Community Contact Magazine - July / August 2022

JULY - AUGUST 2022

UST

KH O

LID

AY

CLAYDON ESTATE, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

towersey

festi a

EST. 1965

AUG

BAN

26 - 29 August 2022

FOLLOW US ON

A TRUE COMMUNITY OF MUSIC, CREATIVITY, FRIENDSHIP & FUN

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Contents 07 WIN A FAMILY DAY TICKET TO THE TOWERSEY FESTIVAL

10 09

SAY HELLO TO PRESTIGIOUS BLINDS AND SHUTTERS

16 LEARN MORE ABOUT POST COVID SYNDROME WITH LOUISE AT PLACE EIGHT WELLNESS

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TOWERSEY FESTIVAL IS COMING TO THE CLAYDON ESTATE IN AUGUST

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PLANT MECHANIC JOB VACANCY AT KJN SERVICES

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EARLY AUTISM SUPPORT CELEBRATE 20 YEARS

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TINA AT THE TWYFORD PANTRY IS BACK!

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ENJOY THE HISTORIC BERNWOOD JUBILEE WAY

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PUZZLES & COMPETITIONS

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CLAYDON CYCLING CLUB FLYING THE FLAG ACROSS EUROPE

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WIN TICKETS TO SEE GANGSTA GRANNY AT AYLESBURY THEATRE

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WIN MURDER BEFORE EVENSONG SIGNED BY REV. RICHARD COLES

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STOWAWAY FESTIVAL LINE UP AND INFORMATION

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YOUR GARDEN TO DO LIST FROM PRESTON BISSETT NURSERIES

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Editor’s Note Welcome to the July-August edition of Community Contact Magazine. We are looking forward to a busy couple of months with some amazing events on the horizon for us all to enjoy.

help with any of your blind & shutter needs.

Everything from stunning and modern Day & Night Blinds, traditional and elegant Roman Blinds, along with classic and simple Venetian Blinds.

The summer holidays are soon going to be upon us. Where has this last school year gone!

We also catch up with our regular columnists Louise Lambert, Preston Bissett Nurseries and a competition to win a book from Coles Books on page 54.

Our featured event this month is Towersey Festival coming to the Claydon Estate on August Bank Holiday! Now in its 58th year Towersey Festival is a true community event filled with music, creativity, friendship, and fun. It’s the perfect weekend for festival first timers and seasoned festival goers alike.

The festival is small but perfectly formed and offers great music, dance, wellbeing, circus, workshops, craft ale, street food and much more. There is also a chance to WIN tickets to the festival on page 7.

Inside we also catch up with Stowaway Festival (formally known as Festival of Beer) who are looking forward to welcoming you back up to Blackpit farm for a weekend of partying, paddle boarding and roller skating from 19th August.

We hear from the fabulous Presigious Blinds, featured on page 10 who are locally based in Tingewick and are on hand to

As this magazine usually gets delivered mid-June a reminder that the Buckingham Literary Festival is back from 24th – 26th June! The three day event, which takes place from Thursday 24 June to Sunday 26 June 2022, will bring an exciting mix of talks, discussions and entertainment to the beautiful market town of Buckingham.

And finally, on page 9 there is a chance to WIN tickets to see Gangsta Granny on Thursday 28th July at 7.30pm at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre!

Have a wonderful summer and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram to catch up with what’s going on in the local area in the summer hols.

Best wishes,

Laura x

P.S Thank you to all of our contributors this month...

Laura Massey

Louise Lambert-Day

Tina Hodges

Waterside Theatre

Editor

@placeeightwellness

Twyford Pantry

Aylesbury

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CLAYDON ESTATE, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

BAN K WEE HOLID AY KEN D

towerseyfesti a

EST. 1965

58 years of

26 - 29 August 2022

I

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PLUS OVER 50 MORE BANDS & ARTISTS

LEARN

MUSI

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TAI CHI

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WIN TICKETS TO THE TOWERSEY FESTIVAL

HOW TO ENTER OUR COMPETITION

For Community Contact Magazine readers we are offering a prize of a family day ticket (2 adults and 2 children) to enjoy a day of your choice at Towersey Festival 2022.

Simply email info@towerseyfestival.com before the 31st July with your answer to the question below and a winner will be drawn at random.

Which Strictly Come Dancing winner will be performing at Towersey Festival this year?

Please include full name, postcode and Community Contact in your email.

