a couple of fruit aromas and how it feel on the palette, is it big, small, rough, smooth? Finally say what you would do with it. Is it a party wine? Is it a food wine? Is it a celebration wine? Is it a show-off wine? Is it something just to watch the TV with on a Thursday night? Theses elements will give people all the information they need about a bottle of wine.

The bottle opener

Look at your corkscrew. What you want is a worm thread, which is a coil rather than a spike with a blade around it, because those will split old and delicate corks open.

Sam Wylie-Harris.

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Toast Of The Town 5 gold medal-winning wines

With awards season in full swing and stars descending on the red carpet, why not set the gold standard at home with a medal-winning wine?

1. Waitrose Brut Special Reserve Vintage 2005 France (£24.99) Every stylish party should start with a glass of champagne. A shimmering straw yellow with a toasty, nutty nose, it’s rich and fruit-forward, with ripe, lemony notes, a creamy edge to the firstclass fruit and impressive length on the finish.

2. KWV Mentors Grenache Blanc 2015 South Africa (£15.99, thesavanna.co.uk) A fine example of the grape’s potential, white grenache is usually found in a blend and widely grown in Southern France. But on its

own, it can make fantastically refreshing full-bodied whites such as this. Floral notes of honeysuckle and white peach with nuances of herbs are followed by a textured palate of baked apple, with a swirl of juicy pear and fresh acidity on the finish.

3. Yealands Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2017 New Zealand (£11.95, greatwesternwine.co.uk) A pungent style of sauvignon blanc, intense blackcurrant leaf and grassy aromas meet an elegant, polished palate of passion fruit and herbaceous flavours. The wine is shaped by specific vineyard parcels - one warmer site which lends the wine its expressive aromatics, and a cooler, coastal block gives the wine its minerally backbone and length.

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

4. Robert Oatley Signature Series Margaret River Chardonnay 2015 Australia (£9.99, The Co-operative) An exemplary Margaret River chardonnay in a bright and refreshing style, this well crafted mix of ripe peach, nectarine and green apple flavours is gently oaked, with a pure, minerally palate and subtle hints of spice and vanilla for complexity.

5. Rioja Reserva Imperial 2012 Spain (£22.99, Majestic) (Imperial/PA) Cited as one of the best Rioja reservas around, this is a rich, powerful red that deftly balances deep, plummy spice, toasty vanilla, tobacco and savoury mulberry fruit. Velvety smooth with a lengthy finish, it’s deliciously complex and deserves your best decanter.

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Method For the risotto: 1. Finely dice the shallot before sweating them in a warm saucepan with a little olive oil. Add in the risotto rice and season. 2. Add the white wine to the rice and then slowly add the warm mushroom stock. Keep stirring for approximately 20 minutes whilst adding a little more stock when needed until the risotto is just cooked. 3. Sauté the mixed wild mushrooms in a hot pan, seasoning them to taste. Add in ¾ of the mushrooms to the risotto, keeping behind ¼ for garnish at the end. 4. Check the seasoning before adding the grated parmesan and unsalted butter. Stir in. For the fillet of beef: Season the beef on both sides before you pan fry them in a little olive oil on both sides. Once sealed, place them in an oven at 180°c for approximately 6 minutes for medium rare, cooking longer for different preferences.

Brookfield Farm Roast Fillet of Beef with Wild Mushroom Risotto, Baby Turnips and Red Wine Jus

Ingredients 4 x 6oz fillet of beef steaks 12 baby turnips 12 baby cep mushrooms 200g risotto rice 1 litre of mushroom stock 250ml white wine 100g wild rocket 200g mixed wild mushrooms 1 shallot 150ml red wine jus 50g grated parmesan 20g unsalted butter 10g butter to season 5g sugar Olive oil Salt Pepper

Equipment 2 saucepans 3 frying pans Fryer or 1 deep frying pan Peeler Colander Paper towel Serves 4 Heat oven to 180°c

Drain and then toss them in a little butter and season to taste. For the cep mushrooms: Wash and pan fry the cep mushrooms in a little olive oil until soft. Season to taste. For the wild rocket: Deep fry the wild rocket in some fresh oil in a fryer (or a pan if you don’t have a fryer) for approximately 15 seconds until the rocket becomes crispy. Drain the excess oil on a paper towel and leave to cool. To serve: Place a spoonful of risotto in the middle of your plate and sit the beef on top. Add a little of the mixed wild mushrooms left for garnish on top of the beef.

Courtesy of Head Chef Chris Wheeler - Stoke Park

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For the baby turnips: Peel the baby turnips and place them in a saucepan with cold water, a little salt and the sugar. Bring to the boil and simmer for approximately 10 minutes until the baby turnips become soft.

Place three baby turnips and three cep mushrooms around the risotto before drizzling the red wine jus around and garnish with crispy wild rocket. Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Humphry’s 2 for 1 Offer To celebrate our Executive Chef Chris Wheeler’s 15th year at Stoke Park, we are delighted to announce our special Anniversary 2 for 1 offer in Humphry’s!* Your guest will be our guest as you will be able to enjoy a specially created Anniversary three course dinner menu for two for the price of one in our stunning 3 AA Rosette fine dining restaurant.

To book please call our Reservations Team on 01753 71 71 72. www.stokepark.com | Stoke Park, Park Road, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire SL2 4PG Terms and Conditions apply.

7 BRAIN-BOOSTING FOODS to fuel your work day

We all know that our brains need to be kept happy so they can run our bodies properly.

pasta, legumes, nuts and oats (carbs that release energy slowly) to keep your brain running consistently.

We’re told that having a balanced diet, eating breakfast, drinking plenty of water and exercising regularly are all key to keeping your brain and body in a happy state of equilibrium.

Oily fish

But there are some magical ingredients that can increase our chances of maintaining healthy cognitive function later in life, thanks to their brain-boosting combination of minerals and nutrients. Rob Hobson, a registered nutritionist and head of Healthspan Nutrition, gives us 7 of the best for getting more mental mileage.

Wholegrains

To focus, the central organ of our human nervous system requires glucose, which our body converts into energy in the blood. So how do we obtain it? Primarily, by breaking down carbohydrates, such as wholegrains. Hobson explains: “Wholegrains not only add essential nutrients to the diet, but they support the regulation of insulin and lessen the promotion of inflammation and oxidative stress that studies have shown may impair brain function.” Your brain is running a marathon, not a sprint, so opt for wholemeal bread, brown rice and

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Hobson explains, “Over half of the brain is made up of fat and about half of that is omega-3. The richest source of these fatty acids is derived from oily fish and they help to build brain and nerve cells, which are essential for memory and learning.” Oily fish can include salmon, sardines, trout, herring and mackerel. For vegetarians, omega-3 can be found in plant based foods such as flax seeds, chia seeds and soybeans, but not to the same quality or quantity as found in oily fish - so you may want to consider a supplement.

Eggs

Scrambled, fried, poached, boiled; served with spinach, sausages, baked beans or toasted soldiers to dip into your runny egg - the options are endless for an egg-based breakfast. As well as being delicious, Hobson notes that eggs contain a component called choline: “This micronutrient is used by the body to make acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate memory.”

Nuts

Nuts are packed with protein, fibre, vitamin E, magnesium, iron and monounsaturated fats. Experts suggest you plump for the wise walnut

and the astute almond, both packed with brain boosting goodness, with walnuts also being a valuable source of omega-3. They both contain vitamin E, which Hobson says can “shield cell membranes from free radical damage, which may help to slow mental decline.”

Pumpkin seeds Not only do pumpkin seeds contain the fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6, they’re also a rich source of magnesium and zinc. Zinc has many benefits to the body, including proper functioning of the immune and digestive systems, and it’s also linked to improved learning and memory in the brain.

Dark chocolate Dark chocolate, or particularly cocoa, contains antioxidant plant compounds called flavonoids, which Hobson says “gather in the areas of the brain that influence learning and memory.”

Blueberries Hobson notes, “These vibrant fruits contain anthocyanin’s, which act as antioxidants, protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation.” They are known as a super food and a good source of vitamin C , which is always desired in the brain headquarters.

Masie Richards Cottell.

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

5 things that sitting at a desk all day is doing to your health As new research finds that standing could help you lose weight, Lauren Taylor looks into just how bad excessive sitting is for our health.

you might suffer from lethargy. We also tend to eat faster when at our desks, which means the stomach doesn’t have enough time to send signals of fullness to the brain, causing us to overeat.”

Millions of us have sedentary jobs, often spending nine or 10 hours a day sitting hunched over a keyboard and staring at a screen.

This won’t come as a surprise, but we were designed to move and sit up straight. “Not many people will have their desk set up correctly with each component in the right position. Sitting in an awkward position for extended periods will contribute to back pain as tension builds up in different areas of your neck and back,” says chiropractor Rishi Loatey, from the British Chiropractic Association.

New research has found that substituting time spent sitting for standing six hours a day could help people lose 2.5kg over a year. The study, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, found that standing burned 0.15 kcal per minute more than sitting, and the effects were more pronounced in men than women. Standing desks are popular in offices in Sweden, Denmark and Germany, and it’s slowly catching on here. But is sitting down for long periods of time really that bad?

Sitting doesn’t use many muscles

A different number and volume of muscles are involved in sitting compared to standing. When we stand, more muscles are engaged and stretched to fight gravity and bear weight. GP Dr Clare Morrison from MedExpress says: “Sitting down for too long can lead to muscle atrophy in the leg and gluteal areas. Essentially, the body is ‘shutting down’ while sitting, and there is little muscle activity.

It could make you eat more than your body needs

It’s thought that excessive sitting causes the metabolism to slow down. Which Dr Morrison says “can affect the ability to regulate blood sugar and blood pressure. Dr Dimitrios Paschos, consultant psychiatrist at Re:Cognition Health, says: “You’re more likely to eat unhealthy food when you stay at your desk, which can not only affect health in the long term, but also impair your concentration later on in the afternoon, and

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Your posture is probably poor whenever you sit

“Ideally, you shouldn’t sit at your computer for more than 40 minutes. During this time you should sit correctly with your feet flat on the ground, bent knees and a downward slope from your hips to your knees. If using a laptop, it is a good idea to buy a normal keyboard and mouse to plug in, as this makes it much easier to use the laptop in a more ‘spine friendly manner’.”

Some organ functions are reduced

When we sit down, it’s probably not long before most people unintentionally find themselves in a slouch, hunched over the keyboard. “Did you know that leaning or hunching too much can affect your lung capacity by as much as 30%?” says Dr Morrison. “This means your heart and brain don’t receive as much oxygenated blood, and can lead to shortness of breath, clouded thinking and even heart and vascular disease.

Eyesight can be affected in the long-term

Long days staring at a computer screen followed by evenings and weekends staring at a TV or other devices like smartphones, means modern lives can involve a lot of screen time. Dr Morrison says: “The tiny muscles inside your eyeball can grow tired from focusing on a single point. In some cases you can no longer focus. Issues are typically short-lived, however, there’s some evidence that bright light can damage your retinas irreversibly.” While Kiely says: “Too much screen time can lead to a loss of peripheral vision later in life. We are evolved to be able to notice things on either side of us, but the more we focus on a screen, the less able we are to do this as we age.”

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Financial Planning Fundamentals for Women Take Control! Don’t rely on someone else, like a husband or partner, for your financial security. Educating yourself about money management and financial planning can give a real position of strength. Remember, Eighty percent of men die married, while 80 percent of women die single. Establish a financial to do list On average, women live longer and earn less than men. They are also more likely to be responsible for the household budget and so meeting competing financial needs is one of the biggest challenges for women. Within all this it can be easy to overlook the importance of saving for the future. Consider the timeline of when costs will need to be met, eg school fees, house purchases, retirement, etc. Budget! Spend less than you earn It’s the secret to creating wealth, and also frees up money to be used later in life or in emergencies. Build an emergency fund Without one, losing your job or incurring a large unexpected bill could force you to take on heavy credit card debt, a situation that can be difficult to move on from. Be involved in the decisions about your family’s finances Talk about money with your partner, and, just as importantly, with your children. Do you know what your spouse has in mind for retirement, and what your children’s needs and

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plans are? Women should have a real role in decisions about the future, including what happens if they find themselves facing the future on their own. Plan for Old Age Your financial plan needs to include your expectations about who will help care for you as you age and what financial resources you will have available for this. Statistically it will be the woman who will be facing this issue by herself at that stage in life. Talk to your parents It is important to understand their situation, their wishes, and any arrangements they may already have made. Legislation, tax considerations and planning opportunities are all subject to change. Do they understand how this will affect their plans, and the potential implications for their children and grandchildren? Do you understand what their wishes are and how this can affect you? Don’t let the fear of losing money, failure, or the unknown stop you from investing Financial security is often a high priority for women investors, leading to a conservative approach. Holding all your money in cash can actually leave you more financially vulnerable and could actually be a riskier strategy when planning for retirement in about 30 years. As we live longer there is a danger of outliving savings that don’t grow and keep pace with inflation. Funds could run out in later life. These investments do not include the same security of capital which is afforded with a deposit

account. You may get back less than the amount invested. Make a will The best laid plans and intentions can be undone if you have not formalised your wishes for after you die. The State will make decisions in some cases where no will is in place and this may not be in line with your wishes. Take Advice The financial planning landscape changes and opportunities to take control can be missed. There are a number of tax advantages available and simple planning decisions can make a big difference to your future standard of living. Protect the things that are precious to you What will happen to your family and your plans if you die, become ill, or lose your income? It’s vital to consider the ‘what ifs’ as part of your strategy. Being prepared for set-backs can help ensure that future plans can stay on track. What I Can Offer As a financial planner I can help you to identify your retirement goals, and then provide you with the planning to help you achieve them. Whether your goal is an early retirement, or to maintain your current lifestyle after you stop working, I can help you plan now in order to help make this possible. • Friendly, expert and up to date advice in plain English, pure and simple. I will be

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

This is a Financial Promotion

available to explain paperwork and to complete follow up actions. • Assessment of your Risk Profile is vital to ensure that your money is invested in the way you want it to be based on your experience, your needs, and your expectations.

