Beaconsfield Life Magazine April 2012

p01_BUCKS_COVERS_APRIL_Life Mags 23/04/2012 11:38 Page 2

BEACONSFIELD LIFE

BEACONSFIELD LIFE GERRARDS CROSS, AMERSHAM, RICKMANSWORTH & CHORLEYWOOD, BERKHAMSTED, MARLOW & HENLEY-ON-THAMES W W W. T H E L I F E M A G A Z I N E S . C O M T H E Q UA L I T Y L I F E ST Y L E M AGA Z I N E

•

ISSUE 56

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A P R I L 2 012

Plus…

CHORLEYWOOD VILLAGE WELCOMES JEREMY VINE

A HIDDEN GEM IN OLD AMERSHAM THE HENLEY FESTIVAL

WWW.THELIFEMAGAZINES.COM

158 Boat Race The

th

Possibly The Most Dramatic Boat Race Ever

THE QUALITY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE APRIL 2012

LOCAL LIFE | BEAUTY | FASHION | TRAVEL | DINING | PROPERTY

WHERE SOLD

£2.60

p02_BUCKS_AD_LONDONOXFORDAIR_Layout 1 16/02/2012 11:38 Page 1

New Daily Flights to Jersey and the Isle of Man from Oxford Airport Daily, year-round scheduled services to Jersey and the Isle of Man commence this spring with Manx2.com Beautiful British island breaks in just an hour!

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p03_BUCKS_LETTER__ 20/04/2012 17:13 Page 1

PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD, THE RIDINGS, WOODFIELD LANE, ESSENDON, HERTFORDSHIRE AL9 6JJ

0844 800 8439 WWW.THELIFEMAGAZINES.COM EDITOR FAYE MANNING EDITOR’S ASSISTANT KATIE MILLER SUB EDITOR ALEX LUX FASHION EDITOR NICHOLAS PETER BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER PAULINE WHITE 07841 871 462 DESIGN & PRODUCTION JASON DANIEL ACCOUNT MANAGER KATHY MANNING, KEN FLEET SALES PATRICK SMITH, JAMES MARSHALL, ALISON GRIFFIN DIRECTORS PATRICK SMITH, RORY SMITH © All Rights reserved. All Fish Media Group Ltd magazines are copyright and cannot be reproduced in any form either in part or whole withozut written permission from the publishers. Whilst Fish Media Group Ltd takes every reasonable precaution, no responsibility can be accepted for any property, services or products offered in any of our publications and any loss arising. Whilst every care is taken with all materials submitted to all of our magazines the publisher cannot accept the loss or damage to such material. The Fish Media Group Ltd reserves the right to reject or accept any advertisement, article or material prior to publication. Opinions expressed are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of Fish Media Group Ltd. We accept no liability for any misprints or mistakes and no responsibility can be accepted for the content of these pages.

Fish Media Master Template__ 16/11/2011 13:08 Page 1

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DIVORCE?

c o n t e n t s

Editor’s Letter

3

Contents

8

What’s On…

10

Local Life, Arts & Events Henley Festival Programme Get More Out Of Your Life Magazine!

Jeremy Vine Come To Chorleywood The Jewell in The Crown A Wonderful Cause A Royal Show Race For Life!

12

Competition London Fashion Week Highlights

30

Education Life The Best School’s In Your Area

33

Cover Story 47 Possibly The Most Dramatic Boat Race Ever

The Hancock Quins Div vorce Helpline It’s FREE, confidential and anonymous.

No need to give your name.

No charge to you.

No obligation.

Just friendly information that you can trust.

01923 650 881 YOU ONLY PAY FOR THE PHONE CALL

Fashion Get The Look In Wendover 5 Years On…

50

Health & Beauty Get The Look Q&A With Shameek Running Is The Way Forward Where Will You Hold Yours?

54

House & Garden Improve, Don’t Move Antiques With John Bly Swim All Year Round Beautiful Brookmans A Note From St Giles Furniture Building Stunning Homes

64

Business Lawrence Solicitor’s Explains

82

Food & Drink Laurie Gear’s Recipe Genie In A Bottle

86

Property Life The Best Home In Your Area

89

Ad_Master_Layout 1 13/09/2011 19:23 Page 1

p10_BUCKS_WHATSON__ 23/04/2012 10:34 Page 1

what’s

o n

what’s on THE RAMBLERS GROUP WALK. DISTANCE 8 MILES.

BEACONSFIELD FARMERS’ MARKET

Enjoy British wildlife on a Ramblers group walk. Ashridge Boundary Trail - Part 2 Ivinghoe Beacon. Ashridge Boundary Trail - Part Two Ivinghoe Beacon - Meet at the Bridgewater Monument for the Northern Section of the walk, including detour into Dockey Wood to see the bluebells. Bring a camera and a packed lunch.

Sorry no dogs.

Time: 10:00. Contact: Julia telephone: 01296 415732. Most walks are intended for Ramblers’ Association members.

Non-members are welcome to join us as guests on two or three walks.

The Ramblers group walk starting point. Grid Ref: SP971130 Buckinghamshire HP4 1LU Sunday 29 Apr 2012 www.ramblers.co.uk

Now in its eleventh year, this popular and busy market has around 30 stalls offering an amazing selection of quality, local food - traditionally reared beef, lamb, bacon and pork products.

Also free range poultry, game, great cheeses and yoghurts, seasonal fruit and veg, beer and cider, wines, breads, pies, cakes and other baked goods, honey and preserves, fresh trout and sea fish. New stallholder: Whole Creations' tasty and healthy wholemeal pizzas. Hot bacon rolls available. Other refreshments from tea rooms nearby. Free parking in Windsor End. Time: 9am - 12.30pm Windsor End, Old Town Buckinghamshire HP9 2JJ Saturday 28 Apr 2012 www.tvfm.org.uk

SWIMATHON 2012

The world's biggest fundraising swim hits 650 pools across the UK between 27-29 April.

Swimathon Weekend participants swimming for Marie Curie Cancer Care can choose from the 5k, 2.5k or Team 5k challenges and those opting to raise money for the ‘Big Splash Mile for Sport Relief ’ can take part individually or as part of a team to complete the Mile.

Check this pool’s session times on the website.

Entry costs between £6 - £10.

Contact: 0845 36 700 36 Sportspace Berkhamsted Hertfordshire HP4 3QQ Friday 27 Apr 2012 to Sunday 29 Apr 2012 www.swimathon.org

MISBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERT

The Misbourne Symphony Orchestra, Eleanor Parry-Griffiths (violin)), Conductor - Richard Jacklin. Beethoven: Egmont overture, Beethoven: Violin concerto in D, Beethoven: Symphony no 6 in F. Tickets (adult £10, students/children £4): 01494 784479, at the door or from The Record Shop, Amersham and Perfect Pitch, Chesham. 7.45pm.

The Amersham School, Stanley Hill, Amersham Buckinghamshire HP7 9HH. Saturday 28 Apr 2012 CHESHAM BOIS HOUSE OPEN GARDEN FOR NGS

A 3 acre plantswoman’s garden with primroses, daffodils and hellebores in early spring.

Interesting for most of the yr with lovely herbaceous borders, rill with small ornamental canal, walled garden, old orchard with wildlife pond, handsome trees some of which are toparied. It is a peaceful oasis. Open:Suns 25 Mar, 6 May, 8 July (2-5.30).

Admission £3.50, Children free.

Times:2-5.30. Telephone:01494 726476. Visitors & groups also

Pop into our Beaconsfield showroom at 37 London End Beaconsfield HP9 2HW 01494 677244

*Please visit our website for details or ask our designers

Order your kitchen now to enjoy it this Christmas & we will give you an extra 5%* off our sale prices

www.john-lewis.co.uk

0700 278 4726

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welcome by appointment. Open for charity.

Chesham Bois House, Chesham Bois Buckinghamshire HP6 6DF Sunday 6 May 2012. www.ngs.org.uk/ FRUGAL FASHION SPRING/SUMMER LADIES WEAR - REGISTRATION OF CLOTHES

As or almost new quality items of clothing are needed for our popular Frugal Fashion event which takes place on Saturday 28 April. You can either donate all the proceeds to Scannappeal OR agree a 50/50 split when you register your items. We'll take up to 10 clean items in good condition at Scannappeal Office (ground floor, Entrance D, Amersham Hospital) between 0930 and 1500 on Tues 24, Weds 25 and Thurs 26 April. If you would like more information please call 01494 734161. The main event takes place on Saturday 28 April at Amersham Free Church, Woodside Road, Amersham between 1030 and 1500. Come along and freshen your Spring/Summer wardrobe with some bargains. Entry £1 includes tea/coffee/biscuits. Please note we will NOT be able to accept clothes for registration on the day.

Registration of items is free.

Entry for the event (28 April) is £1 and includes refreshments.

For more information call 01494 734161. Ground Floor, Amersham Hospital, Amersham Bucks Buckinghamshire HP7 0JD Saturday 28 Apr 2012 www.scannappeal.org.uk ART AT CHRIST CHURCH

High quality paintings and crafts from local artists on the theme "More than Gold" Free entry.

Lunches and Teas. Children's section. Most works and all cards for sale at moderate prices.. Free parking on Moor Rd by Open Air Swimming pool, Chesham. on other side of (dried up) River Chess.over bridge.

Open 11 am - 5 pm. both days More information from Hilary Unwin 01494-725228 Christ Church, Waterside, Chesham, , Buckinghamshire HP5 1PY Saturday 5 May 2012 and Sunday 6 May 2012

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE ART SOCIETY SPRING EXHIBITION 2012

This presigious art society will be showing paintings, sculptures and glass created by many of the 100 members from across Buckinghamshire. Take time out over this Early May Bank Holiday Weekend to see quality art for sale.

All work is selected from the many entries submitted. The Centre is ideally placed in the picturesque Old Town of Beaconsfield, situated just behind the Church of St. Mary's and is just off the M40 (Junction 2). There is parking just off Windsor End. Artists include well-known international and national figures. Visit our website at bucksart.co.uk Open from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm daily ENTRY IS FREE The Fitzwilliams Centre, Windsor End, Beaconsfield, Bucks, HP9 2JW Buckinghamshire HP9 2JW Saturday 5 May 2012 to Monday 7 May 2012. bucksart.co.uk MOONRAKERS CELTIC MUSIC

Moonrakers are four consummate musicians playing harp, fiddle, whistles, guitar, mandola and female/male vocals, Moonrakers specialise in Irish, Scottish, Welsh and English traditional and contemporary tunes and songs, presenting “exquisite music” (BBC). They are rapidly creating a buzz in the world of acoustic music, with three albums receiving glowing reviews in the music press (“Just OOZES quality”- Living Tradition; “highly infectious”Maverick) and appearances at many festivals, arts centres and churches in the Southern counties.

Moonrakers material is largely from the Irish, Scottish, Welsh and English traditions, reflecting a love of traditional tunes and contemporary songs ’in the idiom’.

Anna Lockett’s Celtic harp is very much a centre piece of the group, complemented with Liz van Santen’s fiddle, and Jon’s bouzouki, guitar, whistles and bodhran. The warm vocals of Jo Daley, the youngest member of the band, combine with Jon’s rich baritone.

7.30pm £10 (£8 conc) Tel. 01494 676 690 St Marys, Beaconsfield Buckinghamshire HP9 2JW Saturday 12 May 2012 www.moonrakers.net

The Tanyard, Tring Road, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6ND t: 01296 625488 e: men@andrewgardner.co.uk

p12_BUCKS_HENLEYFESTIVAL__ 20/04/2012 12:02 Page 1

local events HENLEY FESTIVAL 2012 ACTS CABARET AND PERFORMANCE:

Among the stand-up comedy acts on offer are Have I got News for you! regular Dr Phil Hammond, Fascinating Aïda star Sarah-Louise Young, and charismatic Canadian comedic Craig Campbell.

The Festival’s signature cabaret acts, The Roving Company of Eccentrica, will amuse, entertain, surprise and shock guests with their unique brand of street performances, spread throughout the Festival’s grounds.

WORLD-CLASS DINING:

Revellers enjoy candlelit summer nights dining at Albert and Michelin Starred Michel Roux Jr’s Festival riverside Roux restaurant, try the Terrace Restaurant or Café du Soir, (no booking required) - or have a more relaxed bite to eat at one of the Festival’s street-food concessions.

THE HENLEY FESTIVAL

T

he Henley Festival (4 – 8 July 2012) - a magical, five-night, star-studded, strictly black tie event on the banks of the River Thames – announces its headline acts for 2012, the Festival’s 30th year: • Sting will open the Festival on 4 July • Sixties-songstress, Lulu and The London Community Gospel Choir • Singing sensation Katherine Jenkins • Top 10 recording artist, acclaimed Opera singer and recently the star of Les Miserables Alfie Boe with guest musical funnyman Tim Minchin • X-Factor finalist Olly Murs will close the Festival on 8 July.

Composer, singer, author, actor, activist - Sting was born in Newcastle, England before 12

APRIL2012

moving to London in 1977 to form The Police with Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers.

The band released five albums, earned six Grammy awards, and in 2003 was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Since 1985, Sting has released 13 solo albums. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of his solo career, 25 Years, the definitive box set collection, was recently released.

The Best Of 25 Years is also available as a double disc. Sting has sold nearly 100 million albums from his combined work with the Police and as a solo artist and has earned an additional 10 Grammy awards, a Golden Globe, an Emmy, and three Oscar nominations. This summer, Sting will perform many of his most celebrated hits at the Henley Festival on July 4, 2012.

Aside from the headline acts, black tie revellers will enjoy candlelit dining at award

winning chefs Albert and Michel Roux Jr’s riverside restaurant or have a more relaxed bite at one of the Festival’s six other restaurants.

Along the riverbank world-class acts [full details below] from the worlds of jazz, opera, pop, theatre, comedy, cabaret and literature entertain while pop-up art boutiques and sculpture lawns bring major galleries and artists to the Festival – a unique ‘collectors’ concierge’ provides advice and introductions to those looking to buy.

The headline acts are closed each night by a dazzling firework display before partygoers dance into the night at the Festival’s resident nightclub.

Tickets can be purchased at www.henley-festival.co.uk, or from the Festival box office: 01491 843404. Tickets priced from £35 per day. All Festival profits go to local charities.

FEAST! CONTEMPORARY ARTS PROGRAMME

Pop up art boutiques and sculpture lawns bring major galleries and artists to the Festival and a ‘collectors concierge’ provides advice and introductions to those looking to buy. The Festival’s Visual Arts Programme includes FEAST! - an exceptional range of selling exhibitions – including the Festival’s famous Sculpture gardens - that showcases major international established artists and emerging talent.

2012 HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

The serious surrealism of Alexander Vorobyev Abstract contemporary art by Jeffrey Kroll and Nicolas Ruston The Festival’s annual sculpture garden featuring the work of British sculptor Roland Piche and Auguste Rodin’s iconic masterpiece The Thinker.

“Carbon Art” specialist Alastair Gibson Aboriginal Art from Australia Body painted optical illusions created live by Kiwi artist Emma Hack.

LeanderClub_Mar__ 19/04/2012 16:12 Page 1

Leander Club Henley On Thames

Leander Club is the most prestigious and successful rowing club in the world, with 99 Olympic medals won by our members up to and including the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

In celebration of our success we are proud to introduce an evening with… Ben Hunt-Davis MBE: on Thursay 17th May Ben Hunt – Davis MBE won a gold medal in the Men’s eights at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, the only British crew to have won this event since 1912. Motivational speaker, author of “Will it make the boat go faster?” and Consultant for the British Olympic Association. Ben is focusing on ensuring that Team GB is prepared for the unique challenges that the Olympics will bring.

The evening will take place on Thursday 17th May at Leander’s historic clubhouse where you and your guests will be welcomed by Ben. You will also mingle with the Club’s international athletes who are predicted to deliver medals at the Olympic Games. Guests will enjoy a fine dining experience and get the inside track from Ben as we move closer to the Olympic Rowing at Eton Dorney in August.

We are extending a special offer to readers of Fish Media Group’s ‘Life’ titles at a special price of £295.00 per person or a table of 10 including an athlete at £2,950.00. This will be a great corporate event or for that special occasion.

It will be a night to remember!

Profits for the evening will go to support the Leander Academy in developing our next generation of athletes for 2016 and beyond

Sales - corporate@leander.co.uk or tel. 01491 636764 If you are planning a stay in South Oxfordshire and are in need of overnight accommodation at short notice, allow us to let you in on one of the Thames’s best kept secrets. Leander Club is a fabulous place to stay, whether you’re a club member, non-member or member’s guest. It is also steeped in Olympian rowing history, echoing to the footsteps of legendary rowers.

Exceptional standards of comfort are available in a choice of 11 individually designed en-suite bedrooms, offering: • Many bedrooms offering river views from the second floor • Unique designs reflecting the history of a particular major rowing school, university or club, and featuring associated memorabilia • Complimentary olives and nuts on arrival with a choice of refrigerated pink sparkling wine, cooled mineral water, tea or coffee • Inclusive full English breakfast.

• Rooms available over the Olympics at £225.00. A real “under the skin” Olympic experience In addition, you’ll find everything you would normally expect – television, hairdryer, telephone, lift access to bedrooms and complimentary WiFi. Members receive priority bookings for the Club facilities but non-member bedroom booking enquiries are welcomed.

To book your accommodation, or to find out more about the Club and what we can offer, please call 01491 575782. Bookings may also be made on-line through the Club website.

Striving for excellence on and off the water

p14_BUCKS_OURLIFE__ 20/04/2012 16:31 Page 1

LOcAL LIFE

GET MORE OUT OF

YOUR LIFE MAGAZINE!

W

hen you read the “Life Series” group of magazines across Berkhamsted, Amersham, Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, Chorleywood, Rickmansworth, Marlow and the beautiful surrounding areas about the fascinating stories concerning local people, local businesses, good causes and the countryside, towns and villages that you are part of, don’t you sometimes think that there are other topics that would look good in print? are you perhaps a keen amateur photographer producing shots taken in the immediate area that would complement and enhance the articles in the magazine?

