Living Along The Thames Maidenhead August/September 13

Complimentary

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August - September 2013 February - March 2013 Maidenhead • Cookham • Bray Maidenhead • Cookham • Bray

The Love Boat Along The Thames Congratulations to Geeta Edwards, our Creative Writing Prize winner for 2013 The last, sun kissed Saturday of August, twenty five years ago. Sultry air, red sky and three hot girls out on a hot summer night but they were not looking for love. The girls simply wanted to dance the night away and leave twenty minutes before midnight. Why? Well, that’s when the DJ starts to blast out, sexy slow songs. This is the cue for their escape from the swaying Tattersall Castle, a disco-bar, moored along the Thames.

For Estelle, Monday to Friday encompassed pin stripe suites and demure dresses, so, she embraced the challenge of dressing en vogue on a Saturday night. That year, Bermuda shorts, gaudily printed shirts, rah-rah and balloon skirts were all the rage.

The attire lent itself to the splendid weather that London was basking in.

It was eight pm; Estelle parked her Mini Mayfair, just past Blackfriars Bridge and three young ladies gathered themselves.

The short walk to the Tattersall Castle was a breeze; the girls had a spring in their step. They laughed and joked as they walked along the gangplank, careful not to get their kitten heeled shoes stuck.

Estelle shrieked with joy, her

favourite song had just started to play. They paid for their entry fee and rushed through to the dance floor, literally getting into the groove, just as Madonna instructed them to.

Three hot girls on a hot summer night but they were definitely not looking for love but loved each other and sang and danced along to “We are Family.” This was about to change forever, as three geeky guys barged on to the dance floor and joined the girls. Estelle was not impressed but the other two were happy to let the boys “La Bamba” around them.

Half past eleven came and went.

Estelle glanced around and thought it was time to leave. However, she was on her own with that idea, suddenly the DJ’s set drifted into “holding back the years.” Uh oh! Time to make a move but how could she on her own?

Then, as she awkwardly, stepped off the dance floor, Pierce, one of the geeks took her hand and said.

“How about a dance?”

Estelle, not wanting to be rude accepted. He was so much taller than her, and slow dancing was not his forte or Estelle’s on this occasion.

Finally, she caught the eyes of her friends and they made their excuses

to leave. Just as Estelle said goodbye, Pierce handed her his business card, she took it, again, because she didn’t want to seem rude.

“Call me, please” were Pierce’s last words of the evening.

Estelle looked down at the card, smiled and left.

As the girls walked to the car, Estelle took the business card out of the pocket of her Bermuda shorts and showed it to the others. There were shrills of laughter from all three, all the way home. Still, they were three hot girls on a hot summer’s night and not looking for love. However, was it possible that love found one of them?

Monday lunchtime, Frankie the PA and Estelle were deliberating on the efficacy of the business card. A Gin and Tonic later, the decision to call Pierce was made. This phone call resulted in a meeting at Victoria Station. This was followed by dinners out and endless hours on the phone, smooching over pots of tea and racks of toast. Then came an Engagement by a lake in Sweden and a Wedding “On the beach” along the Indian Ocean. Today, it’s Estelle and Pierce’s Twentieth Wedding Anniversary!

Geeta Edwards

Achieving a 2:1 in English with

was unleashed by the fantastic

wonderful, academic years at Brunel.

Creative Writing at Brunel University

tutors at Brunel, who gave me

The plan is to continue with an

has been momentous for me in

sound advice and encouragement.

MA at Brunel and I am cautiously

2013. My dissertation was a Creative

I feel elated to have been awarded

optimistic with what the future holds

Writing Special Project that took

the Brunel School of Arts Prize for

in terms of my next career, as it is

me on an incredible voyage of the

Creative Writing and for my writing to

likely to be totally different to the

mind and spirit and it is fair to say

be published in the Along the Thames

previous one, in the I.T. industry.

that the power of my imagination

magazine. What a superb end to three

2 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

TM

Welcome to the August/September issue.

Editor

Sitting here writing my introduction we have had a fantastically hot and sunny July but unfortunately August has seen some rain return. I am sure we are all hoping for the return of some warmer days so we can make the most of the summer and just enjoy getting outside on these beautiful days.

Serena Edwards serena@AlongTheThames.co.uk

Advertising advertising@AlongTheThames.co.uk

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 Email: Office@AlongTheThames.co.uk LATT Marlow: ISSN 2053 - 0625

LATT Maidenhead: ISSN 2053 - 0633

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View the online version and keep up to date at:

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.

This issue features a number of reader offers so please look out for these as you go through the magazine and contact us if you would like one of the products on offer.

Just remember to contact us as soon as possible as we have limited availability of the products and books.

In the hope that the sunshine returms we have an article from The National Trust featuring walks on some of their local properties which would also allow you to visit some of their stunning properties. In addition we also feature five family cycling trails for those that enjoy seeing the contryside from the comfort of their bike.

With lots going on in our local area we have a bumber Out and About section in this issue describing local events we have been contacted about through to October.

So I really hope you all make the most of our reamining summer months and take advantage of these lovely bright days before we head into Autumn.

In this issue we feature our Creative Prize winner from Brunel University, Geeta Edwards (honest, no relation!). This year the winning entry is a short story and we hope you enjoy it. The runners up will be featured on our website.

Our next issue coming out in early October will feature articles realting to Christmas so would like to advertise your business or products then please get in touch soon. Our business is all about promoting local business into the local area and we love to hear about the fantastic businesses and services that are out there.

As always, until next time...

Happy Reading

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

Copyright © August/September Living Along the Thames 2013

Front Cover: Jubilee River

F O LLO OW US: @AlongTheThames L IKE E US: facebook.com/AlongTheThames

LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

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co ontents In this issue 2

Brunel Winner: The Love Boat Along the Thames

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British Food Fortnight

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Fashion and Beauty

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Are you stressed?

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5 minutes with Nick Knowles

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Home

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Garden

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Sally at Large

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Business

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Stars for August and September

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Latest Book Reviews

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Out and About

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Useful Numbers

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Country wise - the otters are back!

READER’S OFFER ALL ALONG THE RIVER: TALES FROM THE THAMES All Along The River: Tales from the Thames is an engaging and humorous guide to England’s most famous river, serving as a companion volume to more practical books about the Thames Path and the river’s settlements.

Both quirky and fun, it is packed with information about literary associations, local recipes, folklore and a good many murders and mysteries!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: PAULINE CONOLLY has spent the last two decades wandering the banks of the River Thames, investigating its social history and exploring from the river’s source in a Gloucestershire field to the flood barrier in London.

Her journeys have even taken her further, to the point where this majestic and historic river finally enters the North Sea. If you’ve ever wanted to know more about the River Thames but didn’t know where to start, All Along the River is the book for you Pauline Conolly has written for a wide range of publications, and is a member of the Society of Authors. Her penchant for British history and humour have come together in All Along the River, which is her second book

READER’S OFFER

To win a copy of Pauline Connolly’s book: All Along The River: Tales from the Thames or a set of The Abominators send us an email by 6th September to Office@AlongThe Thames.co.uk with your name and address.

ABOUT THE ABOMINATORS The Abominators are the most mischievous characters you’ll ever come across.

Their interests include chaos, mayhem and filling the school toilets with strawberry jelly.

Their interests definitely DO NOT include making friends with panty-wanty-woowearing new boy, Cecil Trumpington-Potts.

Cecil, however, is certain he can change their minds . . .

Follow the adventures of this charmingly unlikely crew in this side-splittingly funny new 7+ series.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: J.L. SMITH Jen Smith lives with her husband, two teenage sons and dog in Princes Risborough in Buckinghamshire.

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As well as writing books for children and teenagers, Jen is a freelance copywriter and is a voluntary writer for The Clare Charity Centre in Saunderton.

Jen grew up and was educated in Glasgow, but has been living in England for over 20 years.

She has worked as a civil servant, as a development worker in Lesotho and Botswana, in educational publishing, as grants and trusts fundraiser for a children’s charity and as an advertising copywriter.

Jen has written ‘Diary of a Parent Trainer’ and ‘My Big Fat Teen Crisis’ (for girls aged 11+) as Jenny Smith (published by Scholastic) and ‘The Abominators’ series (for boys and girls aged 7-11) as J.L. Smith (published by Little Brown).

It is Jen’s ambition to swim with porpoises, dolphins and whales, but the local swimming pool is not being co-operative!

Glaze Restaurant, Crowne Plaza Marlow It’s easy to get an instant ‘holiday’ feeling at Glaze Restaurant, Crowne Plaza Marlow. Ambient lighting, a smart black and red colour scheme and a warm greeting all help the relaxed vibe. As for the gorgeous menu, masterminded by executive chef Stuart Hine, it is simply sublime. Stuart recommends North Atlantic scallops on pea purée, followed by crispy-skinned sea bass with lemongrass foam. Other tempting choices include grills such as locally sourced sausages, but there are plenty of interesting vegetarian dishes on offer too – such as the risotto of asparagus, pea,

Parmesan and onion seed crisp.

Overlooking the lake and boasting an elegant conservatory, it’s the perfect venue in which to experience excellent food and fine wine and was recently awarded two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence and staff friendliness.

Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, retire for an after dinner drink in agua café & bar, a stylish and contemporary venue. The main bar area is cosy with enormous leather sofas and a sweeping wooden topped bar, serving every drink you could desire. Continue through onto the Terrace for a bit of sunshine and a

relaxing view over the lawn and lake.

Crowne Plaza Marlow With 168 luxurious en suite bedrooms, the stunning lakeside location of this 4 star hotel in Buckinghamshire, set in 5 acres of beautiful countryside, makes it a spectacular destination for a weekend break, the perfect wedding venue, as well as an ideally placed conference destination.

T: 01628 496 800 E:enquiries@cpmarlow.co.uk W: cpmarlow.co.uk Crowne Plaza Marlow, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1GJ.

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The Quince Tree at Stonor Set in the picturesque village of Stonor, in a sensitively restored 17th Century coaching inn, The Quince Tree comprises a Pub, ¿ne dining Restaurant, Café, Food Hall & Shop, showcasing the best traditional and contemporary food, using products from Oxfordshire, Britain and the world.

Once refreshed, you can indulge and browse the signature French patisserie range, top quality meats, cheeses and stylish gifts in the Shop.

For corporate events or private parties with a dĭerence, the state of the art ‘Almshill room’ can provide the perfect solution.

Enjoy a day out in the heart of the Chilterns, a stone’s throw from Henley-on-Thames.

Experience Stonor Park’s scenic grounds, explore the matchless cycle routes, or simply relax with a glass of wine on the terrace – you might even spot the deer roaming free.

The Quince Tree Café at Clifton Nurseries You can now also experience The Quince Tree in the heart of the city as well as the countryside.

The new Café is nestled in the multi-award winning Clifton Nurseries – London’s oldest garden centre and surely one of the most tranquil spots in the capital.

Just an hour from Henley-on-Thames, located in the fashionable Maida Vale area, the Café ŏers a selection of The Quince Tree’s famous patisserie, savoury treats and ¿nest teas and cŏees, along with daily specials created in the kitchen.

Enjoy the perfect day out at one of London’s hidden treasures and be inspired by the unique combination of plants and patisserie.

To ¿nd out more please contact

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The Quince Tree Near Henley-on-Thames Stonor Oxfordshire RG9 6HE T: 01491 639 039 www.thequincetree.com LIVINGw: ALONG THE THAMES

The Quince Tree Café Clifton Nurseries 5a Clifton Villas London W9 2PH T: 0207 432 1867 e: home@thequincetree.com Follow us

T

h e Quince Tree’s Head Chef, Peter Eaton shares his experience, and one of his favourite recipes, his famous hot chocolate pot.

HOT CHOCOLATE POT INGREDIENTS: 320g Good quality chocolate (54% or 70 % cocoa) 50g Butter 200g Egg whites 50g Sugar METHOD:

Peter started his career as an Apprentice at ‘The Old Manor House’ in Bristol, moving to the Michelin starred ‘Homewood Park Hotel & Restaurant’ in Bath in 1996.

One of the highlights of Peter’s career perhaps, was then being recruited as Demi Chef de Partie by 2 Michelin starred ‘Le Manoir’ near Oxford in 2000, and working his way up through the ranks to the position of Senior Sous Chef. Working for an establishment owned by the famous Raymond Blanc, Peter gained a wealth of experience at Le Manoir, and had the honour of working under Head Chef Gary Jones.

In 2005, under the expert guidance of Executive Chef John Campbell, Peter took his ¿rst role as Head Chef at ‘The Vineyard’ in Stockcross.

Here he was responsible for the venue achieving

its second Michelin star.

Following this, he went on to ¿ll position of Head Chef at two further establishments: ‘Coworth Park Hotel’ in Ascot and ‘The Feathered Nest, Country Inn’ in Nether Westcote before joining the team at The Quince Tree in June 2012.

During his ¿rst year with the exciting young venture near Henley-on-Thames, Peter and his team have created a wonderful variety of dining experiences at The Quince Tree, ranging from up-market Café and Gastro-Pub, to bespoke event catering and the full ¿ne dining experience.

Locality and provenance are clearly evident throughout the menus which are fresh, creative and innovative, showcasing the very best seasonal ingredients, whilst also celebrating the classics.