• All charges are clear and transparent, with no charge for an hour’s initial meeting • Ongoing advice to ensure that your plans are on course and that any changes in your circumstances are considered.

Elaine Given BA (Hons) DipPFS elaine@orchardhouse.co.uk | 01491 412513 | 07718 908679 Elaine is an Independent Financial Adviser advising in Pensions, Investments, Family and Business Protection, Estate Planning and Later Life Planning. This article is for information only and must not be considered as financial advice Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

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Be Amazed at What you can Achieve! Part Time Adult Art Classes When was the last time you drew something, or picked up a paintbrush? Would you like to learn some new skills, spend three hours a week being creative and take some time just for yourself? ColourWheel art classes are a fun and inspiring place to learn how to paint and draw. Classes at our established venue, Norden Farm Arts Centre are held on Tuesdays and are a wonderful place to relax, make new friends and produce beautiful art. Classes are held in lovely venues, are fun and friendly and designed for both beginners and improvers. There are morning and afternoon classes to suit busy schedules. You receive tuition and guidance from our teacher allowing you to produce artwork using a variety of mediums over a 14 week period. We start with pencil drawing, setting the building blocks of skills for the course. We then work with charcoal, ink, pastels both soft and oil, watercolours

and acrylics. All art materials are supplied so you just have to bring yourself. The techniques of drawing and painting are taught and progressively practiced with subjects such as landscapes, still life, figure drawing and portrait. The last two weeks of the course students work on a personal project choosing a medium they have particularly enjoyed. Work is then exhibited in an evening of celebration to be shared with family and friends. Our classes are held at two local venues, Norden Farm Arts Centre and Windsor Racecourse and are immensely popular with over 85% of students choosing to return to do another course. I co-ordinate & host classes so the teacher can concentrate solely on what she does best, teaching you how to draw and paint.

Our next term starts on 8th May 2018. Why not come along and see our current class in action? Join us for a free lesson, you would be most welcome. Give Rene a call on 01753 340355 / 07799 606652 to arrange a visit.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have been sketching and painting on an irregular basis for about five years but had failed to progress from a basic level & was about to give up. A flyer came through the door and I noticed that the course provided all the materials & would teach many different mediums. I decided to give it a try and glad I did, the lectures are informative and we learn different techniques from Acrylic to Watercolour Including charcoal, markers & pencils to name just a few. Most of all itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fun being with a group of likeminded people who help each other. There is a chance to socialise during coffee breaks, last year there was a private exhibition of our work held at Norden Farm in the evening. We also enjoyed a lovely a Christmas lunch as a group at Gogos at Windsor Marina. In fact the only thing wrong with the course is that the 3 hours seem to pass too quickly! I regained my enthusiasm for art, and enjoyed it so much that I have now enrolled for my sixth term.â&#x20AC;? Jeff T, Maidenhead

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Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

AMAZED AM A MA AZED ZED

at what

YOU

CAN ACHIEVE E EVE

Are you ready for Spring? Angela Langford Rest & Regenerate £39 (30ml) www.angelalangford.com

Ted Baker Rose Pret Porcelain Body Washty Pearl Collection Body Souffl £8 | Body Lotion £8 Body Spray é £11 | Bubble Bath £1 £7 | Boots 2

Skyn – Iceland Oxygen infused night cream £49 www.marksandspencer.com

Isla Apothecary Blood Orange & Vanilla Sugar Scrub £23 (200gm) Coffee & Cinnamon Body Polish £23 (200gm) www.islaapothecary.com

Ayurvedic Urban Veda Tumeric & Botanicals Radiance Day Cream £18.99 9 Replenishing Night Cream £19.9 Boots

Scünci No Slip Grip Jaw Clips various styles and colours www.scunci.co.uk

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Saphira Mineral H ealing Mud Hair Treatm Available ent £30 (250ml) Selected Salons

Naturaline Swiss Cosmetics www.allcures.com

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Odylique Silk Touch Cleanser - £18 Timeless Rose Moisturiser £23 3 in 1 Mask £20 Coconut Candy Scrub £25 www.odylique.co.uk

ESPA Skin Brush £20 Energising Shower Gel £22 Energising Body Oil £3 www.espainternational.co.uk

Pure Collection Trio: Prickly Pear Serum’s Intense £89 (30ml) Intense nutrition to aid skin brightening Prickly Pear £72 (30ml) Refine & minimise the signs of ageing Revitalising £79 (30ml) improve skin elasticity for a youthful complexion www.thepurecollection.com

Sensse Beauty Eye Massager £29.99 | All in one device combining sonic high frequency vibration with red and blue LED light therapies to assist in reducing fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness and redness while stimulating collagen production Amazon

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Noughty Shampoo & Conditioners £6.99 | 9 variants incl: To the Rescue and Colour Bomb www.noughtyhairecare.co.uk

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how much perfume should you actually wear? Perfume: it’s such a personal thing. A fragrance that makes one person swoon might make another wrinkle up their nose in disgust - and finding your signature scent can takes years of spritzing and dismissing until love at first sniff takes hold. And while everyone wants to smell nice, you don’t want to be that person who swans around in a pungent, overpowering cloud, causing headaches and breathing difficulties whenever someone is forced to share a lift with you. Which begs the question: how much ‘eau’ should you actually wear?

Where on the body is it best to apply perfume? “Apply perfume to pulse points including wrists, knees, inside elbows, the nape of the neck and even above the hip bones. These are all places which are naturally warmer and heat intensifies scent,” says Cathy Newman, customer director at The Perfume Shop. “Another idea is to give a spritz of perfume to your dry hair so, as your hair moves throughout the day, you

add scent to your surroundings.” Rafael Trujillo, P&G

How many spritzes of perfume should you apply? “This is very much depending on the individual’s taste and also the type of fragrance they are wearing,” says Trujillo. “Some fragrances tend to be perceived as heavier, such as gourmand fragrances which consist of synthetic edible notes like vanilla or honey. One spritz may be enough apply too much of these and you may end up smelling like a candy shop!” Newman agrees: “Some perfumes contain notes which are naturally longer-lasting, such as patchouli, tuberose and coffee.” “This stands in contrast to light and sheer florals which became all the rage in the late Nineties and early 2000’s,” Trujillo says. “They allow for a few spritzes and can even be topped up throughout the day.”

How can you make a fragrance last longer? “To get the longevity out of a scent, the best thing to do is layer. Using

the body wash and lotion of the chosen perfume will help intensify the scent,” Newman says. “Fabric has the ability to hold a scent longer than our skin, and this should be the foundation layer in your scent regime,” says Truijllo. There are a couple of perfume no-no’s to be aware of as well, Newman warns: “There is a common misconception that when one sprays perfume onto the skin it should be rubbed in. This will not only bruise the scent, it will affect its longevity. The best way to apply perfume is to let it settle onto the skin, so patience is key - simply spray onto the pulse points and leave it to soak in.” How you store your scents is important too: “You wouldn’t store a delicious bowl of fruit in direct sunlight and the same goes for perfume,” she says. “Make sure perfume bottles are kept in a cool, dark place and out of direct sunlight to make sure they retain their beautiful fragrance.

Fragrances that won’t fade 3 long-lasting notes and where to find them Tuberose: Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eau de Parfum, £94.50 for 80ml, The Perfume Shop Patchouli: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection Extraordinaire Moonlight Patchouli Eau de Parfum, £113.40 for 75ml, Escentual Coffee: YSL Black Opium Eau de Parfum, £71 for 50ml, The Perfume Shop

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Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

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Miss Selfridge Pink Funnel Neck Knitted Jumper £15 Casey Cone Heel Ruche’d boots £22

Breath new life into tired outfits

Hush Puff Slee ve Swea t Top, £5 9

Evans Pink Eyelet Flute Sleeve Shirt, £28

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Dorothy Perkins Embellished Lilac Maxi Dress £50

Black and white, navy and gold, blue and tan... some colour combinations never go out of style. Inspired by the forthcoming spring/ summer designer collections, here are some eye-catching and unexpected colour combos to try now...

Lavender and green

Purple and green are found on opposing sides of the colour wheel, which is why they’re perfectly suited for a fash-clash, as seen on the Victoria Beckham, Gucci and Mulberry SS18 catwalks.

New Look Lilac Balloon Sleeve Jumper £24.99

The key here is to choose a pale lavender or lilac as the basis for your ensemble, adding a flash of emerald or mint green in the form of shoes or accessories.

River Island Green Patent Court Shoes £36

Pink and red

Accessorize Beaded Tassel and Ball Statement Earrings, £12

Much has been made of the advent of Millennial pink, a not-quite-baby, not-quiteBarbie shade of the rosy hue, but have you ever thought of teaming it with postbox-red? That’s what we saw on the catwalks at Miu Miu, Prada and Brandon Maxwell, where pink pieces were augmented with hints of scarlet to great effect.

Oasis Pink Jacket ,

£55

istress Little M8 4 £ , rt ki S

Oliver Bonas Happy Hearts Ribbed Jumper, £49.50

Oliver Bonas Jenni Soft Side Crossbody Bag, £39.50 (available April)

Salmon and yellow

Dorothy Perkins Pink Floral Pyjama Style Trousers, £26

Yellow was the biggest colour trend last summer, but this season it takes a backseat as salmon pink comes to the fore, the perfect foil for sunny accessories. Take your cue from the Roksanda catwalk, where floaty fabrics in pale coral were styled with bright-yellow bags. The warmth of ochre also meshes well with salmon. Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Miss Selfridge Petite Ochre Paper Bag Trousers, £35

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HOW TO WEAR ULTRA VIOLET TO WORK, THE GYM AND MORE Bring 2018’s coolest colour into your wardrobe. Move over milliennial pink, this year’s trendiest colour has been revealed by Pantone, but it’s not a million miles away from 2017’s ubiquitous rose-toned hue. Called Ultra Violet, it’s a blue-based purple that “takes our awareness and potential to a higher level,” according to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute.

Preen A/W 17 | London Fashion Show

Dresses

For full-on Ultra Violet immersion, try a feminine frock in the punchy purple, teamed with black tights and ankle boots for a cool daytime look. For special occasions, the hue works well with silver accessories, while a sequinned violet number is truly show-stopping - who doesn’t want to dress like a purple Quality Street after all?

“From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy, to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come,” Eiseman believes. We’re not sure about all that jazz, but it sure is a pretty shade of purple, and one you can incorporate into your wardrobe with ease.

Knits

A slouchy oversized jumper is a simple way to work Ultra Violet into your off-duty wardrobe, teamed with pale Eighties style denim. For work, add a mini kilt or leather skirt (this season’s biker mini is ideal) and velvet boots for a chic texture clash. Luisa Cerano Purple Cashmere Blend Sweater, £295, Angela Beer

Luisa Cerano Purple Fluid Crepe Dress, £345, Angela Beer

V by Very Stripe Sequin Dress, £65

Activewear

Is your gym kit looking a bit tired? Perk up your workouts with some purple. PrettyLittleThing Purple Long Sleeve Gym Top, £15 Topshop Juliette V-cut Purple Mules, £39 Lorna Jane Tranquility Core F/L Tight Leggings, £70

Shoes Simply Be Emma Embellished Heels, £21

Topshop Boutique Extreme Long Sleeve Knitted Jumper, £20

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If you’re not ready to take the purple plunge completely, take some Ultra Violet heels for a spin instead. Embellished sandals will give a LBD a new lease of life while metallic mules are just the ticket to take a trouser suit from office to evening.