WELL – NOW’S YOUR CHANCE TO SEE YOUR NAME, OR THAT OF YOUR ORGANISATION IN PRINT!

We have highlighted many of the exciting things going on in our area, and would very much like to encourage more of you to bring your message to a wider audience. So, whether you are a new business in Berkhamsted, a 14

APRIL2012

fund-raiser in Marlow, a charity organiser in Beaconsfield, a life-style coach in Chorleywood or a successful community group in amersham, we would love to hear from you!

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS WRITE AN ARTICLE (SOMETHING BETWEEN 1000-1250 WORDS), WITH PHOTOS, AND E-MAIL IT TO: PATRICK@ FISHMEDIAGROUP.CO.UK OR CALL 07932 608 797.

You’ll get the idea of the sort of thing we are looking for by browsing through this edition of the magazine. Don’t worry too much about perfect grammar or spelling – we will check it before it goes to print! So how about it? Why not get those creative juices going, sit down and start thinking of ways in which you could publicise the part of your Local Life that is most important to you? if you want to talk about what you have in mind, or would like some advice

as to how to get the best from the topic you want aired, then please include a contact number so that we can help you.

Remember, “Life Series” set of magazines publishes articles about stories of general local interest, so please don’t send us the account of great-aunt Maud’s birthday or your precious off-spring’s coming of age! We would also be delighted to receive photographs relating to the area, illustrating aspects of local life, commerce or nature. again, please send your files to the above e-mail address – sorry but we are unable to accept printed media for inclusion in the magazine.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!

In all cases, material should be original and the work of the author/sender. fish Media Group reserves the right to edit and/or amend any material and accepts no responsibility for errors or inaccuracies, however caused. origination and copyright will be acknowledged where appropriate. Usual terms and conditions apply, and are available upon request.

Ad_Master_Layout 1 16/03/2012 13:23 Page 1

p16_BUCKS_CHORLYWOODBOOKS__ 20/04/2012 10:27 Page 1

local events

chorleywood WELCOMES JEREMY VINE

I

n the centre of Chorleywood Village there is a small bookshop.

It’s size is the only small thing about it for this is no ordinary bookshop. It is the Winner of the South east of England region of the Independent Bookseller of the Year for the second year running and by the time you read this it will know whether it has won the national competition. The reason for this? It has been running an events programme that has put Chorleywood on the cultural map. The current owners, Sheryl Shurville and Morag Watkins, started the Chorleywood Literary Festival, now in its seventh year and run an events programme throughout the year that is now attracting big name fiction authors as well as historians, cooks and biographers. In fact, there can be few areas of interest that have not been catered for in the last few years from railways with Christian Wolmar to World War II with Max Hastings, from Rick Stein to Sir Stephen Redgrave and Aggers to Jenny Murray and Joanna Trollope.

The latest coup is to get Jeremy Vine to come to Chorleywood on Monday June 18th.

Jeremy will be talking about his book ‘It’s All News to Me’, celebrating 25 years at the BBC. He currently attracts 6 million listeners every day to his lunchtime show on BBC Radio 2 and has many stories to tell from his TV and Radio career. He has won awards, presented election coverage, been ambushed in Croatia, shot at in Bosnia and

16

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reported from the Middle East, Gaza, Angola, Lesotho Niger and South Africa amongst other places. Tickets for this event are £10 (or £9 if you book before May 31st) which is redeemable

against the book on the night.

Chris Cleave, author of The Other Hand and Incendiary, also comes to a Chorleywood Bookshop event, this time to take place in the Village Hall in Sarratt on Tuesday June 12th at 7.30pm. Chris will be discussing his new novel, Gold, a gripping, exciting story about sport, its physical and emotional demands and the sacrifices people will make to achieve a gold medal. It is an accessible, readable story set in the world of professional cycling about the ‘extremities of sickness and health, ambition and sacrifice’ with good dollops of human frailty thrown in. Tickets for this event will be £10 which is fully redeemable against the book on the night.

Refreshments will be included.

Tickets for both events are available from Chorleywood Bookshop, 4 New Parade, Chorleywood, Herts WD3 5NJ 01923 283566. You can contact the shop by phone or e mail to Chorleywoodbookshop@btinter net.com You can sign up to their regular newsletters about upcoming events by emailing the shop or keep an eye on the website www.chorleywoodbookshop.co.uk The Chorleywood Literary Festival will take place over the weekend of November 16 – 18th.

There will be a number of events across that weekend. Details will be on the Chorleywood Bookshop website.

In addition there will be a number of other events across the autumn which are still being finalised. Whatever your taste, there will be something to suit and what’s more it’s local.

4 New Parade, Chorleywood, Hertfordshire WD3 5NJ Telephone: 01923 283 566 • E-mail: info@cwbooks.co.uk

Fellows_© Fish Media 20/04/2012 11:43 Page 1

Jewellery

Thursday 19th April $ GLDPRQG DQG JHP VHW ÁRUDO QHFNODFH E\ Mappin & Webb.

Estimate £4,000 - £6,000

Pocket Watches Monday 14th May

An 18k gold keyless wind full hunter, minute repeating grande sonnerie pocket watch.

Estimate £5,000 - £8,000

Auction of Vintage & Modern Wrist Watches Monday 16th April at 10am A stainless steel automatic Royal Navy issue Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner wrist watch, circa 1970.

Estimate £25,000 – £30,000

Vintage Jewellery & Accessories Monday 28th May An early 20th century foiled enamel on gold pendant by James Cromar Watt with moonstone, seed pearl and turquoise detail.

Estimate £400 - £600

Visit www.fellows.co.uk/life for a complimentary catalogue Fellows Auctioneers | 19 Augusta Street | Birmingham B18 6JA | 0121 212 2131

p18_BUCKS_THECROWN__ 20/04/2012 10:09 Page 1

loCal geTaway

The Crown

AN HISTORIC GEM IN OLD AMERSHAM, PROVIDING STYLISH, CONTEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION AND DINING FOR ALL THE FAMILY

I

n the heart of historic Old Amersham, there’s a traveller’s gem – an idyllic refuge to rest and refuel.

The Crown has occupied its spot opposite the beautiful market hall since the 16th century, providing lodgings and sustenance to centuries upon centuries of patrons. Being the first stop out of London for traders travelling to Birmingham and beyond, Amersham was an important place for overnight accommodation and resting horses. This, combined with the town’s own main trades of lace work, chair-making and straw plait work, saw Amersham grow to be a bustling market town.

In its current life, the Elizabethan Crown is part of the Dhillon Group’s family of stylish coaching inns and country houses. With 40 bedrooms, it is the perfect place for modern-day travellers and families looking for a quintessentially English setting, steeped in history with simple, delicious British food and a warm welcome.

With its black oak beams, sloping floorboards and inglenook fireplaces, the inn creaks with heritage and a bygone age – more than living up to its stunning setting. With the expertise of Ilse Crawford – of Babington House and Soho House fame – the ancient features have been given an elegant lift by the designer’s inspired use of modern textiles and contemporary furniture, alongside classic pieces. Ilse’s philosophy focuses on the personal experience of a place and staple, human needs, approaching 18

APRIL2012

where guests can relax and gossip by the fire or perch on stools next to the beer taps, indulging in simple, classic fare and local ales.

THE CROWN CHOP HOUSE

the design from a practical point of view while ensuring charisma and style.

Sheepskins and blankets hang softly over the chairs in the bar,

The Crown has officially launched its restaurant as The Crown Chop House, serving simple, wholesome dishes with a focus on the Josper Grill – an indoor, charcoal barbeque reaching temperatures of up to 500°C. The new chop house-style menu completes the

holistic experience of The Crown – the re-invention of the traditional English inn, providing simple creature comforts and great service.

Serving hearty, British food in a style that once existed in most coaching inns around Britain – chop houses traditionally served English gents with grilled meats, oysters and condiments – the restaurant has four main menus.

‘Bar Food’, ‘Summer Kitchen’, ‘Dinner A La Carte’ and ‘Sunday Lunch’ offer classics such as chophouse steak pie & chips, whole grilled sardines, cuts of Hereford and Angus cross beef, seasonal salads and traditional roasts, as well as puddings ranging from ginger pudding with confit dates to baked chocolate mousse with rhubarb.

There is also has an ‘Afternoon Tea’ menu serving a selection of

p18_BUCKS_THECROWN__ 20/04/2012 10:09 Page 2

sandwiches and cakes.

Specialising in grilled meats, sourced from local butcher Goddens, the Josper Grill plays a central role in The Crown’s food offering. A hybrid, it acts as an oven as well as a bbq, ensuring succulence and flavour is locked in accompanied by an unbeatable chargrilled aroma. It is used by new Head Chef David Hawkins (ex The White Oak, Cookham where he was nominated in the top 30 new Gastro pubs 2010, and the Michelin red guide 2010 and 2011) to produce succulent, seared cuts of meat such as steaks, half roast free range chicken with watercress and aioli and Josper grilled pollock with braised leeks and butter sauce. These follow starters of grilled bone marrow, onions, parsley and smoked duck, hazelnuts, blood orange salad.

Chef David is in the process of

completing a small kitchen garden at the back of the inn, which will provide the basis of his fresh herb and vegetable supply.

On Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer months (weather permitting) the outdoor Summer Kitchen will be serving delicious seasonal food from the grill set in the beautiful, recently renovated cobbled courtyard at the centre of The Crown – with salads picked fresh from David’s new vegetable garden. Embrace the summer spirit and choose from chophouse lamb burger with cucumber and mint or free range chicken skewer with roasted cashew sauce and refreshing cucumber and bulgur wheat or heritage tomato and garden onion salad.

All the menus offer a great taste of the best of British food, in a style harking back to the origins of the inn. Each focuses on wonderful produce, simply prepared – the foundation for a fantastic meal. The marriage of the superb food with the atmosphere of the old-world inn and the wonderful surroundings of Old Amersham creates something truly special.

HOME FROM HOME

Famed for being the location of Hugh Grant’s and Andy McDowell’s first romantic encounter in Four Weddings and a Funeral, the historic lodgings are currently undergoing refurbishment in a number of the courtyard bedrooms – making

ENJOY 2 COURSES FOR £12.50 AND 3 COURSES FOR £16.50 EVERY WEEKDAY LUNCH IN THE RESTAURANT, BAR OR COURTYARD.

them the most luxurious bedrooms at the inn. Featuring beautiful four poster beds with roll top baths in the bedrooms, the first few suites have already been launched.

Relax and unwind with the comfort of luxurious mattresses, pure cotton sheets and Jacob's wool blankets. There are 3 separate buildings with bedrooms and five types of rooms which range from spacious to bolthole, all with free wifi. Traditionally furnished family rooms lead directly onto the courtyard, each with lovely separate lounge areas.

As well as local bike rides, walks and shopping , The Crown is just 45 minutes from London Marylebone, so either hop out of the city to get away from it all, or pop into the big smoke to see the sites, carefree in the knowledge that you have a country refuge to retreat to at the end of the day.

The Crown, 16 High Street, Old Amersham, Bucks, HP7 0DH www.thecrownamersham.com 01494 721 541 Opening Times: Lunch - Mon-Sat 12pm - 2.30pm; Sun 12pm - 3.30pm; Dinner - 6pm - 9.45pm APRIL2012 19

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local events

HELPING HORSES FOR 125 YEARS

Titan, the largest police horse in the country, enjoying his retirement at The Horse Trust

T

he Horse Trust, founded in 1886, is the oldest horse charity in the UK and is celebrating its 125th anniversary. Its founder Miss Ann Lindo, was inspired by the famous autobiographical memoir of Black Beauty in which he describes his life of hardship, cruelty, acts of human kindness and his eventual happy retirement in the country.

Miss Lindo’s vision was to give the hackneyed London cab horses a place of retreat to rest and recuperate enabling them to return to work some months later refreshed and nourished. Her work not only gave sanctuary to overworked horses but also supported the working poor of the 19th century with the provision of a fresh horse to continue with their labours.

Today, The Horse Trust provides education and training, funds clinical research and at its Home of Rest for Horses, it offers retirement and respite for working horses - horses that would be the tax payers responsibility - such as those used by the army and police

Two horses from The Horse Trust’s early days of operation

Hounds for Heroes dogs

WORKING HORSES

as well as giving sanctuary to local horses that have suffered cruelty and neglect.

RESCUED HORSES

Based in Speen, less than 10 miles from Chesham and just outside High Wycombe The Horse Trust gave sanctuary to 14 of the sickest, horses, ponies and donkeys from Spindles Farm. Found barely alive, crammed in foul, stinking stables, tethered so closely together they could hardly move and standing on the carcasses of those that had succumbed to starvation: the conditions were truly appalling. With the outpouring of support from the public and the dedication and commitment of the staff at the sanctuary these horses now have a secure, healthy and happy future.

It is the “public’s purse” which funds our police forces and armed services and this includes the mounted sections. Once these horses are retired from active service, whether it to be through injury, long term health problems or age it would be inappropriate for the tax payer to continue to pay for their care when they are no longer in work.

That is what makes The Trust unique – there is nowhere else for these animals that have put their lives on the front line to keep the public safe and fight crime across the UK to go. The riots last year were a demonstration of these amazing animals’ bravery; charging into a threatening crowd, a wall of fire and potential harm for the safety of the public. They commit their whole lives, without complaint, to mankind and if The Horse Trust can give them the chance to deservedly retire, with dignity, for the rest of their lives in the peace of tranquillity of its sanctuary and in the care of its staff this goes some way to say thank you to these wonderful horses.

HORSES, HEROES AND HOUNDS - A FAMILY FUN DAY

Sunday 6th May at The 22

APRIL2012

Horse Trust in Speen from 11am-5pm The Horse Trust is delighted to open its doors to the local community for a countryside themed, family fun day. The event is a joint fundraiser with Hounds for Heroes, who provide specially trained assistance dogs for disabled military and emergency service men and women. The event will have a strong military focus with a Spitfire flyover and support from RAF, Army, Navy and the Marines. There will be a licensed bar, food, activities for the whole family, shopping opportunities and of course horses and dogs! It is a huge community event, the first that has ever been held at our magnificent horse sanctuary, and we would be delighted to welcome you and your family (well behaved dogs on leads included).

The Horse Trust is open to the public: Winter Opening 2 – 4pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday Summer Opening 2- 4pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday For more information please call: 01494 488464 or visit www.horsetrust.org.uk The Horse Trust is solely funded by the generosity of the general public by way of donations and receives no government funding.

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p26_BUCKS_WINDSORHORSES__ 23/04/2012 10:46 Page 1

local events

The World Comes to Royal elebrating nearly 70 years, this year’s Royal Windsor Horse Show will host a glittering array of red carpet stars and their horses in celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. For the first time in history, visitors to Royal Windsor Horse Show will be privy to the global stars of the equestrian world, who will be at Windsor Castle for The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant celebrations.

From Italy’s Carosello de Carabinieri, Canada’s Royal 26

APRIL2012

Canadian Mounted Police and Oman’s Royal Cavalry Activity Ride, to Russia’s display from the Kremlin Equestrian School, India’s Marwarhi Dancing Horses, and Australia’s New South Wales Police Force Activity Ride, this year’s show promises to be a truly historic and memorable event.

As the first major outdoor show of the season, and the only annual event that allows visitors access to Her Majesty The Queen’s private grounds at Windsor, this year’s Royal

Windsor Horse Show is set to be bigger and better than ever before. Over 3,000 horses and ponies, including Her Majesty’s own, will take part in over 170 classes; from firm favourites such as The Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix, top class Show Jumping, 150 Showing classes, to the ever popular displays including , The Pony Club Mounted Games, Tent Pegging and The Best Turned Out Trooper.

Simon Brooks Ward, Managing Director of H Power and

p26_BUCKS_WINDSORHORSES__ 23/04/2012 10:46 Page 2

local events

Tickets now on sale for a once-in-a-lifetime equestrian festival held at Her Majesty The Queen’s private grounds at Windsor Castle 9th – 13th May 2012

Windsor Horse Show 2012 Event Director said: “We are enormously excited by the international stars that will be joining us at this year’s line-up for Royal Windsor Horse Show.

And it’s wonderful to be able to bring a flavour of the Diamond Jubilee Pageant celebrations to our loyal horse show visitors. As a passionate horsewoman, The Royal Windsor Horse Show is close to The Queen’s heart, and every year she attends to watch her horses and ponies compete.”

This year’s five-day equestrian extravaganza kicks off with

Hunter Showing classes and the Horse & Hound Foxhunter jumping competition on Wednesday 9th May and culminates in The Alltech Grand Prix on Sunday 13th May. Royal Windsor Horse Show attracts riders of all ages and disciplines, from team GBR competitors to grass roots riders who have qualified through the AmTrust Equine Royal Windsor Horse Show British Riding Clubs Championships, supported by PONY and Horse & Rider Magazines.

Home to more than 200 shops,

where you can find everything from all types of equestrian goodies, to jewellery, clothing, homeware and arts and crafts.

The event also boasts a fantastic food and drink festival, as well as a 4 x 4 course and a generous selection of bars, restaurants and cafes for visitors to enjoy.

The annual event attracts over 40,000 horse-loving enthusiasts from around the UK with a broad range of attendees.

Tickets for The Royal Windsor Horse Show are on sale now and

are priced between £10 and £20 with various discounts available for groups, seniors and children.

For further information and a confirmed programme of events please visit www.rwhs.co.uk.

For tickets, call the box office on 0844 581 4960.

APRIL2012 27

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The BlackBerry 9300 is the perfect social networking accessory. With powerful 3G web connection, a full QWERTY keyboard and BlackBerry Messenger builtin, you have the power to talk, text, email and browse social networking sites right at your fingertips.

The 9300 also has dedicated media keys that make it simple to find your favourite tunes and change tracks while you’re on the move. Plus, you can whizz through websites and menus with its clever touch-sensitive trackpad.

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p33_BUCKS_EDUCATION__ 20/04/2012 16:47 Page 1

EDUCATION LIFE T H E

Q U A L I T Y

E D U C A T I O N

S U P P L E M E N T

A P R I L

2 0 1 2

Welcome The independent school system in the UK is one of the finest in the world and you are fortunate to have some of the best schools in the country right on your doorstep. In today’s economic climate, making the right choice for your child’s education is of paramount importance.

Sometimes every parent needs a helping hand in deciding what is best for their children.

Our Education Life series is an invaluable resource for any parent considering private education.

Many schools will be having their first open days of 2012 soon. Encourage your children to come with you and get their feedback after each visit. Take a note book with you and write down positive or negative things that your child brings up. This will be a useful tool when you are comparing notes! It also provides an insight into the way a child sees a prospective future school.

This month sees the second of our three part Education Life series which will also appear in the September issue.

Please feel free to contact me corinne@fishmediagroup.co.uk if you would like any further information.

THE FINEST SCHOOLS IN YOUR AREA

p33_BUCKS_EDUCATION__ 20/04/2012 16:47 Page 2

EDUC ATION

educati o n life

Independent schools and the world of work “Work”, with its horny-handed connotations, was once a dirty word in public schools. Teachers, like so many dons from Inspector Morse, preached that academe prized high ideals. Youth was golden, and a bright young thing could not serve both God and Mammon. Many pupils graduated to ivory towers but then failed to grasp the “glittering prizes” of the wider world, having received an education that privileged purely academic content over those broader skills essential to success in life, once one has left university.

The nature of work is changing at a staggering speed. Today’s generation face with choices that go far beyond those faced by previous generations. Increasingly, they will have to become familiar and skilled at working with people of different nationalities, much of their lives, they will be working with people virtually.

Most will have three careers, rather than one. At its heart, the modern workplace demands vision, creativity, and innovation as well as the lessons gleaned from real experience. The leaders of today and tomorrow will lead groups and communities of people who are more diverse, virtual and global: it is a complex challenge.

It’s tough out there. “A lack of Commercial Awareness is the single most common failing in graduates applying for employment (CIHE “What do employers Think and Want?”). The Times Top 100 34

APRIL2012

by Pam Dubowitz Head of Merchant Taylors’ Career Service

Graduate Employers received an average of 45 applications per vacancy in 2011. A mere 23% of final year students from the UK’s top 30 universities expect to start a graduate job after finishing their degrees. (UK Graduate Careers Survey 2011).

And for schools, most significantly, a record 36% of this year’s graduate jobs at the leading employers will go to applicants who have already had work experience with the organisation. (The Graduate market in 2012).

Finding work that excites and inspires your son or daughter will be one of the keys to the good life you wish for them. In order to do this they will have to discover skill and personal competences that they can master deeply. There are literally thousands of different types of jobs.

Most studies suggest that about 40% of graduate jobs are open to graduates of any discipline. Employability skills is the buzzphrase used frequently by employers and education professionals. The term sounds rather grey. But the skills themselves are those “soft skills” that so often make the difference between success and failure in a career: the ability to lead effectively, to communicate well, to radiate enthusiasm and commitment, work productively as part of a team,

solve problems creatively and think outside the box; and integrate an awareness of the commercial dimension into any project.

Independent schools have responded to this shift. Their Careers Services work increasingly closely with employers and universities to understand what the UK’s top employers are looking for in school leavers and graduates. They aim to provide clear, accurate and up-todate information on the graduate job market and the employment prospects for today’s students, so as to advise their Sixth Formers on the universities and degree courses that are most likely to lead to a successful graduate job in the future.

Most Independent schools offer excellent programmes ensuring the development of key employment skills, personal attributes and wider experience as part of the school curriculum.

At Merchant Taylors’, for example, every term the Career Service runs a variety of Employer and University Led Skills sessions, which include: making an impact at interview; making effective applications; improving your CV; developing key attributes in leadership, communication and

teamwork; psychometric testing; Careers Conventions and Higher Education Conventions. Our mock interview programme for students is sector specific, involving employers, the universities and our alumni in conducting competencybased interviews, whether the field is Law, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Finance, Dentistry, or the traditional Socratic interviews of Oxford and Cambridge.

Students undertake high quality work experience to improve their skills, commercial awareness and marketability. In most independent schools, and certainly at MTS, alumni are a rich source of information and advice about the realities of a particular occupation, career paths, recommended further study and the value or otherwise of gap year activities. Such networking provides current students with hard-won personal insights into an organisation or occupation, as well as creating valuable opportunities for future networking in their own lives.

If students have done all of the above by the time they leave school, they will be better prepared than many final year university students suddenly faced with the conundrum of what to do with their lives. They will be well on their way to being able to respond to the ever-changing demands of the employment market and look forward with confidence to a prosperous and happy future.

p33_BUCKS_EDUCATION__ 20/04/2012 16:47 Page 3

MTS

Merchant Taylors’ School Excellence, integrity and GLVWLQFWLRQ VLQFH

Open Morning

1561

May 12th 2012 10.00 - 12.30

Why not choose the best for your son? ‡ A ‘Top Ten’ boys’ school ‡ ‘Outstanding’ - 2008 School Inspection ‡ Inspirational teaching ‡ Unique tutorial system ‡ Civilized, friendly & unpressured ‡ Small class sizes ‡ 0DJQLĂ€FHQW VSRUWV Ă€HOGV ‡ Superb facilities set in 250 acres

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Getting here

From September 2012 – Highgate coach

‡ Car ‡ Coaches ‡ Transit

‡ Bursaries ‡ Academic Scholarships ‡ Sport & Music Scholarships

MTS is 15 minutes from the M1, the M25 and the A40 Beaconsfield, Ealing, Harpenden, Harrow, Highgate, Mill Hill, Radlett, Stanmore MTS is adjacent to Moor Park (Metropolitan Line) Chiltern line trains change at Rickmansworth

www.mtsn.org.uk

Guided tours (last tour 11.30) The Head Master speaks at 12.15

Please contact Penny Wright, Admissions Secretary admissions@mtsn.org.uk +44(0)1923 845514 Merchant Taylors’ School Northwood Middlesex HA6 2HT

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For boys 11 - 18

p33_BUCKS_EDUCATION__ 20/04/2012 16:47 Page 4

educati o n life

Excellence at Heathfield School

Heathfield School rated as ‘excellent’, the highest possible rating in recent ISI inspection categories, including pupils’ learning and achievement, curriculum offered and its pastoral care. An excellent 2011 A Level pass rate of 100% with 80% achieving grades A*, A and B and GCSE results outstanding with 100% A*-C and 65% A*-A, an endorsement of the superb quality of education offered.

subject teaching and our extensive extra-curricular programme.

you and is always the best way to become informed about our school!

Set in nine acres of open space, Heathfield was founded in 1900 and became part of the GDST, Girls Day School Trust, in 1987.

As part of our service, we provide coaches, based on demand, from areas including: Harrow, Bushey, Rickmansworth, Watford and Northwood.

Mrs Anne Stevens, Headmistress, invites you to visit the school at our Open Morning on Tuesday 8 May, or you may book an individual tour if that is more convenient to

Further information from the Admissions Secretary, Mrs Smith, on 020 8868 2346 or email admissions@hea.gdst.net, visit our website www.heathfield.gdst.net

An independent day school for girls aged 3–18

Whole School at Work Morning Tuesday 8 May, 10.30am–12.00noon

‘Pupils’ achievement is excellent’ Independent Schools Inspectorate Report 2010

www.heathfield.gdst.net 020 8868 2346 Heathfield School, Beaulieu Drive, Pinner HA5 1NB Daily coaches from Ealing, Perivale, Greenford, Northolt, Harrow, Kenton, Wembley and Kingsbury

Charity No. 306983

Our ethos is to provide a broad

education enabling girls to achieve academic excellence whilst developing flexibility and initiative. Offering a broad, modern curriculum including triple science, Mandarin, French, Spanish and Latin leading to IGCSE, GCSE and A Level. Spanish and swimming begin in Nursery and form part of our Creative Curriculum, enabling girls to achieve their full potential with a personalised learning programme. Developing critical thinking skills is embedded in all

p33_BUCKS_EDUCATION__ 20/04/2012 16:47 Page 5

e d ucation life

Achievements On and Off the Stage The children at Westbrook Hay have had an exceptionally busy and successful term, not only have the Upper School children performed a spectacular production of Alice in Wonderland but some have also sat their entrance tests to their secondary schools.

More than 50 children were involved in this very entertaining production and as things became “curiouser and curiouser” the audience was continually amused

and intrigued by all the baffling characters encountered. To mention a few: Dodo and Lorikeet; the aloof and magical Caterpillar; the acrobatics of Father William; the frantic white fluff of the very endearing White Rabbit; a beautiful array of talking flowers and the accompanying rattle of teacups, from the brilliant Mad Hatter and friends around the table for tea. As ever, the Upper School proceedings were rather more ‘West End’ than Westbrook.

It is amazing what the children, aged between nine and thirteen, can achieve in under a term.

awarded nine scholarships; two academic scholarships to St Albans (one to the boys’ school and one to the High School for Girls), an academic scholarship Many of these children have also taken entrance exams and all leavers to Haberdashers’; academic, all rounder and sporting scholarships must be congratulated in doing so well and also delight in the fact that to Aldenham; a scholarship for all have secured places in their next The Royal Masonic; a sports schools. Recognition must also go scholarship to Claire’s Court and finally, showing the variety in the to those who have gained awards talents of the scholars, Berkhamsted and scholarships to various Public has awarded the drama scholarship Schools. This year Westbrook to our own Alice in Wonderland!

Hay Prep School children were

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educati o n life

Freedom to Shine

Helping girls achieve their potential at Abbot’s Hill School bbot’s Hill School is an independent day school for girls aged 3-16 and boys aged 3-5 situated in seventy acres of parkland on the outskirts of Hemel Hempstead.

The School has a strong record of academic success and aims to educate, challenge and develop confident and independent girls. The School’s recent Independent Schools Inspectorate

(ISI) report (January 2012) noted that “small classes, in which pupils feel well known and supported, enable them to fulfil their potential” and “the quality of pupils’ personal development is outstanding” . It is no surprise that our leavers are highly sought after by sixth forms and colleges and many are awarded prestigious Scholarships.

can develop their talents outside of the classroom. This year’s bold drama production, The Tempest, involved pupils from across the Senior School in performing, stage management, set design and composing original music. Other highlights this term include Year 9 pupils creating a live news broadcast for BBC News School Report, a Science Extravaganza in the Junior department and a French The School offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities so that pupils Exchange with Abbot’s Hill’s

partner school in Chambéry.

The next Nursery and Junior Working Open Morning is on 18 May 2012 and the next whole School Open Day is Saturday October 6 2012. Tours can be arranged by contacting registrar@ abbotshill.herts.sch.uk.

To find out more visit the website at www.abbotshill.herts.sch.uk or call 01442 240333.

Chesham Preparato Preparatory ry School Independent education for boys and girls aged 3 to 1 13 3

Independent Day School for Girls 3-16 & Boys 3-5

Working Open Morning - Friday 18 May 2012 Come and see our Nursery and Junior department in action.

Please telephone to book your place.

Wednesday 9th May 9.00am to 11.00am

Y ER EN RS P U O N OW N

Open Days Saturday 1 2th May 12th 9 .30am to 1 2.00 midday 9.30am 12.00

“The quality of pupils’ personal development is outstanding” “Small classes, in which pupils feel well-known and supported, enable them to fulfil their potential” ISI report January 2012

Open Day - Saturday 6 October 2012 2.00pm - 4.00pm (last tours begin at 3.30pm) - no appointment necessary • Excellent academic standards & results • Inspirational & happy learning environment • Wide range of extra-curricular activities • Breakfast/after school care & school buses • Childcare vouchers accepted • Nursery offering flexible sessions 8am - 6pm

Bunkers Lane, Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP3 8RP

1494 7 82 619 | ww Tel T el 0 01494 782619 www www.cheshamprep.co.uk w.cheshamprep.co.uk Email registrar@cheshamprep.co.uk Chesham P Preparatory reparatory School, T Two wo Dells Lane, Orchard Leigh, Chesham, Buckinghamshire HP5 3QF

E: registrar@abbotshill.herts.sch.uk www.abbotshill.herts.sch.uk

T: 01442 240 333

p33_BUCKS_EDUCATION__ 20/04/2012 16:47 Page 7

e d ucation life

Bene agere ac Laetari Good results, good manners, good fun

Lockers Park is a small, happy day and boarding school for boys, set in 23 acres of parkland in Hertfordshire, just above Hemel Hempstead. We are proud to be a school exclusively for boys and whether in lessons, on the playing fields or in free time, their particular needs are catered for.

We have been educating boys since 1874 and blend modern facilities and teaching methods

with traditional values and well-loved customs. Whilst day boys enjoy all the facilities and opportunities of a boarding school, modern boarding is enormous fun for our full boarders.

Our average class size is 14 and the pupil: teacher ratio a healthy 1:8. The school is proud of its academic record. Each year, our leavers go on to their chosen senior school – both

boarding and day - with many gaining scholarships in a range of disciplines from academic to art, sport and music.

Lockers Park offers a real family atmosphere, where boys are stimulated and happy. Being a small school, we are able to ensure that every boy can thrive as an individual. Our pupils enjoy spending time with friends, working hard and building the self-

confidence and independence that they will need for their future lives.

We believe that success follows success and develops naturally in boys who are motivated and given every encouragement to push themselves, knowing they will always be supported.

All this is all embodied in our school motto; Bene agere ac Laetari – good results, good manners, good fun.

LOCKERS PARK Bene agere ac Laetari: good results, good manners, good fun

Day & Boarding Preparatory School for boys aged 5 - 13 years

Bursaries are available to boys Years 3 to 6

OPEN MORNING Saturday 26th May 2012 at 11am

Registered Charity Number 311061

“Lockers Park provides a very happy learning environment through an excellent wide-ranging curriculum and programme of activities”.

Independent Schools Inspectorate - November 2011

www.lockerspark.herts.sch.uk Telephone us on: Hemel Hempstead 01442 251712

p33_BUCKS_EDUCATION__ 20/04/2012 16:47 Page 8

educati o n life

The Habs Girls “Run a mile” for Sport Relief raises nearly £10,000!

Fundraising has always been an important aspect at Habs Girls. The Girls had a lunchtime with a difference, with nearly 700 girls dressing up as characters in colourful costumes running a mile for Sport Relief. The weather was amazing the hottest day of the year! With sun shining and a small breeze, everyone was able to participate in this light-hearted outdoor activity for a worthy cause.

younger girls leapfrogged, crawled and walked backwards. The staff including Mrs Ashton, Mrs Wilding, Miss Griffiths and Miss Humpage decided to actually run the mile. Members of our brass band even played their instruments as a musical accompaniment to the event.

Those who didn't participate supported and donated generously.

The accounting shows we have raised nearly £10,000.00 and we are all really thrilled to be able to make this donation for such a worthwhile event.

Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls, Aldenham Road, Elstree, Herts,WD6 3BT t: 020 8266 2338 www.habsgirls.org.uk

The girls had to complete two laps of the sports field, with many staff also taking part to raise money. Deputy Head, Mr JamesRobbins, joined his Sixth Form English group as Frankenstein, whilst Mrs Pearson and Mrs Davies accompanied their History groups as female suffragettes. Their chanting of 'votes of women!' and 'down with Asquith!' motivated everyone to complete the two laps.

As well as the conventional running or walking, Danielle Tang and Laura Mullin in the U6 chose to cartwheel, whilst some of the

Habs is Exceptional!

Following a detailed assessment by the ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate), Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School has recently been judged to be excellent in virtually every aspect of its relationship with its pupils and its community.

The school knew that it offered an outstanding educational environment. After all, it has achieved 40% or more A* grades at A level in each of the years that this new distinction has been awarded. However, it was exciting to read the ISI’s conclusion that the school provided an ‘outstanding educational experience’ which allowed its pupils to perform to ‘the highest level of their ability’. Particular attention was drawn to the high quality of the teaching that enabled such spectacular results.

More importantly, perhaps, was the praise which the ISI focused on the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of Habs boys. The high standard of pastoral care provided at Habs was particularly noted, which the inspectors claimed played a powerful role in creating what they described as a ‘friendly and supportive school community.’ Furthermore, added the ISI conclusions, this sense of community extended to the parents, judging by the responses received to the parental questionnaire which the ISI undertook.

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‘I always knew that I and my team of outstanding staff were focused on building a first-rate educational environment,’ noted Headmaster Peter B Hamilton, ‘yet even I would not have dared to expect such an outstanding ISI report. I pay tribute,’ he continued, ‘to the support and direction provided by our entire community of pupils, staff, parents and old boys.

Working together,’ he concluded, ‘we have built a school whose pupils go on to lead happy, purposeful, and successful lives.

What better start can a school provide to any child?’

Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School, Butterfly Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6 3AF T: 020 8266 1700 www.habsboys.org.uk

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Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls Fun, excitement and challenge: a true love of learning

Junior School Open morning 10am – 12.30pm 30th June 2012 Open Day 6th October 2012 Juniors 10am-12.30pm Seniors 2pm-5pm Scholarships and Financial Assistance available from 11+ Independent Day School for Girls from 4-18 Aldenham Road, Elstree, Herts, WD6 3BT e: admissions@habsgirls.org.uk t: 020 8266 2338 www.habsgirls.org.uk Registered Charity No. 313996

The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School Nurturing Excellence

An outstanding independent day school for boys aged between 5 and 18.

Open Day Saturday 6th October 2012, 1–4pm (no appointment necessary)

Headmaster Peter B Hamilton MA Butterfly Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6 3AF Tel: 020 8266 1700 office@habsboys.org.uk

www.habsboys.org.uk registered charity no: 313996

p33_BUCKS_EDUCATION__ 20/04/2012 16:47 Page 10

educati o n life relationships at the school are like?

Patrick Atkinson, Headmaster of Beechwood Park, the co-educational day and weekly boarding preparatory school located in Markyate, near St Albans, was invited to address the visitors at an exhibition for parents considering an independent education for their children. As it is not possible to wave a magic wand to make this decision easy, his talk was designed to take some of the stress out of the process. Praised for its good sense and wise advice, his address merits wider circulation. Well-qualified to advise, Patrick Atkinson, has been a Headmaster for 20 years; this includes a boys’ day preparatory school and then Beechwood Park, which also offers a nearby Montessori Nursery. His teaching career started at the highly regarded Sevenoaks School which pioneered the introduction of the International Baccalaureate (IB) and where he was responsible for establishing the IB biology course. He has two children of his own (now in their twenties) and as a family, over the years they have chosen single sex, co-ed, day and boarding, 11+entry and 13+ entry – which covers almost the whole gamut of possibilities!

Good relationships are very important. How do the children get on with their teachers? Do the teachers and families work as a team? Are the staff relationships with one another professional and cordial and good role-models for your child? Do the children learn from one another – not just the teachers? Are the children encouraged to value effort, share ambition and aspiration and excellence in one another?

We’ll all go the extra mile in the company of a marathon runner! Ask the children about the ethos and aims of the school. Ask the Head teacher the same questions and see whether they agree. Is the school achieving what it sets out to achieve? Does the school have the same values as you? If a school believes that ‘School Comes First’ does that coincide with what you think, or do you consider that school has to take second place to commitments outside school? Don’t hold back – these are all vital questions to think about.

Here are some of the questions he covered.

Can I afford the fees?

Many parents pay fees out of income; this is fine until you are made redundant or some other disaster strikes. Fees planning is essential, even if this only means having substantial savings.

Alternatively, grandparents or other relatives may be helping out or prepared to act as a back-stop. If the money isn’t available to pay the fees required by the sort of school you want your child to go to, investigate also any bursaries and/or scholarships for the particularly talented. These days most independent schools offer means-tested bursaries, so it’s always worth asking. It’s worth noting too that 30% of the independent school pupil population receive some level of fee support.

What sort of school do I want my child to attend?

Parents may have some definite ideas already, based on your own experiences or hearsay from family and friends. You may have concluded that Boarding is not on the agenda. Or perhaps you think, mistakenly I would say, that children learn better in single sex schools. They may obtain better exam results, but these schools are more selective, so that’s what you’d expect. On the other hand, you may have no pre-conceived ideas. Whichever of these applies, make sure you go and see a wide variety of schools. And always, if you have a strong preference for one type over another, visit the type of school that you think you don’t like the sound of ….you just never know! If you have never been inside a boarding school, be sure to go and see at least one; I am sure you will be amazed. There are many that are easily accessible from London.

What sort of school would suit my child?

If your child is already at a school, ask the teachers – take advice from someone who already knows your child, who understands the way that he or she works, the things they like to do and their talents or gifts. These teachers should have a good idea of what your child already has in place that their next school needs to develop and build on. If your child is very 42

APRIL2012

Which School?

The Questions You Need To Ask About The Schools And Of Yourselves

FROM A PRESENTATION GIVEN BY PATRICK ATKINSON, HEADMASTER, BEECHWOOD PARK SCHOOL

young - still a little seed of undeveloped potential, then look for a school with a broad range of opportunities so that your son or daughter has the chance to find out what it is that they enjoy doing and where their talents may lie. Schools that have an extensive activity programme and a broad and balanced curriculum that covers more than simply the 3Rs is the best choice when your child is starting school. Remember also that young children need space to run around and explore; so much of their learning is done that way when they are little so avoid schools that haven’t taken this into account in their provision. Sadly, not all schools are blessed with extensive grounds like Beechwood Park, but has the school found a way to overcome this, so that the children are not confined all day?

How much importance should I attach to a school’s position in the league tables?

League table position is interesting information and perhaps useful if you are comparing schools that are pretty alike, for example, Single Sex Highly Selective Day Schools. League Tables should not be the only reason for choosing one school over another. The important thing is the quality of teaching and learning and the League Tables don’t tell you that.

How do I assess the quality of teaching and learning?

When you are finding out about a school,

in conversations with the teachers, the pupils, people you know who already have children there, try to ascertain how well a child with similar abilities, interests and learning styles does at that school. For instance, if children of average ability excel at something and get into good quality universities, then the quality of teaching and learning is pretty high.

What is it like being a pupil at this school?

This is probably the most important question of all. And the way to find out is to talk to people, look at the website, read reviews….. but most importantly, visit the school and talk to the pupils themselves and their teachers.

Visit more than once if possible, an Open Day is good, but also try to get a personal meeting with the Head teacher or at least a senior teacher on a normal school day. Find out what the experience is like for the children.

How? Ask them directly! Are they happy?

What do they think are the school’s qualities?

Do they like coming to school? Do children try to arrive as early as possible? Why? What’s the best thing about school? The usual answer in my school is “because of break times” or “Breakfast Club”! If a friend tells you that their child is standing by the car every morning, raring to go, in uniform with bag packed, then that’s an excellent recommendation.

Are they proud of their school? What are their aims and aspirations? Ask what the

How important are facilities?

Don’t be dazzled by fantastic facilities. On their own they don’t produce equally fantastic teaching and learning. Inspirational teaching, transformational teaching is determined by human resources not bricks and mortar. Yes, teachers need good resources to work with, but actually fantastic teaching can take place in a Nissen hut. The important question to ask is how does the school invest in its most important of human resources, the teachers? Do they attract the best? Do they invest in on-going teacher training, do they seek out professionals who can inspire the youngsters with their talent and light the fire that burns within the child? Your child may well be dazzled by a marvellous sports hall or state-of-the-art IT suite. Don’t be over-influenced by these material things – actually it’s the quality of the teachers and the relationships that are important. Of course, the school needs to have the facilities to deliver the curriculum and activities that it offers otherwise it won’t get past first base; so ensure that they match up.

What is life going to be like if my child goes to this school?

Think about the impact on the family. Be practical! If you opt for a day school make sure the journey is manageable for you and your child. Don’t take on a commitment that is going to cause so much stress that the value of a first class education is undone by mental strain. How will it fit into your work pattern as a family? If both parents work – do you require all-round day care? Is this offered by the school? What happens in the holidays? Does the school offer holiday activity courses for those families with two working parents? Does the school’s location mean that the social life can continue during the holidays? If a day school is miles away, chances are friends will be too, and you’ll struggle to meet up in the holidays or end up driving miles.

If your child is going to board, endeavour to maintain friendships in the area local to home so that it is easier to socialise in the holidays.

Do we instinctively feel this is the right school? What is your gut feeling?

Are the Head teacher and staff welcoming? Do they share your values? Do they show genuine interest in my child? And finally, make sure you know about the procedure and time deadlines for applying to your school of choice.

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e d ucation life

Over 60 pupils were involved in a sensational end-of-term production of The Sound of Music

Three of Beechwood Park’s cross country medal winners, Gerry O’Brien, Sophie Morton and Maya Chamay

Beechwood Park Beechwood Park is a day and weekly boarding school for girls and boys aged 4 – 13 years, located in Markyate, near St Albans, Hertfordshire. The recently refurbished and enlarged Beechwood Park Montessori Nursery close by at Little Cheverells welcomes children from 3 years. It offers exceptional levels of care by qualified teachers in an idyllic, rural setting with superb facilities.

Amongst the older children flexi and weekly boarding (Monday – Friday) is increasingly popular, it enables boys and girls to experience the lifestyle of a boarder in a smaller, more intimate environment. Children who may have reached the top of their independent junior school but are not quite ready for the full on boarding regime at a

large senior boarding school, can benefit from the transition offered by Beechwood.

A broad, balanced curriculum is well taught and inspiring, producing an excellent record of exam success and scholarships (over 20 so far this year) to a wide range of senior schools. Bursaries are available for entry in Year 7. Facilities for sports and the creative arts are superb. This term over 60 children were involved in a memorable production of The Sound of Music.

The sports facilities are magnificent and the variety of sports means there is something for everyone. Fencing has recently been added to the long list of options offered in the Sports For All programme. The Sports

Rafting at the Olympic white water venue in Waltham Cross

An Environment Where Children Flourish Trophy Cabinet is bulging after pupils won trophies at several Cross Country Championships and at the recent Prep Schools National Rugby Championships where 56 teams and just under 900 boys participated. Pupils (and staff) got the Olympic celebrations underway with an awe-inspiring trip to the Olympic white water venue in Waltham Cross.

Music provision is second to none.

Approximately 300 instrumental/vocal lessons take place each week, with a number of pupils selected to sing in the National Youth Choir; there are five choirs and 17 ensembles, regular concerts and recitals – in addition to exciting classroom music. A wide-ranging extra-curricular

programme, visiting speakers, and frequent excursions all add to the culturally-rich environment for Beechwood’s pupils.

The school, which is well-served by school buses from several locations, benefits from a uniquely beautiful location in an eighteenth century mansion.

The next Open Morning (9.30 am to 12.00 noon) is on Friday, June 1st but the Headmaster, Patrick Atkinson, is always happy to meet prospective parents at other times. Please view the website www.beechwoodpark.herts.sch.uk , telephone the Registrar on 01582 840333 or email: admissions@beechwoodpark. herts.sch.uk for more information.

Beechwood Park School, Markyate, Hertfordshire AL3 8AW Preparatory day and weekly boarding school for girls and boys aged 4 to 13 years Beechwood Park Montessori welcomes children from 3 years

BEECHWOOD

PARK SCHOOL

www.beechwoodpark.herts.sch.uk

Telephone: 01582 840333

Please come and visit - next Open Morning, June 1st APRIL2012 43

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educati o n life

Promoting Independent Learning At St. Helen’s girls are encouraged to take an active involvement in their learning as part of a broad education that promotes independent learning and creative thinking.

Independent Learning Weeks are a regular feature of the curriculum, enabling girls to work individually, and as part of a team, to produce pieces of work that they can be really proud of by taking control of their own learning. Further up the school

there are opportunities for students to develop their critical thinking skills through activities such as the Year 9 Enquiry project where girls undertake individual student-led research on a topic of their choice.

Sixth Form students can choose to study A Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma, which places emphasis on developing the skills needed for university and beyond, focusing

on independent research, critical thinking and active involvement in the community. All students are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning through effective planning of their time and a critical approach to their studies.

leadership skills and take the initiative through activities such as the Combined Cadet Force, operated jointly with Merchant Taylors’ School, or by taking on roles of responsibility within the school community.

Outside the classroom, a varied extra-curricular programme offers opportunities to develop key skills and to build confidence.

Girls are encouraged to develop

By developing those core skills, upon leaving St. Helen’s, each girl is confident, self-reliant and independent, ready to take their place in the adult world.

Open Morning Wednesday 20th June 2012 10.30am - 12.30pm Our staff and pupils are delighted to welcome all prospective Senior School (11+) pupils and parents.

(Last school tours leave at 11.30am) By appointment only - please contact the Admissions Secretary

~ International Baccalaureate and A Levels offered ~ Impressive range of extra-curricular activities ~ Focus on the individual ~ Bursaries available ~ Scholarships offered: academic, art, music and sport at 11+ ~ 20 acre parkland site

St. Helen’s is adjacent to Northwood station (Metropolitan Line), 20 minutes from Amersham, and coaches are available from Amersham, Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross and Hemel Hempstead.

An independent day school for girls aged 3 to 18

St. Helen’s School Eastbury Road Northwood Middlesex HA6 3AS Tel: 01923 843230 admissions@sthn.co.uk

www.sthn.co.uk

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p46_BUCKS_AD_VARIOUS__ 20/04/2012 15:15 Page 1

Focus on: Inheritance Tax Planning In the first of our ‘Focus on:’ topics, Cliff Cooper looks at how investors should review their investments to help mitigate Inheritance Tax.

a Discounted Gift Trust offers an alternative solution for an investor wishing to invest tax efficiently for income.

Inheritance Tax is often referred to as the ‘voluntary tax’. Individual estates in excess of £325,000 will most likely be subject to Inheritance Tax (IHT) at 40%. The announcement by the coalition government to scrap the proposed raising of the nil rate band threshold to £1m highlights that individuals with an IHT liability need to take action now.

Within a Discounted Gift Trust, the amount invested is known as a ‘gift’ into Trust. The investor (Settlor) will at outset state the withdrawals required (usually capped at 5%pa of the original investment). These withdrawals are paid until death or depletion of the fund, whichever occurs first. Any growth on the gift is deemed outside of the estate immediately for IHT purposes, potentially saving 40p tax on every £1.

After 7 years, the ‘gift’ should fall outside of the estate.

In recent years we have seen an increased number of investors turn to us to review their investments as markets have been volatile, interest rates poor or simply because income has fallen. However, our conclusions are not solely about altering fund selection, more often, we highlight suitable Trust wrappers for existing investments to help avoid any unnecessary IHT liability on death.

The common misconception of investing under Trust is that the investor cannot benefit from the fund and/or has to wait 7 years for the ‘gift’ to be excluded from the estate. Whilst this is true of certain types of Trusts,

A key benefit of this type of Trust is that part of the ‘gift’ may be deemed outside of the estate from day 1. This is known as a discount and is based on withdrawals required and life expectancy. Discounts are underwritten.

We find Discounted Gift Trusts suit our retired clients aiming to reduce the value of their estate but also with a need for income.

So if you have cash and/or investments and wish to either to generate a higher income or explore IHT planning, contact us today for a free initial meeting at our Gerrards Cross office on (01753) 889090.

Salisbury Financial Services is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

The value of investments may fall as well as rise. Capital may be at risk. www.salisbury.co.uk

Tel. (01753) 889090

36a Packhorse Road, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, SL9 8EB

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Laurence Singer ... _____Solicitor_____ ...

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Call 01494 431400 E: admin@singerlaw.co.uk W: www.singerlaw.co.uk 33a Hill Avenue, Amersham, Bucks HP6 5BX

In this world nothing can be said to be certain.

Which is why many people consult a solicitor only when there is a clear and immediate need.

However, planning ahead with the help of your solicitor can be a valuable investment. Our top ranked legal teams organise family wealth across generations and, where possible, mitigate substantial amounts of tax.

We advise you on lifetime planning and drafting a clearly structured Will to provide peace of mind, whatever the future may hold.

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p47_BUCKS_AD_BOATRACE__ 20/04/2012 12:55 Page 1

cover story

LONDON EVENTS

The 2012 Xchanging Boat Race POSSIBLY THE MOST DRAMATIC BOAT RACE EVER

O

ne hundred years after both crews sank; this was set to be an even more dramatic University Boat Race.

In the weeks preceding The 158th Boat Race in the series, and the last to be sponsored by Xchanging, it had been Oxford who had shown the most impressive form, defeating an under 23 German crew, Leander very convincingly and Molesey Boat Club. Cambridge on the other hand didn’t look so impressive against either Leander or Molesey and despite having 7.9Kg per man weight advantage went into the Race as underdogs.

Neither crew could boast a host of returning Blues, only the two Presidents; Dave Nelson bow in the Light Blue Boat and Karl Hudspith, 5 for Oxford. Cambridge’s Mike Thorp also raced in 2011, vowing to grow his hair until his defeat was avenged.

Coaches Steve Trapmore, in only his second race at Cambridge, and Sean Bowden in his 14th for Oxford, both worked with international line-ups but it was Bowden who had looked and sounded more confident in the build-up to the Race.

In the toss for stations it was Cambridge picking tails who

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cover s LtOoNrDyO N EVENTS chose the Surrey station, hoping to take advantage of the long bend midway through the Race.

This entire preamble counts for nothing though in this, perhaps the most dramatic of all Boat Races.

Off the start it was Oxford who looked slicker at 44 strokes a minutes, slightly over-rating Cambridge and taking an early ¼ length lead. They couldn’t break an indomitable Cambridge crew however, who had won the toss and chosen the Surrey station.

By the Mile Post which was reached in a fast time of

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3 minutes 42 seconds, the dark blues still only had the narrowest of leads and as the two crews settled into their racing rhythms and with continual warnings from the umpires launch to “move apart” there was no advantage to either.

And this was how the race proceeded with neither crew giving any quarter, Oxford holding on around the outside of the Surrey bend but unable to move away from the light blues as they raced under Hammersmith Bridge and on towards Chiswick Eyot. With the wind now

behind them and both crews showing great heart and determination it was shaping up to be a truly fantastic race.

And then suddenly with Oxford primed to put in a push on the outside of the bend turning into the Crossing, Oxford cox Zoe De Toledo shot her hand in the air to be followed quickly by John Garrett the Umpire waving his red flag stopping the race.

Amid some confusion on the river, a swimmer who would have been mown down by the flotilla of following boats if the race had continued, was spotted between the two crews. Later Garrett explained how his assistant umpire Sir Matthew Pinsent had spotted the swimmer and that there was absolutely no choice but to stop the Race.

After 20 minutes Garrett (who had disqualified Isis in 1990) got the Race restarted, but it was cold and uncomfortable for the crews, needing to maintain their composure in very bouncy water while boats swarmed around them. Nothing like this had happened in the history of The Boat Race, but the drama was to continue after the restart. With a free start towards the bottom of Chiswick Eyot Oxford were off sharply again slipping out to a ¼ length lead in the first few strokes.

Then, just 35 seconds into the restarted race, Oxford on the outside of the bend were continuously warned to move away from Cambridge. This they failed to do and a clash was inevitable. A clash in which the Dark Blues came out the worst, and which cost them the race as Hanno Weinhausen six in the Oxford crew emerged from it with no spoon on the end of his blade.