1. Melt the butter and chocolate together in a bowl over simmering water 2. Whisk the egg whites and sugar to form a meringue consistency 3. Combine the two mixes together by gently folding and place in an oven proof ramekin 4. Bake at 180 degrees for approximately 6-8 minutes Serve with raspberries and blood orange sorbet or traditional vanilla ice cream

Quote unique reference ‘QTLATT’ when booking to receive 10% ŏ your bill in the Pub ALONG 7 or bring this magazine with you to receive a free cŏee with breakfastLIVING or lunch inTHE theTHAMES Café

Butternut Squash & Chorizo Salad serves 4

INGREDIENTS: • Half medium sized butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and diced into small chunks • 3 Tablespoon olive oil • 2 Red chillies deseeded, and finely chopped • 1 Dessertspoon each of cumin and coriander seeds, crushed in pestle and mortar.

• 2 Cloves of garlic crushed and chopped • Juice of half a lemon • 1 Dessertspoon caster sugar • 1 Tablespoon light soy sauce • 2 Tablespoons of fresh oregano or basil chopped • 2 Medium sized onions sliced into rounds.

• 200g Cherry tomatoes • 150g Chorizo sausage diced into small chunks • 100g Young spinach leaf • 1x400g tin of borlotti, pinto or mixed pulses • Sea salt and ground black pepper

Cooking time: 55 minutes

This recipe makes for a delightful starter with the mix of spiced up butternut squash and Chorizo sausage. It can be served hot or cold, but I prefer it whilst the squash, chorizo and tomatoes are still warm and succulent.

We hope you enjoy this British Summer time favourite as much as we do.

METHOD: 1. Preheat oven to 180c, and put diced squash in oven tray, and sprinkle with the crushed cumin, coriander, garlic, chilli, and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil.

2. Roast for 30 minutes, then add the sliced onions and after a further ten minutes add the cherry tomatoes. Bake for further ten minutes, and remove from oven.

3. In a pan heat the remaining oil and add the diced chorizo, and cook for 5 minutes and set aside.

4. In a large mixing bowl, place the cooked squash and other vegetables, plus the chorizo, and pulses. Season with the chopped herbs, soy sauce, lemon juice and salt and pepper.

5. Finally line 4 small serving dished with the spinach leaves, and spoon the mixture into each of them.

6. Garnish with chopped herbs and serve. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese if desired.

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

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National Cup Cake Week 16th - 22nd September INGREDIENTS: For the Cup Cake 300g self raising flour 30g cocoa powder 315g caster sugar 250ml buttermilk 200g unsalted butter, melted 2 eggs, lightly whisked 1 tbs white vinegar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1-2 tsp red food colouring For the Icing 2 x 250g packets ts cream cheese, room temperature emperature 300g pure icing g sugar 120g butter, room temperature om temperatur re 1 tsp vanilla essence sence

METHOD: 1. Preheat oven to 170°C. Line eighteen 80ml (1/3 cup) capacity muffin pans with paper cases. Sift flour, cocoa powder and bicarbonate of soda into a bowl. Stir through the sugar. Whisk the buttermilk, butter, eggs, vinegar and vanilla in a large jug until combined. Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture. Add the buttermilk mixture.

Stir until just combined. Stir in the food colouring.

2. Divide the mixture among the lined pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centres comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely electric beater to beat cheese, 3. Use an electr ric b at tthe cream chee ese, vanilla icing sugar, eextra xtr butter and d eextra vanill la until smooth.

Spread over cup cupcakes. u ntil smooth h. Sp pcakes.

Wedding Fayre Sunday, 29th September 2013 We invite you to experience how beautiful your wedding can be in the lovely setting of Grovefield House, and to meet specialist suppliers who will help you create your perfect day.

Enter our Draw to WIN Your Wedding 12pm - 4pm. Admission free.

Call

01628 603131 for more details.

Taplow Common Road, Burnham, Slough, Nr Windsor, Buckinghamshire, SL1 8LR | ïï

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British Food Fortnight 21st September - 6th October British Food Fortnight was conceived in response to the fact that there were numerous food initiatives taking place across Britain, so in the Autumn 2002 the first National event was held at the same time as Harvest Festival, the traditional time for celebrating our food Since its launch, the event has quickly become the definitive national celebration of our British food, and the health benefits and pleasures of eating quality, fresh, seasonal and regionally distinct produce.

It is proving to be an important influencer in engaging the retail, catering, education and volunteer sectors and in establishing a more robust market for Britain’s food.

This year the campaign theme is “Bring Home the Harvest” and includes a Harvest lottery for children; a challenge to find the community organising the most imaginative and inclusive harvest event and a call to the young to create

The history of the picnic dates back to the 14th century when medieval feasts were held outside before hunting.

The name comes from the 10 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

a new harvest anthem, all culminating in a huge British Food Fortnight Harvest celebration at Westminster Abbey. All this, plus the event’s annual drive to encourage shops, pubs and restaurants to run British food promotions during the Fortnight.

Choosing British means supporting British farmers whose work helps to keep the British countryside the way we want it to look: no sheep or cows - no countryside!

• British meat is produced to some of the highest welfare standards in the world: no growth-promoting hormones are allowed and any antibiotics are administered only under veterinary direction.

• Britain’s pig farmers operate by UK law to standards of welfare that are higher than those of nearly every other EU member state..

• Britain’s beef and sheep industries are the envy of the world.

• Britain’s cattle passport system French piquenique, an informal meal eaten in the open air. The main foods were hams, baked meats and pastries. Picknicking became really popular in the Victorian era.

Sandwiches are now an important element of any picnic – hence the expression ‘two sandwiches short of a picnic’. The story goes that, in the 18th century, the 4th Earl of Sandwich wanted a meal that he could eat easily without leaving the gambling table – he requested a slice of cold roast beef between two pieces of toast and the sandwich was born!

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means that each animal can be uniquely traced to its dam (mother) and place of birth.

Chicken carrying the British Red Tractor logo have been produced to a high set of standards covering every stage of the food chain and can be traced back to the farm it came from.

British chicken is the safest chicken meat in Europe: 2% of British chickens have salmonella compared to 30% of European chickens.

Eating British fruits and vegetables in season is good for you as they contain the nutrients, minerals and trace elements that our bodies need at particular times of the year.

British food travels less far from farm to shop so has a lower carbon footprint than most imported foods.

For more information www. lovebritishfood.co.uk

For simple, delicious picnics we recommend: new season British lamb chops (easy to eat in fingers), regional sausages (every area of Britain has a particular speciality), Coronation Chicken (invented for the Queen’s Coronation lunch in 1953), Eton Mess (the perfect picnic pudding as it is easy to transport the separate ingredients - thick cream, crushed meringue and as many Summer berries as you can find - and assemble them on site) and finishing with one of the 700 cheeses produced in Britain courtesy www.lovebritishfood.co.uk

Choose Life Festival Exciting Alternatives to Well Being 21st September Welcome to the Choose Life Festival Health and vitality comes to Maidenhead A fruitful way to spend your Saturday Choose life festival coincides with British Food Fortnight where we celebrate all that is great about British Food along with supoporting our farming community. We are very lucky that there are many local producers in our vicinity and as such we should support them because eating British fruits and vegetables in season is good for you. Foods in season contain the nutrients, minerals and trace elements that our bodies need at particular times of the year The Choose Life Festival is about learning or experiencing something that will make a real difference to your health and your life. This event will give you the information and tools to choose your health now and in future years.

What are the best foods to eat? What is the best exercise program? What supplements should I take?

Is there something I can do about my aching back or that rash? What is the best way to lose weight? How can I feel invigorated instead of tired all the time?

The Choose Life Festival is a one day event with talks, discussions, workshops and stalls including holistic and alternative therapies, supplements, personal trainers, sports and lifestyle and more. It is a fun and informative event that explores the many choices and options that adds vitality to life.

The Choose Life Festival allows you to discover the solutions that work for you. It is the opportunity to add to what-ever is already working, eliminate what doesn’t work, discover new possibilities as well as have your questions be answered and your curiosity be satisfied.

It is an opportunity… to choose life.

The Choose Life Festival will be raising money for the The Royal Voluntary Service in Maidenhead, which is generously providing the space for the event.

There is no one answer to any of these questions as there is no “one size fits all” in health and fitness. Sometimes information and topics can even sound conflicting.

The Choose Life Festival will take place on Saturday 21st September, 9:30am till 5:30pm at 42 York Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1SH To participate/volunteer call 01628 777 782

For tickets and information: www.chooselifefestival.co.uk

CHOOSE LIFE FESTIVAL

CHOOSE L IFE F E S T I VA L

Saturday 21st September 9:30am till 5:30pm at RVS, 42 York Road, Maidenhead SL6 1SH

www.chooselifefestival.co.uk 01628 777 782 Explore and question the life and health choices available to us through Workshops, Talks, Discussions, Stalls, Sample Foods and a Raƫe

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Bringing Well-Being and Vitality to Maidenhead Advanced booking £7, On the door £10, Concession £5

All proƤts go to the RVS Charity Maidenhead

Supported by Seagreens and Active Health Clinics

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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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Pre-dinner cruises at Aubergine Alongside the Compleat Angler, Marlow is home to the hotel’s two elegant boats, available to hire.

You can combine a jaunt down the river with canapés and fine wines/Champagne, from Aubergine. The perfect choice to create a quintessential English experience that will be remembered with pleasure for years to come.

platform, while enjoying the view of the magnificent Upper Thames. There is heating, full air ventialtion system and toilets, making this the finest 12 seater vessel on the Upper Thames for either private or corporate entertaining.

SILENT WATERS Built in Edwardian Style, this elegant white, electric launch, with full weather protection, silently cruises the Upper Thames under the expert eye of the skipper while you relax and the enjoy the tranquility of the river and historic views, accommodating 6 guests in style and comfort.

You can choose from one of two crafts, depending on your requirements.

SOVEREIGN WATERS A purpose built, very spacious open plan boat constructed for the hotel, with sunshine sliding roofs or full weather protection. You can relax in deep soft velvet settees or the forward observation

For more information please call Aubergine on 01628 405 405 for details on how you can enjoy a pre-dinner cruise on the Upper Thames River over the Summer months.

Aubergine evokes simple elegance, serving modern European cuisine in a relaxed and informal atmosphere with stunning views across Marlow Weir.

Set lunch, Monday - Saturday £23 for two courses

Evening a la carte £44 for two courses and £50 for three

Sunday lunch from £39

THE COMPLEAT ANGLER HOTEL, MARLOW, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, SL7 1RG

01628 405405 aubergineca@londonfinedininggroup.com www.auberginemarlow.com LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

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Late Summer Party Tips Towards the end of the summer, the evenings start drawing in earlier and the temperature start to drop. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to succumb to having your party inside. In fact some decorations look better in the dark, giving you longer to appreciate your creations.

With these simple tips you can party outside for as long as you and your guests dare.

PAPER LANTERNS: Paper Lanterns are practical eye catching features, use variety of colours and shapes and hang them from different heights in the garden. If you can attach them to hang over your table then do! I love paper lanterns and use them at every opportunity. With the long dark evenings at the end of the summer it is almost guaranteed that your guests will love these dotted around.

FESTOON LIGHTS: These are a great addition to any garden party. Start with a 10meter length

with a bulb every meter and drape them around your area. The simple white bulb gives of a great colour but if you’re feeling adventurous then swap a handful for multicoloured options! You could even create zoning through grouping together different coloured bulbs.

KEEPING WARM: Chimneys and fire pits are great ways to keep warm, so no one gets distracted from the party. They provide a more natural source of heat rather than gas or electric gas heaters. If you can use a cast iron chimney and get it nice and hot, it will give out plenty of heat till the early hours of the morning! If you keep the red wine nearby it will be the perfect drinking temperature.

THINKING ABOUT THE TABLE: The table is where you can pass hours amongst your guests. Make sure you have floral placed into various sized vases and glassware.

If you can get hold of tiered cake stands you can place dips and snacks all over them and people can help themselves. I love using rustic pieces such as tree trunk slices for bases of candelabra, this simple gesture reminds your guests you’re in the wild!

Simple touches like ribbons tied in the trees and gift bags add that finishing touch!

CANDLES: Have a variety and place them everywhere! Place tea lights in old jam jars and hang them from trees. Group them together but position them at different heights to create features dotted around your site!

Did you know that there is no law in the UK that requires cats to wear a collar and ID tag (such laws do exist for dogs) but ask any vet or pet rescue centre and they won’t hesitate to recommend a collar and identification disc for your feline friend.

Your cat’s ID tag should list your name, the first line of your address and contact number/s. Many of the larger pet stores have machines that will engrave your tag whilst you wait for around £5 or you can of course order on line. Microchipping your cat is highly recommended too so that, should you cat be picked up as a stray, he or she can be easily ‹scanned› and reunited with you.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading cat welfare charity that rehomes and reunites a staggering 48,000 cats every year! Cats with collars and tags and microchips stand the very best chance of being reunited with their rightful owners!

Feline Fine!

14 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

Your cat’s collar needn’t be a boring necessity as thanks to our increasing love for our pets and ensuring they are top of the style stakes, more and more companies are offering gorgeous designs that stand out from the crowd.

Reader’s Offer Wednesday 11th to Saturday 14th September - 7.30pm

Sleep-In rollers are the solution to every girl’s nightmare ... Their Hair.

Wednesday 25th to Saturday 28th September - 7.45pm

Do you dread those mornings when you wake up and can’t do anything with your hair? Those days are now over.

With Sleep-In Rollers fabulous take on a classic hairstyling staple, you can wake up looking hair-perfect every day.