Prize Draw T’s & C’s The prize will be a family day ticket including 2 adult and 2 young person (age 5-17) to a day of the winners choice at Towersey Festival 2022.

No cash alternative offered.

Entry by email to info@towerseyfestival.com Winner to be drawn randomly from correct entries on the 30th June 2022.

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QUEENS, A GANGSTA GRANNY, SOME STRICTLY SUPERSTARS AND SO MUCH MORE… Polish your crown and get ready to see international smash hit musical Six from Tue 12 – Sat 16 Jul. The six wives of Henry VIII are ready to tell their tales in this epic pop celebration of 20th century girl power! Strictly presents Keeeep Dancing on Thu 21 Jul, featuring 2020 finalist and EastEnders star Maisie Smith, together with Strictly 2021 semi-finalist and CBBC Presenter Rhys Stephenson. They will be joined by the incredible professional dancers Neil Jones, Gorka Marquez, Jowita Przystal and Nancy Xu. Looking for shows to keep the kids entertained? Look no further! For pre-schoolers Hasbro Stars Live is a must on Sat 20 Aug. Ben and Holly will sing some of their favourite songs, the PJ Masks heroes are up for a new adventure, and there is a very special performance from My Little Pony that will get every pony’s hooves stomping….! There’s also a new spellbinding musical on its way with Hexwood School of Sorcery Thu 25 – Sat 27 Aug. Join Maisey Hexwood on her mischievous adventures through sorcery school in the theatre’s smaller Norman Bragg Studio.

Last but not least, the first nugget of panto news has landed with Andy Collins and La Voix being confirmed as returning due to popular demand to play Wishee Washee and Widow Twankey in Aladdin this Christmas!

WIN

Check online at atgtickets.com/aylesbury for a full list of forthcoming events and book your tickets online or by calling 0844 871 7615 (fees apply. Calls charged at 7p per minute).

IT’S COMPETITION TIME WIN TICKETS TO SEE GANGSTA GRANNY! For your chance to win 4x tickets to see Gangsta Granny live on Thursday 28th of July at 7pm simply tell us which TV show David Walliams has appeared as a judge on? a.Strictly Come Dancing b.The Voice c.Britain’s Got Talent Email your answer to competitions@communitycontact.co.uk.

Entries close on July 20th and the winner will be announced online.

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Say Hello to your Local Blinds & Shutters Company!

Prestigious Blinds & Shutters have recently taken up residence at West Well Farm in Tingewick... Owners Mark and Emma, along with Marks daughter Sophie and their 2 dogs Chilli & Pepper were delighted to get the opportunity to move their business to such a wonderful rural location. The fast expanding business previously based in Leighton Buzzard soon outgrew the first unit, and after a few short months they upgraded to a larger warehouse on the farm that could house all their big deliveries!

This friendly, knowledgeable couple are on hand to help with any of your blind & shutter needs. Everything from stunning and modern Day & Night Blinds, traditional and elegant Roman Blinds, along with classic and simple Venetian Blinds to name just a few - not forgetting a full range of magnificent MDF & Hardwood Shutters. Prestigious Blinds & Shutters have everything to help you transform your home and really bring it to life.

Whether you are looking for a single small Roller Blind to cover that pesky en-suite window or you would like your home filled top to bottom with beautiful Plantation Shutters, Mark & Emma can get it all achieved without even the need for you to leave your house!

A huge variety of samples and fabrics can be brought straight to your living room so you can relax and easily colour match to your existing decor.

So get the kettle on and have a browse around the website, maybe even download a brochure. Appointments are available 7 days a week up to 7pm and to make everything as easy as possible you can even book online if you prefer!

“We’d love to hear from you!” www.prestigiousblindsandshutters.co.uk 01280 453059

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01/06/2022 14:34

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Use this advert to claim £5 off your first appointment at Innata Chiropractic McTimoney Chiropractor Located in the Buckingham town centre, and Place Eight Wellness in Swanbourne. Call to book 01280 499848

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Home visits available & clinics at MK18 Private Medical Practice, Stowe Castle Rd, Buckingham, MK18 5AB; The Swan Practice, Verney Close, MK18 1JP and Place Eight Wellness Centre, MK17 0SR. Amberly is your local experienced microsuctionist and fully qualified BSc (Hons) PGCert Audiologist with over 15 years extensive experience with adults, children, hearing aids, rehabilitation, ear protection, rehabilitation and tinnitus.