Effectively the Race was over and Cambridge moved steadily away from the 7 man Oxford crew over the next few minutes to win by 4 and a quarter lengths, times to be confirmed.

Despite the Oxford crew’s appeal at the end of the Race

Umpire Garrett declared Cambridge the winner. But the drama wasn’t quite over Alex Woods Oxford’s bow man had collapsed after crossing the finish line and was lying unconscious in the boat, having given everything to prevent his team’s loss.

Cambridge President David Nelson seemed bemused, and described the Race in his laconic fashion as “pretty dramatic” while expressing his concern for his Dark Blue rival.

Race Umpire John Garrett explained his decision to allow the race to continue after the clash, “Crews have to abide by their accidents. I was warning Oxford at the time of the clash,

p47_BUCKS_AD_BOATRACE__ 20/04/2012 12:55 Page 3

cover story

as they were off station. I was comfortable Cambridge were in the right place on the river, so it was right and within the rules to allow the Race to continue.”

After the Race there was no presentation ceremony as both sides showed their concern for Woods who was taken to Charing Cross hospital immediately afterwards, where he was recovering well a short time later.

This was a truly dramatic afternoon of sport, one in which the Umpire was adjudged to have made all the correct decisions in an unprecedented race, and in which many people probably didn’t notice that Ed Bosson

had become the youngest ever winning Cambridge cox.

In the reserves race earlier in the day Isis (Oxford) beat Goldie (Cambridge) by 5 lengths, setting a new record for this event with a time of 16 minutes 41 seconds.

Zoe De Toledo (OUBC Cox) said in an official statement: “Firstly, I’d like to say how proud I am of the eight true gentlemen who I had the pleasure to cox in The Boat Race yesterday. Seeing how the guys attacked the Race in the last 5 minutes was simultaneously one of the worst, but also one of the proudest moments of my life.

Ultimately it is just a tragedy

that neither crew had the opportunity to display its best ability over the full course from Putney to Mortlake.

We are devastated that we did not get the chance to find out what we were capable of achieving in the second half of the Race, and many of us will never have that opportunity again. It is our sincerest hope that every future Boat Race crew, from both Oxford and Cambridge, is afforded the chance to fairly test themselves over the full 4 and a quarter miles that make The Boat Race such a unique event.

We are all extremely proud of The Boat Race as an event and a tradition, and accept that

bizarre events like those that occurred yesterday do happen.

That’s sport. Whilst I believe I will remember yesterday’s remarkable events for all the wrong reasons, I would not trade the friendships I have built with my crewmates for anything. Yesterday I truly learnt what it was to be part of a team. A team that rallies around you and shelters you from the storm when you are at your lowest. Lastly I want to finish by saying how proud I am of my teammates in the Isis crew, who not only set the record for the Reserve Boat Race, but also recorded the third fastest time in the history of the Race.”

APRIL2012 49

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p50_BUCKS_CURVE__ 20/04/2012 13:10 Page 1

fashion

We ask Curve in Wendover HOW DO THE HOTTEST TRENDS TRANSLATE INTO FLATTERING WEARABLE OUTFITS?

C

urve the premium wear ladies boutique carefully research which designers achieve this relaxed take on high fashion, resulting in everyday luxury at affordable prices.

This Spring Summer season see’s 50’s inspired feminine dresses, summer metallics, and stunning sunset and pastel palettes reflected through denim, knitwear and daywear collections.

Joseph offers iridescent knitwear in softest bronze, cropped trousers and beautiful fitted linen jackets for easy daytime elegance. Karen Cole sees the return of the perennial favourite wrap dress alongside flattering 50’s inspired day dresses…viva la dolce vita! D Exterior has beautiful tailored dresses, a Curve favourite is the sunset coral ruffle shift dress.

Rosemunde are back with more delicious silk layers in this season’s sorbet colours.

At Curve there are several exciting new labels this season to sit alongside the popular favourites; Samantha Sung gives us stunning silk 50’s

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silhouette occasionwear dresses, Bailey offers classic, comfortable day dresses and Majestic provides relaxed daywear separates in super fine linen for layering.

Laark continues to create luxurious tailored knitwear – a wardrobe-must. Hale Bob, the ever popular Californian label for occasionwear, has a wonderfully flattering collection of silk blouses and dresses in warm west coast colours.

Farhi by Nicole Farhi references safari chic with a stunning linen shirt dress, alongside a linen biker jacket and flattering well cut trousers.

Cash-Ca uses a sunset palette of warm corals for luxe silk and linen separates.

If denim is your thing, you no longer

need to make the trek to town, Curve have a great selection of labels including Hudson, James Jeans, Citizens of Humanity and 7 For All Mankind. They offer exceptional advice to help you find that “perfect pair” and free tailored alterations too!

Following the success of accessories last season, Curve have more Juicy Couture Accessories handbags, purses and hats, whisper-soft Codello scarves, statement belts and Sam Edelman statement gladiator sandals and heels. Castaner again provide comfortable and chic versatile summer wedges.

From clothes to accessories, and shoes to small gifts – one stop shopping heaven!

Making a trip to Curve is pure pleasure, why not visit soon?

For more information please contact: Curve, 2 Aylesbury Road, Wendover, Bucks HP22 6JQ Tel: 01296 620623 • www.curvewendover.co.uk

p51_BUCKS_AD_VARIOUS__ 20/04/2012 14:19 Page 1

Now Open

Nicole boutique is proud to present the 2012 Spring/Summer collection.

Stockists of

8 Whielden Street, Old Amersham HP7 0HT Telephone 01494 723256 • www.nicoleboutique.co.uk Opening hours: Mon - Sat 10am to 5.30pm • Sunday 12noon to 4pm

p52_BUCKS_SWISH__ 20/04/2012 08:47 Page 1

faShion

SwiSh Boutique 5 YEARS ON S ituated in the picturesque market town of Marlow, Buckinghamshire, this inspirational independent boutique very quickly gained the loyalty of the local crowd as well as admiration from many passing visitors.

The great location, fantastic customer service and clever marketing campaigns have all added to Swish’s success over the last 5 years but what makes this business really stand out is the exclusive brand mix.

Owner Kasia Cole has stayed true to the original “real indie” concept for her business by stocking many labels that are not available on the High Street or any other boutiques in the UK. Kasia believes that the true power of a successful brand lies in the product itself and isn’t afraid of introducing new, unknown labels.

This is very much appreciated by the customers who stay loyal and help the business to grow from strength to strength.

It is hard to define the age group or type of customer that Swish sells to as the idea behind the business is to cater for all. It seems like a hard thing to do but it is possible and in its 5 years of trading Swish managed to do just that. The clever stock selection covers a wide variety of age groups so when it comes to choosing a garment there is something for everyone. From stylish casual wear, cruise and holiday wear, evening and party wear to stunning Mother of the Bride outfits and carefully selected beautiful accessories, Swish has it all.

The current summer collections are colourful and feminine. There

are some eye-catching jersey day dresses, sophisticated party wear, gorgeous linen tops and silk tunics, a great selection of trousers, stylish wedding suits and much much more.

You will have no trouble accessorizing your outfit as Swish stocks a fantastic selection of jewellery, belts, bags and fascinators.

Swish’s 5th anniversary is a fantastic opportunity for the owners to thank all their customers and clients for their support and loyalty.

To receive the latest news and updates on events and prize draws related to the anniversary visit www.swishboutique.co.uk or simply send an e-mail to info@swishboutique.co.uk quoting “5th year”.

5 Liston Court, Marlow, Bucks SL7 1ER Tel. 01628 476 467

LABELS STOCKED: 0039, AART, AB NAHLIK, AGANZI, AMARI, BACKSTAGE, CASA DI STELLA, FRANK LYMAN, INGENUE, JUST WHITE, KIRSTEN, LA LANGUAGE, MAXIM, MICHELE, MILLE K, OUCH, PAUPORTE, PLUS FINE, SASSIA, SEEBERGER, SEMPER, SILK ROUTE AND MORE. 52

APRIL2012

p53_BUCKS_AD_VARIOUS__ 20/04/2012 14:59 Page 1

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• Full range of NHS treatments • Parking available • Early and late appointments • Saturday morning appointments • Dental hygienist • We accept patients from all areas • Emergency appointments available Sands House Dental Practice 43 Mill End Road, High Wycombe, Bucks. HP12 4JN Tel 01494 436407

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Providing NHS Dentistry TO FIND YOUR NEAREST PRACTICE LOG ONTO www.rodericksdental.co.uk

p54_BUCKS_SPRINGSKIN__ 23/04/2012 11:54 Page 1

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h ealt b eauty

BRING ON

SPRING

SKIN TIME TO BARE YOUR SPRING SKIN WITH PRIDE. LISA HAYNES REVEALS HOW TO GET YOUR GLOW BACK.

T

he recent mini-heatwave caught us all off guard. But along with the ice creams and sunbathing sessions came the annual horror of baring skin for the first time. Sales of SOS fake tan at Debenhams rocketed by 105% in reaction to the freakish warm weather.

So next time the sun rears its head, be prepared with a spring skin routine. Transform those frosty, pasty arms and legs into glowing summer-ready limbs that don’t look like they’ve been hidden away in opaque tights and woolly cardigans for months. It’s time to glow and go with our foolproof skincare guide.

REVIVE SKIN

If your skin has been in hibernation under snuggly duvets and winter layers, it’s time for a spring wake-up call. Kick-start your morning with a dry body brushing session prior to your shower. Brushing in circular motions will also remove redundant dry, dead skin cells.

“Dry body brushing increases circulation and brings nutrients to the skin’s surface for healthy-looking skin,” explains Jane Calderwood, beauty therapist at Champneys. “It also gives an uplifting feeling, helps to shake off sleep and prepares you for the day ahead.” Ditch any aromas that make you feel drowsy and use an invigorating shower gel with uplifting fragrances to start your day on a high. “Choose fresh, light spring smells,” Calderwood advises. “Tangy products like Champneys’ Citrus Blush range are perfect for this time of year as they’re uplifting and energising, with notes of ginger, grapefruit, lemon and vanilla.”

SILKY SMOOTH

Radiant skin requires more than just a hero moisturising product.

“The first step towards silky soft skin is to exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface,” explains Dr Sue Mayou, cosmetic dermatologist and Aveeno consultant.

“This helps to leave the skin smooth and improves light reflection off the surface which gives a healthy glow and a good base on which to apply a moisturiser.”

If you want silky skin, it’s important to adopt a religiously regular moisturising regime to maximise hydration - random and slapdash applications just won’t do. Mayou recommends choosing a light moisturiser or even a spritz lotion that will sink in easily with 54

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minimum effort.

“If you have dry or sensitive skin, certain areas like elbows, knees and ankles are likely to be drier than others, so pay particular attention to them when moisturising,” she suggests. During the skin-baring season, hair removal methods like shaving go up a notch. For perfect pins, avoid irritated skin by using lukewarm water and moisturising afterwards.

GET THE GLOW

You don’t need to dash out for an uber-dark spray tan whenever sunshine’s on the way. A light self-tan is all you need to look like a naturally more golden delicious version of yourself. For super-subtle try a gradual tan, but you may need to take extra care with the application, warns Sienna X spray tan guru James Harknett.

“The results look great but the lotion is often colourless, so be wary of those without a guide colour take time and make sure you cover everywhere.”

If your self-tan lotion looks too dark, Harknett recommends mixing with a moisturiser to ease yourself into spring, and always use a tanning mitt for an even application. Dry body mists are another speedy way to achieve a spring glow. Moisturise first avoiding anything too oily or thick - and then spray evenly. For a finishing touch, give your skin an enviable spring sheen with a shimmer. Harknett says: “Look for products that contain subtle shimmer particles so you end up looking more spring goddess than Christmas decoration.”

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p56_BUCKS_ROSEBANK__ 20/04/2012 09:49 Page 1

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H EAlTH b EAuTy

Q&A

WITH THE AWARD WINNING DENTIST

DR SHAMEEK POPAT

20TH MAY 2012 SEES THE LAUNCH OF THE BRITISH DENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION’S NATIONAL SMILE MONTH. IT IS THE UK’S BIGGEST CHARITABLE ORAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN, WITH THE AMBITION OF IMPROVING THE NATION’S ORAL HEALTH. A THIRD OF ALL CHILDREN STARTING SCHOOL HAVE TOOTH DECAY. AROUND A QUARTER OF ALL ADULTS SAY THEY HAVE NOT VISITED A DENTIST IN THE PAST TWO YEARS. THREE IN EVERY TEN ADULTS SUFFER FROM REGULAR DENTAL PAIN. A QUARTER OF ADULTS DON’T BRUSH THEIR TEETH TWICE A DAY AND OVER FOUR-FIFTHS OF THE POPULATION HAVE AT LEAST ONE FILLING. Poor oral health doesn’t just cause problems inside the mouth. A smile is hugely important to our personalities, self-confidence, relationships and success. General health is also at risk too as studies continue to associate poor oral health to serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, strokes, pneumonia, premature babies and other major conditions.

With a good oral health routine, most of these conditions are preventable and your support during National Smile Month can make a big difference.

USEFUL DENTAL HEALTH STATISTICS

Brushing twice a day • 25 per cent of adults don’t

brush twice a day, including a third of men • People who only brush once a day are a third more likely to develop tooth decay Cleaning habits • 42 per cent of adults use just a toothbrush and toothpaste for their oral care • 31 per cent of

adults use mouthwash • 21 per cent of adults use dental floss Visits to the dentist • 50 per cent of adults say they visit their dentist every 6 months • 21 per cent of adults say they visit their dentist annually • Visiting the dentist annually reduces the risk of tooth decay by 60 per cent Reasons for visiting the dentist • 27 per cent of adults only visit their dentist when they have a problem • 9 per cent of adults visit their dentist with pain

• 90 per cent of visits to the dentist are for check-ups Tooth loss and dentures • 6 per cent of adults have no natural teeth • 74 per cent of all adults have had a tooth extracted • 19 per cent of adults have full or partial dentures Fillings and other treatments • 84 per cent of all adults have at least one or more fillings • Each adult has an average of 7 fillings Other oral health indicators • 31 per cent of adults have tooth decay • 66 per cent of adults have visible plaque • 29 per cent of adults suffer from regular dental pain Children’s oral health • Over three in every ten children starting school (31 per cent) have tooth decay • A third of children aged 12 have visible dental decay Ask your dentist for further information about National Smile Month and about how BDHF can help you. Have a great National Smile Month ☺

FOR ANY FURTHER INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT; ROSEBANK DENTAL PRACTICE, SHIRE LANE, CHORLEYWOOD, HERTFORDSHIRE WD3 5NH WEB - WWW.ROSEBANKDENTAL.CO.UK EMAIL – INFO@ROSEBANKDENTAL.CO.UK • TELEPHONE - 01923 282 691

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p58_BUCKS_RUNNING__ 20/04/2012 12:44 Page 1

ONE OF LIFE'S GREAT SIMPLICITIES IT'S EASY TO JUST BUY SOME RUNNING SHORTS AND TRAINERS, AND GET OUT OF THE DOOR WHENEVER YOU CAN. UNFORTUNATELY, THERE IS A LITTLE MORE TO IT THAN THAT! Running is one of the best forms of exercise, not only for getting fit but for weight control too.

A 30-minute run, three to four times a week, trims your waistline, strengthens the cardiovascular system, improves muscle tone and definition, and installs a positive mental attitude. Running can also be a great social activity.

Here is some essential running advice that you may need in the key areas of training, clothing, shoes and injury prevention.

TRAINING STAGE ONE Make sure you warm up, stretch and cool down for every run. ● Don’t make the mistake of trying to do too much running too soon. Start off very gently and remember that if you cannot hold a conversation when you are running, you are pushing yourself too hard.

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●

Don’t worry about how hard you are running or whether you are doing enough, just get out and establish the routine first. After about a month of your training, your consistency should start to feel like a habit.

STAGE TWO At this point you might consider about involving a professional.

Find a recommended personal trainer to progress your running training at the right rate for you. If you don’t belong to a gym then find a freelance trainer that will come out to your house. This doesn’t have to be incredibly expensive just a couple of visits and they will write you a plan and show you different running techniques. ● Set yourself a running goal! This will be great for your motivation.

Beginners are advised to start off with a 5k race as their first goal. ● Alternatively, you could download a running training plan compiled by a professional coach to get you started.

p58_BUCKS_RUNNING__ 20/04/2012 12:44 Page 2

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health beauty RUNNING RUNNING SHOES SHOES Buying Buying aa pair pair of of running running shoes shoes can can be be aa daunting daunting task. task.There There are are hundreds hundreds of of pairs pairs on on the the market market and and unfortunately unfortunately it’s it’s not not just just aa case case of of buying buying aa pair pair that that feel feel comfortable comfortable and and look look cool. cool. Here Here are are some some top top tips tips to to help help you you get get the the right right pair: pair: ● ● Forget Forget the the colour colour of of the the running running shoes. shoes. Prioritise Prioritise with with fit, fit, function function and and feel. feel. ● ● Don’t Don’t buy buy the the running running shoes shoes your your friends friends have have always always run run in, in, they they may may not not be be right right for for you. you. ● ● Take Take advice advice from from aa knowledgeable knowledgeable expert. expert. Only Only buy buy running running shoes shoes after after you’ve you’ve tried tried them them on. on. ● ● Keep Keep your your feet feet dry. dry. Running-specific Running-specific socks socks will will help help stop stop moist moist or or sweaty sweaty feet feet from from blistering. blistering. ● ● Gait Gait analysis analysis will will show show how how you you move. move. Use Use this this to to hone hone your your footwear footwear purchase, purchase, learn learn about about where where your your technique technique can can be be more more efficient, efficient, and and understand understand what what preventative preventative maintenance maintenance is is required required to to prevent prevent injury. injury. ● ● Footbed?

Footbed? This This can can be be added added to to enhance enhance the the support support that that the the shoe shoe offers offers and and help help with with knee, knee, hip hip and and back back alignment alignment when when running. running.

RUNNING RUNNING CLOTHING CLOTHING As As aa new new runner, runner, the the first first words words you you should should add add to to your your running running clothing clothing vocabulary vocabulary are are ‘wick’ ‘wick’ and and ‘wicking’. ‘wicking’.This This is is how how fabric fabric deals deals with with the the moisture moisture (i.e. (i.e. the the sweat) sweat) the the body body creates. creates. A A good good piece piece of of running running clothing clothing must must transport transport moisture moisture away away from from the the body body towards towards the the outside outside environment, environment, so so even even with with intensive intensive sweating sweating you you can can feel feel comfortable comfortable and and dry. dry.The The piece piece of of clothing clothing should should also also be be able able to to regulate regulate body body temperature; temperature; this this doesn’t doesn’t mean mean itit comes comes with with aa hot hot or or cold cold switch switch that that you you can can turn turn off off and and on on at at your your leisure! leisure! You You should should try try to to layer layer your your clothing clothing so so you’re you’re able able to to adapt adapt to to the the weather weather as as itit changes. changes.

NUTRITION NUTRITION FOR FOR RUNNERS RUNNERS At At first, first, you you do do not not need need to to make make radical radical changes changes to to your your diet. diet.

However, However, as as your your training training increases, increases, itit will will place place additional additional nutritional nutritional demands demands on on your your body. body. You You need need to to fuel fuel your your body body with with the the right, right, nutritious nutritious and and balanced balanced diet diet to to provide provide itit with with all all the the essential essential nutrients nutrients itit requires requires to to enable enable you you to to perform perform at at your your best. best.

During During running running exercise exercise the the working working muscles muscles use use stored stored energy, energy, and and the the two two main main fuels fuels the the body body has has stored stored are are carbohydrate carbohydrate and and fat. fat.

The The body’s body’s reserves reserves of of carbohydrate carbohydrate (glycogen (glycogen in in the the muscles) muscles) are are limited, limited, but but the the body’s body’s reserves reserves of of fat fat are are less less limited. limited. When When you you become become tired tired itit is is usually usually to to do do with with the the depletion depletion of of the the glycogen glycogen reserves reserves in in the the muscles. muscles.

Carbohydrate Carbohydrate is is the the most most important important fuel fuel for for an an active active person, person, starting starting out out running. running. It It is is stored stored in in the the muscles muscles as as glycogen. glycogen.To To maintain maintain your your energy energy stores stores you you need need to to keep keep your your glycogen glycogen stores stores topped topped up up each each day. day.The The best best way way to to do do this this is is to to have have aa low-fat, low-fat, high-carbohydrate high-carbohydrate snack snack or or light light meal meal two two to to three three hours hours before before exercise, exercise, and and then then your your stomach stomach has has time time to to empty empty before before physical physical activity. activity. Start Start refuelling refuelling your your energy energy stores stores as as soon soon as as you you have have finished finished exercising exercising -- how how much much you you need need will will depend depend on on the the length length of of time time you you have have been been exercising. exercising.

It It is is really really important important to to drink drink before, before, during during and and after after aa run run -waiting waiting until until you you are are thirsty thirsty is is not not advisable, advisable, as as you you will will be be dehydrated dehydrated by by then. then.

For For most most active active people, people, selecting selecting aa wide wide variety variety of of foods foods from from each each of of the the five five major major foods foods groups groups will will ensure ensure an an adequate adequate consumption consumption of of all all the the essential essential nutrients nutrients required required by by the the body. body.

INJURY INJURY PREVENTION PREVENTION FOR FOR RUNNERS RUNNERS Many Many people people start start running running with with the the greatest greatest of of intentions, intentions, only only to to be be struck struck down down by by injury injury aa few few weeks weeks into into their their training training regime. regime.

This This is is an an unfortunate unfortunate and and unnecessary unnecessary setback, setback, which which can can be be prevented prevented or or at at least least the the risk risk reduced, reduced, by by taking taking aa few few simple simple precautionary precautionary steps: steps: ● ● Ensure Ensure you you are are running running in in the the correct correct running running shoes shoes for for your your running running style style and and bodyweight. bodyweight. ● ● Always Always carry carry out out aa thorough thorough warm warm up up before before exercise, exercise, which which should should leave leave you you slightly slightly sweaty sweaty and and your your body body prepared prepared for for the the upcoming upcoming activity. activity. ● ● Ensure Ensure correct correct and and adequate adequate stretching stretching is is incorporated incorporated into into your your training training regime, regime, including including at at least least one one session session of of stretching stretching away away from from your your running running sessions. sessions. Avoid Avoid the the temptation temptation to to run run too too far far and and too too fast fast before before your your body body is is ready ready for for it; it; overloading overloading the the tissues, tissues, can can lead lead to to injury. injury. ● ● Seek Seek advice advice with with regards regards to to your your correct correct running running posture posture and and any any muscle muscle imbalances. imbalances. It’s It’s easier easier to to prevent prevent an an injury injury than than itit is is to to treat treat one one once once itit has has occurred. occurred. ● ● This This also also means means that that you you don’t don’t have have to to take take time time out out of of your your fitness fitness regime regime to to recover, recover, and and spares spares you you all all that that pain! pain!

Be Be sensible, sensible, literally literally taking taking one one step step at at aa time. time. If If you you are are aiming aiming to to race, race, start start with with aa 5k, 5k, then then you you can can progress progress to to aa 10 10 mile mile race, race, Half Half Marathon Marathon and and ifif you you are are aiming aiming for for the the top? top?

WHY WHY RUN RUN THE THE VIRGIN VIRGIN LONDON LONDON MARATHON? MARATHON? The The London London Marathon Marathon has has grown grown into into one one of of the the world's world's truly truly iconic iconic races, races, whether whether running running on on behalf behalf of of aa charity, charity, or or trying trying to to beat beat aa personal personal best, best, running running the the Virgin Virgin London London Marathon Marathon is is aa sensational sensational and and life-changing life-changing experience. experience.

For For many many people, people, running running aa marathon marathon is is aa lifetime lifetime ambition ambition with with months months of of hard hard training training going going into into an an immense immense 26.2 26.2 mile mile race. race.

Offering Offering wonderful wonderful scenery, scenery, supportive supportive crowds, crowds, and and even even the the possibility possibility of of appearing appearing on on national national television, television, the the Virgin Virgin London London Marathon Marathon boasts boasts the the best best possible possible backdrop backdrop to to an an inspiring inspiring and and life-affirming life-affirming event event that that will will stay stay with with runners runners forever. forever.

Each Each year year the the London London Marathon Marathon creates creates thousands thousands of of inspiring inspiring charity charity stories, stories, as as runners runners in in fancy fancy dress dress costumes costumes fight fight against against the the odds odds to to complete complete the the epic epic race race and and meet meet their their fundraising fundraising promises. promises.

With With large large crowds crowds cheering cheering them them on on to to glory, glory, itit can can be be an an emotional emotional experience experience for for all. all.

With With its its perfect perfect combination combination of of inspirational inspirational charity charity stories, stories, inclusivity inclusivity and and ever-enthusiastic ever-enthusiastic spectators, spectators, there there has has never never been been aa better better time time to to run run the the Virgin Virgin London London Marathon.

Marathon. In In offering offering aa breathtaking breathtaking experience experience for for running running beginners beginners and and professionals professionals alike, alike, the the marathon marathon certainly certainly provides provides aa day day out out that that you you won't won't want want to to forget forget in in aa hurry! hurry!

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p60_BUCKS_BREASTCANCER__ 23/04/2012 11:36 Page 1

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AUGUST 2012 1ST JUNE - 31ST

WHERE WILL YOU HOLD YOURS? GATHER FRIENDS AND FAMILY THIS SUMMER FOR A STRAWBERRY TEA AND HELP RAISE MONEY FOR BREAST CANCER CARE

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et together with your favourite people this summer and host a tea party in aid of Breast Cancer Care. The charity's Strawberry Tea campaign, sponsored by Seasonal Berries, which represents the strawberry growers of Britain, raises money to support the 50,000 people who are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK. From the comfort of your own front room or back garden, to the local park or office canteen, anywhere goes for a Strawberry Tea. Or why not turn your next book club meeting or Zumba class into a Strawberry Tea event? All you need to do is buy or bake some cakes, add some British strawberries, put the kettle on and away you go. A donation from your guests will make a real difference to the lives of people affected by breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Care's Ambassador, Meera Syal, is encouraging people to hold their own Strawberry Tea. She says, "I was just 19 when my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Luckily she's going strong now but it was a terrifying time and there's not a day that goes by when I don't get choked up about her illness.

That's why I support Breast Cancer Care. They are truly wonderful and they're there for people, and their families, every step of the way as they deal with the disease. But they really need help to continue their work. So go on, throw a

Strawberry Tea this summer.

A perfect excuse to eat cake and gorgeous British strawberries with your favourite people!"

In the UK, someone is diagnosed with breast cancer every 10 minutes. However big or small your Strawberry Tea event, every penny raised will enable Breast Cancer Care to continue providing free expert information and professional support to anyone affected by this life threatening disease.

Register now for a free Strawberry Tea fundraising pack full of ideas and tips to make your event the highlight of the summer. Visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk/ strawberry or call 0870 164 9422.

Breast Cancer Care When breast cancer and its treatment overshadow everything, we see the woman underneath. Breast Cancer Care is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to providing emotional and practical support for anyone affected. Visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk or call our free helpline on 0808 800 6000.

British Summer Fruits British Summer Fruits is an organisation that represents 90% of the berry growers in the UK. It funds and manages the Seasonal Berries campaign.

For more information, visit www.seasonalberries.co.uk or follow @britishberries ■

p51_BUCKS_AD_SMILEDESIGN__ 19/03/2012 16:38 Page 1

DEDICATED EXCELLENCE IN DENTISTRY ‘Over the years my teeth had become stained and mis-aligned but thanks to Dr Komal Suri, I now have a beautiful smile that I am very proud of.’

I have nothing but the highest praise for Komal and her team.

Apart from the professionalism that one would expect, the procedures are carried out with the utmost care and with minimal discomfort. All this is delivered with the friendliness that is needed to make the patient feel completely at ease with the knowledge that they will be totally thrilled with the finished result.

‘I can thoroughly recommend Smile Design Dental Practice.’

Patsy: Patient of Smile Design Dental Practice

BEFORE

AFTER

Please call to book your free consultation or pop in for a chat

SMILE DESIGN DENTAL PRACTICE 01296 624163 www.smiledesigndental.co.uk 33 High Street, Wendover, Bucks. HP22 6DU

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p64_BUCKS_HAZLEMERE__ 20/04/2012 16:35 Page 1

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WHY ITS WORTHWHILE MAKING A PROPERTY THERMALLY EFFICIENT

thermal

PROTECTION W

ith today’s ever increasing energy bills, it really is now more important than ever that UK homeowners replace inefficient windows and doors with thermally efficient ones.

Having said that, to ensure a property gets the full benefit from an investment in double or triple glazing one must also insulate the loft properly and install cavity wall insulation or solid wall insulation dependent on the type of house and manner of construction.

The seemingly never ending increases in the cost of energy, when combined with environmental and sustainability reasons, makes the need to insulate dwellings essential, although there is no getting away from the fact that there is an initial investment required to achieve this vital goal.

On 1st April 2012, a new energy efficiency requirement for householders installing solar panels came into force. UK householders with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of Band D or better (A being the

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best) will be eligible for the financially beneficial Feed-In-Tariff (FIT) of 21p/kWh for each spare unit they generate. For EPC’s of E, F or G (with G being the worst) then property owners will receive the lower rate tariff of 9p/kWh. According to the Energy Saving Trust’s website “If you have an EPC which shows that your property is a Band E, F or G you will need to carry out energy efficiency improvements before you apply for the FITs or receive the FIT at the lower rate of 9p/kWh for the lifetime of the tariff, currently 25 years.”

These energy efficient improvements may require replacement “A” rated windows and doors, loft insulation, cladding, new boilers, floor insulation, energy saving light bulbs, lagging pipes and cavity wall insulation.

Since 1st April homeowners applying for the higher FIT will need to send their energy supplier an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) showing that their property has an EPC Band D or better at the time of their

application to receive the standard rate of FITs of 21p/kWh (for a system under 4kWp) rather than the lower rate of 9p/kWh. Properties of Band E or less (or those not submitting an EPC) will receive the FIT at the lower rate. Note that even if you improve your property’s EPC Band to a D or higher at a later date you will still get the lower rate.

This requirement applies only to new solar PV systems and extensions of existing solar PV systems installed since 1st April 2012. This is not a retrospective requirement for existing solar PV systems.

For home owners planning on moving rather than improving, there is still the basic requirement of actually being able to sell their particular premises, as houses that still have single glazed windows are not only expensive to heat, but also unattractive to modern day buyers. Shrewd prospective purchasers will demand to reduce the asking price by at least the cost of

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carrying out replacement double glazing and fitting insulation throughout, along with no doubt a heavy extra discount off the asking price for being the ones “being made” to carry out this essential work.

When it comes to selling up, poorly insulated homes are inevitably shown up by the Energy Performance Certificate that all UK house owners have to provide to prospective purchasers.

The energy savings over time from fitting replacement double or triple glazing are significant and will eventually pay for the cost of installation. High quality energy rated replacement windows and doors help a property benefit from solar gain, retaining heat whilst massively reducing the amount of energy lost. They do this by not only have thermally broken frames (be they aluminium, composite, UPVC or wood), but also by being properly fitted in the first place and by having a high double glazing specification involving Low E Argon filled sealed units with warm edge spacers (which help prevent transference of temperature) and specially coated glass that maximizes solar gain whilst stops the heat escaping.

The sheer choice of bespoke replacement windows can be baffling, but as long as an independently certified “A” rated window system is selected one cannot go far wrong. There are

different types of window and finishes available to suit any type of UK property. These include aluminium, timber and UPVC casement windows and tilt and turn windows (both available in double glazing and triple glazing), sliding sash windows, Georgian windows and coloured aluminium windows, the latter of course available in any RAL colour (i.e. any colour you like!).

Modern thermally broken “A” rated UPVC triple glazed replacement windows are naturally incredibly thermally efficient, highly secure and available in the same profile as some double glazed UPVC windows, so aesthetically very attractive as well. Alternatively “A” rated aluminium double glazed windows and doors have a

slimmer profile, therefore do offer more glass and light, as well as better views and of course more attractive sight lines.

Whichever energy rated fenestration product a property owner chooses, fitting replacement “A” rated double glazed windows or triple glazed windows and doors is a real must for any property owner determined to reduce heating bills, improve home security, add value to their home and improve their day to day living environment.

For free professional advice on replacement “A” rated double glazed or triple glazed windows, along with double glazed aluminium, composite and UPVC residential doors, telephone 01494 854266 to speak to an experienced Hazlemere Windows home improvement expert, or visit www.hazlemere.co.uk APRIL2012 65

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ome years ago I had a large oil-on-canvas portrait of a lady, obviously of noble background and, in her day – that is of the later 17century – of considerable beauty. It was a fine example of a typical set piece of time; she is holding, rather dramatically, a scantily clad child who clearly wants to play with a small dog, and all are within swathes of luxurious drapes. In a well-preserved condition and in its original carved wood and gilt frame, it was not long before it caught the eye of someone who recognises a good picture. A deal was struck and the picture was delivered and hung in a place just made for it. And so began one of those great friendships that grow from common interests, although this buyer had enjoyed a few more interests than I, and I thought mine were varied enough. The customer and later to become friend was Laszlo Grof, a beguiling Hungarian who arrived in England in 1956 and without any English found employment first as a cook and then as a steel worker in an iron foundry, then into the mine as an explosives expert. Next came a spell as a furniture maker for Messrs Gomme in High Wycombe working on their famous ‘G Plan’ range, before turning his hand to running his own chicken farm. Settling down to become a qualified accountant Laszlo then went to Oxford to receive a degree with honours in history and has just completed his 8th tour of Transylvania lecturing on his favourite subject, the history of cartography. In this field Laszlo is one of the leading authorities on ancient maps with a collection envied by museums and connoisseurs all over the world.

In the field of music he is a keen jazz buff and has been in the audience on several occasions 66

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ZOLTAN'S

remarked on two contemporary paintings hanging in the same room as the lady with the child and dog. They had an instant appeal in the colourful and atmospheric representation of rural Hungary, full of light and shadows.

Zoltan explained that the Impressionist movement had and still has an important influence in Hungary and a leading exponent is the artist Zoltan Grof – no relation – who painted the two I was admiring.

ZOLTAN'S SUNDAY AFTERNOON

WOODS IN SUNSHINE

when I’ve been playing, both with a small group and with the Sticky Wicket Big Band Drum Spectacular which we put on at The Stables in Wavenden, the jazz Mecca established by the

late and much lamented John Dankworth and his still-singing wife the fabulous Cleo Lane.

So time spent with Laszlo is never silent and while visiting him last year I noticed and

Zoltan’s technique of using enamel-oil, give his paintings the power of colour achieved by traditional oils, with the luminescence of light and shade created by the modern medium of lacenamel.

Zolton developed his skills and love of the medium as a student.

The impressionist traditions of the famous Hungarian Nagybanya School which was founded as an artist’s colony in 1896 by Simon Hollosy, was the spark from which Zoltan developed his passion and skills to produce the vibrant and atmospheric paintings. In 2001 Zoltan was commissioned to create 24 large scale pictures for UNESCO, each commemorating the cities, towns and villages given World UNESCO status. His paintings are in numerous private collections in Hungary and abroad. At the time of writing we are holding an exhibition of Zoltan’s work in the grand Bedford Room at Woburn Abbey, the first we hope of many. We all meet fascinating people from time to time but there can be few occupations like mine where you have the opportunity to learn just how fascinating they really are and how they act as catalysts for other people with varying talents in such disparate fields.

p67_BUCKS_AD_VARIOUS__ 20/04/2012 14:52 Page 1

p68_BUCKS_AD_VARIOUS__ 20/04/2012 15:01 Page 1

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Ad_Master__ 19/04/2012 12:53 Page 1

p70_BUCKS_ORIGINLEISURE__ 20/04/2012 11:04 Page 1

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THE OLYMPIC RANGE A NEW BREED OF INDOOR POOL FROM ORIGIN Origin has been in the indoor and outdoor swimming pool business for over thirty years.

In that time they have built literally thousands of pool installations - most of which are still in daily use today.

Along the way the company has listened to, and in many cases benefited from, ideas and styles that their customers have suggested and the new Olympic range has included many of these suggestions. In fact it is not an exaggeration to say that their wide network of customers has helped to make this the benchmark Origin design collection. More pool space and greater consideration of internal layout. Extra ideas that their customers find important - such as more daylight, better changing facilities, and importantly, more room for gym equipment. Another subject they mentioned was cost! So the company has brought these state of the art packages in at some record-breaking prices.

And to help out even further, the Chancellor didn't alter the VAT rate but they 70

APRIL2012

did! For a limited time Origin are prepared to pay half the VAT on all the Olympic pool buildings. Typically this could mean a saving of up to £20,000.

But how has Origin managed to produce what is probably their most advanced range at such competitive rates? Through the use of cutting edge technology and the finest new materials they can offer some very exciting advances to today's pool buyer.

For example, fully temperature controlled pool and surroundings. An exterior finish engineered timber construction. A wide choice of exterior and interior finishes and colours, so the Olympic pool house will match in with the colour, texture and surroundings of your home.

To complete this comprehensive package, Origin has commissioned ten big canvas prints in a wide range of subjects (from flowers, to palm trees to penguins!) to complete the picture. The company will offer you any two of these with their compliments. Artwork can really maximise the interior

look, and these big bold subjects will forever be talking points to all your guest swimmers.

The Olympic range features four models - the Arena, the Marathon, the Challenger and the top of the range Olympiad.

The Arena is a compact well appointed design, with all the features of its bigger counterparts apart from the Origin trademark roof lantern design. The pool size is a generous 5.7 x 2.75 metres, and has a powerful swim jet to really try your stamina.

The other models even include gym equipment recommended by Origin - and the whole range boasts shower facilities and sliding patio doors.

If you chose the mid-range Marathon the standard price for the complete package would be £189,000. Take off half the VAT as long as this offer lasts, and you would pay £173,250 - a saving of £15,750. * A great incentive for you to be first in the Olympic race.

ABOUT ORIGIN Origin is Britain’s biggest indoor pool company. From small beginnings in the 1970s the company has grown, and its product ranges become more sophisticated, ever since.

The directors and their team of key people are largely the same, some of the team being able to boast over twenty five years of service.

And of course the expertise has grown to new heights, resulting in the superb architect designed buildings of today.

Origin are responsible for every element of the process from early scribbled designs that include many of the customers' thoughts, through the architectural design, planning, ground works and construction. All is within the remit of this privately owned British company - from the first sketch to the last lick of paint, controlled and overseen by the Origin team. And that's a promise.

Origin is proud to sponsor Olympic swimmer Fran Halsall. Her constant and remarkable progress includes world records, and qualifying for the Olympics fastest in the world in 50m and 100m freestyle events this year. Apparently she wishes she had an Origin pool house!

One of the big canvas pictures that Origin will present their customers, as part of the Olympic package. You can choose any two from the range.

Telephone: 01895 823366 Email: info@originleisure.com www.originleisure.com *Exclusions apply

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p72_BUCKS_BROOKMANS__ 20/04/2012 15:54 Page 1

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All change at Moneyhill Interiors!

Moneyhill Interiors is introducing a fabulous bedroom range to their Showroom in Moneyhill Parade aving concentrated on kitchens for the last decade or so, Moneyhill Interiors is introducing a fabulous bedroom range to their Showroom in Moneyhill Parade. Celia Warbrick, Managing Director at Moneyhill explains, although we are well known for our kitchens, not everyone knows that we also produce bedrooms, cinema rooms, studies, libraries and media pieces, so we decided to display a brand new Oak and painted Bedroom from Davonport Furniture. Complete with beds from Hypnos, this room set will show the quality and craftsmanship that makes Davonport furniture so special.

H

Often being asked what other rooms in the house we can make furniture for, the answer is really if we can design it, we can make it. With a few exceptions, our Factory in Colchester has the expertise to recreate new and exciting furniture for the home. All our designs, either fitted or freestanding can be manufactured in a variety of woods and finishes.

Looking for new inspiration at home ? With only one kitchen still for sale in the refurbishment sale, now is the time to turn a dream into reality.

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APRIL2012

A fabulous Pronorm Y line handless kitchen in White is for sale complete with 2 islands, and Miele appliances, including a Steam oven combination, and induction hob amongst the many appliances.

With a totally free planning service, every installation is unique, so each design is totally personal, perhaps to include a favourite table or dresser or even an antique.

All furniture available from Moneyhill Interiors Ltd., 1 Moneyhill Parade, Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth, Herts. Tel: 01923 773906.

Please visit our web site at www.moneyhillinteriors.com, or call the Showroom for a brochure.

Showroom open, Monday to Friday, 9- 5.30, Saturday 10 – 4, othertimes by appointment only.

For more information about Moneyhill Interiors Ltd 1 Moneyhill Parade, Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire. WD3 7BQ. Call 01923 773906 or email celia@moneyhillinteriors.com alternatively visit the website at www.moneyhillinteriors.com

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p75_BUCKS_AD_VARIOUS__ 20/04/2012 15:20 Page 1

TENDERCARE Garden Design Centre & Plant Nursery

Beautiful gardens ...crafted by professionals Let us help you to improve your view this Summer!

Consultation ~ Planning ~ Design Giving the right advice on the choice of plants for screening, for obtaining planning permission or revitalising garden borders is 'second nature' to our experts. We might make it seem easy - but isn't that reassuring?

Inspirational ideas flow for new designs and major make-overs from the talented designers with whom we work. Let us introduce them to you!

Our introductory visit to your garden focuses on your needs and includes an hour's consultation.

For £145.00* one of our award winning horticultural experts will meet you in your garden and make recommendations on using mature plants to increase your privacy, optimise your enjoyment of the garden, as well as enhancing your home. This fee is refundable with a purchase of £2500. *Mileage supplement after 30 miles – £200.00 for London postcodes.

All prices exclusive of VAT.

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01895 835544 Email:

sales@tendercare.co.uk Exhibiting at Chelsea Flower Show May 22-26 Grand Pavillion F20

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p76_BUCKS_STGILES__ 20/04/2012 15:18 Page 1

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MAKEOVER MOVES!

D

espite lurching from glorious sunshine one day to typical April showers the next, drought conditions prevail for much of the country it would seem!

Whatever the weather throws at us, the longer daylight hours at least make us all feel that we are emerging from the dark days of winter, stranded at home, unable to get out and about for days on end. Of course that’s the very time you start to notice little things around the home needing attention such as walls which need a coat of paint, sofas which need re-covering and maybe the odd piece of furniture which was put into the home as a “temporary measure” is still sitting there many months later!

For us this is the very time of year when many of our clients approach us with ideas and questions because they have noticed areas which need updating and possibly extending in their homes. Long winter days with the family all together often highlights potential lack of storage in the home for example.

The well documented January sales have been and gone with many large retailers promoting

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their “special deals” although there are still many of these up for grabs! It’s time for action!

A lot of people now prefer to stay in their homes and re-vamp what they currently have rather than incur the cost of moving.

There are many planning applications being dealt with these days and the focus is definitely more on makeovers than anything else. With budget for any project being the first step to consider, it’s worth bearing in mind that quality furnishings are going to cost you more in the short term but will stand the test of time.

Many people look to glossy magazines for makeover ideas but these tend to simply illustrate “trends” rather than good traditional or contemporary pieces. Trendy pieces will often look good initially but don’t usually last – think of all those avocado bathroom suites from years ago!! We all want a fresh modern look and feel but realistically we also want something that won’t date and is a better long term purchase.

Furniture that is a little bit traditional with clean lines tends to be “timeless” and sit between

highly contemporary and very traditional which suits most homes and tastes.

Although large retailers can happily offer big discounts, remember that the beauty of the smaller retailer is that they are able to offer a far more personal service since they know their product so well. In my experience customers really appreciate this. In the current climate that we all find ourselves living in we should also be mindful of our carbon footprint and how “green” our products really are. Again this is something that the smaller retailers are often really good at.

We love to know the heritage of all our wood and use only F.S.C affiliated manufacturers for our timber. We have also been lucky enough to make superb furniture for some of our clients using their own timber, making their bespoke furniture both unique and very special.

We should all be supporting British products and working with local companies who have a wealth of experience to offer.

Remember that saying “use it or lose it”? Most of us have chosen to live in this area because it ticked a lot of boxes to do with lifestyle. We should all play our part to ensure that our local shops are used rather than choosing those “special offers” and short term solutions from the large out of town retailers. At St Giles Furniture we have recently refurbished our showroom which now houses a large selection of beautiful hand-crafted free-standing and fitted furniture styles to tempt you with whatever makeover you might have in mind!

London Road, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire HP8 4NN T. 01494 873031 E. info@stgilesfurniture.com

p77_BUCKS_AD_VARIOUS__ 20/04/2012 15:21 Page 1

p78_BUCKS_AD_VARIOUS__ 20/04/2012 15:25 Page 1

TailorMade Sofas, Victoria Street, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP11 2LT • 01494 462233 • enquiries@tailormadesofas.co.uk

Fitted Bedroom Furniture Unique new w designs nique ne U fitted itteed by by our o own wn sstaff taffff measuree & ffitt to measur measu Made to Manufactured Manuf actur ed locally

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p80_BUCKS_FRITHSDEN__ 20/04/2012 12:38 Page 1

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CONSTRUCTION WITH AWARD WINNING QUALITY AND STYLE IF YOU ARE THINKING OF IMPROVING OR EXTENDING YOUR HOME RATHER THAN MOVING THIS YEAR…

F

rithsden Construction, established early in 2006, evolved from the frustrating occurrences experienced by owners Anthony and Julie Hayes. Over a period of ten years the local couple purchased various large properties needing refurbishment or extending, but often experienced problems with tradesmen letting them down, failing to complete the work to schedule etc.

After several years of learning the hard way, Anthony, a business entrepreneur, and Julie, an Interior Designer saw the need to create ‘Frithsden Construction’. With a strong team behind them, consisting of experienced and creative architects, a good working relationship with local planners, knowledgeable contracts managers and all the necessary skilled trades and craftsmen needed, they have gone on to build several outstanding new homes in Hertfordshire. Even managing to win the much coveted ‘Federation of Master Builders’ award for the Southern counties area, in just their second year of building! There seems to be no stopping this enterprising and driven company, with a very strong ethos on creative designs, high standards of finish, and a complete understanding of their clients needs in order to achieve their dream home.

Identifying the need to expand into the private residential sector, the company now offer a full ‘Project Management Service’ from the conception of your dream to the

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reality of completion. Catering for the private client who may be unsure of moving at such unpredictable times, but has a need and desire to improve their home through extending or refurbishment.

Whilst recognising the current financial uncertainties we are all faced with, the

high standards set by these regulatory authorities.

The Company can even support you with their knowledge, expertise and contacts for all the internal aspects of your home, helping source competitive kitchen and bathroom ranges, through to window treatments and advice

company also offers a ‘Stage Payment Plan’ system, allowing the client to pay at various agreed stages of the project, as the work is completed. This runs in-conjunction with the recognised building standards ‘JCT minor works contract’.

Ensuring that the client has both financial protection and value for money at all times.

‘Frithsden Construction ’ is also a registered NHBC and LABC home builder and contractor, and they strive to exceed the

on paint colours!

Therefore, if you are thinking of improving, or building your new home, then why not consider using the complete services of local award winning ‘Frithsden Construction’.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of your home, then feel free to call Anthony or Julie on 01442 870495 or email them on info@fclimited.com. You can also visit the web page for further information and previous projects at www.ourdreamhouse.co.uk

p81_BUCKS_AD_VARIOUS__ 20/04/2012 15:49 Page 1

Fine Tapestry Walll Hangingss & Early Oak Furniture for the Discerning‌

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p82_BUCKS_LAURENCESINGER__ 20/04/2012 16:39 Page 1

busines s

the complex

world of

family law

v

JUST A PIECE OF PAPER

“We love each other so why get married? It’s just a piece of paper!” Many consider marriage to be an unnecessary, social conformity, but the marriage certificate should be treated like an insurance policy – you may not need it now, but you’ll be looking for it when there is a disaster. Here’s a fictitious example.

Peter and Kate fall in love but decide not to bother getting married. They live together in Peter’s flat, owned by him. Peter starts a new job which has pension benefits. Kate falls pregnant and has a baby, Emily, putting her own career on hold to stay at home as a full-time mum. Peter builds up a savings portfolio in his own name. He uses it for family holidays and furnishing the flat.

Three years later things start going wrong; their relationship breaks down and Kate wants out. She takes Emily and returns to live with her parents.

Peter is hurt and angry, insisting the break-up is Kate’s fault. He does pay maintenance for Emily but Kate has no savings or job. Legally Peter doesn’t have to give her anything for herself, or compensate her for giving up her career in order to raise Emily.

Now let’s wind back the 82

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“There are lies, lies and damn statistics”. And this is equally true in the complex world of family law, according to solicitor and mediator LAURENCE SINGER. Take statistics. We know that one in three marriages breaks down, but the problems can be far worse when the couple are simply living together… clock a few years, when Peter and Kate did decide to get married. Sadly, things have still gone wrong leading to separation and then a divorce.

But Kate can legally ask for, and get, a fair financial deal. This might include a share of the flat, a share of Peter’s savings and his future pension rights.

And there may be some maintenance support for herself.

So, what can readers learn from the moral of this tale?

Quite apart from the usual justifications for the institution of marriage, there really is a very practical reason for it. That certificate, which many regard as ‘just a piece of paper’, acts as an insurance policy – ensuring a fair, financial outcome for the partner who is likely to be economically weaker during and after the relationship. And if there are assets accrued before the marriage – which one partner wants to protect – then a pre-nuptial agreement can help to ensure this.

WHERE’S GRANDMA?

When a marriage breaks down and the parents separate, it is not only their problems, which may have an effect on the children.

It can also be upsetting for the grandparents – who may have helped care for these children in the past – causing mutual feelings of loss. This can continue for many years and affect a child into adulthood. So here’s another fictitious scenario.

Harry and Sally are married with two children, aged eight and six. Harry’s parents, Janet and John live ten minutes away.

These grandparents have frequently

looked after the children – sometimes having them stay overnight when Harry and Sally wanted an evening out.

But the marriage is unhappy.

p82_BUCKS_LAURENCESINGER__ 20/04/2012 16:39 Page 2

business

Harry leaves and rents an apartment 100 miles away, nearer to his new job. Sadly, Harry and Sally now have bitter arguments about everything – money, the home, his contact with the children – leading to legal battles.

It is often said that ‘blood is thicker than water’, and this becomes apparent when a family crisis erupts. So it is not surprising that Harry’s parents are supportive of their son. And because some ill-considered words have been said, Sally does not wish the children to see their grandparents any more – and they are distraught.

What can be done? Do grandparents have rights? What is the best decision for the children? The Courts say that the welfare of the children is paramount and any decision should be in their best interests.

It is beneficial for children to maintain contact with both parents and also with the wider family – especially grandparents. So, how can we help our fictitious family?

Firstly, the adults must improve the relationship between themselves. Janet and John need to step back from the natural alliance with their son, Harry. They must try to open up a dialogue with their daughter-in-law, and if this is difficult (or degenerates into a slanging match) the grandparents could contact a Family Mediator.

Mediation will enable them to discuss the contact issues with Sally – in an emotionally safe and unbiased way – and help reach an agreement that’s in the interests of the children. The best outcome for all concerned is an agreed one.

LIAR, LIAR!

Sometimes agreement is the last thing on people’s minds.

They often and quite naturally have different perceptions of events – both historic and

current – and such differences are accentuated in a bad relationship. Mutual accusations of “Liar!” tend to breed, but this just makes things worse and shuts off any chance of good communication. There are usually three sides to every story, ‘yours, mine, and the truth’. Here is our last, yet typical, story.

Brian and Clair have been separated for a few months, and don’t get on at all. Alfie, their son who is four years old, lives with Clair. Brian comes round on alternate Saturdays to take Alfie home to stay overnight, and then brings him back on Sunday.

One Saturday Brian arrives to pick up Alfie, but he overslept because of long hours at the office and is an hour late – and tired.

Meanwhile, Clair had arranged to meet friends and is upset that she can’t go now. She is also angry

because her maintenance payment has been delayed. They are both irritable and argue on the doorstep. Alfie starts to cry and Clair says “Look what you’ve done!” She shuts the door on Brian, so Alfie didn’t get to see his dad.

Afterwards Clair complains to her lawyer that Brian shouted and threatened her in front of the child. She was frightened, so she had no alternative but to close the door.

At the same time Brian complains to his solicitor that Clair wouldn’t listen to his explanation, screamed about money, then refused to let him see Alfie – slamming the door in his face.

If Brian and Clair were each asked “What would the other parent be saying to their solicitor?” they may suggest an answer, and then insist it is a lie.

The reality is that they are both right, from their own perspectives. But as their relationship has broken down so badly, they are not listening to each other. Each has their own version of the truth. In an ideal world Brian should have phoned Clair to say why he would be late, and she should not have mentioned the delayed payment on the doorstep.

People need to listen to each other, because often the positive things get lost when they don’t.

Parents of young children must deal with the polarisation of their relationship for many years – learning to co-operate as parents, and finding ways to resolve their difficulties. Their family lawyers can help them understand how to try and avoid conflicts by imagining different scenarios, and by encouraging each participant to be aware of the other’s point of view.

Laurence Singer is a Matrimonial & Family Law specialist in Amersham. There are no frills and fancy offices – just plain, good advice. Many clients are eligible for legal aid, and he also provides fixed fee options.

Visit www.singerlaw.co.uk or call him on 01494 431400.

APRIL2012 83

p84_BUCKS_ENJOYHOLIDAYS__ 19/04/2012 16:54 Page 1

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THE TUSCAN RIVIERA SUN, SEA, SAND…AND WORLD-CLASS SIGHTSEEING

FOR ME, THE VERY WORD ‘RIVIERA’ CONJURES UP IMAGES OF CLASS AND SOPHISTICATION - OPEN-TOP FERRARI SPORTS CARS AND SOPHIA LOREN WEARING HUGE SUNGLASSES AND A SMALL BIKINI. WELL, YOU MAY NOT BUMP INTO SOPHIA AND HER FRIENDS, BUT THERE ARE ENDLESS OTHER ATTRACTIONS TO LURE YOU TO THIS BEAUTIFUL AREA. LET’S HAVE A LOOK AT JUST SOME OF THEM.

S

tarting at the French border, the Italian Riviera arcs gently eastwards then southwards, facing out onto the Gulf of Genoa and stretching as far as La Spezia. Continue south from there and the Tuscan Riviera reveals itself, the Apuan Alps providing a scenic, mountain backdrop to the beautiful beaches of the coastline - a favourite area for all types of holidaymakers.

The region enjoys a mild climate and plenty of sunshine – but that only partly explains its attraction to visitors. You’ll almost certainly want to base yourself by the sea, along the white sands of the seemingly endless Versilian Beach, perhaps in a resort such as Lido di Camaiore, Forte dei Marmi, Marina di Pietrasanta or the larger Viareggio, famous for its pre-Easter carnival (and, if you like opera, the spectacular Puccini Festival, held every summer in nearby Torre del 84

APRIL2012

Lago).

Well-established, the coastal resorts here have everything you need for a relaxing break, hours of sunbathing interrupted by the occasional swim in the blue seas. But a great advantage of a seaside holiday in the Tuscan Riviera is the easy access you’ll have to some of Italy’s famous towns and cities with truly world-class attractions. Pisa with its unique tower – as well as castles, museums and monasteries - is just a short hop away. Florence, a Renaissance beauty, bursting with art, sculpture and literary significance, is an easy and unforgettable daytrip. And don’t forget Siena, home of the incredibly raucous palio horse races in July and August, but worth a visit at any time. Only slightly less famous is the ancient town of Lucca, awash with ornate buildings, tiny piazzas and a renowned amphitheatre.

If you prefer nature and

perhaps a spot of walking, this area will certainly not disappoint. To the north is the Cinque Terre area of rocky coastline, an opportunity to walk along the Sentiero Azzurro coastal path which links the five spectacular villages to which the area’s name refers.

(And don’t forget to sample the local white wines here, perhaps after your cliff-top walk is complete). For a more leisurely pursuit, and a different view of the coast, boat trips are available from many of the major resorts.

Italians and their visitors simply love their food and wine, and Tuscany certainly enhances the reputation of Italy’s cuisine.

Fish is an important part of the cuisine here, as you would expect with all that sea on the doorstep. But it’s certainly not the whole story, and Italian favourites, from pasta and pizza to fresh meat dishes, are all here to complete your perfect holiday experience. And if you’ve never seen the Italians

eat ice cream, make sure you visit a gelateria (ice-cream parlour) with the locals – Italians get pretty excited about ice cream. Oh yes… wine.

Tuscany is famous for Chianti, of course, but Montepulciano and Vernaccia di San Gimignano are good bets, too.

So, after that whistle-stop tour, maybe it’s back for a rest on those white sands and a dip in the blue sea, congratulating yourself on what a truly fantastic holiday destination you’ve chosen. Goodbye… or arrivederci, as they say in Italy.

Based in Chalfont St Peter, your local travel agent, enjoyholidays, can advise you on some wonderful holidays on the Tuscan Riviera and elsewhere. Call Ronnie Findlay, Managing Director, and his team on 01753 885272 and find out about the latest offers.

Article written by Murray Stewart, muzzer45@yahoo.co.uk n

p84_BUCKS_ENJOYHOLIDAYS__ 19/04/2012 16:54 Page 2

p86_BUCKS_RECIPE__ 19/04/2012 16:54 Page 1

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food drInk

new season english asParagus with hollandaise sauce, Bacon Powder and Pata negra ham APRIL INTO MAY SEES THE ENGLISH ASPARAGUS SEASON IN FULL SWING ALLOWING US TO MAKE FULL USE OF THIS DELICIOUS BOUNTY. INSPIRED BY A RECENT TRIP TO SPAIN WHERE ITS COUNTERPART THE WHITE ASPARAGUS IS HIGHLY REGARDED AND USED IN A VARIETY OF DISHES I HAVE PAIRED THE CRISP GREEN ASPARAGUS WITH THE WHITE AND ADDED SOME OF THE LUXURIOUS PATA NEGRA HAM.

Ingredients

peppercorns and allow to infuse and then strain 4. In a food processor whisk your egg yolks until light and fluffy add two teaspoons of your warm vinegar liquid and gently pour in your melted butter leaving any milk solids behind in the pan 5. Keep whisking until a smooth mayonnaise like consistency is achieved add salt lemon juice and pepper to taste 6. Turn the dried pancetta into bacon crumb by mixing it on full speed in a food processor 7. Next heat a little olive oil and butter in a frying pan and roll your asparagus tips to warm, remove from heat and spoon over a little of the dressing 8. Roll the asparagus ends in the bacon powder 9. Arrange on a pretty plate with the pata negra ham, salad leaves and a spoon or two of the hollandaise sauce

Spring guest chef event

Dressing 1. Bring all ingredients to the boil, allow to infuse for 2 minutes then strain and reserve the liquor.

5. To make the sauce, heat the butter until it begins to foam until it turns nut brown in colour and then quickly add the flaked almonds, capers parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice

To make sure you do not miss out on this unique collaboration, book now to avoid disappointment on 01494 726611, alternatively email info@artichokerestaurant.co.uk

Asparagus 2. Trim the asparagus, blanch in boiling salted water for one and half minutes and then plunge into iced water.

Chef ’s tip

2 bunches new season English asparagus 3 medium sized free range egg yolks 250 g block of unsalted butter melted 1 bay leaf 3 black peppercorns 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar 4 slices pata negra ham or quality cured ham Juice of 1 lemon Salt and pepper 100 g pancetta diced fried and allow to dry for 24 hours Salad leaves to garnish Dressing 4 tablespoons water 1 table spoon of sugar 1 table spoon of white wine vinegar 1 stick of lemon grass chopped 1 star anise

Method

Hollandaise 3. On a low heat melt the butter in a heavy bottomed pan. Meanwhile warm the vinegar, bay leaf and

86

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If you apply a little pressure with your thumb and fore finger on the stem of the asparagus it will snap naturally at the point where the tender flesh meets it more woody counterpart so that you are left with the most succulent part for the eating.

We are delighted to release the first date for our brand new culinary initiative, the Guest Chef Event, offering you the chance to dine and enjoy a bespoke menu created by Laurie and one of Britain’s finest Chefs.

Introducing our first Guest Chef who will be joining us on Thursday 26th April.

Russell Bateman from Colette’s at The Grove Russell is known for his inventive and stylish ways of creating seasonal dishes using many ingredients handpicked from the garden.

Five Course Tasting Menu to include a glass of champagne upon arrival £75.

Optional Wine Flight £36

The Artichoke is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday.

The Artichoke Restaurant, 9 Market Square, Old Amersham Tel: 01494 726611. www.artichokerestaurant.co.uk

TudorBarn_April__ 20/04/2012 13:32 Page 1

THERE WILL BE A WEDDING FAYRE ON SUNDAY 29TH APRIL FROM 11AM – 3PM

TUDOR SPLENDOUR HISTORICAL VENUE FOR WEDDINGS AND PARTIES The beautiful 16th century Tudor Barn conversion is set in six acres of landscapes gardens and paddocks, adjacent to the famous Burnham Beeches. It is ideally suited for a variety of functions, including weddings and parties and is licensed to hold civil ceremonies. At the Tudor Barn we will make your Wedding Day a memorable occasion by compiling a wedding programme to suit your specific requirements.

We pride ourselves in not having more than one event at any time in The Tudor Barn, so you and your guests will have the exclusive use of the venue for the whole day and evening. We intend to make your day as special as possible.

Our highly qualified chefs and professional team welcome the opportunity of discussing your particular requirements.

Contact Maryrose Gray (tel: 01753 648 644) Or see our website www.tudorbarn.co.uk The Tudor Barn, Britwell Road, Burnham, Bucks. SL1 8DF

Bespoke Private Caterers

As seasoned professionals we have a wealth of knowledge from within the industry.

Looking for something special?

We evaluate your particular requirements and design a menu package to suit.

Seasons Catering Co. Ltd 4 Market Square, Old Amersham, Buckinghamshire HP7 0DQ

food@seasons-catering.com

01494 727807

www.seasons-catering.com

Delicious food inspired by the seasons

Sunday Buffet 1pm to 5pm Adults £10.95 Children £6.50 (buffet menu changed weekly)

20% off

Mon – Thurs

(when you menti

on this advert)

Terms & condit

ions apply

Business lunch from £6.95 Served Mon – Fri from 12.00 – 2.30 pm

Full takeaway service available including deliveries 58 - 60 The Parade, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5SS Tel: 01628 522734 or 01628 523835

www.thecoriander.com Other Branches

Amersham ~Ware ~ Buckhurst Hill ~Woodford ~Vauxhall ~Westcombe Park

p98_BUCKS_WHISKEY__ 20/04/2012 15:58 Page 1

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food drink

£100,000 whisky

TO CELEBRATE THE QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE

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J

ust 60 bottles of a Diamond Jubilee scotch, made by Johnnie Walker distiller Diageo, have been produced for sale, and are being offered to known collectors of rare and expensive whiskies.

Another single bottle will be given to the Queen herself.

The whisky is a blend of grain and malt whiskies dating back from 1952, and finished in casks made of oak from the Queen’s Sandringham estate.

If you don’t have £100,000 to spend and are wondering what it tastes like, the master blender for all Johnnie Walker whiskies, Jim Beveridge, said he is “surprised and delighted” by the way the Jubilee whisky has turned out.

“With whisky as old as 60 years, sometimes it can be a bit crusty and the flavours can be a bit subdued. But this one is very vibrant,” he said. “It has a fresh fruity flavour, and a finish which is smoky and also has an exotic fruit taste.” He added that Diageo has whisky stocks dating back 50 years, but for anything older than that there are far fewer to choose from.

“1952 was an interesting year for distillers, as the whisky industry started to get back on its feet after the Second World War “ said Mr Beveridge.

The whisky was bottled on 7th February in Baccarat crystal decanters, at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery on the edges of the Queen’s Balmoral estate.

David Gates, the head of Diageo’s whisky business, said the company originally planned to offer the Diamond Jubilee whisky to wealthy afficionados in Asia Pacific and Latin America, but has now had requests from the US and Europe as well.

All profits from the sale of the bottles will go to the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST).

p89_BUCKS_AD_VARIOUS__ 20/04/2012 16:07 Page 1

wonderful things in wonderful surroundings and a cracking celebration of all that is good to eat and drink from across the counties and

THE tHREE COUNTIES

further afield.

With a huge range of food and drink (and related goodies)

FOOD FaIR

there will also be a full programme of food and cookery demonstrations as well as wine and beer tasting sessions all adding to a really good weekend for everyone from the amateur enthusiast through to the most sophisticated gastronome.

Henley-on-Thames Oxon RG9 3AP open between 10:00am - 5pm each day admission: £5 concessions £4 children age 5-16 £2 Family: £12 (2 adults + 2 children) Pre-booking discounts available at oakleighfairs.co.uk/threecounties

t u o s y a d l l u f e t s ta

OAK LE I G H

supporting

Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 May Henley Showground (A4155)

supported by our chums at

MAY 2012

27Jul -12Aug

lots more info: 0800 141 2823

l www.oakleighfairs.co.uk

Wedding Planners and Organisers Every couple has a dream of the perfect Wedding Day T: 01494 727456 E: info@only-weddings.co.uk www.only-weddings.co.uk

p90_BUCKS_AD_VARIOUS_Layout 1 20/04/2012 16:11 Page 1

Award winning Homes and Renovations of distinction Planning, Design and Construction of: New Build Homes Extensions and Conversions Renovations External Works and Landscaping INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTING See our work at www.ourdreamhouse.co.uk CALL OR EMAIL NOW FOR YOUR FREE PLANNING OR INTERIOR DESIGN APPRAISAL

01442 870495 07970 666667 info@fclimited.com www.ourdreamhouse.co.uk References Available

VALLEY Y ROAD, RICKMANSWORTH RI WD3 4BP BRAND NEW * Circa 4000 sq.ft. over two floors * * 5 Bedrooms, 3 Bath/Shower Rooms * * 3 Reception Rooms * * Spacious Kitchen/Family Room * * Private Gated Driveway * * Triple Covered Parking * * Secluded Woodland Setting *

ÂŁ1,650,000 Freehold www.matthew-homes.com

gibbs-gillespie.co.uk

LONDON

BUCKS

HERTS

MIDDX

Get connected to the London and international market...

In recent years, the influence of the London and overseas based buyer has steadily increased.

With this in mind, we have nurtured a special relationship with our associated prestigious showroom on London’s Park Lane, who recommend London and international purchasers to our office network. This is vital to us and a major part of our marketing strategy, particularly in selling top end properties.

We offer a clear and bespoke service for top end properties and ensure genuine marketing exposure in the heart of London for our clients as well as locally through the Gibbs Gillespie network.

To find out more about our marketing prowess, please call us now for your free, no obligation market appraisal.

Rickmansworth area 01923 771 771

Chorleywood area 01923 285 600

Loudwater area 01923 778 778

London office 020 7079 1406 Call 0845 481 1640 for your free market appraisal.

RickmansworthLife-280xW 210.indd 1

21/02/2012 11:02

UK’s Best Estate Agency of the Year 2009 Overall Winner Best UK Medium Agency of the Year 2009 Gold Award Best Medium South East Agency of the Year 2009 Gold Award

gibbs-gillespie.co.uk

Chorleywood, Hertfordshire

Asking price over £1,100,000

This impressive six bedroom family residence effortlessly balances charm and elegance submerged together to create a home of unquestionable distinction with breath taking views of the tree tops. A perfect combination of grandeur and tasteful extensions blend to create a character filled family home.

This delightful property is situated on the outskirts of Chorleywood Village, surrounded by protected Greenbelt countryside with the Chilterns being recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  Cloakroom  Sitting Room  Dining room  Lounge  Kitchen/breakfast room  Utility room  Front aspect balcony  Master bedroom suite  Five further bedrooms  Study area  Family bathroom  Separate WC  Rear garden & sun terrace  Parking area & garage

Chorleywood Sales 01923 285 600 chorleywoodsales@gibbs-gillespie.co.uk

Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to view this property

We have your area covered with seven offices throughout Middlesex, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

p92_BUCKS_GIBSSGILESPIE.indd 2

20/04/2012 11:33

gibbs-gillespie.co.uk

LONDON

Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire

BUCKS

HERTS

MIDDX

Asking price over £925,000

This stunning four bedroom detached family home is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac within walking distance of Rickmansworth town centre. The property has been transformed by the current owners, and viewing is essential to appreciate the planning and workmanship that has gone in to making it the unique home it is.

Ideally located within walking distance of Rickmansworth town centre, with all its shops, restaurants and the Metropolitan Line station with its links to London, as well the M1 and M25 motorways  Open plan kitchen/dining/family room  Living room  Study  Utility room  Gym  Two bedroom suites  Two further double bedrooms  Family bathroom  Under floor heating throughout  Electric skylight  Detached annex with two bedrooms  Cloakroom  Reception room  Kitchen  Shower/ steam room  Rear garden with lawn and paved patio area

Rickmansworth Sales 01923 771 771 rickmansworthsales@gibbs-gillespie.co.uk

Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to view this property

Call 0845 481 1640 for your free market appraisal.

p92_BUCKS_GIBSSGILESPIE.indd 3

20/04/2012 11:33

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05/03/2012 15:09

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05/03/2012 15:09

LandWanted

BE FO R

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Ad_Master__ 19/04/2012 12:32 Page 1

for luxury homes & apartments R TE AF

Land is in great demand in prime locations like Berkhamsted, Amersham, Chorleywood, Rickmansworth, Gerrards Cross, Beaconsfield and Marlow.

The Land Office helps land owners negotiate good deals with developers and we can help find the right buyer and work with land owners from the very start.

Free Initial Appraisal and Consultation • Land sold to Developers There are many different approaches to selling your valuable development site each with different merits and pitfalls.

Our initial meeting can focus on the most advantageous strategy for your circumstances.

All matters are respected as confidential and your concerns and time scale are respected throughout.

Call us today and arrange your free land appraisal In many cases, land owners prefer our developer contacts to seek planning at their own expense so you can remain free from costs and planning expenses Lance Trendall

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01582 461581 EXPERIENCE • INTEGRITY • ENTHUSIASM

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Ad_Master__ 19/04/2012 12:55 Page 1

30

years 1982 -2012

4 – 8 July 2012 STING KATHERINE JENKINS ALFIE BOE TIM MINCHIN LULU & FRIENDS LONDON COMMUNITY GOSPEL CHOIR OLLY MURS Box Office: 01491 843404

www.henley-festival.co.uk

Move collection, gold and diamond - www.messika-paris.com

beaconsfield_OCT_220x285 12/10/11 18:09 Page1