We have one set worth £17.95 to giveaway to one lucky reader Please send your details to Office@ alongthethames.co.uk by 6th September (one per household)

Just check out www.petspyjamas.com to see for yourselves the selection of designer accessories. One of our favourites is the bright red Bow Collar. Perfect for fashion forward felines, this cute red cat collar features a big bow with a silver bell attached so you always know where you cat is!

Claire Fryer We have five of the Bow Collars worth £9 each to give away, simply answer the following question Yes or No.

Sunday 29th September 5pm

An evening with Pam Ayres Saturday 12th October 7.45pm

Is there a law that states your cat must wear a collar and ID tag in the UK?

My Darling Clemmie

Please email your answer, name, address and telephone number to Office@ alongthethames.co.uk by 6th September for your chance to win.

with Rohan McCullough Wednesday 25th to Saturday 28th September - 7.45pm

MOBILE DOG GROOMING Dial-a-Dog-Wash We wash and groom your pet in the back of our heated, mobile grooming parlour at your home or workplace.

Contact Tim on 01628 533335 or 07968 444460

www.dialadogwashbucksandberks.co.uk

The Rat Pack 150th Anniversay Tour with special guest: Kenny Lynch

01491 575 698 www.kentontheatre.co.uk LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

15

Casual chic - Jeans One thing we can’t get enough of is this basic staple that goes with almost everything. All of us have at least one pair of jeans but do we actually know how to wear them?

The smartest way to dress in jeans is to find the style and shape that suits your figure and stick to it.

There are many ways of upgrading your jeans but going for the style

that’s fashionable but doesn’t flatter your figure isn’t one of them.

Get the best possible advice and invest in the pair that suits you the best at a price you can afford. You won’t regret it.

At the and of the day a decent pair of jeans is like an old friend that stays with you forever.

Well, at least untill it’s time to replace it!

Here are some basic rules to remember when shopping for jeans Skinny great for petite and slim figures

Good option to wear with boots but make sure you keep in proportion by choosing the right top

Images 1 - 4 Michele Magic Jeans are designed to shape your figure, controlling and flattering, and boosting your confidence.

They are made from an innovative high-tech material for maximum comfort whilst at the same time giving you fantastic figure control.

You won't believe how good you could feel in a pair of jeans. jeans so flattering that you drop a dress size straightaway!

Available Swish Boutique, 5 Liston Court, Marlow.

1

www.swishboutique. co.uk

Boot cut

Images 5 and 6

great for high heels and top heavy silouette

Not Your Daughter’s Jeans are the ultimate and original slimming jean. With different styles from jegging, skinny, straight and bootleg to chose from there is a jean to suit everyone.

Straight leg great classic for any age.

5

It’s cool and sophisticated, suits most shapes and will take you almost anywhere

2

High waisted very sophisticated and flattering option

Soft grey, warm brown and forest green are in the colour palette this season and we stock from size 6 to 18.

3

10% off when you present this article at Scarlett Monroe,

6

11 High Street, Marlow, SL7 1AU. www. scarlettmonroe.com

16 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

4

Go for a dark denim for a extra glamour

No 25 of Bourne End Currently No 25 of Bourne End consists of two shops - No 25 and No 27 - joined but from the 6th September the two shops will be separated to allow for different ranges to be stocked.

No 25 will continue as the specialist shop for Mother’s of the Bride and Groom and No 27 will be transformed into a specialist shop for Occasion wear for such events as Ascot and the Regatta’s.

The shop at No 27 The Parade is currently being re-vamped, re-launched and re-named.

The new shop will carry many

of the ranges we did before, along with new collections and a larger range of accessories.

Meanwhile the clearance sale continues until the end of August on all our casual and smart wear stock. All our stock needs to go to make way for all our new collections, so there are many bargains at giveaway prices!

Our new shop will be opening on the weekend of the 6th and 7th September and we’d like to extend an invitation to you to join us for canapes and cava. Join in the fun and browse all our collections in our re-launched shop. You’ll be glad you did!!

Struggling to cover/hide those ‘panda eyes’, then we may have the solution for you • Use a good concealer, such as Dr Perricone’s No Concealer Concealerwhich is a multi-tasking anti-aging concealer. It delivers flawless coverage and treatment benefits whilst protecting with broad spectrum SPF 35! £37 RRP www. perriconemd. co.uk

• Use waterproof products. Lord & Berryhave some fantastic Smudgeproof Eyeliners, which do not transfer and will last all day and night, they have 30 seconds smudging time before it SETS and will literally last days until removed. £7.50 RRP www.lordandberry. com LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 17

Sun Exposure

N

owadays we all want to preserve that youthful look for as long as possible… on the other hand when the sun comes out we all believe a glowing complexion makes us look healthier.

It doesn’t! In fact the damage on our skin in the long term is substantial.

Exposure to the sun has been proven to cause free radical damage which leads to fine lines and wrinkles. UV rays damage the elastin fibers and our collagen which allow our skin to stretch, bounce back and remain youthful.

It also stimulates the production of pigment in our skins therefore leading to sun spots, freckles and patches of darker skin many of these conditions we see and treat on a regular basis with clients always quoting ‘I wish I’d known when I was younger!’

It is vital to use a broad spectrum SPF of at least 30 on a daily basis to protect you against both UVA and UVB rays.

SPF 15 filters out approximately 93% of all incoming UVB rays. SPF 30 keeps out 97% and SPF 50 keeps out 98%. Always be aware that you should be using a specific SPF for the face compared to the body. This is because body SPFs tend to be thicker consistency therefore clog the pores and can cause spots.

However vital an SPF is there are still a few rays that can be absorbed and to maximize your protection you should also be using an antioxidant. Antioxidants help to protect our skin from the inside out. They act as guards against the damage of our skin cells. Common antioxidants that are found in skin care are Vitamins A, C and E. Also Vitamins A and C help to encourage cell and tissue re -growth.

UVA and UVB rays are present 365 LIVING days a ALONG year and penetrate 18 THEeven THAMES

through cloud. If it is light outside you are at risk of exposure.

How products should vary from summer to winter: During the winter months our skin feels dry and needs extra moisture and more comfort.

However in the summer months the heat and sun exposure causes our skin to lose water and become dehydrated.

Obviously the best way to rehydrate is to drink plenty of water, however there are products available that contain Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic acid holds up to 1000% its own weight in water and it absorbs deep into lower layers of the skin whilst hydrating the surface as well.

With hotter weather it is better to use lighter products than in winter.

Using serums and light weight hydrators or moisturizers will keep your skin soft, not clogged!

Even though mineral make up is good idea all year round it is especially good throughout summer.

With holidays in the sun and hotter weather, mineral make up allows our skin to breathe and does not clog it. Many 100% mineral brands will also contain antioxidants as well.

Using a glycolic cleanser in the evenings is a good idea.

Glycolic acid deeply cleans the dirt and make up out of the pores and gently resurfaces to leave skin refined and refreshed. You could then use your hyaluronic serum to boost hydration levels.

It is a known fact that you only need 10 minutes a day in the Spring/ Summer months to build a reserve of vitamin D which lasts through the Winter. So if you apply the sunscreen just before going out as it takes that time to activate anyway.

Naomi Diamond http://www.epsomskinclinics.com

Recently launched, Carven Le Parfum was created by perfumer Francis Kurkdijian. The fragrance features light floral notes of Sweet Pea, White Hyacinth, Jasmine and Mandarin Blossom, which are fused with Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang and Indonesian Patchouli.

EDP prices start from £38 (30ml).

top ith nt w Guava ms e c nha ry s g; me cludin Debe m , u n l i ty s os 0m frui ad r 3 - A Barb £20 fo , a e ann ativ Pear.

Rih r n by om he in and e d Nu tes fr andar no r, M cta Ne

First created as a parfum in 1987, La Perla have reinvented their signature scent in a lighter, more wearable EDT together with a body line for layering the scent. £29 for 30ml

Reader’s Offer

Kim Kardashian True Reflection - A gorgeous oriental floral fragrance, perfect for ensuring you smell sensational all day and night. £24 for 30ml, Debenhams

For your chance to win a 100ml bottle of Clarins EAU DES JARDINS send your name and address to office@ alongthethames.co.uk by 13th September

The master perfumers of Atelier Cologne blend unexpected and rare extracts with signature fresh citruses to create Colgnes Absolues, concentrated formulas with distinctive and long-lasting sillage.

The collection depicts nine moments, nine characters: Orange Sanguine, Grand Neroli, Bois Blonds, Trefle Our, Oolang Inifini, Vanille Insensee, Ambre Nue, Rose Anonyme and Vetiver Fatal. Each scent captures treasured emotions and powerful memories. £125 for 200ml, www. ateliercologne.com

Eau des Jardins: A zesty floral blend of mood-enhancing ingredients including wild rose.

Eau Dynamisane: A light, natural, citrus-blend of ingredients including orange, ginger and thyme.

Eau Ressourçante: A subtle, yet longlasting woody floral blend of ingredients including iris, basil and cedarwood. £30 for 100ml, www.clarins.co.uk New niche British perfumery house Bohemian Naturals debuts its artisan fragrance collection inspired by the evocative relationship between world travel, global culture and universal romance.

Handcrafted with rare and pure botanical essences, certified organic alcohol and skin-softening orchid flower extract, the 100% natural perfumes. Scents include Indian Davana,Thai Sunshine and Amber Rose £30 for 4ml, available from www.bohemiannaturals.com

LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 19

Leading London hairdresser Karine Jackson on colour trends and why organic colour is the way to achieve your new season’s look Late summer/early autumn is all about colour for me – this is such an important time to re-evaluate what suits you as your skin colour has more than likely changed slightly over the summer and you want a plan to take you into the new a/w season.

I hold a Colour Festival at the salon every August where every client gets a balloon to pop with a prize inside, ranging from a £25 conditioning treatment to free facials, manis/pedis and more, but more importantly we offer free in depth colour consultations using the colour fan to pinpoint what works for you.

As we get older, our skin tone tends to fade, just as our hair can fade to grey, so a colour that suited us in our twenties won’t work so well in our thirties, forties and beyond.

20 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

I like to couture shades of colours for everybody, making your colour bespoke to you. Have a plan for the year – do you have any special events we should time the colouring for?

It’s important to look at the history of the hair: Does it take colour well?

Does it fade quickly? Does it look darker than you expect when it’s first coloured? Does it look red, gold or too ash? These questions, along with skin tone, eye shade and lifestyle will help choose the correct colour.

I have a number of new techniques for the coming year including Sliding Blonde, a colour that graduates from golden blonde to an ice blonde.

Using a layering of foils, I start with golden blonde on the roots then gradually blend into a very light blonde, then a very light ash blonde.

This picks up the light and enhances the curl because often with curls you can lose your colour definition.

Dip dye is an ongoing trend and the hottest way to wear it right now is

with super bright ends. Unless you’re already very light you’ll need to prelighten the ends to take the colour.

However, the grown up version of this is ombre or balayage, techniques that offer a variation of colour that looks beautiful, natural and sophisticated.

Most importantly of all though, condition is key – colour looks best when hair is healthy. I use Organic Colour Systems, a brand with the lowest level of PPD possible to make colour permanent and cover greys, with no ammonia and no unnecessary nasty ingredients. This means healthy colour naturally – glossy, shiny tones that flatter the skin. And don’t forget to check the ingredients in your shampoo and conditioner – salt is often used for viscosity but a side effect is that it’ll strip your colour quicker so seek out a brand that’ll help to prolong your hue into autumn and beyond. www.karinejackson.co.uk

Registered clinical scientist and hearing aid dispenser • FREE hearing assessment - TAILORED to the individual.

• TIME to discuss your hearing problems.

• TRlAL period with no obligation to buy.

• LOCAL and independent so no allegiance to any particular company - an unbiased recommendation.

Manufacturers: Widex, Phonak, Oticon and Starkey.

• LATEST TECHNOLOGY available with both in the ear and behind the ear hearing aids.

• WORK closely with a team of Ear, Nose and Throat Consultants. Plus audiologists specialising in balance and tinnitus problems.

• COMPREHENSIVE after care service.

Tel: 07973 960012 Beverley.talbot@windsor-ent.com

www.windsor-ent.com

Bridge Clinic, Maidenhead & Princess Margaret Hospital, Windsor

HEALTHY BODY & HEALTHY MIND Kinesiologist/Hypnotherapist

Does your body need an MOT? Do you lack ENERGY? Feel BLOATED? Food/Gluten & Dairy intolerances can show in different ways!!

For a free consultation T: 01628 620727 M: 07818 868865 www.DirectEffect.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

SUE DAVIES MAFHP MCFHP Foot Health Professional

Registered Member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals

T: 01628 299404 M: 07743 314986 E: sue.davies63@yahoo.co.uk W: www.suedavies.co.uk.

LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 21

Are you feeling stressed?

Excess stress in life can put us at risk of burnout – more often than not, our physical & mental resources are depleted and we may become physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted. We all know that stress impacts on our health and reduces our daily productivity..

The symptoms of stress often build up gradually before you start to notice them. Stress can affect how you feel, think, behave and how your body works.

Now is the perfect time to learn how stress affects your lifestyle and here are some tips for you to try 1. R&R (REMEMBER TO RELAX) - Relaxation is important for both the mind and body. Simple things like just remembering to stop for a few moments and take a deep breath and then exhale slowly can help increase your ability to stay calm and reduce stressrelated symptoms. This is important as wew start to take shallow breaths when we are stressed and this makes it harder for our oxygen to get to where it is needed.

A simple way to relax is to sit or lie down in a peaceful place, close your eyes and focus on your breathing.

Gently breathe in for 4 seconds, pause slightly, breathe out for 4 seconds. Keep repeating until you get a comfortable rhythm. By doing this you should start to feel more in control and start to relax resulting in a greater sense of well-being, feelings of peace and serenity, new insights, a solution to a problem, etc.

Breathe in this way for whatever time feels confortable, but remember to stop if feel light headed and have a drink of water.

Be a ‘DEAR’ - stands for “drop everything and relax!” – if only just for 30 seconds!

2. EXERCISE & BODYWORK - Body movement improves circulation and releases endorphins that help you feel calm and energized. When we are stressed our body, muscles and organs are in stress too. If we can’t relax...neither can they!

If you are stuck at a desk all day, simple stretching excerises are great. Turn your head slowly right, then left. Roll your shoulders backwards and forwards, stand up and stretch your arms, legs & back.

22 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

3. LOL ABOUT IT! (LAUGH OUT LOUD – don’t take it so seriously!) – Yes, life can be hard. However, often when we are stressed what we are feeling is out of proportion with what is actually happening.

When everything gets too much instead of blowing a fuse, try shifting your perspective and LOL about it! Yes, laughter really is the best medicine and it’s much more fun! : Did you know? giggling has been thought to lower blood pressure?

4. STAY FOCUSED – Often, huge amounts of stress are unnecessarily caused because we are unable to live in the moment and we worry about the ‘what if…’ of the future!

5. LIVE IN THE NOW. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, make sure to prioritize your “todo” list and take each task one step at a time. You’d be surprised how much you waste your energy when you are thinking about everything at once! When you focus on what’s happening right here and now your energy is more fully available to handle every situation with ease, clarity and personal power.

HOW DOES STRESS AFFECT US? Stress can take a big toll on mind, body & spirit. Some of these symptoms could be: • You may feel irritable, anxious or low in mood.

Often people find that they worry constantly, drink or smoke more and have less patience. Physical symtoms can be headaches, muscular tension/ pain, digestion problems and breatlessness.

If you think any of this might describe you, find the best way for you to relax!

• Find a way to get your body to relax and unwind for periods of time of, so that it is not constantly in a state of stress.

• Go for a walk, get into nature, listen to some of your favourite music, or have a relaxing complementary treatment.

Good therapies for relaxation include Reiki, Massage, Reflexogy, Indian head massage and Aromatherapy.

Gabriella Lewis Dip.SBM -

TEMPLE an exceptional year round Golf Venue...

SUMMER SIZZLER £10 off our standard summer daytime green fee or £5 off a “twilight” round (after 4pm)

Temple Golf Club, Henley Road, Hurley, Berkshire, SL6 5LH www.templegolfclub.co.uk For more information please call:

Please contact us quoting “Living Along The Thames”.

01628 824795

August/September

CHIROPODIST

Deadline - 13th September

all general chiropody covered specialist warts, verrucas & fungal complaints latest Hi-Tech treatments No Pain, Highly Effective

T: 01628 627488 / M: 07711 887107 E: office@AlongTheThames.co.uk “Marketing is an Investment not an Expense”

Robert Kevan M.Inst Chp

4 Ravenshoe Close Bourne End Bucks SL8 5QP

hpc. no CH21742

Tel: 01628

530464

Sara Mayne Lic Ac MBAcC

Tai Chi ~ Qi Gong ~ Yoga ~ Acupuncture

A powerful yet gentle approach to Įtness and wellbeing....

Weekly evening & dayƟme classes l and d half day classes on Saturdays 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 23

My ‘baby’ is off to uni

S

o your daughter’s sixth form years are over and the day is fast approaching for her to leave for university and live independently for some of the year. Whilst this may seem daunting for you both, you can help her prepare by guiding her on managing her finances as well as giving her the necessary domestic skills. Most girls welcome this next step but they will still need your practical help and emotional reassurance.

FINANCIAL TIPS • Try to sort out bank accounts in advance – campus banks are queued out for the first week – and compare what’s on offer, eg through moneysupermarket.com.

• Make sure she has got the contact details for her bank in case of lost or cloned bank cards.

• Help your daughter to set up direct debits for items such as TV Licence or accommodation payments.

• Suggest that your daughter budgets for the month ahead when at Uni and look at how much she will need for each expense. As going out is part and parcel of university life, she will need to take this into consideration, too. Have a go at budgeting using the UCAS budget calculator (make sure she is honest with herself about expenditure on clothes, hair products etc).

BEFORE SHE GOES • Make sure she returns her accommodation forms in good time.

• If she hasn’t already done so, encourage your daughter to make contact with former pupils, who were in

the year above, to get the low down on their university, accommodation, Societies etc.

• On the day, set off in plenty of time to avoid panic unloading, and make sure she has supplies of stationery, cleaning materials (even if in halls), walking shoes, a waterproof and food.

• Remind her of just how many brain cells are killed in a binge drinking session. Talk darkly of the threat of gout…

MyDaughter.co.uk is dedicated to helping parents raise happy, fulfilled girls and is packed full of information, expert opinion and useful advice from the Girls’ Schools Association (www.gsa.uk.com).

Resources: http://www.mydaughter.co.uk https://www.gov.uk/browse/education http://www.which.co.uk/money/bank-accounts/guides/going-to-university-guide A Guide to Uni Life by Lucy Tobin; The Virgin University Survival Guide by Karla Fitzhugh; What Every Parent Should Know Before Their Child Goes to University by Jane Bidder; University – A Survival Guide (Need2know) by Anne Coates; The Complete University Guide: Student Finance: In association with UCAS by Bernard Kingston.

Flying the Nest I can’t believe I am the parent of a nearly nineteen year old. Or that in September Eldest Son will have flown the nest and be living somewhere out in the big wide world. It seems like only yesterday I was reading Harry Potter to him and teaching him how to tie his shoe laces (he still can’t do that properly). All those trials and tribulations of his life – learning to walk and talk, to read and write, watching him play sport, perform in plays and become a tall, strapping teenager all have flown by and now as we await the A level results and university beckons I find myself wondering how it happened?

All those mother and baby groups and music on the lap have faded and we’re looking at toasters and kettles for a student flat. I am lucky that I still have two more children at home – waiting in the wings for their chance to fly. For some of my friends, however, it really is the end of an era and no doubt their houses will echo come September. (Although personally the thought of THAT much freedom does rather excite me – imagine being able to take holidays during school term?)

However, being the optimist that I am, there is always a good side to everything and so I have realised the

24 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

following positive facts post Eldest Son: 1. The man sized swamp that is his room can be fumigated and left in peaceful tidiness for a few months; 2. There will be plenty of food in the fridge; 3. No late night snacks where butter and bread is left out for the dog to enjoy; 4. No late nights waiting for him to come home; 5. All the towels will be in their rightful place; 6. The television won’t permanently be on Sky Sports (although Younger Son may soon be King of the remote); 7. The newspaper will be available to read in the morning without cereal imprinted on it; 8. Absent Husband will have surplus beer in the fridge and not moan about his missing comb.

The list goes on, but truthfully, when it all boils down to it, we will miss him really.

And of course, there is his brother waiting for his promotion to top dog and at the end of every term, there are those inevitable long University holidays….

Vanessa Woolley

LOCAL TO YOU

•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

T: 01628 627488 M: 07711 887107 E: Office@AlongTheThames.co.uk www.AlongTheThames.co.uk

Maidenhead Golf Club more than a golf course

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.

LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 25

Advertising Feature

The world’s your oyster 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.

26 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

Santa Maria Dunas Cayo, La Melia Las

Hemingways Resort, Kenya

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!!

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Lady’s Walk, Ashridge, Paul Wakefield

Stowe, John Millar

Take part in the National Trust’s Great British Walk and discover secret spots only found on foot

I

n September the National Trust begins its celebration of the Great British Walk by unveiling its two-month Walking Festival with hundreds of specially selected walks revealing secret spots and special stories that can only be discovered on foot.

Running from Sunday 1st September to Sunday 3rd November, this year’s Great British Walk will encourage everyone from young families to seasoned ramblers to explore the outdoors.

Walks vary from self-guided trails with online instructions that you can download before you set out, to guided walks with a National Trust expert. The festival hopes to galvanise the nation and introduce walkers of all ages to well-known and lesser-known beauty spots in every part of the country.

You are also invited to share your favourite walks online. Alex Tarling, Digital Consultant for the National Trust, explains: “We’d love everyone to get involved in this year’s Great British Walk by sharing pictures of their favourite walk on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, using #GBwalk.”

SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE WALKS IN THIS AREA: HUGHENDEN MANOR, NEAR HIGH WYCOMBE Wander the ancient road of the coffin path; see where the flint surface has been ground by iron wheels and you might meet our resident ghost, the former Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, whose friendly spectre has been spotted in the house and grounds by many visitors.’

STOWE, NEAR BUCKINGHAM There are so many unusual surprises and features dotted around the gardens of Stowe that we have created a new Secret Places walk especially designed for families. You can wander around a hidden part of the garden that 28 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

has never been open to the public before, see a walking tree and a statue of Fido the faithful greyhound.

ASHRIDGE, NEAR TRING There are 5000 acres of woodland and open parkland at Ashridge waiting to be explored. Discover something new with one of our self-guided downloadable walks which will introduce to our veteran trees and special wildlife, or find out more about the secret life of deer by joining one of our special guided deer walks.

CLIVEDEN, NEAR MAIDENHEAD Set high above the River Thames, the gardens and woodlands of Cliveden offer breathtaking views and now you can discover some of the lesser known spots with a new downloadable walk. Adventurous youngsters can unlock the secrets of the woodlands during October half term thanks to special family walks which include bug hunting and den building.

GREYS COURT, NEAR HENLEY Did you know that from a part of the Greys Court estate there are some lovely views of the River Thames? Surrounding the picturesque mansion and formal gardens are some beautiful walks through gentle, rolling countryside.

BASILDON PARK, NEAR PANGBOURN This grand Georgian mansion is surrounded by rolling parkland where you can wander at you leisure and enjoy quiet spots off the beaten track. You can download one of four self-led walks before you go.

Whether walking the dog with the family, savouring breathtaking landscapes with your closest friends or adventuring through the unknown, the National Trust have hundreds of different downloadable walks online to suit all tastes.

Something for the weekend five fantastic family cycling trails I LIKE to RIDE my BICYCLE

B

owling down quiet car free tracks in beautiful tranquil countryside is an adventure children delight in and always good for body and soul. So pull those bikes out of the shed, pump up tires, check brakes and adjust helmets - here are five fantastic cycling trails for all the family.

PHOENIX WAY Easy and family-friendly, the Phoenix Trail runs for seven miles between Princes Risborough and Thame. It’s flat and smooth, with seating every 500 yards and fabulous views of the Chiltern Hills. There is a pub half way at Towersey.

For a map see: www.chilternsaonb.org

There are numerous picnic tables around the lake and a large field for games and picnics. There is cycle hire at the top of the car park.

For a map see: www.buckscc.gov. uk/bcc/parks/black_park.page

BURNHAM BEECHES NATURE RESERVE The Nature Reserve has 540 acres of ancient woodland criss-crossed by tarmac & track paths. Spot the free ranging ponies, cows and pigs. There is a café, toilets and visitors centre next to the main car park. Parking is £2.

For a map see: www.cityoflondon. gov.uk/burnham

BLACK PARK COUNTRY PARK

WINDSOR GREAT PARK

Situated near Iver Heath off the A412, it has 530 acres of pretty woodland, grassland and heath land with a centre-piece lake. There is a large network of tracks to cycle. It has a café, adventure playground, and visitors centre. Parking is £3.50.

The park has 1000 acres of woodland, lakes, farmland and gardens, with the back drop of Windsor Castle. Estate Roads are only open to estate workers.

Cycling is restricted to tarmac roads and paths but the network is vast.

There is numerous free parking

around each gate with the exception of Virginia Water & Savill Garden. The later car park is however convenient as there is a cafe, toilets, picnic area and children’s play area next to the lake. Once inside the park follow the signs to the Village where you will find another recreation ground and village shop that serves refreshments - a handy half way pit stop.

For a map see: www. theroyallandscape.co.uk

RICHMOND PARK It’s about an hours drive but worth it. The views of the City of London behind the vast deer park are stunning. There is a perimeter cycle trail of approximately eight miles. Bikes can be hired at Roehampton Gate. Refreshment kiosks are situated at most gates and Pembroke Lodge near Richmond Gate serves lunch and afternoon tea.

For a map see: www.royalparks. org.uk/parks/richmond-park Kate Robinson LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 29

5minutes with Nick Knowles

TELL US A BIT ABOUT BREAK THE SAFE The BBC decided to pull together the best team of the best people they could get to make a quiz show on a Saturday night; exec producers, producers, game show creators, stage designers. So it’s a proper let’s-go-for-it big Saturday night quiz show. The result has been four years in the making. It’s about relationships basically - brothers, sisters, mums and sons, best friends etc - coming in pairs to play in a game where they have to work together, to answer questions, to earn money and trust each other about how much they know about each other’s knowledge. It’s a real tension-comedy show.

YOU’VE DONE WHO DARES WINS FOR YEARS. WHAT DO YOU PERSONALLY ENJOY ABOUT THESE QUIZ SHOWS? [I love that] it’s [been] the number one slot on BBC television for six years. Quietly, without anyone noticing, I’ve had the number one slot in prime time Saturday night television on BBC, which is just amazing, really. We’ve had Who Dares Wins, Secret Fortune and now because I got involved with bringing those to market and working on them to make them as good as they could possibly be, when they put [Break the Safe] together, they brought me in to get involved on the presenting side of it. I think it’s a culmination really of how can we provide the audience with an alternative to whatever they’re watching on ITV, C4 or anywhere else - let’s make the very best quiz show we can.

IT’S OBVIOUSLY VERY DIFFERENT TO DIY SOS, SO YOU’RE GETTING PLENTY OF VARIETY IN YOUR PRESENTING Well the thing for me has always been, as anybody in television will tell you, you should do one thing and stick to it because the audience doesn’t like you to hop around all over the place. My whole career, I’ve made sure that the next thing I do is nothing like the last thing I did. But I’m at the point now where the audience, I think, will pretty much let me do any kind of programme. I can go off and do a nine-week natural history programme in Africa, or I can do Saturday night quiz shows, or I can do a building programme. Because the audience knows who I am, it kind of doesn’t matter what programme I turn up on, as long as it’s entertaining and interesting and gets the viewing figures.

The truth is you just have to work harder. I think people get a break and then think ‘I’m famous, all I have to do is turn

up’ whereas probably because of the background I’ve come from, I’m always expecting it to finish any day, so the next programme has to be better than the last one I did. I always work really hard to ensure that we produce the best possible programme that we can.

SO CAN WE EXPECT MORE DIY SOS? Yep! We’ve got six Big Builds already made, ready for the BBC to broadcast, and the next series, there’s a minimum of 12 still to come out.

WHY DO YOU THINK THE SHOW IS STILL SO POPULAR WITH AUDIENCES AFTER ALL THESE YEARS? Because it does a few things. It reaffirms your faith in humankind because you see people who are going through incredibly difficult circumstances - who are battling against it and surviving. It represents workingclass people in this country in a good light, people who are working class and making a living. Whereas almost every other representative of working class people (who are the largest part of the population, by the way), they’re either scumbags or they’re nicking something or they’re rogue traders or cowboy builders. So you’d be forgiven for thinking that anybody who shows up on a working class estate is trying to con their way [through] and doesn’t want to go out and earn a living. In actual fact, 99% are really proud of the work they do and do a good job. DIY SOS represents a large part of the population that aren’t properly represented on TV so I’m very proud of it from that point of view. And I think people like it because it’s a feel-good programme about rough diamonds, working-class heroes.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHT? I think if you’re the kind of person I am, your career highlight is whatever you’re doing next. Two years ago I wrote my first feature film, so I’m making it next year. It’s not been easy. I’m just putting the finishing touches to my first novel, I’m writing my second film at the moment, WHAT ELSE SHOULD WE BE LOOKING OUT FOR THIS YEAR? There’s more Real Rescues, a police-ambulance-fire brigade rescue series - I like doing that. There are a few more programmes that I’ve got in development, but we haven’t quite narrowed those down yet, so we’ll let you know when they come out.

Break the Safe Saturday’s BBC One at 8.50pm.

30 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

31

WHAT ROT There are two types of rot - wet and dry - and, while neither is ideal in your home, one is much more worrying than the other.

Caused by one of a number of fungi, wet rot is the most common and least serious kind. The fungus takes hold in damp or wet wood (and plaster), but remains there and doesn’t spread, so it’s usually straightforward to spot and to deal with.

Affected wood feels spongy and soft, and may have turned a different colour to normal, hard wood.

Because the rot is caused by exposure to water, the first thing to do is stop the water coming into contact with the wood if, for example, there’s a leaking pipe or guttering. Wet rot often occurs in timber that’s routinely exposed to moisture, such as the outside of wooden windows, doors and door frames, especially if the paint or varnish has flaked off or cracked.

Treatment can be quick and easy - because the wood’s soft, removing the worst of the rot won’t be a problem.

Use a wood-hardening treatment, such as Ronseal High Performance Wet Rot Wood Hardener (from ¬v£6.98 for 250ml, B&Q) to make the remaining wood rock hard, then fill on top, building the filler up in layers if necessary. If the rot is widespread, it’s often better to remove all of it and splice in a new piece of wood - you may need a carpenter to help with this.

32 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

Dry rot, like wet rot, is also caused by a fungus (serpula lacrymans), but this one is far more destructive. The name dry rot is actually misleading, because wood must have a moisture content of at least 20% to be affected.

Whereas wet rot often occurs in exposed places, dry rot is more likely to be hidden. It thrives in moist and poorly ventilated conditions, such as under wooden stairs and floorboards, often making it hard to notice.

Another problem with dry rot is that the spores travel fast, so the whole structure of a building - both the walls and timbers - can be infected in a relatively short space of time.

The signs to look out for are wood cracking in a cuboidal way, a very musty odour and mushroom-like growths.

The growths can be different colours - they’re often whitish grey (sometimes with patches of yellow and lilac) and when they’re most dangerous, orangey ochre (this is the fruiting body), with spores resembling brick dust.

To treat dry rot, again you need to begin by stopping the source of the damp, to ensure the rot won’t reoccur, and then dry this out. Any structural woodwork should be replaced entirely.This isn’t a simple DIY job and, because it’s so important to eliminate the fungus for good, it is one best left to the professionals.

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Bright and Beautiful Homes Mum and entrepreneur Catherine Willhoft is fondly known as the Bright & Beautiful “Queen of Clean”! Catherine owns Bright & Beautiful, her domestic cleaning and housekeeping business.

Bright & Beautiful is the award winning, new and improved face of domestic homecare that is delivering eco-friendly cleaning, tidying, laundry and ironing across Maidenhead, Cookham and Bray.

Catherine says: “After living and working in Singapore and the United States for the last 10 years, it has really made me appreciate my family home

Suzy Kirkwood shares her top ten tips to help you move homes.

1.

Prepare, Present and be Positive! The market is moving at present with lots of interest in Maidenhead.

2.

First impressions count. Look at your house as if you were viewing it in the prospective buyer's shoes

3.

Repaint and repair any unsightly areas of your property. A little money spent on improvements, can improve the achieved sales price.

4.

Ensure the front entrance is looking it's best with pots by the front door

5.

Tidy up the front garden and any footpaths.

Cut back shrubs and overgrown trees

6.

Clear away any unnecessary clutter - charity shops are thankful for donations

7.

Clear and thoroughly clean all bathrooms and kitchen

8.

If you are planning new furniture when you move, buy it now

9.

Ensure your estate agent takes good photos of your property

10. Let your estate agent do all the viewings

comforts. Our lives at home and work have never been busier and it is so important to have the right help to keep things ticking over.

Like many women I wanted to go back to work but didn’t want to return to a busy corporate world that can be inflexible for working mums so I decided to set up my own business. At a time when the economic climate has made life difficult for many people, it makes me very proud to be employing local women and to help busy families take better care of their homes.”

Catherine Willhoft

A local service that will take care of your Home furnishings ServiceMaster Clean is one of the world’s leading names for quality cleaning of hard and soft furnishings, with over 50 years experience in the cleaning industry and we are right on your doorstep.

In most people’s homes upholstery, carpets and hard floors are subject to heavy use, and there comes a time when these areas need more than a routine vacuum to improve their appearance.

Deeland Limited is your local ServiceMaster Clean franchise and we are able to offer you a service that cleans your soft and hard furnishings professionally.

All our ServiceMaster technicians are fully trained and equipped to deal with your enquiry. However small or large the job, ServiceMaster Clean is the company to contact – be it just a spot clean, one room or a whole house of soft furnishings

The services we provide: • Carpet cleaning • Upholstery cleaning • Rug cleaning • Curtain cleaning • Hard floor restoration and cleaning • Spot removal on both carpets and upholstery • Fabric protector for carpets and upholstery

We are offering 15% off our normal price for all our services but it is subject to our terms and conditions and a minimum spend of £130.00 + VAT

Happy Moving Suzy Kirkwood Kirwood Personal Estate Agents

Free Phone 0800 783 7713 or visit our web site: www.servicemastermaidenhead.co.uk 34 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

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Designers such as

We supply • Tiles • Sauna’s • Hot Tubs • Showers • SanitaryWare Get the Kitchen or Bathroom of your dreams with our bespoke and friendly service meeting your every need.

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T: 01628 532 087 www.tileandstyleonline.co.uk Bespoke Interiors

1 Sheffield House, High Street, Cookham, SL6 9SH {situated opposite kings arms}

We let our clients do the talking "Suzy Kirkwood was able to sell both my mother's and our own property this year both quickly and with a minimum of fuss. She provided a genuine 'personal' service which ranged from professional home-staging to dynamic and effective marketing using good photographic images and thoughtfully designed copy. Most importantly she was proactive in her dealings with buyers and solicitors and kept us regularly informed of progress during all stages of the sales process. Suzy Kirkwood stands head and shoulders above the ordinary high street estate agency " Regards, Barry and Melanie Thomas, Maidenhead.

"Just wanted to say thank you for the excellent job you did handling the sale of our property. Your suggestions for showing the house at its best were perceptive and appreciated. We liked the fact that you had a list of potential buyers and that you knew exactly what they were looking for in a house, so didn't waste your buyers or our time by them them something that was not suitable. We were also very impressed by the way you constantly followed up and kept us informed of the progress of the sale. We wish you continued success with your business."

Kind regards, Doug and Julia Jones, Pinkneys Green, Maidenhead.

For a free market appraisal, please call Suzy Kirkwood, Director of Kirkwood personal estate agents

KIRKWOOD PERSONAL ESTATE AGENTS 01628 509500 www.kirkwoodea.co.uk info@kirkwoodea.co.uk LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 35

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Product of the month

H OW TO :

If you’re being forced to manage without a kitchen while a new one is being fitted, or you simply want a healthy way to grill meat, look no further than the 18891 George Foreman Entertaining 7 Portion Variable Temperature Grill (£59.99, www. georgeforeman.co.uk). It’s large enough to cook for lots of people, has special hinges to fit thick food and, as the name says, has an adjustable temperature control for precise cooking. Like any George Foreman grill, the best thing about it is that it angles to allow up to 42% of the fat

from the meat to drain away, but you can also use it for toasted sandwiches - the non-stick plates grill from above and below. It has a flat end so you can store it vertically, which is useful if your cupboards are as packed as mine

Some wood fillers can be applied straight from the tub or tube, while others have to be mixed before use. These consist of the filler and a hardener, which you mix together when you’re ready to fill, following the manufacturer’s instructions. The problem with

36 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

these professional-style two-part fillers is that getting the quantities right can be tricky, so the filler can harden too quickly or be too soft. For this reason, it’s easier for DIYers to stick to ready-mixed fillers.

garden design

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Buried Treasure!

How amazing that something as inauspicious as a small onion produces the most wonderful garden plant. Bulbs are like magic food parcels, that burst forth with incredible colour in the Spring. Undemanding andtrouble free they pop up every year to do their spectacular thing!

Sacks of promise appear in garden centres in September for you to choose from and Autumn is the perfect time to sprinkle your garden with buried treasure for next year.

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Alliums - Purple Sensation, tall drumstick punctuation points, Christophii, an architectural ball of lilac stars & Schubertii, a firework of a flower!

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instru the instructions on the packet. Don't be tempted to the any extra feed. You can take the shears give them to some annuals, trimming off the old blooms mak way for new buds to develop, which to make shoul give you some colour on your return. should Y You can also cover container plants with gre greenhouse shade netting to reduce water loss b don't do this in the front garden or it will - but ac as a message that you're away from home. act

Ke ep plants happy while on holiday It's the same every year; the garden reaches its peak with borders bursting into bloom, patio plants beginning their dazzling displays, and fruits swelling in the vegetable garden - and then you go on holiday for two weeks...

Luckily, there are some measures you can take to help your plants survive for a while without you.

If you have patio plants, water them well before you go away, maybe even dunking the pot into a bigger bucket of water so it soaks the compost completely from below, then put all the pots together (this encourages humidity) in a shady spot so there's less evaporation while you're away.

If you have space, dig a small hole in the border soil in a shady spot and rest your hanging basket in the hole, watering it well so it is completely soaked. Some of the escaping water will moisten the soil underneath, helping keep your plants damp in your absence.

If you haven't invested in automatic irrigation systems you can set up a temporary automatic watering system by submerging strips of capillary matting in a trug full of water and then running the end of the strips to your containers. The matting absorbs and holds water which can be drawn up by the soil in the pots. Set the system up a week before you go to ensure it's working.

Alternatively, cover the soil surface with waterabsorbing gel, watering it so that it swells and absorbs water. This provides a protective barrier to stop water evaporating from the compost and also gives the compost some moisture. The crystals will also soak up and hold moisture if it rains while you're away.

Remove all open flowers from healthy bedding plants so they produce a flush of new blooms on your return and feed them with a liquid fertiliser, following 38 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

Cut the grass and trim the edges y go and it will survive quite happily before you yo If it's long on your return, don't cut without you. im it short immediately or it will turn yellowy brown. ra the mower blades for the first cut and Instead, raise gradually lower them over the next two or three.

Established borders should be all right without Establ water for a week or two, as the roots of established plants will go deep into the soil for moisture. However, make sure you weed before you go, as weed seedling can soon take over. Give the area a good water and then mulch with organic matter to help retain the moisture.

Hopefully, you will return from your break to find a garden not as tired as it might have been, and ready to be revived.

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Midlife ...

As we clutch on to our youth with a vice like grip there is no getting away from the fact that actually the husband and I are careering through our forties at what seems like warp speed, approaching midlife. It wasn’t particularly when the husband announced earlier this year that he had bought a Mustang that got me starting to worry, it was when he mentioned a road trip that confirmed my fears… I had the prospect of a vintage car, an oversized garage that resembled a Swedish sauna (referred to as the man cave) and an itinerary, for said road trip, to prove it.

Of course all of this has indeed provided me with much amusement from the start. When I told a friend about his plans to go away with his pals in a vintage Mustang, they asked with genuine interest if he knew anything about cars. Well that was certainly worth a guffaw; he is probably the only male I know who could manage to own a car for approximately three years before opening the bonnet, only to fill up the screen wash. Then there is the man cave. This took hours and hours pouring over Internet sites and pacing of the garden. All good trained quantity surveyors use the manly pace to measure large spaces, no tape measures or nifty gadgets here. Having said that I do remember when he measured out the quantities of cement required for the pond, which has now been filled

in to make way for the man cave, he stood and scratched his head and announced that he hadn’t ordered enough cement. Oh the irony.

Before the man cave even arrived, it was his daily ritual to walk down to the bottom of the garden, stop dead on the path, legs wide apart, arms folded to survey the plot. To look at from behind you would think he was gazing into a beautiful sunset or stunning landscape. No, this was a building plot containing….errm mud.

Once the man cave arrived he would disappear down there for hours. I wouldn’t have minded had he taken a phone so I could communicate! Yes many hours in the man cave….. What was in there I hear you ask? NOTHING! The Mustang had yet to appear from the importers and no tools had found their way into their new home. Oh, but of course every garage needs a wood burning stove doesn’t it????!

The time came for The League of Adventuresome Motormen to leave for their meticulously planned road trip. The league consisted of the

husband who was the mechanically challenged one, his lifelong pal from school selected for his survival skills ,as there was genuine prospect of blowing all their money on fuel for Musty, and they may well have to live off road kill. Also joining the gang was last minute companion whose dress sense provided the boys with much hilarity and the chef of the group, who doubled as translator, interpreter and speaker of the lingo in each country. Yes they had a name for themselves and yes they had the obligatory t-shirts printed. This trip was nothing short of adventuresome and truly worthy of a Top Gear camera crew as they embarked in torrential rain. But worry not, the car was expertly kept water tight with rolled up towels gaffer taped to the windscreen. This, along with other ingenious repairs and improvements Jeremy Clarkson would be proud of, kept them going through France, Switzerland, Italy, France, Italy, France…(don’t ask) for a respectable ten days. The boys returned home euphoric and desperate to go it again next year. It is safe to say there are at least two other vehicles that I know of which have quickly gone in to restoration, having sat untouched for 25 years, for next years epic event.

So what signs I hear you ask, do I show of impending midlife? I got a new bicycle…. with a basket on the front and a comfy seat!

Sally Todd

LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 39

What really motivates us at work?

Surprising, what really motivates us at work is AMP. No, I am not using it as an abbreviation for amphetamines, and I am not suggesting a measure of electrical current is involved. AMP stands for Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose.

and not only for charitable reasons.

Let me explain and take you through the research.

• AUTONOMY – the desire to be self-directed.

Organisations place much emphasis on management, and much is spent on “management training”.

Management is fine if you want compliance.

Stephen Covey writes about managing people to cut down trees in a forest, about organising rotas, dividing tasks, taking care of logistics to complete a pre-determined task. Management works where we need compliance. If compliance is not enough, and we want engagement, self-direction is better.

Atlassian, an Australian software company, illustrate the point. One work day in each quarter, four days a year, all employees are told “today, you can work on whatever you want. You can decide what you do; all we want is for you to share the results the next day.” The company arranges things that will make clear the day is different. I’ve heard they provide cakes, and beer, entertainment and all sorts of cool stuff. One day of undiluted autonomy leads to improvements in their products (such as bug fixes) and creates new ideas and new products that wouldn’t be achieved during the rest of the “normal” days. The management message is “You probably want to do something interesting, we’ll get out of your way.”

Worth trying in your organisation? It doesn’t need to be everyone on the same day and you might have different ideas than beer – stopping internal email for a day and ensuring there are no pre-arranged meetings should help.

• This brings me to PURPOSE. More and more organisations want a transcendent purpose. It makes going to work better and helps to attract the best talent.

Skype is a good example of this overarching sense of purpose. Their goal is to be disruptive in the cause of making the world a better place. Organisations must have more than just the profit motive.

Where the profit motive overrides or becomes detached from the overarching purpose, bad things happen. People get disengaged, products and services become worse, customer satisfaction and retention declines, sickness absence increases, there are more workplace accidents and it is just not fun.

AUTONOMY MASTERY

Organisations should maximise purpose as well as maximising profits.

There is a very good reason for this.

Organisations employ human beings, and we are meaning-making machines. Have you ever experienced anything at all without attributing meaning to it? I remember a TV advert a while back. A man is running down the street and the crowd of people behind him are shouting. We attribute meaning to this – perhaps we attribute anger to the crowd, maybe we think that the man has just stolen something and is running away, maybe he is running to catch a cat about to fall out of a tree.

PURPOSE

• MASTERY – the urge to be better at stuff. Mastery is why we do things, like learning to play a musical instrument or learning another language, without any financial reward. It’s fun and we get great satisfaction from our improvement. It is not just things that are unrelated to work. People do work-related activities for free in order to strive for and achieve mastery, 40 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

We could attribute many things, but we will attribute something. The next time you meet someone for the first time, check out what you are attributing to them by the way they are dressed – even before they speak (when they do, even more attributions kick in.)

We need more AMP. Phil Walker

Lead your business without leaving your passions at the door.

Make your emotions available to others and you could be an extraordinary leader.

Jo Smith, Director, Elevate Associates Ltd explores the link between leadership and love…..

W

e believe there is a way of doing business that does not involve leaving your heart or passions at the door. If we lead in an authentic way, figure out and focus on what really matters then we naturally start to have the positivity and confidence that inspires others.

Extraordinary leaders make their emotions available to others – it’s from this energy that transformations in people, communities and organisations begin to happen.

It is all about caring enough to put others, in your team, no matter how different or similar, first, in an uncompromising way. Having the courage to allow them to grow and learn without having to always crane your neck to look over your shoulder.

In leaders we see people we wish to connect with and follow. We feel inspired. Inspiration is a feeling that isn’t always tangible … that doesn’t matter.

Leaders who inspire touch our hearts and minds – to feel this connection both hearts and minds therefore have to be open. Conversations may not always be comfortable – if you are opening yourself up as a leader, or as a team member, you will at times need to ‘take the plunge’ and address a subject that you could quite happily leave well alone.

excited even? How will this thought process affect your desired outcome?

One of things we know great leaders bring to a difficult conversation is courage and a sense of purpose that makes the effort worthwhile. These difficult conversations are not easy to get right. It involves exploring and preparing.

If you’ve invested time in tackling the context and mind-set, behaviour and the desired outcome becomes the easier part. You will have taken stock of your ‘mood’ and hopefully your behaviour will be under control – you may be angry but by realising this beforehand you can keep that anger at the door and give the person you are having a difficult conversation with the openness they, as a human being and member of your team, deserve.

It is important to take stock of the entire context in any given situation.

What’s really happening? Take an objective stance and then, focus on what outcome you want.

Then carefully consider your mindset. How are you thinking about the situation, are you angry, concerned,

It is your mind-set that governs your behaviours so if you don’t spend any time considering it then your behaviours may well be out of your control! It is better to be fully conscious of your thought patterns and what they could lead do!

The team at Elevate Assoicates can help you to explore your potential as a leader, supporting purposeful change and ultimately, business growth.

LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 41

Customer Attraction System Do you have a Customer Attraction System (CAS) as part of your business model?

Does it generate a steady stream of conversations, sales enquiries and sales?

Is it predictable?

During the last century, marketing was largely all about pushing. Companies pushed the (unwilling) customer towards their brands, using expensive advertising, telesales, direct mail and sales forces. In the 21st century, pushing has become more difficult, due to the fragmentation of media, an explosion of communication channels (i.e. TV and radio stations, websites, blogs etc), laws to protect consumers from overactive marketers and more educated buyers.

Smart companies realise that getting customers to come to them is way better than the old style ‘hunt and kill’ methodology. Broadly speaking, an attraction based approach includes customer education and knowledge sharing. It is co-operative, trusting, interactive and more female than male in nature. It also happens to be ideal for the world wide web – which was originally conceived as a way of sharing files amongst scientists.

I know that this approach does not appeal to everyone.

“Why should I share my hard won knowledge?” they say to me. “That’s fine,” I reply. “Keep all of your professional knowledge locked up in a darkened room. Lock and chain the door. Let some large, angry dogs wander around the corridors putting the fear of God into anyone who enters the building. What will happen? The knowledge will shrivel and die, as it needs interaction with others to flourish and grow (just like you do). Mind you, you’ll have to go and bang on all of the doors in the neighbourhood to find new business. By the way, how will your neighbours know that you are so brilliant at what you do, as they can’t see your expertise?”

My advice is to share a little more. If you need any more encouragement, I am sure that your competitors are already doing this.

By the way my last book was entitled ‘How to get clients to come to you‘ so this is a subject close to my heart!

Nigel Temple

42 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

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Quick Crossword 1

ACROSS 1. Oppose (10) 7. Tan (5) 8. Submit (7) 10. Lovingly (8) 11. Nimbus (4) 13. Bog (6) 15. Decorate (6) 17. Vow (4) 18. Besiege (8) 21. Subsiding (7) 22.

Unaccompanied (5) 23. Gumboot (10)

DOWN 1. Coronet (5) 2. Balderdash (8) 3. Outcome (6) 4. Harbour (4) 5. Bravery (7) 6. Sparing (10) 9. Accountant (10) 12. Tendency (8) 14. Suite (7) 16. Flask (6) 19. Ornament (5) 20. Lass (4)

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6 7

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11 12

13

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15 16

17

18

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20 21

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Across: 1 Contradict; 7 Brown; 8 Succumb; 10 Tenderly; 11 Halo; 13 Morass; 15 Bedeck; 17 Oath; 18 Blockade; 21 Sinking; 22 Alone; 23 Wellington.

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s r a t S

AUGUST: The powerful planets Pluto, Uranus and Neptune are all in retrograde motion this month, although this sometimes means that they take a back seat, there may still be surprises in the economy and global events may catch us unawares.

Otherwise our summer is finally here and we can enjoy a relaxed holiday mood as the Sun passes through the regal sign of Leo the Lion. A fabulous new moon in Leo on the 6th allows inspirational and creative endeavours to get off the ground. The love planets Venus is in diligent Virgo until the 17th and romantic affairs could get quite serious! The energetic planet Mars is in Cancer for most of the month, domestic and family matters take precedence and spending more quality time with our loved ones is definitely on the agenda.

Aries

March 21 - April 20

Domestic and family matters are high on the agenda for you this month as Jupiter, Mars and Mercury occupy the home area of your chart. Creativity and positive restructuring are also very important and the energy of the new moon on the 6th gets you thinking about new and innovative ideas. September brings renewed action in the work and relationship sectors of your chart.

Be open to change, be alert and keep an open mind as interesting and exciting opportunities can come your way now. You ruler, motivational Mars is in fiery and creative Leo all month - this is your time to shine!

Taurus

SEPTEMBER: The Sun and diligent Mercury start the month in hard working and practical Virgo, positive energies for education and any new form of study are available now and the Virgo new moon on the 5th enhances this exciting dynamic. By mid-September relationships and love affairs get a boost, as the love planets Venus moves into intense and passionate Scorpio.

September is always the best time for reorganisation and bringing some order back into our lives and as communicative Mercury enters harmonious Libra on the 9th finding this essential balance becomes easier.

The Autumn Equinox is on the evening of the 22nd and with motivational Mars charging through creative Leo, inspirational energy should be high and accessible.

Cancer June 23 - July 23

With three planets in your sign at the start of the month you’ll be feeling vibrant and at your most positive. The new moon on the 6th brings renewed organisational skills and your cash flow and savings can now be reviewed in a new light. Mercury moving to Leo on the 9th brings creativity to the forefront. September puts the spotlight on your appearance and your selfesteem. The new moon on the 5th asks you to review how you communicate with others and what can be improved. Revamping and rejuvenating your living space is also very much on your mind with Mars in inspirational Leo enhancing your creativity.

Leo

April 21 - May 21

July 24 - August 23

Venus, your ruling planet, moves into harmonious Libra on the 17th. This vibrant and fresh energy brings a renewed sense of balance into your life and your relationships. The new moon in Leo on the 6th turns your attention to your home and your family, creative new ideas for refurbishing are available. September turns your attention to communications, love and creativity. Now is the time for you to sort out what is working and what needs some adjustment. Venus, your ruling planet, is in Libra until the 11th, then she switches to passionate Scorpio suggesting that close relationships will need to come under review.

It’s your birthday month and with a fabulous and powerful new moon in your sign on the 6th it shows that this is the start of a new creative year. Self awareness is also strong and you should have a new sense of focus and seriousness, but certainly not enough to dampen your usual dramatic and fun-filled style! September: Cash flow, funds and assets loom large for Leos during September as energetic Mars stays in you sign all month. Abundant Jupiter is in sensitive Cancer in a deeply introspective part of your chart and you may need more rest and relaxation this month. The full moon on the 5th could bring a financial surprise

Gemini May 22 - June 22

Mercury, your ruling planet, enters vibrant and creative Leo on the 9th assisting you to positively reorganise and plan several areas of your life. Positive Jupiter shows that finances are still high on the agenda and your time will be well be spent on looking at new ways to increase your income. September: Home and family life come into focus during September as the Sun and Mercury pass through this area of your life. Certain decisions that you have been putting off for a while will need your attention now. With the love planet Venus occupying the romance area of your chart, there is some balancing to be done there too.

44 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

Virgo

August 24 - September 23

Jupiter, Mercury and Venus are all in the social sector of your chart, friendship and networking groups will be high on your agenda this month. Your appearance, health and wellbeing are also important now as Venus, the planet of beauty moves into harmonious Libra on the 17th. September is your birthday month and the new moon in your sign on the 5th is an important time for you. New beginnings are evident and you may ask yourself if you are placing enough value on your talents and skills. Venus is travelling through artistic Libra, helping you discover new talents

September 24 - October 23

Libra

Capricorn

Peace loving Librans who had thought about a long and lazy summer may have to review the situation in August. Three planets occupy the high point of your chart bringing career matters to the surface. You have been working hard and now opportunities for exciting new projects come to fruition. September: Mighty Jupiter is at the highest point in your chart, illuminating the potential for abundance and success in all your endeavours. Be sure to use this cycle wisely to build new structures and plan ahead.

Balanced Venus, your ruler, is in your sign until the 11th and she assists with new and creative ideas.

August brings three planets to your relationship sector; all your partnerships come under the microscope this month. Serious Saturn, your ruler, is in transformational Scorpio and ensures that this is the time to review all your plans and look towards revamping your life on all levels. September suggests Capricorns will need to turn their focus to relationships, partnerships and finances. Motivational Mars in your money area whip up creative new ways with your earning potential.

Saturn, your ruler, is in Scorpio and will be joined by Venus on the 11th, a serious decision will be necessary.

Scorpio

Aquarius

August brings exciting new opportunities your way.

The emphasis is on discovering new possibilities and even taking up a new course of study. Career matters take an unexpected turn and your confidence should be at an all time high, the energy of new moon in Leo on the 6th could be extremely positive. September sees many Scorpios seriously contemplating big change on many levels. Dissatisfaction may have crept in during the year as stern Saturn travels through your sign. Reorganisation is essential and with Venus moving into Scorpio on the 11th it is definitely time to look at new potentials and possibilities.

Jupiter, Mars and Mercury start the month in the work and health sector of your chart. You are seriously looking at change and will want to address the work/ life balance in your life. Romance is also a big issue right now and the Leo new moon on the 6thth could well bring some welcome surprises! September: Mighty Jupiter in the work and routine area of your chart brings a new sense of optimism to the way that you do things. Energetic and creative Mars in Leo assists with an abundance of new money making ideas and by mid-month a spectacular aspect with your ruling planet assures that opportunities turn up.

October 24 - November 22

Sagittarius November 23 - December 22

Your finances are still emphasised and the new moon on the 6th should bring your restructuring to a positive close. The powerful Leo Sun is warming up the travel area of your chart and restless Sagittarians will have their thoughts on getting away from it all. Adventure and romance are beckoning! September brings restless energy to Sagittarians as energetic Mars in Leo highlights the adventurous sector of your chart. Your goals, ambitions and career are also in the spotlight and the Virgo new moon on the 5th emphasises new opportunities coming your way bringing plenty of action this month!

December 23 - January 19

January 20 - February 19

Pisces

February 20 - March 20

Love, romance and enjoyment are all in the spotlight for you this month as three planets emphasis this important are of your chart. The new moon in your professional sector brings opportunities after the 6th and as communicative Mercury moves to Leo on the 9th youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll feel your confidence soar. September: Generous Jupiter is stirring up the love and romance area of your chart, enjoyment comes your way especially after the new moon on the 5th. Your resources and possessions are also in need of attention and as the month progresses you should feel a new sense of stability emerging.

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, so that you can create your vision and manifest your life goals.

Telephone and Skype consultations are available, call me or email me now for more information about my special offer for a one hour life changing session.

Christine Chalklin Inspirational Astrologer and Transformational Life Coach www.RestyleYourLife.co.uk Mobile: 07813 483549 Christine@RestyleYourLife.co.uk LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 45

Enjoy one of our Latest Releases this Summer

Fatal Tears

by Stuart Fifield A thriller steeped in the atmosphere of 1920s Egypt and the first in a series of crime mysteries featuring hero, Rupert Winfield.

Part homage to Agatha Christie, Fatal Tears is a deftly entertaining novel. The young Egyptologist Rupert Winfield has escaped his family and career to become a tour guide on a Nile paddle steamer. The Great War is now a decade ago and well-heeled Europeans and Americans are once again flocking to Egypt to see the country’s famous monuments.

For Winfield, his assembled party seems at first to be the usual ragbag of the ignorant, the racist, and the feckless, but he soon discovers that some of the guests on board have rather more to them than meets the

eye. Who exactly, he wonders, is the mysterious Sebastian Printon, and why do accidents keep happening whenever he’s around? £17.99

The Horch and the Rotterdam Ingots

by R. W. Stracham When a cabal of four senior Wehrmacht officers is placed in charge of the removal of over 4000 gold ingots from a bank vault in Rotterdam, temptation is just too much. Together they conspire to embezzle forty ingots for their own use to be hidden away in a Swiss safety deposit box until after the war. Complications prevail and the final ten ingots don’t make their destination. Instead they are secreted in the hollow chassis of a Germany army Horch staff car.

70 years later an executive on a trip to the Ukraine discovers the

abandoned Horch covered in a dusty tarpaulin in a barn. He then begins to uncover its curious and sinister past. - £16.99.

Lake of Souls

by Brian Rhodes Lake of Souls is a ghost story with a difference.

When David Peters accepts a commission to repair a damaged culvert at Falstead Priory he hopes his work will impress Colonel Metcalfe and lead to more jobs on the estate. He expects the work to be difficult; dangerous, even.

What he does not expect is what he actually finds lurking in the damp tunnels under the lake: something that will change his life forever.

Disturbing and compelling, Lake of Souls showers the reader with a hot of revelations as David struggles to seek his true self and defeat his deepest fears. £16.99.

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 13th September

BOOK GUILD

The books on this page are from Book Guild Publishing ion

n’s re

i ld Ch

Fic t

PUBLISHING

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

46 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

AUGUST: 13 3&15:: ‘Aviation Antics’, investigate the science of flight and make perfect paper planes, entry by timed ticket on the day at 10.30, 11.30, 13.30, 14.30 & 15.30, Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe.

14 4: Marlow Football Club 150th Anniversary, celebrate Cuthbert Ottaways role as the 1st England Captain with a friendly match at Marlow F.C, EnglandFans F.C v Tartan Army F.C, 1pm kick off.

Free Admission. Also preceded

by EnglandFans Vets v Marlow F.C Vets, 10am at Riley Park 14 4: ‘Colour – Stories in Wycombe Museum Gardens’, a free summer holiday event for younger children (3-7yrs) organised by the South Bucks Children’s Book Group.

Bring a picnic and a rug, from 14.30, Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe.

14 4: ‘Bug Safari’, discover the mini beasts that live in Keephill wood, 10.00, Rye car park, High Wycombe.

To book, contact: 07931 575371.(B) 14 4: ‘Wild Wednesday – Natural Wonders’, a creative session for children aged 4-11 years, 11.0015.00, Cliveden, nr. Taplow. (Normal admission charges apply. (NT) 15 5: ‘Finger Football Fun’, discover some fascinating facts about Wycombe Wanderers and make your own game to take home, free drop in 14.30-16.00, Micklefield Library, Micklefield Road, High Wycombe. (Suitable for age 6+).

15 5: ‘How the Garden Grows’, structured session on growing and the environment, (suitable for school years 1-6), 11.00-12.30, Wycombe Environment Centre, Wye River Studios, 17 West Wycombe Road, High Wycombe. To book your place: 01494 526667.(B) 16 6: ‘Beasts of the Night’, a gentle walk whilst listening for nocturnal creatures. Meet Spade Oak public car park, Coldmoorholme Lane, nr. Bourne End. To book, contact: 07931 575371.(B) 16 6-1 18: ‘Rewind Festival’, Fawley Meadows, Henley. For tickets and more info: www. rewindfestival.com.(B) 17 7: Hurley Regatta, gates open 08.30. For more info: www.hurleyregatta.co.uk 19 9: ‘Groovy Greeks Workshop’, travel to mythical ancient Greece in this

interactive workshop. Learn all about the gods and what the Ancient Greeks did for us. Free session, 11.00-12.00 or 13.00-14.00, Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe. To book your place, contact: 01494 421895. (Suitable for age 7+).(B) 19: ‘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.

19: Boutique Cinema presents ‘Michael Clayton’, starring George Clooney and Tilda Swinton, 20.00, Clayton’s, Oxford Road. (Due to popularity, it is advisable to book your seat, tel: 01628 488404).(B) 19: ‘Bug Safari’, discover the mini beasts that live in Keephill wood, 10.00, Rye car park, High Wycombe.

To book, contact: 07931 575371.(B) 20 0: ‘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) 20 0&22:: ‘Farmyard Fun in Clay’, create your own cute family of pigs and piglets from clay, entry by timed ticket on the day at 10.30, 11.30, 13.30, 14.30 & 15.30, Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe.

21 1: ‘Wild Wednesday – Sensory Trail’, for children aged 4-11 years, 11.0015.00, Cliveden, nr. Taplow. (Normal admission charges apply. (NT) 21 1:‘Fluttery Flitters & Sugary Sippers’, a gentle walk to see the beautiful butterflies and insects that visit the area. Meet 14.00, Cock Lane Cemetery car park, Tyler’s Green, HP10 8DS. To book, contact: 07931 575371.(B) 21 1: Until 17th September Joan Thewsey D.F.A. (LOND.);SBA invites you to her Exhibition of Paintings at Bourne End Library (normal library opening times).

22 2: ‘How the Garden Grows’, structured session on growing and the environment, (suitable for school years 1-6), 11.00-12.30, Wycombe Environment Centre, Wye River Studios, 17 West Wycombe Road, High Wycombe. To book your place: 01494 526667.(B) 23 3: ‘Batty About Bats’, join bat

enthusiast Julie Hopton, for an enlightening talk about bats and try out bat detectors, 19.3021.00, Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe. To book your place: 01494 421895.(B) 23 3-2 26: Marlow Royal British Legion Beer Festival, Station Approach.

23 3-2 26: ‘West Wycombe Art Group – Summer Exhibition 2013’, 10.00-17.00 (Fri), 10.0018.00 (Sat-Mon), West Wycombe Village Hall, West Wycombe.

23 3-2 26: Chilterns Craft Show, Stonor Park, Henley. For tickets and more information: www.ichf.co.uk 24 4: Marlow Horticultural Annual Show, viewing from 14.30, Liston Hall.

24 4: ‘Abba Divine’, a tribute, 20.00, Royal British Legion Hall, Station Approach. Early booking advised, box office: 01628 486659.(B) 24 4: Hambleden Concerts presents ‘Syrinx Trio’, oboe, flute & piano recital, 19.30, The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Hambleden.

25 5: ‘Family Day’, live music, BBQ, bouncy castle, free admission, Royal British Legion Hall, Station Approach. .

25 5: ‘Summer Fete’, Kings Arms, High Street, Cookham from 14:00 - 16:00.

Children’s entertainment from 12:00.

26 6: ‘Damsels & Dragons’, try dipping for ‘creatures of the deep’ plus make a beautiful dragon fly to take home, 10.00, Rye car park, High Wycombe.

To book, contact: 07931 575371.(B) 27 7: ‘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) 27 7: ‘Circus Skills’, Cookham Library for 5 - 11 year olds. 14:30 - 15:30. Please book on 526147.

27 7&29:: ‘Carnival Style Flying Birds’, make a weird and wonderful ‘carnival style’ bird with flapping wings, entry by timed ticket on the day at 10.30, 11.30, 13.30, 14.30 & 15.30, Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe.

28 8: ‘Bug Safari’, discover the mini beasts that live in Keephill wood, 10.00, Rye car park, High Wycombe.

To book, contact: 07931 575371.(B) LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 47

28 8: ‘Wild Wednesday – Den Building’, for children aged 4-11 years, 11.0015.00, Cliveden, nr. Taplow. (Normal admission charges apply. (NT) 29 9: ‘How the Garden Grows’, structured session on growing and the environment, (suitable for school years 1-6), 11.00-12.30, Wycombe Environment Centre, Wye River Studios, 17 West Wycombe Road, High Wycombe. To book your place: 01494 526667.(B) 29 9: Bucks County Show, 08.00, Weedon Park, nr.

Aylesbury on the A413.

30: ‘Mini Olympic Games’, a fun evening for kids of all ages, 18.00-21.00, Marlow Sports Club, Pound Lane. (Entry: £5pp).

30: ‘Beasts of the Night’, a gentle walk whilst listening for nocturnal creatures. Meet Spade Oak public car park, Coldmoorholme Lane, nr. Bourne End. To book, contact: 07931 575371.(B) 31: ‘Woodland Crafts and Wildlife Day’, see bodgers, basket makers & willow weaving at work, wildlife artists, chair making talks and guided tours, 12.00-16.00, Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe.

31: ‘Wild Food Walk’, walk with a NT Ranger and discover what wild foods can be found in the countryside, 14.00-15.30, Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe. Booking essential: 01494 755573. (Normal admission charges apply).(B)(NT)

September 01: Halton House Open Day, 10.00-16.00, RAF Halton, Wendover, HP22 5PG .01: Gravity Grand Prix from 13:00, Cookham 01: Swan Lifeline Open Day, 11.0016.00, Cuckoo Weir Island, South Meadow Lane, Eton, SL4 6SS. 02: ‘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.

02:‘Fluttery Flitters & Sugary Sippers’, a gentle walk to see the beautiful butterflies and insects that visit the area. Meet 14.00, Cock Lane Cemetery car park, Tyler’s Green, HP10 8DS. To book, contact: 07931 575371.(B) 04: ‘Damsels & Dragons’, try dipping for ‘creatures of the deep’ plus make a beautiful dragon fly to take home, 48 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

10.00, Rye car park, High Wycombe.

To book, contact: 07931 575371.(B) 04 4: ‘Wild Wednesday – 50 fun things for children aged 4-11years), 11.0015.00, Cliveden, nr. Taplow. (Normal admission charges apply).(NT) 05 5: NGS Open Gardens – Lords Wood, 11.00-16.30, Frieth Road, Marlow Common.

06 6: ‘Beasts of the Night’, a gentle walk whilst listening for nocturnal creatures. Meet Spade Oak public car park, Coldmoorholme Lane, nr. Bourne End. To book, contact: 07931 575371.(B) 07 7: Antique & Bric-a-Brac Fayre, 9.00-16.00, Liston Hall.

07 7: ‘Rock Bottom’, family openair concert, 12.30-20.00, Marlow Bottom Playing Fields.

07 7: ‘Cookham Regatta’, Marsh Meadow, Cookham, SL6 9RT from 11:00 07 7-0 08: ‘Mash-Up Designs’, open home studio, 10.0016.00, Christmas Cottage, 2 Claremont Gardens, SL7 1BS. 08 8: ‘Wycombe Harvest’, food demos, tastings & more, High Street, High Wycombe.

09 9: ‘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.

10 0: ‘The Increased Popularity of Cottage Style Gardening’, a talk for the Marlow Horticultural Society, 19.30, Liston Hall.

10 0: ‘The Great Western Comes to the Thames Valley’, a talk for the Buckinghamshire Family History Society,19.15 for 19.45, Community Centre, Wakeman Road, Bourne End. 10 0: ‘Autumn Stroll’, join the Burnham Beeches rangers this morning to find out about its wildlife and history on easy access paths. Farnham Common, SL2 3TE. For more information and to book: 01753 647358.(B) 12 2-1 15: Heritage Open Days.

13 3: ‘Your Safety and Security’, a talk for the Macular Society H/W Support Group, 14.00, Wesley Methodist Church Hall, Priory Road, High Wycombe.

13 3 Aug - 2 Sep pt:: Cookham Arts Club 72nd Annual Exhibition, open 10-6 daily, 5pm on last Sunday, Pinder Hall, Lower Road,

Cookham SL6 9EH. Free Entry.

14 4: ‘Hughenden Manor Open Day’, 11.00-17.00, free entry for all (part of Heritage Open Days), High Wycombe. (NT) 11 1 - 14: ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, 19.30, Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley on Thames, RG9 2BP 14 4: ‘Henley Show’, gates open 08.30, Henley Showground, Hambleden, RG9 3AS. 14 4: Cookham Dean Village Fete 15 5: ‘Battle of Britain Commemoration Day’, parade, wreath laying, ceremony and church service, 09.00-12.00, High Wycombe.

15 5: ‘Pann Mill Open Day’, 11.0017.00 (water trail leaves at 14.30), The Rye, High Wycombe.

15 5: Join Walkfree Breakfree on a free Chiltern Walk entitled ‘Golden Ball’, an 8 mile walk starting 10.30 at West Wycombe Garden Centre.

Advance booking essential: iain@ walkfreebreakfree.co.uk(B) 16 6: ‘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 7: Marlow Jazz Club presents ŒPeter King and Simon Spillett1, 20.30, Royal British Legion Hall, Station Approach.

20 0: ‘Beasts of the Night’, a gentle walk whilst listening for nocturnal creatures. Meet Spade Oak public car park, Coldmoorholme Lane, nr. Bourne End. To book, contact: 07931 575371.(B) 21 1: Marlow Carnival, Higginson Park.

21 1: Hambleden Concerts presents ‘Guitar Duo’19.30, The Parish of St Mary the Virgin Church, Hambleden.

21 1: ‘Cliveden Car Display’, 12.0015.00, Cliveden, nr. Taplow. (Normal admission charges apply).(NT) 21 1: ‘On Location’, join one of the Burnham Beeches rangers, this morning, who organises film shoots in the Beeches on a stroll through some of the locations for ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’. Farnham Common, SL2 3TE. For more information and to book: 01753 647358.(B) 21 1-2 22: Kop Hill Climb, Princes Risborough.

22 2: ‘Asian Wedding Fair’, 11.0016.00, free admission, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Fieldhouse Lane.

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

23 3: ‘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 4: ‘Damon on Exposure Triangle’ Marlow Camera Club at 20:00, The Methodist Church Hall, Spittal Street, SL7 3HJ 25 5 - 28: ‘84 Charing Cross Road’, 19.30, Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley on Thames, RG9 2BP 26 6: ‘Fabulous Flowers’, a demonstration and talk for the Four Ends Flower Club, 14.00, Lane End Village Hall.

27 7: ‘Viva Las Vegas – The Show!’

2 course dinner plus top tribute acts, 19.00-midnight, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Fieldhouse Lane. (Tickets £29.50 per person, to book call: 01628 496860).(B) 27 7 - 29: St John The Baptist, Cookham, Flower Festival 28 8: Marlow Recital Society presents ‘Nafis Umerkolova & Veronika Shoot’, 19.30, Vine House, 9 Glade Road, Marlow. To book: 01628 482299.

29 9: Marlow Food Festival, 11.00-16.00, Compleat Angler Hotel, Marlow Bridge.

29 9: ‘An Evening with Pam Ayres’, 17:00, Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley on Thames, RG9 2BP 29 9: ‘Harvest Thanksgiving; 18:00 19:15Holy Trinity Church, COokham.

30 0: Lifecraft presents ‘Fabric Printing Creative Workshop’, 19.00-22.00, Choco-Latte, Liston Court. To book your place: www.life-craft.co.uk(B) 30-06 Oct: Henley Literary Festival.

To book: www.henleyliteraryfestival. co.uk

Octtober

04 4: ‘An evening with Elvis’, 19: 23:00, Pinder Hall, Lower Cookham Rd, Cookham, SL6 9EH. £20 tickets: val.eckett@btinternet.com 05 5: ;12th Liberal Demoncrat Indian evening, 19.30 for 20:00. £1700 call Mandy 523606. Pinder Hall, Lower Cookham Rd, Cookham SL6 9EH 05 5: Antique & Bric-a-Brac Fayre, 9.00-16.00, Liston Hall.

05 5-0 06: ‘Mash-Up Designs’, open home studio, 10.00-16.00, Christmas Cottage, 2 Claremont Gardens, SL7 1BS. 06 6: ‘Guides for Brides Wedding Fair’, 11.00-16.00, free admission, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Fieldhouse Lane.

06 6: ‘Bisham Abbey Wedding

Fair’, free admission, 11.00-15.00, Marlow Road, Bisham Village.

06 6: ‘19th Marlow Rower’s Revenge Triathlon’, 09.00-17.00, Higginson Park.

08 8: ‘Walled Kitchen Gardens’, a talk for the Marlow Horticultural Society, 19.30, Liston Hall.

08 8: ‘The Tithe - its history, records and administration’, a talk for the Buckinghamshire Family History Society,19.15 for 19.45, Community Centre, Wakeman Road, Bourne End. 08 8: ‘From Urban Exploration to Fine Art - Viveca Koh’, Marlow Camera Club at 20:00, The Methodist Church Hall, Spittal Street, SL7 3HJ 08 8: ‘Hints, Tips & Recent Developments’, a talk for the Macular Society H/W Support Group, 14.00, Wesley Methodist Church Hall, Priory Road, High Wycombe.

12 2: ‘My Darling Clemmie with Rohan McCullough’, 19.45, Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley on Thames, RG9 2BP 13 3: ‘Lions Swimathon’, Windsor Leisure Centre, Clweremead Rd, Windsor. www.windsorlions. co.uk/events/swimathon 15 5: Marlow FC v Fleet Town, kick off 19.45, Oaktree Road, SL7 3ED. 15 5: ‘Hebridean Hopscotch by Ruari Cumming ARPS’, Marlow Camera Club at 20:00, The Methodist Church Hall, Spittal Street, SL7 3HJ 17 7: ‘The Rat Pack’, 19.30, Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley on Thames, RG9 2BP Proud Sponsor of Along the Thames Creative Writing Prize at

ONGOING EVENTSS ON 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 Iff you u would d lik ke yo our even nt ad dverrtissed co ontact 0116228 62 27 4888/ 077111 88871107 or e: offi ffice e@A Alon ngThe eTham mes..co o.u uk LIVING ALONG THE THAMES 49

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

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 Five Aces Duplicate Bridge Club ............................... 625663 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 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 50 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

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 River Rovers www.justbecauseilove.co.uk Phil Walker Coaching and Business www.wttresults.co.uk Sally Todd Sally at Large www.sallytodd.com Kate Robinson Something for the weekend www.kate-robinson.co.uk David Rhys Price Recipes www.thespicychef.co.uk

Jill Coleby and Vanessa Faulkner Gardening www.colebyandfaulkner.co.uk Claire Fryer Pets www.onetothree.co.uk Jacky and Mark Bloomfield Country Wise www.mandjbloomfield.com Swish Boutique Fashion www.swishboutique.co.uk

Congratulations

to the winners of the following book competition held in the June/July 2013 issue.

Bertie Woolsey: A Woman of Consequence, Les Morgan: Horse Island and Jayne Symies: One Man’s Poison

Country Wise Otters are back!

Otters are back. They have made a return to our rivers. Even the Thames has been part of this conservation miracle; as it now boasts a population of Otters. Although still classed as an endangered species and ranking Red on the list of endangered species, Otters can now be found in every county of England. A far different story when in the mid 1970’s they faced extinction in England and Wales.

It had taken just twenty years for Otters to disappear from our rivers, due to the pollution that caused fish stocks to plummet. The turnaround started by banning the use of some pesticides and Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and stopping other chemicals getting into our rivers and streams.

With this small change, nature has been able to repair the damage we caused. It took time for fish to return to the cleaner rivers. But once they were back, the Otter once more had reason to hunt in our rivers. Now just thirty years later, Otters are making a welcome return to our waterways.

Where can you see a wild Otter on

the Thames? We have to say your chances of seeing a wild Otter on a river, is very, very small. Consider the facts. Don’t think that Otters only inhabit rivers the size of the Thames. A stream just a metre wide can be a good home for an Otter.

The number of Otters in our rivers is still quite small. A female Otter’s home range can cover 20-30Km of rivers, streams and ditches. In this area there are unlikely to be any other female Otters. A male Otter’s home range overlaps two or more female home ranges. He is normally constantly on the move over his home range checking on his ladies and looking for interloping males.

On a 100 Km stretch of river stream and ditches, you may have one or two Otters and most Otters on rivers are nocturnal. To see an one you need to cover large stretches of river, stream and ditch every night. You get an idea, why you are lucky if you ever see an Otter.

To find out if you have Otters in an area, you usually rely on spoor spraints, poo to the uninitiated and footprints. Helpfully for those

of us who spent any time looking for signs of Otter, they spraint in prominent places. These latrines are Facebook for Otters telling them who’s around and how long it’s been since they were here.

So where is the best place to see wild Otters, Shetland. After many years of trying to photograph Otters on rivers we went to the Shetland Islands. In Shetland and many other places on the Scottish coast, Otters have adapted to fish in the sea. They are not Sea Otters, but the same species as our river Otters.

In Shetland, a female Otter’s range maybe only 2 4 Km of coastline.

Fishing on the falling and low tides, when the water is shallowest, they have become diurnal. So your best chance of seeing a wild Otter is to go to hotspots like Shetland. But don’t think getting close is going to be easy.

But catching a glimpse of a wild Otter, makes the days, weeks, months and years spent looking, fade into a distant memory. We wish you luck on your quest.

Mark and Jacky Bloomfield Wildlife photographers

LIVING ALONG THE THAMES

51

STUNNING RIVERSIDE AL FRESCO DINING Come to The Oakley Court this summer and you can be sure of a warm welcome. Enjoy Al fresco drinks, lunch or afternoon tea on our stunning riverside terrace. Or hire one of our self drive boats for up to 10 people, sail away and explore the Thames. Let us pack you a delicious picnic hamper for a leisurely cruise and have a truly exceptional day to remember.

At A Glance New Terrace Menu 11am-10pm Boat Hire from £50 per hour - Booking Essential Riverside Terrace for Al fresco Dining Croquet Lawn and Garden Games Extensive leisure facilities including: Tennis Courts, Indoor Pool, 9 hole par 3 golf course, fully equipped gymnasium 118 bedrooms, some with stunning views of the Thames Gourmet picnic hampers available AA 2 Rosette award winning Dining Room

A HOTEL WITH CHARACTER The Oakley Court Hotel, Windsor Road, Water Oakley, Windsor, SL4 5UR Tel: 01753 609988 www.principal-hayley.com/theoakleycourt 52 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES