Living Along The Thames Maidenhead June/July 2013 by Living Along theThames

Complimentary

February June - July March 2013 2013

Maidenhead Maidenhead• •Cookham Cookham• •Bray Bray

a night off... I wanted to start this article with something along the lines of, “with summer just around the corner….” But quite frankly I am not convinced, and before you all start mentioning the glorious Bank Holiday weekend, three days of sun and temperatures an Aussie would refer to as a winter climate, does not constitute Summer. Beautiful hot sunny days seem to occur so rarely that we Brits adopt the ‘make the most if it’ attitude because ‘it won’t last!’ So we dust off our barbeques, which have been left uncleaned for nine months, (well ours hasn’t) and invite everyone round for an impromptu barbeque. Lets face it we can’t really plan these things! So what of this barbequing nonsense? There was a time when I used to long for a beautiful day and would relish the thought of the prospect of a night off, as I could instruct the husband that he was on cooking duty…. “Lets have a barbeque!” A recent Facebook post by a chap called Dave Bell, who I do not know, but would like to thank, published a list of ‘BBQ Rules’ and these have been the inspiration for this article. He outlines what course of action ensues following the decision to host a barbeque. I can safely say that I could relate to every single point and totally reflects what happens in our house, and I am sure in some of your homes too. For instance, when I suggest 2 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

having a barbeque it goes without saying that I will be the one to invite the guests, adopt a cleaning frenzy scrubbing the house from top to bottom, even though everyone will merely waft straight through and spend the entire evening in the garden. There is method in my madness; in this country the reality of being able to sit outside for the entire evening is rare, so a clean and tidy house is a must for when guests inevitably get cold and retreat inside to the warmth. I then go out and buy the food, make the salads, prepare vegetables and think about desserts. The meat will be marinated the night before, by me, and then placed on a tray along with all the necessary tongs and knives. I will set the table, arrange the plates and cutlery, offer crisps and snacks or, if feeling exceptionally culinary, bread and baked Camembert and a selection of Italian meats. Then there is the tray of condiments to organise, whilst remembering to put the new potatoes on to boil so they are done in time to be served with the meat. Drinks, which are normally the husbands department, revert to my responsibility and that includes the regular provision of cold beer to the chef at his barbeque area! Here he stands with his alpha male pals whilst updating them with his latest Mustang rebuild anecdotes. Whilst I am hurrying about like a woman possessed and mopping

my brow, the husband is obviously preparing the barbeque with the help of his pals. For us this normally means cleaning off the food remnants from the year before and ferretting about in the shed for the all important lighter fluid. It is barbeque law that if the heat hasn’t got to the required temperature after fifteen minutes, the lighter fluid is called in. And of course, it also provides huge entertainment for the men who are all standing around the barbeque with their beer, chuckling like school children. Occasionally they will move away from the grill area and inspect the building site that was once a pond, which is to be the new home for his pride and joy. Much rubbing of chins and nodding goes on before they retreat back to the grill to flip the meat. All of a sudden and without warning, the husband takes the meat off the barbeque and announces that the meat is ready and why are the potatoes not cooked yet? After we have finished, every one congratulates the husband on a fine meal. Meanwhile I am clearing away plates and piling them up in the kitchen, with the realisation that I may well be up until midnight washing up as the dishwasher is already over loaded. It is more or less at this time that the husband wanders into the kitchen empty handed and asks how I enjoyed my night off! Sally Todd

Welcome to the June/July issue.

Editor Serena Edwards serena@AlongTheThames.co.uk

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Need to contact us Along the Thames Magazines 1 Bell Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1BU

Contributors Harriet Subramanian, Phil Walker Christine Chalkin, Kasia Cole, Jill Coleby, David Rhys Price, Claire Fryer, Sally Todd, Vanessa Woolley, Jacky & Mark Bloomfield, Sophie Ward, Natalie Trice, Kate Robinson

Like to talk to us? Tel: 01628 627 488 Mob: 07711 887107

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At last it looks like the warmer weather might finally be making an appearance and we can start to consider putting away those winter clothes and hopefully enjoy the summer. It seems we have had a very long spell of cold weather, but now summer is on it’s way we have a large number of events featured in this issue from craft fairs, theatre and gardens that are opened to raise funds for different organisations, as well as our usual comprehensive ‘Out and About’ guide. So if you are looking for some different things to do on your own or with the kids, then head over to page 53 onwards. If you are stuck for a few ideas on what to get Dad, this Father’s Day, then hopefully the few gift ideas on page 32 will give you some inspiration. Don’t forget that Father’s day is on June 16th this year. With all the hype over the latest Great Gatsby film, Gabrielle Fagan, looks at how we can get the same opulence for our homes based on this beautiful Art Deco period. Claire Fryer has given us some very helpful hints and tips on taking your dog on holiday, so if you are thinking of taking your dog(s) with you then head to page 57 and read her expert tips. We have our usual fashion and beauty section and have reviewed a large number of beauty products ready for summer, which we hope you enjoy looking through. We have in particular featured beautiful bright coloured lipsticks on the market in time for Summer as well as a few beauty essentials for those summer days we are all looking forward to. We hope you all have a fabulous summer and if you are going on holiday we also have some ideas on gadgets you might be interested in, how to look after yourself if you get bitten and some holiday tips to keep you safe. If your an avid reader you may want to consider the e-readers we feature on page 49. A great way to carry a large number of books when travelling or maybe a gift for a loved one.

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www.AlongTheThames.co.uk 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 © Living Along the Thames 2013

As always, until next time... Happy Reading

Your Local Lifestyle Magazine, for the locals, owned by a local

Front Cover: Cookham - Courtesy John Hollidge - www.aerial-photograph.co.uk LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

contents In this issue 5

Events this Summer

Luke’s Dining Room - review

5 Minutes with James Martin

Travel

Fashion & Beauty

Gift Ideas for Dad

Interiors - Go Gatsby

50 Things to do before you are 11¾

Latest Books + reader’s offer

Your Stars in June & July

Motoring - Jaguar F - Type

Out and About

Useful Numbers

Taking your dog on holiday

Meet our writers Sophie Ward Health articles www.cookhamhomeopathy.co.uk

Vanessa Woolley Freelance Writer and Marlow FM presenter

Christine Chalklin Horoscopes www.RestyleYourLife.co.uk

Natalie Trice Gadgets and River Rovers www.justbecauseilove.co.uk Harriet Subramanian Travel and Business www.withinpr.com

Sally Todd Sally at Large www.sallytodd.com Phil Walker Coaching and Business www.wttresults.co.uk

David Rhys Price Recipes www.thespicychef.co.uk Kate Robinson Something for the weekend www.kate-robinson.co.uk Claire Fryer Pets www.onetothree.co.uk

Jill Coleby and Vanessa Faulkner Gardening www.colebyandfaulkner.co.uk

Jacky and Mark Bloomfield Country Wise www.mandjbloomfield.com

Swish Boutique Fashion www.swishboutique.co.uk

4 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

Experience The Best In Contemporary Craft, Design and Art at The Craft & Design Experience in Henley from 21-23 June The organisers of The Craft and Design best in UK design is represented. Experience are once again staging their Special features at the event this contemporary craft fair in June at The Henley year include demonstrations from: Showground, near Henley on Thames. • David Farrer - papier The Craft and Design Experience mache animal sculpture has earned an enviable reputation for • Sharon Littley selecting only the very best professional woodcarving skills designers, artists and craftsmen and, with • Oxfordshire based, the resurgence of interest in designer crafts, Brendan Daly - making the event is expected to be as popular as handcrafted bears, and ever. Visitors are able to shop for unusual • Alun Heslop - wood contemporary items in a relaxing atmosphere, sculpture, creating chairs and seating. view a wide range of demonstrations or take part Visitors can have a go themselves in a number in various craft related workshops. There is also of workshops which include handbuilding clay a marquee selling an interesting range of food sculpture, fabric sculpture and ceramic painting. For products for visitors to buy and take home. children there is also a scarecrow making workshop. Work will be on sale from exhibitors working Opening times are 10 am – 5 pm each day. in many disciplines including furniture, textiles, Advance tickets are now on sale at a reduced price or jewellery, leatherwork, glass and more. Design purchase on the door at £7.00 for adults, £6.00 for over of the exhibitors’ products must be of the highest 65s or children 5 – 16 £1.00. For further information standard to be selected, and must show true and advance ticket sales contact CDE Ltd on 01622 747 innovation and originality ensuring only the very 3251or visit the website at www.craftexperience.co.uk. CDE13_108x153_CDE_108x153 08/05/2013 16:56 Page

contemporary

Craft & Design Fair 21 – 23 June

HENLEY ON THAMES

Henley Show Ground, nr Hambleden

Purchase direct from 160 of the leading makers Adults: £7 • Over 65’s: £6 • 5–16 years: £1 10am – 5pm daily • www.craftexperience.co.uk WORKSHOPS • DEMONSTRATIONS • ENTERTAINMENT

LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 5

Summer Events

National Garden Scheme Every year NGS gardens across England and Wales welcome about 750,000 visitors. Most gardens that open for the NGS are privately owned and open just a few times each year. Our tradition of opening gardens of quality, character and interest is supported by our Patron, HRH The Prince of Wales. NGS currently give away more than £2.5 million each year to nursing, caring and gardening charities

Watch the drama unfold at Cliveden This summer the stunning National Trust gardens of Cliveden near Maidenhead will be featuring some of the country’s best loved stories within their everpopular outdoor theatre programme. Bring picnics, rugs, friends and family for an unforgettable few hours of drama, suspense and comedy in the Water Garden. Sense and Sensibility on Saturday 22 June. Join sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood as they make their first forays into society and lose their hearts in their quest to find the perfect balance of sense and sensibility. Chapterhouse Theatre Company present a classic interpretation of this Austen favourite, adapted for the stage by Laura Turner.. 22 June, 7 – 9pm, (gates open at 6pm).Adults £16.50, children £10. Saturday 29 June, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men bring their unique blend of all male Shakespearean entertainment to As You Like It. In this summer comedy classic we meet Rosalind who falls in love with Orlando only for her jealous uncle to banish her from court. Disguised as a boy, she sets out on a journey to 6 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

(such as Macmillan, Marie Curie and this year the guest charity is Parkinsons). NGS office and overheads are small and most of the work is done by volunteers and so currently more than 80p in every £1 raised at garden openings goes directly to the beneficiaries. The NGS publishes The Yellow Book, a guide to over 3,700 gardens - the so-called ‘bible’ of garden visiting Every year NGS gardens across England and Wales welcome about 750,000 visitors. Most gardens which open for the NGS are privately owned and open just a few times each year. Some gardens open as part of a group with the whole community involved. The gardens give all the money raised directly to the NGS (including from the sale of teas and plants); the only exceptions being in some cases they ask that a small proportion goes to a nominated local charity. There is a national NGS weekend on the 15th and 16th June when many gardens around the country are opening as a push to raise awareness, If you would like to visit the gardens then you can order the yellow book or go online and find the nearest gardens to you www.ngs.org.uk. seek out her father and his friends in the Forest of Arden. By chance she meets Orlando again and, under the guise of a young man, counsels him in the art of love. 29 June, 7 – 9pm, (gates open at 6pm).Adults £16.50, children £10 August 6th and 7th - the children’s favourite, Babe the Sheep Pig, is the star of the show as Illyria return to Cliveden with David Wood’s adaptation of Dick King-Smith’s popular tale. The story starts as we meet Farmer Hoggett and the piglet he won at the fair. Adopted by Fly the sheepdog, Babe grows up and develops his own methods of herding sheep using politeness instead of barking orders. But Farmer Hoggett is a hard man to please - so when Babe is entered for the county sheep dog trials he is going to need Fly's help, all his wits, and as much politeness as he can muster if he is going to get the sheep to co-operate, win the trials, and save his life. 6 August, 2.30 – 4.30pm (gates open 1.30pm), AND 6.30 – 8.30pm (gates open 5.30pm). 7 August 6.30 – 8.30pm (gates open 5.30pm). Adults £13, children (3 – 16 years) £10, under 3s free. For further information on these events at Cliveden this summer, visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/cliveden or 0844 249 1895.

LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 7

Something for the weekend all the fun of the Fair

There is nothing so quintessentially British as the country fair and village fete. Carousels, tug of war, country dancing, puppet shows, bouncy castles, homemade cakes and ice cream - are all a wonderful part of summer and a treat for the senses. At the heart of every fair, fete or carnival, is the local community. Thousands of pounds are raised for local charities in return for a great day out.

Cookham Village Fair – 15th June The 1st Cookham Scout Group is once again organising the fabulous Cookham Village Fair, starting at 11am on Cookham Moor. The event is now in its 31st year and will feature a bouncy assault course, a dog show, a number of other four legged guests, as well as the usual fete stalls and games. Many charities benefit. To find out more: www.cookham.com

Flackwell Heath Cherry Fayre – 7th July The Cherry Fayre starts at 11.30am with a Grand Parade from Highlea Ave to the Recreation Ground at 12 noon led by The Reading Scottish Pipe Band. This year’s fancy dress competition theme is Kings and Queens. There will be football matches between Carrington and Juniper Hill Schools, a children’s Tug of War, dance displays, Punch and Judy shows, and the very competitive adult Tug of War at 5pm. One hundred attractions will be present including: craft, charity stalls, a fun fair, a BBQ and pig roast. All profits go to Flackwell Heath Age Concern and the “Oasis” club, a bereavement self-help group at Christ Church. To find out more: www.flackwellheath.net/cherry-fayre.htm

Maidenhead Carnival – 27th & 28th July The biggest event in Maidenhead’s social calendar 8 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

takes place in and around Kidwells Park. On Saturday during the day there will be activities for the younger generation, with live music and funfair rides in the afternoon and evening, followed by a late fireworks display. The carnival parade, with marching bands, dancers and the carnival queen, takes place on Sunday afternoon. To find out more: www.windsor.gov.uk/whats-on

Bucks County Show – 29th August The Bucks County Show, at Weedon Park, Nr Aylesbury is considered one of the best agricultural shows in the country. The event features the finest livestock, show jumping, rural skills and craft demonstrations the county has to offer. Discover vintage tractors and watch the RAF Halton Pipes and Drums and the Bloddog Lings Motocross Stunt Team. There will be plenty of food, home and garden stalls. To find our more: www.buckscountyshow.co.uk Kate Robinson

Saturday 8 June 8pm Henley Midnight Matinee presents Sam Brown’s The Peoples Ukulele Brigade Supporting Riverside Councelling Service Charity The Ukulele Club now has more than 30 members, all playing the wonderful and eternally jolly ukulele! They have recently been wowing local audiences and this concert promises to be a very happy celebration. There is something for everyone, with a wide range of popular music from 1900 to the present day. The Ukulele Club’s musical adventures never fail to enliven the spirit and warm the cockles of your heart. Friday 28th June 7.45pm The Tom Michell Trio Expect a riff fuelled set spanning from the Texas scene to groove based rhythm & blues, backed up with thunderous bass lines from Pete Thomas and contagious rhythms from Tom Sibly on drums. Coming from eclectic musical backgrounds, it is a shared passion for the blues that brings Tom Michell, Pete Thomas and Tom Sibly together with such commanding force. Michell’s influences (Stevie Ray Vaughn, B B King, Johnny Winter and Hendrix to name a few) are prominent in his playing, blended with an infectious sound of his own in electric guitar and slide style - coupled with gutsy, impassioned vocals which remind you what the blues is really all about. This power house trio will lead you down a rough and raw path that you’d thought had been closed off decades ago. ‘They don’t play the blues like that anymore’ - these guys will prove you wrong... Supporting Local Talent The Kenton Theatre is dedicated to the local arts scene and that includes supporting and promoting live artists. The Tom Michell Trio will be supported by another up and coming band, to be announced. www.facebook.com/Tommichelltrio Saturday 29 June 7.30pm Merry Opera presents Mozart’s - The Magic Flute A beguiling mix of comedy, fantasy and pantomime. Kit HeskethHarvey’s new production re-lives The Magic Flute’s sublime music and triumphant opening night in 1791. Lofty divas and low comedians flourish. Watching closely are the shadowy forces of Freemasonry. And the composer - Mozart - fears he is being poisoned. A delight for opera connoisseurs and new-comers alike. Not to be missed. The Times Friday 12th, 7pm, Saturday 13th, 2.30pm and 7pm, Sunday 14th July, 1pm Artemis Studios Performing Arts Schools presents GHOST STATION A brand new musical play written by local writer Niki Robinson A small group of London teens break into a dead tube station - closed up since the late 40’s. The station is a time capsule and as the teens explore the dark passageways, filming as they go things take a strange turn. Can they find a way to reach into the past? Can they change history? Featuring sing-a-long popular songs from the 40’s such as Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and Chattanooga Choo Choo. Presented by Artemis Studios performing arts students from Bracknell and Windsor aged 5 to adult, this is a roller coaster story with laughter, tears and some toe tapping songs! Suitable 8 years plus - An amateur production.