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

DYING TO CHANGE YOUR HAIR COLOUR? Whether you want to go darker or are reaching for the bleach, here’s what you need to know before you take the plunge and remember getting back to your natural colour again, is far more complicated. “Any change in hair colour should have a thorough consultation with a professional, so we can manage your expectations and let you know what we think is achievable,” says Jack Howard, expert colourist at Paul Edmonds Salon London for L’Oreal Professionnel. “Many people don’t realise that getting to your perfect colour is a journey and cannot be achieved in one hair appointment - and definitely not in one at home box colour.” What would happen if you did decide to grab the first dye kit that takes your fancy and whack it on your barnet? “Be aware of mismatched roots, patchy colour, breakage, bad results... the list could go on!” Jack warns. “There are so many things that can go wrong with at-home hair colouring.” Try before you dye:

Your hair condition

“Condition is key,” Jack says. “If the hair is not great, we need to start working on the health before we start a colour-change journey. Nothing looks worse than unhealthy, damaged, broken hair.”

Colour upkeep

How’s it done in the salon? What to expect if your natural hair colour is... ...Black “Black to blonde, If your hair is black, you will need more than one appointment and we are definitely looking at a long journey to go blonde - you would need to think about being golden and copper part of the way through this service,” Jack explains, but it won’t be achievable in one appointment. “Black to red, as long as it’s natural, is pretty simple and I would recommend having this done in one salon visit. “Black to brunette, again, is not too difficult and should be done in one visit.”

...Brunette “Brunette to black or red is very simple - just one sitting appointment,” says Jack. But going blonde is a bit more complicated: “Brunette to blonde is all dependent on your shade of brunette and your required shade of blonde. This could be completed within one to two appointments.”

“For me, whenever considering a colour change, I advise clients of ongoing cost, upkeep and time commitment, so there’s a general overview of what it means to change your colour and keep your desired new shade,” Jack explains.

...Red

Your hair and skin colour

Going blonde, however, is, “much harder and depends on the shade of red you are and how blonde you want to be.”

This is one area where Jack isn’t so prescriptive: “There was a time when skin colour always came into the equation, but when people are looking at extreme changes, quite often it becomes statement hair and that doesn’t follow the same rules!”

“Red to brunette would be achievable in one appointment, as long as the customer is ok with being a warmer brown, rather than cooler tones,” Jack advises, while red to black in one sitting is, “simple - and you should end up being a sultry dark-haired customer.”

...Blonde “A natural blonde can be any of these shades as they are basically going darker, so a few expert rules and tricks, and a new colour is yours,” Jack explains.

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

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5 Storage solutions for a calm and stylish home

With creative fittings and a few good habits, any space can be streamlined and sorted. Who says storage can’t be stylish? For a sense of calm and control, Julie Carlson and Margot Guralnick, the authors of Remodelista - a new book packed with ultra-slick organisational tricks to deploy all over the house - also suggest embracing some ‘Daily Rituals’. For instance, studies suggest that people who make their bed every day are not only more rested than non-bed-makers, but happier, healthier and more successful. Opening your mail every day is another of their tips, to avoid that dreaded build-up of unsorted life admin that can weigh heavily on the mind (and clog up drawers!).

A Shaker-style entry A storage-lined open foyer is a great, versatile option for busy households. Taking inspiration from the Shaker use of peg rails to hang all manner of things, all you need to assemble your own version is a sliver of hall off your front or back door.

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Why it works: Pegs close to the entrance help ensure kids’ bags land in the right spot, designated coat pegs offera place for each family member, a Shaker-style hanging shelf provides a home for small items, a chalkboard marks daily reminders, and an Ikea Tjusig Bench (from £35, Ikea.com) doubles as a shoe rack.

The ultimate compact kitchen A small workspace can still make good use of open and closed storage: Cookware and dishware are concealed behind cabinet doors, and a clever storage rail keeps often-used tools close at hand but off the counter.

The instant cocktail party Let’s face it, you’re more likely to throw an impromptu drinks or dinner party when your tabletop elements are kept at the ready in one place. A kitchen or dining area drawer is especially handy for this kit, which comprises bar tools, corkscrew, bottle opener, jigger and mixing spoon; candles, tapers and tea lights, matches, ice bucket, glasses, serving trays, ready-for-the-table flatware in leather pockets, cloth napkins rolled into napkin rings. Tip: Store the items on trays so you can lift them out for quick delivery to the table - and then use trays for serving.

Why it works: Stacked dishware and decanted pantry goods maximise cabinet space, S hooks and metal clips hold kitchen scissors, coffee filters etc, trays anchor the counter, a small hanging basket holds utensils and a print adds an artful touch a small detail that makes a big difference.

A well-ordered wardrobe A fashionista’s dream - fitted with floor-to-ceiling storage, this space holds a wardrobe’s worth of clothing. Canvas bins, wire baskets, cardboard boxes and metal dividers - most from office and kitchen supply departments - make the shelf storage much more efficient.

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Why it works: Jumble-preventing bins and baskets create discreet storage zones on open shelves, piles of jeans, sweaters and T-shirts limited to six per stack, metal-rimmed paper key tags serve as labels on bins and baskets and allow for easy sorting, glass fronted drawers are a bespoke detail worth copying (they protect shoes while enabling you to see what you’ve got), and an industrial kitchen stool provides a place to put on shoes, drape clothes and reach high shelves.

An elegant all-in-one laundry cupboard This compact laundry has birch plywood shelves and drawers for all the essentials. There’s also room for general cleaning supplies, electronics and a fold-up ironing board tucked into the side, which can be hidden behind closed doors. Why it works: Laundry detergent is decanted and stored in a stainless steel dispenser, a galvanized metal bucket holds household cleaning supplies in a portable kit, laundry essentials are sorted by function in a

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

combination of shelves and drawers, and the hard-to-reach top shelf is put to good use as a home for Wi-Fi equipment. Tips extracted from Remodelista: The Organized Home by Julie Carlson and Margot Guralnick, £15.99.

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JAZZ UP YOUR

John Lewis Anthropologie Collection

kitchen counters for spring New-season kitchenware and accessories. Alessi Espresso Coffee Maker Pulcina Available in red and black, from £59.95 | Alessi.com Create a cafe society feel... Italian designer Michele De Lucchi has teamed up with Alessi to produce this cutting-edge coffee maker cast in shiny aluminium with a red or black finish.

Flamingo & Pineapple Nest of 3 Stacked Bowls

Anthropologie Sally Muir Dog-a-Day Dessert Plate

£55 | FenellaSmith.com With just the right measure of kitsch, we love these quirky measuring bowls, featuring pink flamingos, which (depending on your appetite) can double up and be used for breakfast cereal, soups and puds.

French Bulldog £14; Gilded Monogram Glass Tumbler, £14; Set of 6 Assorted Colours Latte Bowls, £24; Turquoise Old Havana Serving Bowl, £58, and matching Old Havana Pitcher, £38 | John Lewis If you’re pulled in all directions and can’t make up your mind on a colour code, try mixing and matching. There may be the odd clash, but eclectic is totally cool.

John Lewis Leon Collection Leon Terracotta Tagine - Red, £65; Wok Set, £40, and Granite and Oak Pestle and Mortar, £45 | John Lewis With the Chinese New Year celebrations kicking off, why not try blending the flavours of Oriental chicken tagine with ‘lucky foods’ such as noodles, to channel some happiness and longevity - with somesuper-stylish kit, of course.

Rory Dobner Beautiful Buildings Plates

John Lewis Leon Collection

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from £36-£66 each, RoryDobner.com The next best thing to a grand entrance, this monochrome plate is the perfect building block to illustrating your dream home. Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

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Act fast Ideally, you don’t want to leave spillages to soak in, taking quick action is usually the best bet. As soon as a spill occurs, take a kitchen roll or a clean towel to soak up as much of the excess spill as possible, and then consult your manufacturer’s care guide to treat the rest of the spillage. The aim is to absorb the excess liquid, so remember you only ever blot a stain or spillage by using a clean dry cloth and insuring its colour-fast such as cotton.” Simon Nicholson, ScS. Raid the kitchen cupboards For a carpet/rug red wine or coffee spillage you’re tackling yourself try a homemade remedy such as baking soda paste (mix three-parts baking soda with one-part water). Apply to the affected area and leave to dry and ‘suck’ up the offending spillage, then vacuum it up - hopefully lifting the stain in the process). Or try mixing a tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with a tablespoon of white vinegar and two cups of warm water. Then apply this to a clean cloth and repeatedly blot the stain, alternating with a separate dry cloth, until the stain lifts.

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Be careful about the products you use Make sure you check that any cleaning products you’re going to try are definitely suitable for your sofa/fabrics. If in doubt, call the manufacturer’s customer helpline, or pop into a specialist store to ask for advice. The same applies when using substances that might seem completely harmless, like water. “Many people think using water to clean their carpets will mean fresh, bright floors, but over time, the repeated wet cleaning can wash out wool’s natural waterproofing, resulting in the carpet acquiring a hard, crusty feel,”. “Water can also cause the carpet fibres to shrink and stretch and the dye to bleed, leaving a less-than-luxurious finish. Don’t use too much water and you’ll dry the carpet quicker, says Peter Hollier. Factor in some thorough deep-cleans To really keep carpets and rugs looking their best, the experts advise routine deep-cleans twice a year, or when required. We believe dry-cleaning is the best solution, with a powder-based cleaning agent that you sprinkle on the carpet, massage in and then vacuum away. It will ensure you achieve the desired results without damaging your carpet in the process”, says Hollier. Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

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Proudly designing, supplying and installing quality Fitted Kitchens, Bedrooms and Home Offices since 1984. We are a local family business based in Ashford, Middlesex & Farnham Common, Buckinghamshire. What we do We pride ourselves on offering a complete design and fully project managed installation service for kitchens, bedrooms and home offices, utilising high quality cabinetry from leading British manufacturers and a vast range of appliances, specialised worktops, glass splashbacks, flooring, tiles and lighting. We also offer kitchens on a supply only basis if required. Specialist installation Delivering and installing your kitchen, bedrom or home office should be timely, efficient and most importantly

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We pride ourselves on our customer service, and our teams friendly and professional approach.

stress-free for you. With this in mind, our highly experienced, professional installers and craftsmen will ensure that they are as efficient, tidy and timely as possible and that you are delighted with the end result. Our specialist installers have many years experience and can cover all aspects including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, gas, tiling, flooring and plastering. We are particularly proud of the quality of our fitters and their workmanship and of course all installations come complete with the relevant Part P Electrical or Gas Safety certification.

We make every effort to make things right from day one, so that you will be delighted with the end result. We welcome you to visit our showrooms where you can start your experience with us. There is always one of our helpful team on hand to show you around and give you more information. Ashford Kitchens & Interiors is at: The Parade, The Broadway, Farnham Common and 85, Church Road, Ashford, Middlesex. www.ashfordinteriors.co.uk info@ashfordinteriors.co.uk Ashford 01784 245964 or Farnham Common 01753 642362

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

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IN THE FRAME

how to create a wonderwall with pictures Display walls in your home are the perfect way to celebrate your loves (whether that’s photos of your nearest and dearest, pets, or travel memories and favourite prints that make you smile) and score some serious home-style points in the process. A well-curated display wall can turn a blank space into something that’s both visually striking and a talking point for curious guests, as well as sparking joy for you on a daily basis. Take time to find the ideal spot Give some thought to where your display wall is going to be. Remember, it doesn’t just have to be the living room or above the mantelpiece you’ve got your whole home to work with. “The image wall is such a ‘wow’ feature and can often take a lot of time to get right, so ensuring that you have the right. “Finding an unusual spot which can be ‘uncovered’, can often be just as ‘wow’ as being the focal point of a commonly used room.” says Amy Sanders, curator of home, prints and art at notonthehighstreet.com.

Personalised best friend framed print £45 notonthehighstreet

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Scour interiors blogs and social media for inspiration; a stairway, that disused spot on the landing, the space around your mirror in the hallway - explore the options.

Do some practice runs before you start knocking in nails and sticking on adhesive patches, do some dummy runs. “Play around with placements and positions before you start hanging. Get a large bit of floor space and use this as a faux wall to ensure you get the right layout,” suggests Sanders. “Do try multiple variations, and take pictures of your favourites to remember them.” Channel your inner interior stylist It’s your space, so your rules - spend some time thinking about the ‘look’ you’re after, but don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment. From minimalist and monochrome to marvellously mish-mash, whatever the vibe, the key thing to keep in mind is whether it ‘feels’ balanced, but this doesn’t have to mean perfect symmetry and matchy-matchy “Play with proportions and styles,” suggests Sanders. “This can be done both through the images themselves, as well as the frames - however, you want to ensure there’s a common theme which ties the wall together. This could be done through the image subject, palette or framing.”

Plot and prep Once you’ve decided on your frames and positioning, don’t just go guessing or ‘doing it by eye’ when it comes to affixing things to the wall. If you’re going to be drilling and/or banging in nails, or you’re attempting a full-scale gallery-style display wall which, let’s face it, you’d really prefer not to have to redo from scratch, then don’t skimp on this stage. At the very least, a tape measure, perhaps a spirit-level and pencil/ masking tape for marking out your guides, plus a second pair of hands and eyes if possible, will help. You’ll also, crucially, need to make sure the area is safe and suitable before you go drilling/hammering. There are nifty tools out there to make these tasks foolproof. The Bosch Quigo (shop.bosch-do-it.com) cleverly projects 100% straight horizontal and vertical laser lines onto your walls, while the Bosch Truvo (shop.bosch-do-it.com) can detect live cables and metal objects in walling, so you’ll know where’s safe to drill. And if you’re renting... If getting handy with the hammer’s likely to seriously dent your deposit, your options might be more limited, but you can still create displays you love. “Renters can often feel like they’re missing the personal touch of hanging up lots of photo frames, but it’s actually the perfect chance to get creative with your photos! Adorn your windowsills and bookcases with funky desk-standing

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

photo displays, plus add magnetic photo frames to your fridge,” says Rachel Escott, marketing and creative content manager at Red Candy (redcandy.co.uk). “There are some really effective temporary measures for decorating your wall with photos - such as pegging Polaroids to a piece of string,

attached to the wall with washi tape,” adds Escott. “And why not stick photos to your existing home accessories? For example, if you have a beautiful floor-length mirror, then you could decorate the edges with your favourite snaps.” Or space is severely limited... Just don’t have any expanses of wall

to work with? “With cosy rooms, it’s important not to distract from the room’s petite size with lots of decor, as it actually has the opposite effect. But it’s still important to keep a personal touch with your favourite photos on display - so stick to a couple of large statement pieces such as a large corkboard,” suggests Escott.

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Transform Your Home

with 2018’s trendiest colour - ultra violet

Mountains Mural in Vinyl £290 | Pixers

With the colour purple set to rule, Gabrielle Fagan asks three decor experts how to make best use of this daring shade. Surely one of the grandest hues on the colour wheel, with its associations with royalty, wizardry and luxury, purple is the hot shade for 2018. Ever since colour gurus Pantone announced Ultra Violet - their interpretation of the shade made from a combination of blue and red tones, there’s been a virtual avalanche of homeware and accessories in plummy shades. This powerful colour is definitely not for faint-hearted decoristas, or those who think daring is moving from white to a pale shade of grey. Even Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone’s executive director, describes Ultra Violet as a “dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade”.

interior designer and former judge on BBC’s The Great Interior Design Challenge, whose living room reflects her enthusiasm for purple. “It’s a real Marmite colour, people either love it or hate it, but I’m a purple lover. I adore its intensity and vibrancy. It’s a really uplifting, feel-good colour”. “My advice,” Sophie adds is “Don’t be tempted to simply paint a feature wall in Ultra Violet and leave it at that,” she urges. “Instead, keep walls neutral and let soft furnishings do the work for you.

5 row .9 Th 49 ca es £1 a p l m e A Ja rpl el Pu nab An

If you’re using florals, mix them with geometrics for a more interesting look and do something unexpected. “For me, a pop of neon colour for a cushion and candles lifted my living room scheme. The great thing about Ultra Violet is that it can hold its own

But used cleverly, it can look pretty as well as punchy - you just need to get the dose right!

Go full-on passion for purple “Ultra Violet has already sent shock waves through the interior design fraternity,” says Sophie Robinson,

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Balmoral 3 seater sofa | Heals

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Violet Prints £58 each | Pixers

other visceral and stimulating colours in your home in a Mondrian style. This will give your space a stylish edge because this is a heady cocktail of punkish rebellion and regal opulence. “Alternatively, intoxicating purple sits wonderfully with the popular grey, earthy tones which have dominated the interiors scene for so long. Alongside greys and ochre, purple tones are softened and can be seamlessly integrated to a pre-existing scheme,” Brian continues.

Arthouse Star Studded Stag Head £100

with a diverse range of colours. It can act as a dark foil for acid brights, a cool partner for hot hues, and a safe anchor for delicate pastels.”

Flirt with punchy purple accents “This exciting choice for Colour of the Year works brilliantly in many different ways, for all different interior schemes,” enthuses Brian Woulfe, founder and managing director, Designed By Woulfe.

Partner moody blues with purples “Purple’s long been associated with spirituality, mystery and contemplation, and Ultra Violet is no exception,” says Hannah Thistlethwaite, textiles buyer, Heal’s.

Junction Table Lamp in Copper Heals

“Finally, add a pendant light or a table lamp in soft copper to catch the light and add brightness to the overall look. So, while the psychedelic hue is certainly a statement, be bold, and you’ll reap the benefits of a space that is altogether other-worldly.”

Bedside Table £3 75 Out There Interi ors

“If you’re brave, go hard on block colours and mix this vibrant hue with

“Another way to introduce a softer version of Ultra Violet is to opt for cashmere or wool soft furnishings in this punchy tone, or use the shade for silk or satin piping for an on-trend trim for cushions, curtains or armchairs.”

“Inspired by the night sky, it’s full of possibilities. Pairing Ultra Violet with serene shades of blue could have an ethereal effect. For a luxurious take on the trend, I’d recommend sofas and armchairs in inky navy or midnight black, with amethyst cushions and throws to provide subtle pops of colour from the same palette,” Hannah adds.

Marble Velvet Cushion £95 | Heals

Essence Velvet Cushion in regal purple & Moss £34 | The French Bedroom Company

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

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Why boxing is the ultimate workout for your body and mind

Liz Connor finds out why this combat sport is a great way to sweat out your pent up aggression and punch up your workout routine. With the rise of boutique studios, and at-home workouts, boxing is quickly becoming the number one workout for honing a strong and toned fighter’s physique. Victoria’s Secret models swear by it. As an added bonus, you don’t have to worry about getting a black eye in the process, as many studios and classes are now geared towards non-contact fitness.

of the best forms of cardio to target the entire body and see results, fast. Popular HIIT-style boxing classes get you working to 60 and 90% of your maximum heart rate, and studies have shown this sweet spot can help burn fat more quickly and increase endurance.

Thinking of throwing some punches this winter? Hear are some pretty convincing reasons why you should strap on some gloves and step into the ring.

“I don’t think any muscle escapes,” says Anthony Fletcher, a boxing trainer at KXU. “It’s one of those workouts where there’s no isolation; when you throw a punch, you’re using your toes as much as you are your hips and your shoulders, so it’s impossible for your muscles not to work.”

It can strengthen your core

It’s great for mindfulness

If you’re looking to tone your abdominal muscles, crouching in a fighting stance is a fast and furious way to target your midsection and whittle away body fat. “Your core muscles are a vital link between the lower body and upper body and help transfer force during the punching actions” says Olu Adepitan, head of fitness at BXR London.

If you struggle with racing thoughts, boxing is great way to switch off the mind and knock out stress. “When you box, you’re aware of your own body because you have to get into a position that’s alien to you all day. If someone tells you to stand with one foot forward, one foot backwards and put your hands up, you’re suddenly forced to be very mindful of where your body is - how it looks and how it feels,” says Fletcher.

The good news is you don’t have to reach Mohammad Ali levels of greatness to reap the benefits, either. “Even beginner level boxers will get amazing core strength gain,” says Adepitan. “This is simply through having good punch technique and engaging the core muscles correctly.”

It’s a full-body workout Whether you’re looking to drop a dress size and/or get fit, boxing is one

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Punching away at a heavy bag is also a great way to get a feel-good rush of endorphins. “There’s lots of scientific evidence that training the cardio respiratory system is one of the most effective ways to improve your mental health,” agrees Adepitan. “Regular boxing can have a profoundly positive impact on issues like depression and anxiety, and it also relieves stress, improves memory,

helps you sleep better and boosts overall mood.”

It’s empowering Forget running or Pilates - boxing has the edge over its competitors because it’s considered one of the most effective forms of fitness for real life self-defence situations. “We’re not teaching our clients to go out and bash people’s heads in,” says Fletcher, “but a lot of my my female clients say they want to take up boxing to improve their self-confidence in situations where they might feel vulnerable or threatened.” He believes it’s also great for getting ahead in the workplace. “I have one client who owns three companies, and finds that her assertiveness in the boardroom when dealing with difficult characters and customers at work, is totally transformed after a morning of combat sports.”

It’s inexpensive One of the best things about boxing is that it can be a much cheaper alternative to other heart-pounding hobbies. “A pair of gloves can be as cheap as £20 and a pair of wraps can be £5,” says Fletcher, adding that many gym classes will often provide the equipment too. “Obviously there are more expensive gloves and collector items out there, but when you’re just starting out, it can be very inexpensive.”

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

health benefits of eating grapefruit Next Edition May/June 2018 Deadline 6th April While avocados continue to be all the rage on the breakfast scene, there’s another fruit thats deserves its time in the spotlight. It’s pink, it’s sour and looks a bit like an overgrown orange; we’re talking, of course, about the majestic grapefruit. Dubbed one of the Seven Wonders of Barbados, the underrated and understated grapefruit is one of the most nutritionally beneficial fruits around. They boost your immune system Constantly getting colds? You might want to head to the citrus fruits aisle. Grapefruits are packed with flu-busting vitamin C, which many of lack in our diets. Studies have found that maintaining good levels of vitamin C in the body can reduce the severity of cold symptoms. So, avoid the soft drinks and fill your cup with a grapefruit smoothie. They keep your skin healthy Not only are grapefruits high in vitamin C, they also pack a powerful vitamin A punch. These two wonder vitamins combined are the perfect formula for healthy skin. A grapefruit a day will provide the body with all important nutrients essential for clear, glowy and blemish-free skin. They can help reduce gum disease Studies have found that those suffering from gum disease greatly benefit from eating two grapefruits per day, as the fruit’s high levels of vitamin C. They can help lower cholesterol While doctors aren’t quite sure how grapefruits interact with cholesterol, studies have shown they can lower LDLs lower density lipoprotein or ‘bad cholesterol’. In particular, red grapefruits appear to lower cholesterol more effectively than their white counterparts. However, if you’re already on medication for cholesterol - or anything else for that matter - you may want to consult your doctor before adding grapefruit to your diet. They may help you lose weight It’s long been rumoured that grapefruit has a mythic quality that can help with weight loss. The most consistent theme is that eating grapefruit before a meal can kick-start your metabolism. While the legends of extreme weight loss results should be taken with a pinch of salt, a study has shown that eating half a grapefruit before a meal may actually help with appetite control. Will Reardon Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

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The Signs Of Stroke, and How To Reduce Your Risk Strokes might be something we tend to associate most with older generations, but new Public Health England (PHE) figures are painting a different story, and quite an alarming one. The average age of suffering a first stroke has declined fairly rapidly over the past decade, with over a third of first-time strokes now happening in people aged between 40-69. As a result, the Act FAST campaign has just been relaunched. “Strokes still claim thousands of lives each year, so the message of this campaign remains as relevant as ever,” says Steve Brine MP, parliamentary under secretary of state for public health and primary care. “The faster you act, the greater the chance of a good recovery.” Leading cause of disability Strokes are a very serious, life-threatening medical condition that happen when blood supply to part of the brain is cut off - either due to a blockage in an artery (ischaemic stroke), or a leaking or burst blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke).

When it comes to spotting the signs and getting help, time is crucial. No matter your age, experts stress that urgent medical action is always required, and the sooner a person receives treatment, the less damage is likely to happen. As PHE points out: “Around 1.9 million nerve cells in the brain are lost every minute that a stroke is left untreated, which can result in slurred speech and paralysis.” Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, in fact. The Stroke Association’s latest ‘State of the Nation’ report found that in the UK, almost two thirds (65%) of stroke survivors leave hospital with some degree of disability; around three-quarters have arm or leg weakness, while 60% have visual problems, and about half have difficulty swallowing and loss of bladder control, among other things. How to spot the signs A simple way to help people identify the most common warning signs. Face - has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile? Arms - can they raise both their arms and keep them there? Speech - is their speech slurred? Time - time to call 999 - essential Cut your risk of stroke with healthy lifestyle tweaks Thankfully, strokes are often preventable, whether you’ve never had a stroke or you’ve had one previously. Adopting some healthy lifestyle tweaks can make a significant difference to your long-term risk of suffering a stroke.

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Maintain a healthy weight and diet Research shows that being obese increases your chances of having a stroke related to a blood clot by 64%, so taking sensible steps to maintain a healthy weight range is important. Eat a balanced diet packed with plenty of fruit and veg and enjoy treats and high-fat foods in moderation. If you’re overweight, research has found that losing as little as 10 pounds can have a big impact on your risk. Quit smoking As well as being bad for your wallet and your lungs, smoking significantly increases your risk of stroke. This is because because cigarettes damage the lining of your arteries, increasing the chance of a blood clot and raising your blood pressure. In fact, studies have found that a smoker with high blood pressure is 15 times more likely to have a subarachnoid haemorrhage (which account for around one in every 20 strokes in the UK) than those who’ve never smoked. Cut down on booze Alcohol contributes to a number of conditions that can increase your risk of stroke, so it’s important not to drink more than the recommended limit on a regular basis. Official guidelines recommend no more than 14 units a week (drinkaware.co.uk) to be spread throughout the week - not all consumed at the weekend! A study published in the journal Stroke found that people who on average have more than two drinks a day have a 34% higher risk of stroke, compared to those whose daily average amounts to less than half a drink. Cut down on salt Too much salt is the biggest single cause of high blood pressure in the UK - and high blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke. Official guidelines suggest adults should consume no more than six grams of salt per day, because much of the salt we consume is ‘hidden’ in processed foods like sauces, bread, cereals and takeaways. So if you’re also sprinkling salt on your meals, you could be consuming way too much. Get plenty of exercise Going for a gentle daily jog or walk, or make more of your gym membership. Research from Stroke Association shows that regular, moderate exercise can reduce your risk of stroke by 27% - and every little helps. If you can manage it, aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, five or more times a week. Liz Connor

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Orthopaedic surgery when you need it With fast access to specialist orthopaedic treatment, we’ll make sure you don’t miss a thing. Our orthopaedic consultants provide treatment and surgery for all areas of the body including: • Back and neck • Foot and ankle • Hand and wrist • Hip and knee • Shoulder and elbow Open to all, you can get the treatment you need through your private medical insurance* or choose to pay for treatment with a fixed, all-inclusive price in advance**

01753 665 404 enquiries@spirethamesvalley.com Search ‘Spire Thames Valley’

Spire Thames Valley Hospital, Wexham Street, Wexham SL3 6NH * Please check with your insurance provider prior to proceeding with treatment. ** Finance options available, please see www.spirethamesvalley.com for more information.

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

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Victoria Pendleton Although now retired from the sport, former cycling Olympian Victoria Pendleton still enjoys going for a spin. She shares her favourite routes to cycle in the UK. If anyone knows a thing or two about cycling, it’s surely Victoria Pendleton. She triumphed in the sport and is one of Britain’s most successful female Olympians after winning sprint gold at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, and gold for the Keirin event at the 2012 London Olympic Games. By the time she retired in 2012, she’d also won nine gold medals at the World Championships. Victoria’s swapped one saddle for another by becoming an amateur jockey and horsewoman and nowadays she only cycles for pleasure. What are your favourite places to cycle? “There’s a lovely route in Oxfordshire, which goes from Woodstock through Glympton, Middle Barton and Nether Worton, to Barford and St Michael.” “I also love the Chilterns, South Buckinghamshire. It’s beautiful and hilly and full of horses, which are my passion since I retired from competitive cycling. “It’s so lovely just being able to ride my bike for fun, rather than

North Devon

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thinking about numbers, speed and performance. These days, I just cycle to and from the stables where I train my two horses, and occasionally Scott Gardner (Husband) and I like going out for a leisurely ride and taking pleasure in the countryside and views.” What cycle routes hold the most memories for you? “I went on so many routes with my dad, Max, who was a successful amateur cyclist and knew every country lane, village and bike track around the home counties. We went all over Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. Hertfordshire’s always been especially good for cycling and Ashwell, near Baldock, and the village of Steeple Morden, around five miles from Royston, are places I particularly remember.”

What other areas in Britain would you recommend for cycling? “North Devon is lovely, although it’s deceptively hard work there, because of the hills. I really enjoyed it because it was so different from home.

“I’ve always imagined cycling in Scotland amidst that spectacular scenery would be fantastic.” What are your favourite cycle routes abroad? “When I was in the British team, we trained a lot in Germany. It’s a massively underrated destination and I cycled through some lovely countryside and very idyllic places. I also enjoyed Munich, which is a very cycle-friendly city. “Denmark is another country with some great, safe cycle routes.” Where would you choose to cycle for your last ever ride? “Probably around where I grew up. I was born in Stotfold in Bedfordshire, close to the border with Hertfordshire. It was a great honour in 2007, when a two kilometre stretch of the National Cycle Network, which runs through that village to Arlesey, was named Pendleton Way. One of my earliest cycling memories is cycling there and it’s still lovely today.” Victoria Pendleton has developed a range of women’s bikes exclusively for Halfords (halfords.com) The Pendleton E-Somerby and Bayley.

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Angela Rippon The 73-year-old TV presenter tells Gabrielle Fagan how she’s defied ageist TV bosses and aims to age ‘dis-gracefully’. Funny, feisty and fearless, Angela Rippon is one of British television’s most familiar faces. At the age of 31, she became the first female news anchor on the BBC, and has hosted shows including Top Gear, Children In Need and the original Come Dancing. Bosses at the BBC famously told Rippon that, at the age of 50, her career on TV was over and that she should move aside for ‘younger women’. But now, at the age of 73, Rippon is arguably in her peak; she’s glamorous, vivacious and still working on new projects. Currently filming the 10th series of Rip Off Britain, as well working on several TV health documentaries, we discover her secrets for defying age, being a successful woman in television and what’s got her through the tough times... How do you look after your health? “My job requires me to be as bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at the beginning of the day as the end, so I try to take care of myself. I have to be careful with my diet after I suffered serious food poisoning 30 years ago, and I’m lactose intolerant. “I took part in a documentary called How To Stay Young and it was surprising to discover that - while I didn’t have any external fat - I had a high level of visceral fat around my liver, which can lead to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Because of this, I’m on complex carbohydrate, high-fibre Inulin, which has reduced and controlled it.” What does your exercise routine look like? “I play tennis at least once a week, even though a severe riding accident

years ago (where I broke both wrists) means that my right hand is slightly out of alignment to my wrist - so I can’t actually hit the ball straight! “I love dancing. When I was young, I even considered making it my career - it’s great for tone and balance. I’m an ambassador for the Royal Academy of Dance Silver Swans ballet classes for the over-55s, and I regularly go to their classes. I stretch for 10 minutes every morning, which has been my routine for all of my life, and I don’t smoke or drink.”

‘I’m not defined by my scars, but by the incredible ability to heal’ How do you feel about ageing? “There used to be a view that people should grow old gracefully, retire from public life and sit in a rocking chair and crochet blankets for their knees; I was never going to do that. Age isn’t important to me, because in my head, I feel in my 30s. “I have the unique privilege that people still ask me to work and I travel to places and meet people that most would give their right arm to do. It’s never occurred to me to retire. I’m not conventional and I still love trying new things. That’s what I mean by ‘ageing dis-gracefully’.” What keeps you motivated? “Being busy and working on programmes that inform people, as well as helping charities and people in other ways. I’m fronting a TalkTalk campaign aimed at rooting out nuisance and scam calls. They can seriously frighten and upset elderly people particularly, making them

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

reluctant to answer the phone, not to mention swindling them.” What’s your guilty pleasure? “I’m a shoe fetishist! I can’t pass a shoe shop without going in. I’ve got everything from flats to trainers and stilettos, to what I call, ‘silly bits of nonsense’. I see a pair I like and I say, ‘Come to mummy’. I’m also a fan of leather and suede trousers, because they’re stylish, comfortable and warm in cold weather. I always dress to please myself and give the fashion police - who try to dictate what you can and cannot wear - short shrift.” What’s got you through the tough times? “I’m a pragmatist who tries to accept that there are really tough times you can’t do anything about, so you just have to learn from them and not make the same mistakes again. I really relate to poet Lemn Sissay, who said in a recent episode of Radio Four’s Desert Island Discs, ‘I’m not defined by my scars, but by the incredible ability to heal’. That’s a fabulous attitude to have in life. It’s something I’ve always tried to follow.” What’s been your biggest achievement? “Surviving 51 years in television... and still being in it! People like myself, Gloria Hunniford, Sue Lawley, Anna Ford, Joan Bakewell and Sue MacGregor certainly cracked the glass ceiling and paved the way for women to come through. Now, so many younger women are doing a brilliant job working in front of the camera and behind it. What’s great is that there’s also room for women like me, who’ve been around for a few years and have a certain amount of credibility too.” For more information on TalkTalk and the launch of CallSafe visit: TalkTalk.co.uk/aboutcallsafe

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Your Stars for March 2018

March moves the mystical sign of Pisces to the forefront. Whether you are a Pisces or not you too can connect with the collective stream of creative imagination and bring your visions to fulfilment. This is particularly relevant during the first week of the month as no less than five planets occupy this intuitive sign. It’s all change after the 6th as Mercury and Venus move into dynamic Aries when achieving your own positive goals becomes a reality. Mars, the warrior planet, moves into level headed and down-to-earth Capricorn on the 18th, bringing a much welcome boost of practical energy. Health reviews and lifestyle change are also on the cards, better nutrition and fitness regimes will both help to improve your drive and vitality, so that you can make the most of the change in season after the Spring Equinox on the 20th. There are two full moons this month – the first in Virgo on the 2nd and the second in Libra on the last day of the month. The new moon falls in Pisces on the 17th. ARIES March 21 - April 20 March is an introspective month for usually extrovert and passionate Aries. Normally fiery and dynamic, this month you will need to step back, take stock and reflect. You should feel the energy shift as Mercury and Venus move into your sign around the 7th, as they both bring an abundance of creative energy.

LEO July 23 - August 23 This month puts your financial dealings, legacies and resources firmly into the spotlight; you may question if everything is as it should be as a review looks more than likely. Dynamic Mars leaps into down-toearth Capricorn on the 18th, bringing your health and wellbeing into focus.

SAGITTARIUS November 23 - December 21 This month turns your attention to your home and family. The concentrated energy of five planets in your domestic area leave you no choice as you feel compelled to improve or even extend your accommodation. The heat is on as Mercury and Venus arrive in Aries around the 7th.

TAURUS April 21 - May 21 Venus, your ruler, is in soft and dreamy Pisces for the first week of March, opening up opportunities for social activity, new friends, and even a new romance. The energy shifts on the 7th as fiery Aries energy begins to build. The new moon in Pisces on the 17th brings an opportunity your way.

VIRGO August 24 - September 22 March looks all set to bring your undivided attention to your personal relationships. With the planetary emphasis in Pisces you’ll need to examine your feelings and beliefs. It’s important to consider what may no longer be working for you; the new moon on the 17th may give you the courage to change things.

CAPRICORN December 22 - January 20 March brings a reassessment of your life and career goals as five planets highlight the communication and learning sector of your chart. The powerful new moon on the 17th moves you to broaden your intellectual horizons. Open your mind to inspiration and develop faith and gratitude.

GEMINI May 22 - June 21 March gets off to a good start with five planets occupying the most pivotal point of your chart. Career expansion, particularly on a creative level is at its best as your goals and ambitions continue to be favoured. The Pisces new moon on the 17th is particularly rewarding.

LIBRA September 23 - October 23 March highlights your work, your health and your daily routines. Look for the chance to reschedule and reorganise workday responsibilities so that you get more time and space for own personal interests. Your ruler and four other planets in Pisces allow you to be more patient with yourself.

AQUARIUS January 21 - February 18 March beams the spotlight on financial arrangements and new and creative ways to expand your income. It’s all change as Mercury and Venus both move into energetic Aries around the 7th; you could well discover a real talent that will become the foundation of future abundance.

CANCER June 22 - July 22 Five planets in mystical Pisces open up your need to go out and broaden your horizons on all levels. Intuition and creativity are both favoured and the new moon on the 17th is pivotal as you begin feel a restored sense of courage and confidence to reach for what you want.

SCORPIO October 24 - November 22 March brings a dramatic shift to your personal energy as creative and innovative ideas come to the surface. After the 7th Mercury and Venus in Aries ensure that your self-esteem is an all-time high giving you the courage to take risks in areas you wouldn’t normally consider.

PISCES February 19 - March 20 Happy birthday Pisces! Five planets in your sign are pointing to the fact that this is likely to be your best month ever! Prepare your creative insights and focus on your goals and ambitions. The powerful new moon in your sign on the 17th brings deeper understanding to many areas of your life.

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Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Your Stars for April 2018

Mars, the planet of courage and enterprise, starts the month in alignment with stern Saturn; reaffirming that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perfect time to be more grounded and cultivate patience and persistence. Mars connects with transformational Pluto on the 26th, this is a dynamic combination of energies that must be handled with extreme caution. Globally we may see some very challenging events as both these powerful forces come together in the sky. Venus, the planet of love and romance, starts the month in sensual Taurus, enjoy this excellent placement for injecting more passion into new or long-standing relationships. Venus enters playful Gemini on the 25th bringing perfect opportunities to improve your social life, meet others and link up with like-minded people. Mercury moves out of the retrograde period around the 15th , a welcome release as communications and transactions begin to flow more smoothly. An energy boost arrives with the new moon in Aries on the 18th. ARIES March 21 - April 20 Your ruler, dynamic Mars, joins Saturn in practical Capricorn, shining the light on your career and your ambition. Your earning ability is ripe for change so take advantage of an opportunity to meet new people who can influence your progress. The full moon on the 30th illuminates a breakthrough.

LEO July 23 - August 23 Retrograde Mars in Aries may have held you back over the last few weeks, but after the 15th the winds of change arrive. A much higher profile leads you to being in the right place at the right time, particularly as energetic Mars is busy in your work sector all month.

SAGITTARIUS November 23 - December 21 Money matters and new ways of earning your living are important this month. Mars and Saturn, both in practical Capricorn can turn dreams into reality, providing that you build firm foundations. Your love life looks exciting, especially around the Sun Uranus Conjunction on the 18th.

TAURUS April 21 - May 21 Venus, your ruler, sheds her bountiful light on your sign until the 25th. This should have you feeling at your most confident as this is your cue to shift gear and turn up the pace. The transformational Scorpio full moon on the 30th brings interesting relationship opportunities your way.

VIRGO August 24 - September 22 Mercury, your ruling planet, moves forward again on the 15th revitalising your mind and bringing clarity on financial issues. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good time to capitalise on professional matters as people around you will be very receptive to your plans. The new moon in Aries brings an energy boost.

CAPRICORN December 22 - January 20 This is a potent month for Capricorns as Mars, Saturn and Pluto align themselves in your sign. This combination can give you great courage and desire to overcome any habit patterns that no longer serve you. Difficulties should start to ease as Mercury goes direct after the 15th.

LIBRA September 23 - October 23 Home and family move into the spotlight during April as Mars, Saturn and Pluto highlight the domestic sector of your chart. Some important and lasting decisions may need to be made, be sure to proceed with caution. Venus in Taurus ensures that finances are positive.

AQUARIUS January 21 - February 18 This month bodes well for successful communication and transactions, particularly after the 15th when Mercury goes direct and the new moon gives you an energy boost enabling some major shifts to take place. Venus shines on your home and family life until the 24th.

SCORPIO October 24 - November 22 Jupiter in your sign continues to give you some long term help in building your trust and your self-confidence. Communication is highlighted this month as you look at new ways to connect with friends and family. The dynamic Aries new moon on the 16th brings an exciting opportunity your way.

PISCES February 19 - March 20 Finances are improving this month as the combination of the Sun and Mercury indicate some new insight. A breakthrough arrives with the Aries new moon on the 16th. Venus shines a positive light in Taurus and shows you ways to earn through your own creativity.

GEMINI May 22 - June 21 Finances and assets loom large during April as a reassessment becomes necessary and you take stock and review your options. As Mercury your ruler turns direct on the 15th things start to flow again and the powerful new moon in dynamic Aries on the 16th brings courage and confidence to the surface again. CANCER June 22 - July 22 Relationship matters are in the spotlight as three planets occupy this sector of your chart. Proceed with caution as dynamic Mars and transformational Pluto go head to head around the 25th. Abundant Jupiter shines a helpful light, empowering you to live your life the way you want to.

NAVIGATE YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS

with in-depth knowledge and cosmic awareness. How can you turn 2018 into your best year ever? Consultations are available in person, by telephone or Skype. Book now for a revealing personal astrology consultation. Inspirational Astrologer and Life Coach, Christine@restyleyourlife.co.uk | Telephone: 07813 483549 | www.restyleyourlife.co.uk

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Management of arthritis in dogs Arthritis is a major cause of premature euthanasia in dogs, but with correct management, a dog with the condition can live well for many years. Arthritis is an umbrella term used to describe joint inflammation and can be the result of wear and tear in older dogs or brought on by poor formation of, or injury to joints. Hence, the way arthritis affects individual dogs is very broad. Arthritis (osteoarthritis – OA) is the most common cause of chronic pain in dogs. It affects 4 out of 5 older dogs. It is a disabling, non-curable, and progressive disease which initially focuses on moving joints, but eventually affects the whole dog. It is a major cause of euthanasia due to loss of quality of life. However, there are many things that can be done to keep your dog fit and mobile with the condition. A diagnosis should not be accepted as a death sentence, but nor should it be accepted as an inevitable part of your dog getting older that you are powerless to influence. A few changes can make a huge difference. Keep your dogs weight at an appropriate level. Excess weight puts strain on joints, increasing pain levels. Use food dispensers that extend the time over which your dog is eating to increase the period of enjoyment. Shorten walks, but consider increasing the number to maintain your dog’s fitness. Hydrotherapy is an excellent way to help maintain fitness without loading joints. Don’t keep doing the same strenuous activities because the dog enjoys it, as you are not doing

www.bigdogbedcompany.co.uk

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them any favours. Consider learning canine massage to increase blood flow which will help reduce joint inflammation and the associated pain. This also gives you time with your dog that does not involve exercise. Place the dog on a stable cushion to do this, rather than the hard floor. Avoid stairs and steps. Don’t let your dog toil upstairs to share your bedroom. Jumping on and off beds and sofas puts huge strain on their compromised joint and will accelerate their deterioration. Consider installing a ramp if accessing the house involves even just a few steps. Likewise, adopt ways of getting them in and out of the car that avoid them jumping. Tiled and laminate floors present a significant challenge to dogs with arthritis, making it difficult to stand up and move through the house. Nervousness about moving on slippery surfaces creates muscular tension across your dog’s body and increases pain. Use rugs on primary routes through the house and link these to their bed as well as to outside doors, and to food and water bowls. Beds should provide weight appropriate support and provide a stable surfacing for standing on. Avoid beds with a lip at the front which presents a trip hazard. Loose covers or extra blankets should be avoided for the same reason. Getting your dog a decent bed will help delay the onset of arthritis.

Many people try dietary supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, but the evidence for the benefits of these substances is lacking, both in humans and dogs. Omega 3 essential fatty acids reduce the release of several elements that play a part in inflammation from white blood cells so can help reduce the pain associated with joint inflammation. Anti-inflammatory medications, known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are frequently used by vets to manage this condition and can offer a dramatic improvement in mobility and quality of life. There are many licenced drugs available that come in different formulations and are given in different ways and generally they are very well tolerated. Environmental changes should be employed first, before resorting to medication and may be found to be sufficiently effective to avoid the need to go down the medication route until much later. The Canine Arthritis Management Foundation offers free advice to dog owners looking for ways to manage their dog’s arthritis. A huge wealth of information on strategies to adopt can be found at their websites www.cam-foundation.co.uk/ www.caninearthritis.co.uk Dru Ross

• Waterproof • Antibacterial • Hardwearing • Comfortable Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

T IME T O S T E P OF F T H AT T RE A DMIL L With so many demands from work, home and family, there never seem to be enough hours in the day for you. Why not press pause once in a while, curl up with your favourite magazine and put a little oasis of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in your day.

To find out more about Press Pause, visit;

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Mauritius Island with Le Morne Brabant Mountain in the background

Mauritius

There’s a big 50th birthday in Mauritius this year and it’s a party you won’t want to miss 2018 marks 50 years of independence for the island. Georgia Humphreys visits the newly-renovated grande dame property One&Only Le Saint Geran, to find out what’s in store. Exploring Mauritius’ history-steeped sugar industry, Shakti, our bubbly tour guide, sprinkles sticky, molasses-rich sugar into my hand. “Here, try this,” she says, between stories of how this relatively tiny 790-square mile island became one of the world’s most important producers of the sweet stuff, with the industry peaking in the mid-1800s. But while it was once dotted with sugar factories, warehouses and

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mills, today, only a few remain. “Sugar cane farmers have had to diversify,” Shakti continues, explaining how shifts in demand and markets, along with the island being granted independence in 1968, following 150 years of British rule, triggered some major changes. Many farmers now operate high-end luxury resorts and golf courses, or have switched to niche markets, like rum and coffee.

A time to celebrate

This year marks 50 years of independence for Mauritius, and there’s a whole host of events in the pipeline, with tourism at the heart of the celebrations. “When we got independence, nobody was really betting anything on Mauritius, saying, ‘Oh, they’re going to just collapse because there’s no industry here except for sugar’,” says Shakti proudly. “So we showed that, no, we could find ways.”

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

One&Only Le Saint Geran, opened in 1975 and an hour’s drive from the airport, was the first luxury hotel to be built on the island. The hotel is set on a secluded peninsula at the northern tip of the renowned Belle Mare coastline, with views across the water in every direction; it feels as if the hotel has been set adrift on a private island. Many of the staff have been here almost since the start, including Preetham, who’s held various roles at the hotel for 42 years. Over coffee, he tells me about the famous names who’ve passed through the hotel’s doorways over the years - John Travolta, Prince William, Chris de Burgh. “The best was when we had the Gipsy Kings playing here for five days,” he says. “All the guests were watching and dancing.” Preethma has seen it - the casino that used to attract throngs, guests turning from kids to adults as families return year after year, and visitors sobbing at the end of stays because they don’t want to leave.

Port Louis, Mauritius

Rum, and flavours of guava and banana, fits the mood perfectly. Then there’s the new Asian tapas restaurant Tapasake, which has a chilled-out beach bar feel, with its waterside DJ booth and a jetty perfect for pre-dinner cocktails. Water is a central feature at the resort, so it’s only fitting the boathouse was given an update too. Overlooking the calm lagoon, it’s stacked with watersports gadgets,

such as the Hobie Mirage Eclipse pedal board, which I can’t wait to try. A bit like a cross trainer on water, I find it a lot less wobbly than stand-up paddle boarding, but it’s still an invigorating workout. There are now padel courts (a racquet sport that’s a bit simpler than tennis) and interconnecting rooms signalling the resort’s move towards a more family-friendly environment.

Exciting developments ahead The hotel, which still reigns as the most iconic place to stay on the island, is ready to embark on a new chapter, following a nine-month and £41-million renovation. Guests started returning earlier this month, but the grand reopening is set for March 12, Independence Day. “We will feel emotional, because the hotel is helping the country to celebrate,” says Preetham.

What’s new? On the tip of the resort’s peninsula is all-day restaurant La Pointe, where guests can dine with the sand of Palm Grove beach beneath their feet. I settle on the lagoon-view deck to enjoy a sundowner, watching a pink glow set over the sugar cane-covered Coin de Mire mountain. The Island Daiquiri, made with local Green Island Light

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Lagoon St Géran

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Aerial view of ‘The One & Only’ St. Géran

A luxurious nod to history One of the hotel’s new experiences is their Feel Like Royalty cruise on board the Lady Elizabeth, a beautiful vintage vessel built in honour of Queen Elizabeth II (who was sovereign of Mauritius from 1968-1992). For a cool £3,535, five guests get champagne, a picnic lunch, a private masseuse and butler, plus the skipper will stop off at the best spots for snorkelling. Aside from these treats, chugging down the coast gives me a taste of life beyond Le Saint Geran. We see dozens of local kids having swimming lessons in the shallows of one beach, while further along fishermen, waist-high in the warm water, wave to us from behind their rods. Being out on the ocean also makes you realise how much Mauritius has embraced tourism; while Le Saint Geran remains without any neighbours in view, other stretches of sand are clogged with hotels.

three-hour foodie tour of capital Port Louis (£393 for two people; mymoris.mu) is anything to go by, visitors will be in for a treat. The tour takes us from the sugar factories of Port Louis to some of the island’s best street food spots. At an unnamed restaurant on Royal Road, our introduction to Chinatown, an area of the city undergoing massive change, we sit on red plastic chairs in a tiny corridor leading off from the street, as owner, Mrs Wong, serves up the most incredible boulette - a special kind of dumpling that’s denser and chewier than dim sum. Although once a buzzing district, many shops here are now shut and boarded up. A lot of the younger members of families who settled here when Mauritius and China were under English rule have emigrated en masse to migrant-friendly countries such as Canada, explains Shakti. It’s feared the trend will continue, but Mauritius’ cosmopolitan mix of

cultures (Chinese, Indian, African and European), remains strong.

High hopes for the future Staff at Le Saint Geran are not only proud of the different people who make up their country, but of how tourism has become such a central part of their culture and lives. The hotel has become their second home; concierge Burty tells me 15 members of his family are working here. But when it comes to the future, they have one important wish. “We don’t want mass tourism,” says restaurant manager, Joy. “When you come here on holiday, you are relaxed and you feel at home.” As I take a final sunset dip at the tip of the peninsula, with no one else in sight, I’ve no doubt this sense of peace and calm will always remain at Le Saint Geran.

What’s happening on the rest of the island? Independence Day has been declared a national holiday, and there are plans for parades, traditional dance and music, light shows and performances. “There’ll be celebrations from day to night,” Shakti says with a grin. Whatever happens, there’ll be plenty of food - and if Shakti’s

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Pool at La Pointe bar and restaurant Carrier (carrier.co.uk) offers 7 nights at One&Only Le Saint Geran, Mauritius from £2,155pp (two sharing) - saving up to £730 per couple - including breakfast, flights from London Gatwick with Emirates and private transfers. Offer valid for travel April 29 - September 30, 2018 (Price based on departures June 11, 2018). For further information, visit oneandonlyresorts.com

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Financial Pitfalls To Avoid WHEN BOOKING YOUR 2018 HOLIDAYS

Many of you will be thinking about planning getaways to bring a ray of sunshine to the gloom of the winter months. Don’t rule out destinations where your money may go further Travel money expert FairFX says currency shouldn’t be an after thought - choosing a destination with a better exchange rate could spell savings when it comes to forking out for accommodation, shopping and dining out. FairFX suggests looking at where the pound has performed well over the long-run to find destinations where your travel budget could go further. It says sterling has fared particularly well against currencies in Argentina, Nicaragua and Costa Rica over the past year, for example. Destinations such as Sri Lanka, Laos, Indonesia and Hong Kong are also generally offering UK travellers better value compared with a year ago. Ian Strafford-Taylor, chief executive of FairFX, says: “If the Brexit trade talks have some positive momentum in 2018, then we may see sterling improve against the euro. Don’t forget to plan how you buy your currency “Regardless of your holiday destination, make sure that when you want to buy currency, you get the very biggest bang for your buck,” Ian adds. “This includes considering exchange rates

before you book, tracking rates so you buy when they’re at their strongest, as well as avoiding travel money traps, such as buying currency at the airports and being hit with credit and debit card fees.” Don’t be rushed into booking a deal without checking out whether it really is a ‘bargain’ Some holiday ads may boast special ‘limited-time offers’, which could encourage you to snap up what they are offering without checking whether you could be getting a better deal. But consumer group Which? says that while tight deadlines, emotive language and countdowns may rush us into making a decision, it might not turn out to be the right one. Rory Boland, Which? travel editor, says: “Compare prices with other holiday companies and travel agents to check savings are genuine.” Don’t risk it by travelling without insurance Travelling abroad uninsured can cost thousands if a trip goes wrong. According to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), nearly three-quarters (72%) of people aged over-55 plan to travel abroad in 2018 and half (50%) of these have a pre-existing medical condition. A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides access to state medical care in the European Economic Area - but does not cover

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

other costs, such as bringing the patient back to the UK, or additional accommodation costs in-country. The FCO says holidaymakers should research the appropriate travel insurance options and make sure they give a detailed and accuratemedical history to insurers. Don’t assume you’re covered by your insurance Just because you have some form of insurance, don’t just assume it will cover your particular trip without checking. Research from financial information business Defaqto shows that the level of protection for cruise holidays, for example, varies considerably. Only 58% out of single trip policies, and 61% of annual policies it researched cover cruise holidays as standard. Brian Brown, head of insight at Defaqto, says: “Today’s modern cruise ships cater for every taste with celebrity speakers, specialist classes such as gourmet cooking and wine tasting, as well as traditional sight-seeing. Yet a cruise holiday is very different to a holiday on the shore and has very different risks.” Don’t forget to pack your insurer’s contact details When you go away, make sure you take note of your insurer’s emergency phone number. That way, if something happens, you can call your insurer first for help.

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how to drive more efficiently We all look for new ways to save money on our motoring. Whether that’s shopping for the best deal when purchasing a car, haggling insurance providers for the best quote, or even scouting out cheaper fuel to save a few pounds on a full tank.

Prepare Your Car Before A Journey

Check your tyre pressures first, as under-inflated tyres can lead to more rolling resistance and ultimately a higher fuel consumption. If your car has a roof rack or box, and you don’t need it for a particular journey, removing it reduces drag allowing for brisker acceleration. Planning your route on longer journeys can also save you time and fuel as routes that consist of motorways and major A-roads often mean you can stay at a constant speed for a good portion of a trip, resulting in better fuel economy. Most modern sat-nav systems have settings for eco-focused routes, too.

Gentle Acceleration And Braking

The easiest way to be a more efficient driver is to be gentle under acceleration and braking. Earlier anticipation of traffic can also help you avoid late braking, allowing you to carry on momentum and avoid burning more fuel on otherwise unnecessary acceleration.

Turn Off Unused Electronics

Switching off electronics you don’t need to use reduces battery consumption, which in turn puts less stress on the engine. Instead of using air-conditioning around town, consider opening a window to let in fresh air rather than use more juice - although at higher-speed driving, open windows create more drag and air-con is the more efficient option. Switch off heated rear windows if you vision is clear too, and turn your headlights down in brighter conditions.

Stick To The Speed Limit

Sticking to the speed limit is not only law, but also much more efficient too. Over longer distances, you would see a much lower MPG figure travelling at 80mph than you would 70mph. Those extra few miles covered could cost you a load more in fill-ups, so think wisely next you decide to push the limits.

Avoid Driving When Possible

Just popping to the shops down the road? Short journeys cumulatively consume a lot of fuel, so for quick trips out, you’d save more money in the long run by walking or biking.

VEHICLE SERVICING REPAIRS & MOTs Tel: 01628 850 000 • • • • • •

www.mavs.co.uk

General car repairs and maintenance Free courtesy car available Tyres, exhausts and batteries supplied and fitted Latest diagnostic equipment for all makes of vehicle Air conditioning service available 35 years experience Alexander House, Wessex Industrial Estate, Bourne End email: info@mavs.co.uk

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Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Aston Martin vanquish s volante

What is it? The Vanquish S could just be the last car Aston Martin produces that features a naturally-aspirated V12 engine under the bonnet. What’s new? More power from its mighty 6.0-litre V12, a new carbon-fibre front splitter and diffuser and a restyled quad-exhaust system, too. Beneath the skin, Aston’s engineers have fettled the suspension, to improve the super-GT’s poise through the corners. What’s under the bonnet? The 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 develops a considerable 592bhp, with peak torque standing at 630Nm. Now, fuel economy from a car with a whopping great V12 under the bonnet is never going to be amazing, but compared with rivals such as the Bentley Continental GT convertible and Ferrari California T, the Aston’s claimed 21.6mpg is roughly par for the course. What’s it like to drive? There’s a certain sense of occasion that comes from getting behind the wheel of the Vanquish S Volante. Slide down

into the cosseting leather seat, pop the overly-designed glass key into the ignition, and the V12 engine barks into life. It offers keener drivers an exhilarating drive thanks to its wonderfully balanced chassis, compliant dampers and well-weighted steering. How does it look? A long, elegant bonnet flows down to an aggressive front end, which is accentuated by a racy new carbon-fibre splitter. At the back, a similarly sporty looking carbon-fibre diffuser has been added, while a new quad exhaust design hints at the Vanquish S’s increased performance.

It’s a stunning-looking thing, and certainly one that attracts attention out on the road. What’s it like inside? The cabin is Aston’s biggest let down. There’s plenty of leather and everything has been stitched together by hand, but you can’t help but think it looks rather dated - and even

a bit haphazard in places. Then there’s the infotainment system, which looks practically prehistoric next to those found in the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GT C Cabriolet and Audi R8 Spyder. What’s the spec like? Aston Martin has leather upholstery, 20-inch alloy wheels, plenty of carbon fibre and a premium Bang & Olufsen 13-speaker sound system. With the big 6.0-litre V12 under the bonnet, though, running costs are going to be pretty steep. Aston Martin quotes a combined fuel consumption figure of 21.6mpg, while CO2 emissions stand at a steep 298g/km. Verdict Aston Martin’s Vanquish S Volante is great fun on a windy road, but it’s let down by a cabin that doesn’t feel anywhere near as high-quality as its price tag would suggest. It has those drop-dead gorgeous looks, is comfortable at low speed, and highly entertaining on a challenging road. Simon Davis

FACTS A TAG Price: £2 LANCE Engine: 6 11,950 .0-l Power (b itre V12 h Torque (N p): 592 m): 63 Max spe ed (mph 0 0-60mph ): 197 : 3.5 MPG Emission : 21.6 s (g/km): 298 Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

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Coffee Break Across 1. Three R.A.F. squadrons achieve victory by the end of the blitzkrieg (4) 8.

Where one finds time to describe the alert sentry (2,3,5)

Suitable way for a circular tour (4-4)

10. Play without a drink (4) 12. They’re blooming big fiddles! (6) 14. So near to analysing logical thought (6) 15. Threat from one who provides capital cover (6) 17. Bits of mixed spice round the East (6)

Down 2. Scare a close friend when I’d intervened (10) 3.

Medal struck before dinner (4)

They sharpen athletic functions up (6)

Compassionate nurse (6)

Pontoon-bridge provides two examples of this (4-4)

False modesty is endless (4)

11. Teenager making a fuss over the French perfume (10)

13. Scholars retail it differently (8) 16. Put in the oven again when you see her coming back to have a meal (6)

18. A noble look (4)

17. It is instilled into the staff to be courteous (6)

19. Fail to give full support to the footballer! (4-4)

18. This kind of clay is a water carrier (4)

21. As a man of letters, the teacher is after a job (10)

20. Bay tree’s outside (4)

22. In the park I tested a toy (4)

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Down: 2 Intimidate; 3 Gong; 4 Strops; 5 Tender; 6 Card-game; 7 Sham; 11 Adolescent; 13 Literati; 16 Reheat; 17 Polite; 18 Pipe; 20 Bark. Across: 1 Wing; 8 On the watch; 9 Ring-road; 10 Dram; 12 Violas; 14 Reason; 15 Hatter; 17 Pieces; 18 Peer; 19 Half-back; 21 Postmaster; 22 Kite.

Explore Wycombe District . . . Best of Marlow

For inspiration and ideas on great days out in Marlow visit: www.wycombe.gov.uk/tourism or www.visitbuckinghamshire.org or in person call into the visitor information service at Marlow Library

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Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Marlow’s local Radio Station Marlow FM

Established in 2007, Marlow FM has been broadcasting on FM since 2011. For one of the smallest community radio stations in the UK, we can boast the largest number of live presented hours of radio each week; an average of 96 hours. The station is run entirely by unpaid volunteers who live or work in or around Marlow and in the vast majority had no previous radio experience. We encourage local people to get involved to have their voices heard and to acquire new skills and we currently have over one hundred volunteers. Marlow FM is governed by exactly the same OfCOM regulations as any other radio station and we aim to provide just as professional a service to our listeners, focusing on local issues and events, but offering a diverse range of entertaining programmes covering most musical genres and stimulating conversation with a constant flow of fascinating guests including many celebs. If you’ve yet to tune in, take a

look at our schedule and ‘cherry pick’ a few shows that catch your eye and give them a listen. We believe there’s something for everyone who enjoys the company of a radio station that is run by people who are passionate about the medium and care about the output. Marlow FM is a not for profit limited company and is self-funded. Around 300,000 people live within our transmission area, as does the

largest number of regular radio listeners, so if you’re in business the potential customers and clients you want to reach out to are probably amongst our listeners. We undertake various fundraising initiatives, but we are always grateful for the generosity of sponsors and supporters who gift or donate money. Should you wish to get involved, advertise or donate you can do so via our web site – www.marlowfm.co.uk.

“Winter, spring, summer or fall all you have to do is call and we’ll be there.” You’ve got a friend.”

Studio T: 01628 488975 Studio Txt: 07900 975 975 E: studio@marlowfm.co.uk

Living AlongAd The02-2018.indd Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018 MFM Living 1

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22/2/18 08:49:26

Diary Dates March Every weekend from 24 Feb – 15 Apr: ‘Game of Clues – Murder Mystery’ a new year, a new victim, a new killer. Following last year’s crime caper, we’ve written a brand new outdoor mystery game for you and your family to solve for ages 8+, 10:00-15:00, £5 per group, at Cliveden. Now – 21 Apr: ‘All Aboard’, Railway Exhibition Maidenhead Heritage Centre, Tues from 10:00-16:00 10 – 18: ‘Henley Youth Festival’ Various locations around Henley | www.hyf.org.uk 11: ‘The Royal Opera House’ At Cliveden House Hotel, from 18:30 for champagne and dinner while enjoying highlights of Opera sung by the young stars from Jette Parker young artists programme at the Royal Opera House Tickets members £140, non-members £150 www.clivedenhouse.co.uk 12: Boutique Cinema ‘The Death of Stalin’ Clayton’s Oxford Road, sit back on a comfy leather sofa and watch a film on our big screen screening starts at 20:00 – 01628 448404.

15: The Four Seasons Talk by Alan Copeland ‘Picture Show N05’ at Liston Hall, 14:30. 15: Marlow Archaeology Society ‘Mapledurham Mill’ Speaker Corry Starling, Miller of Mapledurham Mill at Liston Hall, 20:00: www.marlowarchaeology.org 17: Rotary Club of Marlow Charity Youth Concert by Orchestras & Choir of the Chiltern Music Academy, All Saints Church, Marlow, 19:30, Adults £12, Under 18’s £6, tickets from Marlow Library, Proceeds donated to the Chiltern Music Academy. 17: ‘NGS Spring Talk & Walk at Compton Elms’ Near Maidenhead. Admission £10 dogs welcome on leads | 01628 634334 18: ‘Wedding Showcase At Stoke Park | 10:30 - 15:00 | 01753 717188 weddings@stokepark.com

12:’Elizabeth House talk: Hello & Welcome - Jim Rosenthal’ Arrive 18:30 for 19:00 | Tickets £17.50 stephaniediggon@hotmail.com 13: ‘Marlow Fire Station Open Evening’ Come along and see what it takes to be an ‘on call’ firefighter for your local community, come and meet the crew who will be happy to answer any questions you may have, no qualifications or experience needed, all training will be provided – 19:30-21:30. 13: The Four Seasons ‘London Museum Day Trip’ For more details call | 01628 486596.

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Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

19: Boutique Cinema ‘Goodbye Christopher Robin’ Clayton’s, Oxford Road, sit back on a comfy leather sofa and watch a film on our big screen, screening starts 20:00 – 01628 448404. 21: ‘NGS Spring Talk & Walk at Compton Elms’ Near Maidenhead. Booking recommended. Admission £10, dogs welcome on leads : 01628 634334 22-24: Marlow Players Presents ‘Curtain Up On Murder’, The Shelley Theatre, Marlow, 20:00, Tickets £12 from Marlow Library: www.marlowplayers.org.uk 22: Archaeology in Marlow Presents ‘Adventures in Experimental Archaeology ’with Dr Jennifer Foster, 20.00, Garden Room, Liston Hall, Marlow SL7 1DD. Members of AIM & MAS £3.00, non-members £4.50. 24: ‘The Great British Dog Walk’ At Culden Faw Estate, Henley-on-Thames, walk starts at 11:00, £12 adults (on-line £10) children free, in aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People www.greatbritishdogwalk.org 26: Boutique Cinema ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ Clayton’s, Oxford Road, sit back on a comfy leather sofa, and watch a film on our big screen, screening starts 20:00 – 01628 448404. 27: Inaugural Meeting of Bourne End & District U3A New U3A group for retired and semi-retired people; join with others to set up interest groups. 14:00 at the Community Centre, Wakefield Road, Bourne End SL8 5SX | u3abourneend@gmail.com 27: ‘Revancha Wine Dinner’, With Tatiana Sielecky from 19:00, Cliveden House & Spa, Taplow, Berks, SL6 0JF: www.clivedenhouse.co.uk 29: ‘Behind the Scenes Manor Tour’ At Hughenden Manor, 45 minute tour, £4 plus admission, 11:00-11:45 – 0344 249 1895. 30+31: ‘Horrible Histories – Best of Barmy Britain’, Magnet Leisure Centre, Pearce Suite Theatre, 14:00 and 19:00 | 01628 685316 www.leisurecentre.com/pearcesuitetheatre

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

30 Mar – 02 Apr: ‘Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt’ Go on a hunt for giant eggs around the gardens at Hughenden Manor and receive a chocolate prize. There’s two versions, one for the little ones and one for the older ones, £3 plus normal admission, 10:00-16:00 – 01494 755573. 30 Mar – 15 Apr: ‘Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt’ Go on a hunt for giant eggs around the gardens at Cliveden and receive a chocolate prize. There’s two versions, one for the little ones and one for the older ones, £3 plus normal admission, 10:00-15:30 – cliveden@nationaltrust.org.uk 31: Food and Crafts Pop-Up Market Clayton’s Marlow, 16 Oxford Road, 10:00-3:00

April 03: ‘Rebellion Brewery Open Night’ 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! 03-15: ‘Rusty Rabbit’s Activity Trail’ Hop along with Rusty around the gardens completing activities along the way, at Hughenden Manor, 10:00-17:00 for 2-10 years, free event but normal admission applies – 01494 755573. 08 - 27: ‘Bluebell Walk’ Enjoy a walk among the bluebells every day at Cliveden NT, 10:00-17:00: cliveden@nationaltrust.org.uk

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16 - 05 May: ‘Celebrate the Feminine Statue Trail’ At Cliveden NT, Daily 10:00-16:00: cliveden@nationaltrust.org.uk

22: St. George’s Day Parade Rolling road closure, 13:30-14:00, (Dukes Place, Spittal St, High St, & The Causeway)

05+10: ‘Trail Trackers’ Children can be a trail tracker with our ranger team at Hughenden Manor, put your orienteering skills to the test with a compass and map, £4 plus normal admission, 10:30-12:00, for 5-10 year olds 03442 491895.

26: ‘Behind the Scenes Manor Tour’ At Hughenden Manor, 45 minute tour, £4 plus admission, 11:0011:45 – 0344 249 1895.

14: ‘Wheels – Vintage Vehicles’ Cookham Dean Cricket Club, 13:30-17:00: theforgetmotorco@gmail.com 14-17: ‘Sister Act’ Marlow Amateur Operatic Society perform at the Shelley Theatre, Court Garden, £13 plus booking fee www.maosmarlow.com/box-office 20: ‘Art of Royal Portraiture’ A fascinating incite into the art of royal portraiture with Australian-born artist Ralph Heimans, the only artist chosen to paint an official portrait of The Queen in Her Diamond Jubilee Year, from 12:00, Cliveden House & Spa, Taplow, Berks, SL6 0JF: www.clivedenhouse.co.uk 21+28: ‘Dawn Chorus Walk with Love at Breakfast’ At Cliveden NT, Join us for an early morning walk and watch and listen as the birds awake 05:30 – 08:30: cliveden@nationaltrust.org.uk

26: Marlow Archaeology Society - ‘Buckinghamshire in the Civil Wars 1640-1660’ speaker Prof. Ian Beckett at Liston Hall, 20:00, a shared talk with Archaeology In Marlow, £4.50, members £3.00 – 01628 523896: www.marlowarchaeology.org

May 16 Apr - 05 May: ‘Celebrate the Feminine Statue Trail’ at Cliveden NT, Daily 10:00-16:00: cliveden@nationaltrust.org.uk 01: ‘Rebellion Brewery Open Night’ 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! 04: ‘Henley Heroes Awards’, Join us at the Town Hall, Henley for the inaugural event. For more information www.visit-henley.com/ henley-heroes-awards

05: Marlow Antique & Vintage Fayre hot & cold food available, all day breakfast, sandwiches, Liston Hall, Marlow 09:00-16:00, 07711 646536 05: ‘Dawn Chorus Walk with Love at Breakfast’ at Cliveden NT, Join us for an early morning walk and watch and listen as the birds awake 05:30 – 08:30: cliveden@nationaltrust.org.uk 05: ‘Marlow Choral Society presents Durufle’s Requiem’ Conducted by Chris Grant with the Cygnus Orchestra, the concert also includes Vivaldi’s Kyrie and Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Trumpets in C, 19:30 | All Saints’ Church, Marlow, SL7 2AA | Tickets £13 Runners’ Retreat, Marlow, Marlow Information Centre www.marlowchoralsociety.org.uk/ BoxOffice and on the door. 07: ‘Henley May Fayre’ Market Place, Henley, all day 12: ‘The Great British Dog Walk’ At Hughenden Manor, walk starts at 11:00, £12 adults (on-line £10) children free, in aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People – www.greatbritishdogwalk.org

ONGOING EVENTS

Markets

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

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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

first Saturday every month 10:00 – 13.00 on the Causeway (High St) Marlow 07904 369829

At time of print all dates are correct. Marlow Information Centre on 01628 483597 Maidenhead Library on 01628 796969 Henley Library on 01491 575278.

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Ongoing Events Marlow Museum Mar – Oct 13:00 - 17:00: Sat, Sun & Bank holidays Nov – Feb: 14:00 – 16:00 Sun www.marlowmuseum.uk Maidenhead Heritage Centre 10: 00 - 16:00 Tues - Sat & 2nd Sunday of month www.maidenheadheritage.org.uk Stanley Spencer Gallery Mar – Nov: Tues – Sun 10:30 – 17:30 Nov – Mar: Thurs – Sun 11:00 – 16:30 Closed 24 & 25 Dec | www.stanleyspencer.org.uk Marlow Camera Club Tuesday | 19:45 - 20:00 | The Methodist Church Hall, Spittal Street, Marlow, SL7 3HJ Maidenhead Camera Club Tuesday, Cox Green Community Centre | 01628 630861 Henley Photographic Club Tuesday | 20:00 - 22:00 | YMCA Hall, off Waterman’s Road, Henley www.henleyphotoclub.com High Wycombe Croquet Club Hazlemere Recreation Ground, Amersham Road, Hazlemere HP15 7QW | www.hwcroquetclub.com Tel: 01494 858202 Speak Spanish in Beaconsfield, Beaconsfield High School Wednesdays | 19:30 | All levels except beginners Tony on 07947 508755 | anthony.mitchelmore@sky.com The East Berks RSPB Group Monthly | 7.30pm to 9.30pm on Thursdays High Street Methodist, Church Hall, Maidenhead www.eastberksrspb.org.uk 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 Di Olden - 01494 714486 www.southbuckshfwalkingclub.co.uk Henley & Goring Ramblers No need to book, just turn up, new walkers and non-members are always welcome www.ramblers-oxon.org.uk

Exhibition On Screen: Vincent Van Gogh – A New Way Of Seeing (TBC) Showcasing Van Gogh’s iconic works like never before and featuring exclusive interviews with the curatorial team at the Van Gogh Museum. Mon 26 Mar, 6.30 ROH: Bernstein Centenary (12A) To celebrate the centenary year of the composer’s birth, The Royal Ballet has united all three of its associate choreographers to celebrate the dynamic range and danceability of Bernstein’s music. Live: Tue 27 Mar, 7.15 Encore: Thu 29 Mar, 2.00 Messiah from Bristol Old Vic (TBC) Inspired by Handel’s profound religious masterpiece, this acclaimed Bristol Old Vic production provides a rare chance to experience a powerfully dramatic account of Messiah. Wed 28 Mar, 6.00 MET Opera: Cosi Fan Tutte 2018 (12A) David Robertson conducts Mozart’s delightful score. Live: Sat 31 Mar, 5.55 Encore: Mon 2 Apr, 1.00 Dementia-Friendly Screening – Gigi (PG) Open to all but especially for people with dementia and their family, friends and carers. Join us for free tea, coffee and biscuits and a chance to socialise for 30 minutes before the film. The film will start at the time stated. Wed 4 Apr, 11.00

Maidenhead National Trust Second Thursday, except August | Jakoby Drama Studio at Desborough College, Maidenhead www.Maidenheadnta.org.uk.

ROH: Macbeth (12A) To celebrate the centenary year of the composer’s birth, The Royal Ballet has united all three of its associate choreographers to celebrate the dynamic range and danceability of Bernstein’s music. Live: Wed 4 Apr, 7.15 Encore: Thu 5 Apr, 2.00

Midsomer Murder Filming Locations 17 Mar - 27 Oct | Saturday 11:00 | 1 hour Tour Argyll Pub, Market Place, Henley

For Bookings: 0871 902 5738 | www.picturehouses.com Regal Picturehouse, 2 Boroma Way, Henley RG9 2BZ

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

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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 01628 634124 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 01628 440808 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

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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 07812 998318

MARLOW Liston Hall 472558 Archaeology in Marlow 481792 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 484528 Tennis 483638 New Marlow Tennis Academy 488438 Rifle & Pistol Club 01494 676676 ALF (Longridge) 486595 Marlow & District Wine Society 483294 Marlow Museum 01628 482515 Marlow Society/History 476140 MOAS 07899 867757 Rotary Club 01494 530952 LETS 01494 523978 U3A 485220/488865 Community Choir 602581/661182 Railway Society 01494 488283 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

Living Along The Thames | MARCH/APRIL 2018

Godstowe Open Morning: Saturday 12th May 2018, 10am - 1pm Come and meet our Headmistress, teachers and pupils and take an informal tour of the school and grounds. Please contact the Registrar, Mrs Annie Bird, if you would like to attend or book an appointment to visit at any other time. NURSERY 3-4 PRE-PREP 4-7 PREP 7-13 BOARDING 7-13 BOYS 3-7 GIRLS 3-13 For more information about the nursery, school or our Open Mornings, please contact the Registrar, Annie Bird by telephoning 01494 429006 or emailing registrar@godstowe.org

t: 01494 529273 e: registrar@godstowe.org w: www.godstowe.org