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Long COVID Well over a million people in the UK are currently affected by long COVID and one of the most confusing aspects of the condition is its unpredictability.

However, science is learning more about the condition all the time and it seems one of the keys to understanding the effects of post-covid syndrome may lie in your gut.

What is post-covid syndrome?

The medical definition of long COVID (also known as post-COVID syndrome), is having persistent symptoms for more than twelve weeks after the initial infection – although they may last for many months. 40% of people affected by post-covid syndrome have experienced symptoms for one year or more.

Sufferers of long COVID report feeling fatigued and short of breath, with brain fog, joint aches, chest pains, skin rashes, headaches, gut issues, loss of smell and taste, and palpitations.

Symptoms may come and go in a seemingly random pattern.

Your Gut Microbiome, Inflammation and Long COVID New research has discovered imbalances in the types and amounts

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of bacteria in the microbiome of the gut are associated with the risk of developing long COVID and may play a major role in managing inflammation. The symptoms of long COVID, in common with many other chronic diseases, are connected with inflammation.

COVID-19 can be particularly dangerous because it can prompt the immune system to go into overdrive and release enormous amounts of inflammatory immune chemicals. These are designed to kill the virus but it can damage the body’s own tissues in the process.

Some level of inflammation is a natural part of fighting off an infection, but once the initial threat has been resolved the inflammation should subside, otherwise body cells can be harmed. In post-covid syndrome the inflammation doesn’t decrease and the immune system remains in a hyperactive state long after the initial infection has resolved.

Studies have found people infected with COVID-19 have very different gut bacterial populations to those who haven’t caught the virus and it seems people affected by long COVID have different microbiomes too, especially when it comes to species releasing

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inflammatory substances. These put the immune system on red alert and can cause inflammation in the brain.

This may help to explain the brain fog

Post Covid Syndrome can be debilitating and depressing, and it can be hard to make lasting changes alone. Many people find the support of a practitioner

experienced by long COVID sufferers.

very useful. They will assess your personal circumstances and recommend functional tests to evaluate your microbiome, examining what lives there to see if any bacteria are depleted or missing. A programme of dietary suggestions, supplements and lifestyle modifications will reduce inflammation and put you on the path to feeling yourself once more.

What’s more, the bacterial ratios in people with post-covid syndrome were similar to those found in people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.

Help to Overcome Long COVID Nurturing your gut bacteria is a great start to overcoming your symptoms.

Your gut bacteria can’t flourish without food. They thrive on plant fibre, so including a wide variety of plant foods in your diet will feed a healthy microbiome. Sugar is the enemy of beneficial bacteria and wreaks havoc on your immune system.

Louise is a Functional Medicine nutritionist. If you have any questions or would like to book a free 15 minute consultation email her at louise@placeeightwellness.co.uk.

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Naturopathy, Nutrition, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Herbal Medicine, Bioresonance, Osteopathy, Audiology, Chiropractic, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Deep Tissue Massage, Bowenwww.placeeightwellness.co.uk Technique, Clinical Reflexology, Scar Relief Therapy, 07746 407747Skincare www.placeeightwellness.co.uk 07746 407747

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Birthday celebrations Autism Early Support celebrates 20-year anniversary The charity, which has a specialist pre-school nursery in the village of Middle Claydon, worked tirelessly during covid to support autistic children Chief Executive Sarah Sweet-Rowley said: “Children with Special Educational Needs were particularly vulnerable during the pandemic, with schools closed and cutbacks on additional support services.

So, to be celebrating our 20th anniversary and to know we have been here not just throughout the pandemic but also before and for years to come, is something we are enormously proud of. Our twentieth birthday is a celebration for us all.”

Families, staff and trustees celebrate – gathered on and around a birthday bench, donated by Alexandra Verney (pictured at the front, in a cap) and her family, from the Claydon Estate

Autism Early Support, originally known as the Puzzle Centre before its rebranding in 2019, was launched two decades ago by founder Alex Stanyer, who was awarded in MBE in 2019 for her services to young autistic children.

Looking ahead, Autism Early Support is firmly focused on creating a sustainable future for the next 20 years and beyond. The charity’s trustees are prioritising investing in the nursery, and are looking into finding new premises, somewhere special, autism friendly and equipped to support families for generations to come.

Another trustee, Alex Rowe, whose autistic son Elliot attended the charity’s pre-school nursery, added: “Elliot’s progress was literally life changing. Above all it was his social skills that really blossomed. At the start he could not be in a room with any noise and we were planning to home school. When he left Autism Early Support he was school ready.

“I wanted to thank the organisation that had made such a profound impact on our lives and as a trustee I am impressed every day by the professionals here who are right at the forefront of best practise.”

In its 20th year the charity has been commissioned by Buckinghamshire County Council to deliver a programme of support for families with children who are awaiting an assessment for ADHD or ASD. This year the charity has also launched online Family Support Groups. Early next year the charity is planning to launch a parent web-portal which will provide on demand resources, support and training.

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Well, how lucky were we last month to be able to come together to celebrate our Queen’s Platinum Jubilee? What a glorious lead up into the summer months ahead. Twyford was back doing what we do best and put on a fun timetable for the village to enjoy. It was a real coming together which was lovely to be a part of and to see. Leo and I ran the Gin Garden at our Roc @ Rec and with Hubby’s fantastic bit of upcycling of an old window from our Chapel, we got ourselves an outdoor Gin Bar so happy days to that! As life really is getting back to some form of new normal, we just need a good Summer now to help us make good use of it!

Alongside the fun and festivities, we have been working hard on our new allotment and the kitchen garden so hopefully over the next couple of months we will start seeing the fruits of our labours. As with any Grow Your Own (GYO) plot there are gluts from time to time, so I have chosen some recipes to use up Strawberries and Courgettes. Both can be open frozen then bagged but there so many more things to do with them. There are more recipes at www.communitycontact.co.uk including what to do with leftover Runner Beans too. As well as tasting great these recipes help reduce wastage which as you know is a mission of mine! Whether it is your own produce, a friend sharing their harvest or a bulk bargain too good to miss, hopefully you will find these useful…and tasty.

Whatever weather our summer months bring there is always plenty of fresh colourful food to enjoy on your plate. If you fancy dabbling with GYO and don’t know where to start, I will say this is the best month with easy crops like cut and come again lettuce, radishes, tomatoes and peppers. With there being more reasons to be savvy with our money these days it will help you keep a few pennies in the pocket whilst making you feel better at the same time.

It’s also a good way to help keep active so a win win!! Whether you’re chilling in the sun, working on your veg plots or being productive in the kitchen I wish you a wonderful start to Summer and the joy it brings.

the

Twyford Pantry Strawberry and Watermelon Granita (serves 4)

Ingredients ½ small seedless watermelon, peeled, flesh cut into 2cm chunks (350g net weight) 150g ripe strawberries, hulled, roughly chopped 5g lime leaves, stalks removed, then blitzed in a spice grinder (or very finely chopped) 125g glucose 4 limes – finely grate enough skin to get 2 tsp zest, then juice 2 to get 3 tbsp; cut the rest into wedges, to serve 2 tbsp vodka 2 tsp caster sugar

Method Put both fruits in a large container and freeze until solid – about two hours. Meanwhile, put two-thirds of the lime leaves in a small saucepan with the glucose, lime juice and zest, and vodka, and gently heat until the glucose has melted and is warm. Leave to infuse, preferably for at least an hour, then reheat until warm and runny. Pass through a fine sieve and discard the bits of lime leaf. Put the frozen fruit and syrup in a blender, and blitz until smooth and slushy.

With love from mine (inside and out!) to yours, Tina x

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Transfer everything to a container, cover with a lid and freeze until firm – about three hours. Meanwhile, mix the TO ADVERTISE WITH US VISIT COMMUNITYCONTACT.CO.UK OR CALL 07882 194830

Summer Chilled Courgette, Pea and Mint Soup (serves 4)

remaining shredded lime leaves with the caster sugar. Serve the granita with a little lime sugar sprinkled on top and lime wedges alongside. source: The Guardian

Easy Strawberry Refrigerator Jam (makes 1 pint)

Ingredients

Ingredients 250g sugar 680g strawberries, cleaned and hulled 1 teaspoon butter (to reduce foaming)

Method Freeze a couple of spoons (I’ll explain later, it has to do well the gel!) Combine 50g sugar and the strawberries in a medium saucepan. Using a potato masher, roughly mash the strawberries.

Then, using a wooden spoon, cook the berries, stirring until they are juicy. This should take about 5-6 minutes. Stir in remaining sugar and butter until the sugar is dissolved and the butter is melted. Bring mixture to a full rolling boil.

Continuing boiling, on medium to medium-high heat, removing foam from the surface as needed, until the mixture has thickened and most of the liquid has been absorbed. About 20-30 minutes.

Gell test. Retrieve the frozen spoons. Place a drizzle of jam on the back of a frozen spoon. After it has slightly cooled, a few seconds, run your finger through the jam. If it retains its track, it has set. If it runs, keep cooking the jam and retest in a few minutes. Quickly pour jam into a sterilized pint size jar and refrigerate up to 4 months. source: www.31daily.com

2 oz of unsalted butter or olive oil 2lbs courgettes, roughly chopped.

500g frozen peas 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 onion, finely chopped 1 ½ pt. chicken or vegetable stock 1 handful mint Black pepper Salt Chopped fresh herbs for serving (chives, basil, oregano, and mint all work well) Good olive oil or crème fraiche for serving

Method Heat the butter or oil in a large pan and add the onion. Cook over low heat for a few mins. Add the garlic and cook for another min then add the chopped courgettes. Cook gently over a low heat until soft, stirring from time to time, don’t let them brown. Add the stock and then simmer for approx.

15 mins until the ingredients are soft and mushy.

Add the peas at the end for the last 2 minutes.

Take off the heat and allow to cool for a few minutes. Add the mint leaves then liquidise with a blender. Finally return to the hob to heat through again and add seasoning to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with the crème fraiche or olive oil and fresh herbs. source: www.alittlebit.co.uk

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Wedding & Event Venue

Situated in the grounds of a 17th Century Farmhouse, Well Hidden, Worth Finding Winters Tale Country Barn can seat up to 120 guests for

your wedding breakfast and accommodate an additional 80 guests in the evening.

Licensed for Civil Ceremonies with a choice of locations in the main hall or in the quiet country gardens. The barn has many features including twinkling fairy lights, a high vaulted and heavily beamed ceiling, a well stocked bar on the ground floor and a cocktail bar on the gallery above.

Adjacent to the barn is a large silk-lined marquee with chandeliers and festoon lighting. New for 2021/2022 is a Secret Garden for photo shoots with a water feature, venue set high in the North Buckinghamshire bridal swing and more...

Winters Tale Country Barn is a spectacular wedding Countryside. Whilst bringing all the elegance and style of a modern wedding venue it has retained the Also theGin night your is on-site charm and feel of the barn that stood there 100 years ago.

A included Cocktailon and Barofon thewedding Minstrel’s accommodation just across the courtyard in Harvest Gallery, which has its own lounge provides an area of warmth and comfort for those taking a break Moon Barn and Ember Eve Barn.

Please accommodation call or email for further & availability. included as part of your wedding package is on-site luxury for up details to 6 people.

We would love to show you around - email or call us today for further information

info@winterstalecountrybarn.co.uk - 01296 738040 or 07703 171645 info@winterstalecountrybarn.co.uk 01296 738040

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STOWAWAY FESTIVAL: ANNOUNCES NEW AREAS & ACTIVITIES AUGUST 19-21, STOWE, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE A NEW FESTIVAL FOR 2022 www.stowawayfestival.co.uk

Stow.a.way - n.

To hide aboard a vessel to gain passage to another land…

Stowaway Festival is a new three-day festival with camping launching this summer from August 19-22 in Stowe, Buckinghamshire. Set in pictureperfect, rolling countryside with ancient woodland and lakes, Stowaway provides the perfect weekend antidote to the trappings of the modern world. Dance the night away under the stars with internationally renowned musicians and DJs. Feast on award-winning street food. Chance upon a hidden party in the woods. Blow away the night’s cobwebs with a refreshing dip in the lake while the kids paddle past in a canoe. Made by friends, for friends; Stowaway is a secret world for you to discover.

Music headliners for the inaugural Stowaway include Orbital, The Staves, Quantic (DJ Set) and Elder Island, and DJ’s include Nightmares On Wax, Norman Jay MBE, Erol Alkan, Roni Size, and Luke Una. The Comedy Stage will be headlined by Russell Kane and Suzi Ruffell, while The Meadow Theatre stage will have live theatre, comedy, dance, poetry, spoken word and storytelling.

Amazing Street Food will be provided by Seven Lucky Gods, La Cantina, Brink & Babs, Gully, La Levantina, La Pizzeria, The Patty Freaks, Beef On The Block, Rudie’s Jerk Shack, The Cheese Guys, Yardbirds and many more,

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while delicious feasts will be served at The Palm House, a restaurant housed inside a traditional stable courtyard. Multiple bars will serve a curated list of fabulous craft beers - including beer from the on-site Blackpit Brewery – fine wines, spirits and cocktails.

For wellness and relaxation there is wild swimming and paddle-boarding on the idyllic on-site lake, wood-fired Lakeside Hot Tubs, Woodland Yoga and Disco Yoga.

Half party, half boutique, The Provibers’ Parlour will offer an immersive shopping extravaganza with a treasure trove of treats from independent traders, while Stowaway’s Kids Kingdom will be brimming with free activities to fire your kid’s imagination, including Tree Climbing, Bushcraft & Circus Workshops, plus a Roller Disco and a Vintage Funfair.

All this plus a Hidden Speakeasy, Car-aoke (a karaoke booth in the woods), Drag Queen Story Hour and yet more hidden delights to discover at this very special festival made by friends for friends. Created in 2017 as the Festival Of Beer, 2022 sees the festival relaunch as Stowaway with a mission to provide the perfect Summer weekend escape from the stresses of everyday life.

“We originally created The Festival of Beer as a way for our friends, and friends of friends, to get together and have a great time in our beautiful woodlands, and as a way of promoting the Blackpit beer we brew here on the farm,” says festival founder Duncan Wheeler. “We’ve learned so much over the past five years and the festival has grown and grown. We’re so excited to relaunch as Stowaway and can’t wait to welcome new friends to this very special place.”

Stowaway offers great value with tickets from £129 with glamping packages available via Hotel Bell Tent.

STOWAWAY FESTIVAL 2022 LINE-UP Headliners: Orbital, Quantic (DJ Set), The Staves, Elder Island + Nightmares On Wax (DJ Set), Norman Jay MBE, Erol Alkan, Roni Size, Luke Una, Ishmael Ensemble, Dr Banana, Gina Breeze, Corto.Alto, James Alexander Bright, All Day Breakfast Cafe, Sam Don, Miche, Mix Nights (Saffron Records), Gallegos, Frenic Live, Thrilogy, J.Morrison, Admin, Felix Joy, Social Service Crew, Alba, Shush, Robbins, Junior Jungle, George Powell, Immi Dash Comedy performers: Russell Kane, Suzi Ruffell, Laura Lexx, Paul Revill, Cally Beaton, Andrew Bird, President Obonjo, Aaron Twitchen, Jimmy James Jones, Julian Deane & Andrew Ryan.

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YOUR GARDEN TO DO LIST FOR JULY AND AUGUST • Take steps to prevent your pots and garden getting tired and loosing vigour whilst working hard to delight. A little chopping, snipping and feeding should encourage your annuals and herbaceous to carry on flowering late into the year.

• Cut back the fading flower heads of herbaceous spiky plants such as Lupins and Delphiniums, campanula, veronicastrum and salvia nemorosa to developing new buds lower down the stem to allow a second flush of flowers.

• Don’t water shrubs and Herbaceous unless it is very dry and they are obviously struggling or are newly planted and not yet established.

Encourage them to develop deep roots and find their own water.

Continual watering encourages shallow roots vulnerable to the first drought. When watering soak to the roots don’t just sprinkle the top soil..

• If you have leggy nepeta plants over hanging the border give them a clip they will come back stronger and continue to flower.

• It is imperative to feed all bedding weekly and water containers daily. There are many general feeds available but tomato feed is perfectly adequate. It also contains potassium and trace elements that encourages flowering and fruiting.

Lots of tonics have appeared on the market and these a great.

• Dead head your bedding plants to lengthen the flowering period and encourage repeat flowering. You don’t want them to go to seed and finish.

• Add some perennial colour to the gaps in your borders while you can see what you need and take photos of the borders in season to remember any summer colour gaps you have left.

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• Remove the whole flower stem of euphorbias and geums and similar to encourage them to grow new flowering shoots.

• Trim and feed spring flowering Alpines as they finish some may flush again..

• Remove the dead heads, feed and spray your roses to prevent aphids, black spot and encourage continued or repeat flowering.

• Harvest all vegetables and fruits when ripe to encourage continued cropping.

• Keep feeding your tomatoes, do not let them dry out and make sure they have enough root room. Mine are in huge bucket sized containers. Keep them in your warmest sunniest spot so the tomatoes can ripen. Small tomatoes are often recommended in the UK as them have more chance of getting enough sun to ripen than large.

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• Remove any veg that has bolted and seed extra spinach as it is such an easy crop.

• Include a few flowers in your veg garden to detract pests, encourage pollination and to look pretty and perhaps cut for the house. Cosmos, marigold, calendula or a few dahlias are all easy to include.

• An easy money saver is to grow on our potted hot chilli plants as they are so easy and perfect to dry and store in jars in the larder.

• Make sure you have plenty of culinary herbs establishing. Most are Mediterranean plants and establish better in warmer late spring , summer soil.

• Dry any ready for cutting such as bay and thyme to use in cooking through the winter. I have established coriander, basil, thyme, parsley, caraway, sage, lemon verbena, rosemary and they are all on hand in my beds.

• Fill the gaps in your garden with container grown herbaceous plants or try some annual summer shiners like dahlias, gauras, salvias and large potted geraniums, fuchsias and other bedding plants.

• You can remove any more than 2 apples from each spur on your apple trees allowing good strong apples to form. Sometimes quality it better than quantity.

• Feed your raspberries regularly. High potash encourages fruiting and you will find this in a bone meal feed.

• Remember to prune your spring flowering shrubs now they have finished flowering. That includes philadelphus.

• Mow regularly and not too short in hot weather but to make your lawn look professional use an edging tool and cut crisp sharp edges, it makes all the difference.

• Bay is a evergreen bush, so it can go in a border. A standard bay lollypop is great in a pot under planted with herbs.

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 

 • • • • • •

      

    

  

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01280 821253 www.sjmobilitysolutions.co.uk

SJ Mobility Solutions are the friendly company offering an extensive range of comfortable and affordable mobility products with the vision and aspiration to make life that little bit easier.

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Visit the showroom: Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm - Out of hours appts available Scires Farm, Bufflers Holt, Buckingham, MK18 5DN

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ENJOY BUCKINGHAMSHIRE’S HISTORIC BERNWOOD JUBILEE WAY Have you seen Buckinghamshire’s historic Bernwood Jubilee Trail?

The trail is a 61-mile walking and cycling route which runs through 31 parishes and circles the former Royal Hunting Forest of Henry II. Ahead of the Platinum Jubilee weekend, Buckinghamshire Council have produced 10 new walking and cycling maps for the trail to enable people to explore the beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside.

In honour of HM the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year, Buckinghamshire Council is also working on a long-term project to improve the Bernwood Jubilee Way. The council will be working with town and parish councils, local residents and businesses, as well as partnering with students at the New University of Buckingham, to make the most of this beautiful part of the county.

If you’d like to get involved, please visit Buckinghamshire Council’s website for more information.

Peter Strachan, Lead Cabinet Member for the Jubilee, said: “In 2001, in honour of Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee, the trail was created by the former county council, and now 21 years later it’s in need of further care for the next generations to enjoy.

“The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations are centred on sustainability and leaving a legacy for future generations, with projects such as the Queen’s Green Canopy. The Bernwood Jubilee Way project fits this theme, and we are looking forward to working with local people to improve and revitalise this special part of Buckinghamshire later this year.

“In the meantime, I hope that everyone takes the opportunity to explore the walking and cycling routes shown on the new maps we have produced and makes the most of being out in the fresh air over the summer.”

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pest problems?

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KIDS CORNER - WORDSEARCH W

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BARBECUE BEACH FLIP FLOPS ICE CREAM

LEMONADE POOL SUMMER SUNGLASSES

SUNSCREEN SWIMMING VACATION WATERMELON

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO FIND ALL 12 SUMMER THEMED WORDS !!!

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CROSSWORD

Can you solve the questions and complete this issues quick crossword?

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SUDOKU

Across 1. Select only the best (6-4) 7. Item of lingerie (8) 8. Like a lamb? (4) 9. Overblown publicity (4) 10. Testing conditions (7) 12. Finally get it (3,3,5) 14. Pop the question (7) 16. Blyton or Bagnold? (4) 19. Question (4) 20. Project (8) 21. It’s pulped for recycling — appears wet (anag) (5,5) Down 1. A piece of cake (5) 2. One on the run? (7) 3. Stink (4) 4. Potential (8) 5. Star actor’s brief dramatic role (5) 6. Feel sorry (6) 11. Gradually eliminate (5,3) 12. Winding sheet (6) 13. Armed helicopter (7) 15. Italian oven-baked dish (5) 17. Charitable person (5) 18. Profound (4)

Every row, column and 3x3 square must contain one of each digit 1 to 9.

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Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may only be used once per word. One word will use all 9 letters... Can you find it?

There are a total of 122 possible words....

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MURDER BEFORE EVENSONG

BY THE REVEREND RICHARD COLES Format: Hardback 1st Edition Price: £16.99 Hand Signed by Richard Coles to the Signature Page Buy online at coles-books.co.uk

Canon Daniel Clement is Rector of Champton. He has been there for eight years, living at the Rectory alongside his widowed mother – opinionated, fearless, ever-so-slightly annoying Audrey – and his two dachshunds, Cosmo and Hilda.

When Daniel announces a plan to install a lavatory in church, the parish is suddenly (and unexpectedly) divided: as lines are drawn, long-buried secrets come dangerously close to destroying the apparent calm of the village.

And then Anthony Bowness – cousin to Bernard de Floures, patron of Champton – is found dead at the back of the church, stabbed in the neck with a pair of secateurs.

As the police moves in and the bodies start piling up, Daniel is the only one who can try and keep his fractured community together… and catch a killer.

About the Author: The Reverend Richard Coles is the presenter of Saturday Live on BBC Radio 4. He is also the only vicar in Britain to have had a number-one hit single and appeared on Strictly Come Dancing. He read Theology at King’s College London and after ordination worked as a curate in Lincolnshire, London and Northamptonshire. He is the author of many works of non-fiction – including the Sunday Times bestseller THE MADNESS OF GRIEF – and the Canon Clement mystery series.

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WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE RADIO SHOW PRESENTED BY THE REVEREND RICHARD COLES? Tell us your answer on Facebook or email

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FLYING THE CLAYDON CYCLING CLUB FLAG ACROSS EUROPE! At Claydon Cycling Club, as well as our organised rides, community events and workshops, riders regularly take part in events for charities close to their hearts.

One of our members, Paul Firth recently took part in what we can only define as an epic journey from Leeds to Barcelona, covering over 1400 miles in 10 days! Paul did this to raise money in support of Maggie’s, a cancer care and support charity, with centres in Leeds and Barcelona, as well as further worldwide.

Paul shared his memories and challenges along the route with us: “Our journey started heading East from Leeds to Hull. We caught the ferry to Rotterdam, turned right and kept heading South. This makes it sound a lot more simple than it was – the time constraints meant we had to do it in two weeks. That’s averaging 85 miles each day – no days off! Holland was predictably flat, but it turns out Belgium has some lovely rolling countryside. Then along up the Meuse Valley, cross over into the Saône Valley, merge into the Rhône around Lyon and pushed on until we reached the Mediterranean. The penultimate day was long and hard – we had to get 115 miles under our belt, including a climb over the Pyrenees, then down the coast to Barcelona. The photo was taken at the border town of Le Perthus as we entered Spain.

I completed the challenge with some other riders, which made for great company. Everyone was riding for their own reasons, generally relating to being affected by cancer at some time in their lives. A fellow rider, Fred, had sadly lost both his wife and daughter to cancer and he’s now a volunteer for Maggie’s, and 10 year old Iris was cycling in memory of her grandfather.

Thankfully the weather couldn’t have been kinder – not a drop of rain, generally with wind behind us.

The core team quickly developed great team riding skills, taking turns to lead the group with the rest tucked in close behind to reduce effort. Lots of the route was on dedicated cycleways, mainly along the paths next to the waterways.

On the way back I called in to see Frankie Ward (Oakley) in the Pyrenees – she wants to be remembered to all in the Claydons who know her. A brilliant adventure with lots of great memories and over £50,000 raised by the team for Maggie’s. Thanks to all who kindly supported me with generous donations.”

Paul – you and your fellow riders did amazingly. Not only to cover that distance in such a short period of time, but to raise such a large amount of money for a brilliant and very worthy cause who are a lifeline to so many families. Well done, we are very proud of you!

There are 24 Maggie’s Centres in the UK and 3 overseas, providing care and support for people affected by cancer. Their day care centres are staffed by volunteers and paid specialists, Wednesday evening & Sunday morning rides and are designed to be welcoming and inclusive. Find claydon We’d love you to join us! out more at www.maggies.org cycling club claydoncyclingclub.com |   @claydoncyclingclub

Get cycling this summer

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