Afternoon Tea?

Enjoy scones, sandwiches and cake served from 2.30 - 4.30pm From £14.95 per person Want to book your table? Call us on

01623 6063131

Please mention Along the Thames Magazine when booking.

contact the box office Monday to Friday 11am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 1pm

01491 575 698 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR ALL PRODUCTIONS AT

www.kentontheatre.co.uk New Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2BP Free Parking available in Waitrose car park after 6pm

Taplow Common Road, Burnham, Slough, Nr Windsor, Buckinghamshire, SL1 8LR | ïï info.groveﬁeldhouse@classiclodges.co.uk www.classiclodges.co.uk Picture for illustrative purposes only. Afternoon tea may differ.

LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

The Henley Literary Festival returns in 2013 from 30th September to 6th October, with leading figures from politics, broadcasting and sport joining some of the country’s most-read novelists and historians. Taking place at venues across the picturesque town of Henley-on-Thames, the festival has established itself as a major date in the literary calendar, with record sales of over 12,000 tickets in 2012. With many more authors still be to be announced, Olympic hero Katherine Grainger, Times food critic Giles Coren, former MI5 chief Stella Rimington and cricket legend David Gower are all making their Henley debuts. Politicians past and present appearing this year include Ann Widdecombe, Alan Johnson, Douglas Hurd and Roy Hattersley. From the worlds of television and radio, Melvyn Bragg, Kate Humble, Barry Cryer, Andy Kershaw and two generations of BBC broadcasters in the form of Dan and Peter Snow will all be appearing. Other history events include Max Hastings, Ruth Goodman, Simon Heffer and Philippa Langley, the woman behind the discovery of Richard III’s remains in a Leicester car park. Anniversaries being marked this year with special events include Pride and Prejudice, the ascent of Everest and the Profumo scandal. Novelists at Henley this year include Deborah Moggach, Mike Gayle, Lisa Jewell, David Nobbs and Gill Hornby. Special strands include Crime and Wine and Book Club Friday. And cookery events include Vivek Singh of The Cinnamon Club. General booking opens on Monday 31st July from 10am - www.henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk

August/September Deadline - 12th July T: 01628 627 488 / M: 07711 887107 E: office@AlongTheThames.co.uk “Marketing is an Investment not an Expense” 10 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

L u k e ’ s D i n i n g Ro o m Luke Thomas, one of the Country’s exiting young Chefs, has launched Luke’s Dining Room at the Sanctum on the Green in Cookham Deam and at the age of 19 this made him England’s youngest head chef. Luke has made many recent TV appearances most notably on The Great British Menu where Luke represented Wales in this highly competitive event. He has previously worked alongside many Michelin starred chefs including those from The Fat Duck and Rhodes W1 and he has brought these experiences along with those from his other kitchens to create his new dishes. Tuesday through to Saturday the wooden beamed Luke’s Dining Room offers an innovative A La Carte menu featuring unique dishes created by Luke while on Sunday Luke has put together a wonderful fixed price menu providing excellent value for money at either £15.95 for two courses or £19.95 for three courses. Living Along The Thames was fortunate to experience Luke’s Sunday Lunch recently and we were delighted at the choice on offer. Each of the Starter, Main and Dessert courses has four mouth watering choices along with a Kids Menu offering the little ones their own special dishes and ensuring this is a truly family experience.

Our choice of starters included a wonderfully Crispy Duck Salad, Pink Grapefruit and Soused Red Onion along with a delicious seasonal Asparagas Veloute with Crispy Quail Egg. For main we opted for the Roasted Fillet of Pork, Green Apple and Black Pudding along with a fantastic traditional Fish and Chips with Crushed English Peas and Lemon Caper Mayonnaise. However, looking at the other dishes being served to the tables around us we also loved the look of the Slow Cooked Herefordshire Beef with Yorkshire Pudding and look forward to trying that when we definitely return to this wonderful venue. The Dessert choices also offered up a challenge in what not to have, but after much deliberation we couldn’t resist the Whipped Chocolate Mousse with Poached Cherries along with the Panna Cotta with Champagne and Strawberry. The Sanctum on the Green has taken a bold step in offering Luke his own dining room and this warming boutique hotel has definitely hit on a winning formula that is bringing in a clientele from far and wide. We are delighted that Luke is working in our local area adding to the rich culinary talent we have locally and that it is offering us all a great new alternative for both A La Carte and Sunday Lunch dining. LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

Scotch Eggs with cajun spice and coriander 8 scotch eggs

Preparation time: 25 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes Scotch eggs are a British Institution when it comes to picnics and parties, for both adults and children alike. Great on thier own or with a salad. To enhance the taste we add powdered garlic to the recipe and use homemade breadcrumbs. If you haven’t the time to make your own breadcrumbs then purchase a pack from your local store. For those of you who don’t want the spice then leave out the cajun spice part of the recipe. We hope you enjoy this British Summer time favourite as much as we do.

INGREDIENTS: For the Sausage meat 1 kilo sausage meat 8 eggs, 1 dessert spoon ginger paste 1 dessertspoon garlic powder 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander 4 spring onions chopped juice of half a lemon

For the Cajun Spice 2 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon fennel seeds 1 teaspoon ground cumin 2 teaspoons English mustard powder 1 teaspoon cayenne 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 dessertspoon powdered garlic 1 teaspoon dried sage 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon All spice 1 teaspoon nutmeg.)

For the breadcrumbs home made fresh breadcrumbs mixed with chopped fresh coriander. 6 Tablespoons flour 2 Egg yolk whisked

METHOD: 1. Put sausage meat in a mixing bowl. 2. Mix the spices in a pestle and mortar to form a paste, and add to the sausage 3. Add the, ginger paste, spring onions, chopped coriander, and lemon juice, continue to mix so that the ingredients are blended into the sausage meat. 4. In the meantime boil the eggs for approximately 5 - 6 minutes and then rinse in cold water and peel. 5. Take approximately one eighth of the mixed sausage meet and pat it out till it is about the size of a small (tea cup) saucer. Place the sausage meat between two sheets of cling film and then flatten. 6. Place the boiled egg in centre, and carefully fold the meat over the egg, making sure to seal it at both ends and on top. Then gently roll the ball between your hands to get a round shape. 7. Roll the ball firstly in flour, and then in the egg yolk before rolling it in the breadcrumbs. 8. Finally place in fat fryer on 190oC and fry for nine minutes. 9. Remove and allow to cool. You should now have beautiful, round, and appetizing scotch eggs.

Based in Maidenhead, David is a passionate cook and writer who provides catering for local functions. He creates his own take on dishes from around the world, particularly through the use of Spices. David Rhys Price ...The ‘Spicy Chef 12 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

5minutes with JAMES MARTIN

TELL US ABOUT THE MAKE IT WITH MINCE CHALLENGE... The parameters of the competition haven’t changed over eight years. It’s open to entrants between the ages of 11 and 16, they’ve got to create a recipe using beef or lamb mince within the hour, with a budget of £10 for two people, and what they decide to do with that is entirely up to them. It could be as simple as spaghetti bolognese, or meatballs, or whatever they want - Indian, Thai or anything. We try to have the prizes slightly different every year. Each one of the regional competitors, of which there are about 60, get a signed chef’s jacket, books and certificate. There are vouchers and prizes for their schools etc, and then we pick an overall winner. WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO YOU TO GET CHILDREN INVOLVED WITH COOKING FROM A YOUNG AGE? I think if you’re going to inspire anybody, if you get them when they’re young, it plants a seed. It’s not necessarily that we’re looking for the chefs of the future; what we’re after is just getting people inspired in the kitchen. These children are going to be the parents later on in life so it’s important that we give them the opportunity to create something. YOUR PARENTS WERE FARMERS; YOU MUST HAVE YOU HAD AN INTEREST IN COOKING FROM BEING YOUNG? I knew I was going to be a chef from eight or nine years old. I got the opportunity to create and managed to cater for functions and parties and I just had an enjoyment with it. I enjoyed the love of food and that has led my career to go all over the place but fundamentally it’s always been about the food - British food, I suppose, because I never really got the opportunity to travel.

YOU’VE BEEN DOING SATURDAY KITCHEN FOR SEVEN YEARS NOW; WHAT’S KEPT YOU THERE FOR SO LONG?

CLEARLY COOKING IS YOUR FIRST PRIORITY, SO HOW DID YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH TV COME ABOUT? I think a lot of chefs look at it now, particularly the younger generation, and say, That’s what I want to do’, but honestly there’s no route into it - it finds you, you don’t find it - and that’s what happened with me. I was working as head chef in this restaurant and we were mega busy, weekends were booked six months in advance, and we used to get a lot of people come down from London, critics and TV. Word got around and that’s how it was really. It was as simple as that. YOU’VE SHARED YOUR KITCHEN WITH MANY OF OUR GREATEST CHEFS, IS THERE ANYONE IN PARTICULAR YOU ADMIRE AND WHY? I admire anyone that comes on Saturday Kitchen because they’re cooking live - it’s not the easiest job to do that. Michel Roux Snr and Pierre Koffmann and the likes of those are people who changed the perception of British food around the world and so we’ve got to thank them for it. And they’re still working in restaurants now so I would have said those two really inspire me more than anyone.

I think the key to that show is that you never take it for granted. We put in the same amount of effort now as we did seven years ago. I think the advantage is you get different chefs on every week, but also for a live show like that, running for seven years and not having to repeat a guest, is testament to a great team around you as well. YOU SEEM SO BUSY WITH WORK, WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME? Sleep mainly. I enjoy my home and just chilling out and try out recipes. At the moment we’re testing recipes for the Good Food Show. It happens in November every year, and you pinch yourself because you sell out four shows a day, there’s 5,000 people per show. To do that we spend time in the kitchen creating recipes and creating a dish that not only looks visual but that you can do seamlessly from one dish to the next in half an hour. You never stop. SO CAN YOU FIT ANYTHING ELSE IN THIS YEAR?! I think possibly another restaurant later on this year. We’re looking for a new site for one, and I’m in my restaurant for the rest of the time as well. Saturday Kitchen is continuing, and there are a couple of ideas that we may be looking at - doing another hospital stint, and helping them out with their food and that’ll be another year gone. James Martin is head judge for the Red Tractor beef and lamb Make It With Mince Challenge 2013, a cooking competition for 11 to 16-yearolds. Visit www.simplybeefandlamb. co.uk/mincechallenge LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

Al Fresco Dining at The Oakley Court Now that summer is here there’s nowhere better for al fresco dining than the riverside terrace at The Oakley Court Hotel. Dining at The Oakley Court is a memorable affair with gourmet cuisine using the best locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Chef Michael Mealey’s modern British style of cooking has found its perfect match at this 153 year old hotel. Whether it’s morning coffee, a leisurely lunch, afternoon tea or an intimate dinner, you’ll enjoy gourmet cuisine and impeccable service. Set in 37 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens with manicured lawns leading straight down to the River Thames, the hotel is steeped in history. Sumptuous carved and moulded features including ornate ceilings and stone carved gothic window panes create a

memorable setting, partnered with stunning river views. Make the most of the idyllic riverside location and hire one of the hotel’s self drive boats for an hour. Pick up a delicious picnic hamper from the hotel and enjoy a leisurely lunchtime cruise exploring this picturesque stretch of the River Thames. Come back for a relaxing afternoon tea on the terrace or a game of croquet - it all adds up to a memorable day out. Stay overnight in one of the luxuriously furnished rooms overlooking the gardens or the river and you can really relax. Enjoy extensive leisure facilities – indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room and gym, all weather tennis courts, and a 9 hole par 3 golf course. You may never want to leave!

For more information, to book your table or one of the hotel’s self drive boats: Call 01753 609 988 www.principal-hayley.com/theoakleycourt The Oakley Court Hotel, Windsor Road, Water Oakley, Windsor, SL4 5UR

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LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 15

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The world’s your oyster Iguazu Falls, Argentina

Livingstone’s World of Travel is a specialist tailor-made travel business renowned for creating imaginative and innovative travel itineraries and for its outstanding customer service. But there is far more to the business than those facts. Created through the amalgamation of several travel business that at some time or period has been involved in all sectors of the faceted travel industry over some forty years. Whilst its purpose is to grow and thrive like every business it has another goal. That is to provide a travel service like no other, at a time when most have become accustomed to online bookings, dynamic packaging, prices that change at the blink of an eye, offers that are never quite that a the point of booking, where every hotel or beach is outstanding or ideal and reliant on those “trip-advisor” reviews. What Livingstone’s World of Travel offers is certainly not for everyone. Bookings cannot be made online as every enquiry, simple or complex is carefully considered by a knowledgeable travel consultant whatever the budget or requirement. It will take into account the mode of transport, flight departure times, cabin class, category of hotel or hotel room type, elements that have a significant effect on the final price of a holiday or tour. No booking is made without having spoken to the client at some time during the reservation process. The travel service provided is for holidaymakers, tourist and travellers (there is a distinct difference between those) who want “old fashioned” values of customer service combined with the benefits of modern technology. A statement often used by the company “It’s’ not just the name we share with the great missionary and explorer David Livingstone, we share a passion for travel and the desire to explore, constantly seeking new experiences for our valued and often very welltravelled clientele,” says a lot about the purpose of a business that combines the role of an independent travel agent, travel consultant and tour operator. Any client old or new dealing with Livingstone’s World of Travel will soon realise they are dealing with a travel business that has not just experience in travel but has experienced travel and keen to pass on the benefits of that knowledge and experience to its clientele. 16 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

Santa Maria Dunas Cayo, La Melia Las

Sailing

Lake T

iticaca

They know what it is like to travel as a VIP with no long airport wait for that first class flight, the comfort of the airport Machu lounge, the fast Picchu track arrival met by the chauffeur driven limo, the helicopter transfer, the front seat at a concert and sporting event, the Presidential hotel suite and the company of high profile personages. They also know just what it is like to miss a flight connection, have baggage sent to the wrong airport or not arrive at all, have a flight overbooked, take an economy class flight to Australia that has multi-city stops and takes more than thirty-hours, the feeling when you check into a hotel that has no room reservation, has a bed that has already been slept in, a bathroom without water, a room flooded whilst you sleep, to be thrown out of hotel being taken over by a Presidential delegation, to have to listen to building work going on under your hotel room, the airport transfer that does not arrive, being stuck at check-in without the proper documentation and to arrive at an overseas airport without an entry visa resulting in a night in jail. The 24/7 service always available, is particularly helpful should any client have difficulties or problem during the course of the holiday or tour. A service that has been invaluable over recent years following the collapse of tour operators, travel service providers and those clients stranded for days around the world due to “volcanic ash”. For those that want a hassle free holiday or special travel experience that will meet its client expectations they should look no further than Livingstone’s World of Travel who can be contacted by telephone on 02032 920110 or by emailing bookings@lwotravel.com. But remember they do not “do” cheap holidays just those that are genuine value for money. If that is what is wanted then you will not be disappointed!!

Destination Weddings, Honeymoons, Stag & Hen parties At home or abroad from one of the UK’s leading travel specialists www.lwotravel.com

The Wedding is said to be the best and most important day of one’s life and the Honeymoon a romantic, fantastic holiday. With such emphasis on the expectations of the Bride, Groom, family members and friends, its essential that the arrangements made are by those with first-hand experience - Livingstone’s World of Travel have that and been doing it for more than twenty-five years. As a specialist in tailor-made travel, recognised for imaginative and innovative travel itineraries, arranging exotic holidays, classic city breaks, iconic rail journeys, stylish sailing holidays, fascinating wildlife safaris, luxury ocean and river cruises and exciting sport related tours and breaks - Livingstone’s World of Travel has all the knowledge and expertise required to arrange that wonderful Wedding and or, that forever memorable Honeymoon, Stag or Hen party, examples of some past arrangements are shown below. Weddings in: castles, stately homes, iconic buildings, sport stadia, European churches and chateaux. On the beaches of Cuba, Mauritius, Sri Lanka’s and Caribbean on Cape Town’s Table Top Mountain, at Victoria Falls, Zambia, Gretna Green and with a “ski theme” in Austria’s, Zell am See. Honeymoons in: lighthouses, jungle lodges, grand hotels, mountain hideaways, Scottish castles, and on safari. From Britain to stunning locations in France, Spain, Italy, USA, Mexico, Thailand, Indonesia, the Seychelles, South Pacific and Maldives – often multi- centre, some combined with a cruise. Stag & Hen parties in: Tenby, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Brighton, Amsterdam, Prague, Tallin, Havana, Dublin, County Clare, Majorca, Algarve, Gibraltar, Tenerife, Las Vegas and Hong Kong. Stag groups have included sporting activities, Hen groups, hotel’s with spa and well-being treatments. With so many options, choices can be difficult but the team at Livingstone’s World of Travel can help. We offer home or office consultations to the bride and groom, to be. Knowing sometimes there are tricky family situations to take into account clients can be assured of confidentiality and discretion.

When a Wedding is on the horizon you should contact us first, we can arrange everything connected with the “special day”. Understanding customer care and valuefor-money we have every confidence in meeting our client’s expectations. To discuss plans for a forthcoming Wedding, Honeymoon, Stag or Hen party call us on 02032 920110 or email bookings@lwotravel.com - we know what it takes having done this successfully so many times before! Livingstone’s World of Travel. Sherwood House 104 High Street, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 7AX United Kingdom Reservations: 02032 920110 - Facsimile: 02032 920109 E-Mail: bookings@lwotravel.com - Mobile: 07977 412124

Stateroom on MS Rotterdam

FEASTING THROUGH THE FJORDS Sailing smoothly into Copenhagen, past an array of beautiful Scandinavian islands, my wife and I enjoyed a decadent breakfast on our sun-soaked stateroom balcony. As first-time cruisers, we had few expectations when setting off on our trip around the Norwegian Fjords and Scottish Highlands. But after only two days at sea, I realised this was a lifestyle we could very quickly adapt to. On our 14-night cruise aboard the Holland America Line’s ms Rotterdam - visiting Copenhagen, Oslo, Kristiansand, Bergen, Greenock and Kirkwall - we would be treated to wonderful panoramas and excellent cuisine. Our first stop was Copenhagen, a shopper’s paradise with elegant clothes and trendy furniture outlets lining the streets. But while my wife went in search of a new wardrobe, I decided to explore even more stylish locations. Nyhavn is a picture postcard setting, with lovely bars, cafes and restaurants fringing the canal. I also took a relaxing stroll around Christiansborg Palace, where I stumbled upon an idyllic secret garden within the grounds. Indeed, beautiful green areas were a running theme in Copenhagen. The Botanical Gardens, just a few steps from the hustle and bustle of the high street, rewards the visitor with some stunning scenery, while Tivoli Gardens even has a mini theme park. But even greater sights were in store at our next stop, Oslo. The Norwegian capital has a number of good museums exploring the country’s rich history - particularly the story of the Vikings. The all-white Norwegian National Opera House is an impressive architectural feat which visitors can, quite literally, walk all over. 18 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

MS Rotterdam

The highlight for me, though, was a trip around the scenic fjords of Oslo on a vintage Norwegian sailing ship, feasting on a haul of fresh shrimp for lunch. Fresh fish was something I’d see a lot more of, especially on a visit to Kristiansand, a small town with traditional wooden houses and a bustling Fiskebasaren (fish market). We took a boat trip through Sogne’s spectacular archipelago region then walked through Ravnedalen Park’s gorgeous forests. Packed with colourful flowers, greenery, wildlife and lakes, the park provides a romantic setting. We found a charming cafe with a captivating view, and enjoyed a late breakfast of waffles with jam and cream. Bergen was our final port of call in Norway, famous for its Floibanen Funicular - a cable railway that takes you up Mount Floyen for spectacular views of the delightful town, fjords and mountains. Bryggen’s quaint wooden shops also caught my eye, while the popular fish market stocked some fresh and tasty lunch options - although I did decline the whale burgers! Back across the North Sea, Greenock was our next stop. Located on the River Clyde on the steep west coast of Scotland, the town enjoys spectacular views of the mountains. I visited Loch Lomond and Inveraray Castle. The largest loch in Great Britain, known as the Queen of Scottish Lakes, didn’t disappoint; a shimmering collection of islands, dark blue water and peaks that gave the impression we were back in the fjords again. For many, the allure of cruising is the opportunity to visit a variety of beautiful places, but spending time

Nyhaven, Copenhagan

Inveraray Castle, Argyll, Scotland

Funicular Railway, Mount Floyen, Bergen, Norway

Photographys courtesy PA FeatureFile

on the MS Rotterdam was an experience in itself. To start the day, guests can choose to eat breakfast in the classy La Fontaine Dining Room or the ‘fillyour-boots’ Lido Restaurant. But I’d advise splashing out on a room with a balcony, because early morning room service is a highly recommendable option on this trip. Tucking into your first meal of the day as the ship slowly glides around the stunning Scandinavian coast is an opportunity not to be missed. The La Fontaine and Pinnacle Grill both cater for lunch, while The Lido is the dining hub of the vessel. Evening dining on the Rotterdam is a special experience, and the occasional formal night (suits for men, cocktail dresses for the women) adds to the atmosphere. Meals in the popular La Fontaine are at a consistently high standard, but my favourite dishes were the braised lamb shank and fillet of Beef Wellington. If, like me, you have a sweet tooth, the dessert menus will be enormously appealing - the Warm Date Toffee Pudding and German Chocolate Cake are highly recommended. I even had the opportunity to turn the tables and try on a chef’s hat. Regular tutorials in the

Oslo Fjords, Norway

Kistiansand, Norway

Culinary Arts Center help guests learn how to prepare a number of tasty dishes. BBC cook Valentine Warner from What To Eat Now was the guest chef for my trip, providing a terrific opportunity to grab tips from an expert. MasterChef, here I come! It wasn’t just the food that impressed me - the sea view hot tubs were a great way to relax and I took the opportunity to pamper myself in the ship’s Greenhouse Spa. There were also plenty of bars and even a late-night disco, as well evening shows - usually a musical, tenor or magician. The Crow’s Nest, overlooking the front of the ship, with cosy booths and addictive cocktails was a regular haunt. I can’t deny the Norwegian fjords and the Scottish Highlands are beautiful. My lasting memory though and what gives the Rotterdam that extra bite, shall we say - is the amazing cuisine and service.... Chris Brady

Travel facts - Holland America line, prices start from £1,398pp cruise only, based on August 17 departure. For more details call 0843 374 2300 or visit www.hollandamerica.co.uk for this an other holidays LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 19

KEEPING SAFE ON HOLIDAY There's nothing worse than having an amazing holiday, only to return home and find you have been burgled. Even though stolen goods can be claimed through insurance companies, it is the loss of items with sentimental value and invasion of privacy that is most upsetting. We are offering some basic, but vital holiday security tips to keep your house safe and give you peace of mind whilst you are away. • Install visible security measures so potential burglars can see your property is protected. An alarm, external camera outside your front door, security light as well as window and door locks are all good deterrents and offer you peace of mind. • Make sure it looks like someone is home even when they aren’t. Don’t close your curtains as in the in daytime this shows your

house is empty, use automatic timer-switches to turn your lights and TVs on when it goes dark, something you can also do if you are just going out for the evening. • Another good psychological security tip is to leave a car in your driveway as it will make it look somebody is at home, which is likely to deter most "casual" burglars (breaking and entering when someone is at home is a much riskier thing to do, and is a more serious crime). If you are taking your car with you, let a neighbour or friend use your space. • Tell a trusted neighbour you are going away, surprisingly this is one of the most overlooked secrets for holiday security. If they know you are away and hear or see anything suspicious, they will be far more likely to act

Gadgets

PowerMonkey is a cool little gadget that provides hours of extra power for portable devices making it the perfect travel companion. This fantastic back-up battery holds power for up to a year, so plug it in, let the juice flow and be assured you will never be caught short again.

20 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

on it and either call the police or go and investigate. • You can also ask a neighbour to collect your post, put your bin out on collection day and even cut your front lawn when they do theirs. When you work together as a community, break-ins are easier to keep under control. • Cancel newspaper and milk deliveries as piles of papers and bottles on the door step are a clear giveaway no one is home. • Try not to discuss immediate holiday plans if strangers can hear the details and avoid discussing them on social networking sites where posts are publicly visible. • Don’t put your full home address on your luggage when you are travelling; a house number and postcode along with phone number is fine. Natalie Trice

what’s hot in the world of travel gadgets

The XMI X-Mini Uno is an essential piece of travel kit for anyone wanting excellent quality roomfilling audio sound on the go. The use of uber smart technology means even though it is compact, this speaker provides rich, full sound perfect for using by the pool, on a boat or even at parties.

Google Maps has to be the single most useful travel app and comes as standard on smartphones and tablets. It tells you where you are, where you need to be and how to get there. So whether you are backpacking around France, chilling out in Ibiza or sunny in Barcelona it is the essential app that that will keep you on track.

Race It Home is a brilliant free way of sending postcards back home when you go away. Simplytake a photo on your camera or phone, write a message, send it off and they do the rest. Within minutes your postcard will be printed, popped in the post, arriving with the recipient in days, not the traditional weeks! Full details can be seen at www.raceithome.com

Feeling the itch?

ith the British summer finally here it’s not just us embracing the warmer weather - as we peel our winter layers off and take our arms and legs out of hibernation, summer bugs will also make their untimely appearance. Over the past couple of years wet and warm summers have resulted in an explosion in mosquito and flea populations, which can only mean one thing – bites and more bites. You’d like to think you would take it as a compliment that insects think you’re tasty enough to feast on, but it’s not much fun when you’re left with burning, red, swollen and itchy marks - not to mention the pain from stinging nettles after balmy walks in the countryside and picnics in the park. ON-THE-SPOT TREATMENTS There are some simple ways you can help relieve any discomfort if you’ve been bitten or stung: wash the area with soap and water, use a cold compress or an ice pack (a bag of frozen peas will do the trick) and try not to scratch to prevent infection. You can also use a spray or cream that contains local anaesthetic, antihistamine or mild hydrocortisone

To keep you protected for up to 12 hours from mosquitos and more this summer.

to prevent itching and swelling, or take an antihistamine tablet (check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or worried about drowsiness or allergies to medication). ALTERNATIVE REMEDIES • For stinging nettle rashes rub the affected area with dock leaves for some instant relief – they are normally found growing near nettles. • Homeopathy is often used to treat bites and stings. For example, Apis and Ledum can help reducing swelling and relieve aching pains. • Essential oils such as Tea Tree Oil and Lavender Oil (dabbed on neat) can be a useful addition to your first aid kit and provide on-the-spot relief as well as helping reduce the risk of infection. You can also add any of the following oils to a bite and sting lotion or cream: Burdock, Plaintain, Echinacea, Feverfew, Nettle, Yellow Doc and St John’s Wort. Some oils can be used as a preventative by putting them in a lotion or water spray and applying to the skin. For example, Lavender, Rosemary, Tea Tree or Citronella.

Ultrathon Insect Repellant is available as a spray, pump spray and a lotion. The Ultrathon Insect Repellent Range is available as a 60ml lotion offering extended protection of up to 12 hours, a convenient 125ml spray offering 8 hours’ protection and a 100ml pump spray providing up to 12 hours’ protection. The lotion and aerosol spray have an RSP of £8.29 and the pump spray has an RSP of £8.49. Ultrathon is available from Tesco, The Cooperative pharmacy, chemistdirect.co.uk, Amazon.co.uk and 3Mdirect.co.uk

Always seek medical advice if you have wheezing, difficulty breathing or swallowing, excess swelling around the bite or sting, or flu-like symptoms that appear to become worse rather than better. If you’ve previously had a severe reaction you will normally be offered an adrenaline pen or be referred to an allergy clinic for further investigations. PREVENTING STINGS AND BITES 1. Use an insect repellent at times when you’re more likely to be stung and try and keep your skin covered. 2. Keep an eye on your drinks to make sure that wasps or bees haven’t sneaked inside for a cheeky sip– they particularly like sweet drinks. 3. Try not to panic when you see an insect that may sting – if you wave your arms around you are far more likely to be stung. Stand up slowly, walk away and it will usually buzz off. 4. Use mosquito nets if you’re camping outdoors or put thin netting or door beads over doors to prevent insects from coming inside. Julia Faulks

Thalgo Facial Sunblock Age Defence Sunscreen Cream SPF50 (£22.50, www.thalgo. co.uk) which is super luxe, easily absorbed and non-whitening formula.

The NEW PIZ BUIN® WET SKIN product range includes: PIZ BUIN® WET SKIN transparent Sun Spray SPF 15 150ml, RRP £17.99 PIZ BUIN® WET SKIN transparent Sun Spray SPF 30 150ml, RRP £17.99

The ‘Hero’ product for anti-ageing In a UK first, a clinical study showed a daily tablet could significantly improve skin firmness, reduce wrinkle depth and even provide a natural sun protection factor (SPF) of 10 in 12 weeks and SPF of 15 in 24 weeks. The little pink tablet Colladeen® Visage Colladeen® Visage (£18.95 for 60 tablets) www.naturesbest.co.uk LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

ak e r b fee

cof

E I N N S T You have two minutes to find all the words of three or more letters that can be made from the letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns are not. The 6 letter word will always be just a normal everyday word.

3 letters: 12 4 letters: 14 5 letters: 5 6 letters: 1

3 Le inn ins its net nit sen set sin sit ten tie

Word Ladder

Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.

N E A P

8 10

ÂŠPuzzlepress.co.uk

15 16

22 23

T I D E

Across 1. Commemorate (9) 8. Barley beard (3) 9. Furnace (11) 11. Knee-cap (7)

Down 2. Epoch (3) 3. Trite (5) 4. Antenna (6) 5. Permit (7)

12. Principle (5) 13. Invertebrate (6) 15. Leash (6) 17. Bend (5) 18. Rejection (7) 20. Forefather (11) 22. Tree (3) 23. Therapy (9)

6. Brackets (11) 7. Artificial (9) 10. Calamity (11) 11. Main (9) 14. Mild (7) 16. Ice (6) 19. Swift (5) 21. Possess (3) Answers on page 56

22 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

He sol exi NE nea tea ten tint tine TID

Childcare QUESTION: I’m planning a return to work but don’t know whether to put my toddler with a childminder or a nursery. Which is best? ANSWER: There’s usually no shortage of advice on this topic from well-meaning friends and relatives. Always remember that this is your child and it’s you who has to live with the decision you make. Trust your instincts. For some, the answer is a nanny, for others a child minder or a nursery. In many cases a combination of care can be best – one day a week with Grandma, two days at nursery and two days with Mum or Dad who is now working part-time or flexibly. • Start by asking yourself a few questions: • Is it important to you that your child is cared for in her own home or by a family member? • Do you want your daughter to learn to socialise with other children as early as possible? • Is your daughter a confident, out-going child who loves new experiences or is she more home-loving and reserved with strangers? • Then set out to research your options as early as possible. Many day nurseries have long waiting lists so it makes sense to register even if you’re not sure. • Talk to other parents in the area to make sure you’re aware of what’s available. • Listen to your instincts. The best facilities and equipment do not necessarily make for the happiest children. Will your daughter be

played with and listened to? In all childcare situations, trust and confidence in the carers are of paramount importance. In a nursery, chat to as many staff as possible and form your own impressions. When talking to a childminder, be very frank about your views and expectations in order to ascertain whether you share a similar approach. The government’s public service website has helpful information for parents on all aspects of childcare at www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Childcare/index. htm , The National Day Nurseries Association www. ndna.org.uk, the National Childminding Association www.ncma.org.uk all offer insights and assistance with finding appropriate childcare in your local area. For more online advice about raising and educating your daughter, as well as information on local girls’ schools, see www.MyDaughter.co.uk.

Reception and Year 7 for September 2013 now full,

limited places available for Year 5

High quality teaching in small classes Broad and diverse education Importance placed on manners and behaviour Exceptional facilities Prepares boys for 11+ and entrance to independent schools A school that understands boys

The basic requirement to protect an iPad is a case. A safe option is the Smart Cover which folds into a stand for reading and typing and the device automatically wakes or sleeps as it opens and closes. If you are looking for something more on-trend, Ted Baker has a glossy case in three colours with a funky bow and gleaming metal stud and Belkin offers a suede case in eye catching pink.

For further information please contact:

The Registrar, Davenies, Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 1AA +44 (0) 1494 685400 registrar@davenies.co.uk www.davenies.co.uk

LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 23

depression Depression is a feeling of persistent sadness, involving feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. It involves not only mood but also feelings of being physically ill and of not being able to think clearly. It is one of the most common conditions in the UK, affecting at least one in five people during their lifetime. No one should fear depression; the vast majority of people affected will make a full recovery. Successful treatment can involve a variety of different approaches, including self-help, psychotherapy or medication. If you are affected by depression, you are not ‘just’ sad or upset. You have an illness which means that intense feelings of persistent sadness, helpless and hopelessness are often accompanied by physical effects such as sleepiness, a loss of energy, or physical aches and pains. Sometimes people may not realize how depressed they are, if

they have been feeling the same way for a long time, if they have been trying to cope with their depression by keeping themselves very busy, or if their depressive symptoms are more physical than emotional. • Tiredness and loss of energy • Persistent sadness • Loss of self confidence and self esteem • Difficulty concentrating • Not being able to enjoy things that are usually pleasurable or interesting • Undue feelings of guilt or worthlessness • Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness • Self-harm • Sleeping problems - difficulties in getting off to sleep or waking up much earlier than usual. • Avoiding other people, sometimes even your close friends • Finding it hard to function at work/college/school

Dr Shelagh Wright

• Loss of appetite • Loss of sex drive and/ or sexual problems • Physical aches and pains • Thinking about suicide and death Generally if you experience 4 or more of these symptoms for more than 2 weeks then it may be necessary to seek help either by going to see your GP for a referral, or by referring yourself to a psychotherapist. Helpful things that you can do for yourself, even if you do seek help, is ensure that your daily routine includes: • time for adequate rest and sleep • eating a balanced diet • Doing some gentle exercise preferable in the fresh air e.g going for a walk • Having some time for yourself even if it merely taking a long bath • Talking to people around you about how you feel.

D Sys Psych

Shelagh Wright

Doctor Shelagh

Systemic and Family Psychotherapist and Family Mediator

Need help with: • • • •

Eating Disorders Depression Anxiety Couple Issues

Dr Shelagh is now on MarlowFM every Tuesday 9.30am to 12pm on the Health Show 24 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

• • • •

Relationship Issues Family Relationships Communication Difficulties Adolescent Issues Telephone: 01628 509041 Mobile:07956 495365 Email: info@drshelagh.com . Web: www.drshelagh.com Siena Court Broadway Maidenhead SL6 1NJ

Te m p l e G o l f C l u b Henley Road, Hurley, Berkshire, SL6 5LH

“An Exceptional Year Round Golf Venue”

Special Membership Offer for Living Along the Thames readers

If you join as a member in June 2013 until 31 July 2014 you will receive a book of guest green fee vouchers valued at £200* . Contact us, quoting ‘LATT’ for further details and an application form *Terms & Conditions Apply

T: 01628 824795 E: secretary@templegolfclub.co.uk W: www.templegolfclub.co.uk Golf Tip:

CHIROPODIST

Struggling with your balance? Try a swing barefooted. As you make your swings, focus on keeping your feet “underneath” your body. M.Inst Chp Swinging barefoot allows you to feel what it’s like to swing within yourself. You’ll actually hit better golf shots in all general chiropody covered bare feet than with your shoes and socks on. You certainly specialist warts, verrucas & fungal complaints won’t “come out of your spikes” trying to kill the ball. latest Hi-Tech treatments Hitting golf balls barefooted can help you No Pain, Highly Effective develop good footwork and good balance. 4 Ravenshoe Close For more information see your local golf pro or hpc. no CH21742 Bourne End watch the many videos on this topic on the internet. Tel: Bucks SL8 5QP

Robert Kevan

01628 530464

Sara Mayne Lic Ac MBAcC

Tai Chi ~ Tao Yoga ~ Qi Gong ~ Yoga ~ Acupuncture A gentle and powerful approach to ﬁtness and wellbeing. Regular half day courses running in Bourne End every 2nd Friday and Saturday of each month.

Weekly evening & daytime classes every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Phone: 01628 527007 Mobile: 07732 705644 Email: saramayne.naturalway@gmail.com Website: www.saramayne.com Acupuncture Clinic every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 25

Women in Bloom Pregnancy can be extremely exciting and joyful for some woman or conversely, very painful and trigger many anxieties for others. One thing is for sure, it is always a source for great discussions. Kate Davies, a fertility and contraceptive Practitioner newly established in Marlow, offers her 20 years of gynaecology nursing expertise with great empathy to answer a wide range of woman’s needs. As a homeopath it is very refreshing to hear that in her experience, empowering woman from the moment of conception with fertility awareness is of great value throughout a pregnancy. Kate works with patients to identify and record natural fertility indicators in order to help them achieve pregnancy. Advice on lifestyle aspects such as nutrition and the impact of stress on fertility are also included within her process. Of course, every woman’s pregnancy comes with its own special “grab-bag of ailments”, but you can’t always treat nausea, heartburn or even a common cold the same way you did before you were pregnant, by hitting the medicine cabinet. In fact, you might want to think twice before taking any sort of medication during your pregnancy (and you’ll definitely want tot talk with your doctor first). Kate Middleton’s pregnancy made the headline news for severe morning sickness that so many women experience. As the royal family are fervent users of homeopathy, with the Prince’s trust supporting our homeopathic hospital in London, I’d like to think that she too was given the right advice on alternative and complementary ways to approach her pregnancy. Natural pregnancy remedies often work just as well as your old standbys with the benefits extending to the baby. Here are a few tips for a gentle natural pregnancy: 26 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

• Constipation: a common complaint advancing into later stage of the pregnancy. Here the diet needs to be addressed first with increase intake of fibres and at least 2 litres of water each day. Remedies such as Calc Carb and Pulsatilla have a very gentle effect as the use of laxatives is not recommended. • Stretch marks: beside all the cosmetic options available on the high street, there are alternative options giving great results and easier on your wallet too! Make your own anti-stretch mark solution by mixing 10 drops each of wheat germ, almond and lavender oils. While a stretch mark free belly can never be guaranteed, your stretched-tight skin will feel soft as a baby’s bottom and smell like the French countryside. • Stress relief: an array of local therapists are at hand to help you cope with the stress of pregnancy or the anxiety of future motherhood. Reflexology is now a very popular therapy that can accompany mothers on their journey, whilst acupuncture can address physical ailments as well. • Pain relief and birth kit: your local homeopath is probably your first port of call in this instance. Very comprehensive birth kits are available from Helios of Ainsworth pharmacy with the top 30 remedies to cover pre term contractions, labour pain, nausea, vomiting and so on. Such kit can also contain remedies to use when the baby is born and help with a number of tasks such as breast-feeding. Whilst every pregnancy is unique and requires special attention, the mother after care and baby nurturing is as important. Here your health visitor and chosen therapists will be great allies to you and your baby. Sophie Ward Bsc Hons, RSHom The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or constitute medical advice. If you are in any doubts or you have been diagnosed with a medical condition, always seek the advice of your medical practitioner.

Fashion Flash Slumber shopping

Forget lunch-hour speed shopping, pre-bedtime perusing is proving to be the sleepy new way to buy. Almost 50% of Brits reveal they shop online in a bid to beat insomnia, according to new research by feelunique. com. One in 10 of us shops online between 10pm and 4am, while 20% like to check out before getting out of bed in the morning. And then thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the 7% who have made online purchases while lounging in the bath.

25-27 The Parade, Bourne End, Bucks. SL8 5SB Tel: 01628 528877 E-Mail: Enquiries@No25ofBourneEnd.co.uk Web: www.No25ofBourneEnd.co.uk

LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 27

Bridal Hair Summer brings weddings, and for both brides and guests the question of how to wear your hair. For brides in particular, this takes some precision planning! We recommend brides start their hair programme at least 4 months in advance to give plenty of time to get the colour and condition right. When choosing the style, you need to consider whether your wedding has a theme (is it vintage, or is there a flower or piece of jewellery you want to incorporate?), the neckline of your dress (does your hair need to be up to show off features at the back?) and the shade of it – it sounds peculiar but as an example, gold dresses can be too warm for natural blonde hair, while champagne dresses work on cooler blondes but can be too yellow against caramel hues… Look to the red carpet for gorgeous, classic hair looks that are great bridal inspiration and bring pictures of your favourite styles to your consultation. Your hairdresser can take pictures of the styles you like on you and a picture of the final look is a great reference for everyone on the day. It’s really important to have a few pre-wedding trials so you are totally sure about what you want. This can start with a consultation with your hairdresser followed by a colour about 3 months before your wedding. If you like it then you can get it re-done closer to the time whereas if you don’t you still have enough time to rethink and try something else without a huge panic the week before. Get a final trim and colour about a week before the wedding. Make sure you and your hairdresser are on the same wavelength so be specific if you want more light tones at the ends or more depth at the roots for example. However if you have had a few consultations before this it shouldn’t be an issue. For guests, hair with staying power is key! A really good blow set with lashings of hairspray is a failsafe option so you look like you, but more groomed… For updos, styles that include plaits, loose topknots and curls are all on trend, and if you want to add a bit of length 28 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

either for hair down or to create a bigger ponytail, try an Effortless Extension (www.effortlessextensions.co.uk, £74.95) which is a new innovation of hair on a wire, which takes seconds to put in and looks really natural. By Karine Jackson, organic hair specialist - www.karinejackson.co.uk

Feet First

For the treatment of corns & calluses (hard skin), verrucae, in-growing toenails, bunions, nail problems and other foot ailments. HOME VISITS AVAILABLE

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Luscious Lips Concentrate on one thing at a time! Choose lips and be bold with colour. If you’re wearing a bright lip colour leave eyes quite bare with just a hint of mascara for a really modern look. Matching cheeks, eyes and lips is a big trend and was embraced by Alexander Wang and Chris Benz at NY Fashion Week. Warm pebbles and toasted apricots are great for this as they suit most skin tones. For the perfect pout line and fill with a colour matched lip

liner, then apply lipstick with brush, blot, reapply and blot lightly. A touch of gloss in the centre of the upper and lower lip will make them appear fuller. If you’re a bit older don’t shy away from lip colours, making them a colour will make them appear fuller to give a more youthful look. A flash of coral will add a fresh, zesty look for spring. Michelle White, Creative Director, Frontcover Cosmetics, www.frontcovercosmetics.com

Cara for Make Store Cosmetics

Lord & Berry 20100 Lipstick in Nudo (£8 from www. lookfantastic.com) which is perfect for adding a sweep of colour to the lips. It is a really long lasting ultraintense satin nude Lipstick Crayon, so creates a really fresh and professional finish.

Triple Core 3D lipstick is your one step solution to the ombre Each flattering shade glides on, lip trend – a tri-tone effect. The leaving your lips looking luminous lipstick can be purchased at www. and feeling soft.Available from oriflamestore.co.uk from 8 June www.lizearle.com (£14) onwards priced at a special launch price of £7.95. Normal RRP £10.95 from 5 July 2013 onwards.

Clarins timeless shades of Rouge Eclat Lipstick, £18.50 Available www.clarins.co.uk

Summer Glamour

1. 2. 3. 4.

Make Store Scarlett lipstick (£12) for a zingy coral pout. Team with Ocean breeze eyepencil (£8.50) to create the Cara look above and make your Summer look ‘POP’. Available from Carnaby Street & Westfield London.

Liz Earle Signature Foundation (£21) and Lash definition smudgeproof mascara (£14.40) from www.LizEarle.com Clarins Limited Edition Summer Splendours Colour Quartet & Liner Eye Palette, £31 - www.Clarins.co.uk Liz Earle brushes for the perfect look, from £12 from www.LizEarle.com Hyaluronic acid and Seabuckthorn are the superhero anti-ageing ingredients of the moment. . These natural wonder ingredients are found in the Anti-Ageing Cream (£24.95 for 50ml) and Radiant Skin Mask (£24.95 for 50ml) from new organic skincare range Bio2You. From www.bio2-you.com 5. Body Buffer (£20)from Harley Street Skin care both exfoliates and moisturises your skin - containing anti-ageing minerals, orange seed oil and exfoliating agent glycolic acid uniquely to moisturise and gently exfoliates through the damaged layers of the skin, leaving a youthful and smoother complexion, and giving your skin a new lease of life. From www.harleystreetskincare.co.uk 6. Keep your skin looking good through the Summer month – Thalgo Biodepyl 3.1 Concentrate, £25 from www.Thalgo.co.uk) - Unique vials which contain an algae based formulation to delay hair re-growth following waxing or after using an epilator. With prolonged use hair grows back finer and shorter. 7. Nuxe Golden Dry oil Splash from £23.70 - £38, available from www.Escentual.com

LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 29

wild at heart The fashion trends come and go but there is one that never disappears. Animal print has been present in our wardrobes for as long as one can remember. It has to be said many regard it as “dated” but they couldn’t be more wrong. Classic is what describes the animal print best and the clever interpretations of it always remain on top of any fashionista’s must-have of the season. The new printing technologies and a very competitive market result in the most unusual and very attractive collections. This season the animal theme received a fantastic makeover in the shape of crazy colour palette. The black and white zebra has been replaced by neon brights such as yellow, orange and fuchsia. The jungle animal inspired trend has made a great impact on summer accessories too. Shoes, belts, jewellery - all make a fantastic fashion statement and great addition to our summer wardrobe.

1. Jersey print dress by Frank Lyman at www.SwishBoutique.co.uk 2. Lindi dress (£149) at www.No25ofBourneEnd.co.uk 3. Cotton dress by Semper. at www.SwishBoutique.co.uk 4. Lovarni dress at www.Lovarni.com 5. Maxi skirt at ohmylove.co.uk

30 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

6. Jersey print dress by Aria (£99)at www.No25ofBourneEnd.co.uk

Perfect finish 4 6 1 7

5 15 10

16 11 12 14

1. Pink fabric sun hat (£19.95) at www.No25ofBourneEnd.co.uk 2. Raffia Hat at www.SwishBoutique.co.uk 3. Giraffe print shopper by Mafana.at www.SwishBoutique.co.uk 4. Volum bag at www.SwishBoutique.co.uk 5. Pink ladies fashion handbag (£39.50) at www.No25ofBourneEnd.co.uk 6. Large Reindeer (£29.95) and skull design scarf (£8.95)at www.No25ofBourneEnd.co.uk 7. Animal print scarf at www.SwishBoutique.co.uk 8. Lime bag (£32.50) at www.No25ofBourneEnd.co.uk 9. Accento belt at www.SwishBoutique.co.uk

10. Faux Python clutch at www. SwishBoutique.co.uk 11. Enamel bracelet at www. SwishBoutique.co.uk 12. Clip earrings at www.SwishBoutique.co.uk 13. Butterfly necklace (£17.50) & Bead necklace (£19) at www.No25ofBourneEnd.co.uk 14. Pumps from Riva (£85) at www.No25ofBourneEnd.co.uk 15. Dune Handbag (£29) - Soliday at Dune.co.uk 16. Hannah Zebra cuff at www.pilotfashion.com 17. Belts from www.LaRedoute.co.uk

LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

Courtesy Fat Face

Father’s Day 16th June 2013 Gift Ideas

Technology black premium Suitor £89.99 at www.Tripp.co.uk

Jasper Conran J briefcase £150 at www.Debenhams.com

Sofa Organiser £19.95 at www.HouseofBath.co.uk

BS Boofle tankard £7 at www.Sainsburys.co.uk

Black Leather Holdall £50 at www.RiverIsland.com

F&F Belts £6 at www.Tesco.co.uk

Diesel only the brave tattoo from £34.50 at www.ThePerfumeShop.com

Champagne Paisley Handkerchief £15 at www.RiverIsland.com

Cufflinks £55 at www.Jaeger.co.uk

32 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

Ben de Lisi Picture Frame no 4 £14 at www.Debenhams.com

Red hemp Pocket Square £6 at www.Debenhams.com

Maidenhead Golf Club

A ‘hidden’ gem in the heart of Maidenhead

Membership available in all categories with NO JOINING FEE A full diary of competitions, events and matches Busy social programme runs throughout the year A well-stocked Pro Shop Events – we can seat up to 120 for dinner and cater for wedding receptions, parties and business meetings

For further information please telephone 01628 624693 or email: manager@maidenheadgolf.co.uk www.maidenheadgolf.co.uk Maidenhead Golf Club, Shoppenhangers Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 2 PZ

Just a short ‘drive’ from the town centre, opposite Desborough School - easily accessible by road M4 & M40 and only a five minute walk from the local mainline railway station.

TIPS TO PROLONG YOUR SUMMER TAN We all love the healthy glow from our summer holiday tan, but living in the rainy British climate means that tans can start to fade from the moment we step off the plane. Esther Cooney, beauty expert and therapist at skincare brand Primavera® gives her top tips for maintaining a healthy summer glow well into the autumn: 1. FIRSTLY, IT’S IMPORTANT TO EXFOLIATE. This should be done before your holiday to ensure that skin is hydrated and prepped (Primavera®’s Organic Juniper Berry & Cypress Body Scrub £20.00 for 200ml).. Dry skin can lead to peeling, and in some cases an uneven tan 2. WEARING SUNSCREEN IS VITAL when exposed to the sun, not only to protect your skin from harmful

UV rays, but also if you want a long-lasting tan. Not only is it dangerous to avoid wearing sunscreen due to skin cancer risks, but burning your skin can lead to premature ageing and red, peeling skin, rather than a sexy golden glow. 3. MOISTURISING is key to a healthy and long-lasting tan, to ensure skin is hydrated and smooth. The face is the first area where tans usually fade, so remember to use a good quality face moisturiser (Primavera®’s Bronzing Seed Oil Capsules £44.00 for 30 capsules contain buriti oil to leave a natural wash-off tint.) as well as a body lotion (Primavera®’s Restoring Rose & Sallow Thorn Body Lotion £29.00 for 200ml) 4. AVOID WAXING if you want your tan to last, as it will remove surface skin cells stripping away the top layer of your tan. Your skincare routine should continue after your holiday – make sure you moisturise on a daily basis to keep skin hydrated. LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 33

GO GATSBY

The new Great Gatsby movie is proving a big influence for decor fans who’ve been seduced by its glamorous, glitzy settings. Gabrielle Fagan sources Twenties -style ingredients to jazz up your home. The bold, beautiful and luxurious scenery in The Great Gatsby is drawing as much attention as the glamorous stars of the new Hollywood blockbuster. Director Baz Luhrmann has recreated the lavish 1920s playground of the rich where the beautiful, upperclass Daisy is wooed by social climber Gatsby, and it’s a riot of colour and opulence enhanced by 3D. The film’s already made its mark beyond the screen by inspiring a revival of interest in art deco, with decor fans determined to ‘jazz up’ their interiors. Trends are created when they catch the mood of the moment and this elegant style perfectly suits our current desire for more decorative, styled homes, says Carole Brown, director of marketing for Dunelm Mill. “While being effortlessly chic, the geometric shapes, streamlining and clean lines characteristic of art deco enhance any setting,” she says. “To do up a home in true Gatsby style, introduce elements of opulence with polished, mirrored furniture, silky fabrics and luxurious crystal lighting.” There’s no need to get in a ‘flap’ about decor - simply follow our guide to Gatsby glamour. SILVER SCREEN STYLE Painting walls in differing shades may seem, on the face of it, as unlikely a pairing as Daisy and Gatsby. But it can work. “Use colours which reflect dulled-off metallic hues of bronze and copper as well as richer caramels,” says Rebecca Thompson, colour and design manager for Dulux. “Set those against blue greys and charcoal, with a touch of pink and it will keep the style feminine and elegant.”

34 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

RAZZLE-DAZZLE DECOR All smoke and mirrors could sum up the essence of this style, which evokes the glittering world of the ‘bright young things’ who danced to ragtime. “Baz Luhrmann’s film highlights the more geometric and angular elements of 1920s decoration, which included the use of lots of chrome, mirrors and glass - summing up the age of the silver screen,” says Sarah Cole, director at Farrow & Ball. Polished furniture, wood and bronze craftsmanship will create a harmonious setting redolent of the visual luxury of the period. Gatsby Glitz: Dunelm Mill’s Deco range of desirable mirrored furniture includes a Parisian four-drawer chest, £349.99. The Apartment collection at Isme is a snip with a console table and side table currently on offer online at £79 each and a coffee table, £159. Reflect light with decorative all-glass mirrors which are ‘art’ for walls. You’re spoilt for choice at The Chandelier & Mirror Company, and its Foggia mirror, £495, is a classic in an art deco Venetian Sunburst style using more than 90 separate angled mirror pieces. LET IT GLITTER “Keep flooring light for a fresh look by choosing cream carpet or light oak parquet and rugs. Gold and silver details work well together in a room but try not to use equal amounts,” advises Marianne Shillingford at Dulux. “Touches of gold in details such as door handles can be echoed in fabrics, while tones of faceted silver, glass and chrome will add real glamour.” Gatsby Glitz: Tom Faulkner has embraced art deco

elegance with a geometric design Puzzle console table, from £2,999, coffee table, from £1,899, and mirror, from £999. A Sovereign chest embossed in a silver metal effect, £429 from Fishpools, could be a statement piece, or those who shy away from the femininity of this look could make a director’s choice with an uber-stylish Magnum brown leather armchair featuring a chunky polished steel frame, £1,195 from Alexander & Pearl. STYLE STEALS Replicating this on-screen look in its entirety might not be to your taste - but flirting with it could be just the touch of frivolity needed to update a room and prove you’re in tune with trends. A monochrome scheme is always suggestive of art deco and pristine white walls with some signature pieces of furniture will endure long beyond the hype of the movie. Create a stylish dining area with a sleek dining table and monochrome chairs. Furniture Village’s Caxton Rio upholstered chair, currently £199, and its angular Silver Dragon dining table, currently £1,249, could pair well. Chandeliers are synonymous with glamour and Laura Ashley’s collection includes the Allegra tiered chandelier with layers of glass droplets which would look at home in any Hollywood mansion. A medium size is £700. Don’t overlook small details such as lamps, which can reflect a look. A Tiffany-style handcrafted Waltz Novelty lamp, £56 from QVC, decorated with a sensual dancer’s silhouette, could provide an eye-catching element. A gilded Empire State table lamp, with black shade, £99 from Dwell, celebrates the later 1930s architecture of New York’s Empire State Building. Make a feature on a table by displaying black and brass-lined bowls, from £59 from BoConcept.

7 8

Deco Sources: 1.Wallpaper Direct: 01323 430 886/www.wallpaperdirect.co.uk 2. Furniture Village: 0800 804 8879/www.furniturevillage.co.u 3. & 8. Dunelm Mill: 08451 65 65 65/www.dunelm-mill.com 4. QVC: www.qvcuk.com 5. Alexander & Pearl: 020 8508 0411/www.alexanderandpearl.co.uk 6. Dwell: 0845 675 9090/www.dwell.co.uk 7. Fishpools: 01992 780 700/www.fishpools.co.uk BoConcept: www.boconcept.co.uk/The Chandelier & Mirror Company: 01322 437 112/www. chandeliersandmirrors.co.uk/ Dulux: www.dulux.com/ Farrow & Ball: www.farrow-ball.com Tom Faulkner: 020 7351 7272/www.tomfaulkner.co.uk/Isme: 0844 811 8112/www.isme.com Laura Ashley: 0871 983 5999/www.laurashley.com

LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 35

Ovenproud

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CLEVER WAYS WITH A SPRINKLING OF SALT Salt is most commonly used as a flavour enhancer, but this household staple is much more versatile than that. Salt has an affinity to water and can draw moisture out of many foods. What’s more, grains of table salt are very hard, which means they can act as an abrasive. These properties give salt a variety of uses around the home. When boiling eggs, a pinch of salt in the water will prevent the shells from cracking and adding a pinch when beating eggs or cream will make them whip faster and higher. Moreover, if you rub salt into the cavities of chicken or turkey, it will help to keep the bird moist while cooking. Staying in the kitchen, washing green leafy vegetables in salt water will easily remove all the dirt and if you need to chill a bottle of wine quickly, just place it in an ice bucket with alternate layers of ice and salt, fill with water and your tipple will be ready in about ten minutes. Even red wine stains are no problem to remove - simply cover the stain with salt and pour over boiling water. You can also use salt to remove any sticky residue on the bottom of an iron, by running the hot iron over plain paper sprinkled with salt. And if you are caught 36 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

out by frost and ice, table salt can be used as a substitute for rock salt, to de-ice paths and pavements. So with all these handy uses, you might want to think twice before tossing that spilled salt over your shoulder.

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LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 37

How to build your own home If you’ve watched one episode of Grand Designs too many and have been bitten by the self-build bug, be prepared for a bumpy ride. While you’ll (hopefully) build the home of your dreams, it can be a long, stressful and expensive process and there are lots of things to consider before the building work can begin. Unless you’re able to section off part of your garden and get planning permission to build on it, you’ll obviously need a plot of land. Finding a plot that already has detailed planning permission for a house will remove much of the risk, but, of course, it’s unlikely to be the house you want. Unless the plans can be changed, you may prefer to take a risk on a plot without planning permission, or with outline planning permission - this grants permission on the principle that the land can be developed, while detailed planning specifies the design of the building. Finding a suitable plot can be a struggle, especially in big cities. You can search for land on property websites such as www.zoopla.co.uk and www.rightmove. co.uk, where it’s for sale through estate agents. Land agents, who specialise in selling land, and auction houses are often a better bet, as are specialist plot websites, such as PlotSearch at www.buildstore.co.uk. Local newspapers and property magazines may contain ads for land for sale, or you could place a ‘land wanted’ ad. You could even drive or cycle around your search area, looking for land that’s for sale or may be suitable as a building plot. Don’t discount derelict buildings - knocking something down and starting again can be a good way to get a great plot, and sometimes the property doesn’t have to be derelict for the numbers to stack up. As well as the location and chances of obtaining planning permission, consider the value of the land (or rather its value to you) and how you can get services and vehicles to it. Poor access will make the project harder and more expensive, and could even stop it from getting off the ground. As well as a plot, a good architect is essential. Not only will they translate your vision into reality, they can also enhance it with ideas of their own, coming up with things you hadn’t thought of and solving problems. Even once the plans are done, a good architect is invaluable, as they can help you obtain planning

38 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

permission, can manage the build and the prebuild process, and can source and manage the various professionals and contractors needed. While you can do this yourself, it’s not something recommended for novice self-builders, although it doesn’t deter most of those featured on Grand Designs. By Julia Gray

TOP TIP If your white melamine furniture looks tired because it has yellowed over time. Re-whiten it by sanding it, cleaning it and painting it with melamine primer, then apply melamine topcoat or use standard (water-based) white gloss, satinwood or eggshell - it’ll look like new.

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15/03/2013 10:55

National Trust challenges children to reconnect with nature in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire

National Trust - John Millar

National Trust - Arnhel de Serra

National Trust - Rod Edwards

National Trust - John Millar

National Trust - Joe Cornish

his summer the National Trust re-launches its popular ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ campaign.

The campaign was originally launched last year in response to the Natural Childhood report, highlighting evidence of a dramatic decline in children’s relationship with nature. It challenged children to have a go at once-commonplace activities such a climbing a tree, making a mud pie and building a den. This year, there are 15 new activities on the list which has been put together with the help of the National Trust’s new Kids Council. Some are things you can do on your own, whilst others are on offer at various organised events. These are just some of the things you can do this summer at our special places in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire: 1. Climb a tree at Stowe - Choose your tree carefully. You need one with big, strong branches that you can reach from the ground. 2. Build a den at Cliveden - Children can build their own den in the woods at Cliveden where there is also a new natural play area. 3. Fly a kite at Hughenden - The rolling hills of the Chilterns are perfect for flying a kite and you might even see some red kite too! 4. Create some wild art at Basildon Park - The beautiful setting and natural surroundings of Basildon Park could bring out the artist in you 40 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

5. Make a mud pie at Ashridge Estate - You can’t get much closer to nature than making a mud pie. Which recipe will you use today? 6. Make a trail with sticks in the Chilterns Countryside - You will never get lost in the woods if you know how to make your own secret trail. 7. Hold a scary beast at Hughenden - You can hunt for mini-beasts anywhere. All you need is a magnifying glass and some patience. We will provide the magnifying glass … 8. Go on a nature walk at night at West Wycombe HIll - Find out which creatures come out to play at night on this guided walk with a nature expert. 9. Make a grass trumpet at Grey’s Court - an you make one blade of grass sound like a loud trumpet? All it takes is some grass and a bit of practice. 10. Cook on a campfire at our specially organised events - Lighting a campfire and cooking your own food really does bring you back to nature, so we have organised campfire cooking events at Ashridge Estate, Basildon Park and Cliveden. You can visit any participating National Trust place to pick up your 50 things scrapbook; then download a 50 things planner to find out where to tick off the activities in your area at nationaltrust.org.uk/southeast.

Coriander

Tree Surgery Who is the best surgeon for your tree? How do you know if your choosing the right tree surgeon? There are so many companies that offer tree surgery and some are better then others. Tree surgery is a dangerous business and requires skill and experience to achieve the best possible look and care given to the tree. There are 4 things that you must consider when employing a tree surgeon to carry out works in your garden. 1. Has the tree surgeon got the relevant

qualifications for both climbing and using the equipment? 2. Is the company insured for both employers and public liability insurance. 3. Does the company operate under the Health and Safety laws? 4. Does the company have any testimonials that can prove the work is of the best standard. If you are contemplating tree surgery work and need advice where customer service, health and safety and tree knowledge and care are all areas on which the company you use pride themselves on then contact Calibra Tree Surgeons.

Three ways to... Beat weeds 1. As tiny seedlings appear, hoe every week or two, preferably on a dry,sunny day, leaving the weed seedlings to shrivel in the sun. 2. If you weed when the annual weeds are bigger, dig them out individually, clearing them away afterwards or they'll root back into the soil. 3. With tough, perennial weeds such as ground elder or bindweed, either use a systemic weedkiller, based on glyphosate, painted or sprayed on a dry day, which will then be absorbed through the leaves and slowly kill the roots. Wait a few weeks to see if regrowth appears and if it does, treat them again. If you are a committed organic gardener and don't want to use weedkiller, re-visit the offending weeds each week, removing all top growth, which will weaken and eventually kill the weeds.

Coriander can be used to dress many Asian dishes or add flavour to salsas, fiery dips and salads. It needs to be sown in rows or patio/kitchen containers every six weeks from late spring to midsummer to ensure a long harvest, or on the kitchen.

they're very overcrowded, and water sparingly. When the plants are 15cm high, cut the leaves,

If you're just growing leaf coriander, sow from late April onwards in a sunny, sheltered position in well-drained soil so that the leaves retain their flavour. Coriander doesn't transplant well, so sow it where you want it to grow. Seeds should be sown half a centimetre deep and then thinned slightly, although with leaf coriander you only have to do this if

repeating this every month. If you want the seeds, you'll need to sow by May and thin the plants more to get a good crop of seeds as the plant doesn't like to be crowded. Good leaf varieties include 'Cilantro' and 'Leisure', which can be grown as a cut-and-comeagain crop, keeping them around 10cm (4in) tall, while 'Moroccan' is good for seeds.

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LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 41

Country Wise Is modern day life impacting our countryside? Factory, power station, housing estate, recreationally facility, storage area a great day out, our countryside has to be many things. Is modern Britain putting too much strain on our open spaces? Before industrialisation most of the population lived in the country. Towns and cities were unhealthy cramped places with no work. But the industrial revolution changed that. Suddenly it was towns with jobs; workers abandoned the countryside for urban lifestyle. Towns soon became overcrowded and rank with disease. The Victorian love of technology, overcame these problems, making it possible to live side by side. The countryside emptied of people, turned into the peaceful idyll, we romanticise about today. This industrial legacy holds implications for us today. In the Victorian era people would think nothing of several families living in one small house. Today this has been replaced by houses containing 2 adults and 2.4 children. Not since before the industrial revolution has housing been so empty of people. Our desire for bigger living spaces coupled with our expanding population puts pressure on our finite land resources. Eight times more people live in the UK than at the time of the industrial revolution. The only place we can get more land to accommodate those numbers is the open countryside. We continue to prefer to move out of towns and cities to live. The desire to live in the country is great, but is no longer a source of employment. The need to earn a living means we daily do battle with the transport system to get to work. Food security, highlighted by two world wars, forced food production to become more efficient, it become a top priority. When peace came wartime food production methods continued. Where these weren’t enough, again new 42 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

technology in the form of agrichemicals and plant breeding stepped in. We had turned our countryside into a factory floor. This factory now has to produce food at a price governed in the most part by the consumer and international markets. Should it fail to produce satisfactory goods, or at a price that is unacceptable, overseas suppliers are ready willing and able to step in. That is until their own populations start to starve because of climate change and then who will they supply first? More financial pressures, the influx of decease such as the Schmallenberg virus, changing weather patterns, gives the custodians of our land, the farmers, an uncertain future. Many are only just surviving. Why should we care? Because farming created our landscape, without it we would live in a wild wood. Our view of a bucolic countryside is based on the likes of “Cider with Rosie”, “The Darling buds of May” and our favourite “Worzel Gummidge”. The harsh realities are that unless someone is paid to do something it won’t get done. Unless we offer our farmers a method of feeding their families why should they maintain the countryside for us? When thinking about what to write this month we considered, writing about the creatures and flowers you could see if you go walking. Then it struck us that we should just say get out and enjoy the open, peaceful spaces. We don’t know how long they are going to be around. Our countryside is under threat, a well worn cliché we hear all the time. We think it is important that we all try to protect the open spaces around us. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t build houses or wind farms. What we must do is preserve open spaces for us and our children and our children’s children. Mark and Jacky Bloomfield Wildlife photographers

garden design

Coleby & Faulkner

Summer starts to give your garden the WOW factor

Herbaceous borders are often considered to be old fashioned and high maintenance, but there is nothing that gives the summer wow factor in a garden like a border packed full of stunning flowers.

With careful selection of modern varieties that don’t need feeding, staking or dead-heading they really don’t have to be a burden, and many will reward you not only with stunning flowers all summer, but seed heads that last right through the winter. A favourite collection of our summer flowering stars are: Verbena bonariensis Lollipop, Nepeta ‘Walkers Low’ and Erigeron karvinskianus. design & development : project management : planting specialists : consultancy & sourcing : passionate about gardens

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LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 43

Enjoy one of our Latest Releases this Summer

One Man’s Poison Horse Island

by John Samson The feud between David, a clever and calculating school boy and the old-school, wily and shamelessly corrupt cop Wallace appears to focus on a valuable coin collection that has gone missing. But much, much more is at stake, and the two are linked by something far more powerful than money. This is a fast-moving and compelling and very atmospheric thriller that beautifully evokes life in a 1960s Scottish coastal town. £15.99

by Tom Langdale When enigmatic Captain Christine Tyler and Major Martin Winthrop find themselves posted to a topsecret joint intelligence mission to Istanbul, the chemistry between them is electric. They try to focus on the mission objective: to pin down the perpetrators of a series of murders targeting former German offices from the Second World War. However all is not as it seems, and the deeper they dig, Martin uncovers many worrying connections to the past he has been escaping. This exciting debut novel shows that you can’t run away from your past – family history will always catch up with you. £10.99

Women of Consequence by Mark Hichens Mark Hichens explores the lives of eleven women whose actions changed lives. He offers illuminating accounts of the influential women: Elizabeth Fry, Florence Nightingale, Emma Cons, Marie Curie, Baroness Burdett-Coutts, Emmeline Pankhurst, Lilian Baylis, Ninette de Valois, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Edwina Countess Mountbatten and Dame Edith Sitwell. £17.99

We will be giving away one copy of each of the books featured. For your chance to win one of these fabulous books, please send an email to Office@alongthethames.co.uk by 12th July BOOK GUILD

The books on this page are from Book Guild Publishing ion

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To order, please call 01202 665432 (weekdays only) or visit www.bookguild.co.uk to view our other titles

44 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

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JUNE: Four planets in Communicative Gemini ensure that we will have lots to say and to think about as this month progresses. The powerful new moon in Gemini on the 8th confirms that the winds of change are now firmly set in motion as challenges to the established order mingle with the potential for inspirational new ideas. Clinging on to outworn values and traditions will be of no use anymore as we must embrace new ways of doing things. Mighty Jupiter moves from Gemini to Cancer on the 26th for a one year stay. Benevolent Jupiter puts the emphasis on kindness and compassion, particularly in family life and to the plight of those less fortunate. Community and team spirit is emphasised now as we build on the global community we’re moving towards. Mercury turns retrograde on the 27th, best to get any important documents

signed and sealed by then. JULY: Mercury, planet of commerce, communication and travel, continues its retrograde motion until the 21st of the month. Don’t let the trickster catch you out, be sure to check all your communications and documents thoroughly! Actionpacked Mars is in restless Gemini until the 13th, you might need extra discipline and focus to get practical projects finished. The new moon in Cancer on the 8th has the opportunity to bring new beginnings, changes and breakthroughs. Sensitive Cancer is the sign of the family and of the past, important adjustments in the home can now be successfully tackled. Venus, the goddess of love and relationships, is passionate and golden in the fiery sign of Leo until the 22nd. This bestows excellent opportunities for romantic encounters and joyous relationships. Be playful, be creative and have lots of fun! After the 22nd, Venus moves into much more practical, sensible and down-to-earth Virgo.

Aries

Cancer

Your ruler, motivational Mars spends the whole month in communicative Gemini. This is an excellent month to examine all levels of communication, both spoken and written. You have renewed energy to look at your life on all levels and many sweeping changes can be made now as confidence is at an all time high. July: Motivational Mars, in Gemini until the 13th, activates the area of communication and travel for you this month. An exciting new idea could present itself and there is abundant energy for a project to get of the ground. With Venus in confident Leo until the 23rd, renewed self-belief and enhanced leadership skills are all yours

An introspective and quiet start to June changes after the first week, as Venus moves in to your sign and the new moon waxes after the 8th. Dynamic and unconventional Uranus is at the highpoint point of your chart and major career shifts are now possible. Unexpected opportunities are in the pipeline. July is your birthday month and new and exciting opportunities are highlighted. The motivation that you may have lacked in recent months is returning now and there is a strong drive to improve your life on many levels. The new moon in your sign on the 8th confirms that possibilities are endless.

March 21 - April 20

Taurus

June 23 - July 23

Leo

April 21 - May 21

July 24 - August 23

Your ruler, the love planet Venus, moves into the sign of Cancer on the 3rd. This shift brings issues of trust and support into the spotlight, causing you to re-examine relationship areas of your life. You’ll realise how important loyalty is and after the new moon on the 8th, you may have a very different strategy in place. During July, the ideas and communication sector of your chart is highlighted by Jupiter, planet of abundance and expansion. Ideas that you never thought possible can surface now and you’ll be amazed at your innovative new way of thinking. The Cancer new moon on the 8th brings new projects and travel into focus..

June’s energy is very strong for all social activities and for taking a break from the rigors of daily life. After the Gemini new moon on the 8th you’ll be feeling especially playful and communicative and a holiday or an exciting journey could turn out to be the very best way to express yourself on all levels. July: With energetic Mars and passionate Venus both in important sectors of your chart you’ll find that you have plenty to sort out. There is a good opportunity to work behind the scenes and get all your affairs back into tiptop condition. A more positive and forward looking attitude can win you many admirers now

Gemini May 22 - June 22

Your birthday month is energetic and exciting as themes around team spirit, friendships and group pursuits are activated by four planets in your sign. After the new moon on the 8th you’ll start to review all your friendships and relationships, especially as interesting new people begin to appear on your horizon. July brings a different kind of energy as your funds and assets come into focus. With mighty and abundant Jupiter now powerful in Cancer, you’ll be examining new ways of increasing your earning potential. Use your brilliant communication skills to be even more creative and maybe even take a risk or two!

Virgo

August 24 - September 23

You may be feeling a little introspective as you review your plans and goals for the future. Abundant planetary activity at the highpoint of your chart brings innovative new ideas especially after the new moon on the 8th. Your ruler, communicative Mercury, is also in a good position for new opportunities. July brings renewed vigour as energetic Mars charges through the career sector of your chart. You are getting back on your feet now and you’ll find people around you are in a cooperative mood. With Jupiter and the new moon also active, you can enjoy friends and relationships on an entirely new level

LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 45

Libra

Capricorn

Life is action packed in June and normally balanced Librans may find the tempo a bit to hot to handle! But if you can embrace all levels of change, then marvellous things will be opening up. Jupiter reaches the high point of your chart on the 26th, last there 12 years ago, now is the start of an exciting new cycle. July: This month continues the theme of exciting new opportunities. Abundant Jupiter, the radiant Sun and communicative Mercury are all at the highest point in your chart, joined by the new moon on the 8th. Success beckons and you are more focussed and positively motivated than you have been for a long while.

Your work environment and your health and fitness take centre stage this month. The new moon on the 8th brings a need to review your diet and your work life balance. Saturn, your ruler, connects with the inspirational planet Neptune and brings the potential for creativity and innovative ways of communicating your ideas. July brings relationships and partnerships into focus as benevolent Jupiter moves through this important area of your chart. You feel like setting your sights very high now and are not at all afraid to go after what you truly desire. An important issue will come to the forefront after the new moon on the 8th

September 24 - October 23

Scorpio

October 24 - November 22

Finances and resources are in the spotlight this month. The powerful combination of a new moon on the 8th and four planets in Gemini ensure that decisions will have to be made. Be on the lookout for Interesting and exciting ways of boosting your income, new career opportunities are also on the horizon. July: This month brings an even stronger focus on revamping your life. Powerful aspects bring excellent opportunities for adventure and new directions. Travel to far away places is also illuminated and the new moon on the 8th enables you to broaden your horizons in ways you never thought possible.

Sagittarius November 23 - December 22

Powerful planetary action in the partnership sector of your chart means that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in for some surprises. Your mood in love is particularly adventurous and your charm is at an all time high. The new moon on the 8th brings new and passionate encounters and stable relationships can enter a new and exciting phase. July shines the spotlight on money matters and a financial review may now be necessary. The new moon on the 8thth helps you to make some decisions that have been pending for a while. With your ruler Jupiter so well placed, most things will be picking up pace again and you are much clearer about your goals.

December 23 - January 19

Aquarius January 20 - February 19

Four planets and a new moon in Gemini highlight the playful and romantic sector of your chart this month. After delays and setbacks things should really be moving forward now and as Jupiter moves into Cancer on the 26th abundance is all around! You can sit back and enjoy this especially energetic and expressive time. July: Your work, lifestyle and your health are all in the spotlight this month. Communication is sensitive and caring as expansive Jupiter moves forward in emotional Cancer. Those around you are really taking note of what you have to say and relations with friends and co-workers are strong and positive.

Pisces

February 20 - March 20

Your home and your family are the main focus this month. Four planets and a new moon in Gemini ensure that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be looking at ways to change and improve your surroundings. Love and romantic encounters are also favoured especially after the 3rd as Venus moves into compassionate, sensitive and caring Cancer. July: The Sun, Jupiter and Mercury all line up in the creative and romantic sector of your chart! Assertive Mars in your domestic area may present some challenges with the family, but after 14th things should become smoother. The new moon in sensitive Cancer on the 8th helps love and romance move forward more positively.

NAVIGATE YOUR WAY THROUGH LIFE WITH HIGHER KNOWLEDGE AND COSMIC AWARENESS Would you like to know how you can tune into your personal power and be the very best version of yourself? I can help motivate you to discover your purpose and achieve personal transformation. You can then create your vision and manifest your goals in life. As a trained life coach and a practitioner of Bach flower essence therapy, I offer a full motivational and transformational coaching programme. Your unique personal birth chart can help you to plan your year ahead 46 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

by tuning into productive planetary cycles. You can also gain the clarity and insight needed for optimal abundance and success. Overcome your fears and anxieties and replace them with assertiveness and self-confidence. I work with clients all over the world and my consultations are available by telephone/Skype. Please contact me for more information. Tarot card reading and gift vouchers are also available. Christine Chalklin www.RestyleYourLife.co.uk Mobile: 07813 483549 Christine@RestyleYourLife.co.uk

How to get more sales enquiries for your business Do you need more customers? If that’s a “Yes”, then you need to learn how to get more sales leads. Here is a quick checklist: STRATEGY • Begin by working on your marketing plan (if you fail to plan, you plan to fail). • Add value to your products / services. Keep adding value. • Set sales targets and figure out your conversion rate (i.e. “we close 1 sale for each 4 enquiries). This will give you a good idea of the number of sales leads you need. • Increase your promotional mix (i.e. the different ways in which you ‘get the word out’ about your business). • Spend more time on marketing (including working on your marketing plan, website etc). • Add contacts to your CRM (Customer Relationship Management system), every day. • Join The Marketing Compass and learn more about sales, marketing and attracting more customers. POSITIONING • Don’t just talk about being helpful. Be helpful. Don’t just tell us how great you are – demonstrate it by sharing your knowledge in helpful and useful ways, i.e. via the

• • internet and at events. • Stop pushing so hard. Whatever you push against in life, pushes back against you. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS • You will win more business from people with whom you have a prior business relationship. Whether they are existing customers, networking contacts or newsletter subscribers – relationships count. WEBSITE • Have a professional looking website, based on a Google friendly CMS (Content Management System) such as WordPress. Make it easy for visitors to engage with you, via your site. SOCIAL MEDIA • Login to your favourite social media platforms every day • Don’t just be a ‘broadcaster’ – be a conversationalist.

REFERRALS • Always ask for referrals. (I know that this can be hard, due to fear of rejection – however – you must do this). • If you want more referrals, give more referrals. (By the way – this works for anything. If you want more love – give more love). RESPONSIVENESS • Always respond quickly to sales leads in a friendly, professional manner. This is a message, in its own right. Even if they don’t buy from you this time, they’ll remember you. FEEDBACK • Have someone to report to, with regards to sales leads / sales. Talk everything through with them once a week. This works, even if it is your mother and she doesn’t say much, whilst you are talking; well, OK, you get my drift, don’t you? Nigel Temple

LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 47

Challenging beliefs about work performance Here are two conventional beliefs we seem to hold in work, and possibly in life in general:If you reward something, you get more of the behaviour you want If you punish something, you get less of the behaviour you don’t want They are the foundations of many Performance Management Systems (PMS) in organisations; good behaviour is equated with bonuses and other rewards, poor behaviour leads to Performance Improvement Plans, sanctions and disciplinary action, and ultimately dismissal. Many of us have experienced the good and bad of PMS. There is an interesting body of work that is challenging these beliefs. Funded by the US Federal Reserve Bank, four leading economists from three of the leading US universities conducted a study undertaken by students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The study caused them to question the findings as they ran so counter to conventional wisdom. The students were asked to complete a variety of challenges such as memorising strings of numbers, solving crossword puzzles, completing tasks to test spatial ability, and undertaking physical tasks such as throwing balls into containers. They were offered three levels of reward for achievement at different levels of performance. Those who did pretty well would receive a small financial reward; those who did better earned a medium financial reward; those who did really well would get a large cash prize. Sounds like the basis of most PMS – reward the top performers well and provide minimum rewards at the bottom of the scale. Here’s what the economists found. • As long as the task involved only mechanical skill to determine the level of success, higher rewards produced better performance. • Once the task called for even rudimentary cognitive skills, a larger reward led to poorer performance. The economists were troubled. Maybe the study was flawed because the financial rewards offered were insufficient to determine the performance of relatively well-off American college students; maybe $50 was insignificant. They decided to eliminate this 48 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

“wealth factor” and conducted a similar study in rural India. This study also used three levels of reward – a sum equivalent to one week of average pay at the lowest level, reward of two weeks in the middle, and a pot of one month’s pay for the highest levels of performance. You may have guessed what they got – exactly as at MIT. Where the task was purely mechanical, higher rewards produced higher performance. Where any cognitive skills were needed, higher rewards produced poorer performance. The same basic study has been replicated time and again, whether conducted by economists, psychologists or sociologists, producing the same conclusions. For simple, straightforward tasks, rewards increase performance in a pretty linear fashion – higher rewards equals higher performance. When a task is more complex and requires conceptual, creative thinking, these kind of motivators just don’t work. I am not trying to argue in this article that pay and financial rewards are irrelevant in influencing performance at work. The point is to pay people sufficient that they are not constantly thinking about pay; to take financial reward out of the equation so that they can focus on the work rather than financial rewards. The next article will cover some interesting research about work performance and will reveal what really motivates us to perform at work, identifying the three factors that lead to better performance and personal satisfaction. Again, the three factors might surprise and excite you. Phil Walker

SIX OF THE BEST E-READERS There can be no denying that taking an e-reader on holiday saves a great deal of luggage space. But it’s not just our baggage allowance that benefits - an e-reader also offers the convenience of having a whole library at your fingertips. Look Book - Nook Simple Touch GlowLight - £69 for a limited time only from http://uk.nook.com/ An absolutely brilliant bargain basement bit of kit from the US of A, backed by the ultimate American bookshop, Barnes & Noble. With a surprising number of features included for under £70, the Nook Simple Touch GlowLight is an ideal option for younger readers. Book Like - Kindle Paperwhite 3G - £169 from www.argos.co.uk Complimentary

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•Food & Dining •Home & Garden •Fashion & Beauty •Motoring and so much more Local Advertising delivered by hand directly FREEE into homes For more information contact us

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The Kindle Paperwhite 3G has space for more than 1,000 books and its six-inch screen illuminates to provide a perfect reading experience. Battery life is an impressive eight weeks, and all this comes in a palm-friendly, wi-fi enabled device so you can easily download the latest reads. Read All About It - Kindle, Wi-Fi, 6” E Ink Display - £69 from www.tesco.com Lighter than a paperback, this Kindle is the ideal offering for first-time e-reader buyers who are ditching the old-school books. With a plethora of titles available and a reading experience that’s second to none, it makes books look so yesterday. Looking Good - Sony PRS-T2 eBook Reader - £110 from www.pixmania.co.uk For some colourful reading material, this nifty little red number from Sony is likely to impress with its attractive casing. It even comes complete with a free Harry Potter book, making it a must-have for fans of the bespectacled teenage wizard. Touch Me - Kobo eReader Touch Edition - £79.99 from www.whsmith.co.uk Great to read even in the brightest sunlight, this model is the perfect choice for sun worshippers. The six-inch screen combines with a travel-friendly slim profile to deliver an easy read. By Peter Jenkinson

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LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 49

JAGUAR F-TYPE It’s been a long wait, but finally it’s here. Jaguar’s F-Type has had one of the longest build-ups of any car in recent years, but all the hype now has to stop and the car itself is required to do the talking. Jaguar says the F-Type is its first ‘proper’ sports car in 52 years, and as the name suggests, it has to follow in the footsteps of the E-Type. Massive shoes to fill, of course, but view one alongside the other and you can see lineage, not pastiche. The F-Type nods to its great-grandparent in the cut-off nose and high rear deck, but it’s a thoroughly modern design. It pulls the neat trick of looking sensational in a range of colours and the option of light or dark wheels gives extra scope for tailoring. Looks-wise, it’s a solid-gold hit. And it’s clever with it, being sculpted out of aluminium just like the bigger XJ saloon. That helps to keep the weight down while remaining as strong as a conventional steel structure, and ups the recyclability too. It’s a convertible only, of course, but the wise decision to stick with a fabric roof means a 12-second raising or lowering routine and no unsightly design compromises. It’s a strict two-seater and the boot is modest but you could fit a generous weekend’s luggage in there without having to skimp. Approach the door and you press a button to pop out the flush-fitting door handle - a feature that keeps the overall design slick - and drop into the driver’s seat. It’s snug but not cramped, and aside from the buttoncovered steering wheel, the cabin is a lesson in simplicity. A row of straightforward switches, the familiar Jag touchscreen and neat new climate controls complete the job. The joystick-like gear lever encourages you to ‘fire’ it when selecting Drive by pushing the triggerlike button; a clever ploy to get you in the mood. 50 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

The three-model range comprises of the F-Type V6, F-Type V6S and the top V8S. But there’s no such thing as an ‘entry-level’ model here. The only thing telling them apart is a discreet badge front and rear plus quad exhaust pipes on the V8S. Fire it up and there is a surprisingly strident crackle from the exhaust, another area where there has been effort expended to deliver the right kind of feel. Set off in the standard V6 and there’s an instant feeling of ‘rightness’. The steering is quick and accurate but smooth, the ride quality is immediately impressive while remaining in firm touch with the road. Left to its own devices, the eight-speed automatic shifts quickly and smoothly and you can surf along on the generous torque. It’s sporty, but it’s still a Jaguar. It won’t be long before you want to up the pace and you have a choice in how you go about this. A simple squeeze of the accelerator releases another chunk of torque while the gearbox will shift down if required, but ideally you’ll hit the switch to put it into Dynamic mode. Depending on the model, this opens up the exhaust, sharpens throttle and gearbox response, stiffens the suspension and reduces assistance to the steering. The most dramatic change comes in the noise from the exhaust. Squeeze the accelerator hard and you get a sophisticated but vocal rasp, and when you back off there’s half-a-dozen loud crackles too. You’ll do it on purpose just to hear it over and over. Smooth and effortless though it is, the F-Type really shines when pressing on. The surety of its responses instils plenty of confidence, and as you start to push it harder through challenging bends, it just keeps on gripping, staying flat and controlled whatever the surface is doing. It deals with broken surfaces remarkably well, but you can tweak all the individual Dynamic

settings and soften the suspension again if desired. Even if you don’t, it’s never harsh. It’s unquestionably fast too. The F-Type starts with 335bhp, and if you never sampled the more powerful versions, you’d think it was plenty. With eight gears to flick through, the supercharged V6 spins up quickly and always has torque to spare. But if you can spare the extra cash, the 375bhp of the V6S is welcome. On the other hand, the V8S is a monster; the chassis is more than capable of coping with almost

490bhp, and the resulting acceleration, speed and noise are truly breathtaking - it’s a devilish delight. We’ve waited patiently for the F-Type and been thoroughly primed for its arrival, but the truth is Jaguar has delivered a truly superb car. It has the looks and performance beyond what you might hope for, but better than that, it also rides superbly, is easy to use and has some smart design too. For sports cars at least, 2013 belongs to Jaguar. Matt Joy

FACTS AT A GLANCE Jaguar F-Type V6S, £67,520 Engine: 3.0-litre petrol unit producing 375bhp and 339lb.ft of torque Transmission: Eight-speed automatic driving the rear wheels Performance: Top speed 171mph, 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds Economy: 31mpg combined Emissions: 213g/km of CO2

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“I have to say that Along the Thames is one of the most outstanding quality free and local magazines I have seen in recent years. Serena’s attention and sheer devotion to the format, content, ethos and delivery of this magazine is truly honourable, and the magazine deserves all the credit it receives. For the Thames Valley Business Women’s Group it has been a key vehicle for raising awareness, encouraging local business ladies to attend our meetings and events, as well as encourage membership. We have seen 3 to 5 members join per monthly meeting, a high percentage of this attributed to these business ladies reading about the group in Along the Thames. Also, our members have received considerable success and growth in their businesses by advertising in the magazine - indeed with 1 member saying she had become virtually fully booked as a direct result of her advertising. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending both Serena and Along the Thames Magazine to anyone and wish the magazine even more success and growth in the coming years.” Nicky Guy, Chair - Thames Valley Business Women’s Group

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Thames Valley Air Ambulance Open Garden Schemes

The Sequela Centre

The Sequela Centre was opened in January this year to This year, some 70 gardens are cater for people with a neurological open between April and September, conditions, including conditions as well as some popular events and such as Parkinsons, Multiple venues, including the Bluebell Walk, Sclerosis, ME and others. the Bisham Abbey riverboat rides, a The centre organises a wide garden quiz with acclaimed garden range of therapies including massage, writer and lecturer, John Negus, exercise, yoga and reflexology. the beautiful oriental garden at There is a lunch provided at a Murrell Hill Grange in Binfield, with low cost and there are regular its unique exhibition of 14 lifesize speakers covering subjects such replicas of the famous Chinese as painting and photography with Terracotta Army, as well as a range the occasional quiz or bingo. of plant stalls at various gardens. If you would like to visit us We do hope that you will be able at the Centre (20 Grove Park, to join the TVACAA team at one, Waltham Road) we are open every or more, of our Open Gardens this Tuesday from 10.30am to 3.00pm. year. If you are interested in opening If you would like more your garden or helping us manage information about how you can the scheme in a volunteer capacity help us, please contact us: then please contact us on 0300 999 Email – info@sequelafoundation.org 0135 or email: info@tvacaa.org. Telephone – 01628 630453 Website – www.sequelafoundation.org W&G WTD13 A5 Advert GEN 08/04/2013 18:05 Page 1

White Waltham Cricket Club is a friendly and welcoming club based opposite The Beehive Public House. The Club runs two teams on Saturdays in Divisions 1 & 2 (Morrant Group Chilterns Cricket League) along with friendly matches on Sundays and certain weekday evenings. We also run colts teams at under 11 and are seeking new players, whether experienced or just starting out. We are keen for new members for both our league and friendly teams. More details can be found on the website (www.whitewaltham.play-cricket. com) or contact the club captain Gareth Pugh on 07976 952186 / GarethPu@ softcat.com or by contacting the colts manager Jordan Thomas on 07938 635694 / jordanffc@hotmail.co.uk We do hold a number of functions during the year so we do welcome non playing members. You are also welcome to come and watch matches.

Join W our 10th allace & Gromit a needed fu Wrong Trousers nd celebrate D hospital nds to help sick c ay to raise much and h hildre and join th ospice! Please sho n in your local nurseries ousands of peo w your support ple in and wearing W ofﬁces across the schools, co rong Trou REGISTE sers, for c untry by R TODAY harity! FO R YOU FREE FUN DRAISIN R FANTASTIC G PACK

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52 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

Supported by

O u t & Ab o u t JUNE 10: Free lunchtime concerts presents ‘Liam Cartwright – Organ & Hannah Gallant - Soprano’, 13.10-13.50, All Saints’ Church, High Wycombe. 10: ‘Free Weekly Street Sport Session’, run by qualified coaches on behalf of Wycombe District Council (aimed at 7-16yr olds), 16.30-17.30, Higginson Park. No booking required. 11: ‘Chenies, its history & gardens’, a talk for the Marlow Horticultural Society 11: ‘High Tech but easy to use’, a talk for the Macular Society H/W Support Group, 14.00, Wesley Methodist Church Hall, Priory Road, High Wycombe. 11: ‘Problems in London Ancestry’, a talk for the Buckinghamshire Family History Society,19.15 for 19.45, Community Centre, Wakeman Road, Bourne End. 13: Marlow Community Association ‘Tea Dance’, 14.00-16.00, Liston Hall. 14: ‘Oh What a Night- 70s Night!’ 2 course dinner & 70s disco with top UK tribute acts, 19.00-midnight, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Fieldhouse Lane. (Tickets £29.50 per person, to book call: 01628 496860).(B) 15: Christchurch Music in Marlow presents ‘Cello & Piano recital’ in association with Marlow U3A Music Appreciation Group, 19.30, Oxford Road. Tickets available from: 01628 486227.(B) 15: ‘Bike beyond the Beeches’, join the Burnham Beeches rangers this morning as they explore the cycle way route. You will need to bring your own bike, helmet etc; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Farnham Common, SL2 3TE. For more information and to book: 01753 647358.(B) 15: ‘Village Fair’, Cookham Moor from 11 - 16.00 15-16: Marlow International Regatta, Dorney Lake, off Court Lane, Dorney, Windsor, SL4 6QP. For more information: www.themarlowregatta.com 16: ‘Race for Life - High Wycombe’, run, walk dance or sponsor, 11.00, The Rye, High Wycombe. For more information, contact: www.raceforlife.org 16: Bisham Open Gardens, 12.30-17.30 £5 to visit 9 gardens plus

Bisham Abbey grounds Boat trips, teas, raffle and plant sales Enquiries to 01628 482754 In aid of All Saints’ Church, Bisham 15 - 30: ‘Music Festival’, St Luke’s Church, Maidenhead 16: ‘Twilight Tour – Art & Architecture in the Country House, 19.00-20.30, Stowe House, Buckingham, MK18 5EQ. Pre-booking essential: 01280 818002. (B)(NT) 16: ‘Dash for Dad’, Child Bereavement UK is holding its annual 1km, 2km of 5km run in the beautiful grounds of West Wycombe Park. For more information call 01494 568 912 or visit: www.childbereavementuk.org/ GetInvolved/Events/DashforDad 17: Free lunchtime concerts presents ‘Jonathan Farey - Horn’, 13.10-13.50, All Saints’ Church, High Wycombe. 17: ‘Free Weekly Street Sport Session’, run by qualified coaches on behalf of Wycombe District Council (aimed at 7-16yr olds), 16.30-17.30, Higginson Park. No booking required. 17: ‘Marlow Cottage Hospital, a talk for The Marlow Society, 19.30, Garden Room, Liston Hall. 18: Marlow Jazz Club presents ‘Bobby Wellins and his Quartet’, 20.30, Royal British Legion Hall, Station Approach. 19-22: The Garden Players present William Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’, Stubbings House, Henley Road, Maidenhead, SL6 6QL. Box office: 01628 522854.(B) 20: ‘Berkshire Dovecotes’, a talk for Archaeology in Marlow (AIM), 20.00, Garden Room, Liston Hall. 21: ‘Flower Festival – Preview Evening’, theme – That’s Entertainment, to be opened by Paddy Green (Jill Archer), 19.3021.30, All Saint’s Church. (Ticket price includes a glass of wine). 22: Sue Ryder ‘Starlight Hike’, raising money for Nettlebed Hospice, 22.00, Green Park, Reading. Register online: www.sueryder.org/ starlighthike or call: 01491 641070. 22: Holy Trinity CofE School Summer Fete, 11.0014.00, Wethered Road. 22: ‘Indian Market’, Maidenhead High Street 22-24: ‘Flower Festival – That’s Entertainment’, 10.00-18.00 (Sat/ Sun), 12.30-18.00 (Mon), admission at the door, All Saint’s Church.

23: Henley Symphony Orchestra presents ‘Shakespeare at Shiplake – Celebrating the Bard’, 19.30, Shiplake College, nr. Henley. (Grounds open for picnics at 18.00). Box office: 01235 859210.(B) 24: Free lunchtime concerts presents ‘Steven Haynes – Trombone & Chris Seddon -Trumpet’, 13.10-13.50, All Saints’ Church, High Wycombe. 24: ‘Free Weekly Street Sport Session’, run by qualified coaches on behalf of Wycombe District Council (aimed at 7-16yr olds), 16.30-17.30, Higginson Park. No booking required. 27: ‘That’s Capital’, a demonstration and talk for the Four Ends Flower Club, 14.00, Lane End Village Hall. 29: ‘The Marlow Twilight 10’, a charity sponsored walk through Marlow, (two distances 10 mile or 5 mile), 19.00, Higginson Park. To register: www.twilight10.org.uk 29: Ibstone C of E Infant School ‘Summer Fair’, 12.0015.00, Ibstone, HP14 3XZ. 29: ‘Dragon Boat Challenge 2013’, a great day out for all the family while raising vital funds for the Sailor’s Society, Dorney Lake, off Court Lane, Dorney, Windsor, SL4 6QP. For more info: 023 8051 5905. 30: High Wycombe Rambling Club, 9.5 mile walk, meeting Hambleden, Mill End car park to catch 10.10 bus (800) from Mill End to Henley, linear walk back to Mill End. For more details contact Shirley Foster, 01628 529896. 30: ‘Summer Food Fest’, 12.00-16.00, Great Marlow School, Bobmore Lane. 30: ‘Ancient Trees of Burnham Beeches’, join the Burnham Beeches rangers this morning to find out how the ancient pollards have survived for hundreds of years and how they are managed today. Farnham Common, SL2 3TE. For more information and to book: 01753 647358.(B) 30: ‘Charity Tennis & Croquet day’, Cooham Dean

JULY 01: Free lunchtime concerts presents ‘Adrian Poon – Clarinet & Emas Au - Piano’, 13.10-13.50, All Saints’ Church, High Wycombe. 01: ‘Free Weekly Street Sport Session’, run by qualified coaches on behalf of Wycombe District Council (aimed at 7-16yr olds), 16.30-17.30, Higginson LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 53

O u t & Ab o u t Park. No booking required. 03: Open Gardens in aid of Scannappeal - The Manor House, 14.00-16.30, Church End, Bledlow, HP27 9PE. 03-07: Henley Royal Regatta. For more information: www.hrr.co.uk(B) 06: ‘Rebellion Brewery Open Weekend’, live music and bbq in aid of Scannappeal, 11.00-17.00, Bencombe Farm, Marlow Bottom, SL7 3LT. 06: Princes Risborough Street Fair, fancy dress parade and free concert, High Street, Princes Risborough. 06: Maidenhead Boulter’s to Bray Swim, 9.00-16.00, Liston Hall. 06-07: Chiltern Traction Engine Club Rally, 10.00-17.00, The Hangings, Prestwood, HP16 9HQ. 07: ‘Flackwell Heath Cherry Fayre’, 11.30-17.00, Recreation Ground, Straight Bit, Flackwell Heath. 08: Free lunchtime concerts presents ‘Joseph Sentance Organ’, 13.10-13.50, All Saints’ Church, High Wycombe. 08: ‘Free Weekly Street Sport Session’, run by qualified coaches on behalf of Wycombe District Council (aimed at 7-16yr olds), 16.30-17.30, Higginson Park. No booking required. 09: ‘Back to the Fuchsia’, a talk for Marlow Horticultural Society, 19.30, Liston Hall. 09: ‘Child Labour in 19th Century Oxfordshire’, a talk for the Buckinghamshire Family History Society,19.15 for 19.45, Community Centre, Wakeman Road, Bourne End. 10-14: Henley Festival. For more information and to book tickets: www.henley-festival.co.uk 11: ‘Reading Abbey’, a talk for Archaeology in Marlow, 19.30, Garden Room, Liston Hall. 12: ‘Mexican Night’, a night of fun, fajitas and Sangria, from 19.00, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Fieldhouse Lane. 12-14: ‘RizFest 2013’, Princes Risborough School Field, New Road, Princes Risborough. (Please note: Friday’s venue is Princes Risborough Community Centre, Wades Road). Tickets available from Princes Risborough Information Centre, tel: 01844 274795.(B) 13: Want a sport the whole family can enjoy? Try orienteering around Kings Wood! Explore the parks & woods around Wycombe with

the Thames Valley Orienteering Club. For more information about today’s event: www.tvoc.org.uk 13: Golf Day at Harleyford in support of Help for Heroes, Harleyford Golf Club, Henley Road, SL7 2SP. For more details contact Kevan: 07979 694738.(B) 13: ‘Help for Heroes BBQ’, join members of the armed forces for a bbq with live band, disco and fun competitions, Harleyford Manor House, Harleyford Estate, Henley Road, SL7 2DX. For more details contact Kevan: 07979 694738.(B) 13: Oxfordshire County & Thame Show, 08.00-18.15, Thame Showground, Kingsey Road, Thame, OX9 3JL. Tickets available online from: www.thameshow.co.uk 13-14: ‘Family Camping Moths & Moonlight’, join the NT Rangers for this extra special overnight camp in the woods at Cliveden, nr. Taplow, 14.00 (Sat)-11.30 (Sun). For more information and to book: 0844 2491895.(B)(NT) 14: ‘Twilight Tour – From Country House to Successful School, how Stowe was saved for the Nation’, 19.30-21.00, Stowe House, Buckingham, MK18 5EQ. Pre-booking essential: 01280 818002. (B)(NT) 14: ‘Grazing, it’s Amazing!’, join Dr Helen Read this morning to discover just why grazing really is so special and why they have both cows and ponies at Burnham Beeches in Farnham Common, SL2 3TE. For more information and to book: 01753 647358.(B) 15: ‘Free Weekly Street Sport Session’, run by qualified coaches on behalf of Wycombe District Council (aimed at 7-16yr olds), 16.30-17.30, Higginson Park. No booking required. 15: ‘Marlow Bypass, a talk for The Marlow Society, 19.30, Garden Room, Liston Hall. 18-21: ‘Art in Action’, 10.0017.30, Waterperry, nr. Wheatley, OX33 1JZ. For more info: www.artinaction.org.uk 20: Marlow Piano Society presents ‘Rieri Tanaguchi’, 19.30, Vine House, 9 Glade Road. To book: 01628 482299. (B) 20-21: ‘Family Camping Moths & Moonlight’, join the NT Rangers for this extra special overnight camp in the woods at Cliveden, nr. Taplow, 14.00 (Sat)-11.30

(Sun). For more information and to book: 0844 2491895.(B)(NT) 20-21: Thames Traditional Boat Rally, gates open 9am, Fawley Meadows, Henley. 20-28: ‘Henley Fringe’, drama, musical and comedy. For more information and to book tickets: www.henleyfringe.org(B) 21: ‘Charity Family Day’, raising money for Rosie’s Rainbows, family fun on the lawns, from 12.00, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Fieldhouse Lane. 21: Grant & Stone Wycombe 10K, 09.30, The Rye, High Wycombe. For more info: www. handycrossrunners.co.uk 21: Colonel Garrett Cup Cricket Competition 9.30-17.30, Cookham Dean Cricket Club, Whyteladies Lane, Cookham Dean 19-21: Maidenhead CAMRA beer festival, Maidennead United Football Club, York Road 22: ‘Free Weekly Street Sport Session’, run by qualified coaches on behalf of Wycombe District Council (aimed at 7-16yr olds), 16.30-17.30, Higginson Park. No booking required. 24: Air Ambulance Open Gardens, 12.00-17.00, Rose Cottage & Woodland House, Wargrave Road, Henley. 25: ‘Floral Fantasy’, a demonstration and talk for the Four Ends Flower Club plus Mini Show, 14.00, Lane End Village Hall. 26: ‘School’s Out for Summer’, the perfect way to start the holidays, including an entertainer, face painting and bouncy castles, 16.00-19.00, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Fieldhouse Lane. (Tickets £12, age 3-12 years (inc. dinner box), free entry 0-2 years (no dinner box), to book call: 01628 496860).(B) 26-27: Maidenhead Festival, Maidenhead Town Centre and Kidwell’s Park. 27: Transition Town Marlow Community Market, 09.3013.00, Liston Hall. 27: Hambleden Concerts presents ‘Cordelia Williams’, piano recital, 19.30, The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Hambleden. 27: Buckinghamshire Family History Open Day and Family History Fair, 10.00-16.00, The Grange School, Wendover Way, Aylesbury, HP21 7NH. 27: ‘True of False?’, join the

For more information/changes to schedules as listed or information on National Trust (NT) events or where Bo

54 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

Burnham Beeches rangers this morning for a walk ‘n quiz and try and work out which of the series of unlikely events described actually happened here. Farnham Common, SL2 3TE. For more information and to book: 01753 647358.(B) 29-02 Aug: ‘Kid’s Woodland Wildlife Week’, join the Burnham Beeches rangers for five fun-filled days of free children’s activities and games. Farnham Common, SL2 3TE. For more information and to book: 01753 647358.(B) 29-02 Aug: Summer Fun at Furze Platt Senior School, 9.0015.00, for 9 -14 year olds. 30: ‘Thames Cruiser Wildlife Trips with Hobbs of Henley’, enjoy the wildlife of the River Thames from the luxury of a pleasure craft on a 75 minute trip between Henley and Hambleden with volunteers of the Chilterns Conservation Board. Cruises depart at 15.00 from Hobbs of Henley Boatyard, Station Road, Henley. Tickets can be pre booked on 01491 572035.(B)

AUGUST 01: NGS Open Gardens – Danesfield House Hotel, 10.0017.00, Henley Road, SL7 2EY. 02&03: ‘Cliveden Rocks’, open air concert with firework finale, 19.0022.30, Cliveden, nr. Taplow. 05-09: Summer Fun at Furze Platt Senior School, 9.0015.00, for 9 -14 year olds. 06: NGS Open Gardens – Danesfield House Hotel, 10.0017.00, Henley Road, SL7 2EY. 06: ‘Thames Cruiser Wildlife Trips with Hobbs of Henley’, enjoy the wildlife of the River Thames from the luxury of a pleasure craft on a 75 minute trip between Henley and Hambleden with volunteers of the Chilterns Conservation Board. Cruises depart at 15.00 from Hobbs of Henley Boatyard, Station Road, Henley. Tickets can be pre booked on 01491 572035.(B) 07: ‘Wild Wednesday – Birds’, a drop-in session for children aged 4-11 years with the RSPB, 11.0015.00, Cliveden, nr. Taplow. (Normal admission charges apply. (NT) 10: Want a sport the whole family can enjoy? Try orienteering around Wycombe Abbey! Explore the parks & woods around Wycombe with the Thames Valley Orienteering

Club. For more information about today’s event: www.tvoc.org.uk 10: ‘Wildlife Train Ride’, join Chiltern Conservation Board volunteers for the chance to observe and identify wildlife as you travel by train along the foot of the Chiltern Hills between Chinnor and Thame Junction (near Princes Risborough). Trains depart at 10.30, 12.00, 13.30 and 15.00, pre booking not necessary. Trains depart from Chinnor station. For more information on the railway, visit: www.chinnorrailway.co.uk 13-25: Cookham Arts Club 72nd art exhibition, Pinder Hall, Cookham Rise, Sunday - Thursday 10-18.00 and Friday - Saturday 10-20.00 13: ‘Thames Cruiser Wildlife Trips with Hobbs of Henley’, enjoy the wildlife of the River Thames from the luxury of a pleasure craft on a 75 minute trip between Henley and Hambleden with volunteers of the Chilterns Conservation Board. Cruises depart at 15.00 from Hobbs of Henley Boatyard, Station Road, Henley. Tickets can be pre booked on 01491 572035.(B 14: ‘Wild Wednesday – Natural Wonders’, a creative session for children aged 4-11 years, 11.0015.00, Cliveden, nr. Taplow. (Normal admission charges apply. (NT) 16-18: ‘Rewind Festival’, Fawley Meadows, Henley. For tickets and more info: www. rewindfestival.com.(B) Proud Sponsor of Along the Thames Creative Writing Prize at If you would like your event advertised contact 01628 627 488/ 07711 887107 or e: office@AlongTheThames.co.uk

ONGOING EVENTS Maidenhead Produce Market 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month on Maidenhead High Street The Farmers Market, , 2nd Sunday of the month from 10am, Grove Street Car Park Business Biscotti - Marlow Every second Thursday 9.30 - 11.30am Danesfield House Hotel, Marlow www.businessbiscotti.co.uk Thames Valley Business Womens Group Every second Monday 7pm for 7.30pm start CIM, Cookham, www.TVBWG.com Maidenhead Over 30’s Disco parties every Friday, 8.30pm - 1am, Bird Hill Golf Club, Drift Road, off Hawthorn Hill SL6 3ST Maidenhead Camera Club every Tuesday, Cox Green Community Centre, 630861 Maidenhead Archaeology society meet last Wednesday of the month, WRVS, Maidenhead, t: 630 839 Stanley Spencer Gallery 1st April - 4th November, 10.30am - 5.30pm daily Colenorton Dragon Boat Club Sunday 10.00am - 12.30pm, Bray Lake Water Sports, Maidenhead SL6 2EB www.colenorton.co.uk Old Thatch Gardens Enid Blyton’s House May 12th - 29th August Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 2 - 5.30pm

ookings (B) are required or changes to the schedules please call Marlow Information Centre on 01628 483597

LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 55

Useful Numbers MAIDENHEAD - CLUBS Rotary Club of Maidenhead ...................................... 632797 The Maidenhead Players ............................... 07879 476301 Maidenhead Drama Guild ......................................... 635017 Maidenhead Operatic Society .................................. 671589 Maidenhead Musical Comedy Society ........... 07813979894 Grimm Players ......................................................... 820429 Maidenhead Concert Band ...................................... 624514 Maidenhead Folk Club ............................................. 448268 Tuesday Singers ...................................................... 629012 Athletics .................................................................. 522797 Maidenhead & Bray CC ................................... 7989 579899 North Maidenhead 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 COOKHAM - CLUBS Tennis & Croquet ........................................... 07968 173757 Line Dancing ............................................................ 486362 Petanque ............................ ..................................... 417453 Cookham Bridge Rotary Club ........................ 07724 042708 RBWM - COUNCIL Bus Services ................................................. 0871 2002233 CIS ............................................................................ 507587 Council Tax ............................................................... 683850 Library - Cox Green ................................................... 673942 Library - Holyport Container .......................................796555 Library - Maidenhead ................................................ 796969 Recycling .................................................................. 796474 Police ............................................................ 0845 8505 505 Trains ............................................................ 0845 7000 125 Town Hall ............................................................ .... 683800 Youth & Community Centre ..................................... 685999 HOSPITALS St Mark’s Hospital .................................................... 632012 NHS Direct .......................................................... 0845 4647 St John’s Ambulance .................................... 0118 933 5500

Answers to Page 22 Coffee Break Crossword Across: 1 Celebrate; 8 Awn; 9 Incinerator; 11 Patella; 12 Tenet; 13 Insect; 15 Tether; 17 Curve; 18 Refusal; 20 Predecessor; 22 Ash; 23 Treatment. Down: 2 Eon; 3 Banal; 4 Aerial; 5 Entitle; 6 Parentheses; 7 Unnatural; 10 Catastrophe; 11 Principal; 14 Clement; 16 Freeze; 19 Fleet; 21 Own. Spot the difference 1. Dancer’s hair colour 2. Dancer’s shoe colour 3. Dancer’s mouth 4. Dancer’s ear 5. Girl’s mouth 6. Girl’s hair colour 7. Girl’s hair length 8. Girl’s eyebrows 9. Girl’s bow 10. Girl’s missing arm Word Ladder Here is one possible solution (others may exist) NEAP neat teat tent tint tine TIDE 2 minute trial E I N N ST 3 Letters - 12 inn ins its net nit sen set sin sit ten tie tin 4 Letters - 14 inns nest nets

nine nite nits sent sine site snit tens ties tine tins 5 Letters - 5 words inset nines nites stein tines Six Letters TENNIS

Thames Valley Adventure Playground ...................... 628599 COOKHAM Library ....................................................................... 526147 Police ........................................................................ 531785 Bourne End & Cookham Rotary ................................ 810967 Stanley Spencer Gallery ........................................... 471885 Medical Centre ......................................................... 810242 We do our best to keep these numbers up to date, but if they have changed please let us know and we will happily update them. If you would like your number added please contact us: office@AlongtheThames.co.uk 56 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

Congratulations to the winners of the following book competition held in the April/May 2013 issue. ‘Ian Trevelyan’ byDermot O’Hanlon: Julie, Charles Crag, Peter Smith to the winner of the Mavala hand and foot care package: Elaine Allen to the winner of the Terre d’Oc beauty bundle: Diane Allen

Taking your dog on holiday this Summer Holidays in the UK have become more popular in the past few years with many families opting to stay on ‘home-soil’ instead of jetting off to sunnier climes. In fact recent figures suggest that 8 million Brits will holiday on ‘home turf’ during 2013. Dog-friendly holidays are also on the rise and where your beloved pooch may have once been left behind in kennels or with a dogsitter, she can now join in the fun. I have holidayed in Cornwall, Devon and Norfolk with my young family and bringing our dog along has added to the fun. Here are some of my ‘top tips.’ WHERE TO STAY Finding dog friendly accommodation is fairly easy - the majority of websites I have used to find accommodation (www.holidaylettings.co.uk and www.cottagesdirect.co.uk to name two) allow you to specify your search so only dog friendly cottages show - nothing worse that finding the perfect retreat only to find your four-legged friend isn’t welcome! Another tip, and how I found a lovely hideaway in Devon, is to ask your friends on Facebook and Twitter if they can recommend where they have holidayed. 2 THE SMALL PRINT Take some time to look at the specifics of the accommodation…. with your dog in mind! A small decked courtyard may be lovely for sipping that early evening glass of wine but what about when your pooch needs to answer a call of nature? You might not want to be walking him at the crack of dawn to find a suitable spot! A secure, enclosed garden with some grassed areas is always on my list of ‘must-haves.’ Some cottages will be dog friendly but specify no animals

are allowed upstairs or on the furniture. Unless you can guarantee your pet won’t break these rules it might be worth looking for slightly less rigid parameters. OUT AND ABOUT Check out what there is to do locally with your dog - if the places you Sookie looking out to see, Devon August 2012! want to visit do not allow dogs on at home in new surroundings - if she site you will have to consider how sleeps in a crate at home, take it with long you can leave him alone in the you. Make sure you have any regular holiday accommodation. It is also medication that is needed and it’s a worth pointing out here that some good idea to plan ahead and know accommodation will specify the dog where the nearest vet is - just in case! must not be left alone! Double check Make sure your dog is microchipped the small print before you book! and that your details, mobile number SUN AND SAND is especially important, are up to date. Beaches are a source of hours of fun Give your dog time to become for all holiday makers - and your comfortable with travelling in the dog is no exception. My dog’s first car before your holiday - you don’t dip in the sea was quite magical, want to stress him out by suddenly she went from mystified to jumping embarking on a 3 hour trip and the the waves within about 5 minutes! stress, not to mention distraction, Check what restrictions beaches of a whining dog is something you nearby have; many restrict dogs to don’t want to endure. Plenty of short certain areas during the high season trips in the car and plenty of praise and others will have specific dogwhen he sits nice a quietly should friendly hours. Do a bit of research do the trick! You can always speak before you book to be sure you to your vet about how to keep your don’t end up on the doorstep of a dog calm on a journey should you beach where dogs are not allowed. encounter any problems and please TIME FOR A PINT? never leave your dog alone in a car Many pubs and eateries are geared - heat stroke is extremely serious! up for four legged customers as well So, all that remains to say is as two, but again it is worth planning happy holidays!! Claire Fryer ahead before you head out for the day to ensure a MOBILE DOG GROOMING watering hole or Dial-a-Dog-Wash two is en route that will cater We wash and groom your to your needs. pet in the back of our HOME FROM heated, mobile grooming HOME parlour at your home Take all of your or workplace. dog’s usual food, treats, bedding Contact Tim on 01628 533335 or 07968 444460 etc. This will www.dialadogwashbucksandberks.co.uk help her to feel LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in your garden?

Whether in your garden or walking out in our beautiful countryside, do you know what animals are either hidden in trees/ grass or just out of your sight? People usually think of their own garden as an area to grow flowers, fruit and vegetables or perhaps as a pleasant place to sit, play or have a barbecue. Of course, a garden is there to be enjoyed by us, but there is no reason why we cannot share it with wildlife, which may need it as much, if not more, than we do. We can study the natural world right outside our back door by sitting quietly and just allowing them to lead their own lives without actually disturbing them. Or perhaps using a pair of binoculars to give us a greater insight and reveal more than we would normally see with the naked eye. Binoculars give you the flexibility to have that more detailed view of the wildlife either in your garden or when out and about and enjoying our wonderful countryside. However, at home more and more people are also starting to use cameras originally 58 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

designed for surveillance to also capture what is going on in their garden either during the day or also at night utilising sophisticated modern technology built into this equipment. This gear has been specifically designed to be used outside built to be weatherproof and to withstand all weather extremes and is ideal for not only monitoring your property, or holiday home, but also just to see exactly what is going on either by day or night in your garden. An example of this modern equipment is the Minox DTC 600 which is highly configurable and has features such as intelligently designed motion detectors which can be used to either record high quality video images or still photographs. This also has a powerful infrared night vision system delivering great results over a range of up to 15 metres. Systems such as this can also have their sensitivity adjusted to ensure that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t capture too many waving branches in the breeze but record real movement in the garden. Equipment such as this has really changed how we can see what goes on around us and gives

us a fascinating view of birds, foxes, badgers and the like that regularly share our space but that we rarely see. If you are interested in finding out more about gardening for wildlife, you may like to read:Muck and Magic - published by the Henry Doubleday Research Association, National Centre for Organic Gardening, Ryton-onDunsmore, Coventry, CV8 3LG. How to Make a Wildlife Garden - Chris Baines, Elm Tree Books. Wildlife Watch, The Kiln, Waterside, Mather Road, Newark, Notts, NG24 1WT (Junior section of the Wildlife Trusts). Young Ornithologists Club, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL. (Junior section of the RSPB) For more information and advice about Trail Cameras and Binoculars please visit Emmett and Stone Country Sports at Wilton Farm, Marlow Road, Little Marlow, Bucks SL7 3RR. Call 01628474187 or visit their online store www.emmettandstone.co.uk

MENS & LADIES COUNTRY CLOTHING MENS & LADIES WALKING BOOTS MENS & LADIES FOOTWEAR WALKING POLES & STICKS FINE LEATHER GOODS RIFLES & AIR RIFLES AMMUNITION SHOTGUNS 10% OFF KNIVES Trail Cameras GIFTS and Binoculars

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60 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES