Beaconsfield Life Magazine January 2012

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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

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ISSUE 53

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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU THE AMERSHAM A CAPPELLA TOUR WWW.THELIFEMAGAZINES.COM

CHEESE MAKERS MARKET BEACONSFIELD 2012 THE RICKMANSWORTH ROTARY CLUB THE MAKING OF HARRY POTTER

PLUS… THE QUALITY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2012

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

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p03_BUCKS_LETTER__ 23/01/2012 16:07 Page 1

editor’s letter

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 HELEN CHENERY 07738 783756 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.

Welcome to our January issue…

H

appy New Year to all of our readers from the team here at Fish Media Group. We wish you a very healthy, happy and successful 2012.

With over 98% of British households buying cheese, and a staggering 700,000 tonnes (including cottage cheese and fromage frais) consumed on average each year, the UK is clearly a nation of Cheese Lovers. And so what better place to visit, than the UK’s top event for Cheese Lovers, which will take place on Saturday 14th April at The Market Place, Old Beaconsfield?

Although Cheddar is the nation’s favourite cheese, this event will offer visitors so much more! An opportunity to taste, learn about, and buy new and unusual cheeses, as well as artisan and traditional favourites, the Cheese Makers Market will offer cheeses from over 70 different producers, showcasing both British and Continental varieties.

In association with Premier Cheese (a specialist supplier to top restaurants around the UK including Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons and Tom Aikens) and La Cave à Fromage (a wonderful cheese retailer with shops in London and Brighton offering over 200 different varieties) this will mark the second year of the market – we take a look at this wonderful local event which attracts people from near and far.

Top-performing LighterLife Counsellor Philippa Davie is delighted to be expanding into South Buckinghamshire, through opening a new centre in London Road West, Amersham. Philippa currently boasts successful premises in Uxbridge, where she has helped residents to lose over 500 stone of excess weight in 2011 alone, and has been named the region’s top performing counsellor by LighterLife for two years running.

Cheryl Gillan, Secretary of State for Wales and MP for Amersham and Chesham, is to open the new centre on January 28th and Philippa is extremely grateful to have such a prestigious member of the community offer support to her new venture.

LighterLife’s expertly formulated programme, which saw Pauline Quirke shed an amazing eight stone in 2011, is much more than a diet.

Through the support of weekly counselling sessions run by your LighterLife counsellor, it enables you to not only lose weight, but also make the behavioural and lifestyle changes needed to maintain a healthy weight both now and in the long term – we’ve got a sneak preview on what’s coming to Amersham.

The Rickmansworth Rotary Club was formed in 1944. Today there are 33,000 Rotary Clubs world wide and 1.2 million Rotarians. Whilst it was originally set up as a male-only organisation, nowadays a significant proportion of the membership are women. The Rickmansworth Club is part of Rotary International, a worldwide association of clubs, who help people in need, encourage high ethical standards and work towards world understanding and peace – we’ve spoken to this wonderful local club.

Once again, Happy New Year and enjoy your January issue.

Faye Manning, Editor.

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c o n t e n t s Editor’s Letter

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Contents

10

What’s On…

12

Local Life & Events The Adelphi Theatre Harry Potter Tour Comes To Town Get More Out Of Your Life Magazine!

Kick Start 2012 A Lighter Life Gerrards Cross Living Rickmansworth Rotary Club Beaconsfield Cheese Market Local Star Hits The Big Stage Singing All The Way Art From The Riverside

14

Olympics Guide Your Guide To The London 2012 Olympics

39

Health & Beauty What’s Your Colour This Year?

Q&A With Dr. Popat Star Style Resolutions New Year, New You Put Your Health First The Good Life Top 5 Resolutions Aureus Care A More Beautiful You Looking Good!

49

House & Garden Construction & More Antiques With John Bly The Jewel In Your Crown When Is A Door Not A Door?

Tips From Titchmarsh A Hidden Gem Something Special From St Giles Furniture More Than A Kitchen New Year, New Border Improve, Don’t Move

70

Travel Somewhere Special With Enjoy Holidays

92

Food & Drink Laurie Gear’s Recipe Eating Healthy You Are What You Eat

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what’s on HERTFORDSHIRE CHORUS: DURUFLE/ALLEGRI/KODA LY/GABRIELI/WIDOR

The Chorus returns to the Abbey with a programme to thrill.

Kodaly's impassioned Missa Brevis was written during the Second World War, and is ultimately a hopeful work, although the agony of war is evident in the music. Allegri's haunting Miserere sends shivers down the spine with its pure and exhilarating top Cs. Most often heard as a wedding recessional, Widor's rousing Toccata is played

by Charles Andrews, virtuoso organist and, since the beginning of this season, the Chorus's accompanist. Duruflé wrote his Requiem not to rage against death, but to console the living, and the work is full of haunting melodies. If you like Fauré’s Requiem, you’ll love this too.

Please join us to enjoy this wonderful evening of music 7.30pm TIckets £5 - £25 available online or at the Abbey box office, or phone ticketline 0870 4580445 St Albans Abbey, Holywell Hill Hertfordshire AL1 1BY Saturday 4 Feb 2012 www.hertfordshirechorus.org.uk LEGALLY BLONDE AT THE AYLESBURY WATERSIDE THEATRE

Starring: Les Dennis as Professor Callahan Faye Brookes as Elle Iwan Lewis as Emmett The international award-winning hit Legally Blonde The Musical goes on tour. Winner of 7 major awards including Best Musical 2011 (Olivier Awards) this all-singing, all-dancing romantic comedy is about knowing who you are and showing what you've got! Elle Woods can handle anything. So when her boyfriend, Warner, dumps her she decides to follow him to Harvard Law School and win him back. With some help from new-found friends Paulette, Emmett, her chihuahua Bruiser, she learns that 12

JANUARY2012

it’s so much better to be smart.

Directed by Tony and Olivier Award winning Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray), Legally Blonde The Musical is the funniest and most fabulous musical around. The best show in town, case closed.

Please check the website for performance times and prices.

Running time: 2h 25m Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP20 1UG Tuesday 31 Jan 2012 to Saturday 4 Feb 2012 www.atgtickets.com/2883/806/Ay lesbury/Aylesbury-Waterside-Theat re/Legally-Blonde

WYCOMBE ORPHEUS MALE VOICE CHOIR CONCERT

on behalf of the South Bucks Hospice on Saturday 11th February 2012 at Beaconsfield High School 7pm for 7.30pm Tickets in advance are £12.00 per person to include a glass of wine or £15 per person on the night Reserve tickets by calling 01494 464045 or book online.

Beaconsfield High School, Wattleton Road, Beaconsfield Buckinghamshire HP9 1RR Saturday 11 Feb 2012 www.sbh.org.uk

CONCERT: OBOE AND PIANO DUO

THE RAMBLERS GROUP WALK. DIST: 7 MILES

Will Oinn - oboe and Yshani Perinpanayagam - piano, are two outstanding young professionals who have been selected by the Countess of Munster Musical Trust for support this year. Their lovely programme includes solos and duets by a range of composers, including Bach, Schumann, Debussy, Vaughan Williams and Poulenc Concert starts at 20.00 Doors open at 19.15 Single tickets £15 Under 18s free Tickets and further information from the Box Office 01494 765420 Dr Challoners High School, Cokes Lane, Little Chalfont Buckinghamshire HP7 9QB Saturday 4 Feb 2012 www.amershamconcerts.org.uk

Enjoy British wildlife on a Ramblers group walk. The Ridgeway to Ivinghoe Beacon, returning through the Ashridge Estate. Meet outside the Greyhound Pub in Aldbury.

Leaving the village we follow the Ridgeway to Ivinghoe Beacon, returning through the Ashridge Estate.

Time: 10:00. Contact: Helen telephone: 01296 631069/ 07759 420206. Most walks are intended primarily for Ramblers’ Association members.

Non-members are welcome to join us as guests on two or three walks, though if you walk with a group regularly you will be expected to join the Ramblers.

The Ramblers group walk starting point.. Grid Ref: SP965125 Hertfordshire HP23 5RU. Thursday 2 Feb 2012 www.ramblers.co.uk/walksfinder /walkInfo.php

DISCOVER DAHL’S ARCHIVES AT THE ROALD DAHL MUSEUM

For 10+ years: a behind-the-scenes look at our archive store which houses Roald Dahl’s manuscripts and letters, with our Archivist, Jane Branfield.

Talks at 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm.Free for Museum visitors.

81-83 High Street, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire Buckinghamshire HP16 0AL Saturday 11 Feb 2012 www.roalddahlmuseum.org

2.30pm. £5 per participant in addition to Museum entry.

81-83 High Street, Great Missenden Buckinghamshire HP16 0AL Tuesday 14 Feb 2012 www.roalddahlmuseum.org

VALENTINE’S DAY CHOCOLATE DECORATING AT THE ROALD DAHL MUSEUM

For 4+ years: join Kate, head chef at Cafe Twit to decorate your own crodscolloping chocolate bar for that special person.

Workshops at 11.30am and

GOLD FEVER OVER 25’S

Join us for the launch of our exclusive over 25's club night.

Delivering the best in 80's, 90's and 00's dance anthems. Singles, Couples and Parties welcome.

23rd December 11 - Xmas Launch Party 06th Jan and then every other friday for the rest of the year! Dress Code: Ladies, dress to impress. Gents, collared shirts only and NO trainers Admission: £7.50 2100-0200 The Bellhouse Hotel, Oxford Road, Beaconsfield Buckinghamshire HP9 2XE Friday 20 Jan 2012, Fri 3 Feb, Fri 17 Feb. www.facebook.com/goldfever BOURNE END COMMUNITY CRAFT MARKET

10am-1pm. Bourne End Library, Wakeman Road, Bourne End, SL8 5LX. Local residents offering their own produce and services, including: Purely Local Fresh Food ~ Savouries ~ Cakes ~ Fudge ~ Charity Tombola ~ Jewellery ~ Cards ~ Jams & Chutneys ~ Garden Produce ~ Candles ~ Crafts ~ Art ~ Fashion ~ Health & Beauty ~ Bags ~ Cushions ~ and more Saturday 14th January 2012 10am-1pm.

Parking (Pay&Display) Disabled Access, Free Entry.

10am-1pm - Free Admission -

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Disabled Access - Public Car Park (reasonable charges 30p/hour) on-site refreshments available. Any interested producers please note that you must be local to Bourne End. We also have sufficient food and jewellery producers.

Bourne End Library, Wakeman Road, Bourne End Buckinghamshire SL8 5LX Saturday 11 Feb 2012, Sat 10 Mar. LADIES PAMPER EVENING - FEB 9TH 2011.

PINEWOOD HOTEL, IVER.

Thursday 9th Feb 2012 7.30-10pm. Ladies, come and pamper yourselves with lots of exciting mini treatments from £6 only per 15 minute 'taster' treatment. Choose from Massage, Mini Manicures, Threading, Lash tinting, Reflexology and many many more. Plus stalls to purchase beauty products. This is an advance ticket purchase event and is all for charity. Entrance tickets are only £5 and includes nibbles, goodie bag and drinks. To obtain tickets email sophia_dobbins@hotmail.co.uk All proceeds to Fulmer Infant School.

Tickets must be purchased in advance £5 each inc. goodie bag, nibbles and drink. All mini ’taster’ treatments 15 minutes for £6 each. Bookable and payable to therapist on the night. Contact sophia_dobbins@hotmail.co.uk for tickets.

Pinewood Hotel, Wexham Park Lane, Geoorge Green, Iver Heath Berkshire SL3 6AP Thursday 9 Feb 2012 ZUMBA IN NORTHWOOD HILLS (ZUMBA WITH TRISHA)

TUESDAY AT 7PM An amazing dance fitness experience which is suitable for everyone.

The steps are easy to follow and fun – all set to upbeat Latin and international rhythms. Don't worry if you think you can't dance or lack co-ordination Zumba will find it in you! The class is high energy and a lot of fun. Give Zumba a go - you will have a blast, leave smiling and full of the Zumba vibe! (Other classes can be found on my website www.zumbawithtrisha.co.uk). I

am a fully licensed Zumba and group fitness instructor.

Tuesday at 7pm. £5 per class with £1 reduction for members of recognised slimming clubs. Visit www.zumbawithtrisha.co.uk for further details and full class schedule Northwood Hills United Reformed Church, Joel Street Middlesex HA6 1NL Tuesday 24 Jan 2012, Tue 31 Jan, Tue 7 Feb, Tue 14 Feb. www.zumbawithtrisha.co.uk A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING FAIR AT HEDSOR HOUSE

You will find a wide range of exhibitors all happy to help you plan your Big Day at this event as well as Bridal Fashion Shows at 12.30 and 2.30. This really is an unmissable Wedding Fair.

Open from 11am to 3.30pm with Bridal Fashion Shows at 12.30 and 2.30 *** Free Entry & Parking *** Hedsor House, Hedsor Park, Taplow, Nr Slough Buckinghamshire SL6 0HX Sunday 5 Feb 2012 www.prestigeweddingfairs.co.uk THE BUCK CLAYTON LEGACY BAND

Jazz at Pinner Parish Church.

The late, great Basie trumpeter Buck Clayton was also a fine composer and arranger. Years back, he passed a box of original music to bassist-publisher Alyn Shipton who had helped him with his memoirs. Its contents form the repertoire of Alyn’s nine-piece tribute band.

Concentrating on swing and ensemble colour, Clayton’s compositions call for solo enterprise and strong ensemble playing, which are sure to be in evidence on this occasion.

Visiting saxophonist Matthias Sueffert has reshaped Clayton’s originals for the nonet, while he and Alyn Shipton have recruited players who know the swing lexicon off by heart. Pre-booked ticket prices, £12 to £18. Call 020 8429 1260 for booking information, or visit our website for full concert details.

Concert starts at 8pm. Doors open 7:30pm.

Pinner Parish Church, Church Lane, Pinner, London HA5 3AA Saturday 11 Feb 2012 www.pinnerjazz.org.uk

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

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LocaL Life

ONCE UPON A TIME AT THE ADELPHI TRING PARK MUSICAL THEATRE COURSE PERFORMS ‘FIRST’ AMATEUR PRODUCTION OF ‘ONCE UPON A TIME AT THE ADELPHI’

Jake Small amd Megan Bancroft

T

ring Park School for the Performing Arts are delighted to announce that they’ve been given permission by writer Phil Willmot to perform the first amateur production of their highly popular, feel-good musical ‘Once Upon A Time At The Adelphi.’

Building on its strong reputation for training young talent, the show will be performed by Tring Park Musical Theatre students aged 16 – 18 at the school’s Markova Theatre in January and February 2012 and at a one off show at the Shaw Theatre, London in February 2012.

Once Upon A Time At The Adelphi - “a brilliantly entertaining feel-good musical” Written by Phil Willmott with additional music by Elliot Davies.

Hailed ‘joyous’, ‘remarkable’ and ‘a triumph’ by The Times, The Independent and The Observer, Once Upon a Time At The Adelphi follows two stories, 1930’s Liverpool and

14

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the glitz and glamour of Hollywood pour off the luxury liners for their first taste of England: a night in the city’s most fashionable hotel.

Amidst all the decadence, no-nonsense Alice from Reception has fallen for the dashing Thompson from Accounts – but fate, Hollywood, two wars and a dizzying array of staff and guests intervene in an epic love story spanning 60 years.

Originally commissioned by the Liverpool Playhouse as a centerpiece to the city's year as European Capital of Culture, its sell out extended run at the Liverpool Playhouse won a TMA award for the UK's best musical and a whatsonstage nomination for best regional production. A new production at London's Union Theatre played to a record breaking 100% capacity attracting several more nominations and its US première won 4 Spirit of Broadway awards.

Principal, Stefan Anderson, comments “We are immensely

proud we’ve been given permission to perform the first amateur production of Once Upon A Time At The Adelphi. We know we have some of the best new talent here at Tring Park and this hugely popular musical gives us another chance to build on the school’s nationwide reputation.”

Public performances of Once Upon A Time At The Adelphi the school’s Markova Theatre are on Sunday 29th January 2012 at 4.00pm, Tuesday 31st January, Wednesday 1st February and Thursday 2nd February 2012 at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £8 and £5 (concessions) and are available from the school’s Markova Theatre, telephone: 01442 821516 or from www.tringpark.com. In addition to these there will be two performances of Once Upon A Time A The Adelphi in aid of charity: for DENS –Action against Homelessness (the Mayor of Dacorum’s Charity of the Year) and for

Iain Rennie Grove House Hospice Care.

The school will then be travelling to London for a special one-night-only show on Tuesday 7th February at 7.30pm, at The Shaw Theatre, 100 – 110 Euston Road, London, NW1 2AJ. Tickets are priced at £12 (£10 Concessions). These tickets are also available from the Tring Park Box Office : www.tringpark.com or Tel. 01442 821516.

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p25_BUCKS_HARRYPOTTER__ 19/01/2012 14:38 Page 1

WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR LONDON

TO OPEN 31ST MARCH 2012

W

arner Bros. is delighted to announce that Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter will open its doors for the very first time to visitors from 31st March 2012.

Tickets to the UK’s newest attraction are on sale now.

Visitors must pre-book their tickets in advance by selecting specific tour times throughout the day via www.wbstudiotour. co.uk or through approved tour operators. Tickets will not be on sale at the attraction and spaces are limited.

Warner Bros. is also pleased to announce the inclusion of some of the film series’ most iconic sets

TICKETS ON SALE NOW within the attraction including the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s office, the Ministry of Magic, Harry Potter’s famous cupboard under the stairs, 4 Privet Drive, Gryffindor common room, the boys’ dormitory, the Potion’s classroom, Professor Umbridge’s office, the Weasley kitchen, the Hogwarts bridge and many others still to be announced.

The unique walking tour attraction will offer visitors the very first opportunity to journey behind-the-scenes and experience the magic that has gone into creating the most successful film series of all time.

Visitors will be able to see firsthand the sheer scale and detail of the actual sets, costumes, animatronics, special effects and

p25_BUCKS_HARRYPOTTER__ 19/01/2012 14:38 Page 2

local events

Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and celebrate the extraordinary talent that goes into making major movies here in the UK.”

props used in all eight of the Harry Potter films.

“It was such a magical place to grow up,” says Daniel Radcliffe.

“People will be amazed to see the incredible sets that we’ve worked in all these years.”

Rupert Grint adds, “The sets all have tiny little details that you may not always notice in the films but when you actually walk through them, you can see all the work that’s gone into it. It’s really amazing.”

“This is incredible, it’s been a long time coming and I’m very excited.” says Emma Watson.

Josh Berger, President & Managing Director, Warner Bros. UK, adds “For over 10 years the Harry Potter film series highlighted the exceptional creativity and craftsmanship that we have in the British film industry including groundbreaking special effects, incredibly detailed set design and breathtaking makeup and costumes. We are delighted that we can now open the doors to this world to the public at Warner 18

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For over 10 years the Harry Potter film series highlighted the exceptional creativity and craftsmanship that we have in the British film industry including groundbreaking special effects, incredibly detailed set design and breathtaking makeup and costumes...

“The UK will be the focus of the world with the Olympic Games in 2012 and we are incredibly excited to be launching the UK’s newest attraction at this time,” adds Sarah Roots, Vice President, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. “Visitors are going to be amazed by Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and we look forward to welcoming people from all over the world through our doors from 31st March 2012.”

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter will open 31st March 2012 with timed tickets available now. Tickets are priced at £28 for adults, £21 for children and £83 for a family of four. Tickets must be booked in advance via a dedicated website www. wbstudiotour.co.uk or through approved tour operators.

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local events Set in over 150,000 square feet, the tour will include some of the most recognisable and memorable film sets and props of all time allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves within the world of filmmaking and Harry Potter.

Within the iconic Great Hall visitors will walk on the actual solid York stone floor laid over 11 years ago.

They will also marvel at the solid oak and pine house tables which were built for the films and then aged with axes and chains. Over the years, the Hogwarts pupils have taken upon themselves to carve in their own graffiti, which production designer Stuart Craig has encouraged, as this would happen in all schools!

Visitors can also enjoy the unique house points bead system which is said to have caused a national shortage of beads when it was first installed in the year 2000.

Beyond the Great Hall, Warner Bros.

Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter continues with a huge selection of the most detailed and largest sets ever produced in the UK. Visitors can gaze closely into Dumbledore’s office and spot the authentic Sword of Gryffindor, Sorting Hat and Hogwarts headmaster portraits which adorn the walls, including one of the sleeping Professor Dumbledore himself.

Visitors will also discover the magic of green screen technology that has been used for the films including the many Quidditch matches. Also on display will be Harry Potter’s Nimbus 2000, Draco Malfoy’s Nimbus 2001 and Harry’s special gift from godfather Sirius Black, the Firebolt.

In addition to the green screen, a number of never-before-seen video pieces featuring interviews with the crew and cast will reveal the many secrets behind the filmmaking process. Visitors will also be able to appreciate the spectacular animatronics and makeup designs within the Creature Effects workshop. The workshop will feature iconic Harry Potter film creatures including Buckbeak the Hippogriff, Aragog, the giant spider, Fawkes the phoenix and the enormous Basilisk head.

The Weasley kitchen will showcase the incredible craftsmanship of the real life special effect props including Molly Weasley’s selfcooking frying pan, knitting needles and chopping boards. And fans can celebrate Hogwarts’ loveable groundskeeper Hagrid by visiting the real Hagrid’s hut, view his famous motorcycle, and take a peek at the secrets of how the larger than life character was created on screen.

The Ministry of Magic will also feature in the Studio Tour, highlighted by the breathtaking Magic is Might statue as seen in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1, designed by Stuart Craig to be reminiscent in style of soviet sculptures from the 1930’s highlighting the dominance of the wizarding world over Muggles.

In addition, visitors will be able to enjoy one of the most famous addresses in the world, 4 Privet Drive, as well as the legendary cupboard under the stairs.

The Gryffindor common room is one of the films’ oldest sets and remains one of the most loved by fans. This iconic set will feature alongside the Gryffindor boys’ dormitory which includes the original beds made for Harry, Ron, Seamus, Neville and Dean for the first film. Over the course of filming, as the cast grew from young boys to teenagers, filmmakers were required to find unique camera angles to hide the fact that the cast had clearly outgrown the beds.

Other Hogwarts sets on show include the dark and mysterious Potion’s classroom, the lair of Professor Snape, and Professor Umbridge’s office resplendent in pink with the incredibly detailed hand painted cat porcelain plates each made especially for the films.

The gateway to the school itself, the Hogwarts bridge, last seen burning to the ground following Neville and the Death Eater’s chase in the final film, will be restored for all to see as will hundreds of props, costumes, animatronics and many other exciting sets which will be unveiled as the opening approaches.

JANUARY2012 19

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LOcAL LIFE

GET MORE OUT OF

YOUR LIFE MAGAZINE!

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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 20

JANUARY2012

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.

Fellows JAN_© Fish Media 06/01/2012 20:26 Page 1

Antique & Modern Jewellery

Thursday 19th January

Vintage & Modern Wrist Watches

Monday 23rd January

A Victorian diamond riviere necklace, circa 1870.

Estimated total diamond weight 20cts.

Estimate £10,000 - £15,000 A Victorian diamond and ruby brooch, circa 1870.

Estimated total diamond weight 11.31cts.

Estimate £12,000 - £18,000

Pocket Watches & Accessories

Monday 13th February

A gentleman’s stainless steel automatic Cartier Roadster bracelet watch. With box and papers.

Estimate £1,600 - £2,200 A gentleman’s bi-metal automatic chronograph Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona bracelet watch circa 2011.

With box and papers.

Estimate £6,200 - £7,200 A gentleman’s stainless steel automatic chronograph Breitling Chronomat B01 bracelet watch. With box and papers.

Estimate £1,800 - £2,200

Visit www.fellows.co.uk/life for a complimentary catalogue

Fellows Auctioneers | 19 Augusta Street | Birmingham B18 6JA | 0121 212 2131

15:44:47

p30_BUCKS_KICKSTARTNEWYEAR__ 19/01/2012 14:43 Page 1

LocaL LIfE

kick start nEW yEar HIT THE GROUND RUNNING IN 2012!

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his will take you less than10 minutes by which time you will feel invigorated and you will be looking forward to the coming year with energy and enthusiasm: 1. Make a list of all your accomplishments in 2011 Relive as many memorable experiences as you can and write them all down. You will surprise yourself.

new skills? How would you like to be? Make notes, draw a picture, and use a tape recorder, anything to help you remember your dreams. Just ask yourself a few questions: "If you woke up tomorrow and everything in your life was exactly the way you'd like it to be, how would you know

4. Make a list of your goals for the year ahead. You have a much better chance of hitting a target when you know what it is!

5. Congratulate yourself !

Relive all of your accomplishments and give yourself a pat on the back.

Now read through the list

to the present moment.

NOW REALLY GO FOR IT!

So, it looks like you accomplished a lot more than you first thought in 2011 so what are you going to do now?

Remember, everything that you have ever achieved started out as a dream or aspiration.

Just as you have done so many

“If you woke up tomorrow and everything in your life was exactly the way you’d like it to be, how would you know there had been a miracle? What would you see, feel and hear? What you would like to bring into your life? Do you want to spend more time with your family? Get fitter? Enjoy earning more money?

List the things you'd like to attract into your life”

2. Make a list of all the things that you no longer want in your life. Things past their 'use by' date, physical objects, unhelpful habits, limiting beliefs, thought patterns that hurt, people we no longer wish to spend time with. Be honest with yourself.

3. Dream about the future.

What do you want in your life? What experiences or 22

JANUARY2012

there'd been a miracle?"What would you see, feel and hear? What you would like to bring into your life? Do you want to spend more time with your family? Get fitter? Enjoy earning more money? List the things you'd like to attract into your life

of things you would like to leave behind. Forgive yourself for any mistakes you feel you may have made. You will feel even better about those dreams and goals when your energy is redirected back to the present. Sit quietly for a few minutes and return

times before you are going to turn it all into reality. Oh yes, and you are going to enjoy it too!

HAPPY 2012!!

Graham Smith Lifestyle and Performance Coach www.mycroftgroup.com info@mycroftgroup.com 01494-671302

Ad_Master_Layout 1 23/01/2012 12:56 Page 1

p24_BUCKS_LIGHTERLIFE__ 23/01/2012 18:07 Page 1

local events

TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS RT. HON CHERYL GILLAN TO OPEN NEW WEIGHT MANAGEMENT CENTRE FOR SOUTH BUCKS UNIQUE WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAMME LIGHTERLIFE IS COMING TO AMERSHAM, TO OFFER THE RESIDENTS OF SOUTH BUCKS A LIFE-CHANGING SOLUTION TO THEIR WEIGHT ISSUES.

T

op-performing LighterLife Counsellor Philippa Davie is delighted to be expanding into South Buckinghamshire, through opening a new centre in London Road West, Amersham. Philippa currently boasts successful premises in Uxbridge, where she has helped residents to lose over 500 stone of excess weight in 2011 alone, and has been named the region’s top performing counsellor by LighterLife for two years running.

Cheryl Gillan, Secretary of State for Wales and MP for Amersham and Chesham, is to open the new centre on January 28th and Philippa is extremely grateful to have such a prestigious member of the community offer support to her new venture.

LighterLife’s expertly formulated programme, which saw Pauline Quirke shed an amazing eight stone in 2011, is much more than a diet.

Through the support of weekly counselling sessions run by your LighterLife counsellor, it enables you to not only lose weight, but also make the behavioural and lifestyle changes needed to maintain a healthy weight both now and in the long term.

Research shows that whilst you can lose weight on your own, there is invaluable benefit from the additional support of a group meeting. Single sex meetings in groups of no more than 12 are an integral part of the LighterLife programme

and offer continual support and guidance throughout your weight loss journey. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and transactional analysis (TA) counselling techniques allow you to reassess your relationship with food, in order to make lasting lifestyle changes.

Understanding why you overeat, learning new ways to think and behave, and leaving unhelpful habits behind you, will all lead you to live lighter in the future. In addition to this, with LighterLife you also have the support of your LighterLife Weight-Management Counsellor, who will be there from the start of the programme and continue to support you in your weight-management for as long as you need them to.

Philippa, who lost 5 stone with the LighterLife programme several years ago and changed her life dramatically, comments: “I decided to train as a weight loss counsellor in order to help others to lose weight and never tire of helping clients to change their lives. I can’t wait to expand into Amersham and offer South Bucks the chance to tackle their weight issues for

good”.

The LighterLife Total programme allows you to choose from a wide variety of nutritionally complete soups, shakes and bars that are tasty, easy to make and ideal if you have a busy life. The Lighterlife Lite programme then combines these with a healthy meal each day and is ideal for those with a stone or more to lose.

Understanding that every person is different, your counsellor Philippa will be able to advise about which programme is right for you, and offer support and guidance at every step of the way.

The centre is located at 24 London Road West, Amersham, HP7 0EZ and the launch event will take place between 11am and 1pm on Saturday January 28th. The grand opening will provide the local community with a chance to not only meet Cheryl Gillan, but also learn more about LighterLife, meet some weight loss success stories, sample the food and enter a competition; a fun way to kick start a healthy 2012, and embark upon a permanently healthier lifestyle.

For more information about the open day, or LighterLife in general, please contact Philippa directly on 01494 432220 or email philippa.davie@lighterlifecounsellor.com 24

JANUARY2012

OCTAGON JAN_© Fish Media 12/01/2012 17:01 Page 1

Established 1981

13:33:22

Ad_Master_Layout 1 17/11/2011 14:30 Page 1

p27_BUCKS_GXINTERVIEW__ 24/01/2012 08:34 Page 1

LocAL LiFe

GERRARDS CROSS

LIVING RICHIE NANDA, CHAIRMAN OF ‘THE SHIELD GUARDING COMPANY LIMITED’, SPEAKS ABOUT WHY HE THINKS GERRARDS CROSS IS THE IDEAL PLACE TO RAISE HIS FAMILY eafy Gerrards Cross has been my family’s home for the past three years now, and I feel really settled and pleased with the area. A few years back, when my wife and I were researching areas to bring up our children in, Gerrards Cross felt like an ideal place. The area offers the perfect balance of being far enough away from London, to have more parks and open space to relax in, but is also close enough to London to enable me to travel there for my work. My wife and I fell in love with our house and the Gerrards Cross community, so we decided that this would be the best place to raise our three lovely daughters.

The Gerrards Cross community welcomed my family with open arms, making us feel secure and instantly at home. It means a lot to my family and I to feel part of a supportive and friendly community. We have met some great people in this area, some of whom will be lifelong friends to my family. We also love using the extra space, which Gerrards Cross has to offer, to go for long family walks and just experience the great outdoors.

The air is fresher out here, and when I am at home, I like relaxing and feeling detached from my busy schedule in London. My children are especially happy here, as they go to a reputable independent school nearby. I think it is great that my girls have the extra space, to run, play and climb trees, something they might have missed out on if we had decided to raise them in London.

It is important for all

Above: Richie Nanda Far left: Richie Nanda with his three daughters.

Left: Richie Nanda with his wife Winnie

communities to feel safe and secure in any area that they work and play in, which is what inspired me to become the Chairman of my security company The Shield Guarding Company Limited, which is the UK’s tenth largest security service and renowned for being the most pioneering and reputable company in its field. I feel that I now do my part in ensuring that United Kingdom is a safer place for our parents and children to live in.

The Shield Guarding Company Limited, currently works with the Government on many social and community initiatives, where we try and improve security awareness in local communities. We have a number of clients in Buckinghamshire. One of the most notable clients that we work with is the Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) in High Wycombe. I feel it is important to

give back to your local community as well as taking operations onto a global scale. Shield Guarding also has a significant number of blue chip clients throughout the UK, some of which include The Bullring Shopping Centre, Brent Cross Shopping Centre, Cranfield University, The Barbican Centre, Christies, Legal & General, 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin), NSPCC and Allen & Overy.

Also in London, Shield has collaborated with the MET and is helping make the streets of London a safer place.

London is going to be an exciting place to be in this summer; I think it is a great honour for Great Britain to have been chosen to host the 2012 Olympics Games. My advice to ensure you stay safe during such a busy time is to pay attention to the advice that you will be issued with by the authorities. Also, particular attention should be

given to transport and travel restrictions. I think everything will run smoothly, as a lot of planning and preparation has gone into making 2012 the most spectacular Olympics to date. My family and I are really looking forward to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

While I am most proud of how my business always manages to provide complete satisfaction to our customers and our employees; what moves me is how committed my employees are to the wider society. Shield Guarding is well respected throughout the industry for the training and development of our staff. I am very passionate about being involved in the education of this country and I’m very eager to help Britain’s future entrepreneurs flourish. My goals for the future are to simply carry on making the world a better and safer place, whilst creating more job opportunities for our children.

JANUARY2012 27

p28_BUCKS_ROTARYCLUB__ 23/01/2012 19:25 Page 1

local life

ONE GOOD DEED… ROTARY CLUB OF RICKMANSWORTH

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he Rickmansworth Rotary Club was formed in 1944.

Today there are 33,000 Rotary Clubs world wide and 1.2 million Rotarians. Whilst it was originally set up as a male-only organisation, nowadays a significant proportion of the membership are women. The Rickmansworth Club is part of Rotary International, a worldwide association of clubs, who help people in need, encourage high ethical standards and work towards world understanding and peace.

A particular achievement of the Rickmansworth club is the Christmas Tree of Good Will Collections where Santa and Rudolf go round the local neighbourhood supported by “Rotary Elves” armed with sweets and collecting tins! In the years 2008, 2009, and 2010 over £4000 was collected each year. This year with the fantastic support of the people of Rickmansworth, Chorleywood and Croxley Green, together with our Christmas collection from Tesco we collected almost £4,500 with which we were able to help, three local charities and 25 local deserving individuals and families. Some of the thank you letters and cards we

28

JANUARY2012

received were heart breaking with words such as “It’s the most wonderful gift, we are going to have fat warm bellies beyond Xmas and the New Year”. “God bless you all” “You have no idea what a difference you have made” “The Christmas Tree of Goodwill has performed a miracle” The Club has been working for many years with the Rickmansworth Music Society to promote the Young Musician of The Year Competition and is now a regular and popular event in Rickmansworth culminating with the final at St Mary’s Parish Church.

We also take part in the Rotary National Youth Speaks Competition by arranging local heats for students up to the age of fourteen and seventeen. Each team consists of three speakers who take the role of Speaker, Chairman, and Vote of Thanks.

This is a wonderful opportunity for the young students to gain confidence in public speaking.

The winning teams go on the District and then National Finals.

Another annual event is the Technology Tournament where teams of four students in the different age groups set out to plan

and construct a specific task that is judged on its practical results.

Each year the club raises money through social events and street collections to support world wide and local charities. A well known world wide charity supported by Rotary International is Polio Plus.

A Rotarian from the Rickmansworth Club recently went to Gujat and helped. Other examples of the club responding to international disasters are:Shelter Boxes for the Haiti Earthquake, New Zealand Earthquake in Christchurch, Desks and Chairs for a school on Makuru, a Nairobi Township.

Examples of support for local charities in recent years includes:Homestart, Colne Valley Special Sailors, The Garden Project, Keech Hospice for Children, and the CAB. The club is visible in the community by taking part in the Victorian Evening, manning the Canal Festival Car Park, and has two collections outside M&S. Each year we hold a Quiz Night to raise money for local charities.

We also enjoy “fun” activities such as’ Safari dinners, Presidents outings, and various social occasions.

Rickmansworth Rotary Club is a small friendly group and we would like to increase our membership. If you are interested in what you have read about the club ask yourself the following questions:• Would you like the chance to make friends, have fun and enjoy fellowship?

• Would you like the chance to be actively involved in your community?

• Would you be interested in attending some fortnightly meetings to hear speakers on a wide range of topics?

• Would you like the chance to enhance the quality of life of those less fortunate than yourself?

• Would you like to be in an organisation whose agenda is one of service, raising money for charities, caring and commitment?

If you have responded with a “yes” it could be that you are a potential Rotary Member!

To find out any more information please look at the web site Rotary Club of Rickmansworth, or telephone any of the following numbers: David Luck 01923 222084 Richard Field 01923 824922 Gillian Bayley 01923 774259

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p31_BICKS_BEAKSCHEESE__ 23/01/2012 19:57 Page 1

local events

CHEESE MAKERS MARKET DATE ANNOUNCED FOR 2012

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ith over 98% of British households buying cheese, and a staggering 700,000 tonnes (including cottage cheese and fromage frais) consumed on average each year, the UK is clearly a nation of Cheese Lovers. And so what better place to visit, than the UK’s top event for Cheese Lovers, which will take place on Saturday 14th April at The Market Place, Old Beaconsfield?

Although Cheddar is the nation’s favourite cheese, this event will offer visitors so much more! An opportunity to taste, learn about, and buy new and unusual cheeses, as well as artisan and traditional favourites, the Cheese Makers Market will offer cheeses from over 70 different producers, showcasing both British and Continental varieties.

In association with Premier Cheese (a specialist supplier to top restaurants around the UK including Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons and Tom Aikens) and La Cave à Fromage (a wonderful cheese retailer with shops in London and Brighton offering over 200 different varieties) this will mark the second year of the market.

In 2011, the market was opened by Alain Roux, Chef Patron of the renowned Waterside Inn. With over 2,000 visitors, last year’s participants included noted producers such as Cooleeney from Ireland, Thornby Moor from Cumbria, Bath Soft Cheese, Cornish Blue Cheese, Errington from Scotland, Isle of

Mull Cheddar and Innes Cheese from Staffordshire.

This year, Eric Charriaux and Amnon Paldi, Directors of both Premier Cheese and La Cave à Fromage, will be making The Cheese Makers Market even bigger and better, with more producers (hailing as far as Portugal, Spain, France and Italy), cheese and wine matching tutorials hosted by renowned wine journalist Tim Atkin, workshops and chef demonstrations.

The Cheese Makers Market will also have a few carefully selected stands selling cheese macaroons, cheese ice cream, cheese making kits, cheese accessories, wine, cider, beer, bread and hot food made with

cheese.

Look out for the pop-up restaurant sponsored by Premier Cheese and La Cave a Fromage, which will offer delicious fine cheese selections served with bread and wine, or a selection of fine cheese and charcuterie platters or raclette served with or without wine.

Cold storage will be available for visitors wanting to purchase and keep their shopping

chilled while they continue to browse and enjoy their time at Old Beaconsfield.

Amnon Paldi said: “Although Cheese is our business, it is also our passion and hobby! We want to give visitors the opportunity to not only taste cheeses that may be new to them, but also allow them to meet the Cheese Makers who may produce some of their favourites.

The Cheese Makers Market will be a must visit for not only

die hard cheese lovers, but also for consumers looking for a one stop for everything relating to Cheese and Dairy.”

The Cheese Makers Market will be on Saturday 14th April 2012, from 9.30am to 5.30pm.

The location is The Market Place, Old Beaconsfield, HP9 2JN Car parking is available, and there is a fast train service from London Marylebone to Beaconsfield.

Events and further details at www.cheesemakersmarket.com JANUARY2012 31

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local life

BOYS UNITED BY TALENT, THEATRE AND TRING PARK

TRING PARK STUDENTS TREAD THE BOARDS

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wo friends, two great talents and one great school - Tring Park pupils, Kaine Ward (aged 12) and Alfie Manser (aged 10) have proved that friendship and talent can sit side by side, especially when nurtured in a place like Tring Park School for the Performing Arts.

Both boys had no expectations when they auditioned for the renowned West End show Billy Elliot back in February 2010; apart from finding out what a West End audition was like. However, their talent for drama and dance was noticed with Kaine securing the title role of Billy Elliot, at the Victoria Palace Theatre while Alfie was asked by the show’s choreographer to star in The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre in the West End. Kaine Ward, first started dancing aged 2, when encouraged by his mum, he attended a friend’s local dance school where he performed ballet, tap and modern.

His talent was soon noticed and he went on to star in productions of Annie, as Sandy the dog, and in 32

JANUARY2012

Bugsy Malone as Leroy Smith.

At aged 6, he joined a local drama group where his commitment and passion for drama and dancing continued. By the age of 10, it was obvious that he was destined for greater things and joined specialist dance and performing arts school, Tring Park as a day pupil.

In 2008, he won the School’s Paul Watson bursary, allowing him free evening and weekend dance classes for a year. Within a few weeks, he qualified for the Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) scholarship which allows him to study as a day pupil at the school, a centre of excellence both vocationally and academically.

Then in the Summer of 2011, Kaine got the call which has changed his life forever and propelled him into theatre stardom from the producers of Billy Elliot; asking him to join the cast from November 2011 in the lead role of Billy. As part of the role, Kaine has had to learn a Geordie accent and practice back flips.

Kaine comments, “I couldn’t believe it when we had the call from Billy’s producers inviting me to join the cast. My mum was even more excited than me and burst

into tears when we got the news.”

Alfie Manser’s story in some ways parallels that of the character of Billy Elliot. Aged 7, he became obsessed with break-dancing which, in turn, led him to learn how to dance other disciplines such as jazz. However, as his interest and ability grew, his passion started to alienate him at school with his friends teasing him about this dancing to the point when eventually he left school to be home tutored. His mum, realising that it was more than just a hobby for Alfie, decided that he needed to be at a school where he would be supported and surrounded by similar-minded pupils and teachers. In 2009, aged 8, Alfie started at Tring Park as a day pupil in the prep department.

Finding his feet and friends at Tring Park, he soon discovered that a few friends, including Kaine, were going to the Billy Elliot auditions and thought it might be good to see how a West End audition worked so asked if he could accompany them.

Encouraged by his friends and family, he ended up auditioning for Billy and although he was too young and small for the role of Billy, Peter Darling, the

choreographer, asked him to join the cast of Matilda The Musical as well as invited him to the Billy Elliot summer school.

Alfie plays Nigel, Matilda’s friend, at the Cambridge Theatre in Covent Garden, two evenings a week, while still attending Tring Park.

Alfie comments, “It has been a rollercoaster of a ride so far. I have always loved dancing from breakdancing through to jazz. Getting into Tring Park to study my passion was just amazing and then to be noticed by Peter Darling and to be invited to join the cast of Matilda The Musical is a dream come true. “ Tring Park for Performing Arts’ Principal, Stefan Anderson, comments, “It is fantastic to see such great talent we have here at Tring, recognised by producers in the West End; one of the most vibrant theatrelands in the world.

Kaine and Alfie make us proud of all the students we have here and reflect the real hard work, commitment and passion you have to have to succeed in the industry.

We are looking forward to seeing them both treading the boards and enjoying a long and successful career within the performing arts.”

CP JAN_Š Fish Media 06/01/2012 20:54 Page 1

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p35_BUCKS_AMERSHAMACAPELLA__ 20/01/2012 16:30 Page 1

local life

CHIPS, CLARIDGES, RUGBY, SINGING!

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he Amersham A Cappella girls have had such a fantastic 2011, as our year came to an end our already filled diaries became even busier. With the help of The National film and Television school we recorded Swing Low in true Amersham A Cappella style. As rugby season was just about to begin we asked The Amersham and Chiltern rugby club if they would like to be involved and at the same time support our rugby boys whilst they were competing out in New Zealand in the Rugby world cup. We spent a Saturday morning filming at their rugby club, the boys were certainly game for a laugh and we ended up making a hilarious music video: You can view it at: www.youtube.com and search for Amersham A cappella pitch invasion.

Well we definitely had caught the filming bug, because no sooner had we finished this project than we were contacted by Sky1’s Gadget Geeks. They needed a group of singing, fish and chip eating girls who were up for testing out a new invention.

‘The portable, pop up, fish and chip restaurant’ Yes this could be on a road side near you at any time. So after a few verses of “We’re forever blowing bubbles” we were fed a very delicious meal. I believe this series has just started on Sky1 on a Monday. So there are plenty of opportunities to see us on the TV. We were then asked to sing at St Mary’s Church, Old Amersham for their beautiful carol service. There was a full congregation including The Town Mayor of Amersham – Councillor Mimi Harker OBE , Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher Bt - Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Mr James Naylor - High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, His Honour Judge the Lord Parmoor, The

Honorary Recorder of AmershamReverend Tim Harper - St Mary's Church Mr R A Glyn-Jones Amersham Rotary Club.

Children from St Mary’s school also sang a couple of gorgeous songs. It was a wonderful community service and filled us all with Christmas joy. The following week we were singing in Claridges, we did 3 sets of Christmas carols and were treated to champagne and prawns.

It’s been a couple of years since we put on our own show so what better time than 2012.

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Saturday February 4th 19:30 - Dr. Challoner’s Grammar School, Amersham on the hill Saturday April 21st – “This Joint is Jumpin” starring Amersham A Cappella at Watersmeet Theatre Rickmansworth Saturday June 30th – Evening Charity Concert for Brain Tumours St.Michael’s Church Amersham

“This Joint is Jumpin” at The Watersmeet Theatre in Rickmansworth on Saturday 21st April this is set to be a wonderful evening with gorgeous harmony and a lot of AAC style. If you would like tickets you can buy at The Watersmeet Box Office 01923 711063 or on-line.

And finally one more piece of exciting news, we have put together a youth chorus , headed up by the talented Alison Moore (The lead from our very own award winning

quartet Notorious). We now have a budding chorus of 18 girls and boys ranging in ages from 8 to 15.

We are exceptionally lucky to have such a hands on Chorus who are very excited to see our younger generation take an early interest in singing and the benefits they will gain from starting to learn this wonderful hobby so young.

If you have any children who like to sing please contact us through our website. www.amershamacappella.com JANUARY2012 35

p36_BUCKS_RIVER&ROWING__ 19/01/2012 14:48 Page 1

LocaL events

ART FROM THE

RIVERBANK A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT - THE WATERY WORLD OF PAINTER SARAH WENDEN REVEALED AT THE RIVER & ROWING MUSEUM

V

isitors to the River & Rowing Museum’s Kirkham Gallery in January will be transported to a watery world through a new exhibition of mixed-media paintings by Oxfordshire based artist Sarah Wenden.

Opening on 21 January, this exhibition of 30 new works by the artist features a collection of beautiful and dynamic depictions of riverbanks – a subject matter Wenden has devoted her artistic career to.

For this new exhibition, which Wenden has been creating since 2008, she has captured the Thames and its lesser-known tributaries near her home in Oxford, becoming captivated not only by reflections in the water but by the way it has shaped the landscape it passes through. The works on display 36

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will also be available for purchase, prices available on request.

Alongside her distinctively bold, brightly-coloured collages and intense yet contemplative oil paintings will also be displayed a number of her preparatory sketch books, allowing visitors to trace the artist’s process from the initial drawings through to the finished works.

“I have always had a fascination with the beauty and complexity of water. It’s a wonderful challenge to capture the light dazzling off its surface, or portray its movement and power in paint”, Wenden says of her subject matter. “This new collection is especially close to my heart as it depicts the riverbanks of my home near Oxford.”

Wenden, who’s career spans over 30 years, is a master in the art of capturing the light

reflected on water and her vivid depictions of Britain’s riverbanks have been exhibited all over the UK. Her work is celebrated in public and private collections across the UK and abroad and her impressive career includes residencies at Kew Gardens and teaching positions at several art schools including the Cardiff Art School where she was a Junior Fellow.

The exhibition continues the River & Rowing Museum’s commitment to championing new work from local talents.

Recently this has included a fashion exhibition by textile artist and costumier Kate Plumtree featuring specially designed outfits inspired by Britain’s wildlife, and a photographic show of life on the frontline in Afghanistan by Henley-based war photographer Paul Smyth.

“Sarah Weden’s wonderfully

evocative depictions of the river have a unique resonance with the Museum and it’s location on the banks of the Thames, so we’re extremely excited to have her work here”, says Rachel Wragg, Senior Curator at the River and Rowing Museum.

2012 will see the Museum host several visual art exhibitions including a show of botanical drawings of Trees from the riverbanks of the Thames by artist Ewan Anderson, opening 6 February 2012, and a major retrospective of works by seminal 20th Century artist John Piper, covered in a never before exhibited collection which opens to the public 3 March 2012.

For more information on exhibitions at the River & Rowing Museum please visit: www.rrm.co.uk You can also follow the River & Rowing Museum on twitter: @ontheriverbank

Ad_Master_Layout 1 15/12/2011 14:20 Page 1

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Ad_Master_Layout 1 21/07/2011 20:58 Page 1

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OLYMPICS SPECIAL

B63 :=<2=< AC;;3@ =:G;>71 5/;3A /@3 63@3 in London from 27th July â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12th August 2012 Paralympic Games 29th August â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9th September 2012

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ondon will become the ďŹ rst city to oďŹ&#x192;cially host the modern Olympic Games three times having previously done so in 1908 and in 1948 London was selected as the host city during the 117th IOC Session in Singapore, defeating Moscow, New York City, Madrid and Paris. The successful bid was headed by former Olympic champion Sebastian Coe

The Olympics has prompted a redevelopment of many of areas of London. The Games will make use of many venues which were already in place before the bid, including Wembley Stadium, Wembley Arena, Wimbledon All England Club, Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cricket Ground, The O2 Arena, Earls Court Exhibition Centre, Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy and the Excel Centre

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B63 A>=@BA The London 2012 Olympic Games will feature 26 sports, which break down into 39 disciplines 4 /_cObWQa 4 2WdW\U 4 AeW[[W\U 4 Ag\Q`]\WaSR

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The Aquatics Centre will be the venue for Swimming, Paralympic Swimming, Diving, Synchronised Swimming and the Aquatics discipline of the Modern Pentathlon. Location: South-east corner of the Olympic Park. Number of events: 192. It will be the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;gatewayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to the Olympic Park, with more than twothirds of spectators expected to enter the Olympic Park over a vast bridge that runs over the top of part of the venue.

After the Games, The Aquatics Centre will be transformed into a facility for the local community, clubs and schools, as well as elite swimmers. The two temporary wings will be removed, although it will be possible to increase the capacity for major competitions. The Aquatics Centre will also have a creche, family-friendly changing facilities and a cafe, alongside a new public plaza in front of the building.

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Eton Dorney will be the venue for Rowing, Paralympic Rowing, and Canoe Sprint events, during the London 2012 Games. Eton Dorney Rowing Centre at Dorney Lake, is a world-class venue near Windsor Castle. Number of events:30.

The venue is a 2,200m, eight-lane rowing course with a separate return lane constructed to international standards.

It is set in a 400-acre park with a nature conservation area.

In 2006, it hosted the Rowing World Championships, with high praise from both competitors and spectators.

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The Basketball Arena will host Basketball, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby and the final stages of the Handball competition. Location: In the north of the Olympic Park. Number of events: 7. It is one of the largestever temporary venues built for any Games. Parts of it are expected to be reused or relocated elsewhere in the UK. B63 0;F B@/19

The BMX Track will host the Olympic BMX competition during the London 2012 Games. Location: In the north of the Olympic Park. Number of events: 2. The 400-metre circuit is located next to the Velodrome. After the Games, the temporary seating will be removed and the BMX Track reconfigured to make it suitable for community use.

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During the London 2012 Paralympic Games, the Road Cycling discipline will be held at Brands Hatch, home of numerous international racing events. Both the Road Race and Time Trial events will be held at the venue. The riders will race round a course that passes through the Kent county and the district of Sevenoaks.

Brands Hatch will be the base of approximately half of the course, including the start and finish. After the Games, Brands Hatch will

revert to its role as one of Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading motor racing venues.

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The Stadium is home to Championship club Coventry City. It is ideally located in the centre of England, in a city which already has strong links with London 2012. The stadium will play host to 12 Football matches, including the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bronze medal match. After the Games, the stadium will continue to host Coventry City matches 3/@:A 1=C@B

During 2012, Earls Court will be transformed into a spectacular Volleyball arena ready for the Games. The Volleyball competition will have 288 athletes taking part, with the action beginning on 28th July. Earls Court is close to the Victoria and Albert, Science & Natural History Museums. After the Games, the venue will continue as one of Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best exhibition and event spaces.

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The sporting facilities at Eton Manor will be the venue for Wheelchair Tennis. Location: In the north of the Olympic Park. Number of events: 6.

Eton Manor will have temporary training pools for participants JANUARY2012 41

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in Aquatics events. It will have three 50m pools for swimmers, and smaller pools for synchronized swimmers and Water Polo players.

It will then host Wheelchair Tennis during the Paralympic Games, and remain a training facility for Aquatics competitors.

After the Games, It is intended that Eton Manor will be transformed into a unique mix of sporting facilities for local and regional communities, including a tennis centre with four indoor and six outdoor courts (four of which will be used for Wheelchair Tennis during the Games), a hockey centre with two competition pitches and five-a-side football pitches. The facilities will be able to accommodate elite hockey events for up to 15,000 spectators.

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With itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s five arenas, ExCeL will host a total of 143 sessions across a wide range of Olympic and Paralympic sports including: Boxing, Fencing, Judo, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Boccia Paralympic Table Tennis, Paralympic Judo, Paralympic Powerlifting, Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Fencing, Location: ExCeL is situated near London City Airport in east Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Royal Victoria Dock.

After the Games, ExCeL will revert to its role as one of Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest and most versatile exhibition spaces.

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Hampden Park is Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national football stadium. It recently underwent a ÂŁ70m refurbishment and is situated a few miles to the south of Glasgow in Scotland. Number of events: 2.The stadium will host a total of eight Olympic Football matches, with action in both the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competitions.

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The Handball Arena will be the venue for Handball, Goalball and the Fencing discipline of Modern Pentathlon.

Location: In the west of the Olympic Park. The Handball Arena will host the preliminary rounds and quarter-finals of the Handball competition. It will also be the venue for the Fencing discipline of Modern Pentathlon. In the Paralympic Games it will be the venue for Goalball. After the Games, the Handball Arena will be adapted to become a multi-use sports centre for community use, athlete training and small to medium-sized events. It will be able to cater for a wide range of indoor sports, including basketball, handball, badminton, boxing, martial arts, netball, table tennis, wheelchair rugby and volleyball. It will also include a health and fitness club with changing facilities and a cafe for use by the local community.

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Greenwich Park is Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest Royal Park, dating back to 1433. Within the Park is The Royal Observatory and the home of Greenwich Mean Time. Greenwich Park will host the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian competitions, plus the combined running and shooting event, of the Modern Pentathlon. Greenwich Park is on the south bank of the River Thames, in south east London. Number of events: 19. The temporary structures will be taken down after the Games.

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A new Mountain Bike course will be provided in Hadleigh Farm, Essex, with temporary grandstands and facilities to be built in the run-up to the 2012 Games. Number of events: 2.

Hadleigh Farm is owned by the Salvation Army. The venue covers a 550-acre site including beautiful grassland and woodland.

It also includes the surrounding countryside of Hadleigh Castle Country Park. Spectators will be able to watch the action along a course winding through woods and parkland.

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During the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Cycling Time Trial will take place on the roads around the stunning Hampton Court Palace, formerly home to many famous monarchs. Hampton Court is located in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Hampton Court will host the start and finish of the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Time Trials in the Road Cycling competition. Both the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Time Trials are free events. Number of events: 2.

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The temporary Hockey Centre located in the Olympic Park will have two separate pitches, one with spectator seating. The facility will also be used for Paralympic 5-a-side and 7-a-side Football.Number of events: 4. The Hockey Centre will have two pitches, one with spectator seating and one for use as a warm-up area. As well as the Olympic Hockey competition, the facility will host Paralympic 5-a-side and 7-a-side Football.

After the Games the Hockey Centre will move to the north of the Olympic Park, joining a group of facilities in the area known as Eton Manor. It will have 3,000 permanent seats with the ability to increase to up to 15,000 for major events.

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OLYMPICS SPECIAL

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The Beach Volleyball competition will take place on the Prime Ministerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doorstep at Horse Guards Parade, at the heart of Whitehall, the political centre of the UK. It is close to Downing Street and across St Jamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park from Buckingham Palace. A temporary arena will be built in 2012, with sand brought in to create Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very own â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;beachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Number of events: 2. Not surprisingly, the temporary facilities will be taken down after the Games!

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The largest of Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Royal Parks, Hyde Park has been open to the public since 1637. It will host the Marathon Swimming and Triathlon events.

Spectators will enjoy a grandstand view of the finishing area for the London 2012 Triathlon, with many thousands more able to watch as the athletes swim, cycle and run on the course. The park is also expected to be home to the music, theatre, film and cultural events that will take place throughout the summer of 2012. Hyde Park lies within Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s West End, within easy walking distance of top class accommodation and shops. Number of events: 4.

After the Games, the grandstand and course will be removed.

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Located in Hertfordshire, it will host the Canoe Slalom competition. Located on the edge of the 1,000-acre River Lee Country Park, part of the 26-mile long, 10,000-acre Lee Valley Regional Park in Hertfordshire. Number of events: 4. Two new canoe slalom courses are being built for the Games: a 300m competition course and a 160m intermediate/training course. A new 10,000sqm lake is also being constructed. After the Games, the two courses and the

facilities building will remain and the Centre will become a venue for canoeing and kayaking for the local community and visitors, and be suitable for beginners to elite athletes. It will also be a major leisure attraction for white water rafting. :=@2¸A 1@7193B 5@=C<2

Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cricket Ground has been home to cricket since 1814 and will host the Olympic Archery competition. Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is in St Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wood, near Regentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park. Comparatively little preparation will be needed to get this world-class venue ready. An Archery range will be created on the outfield of the main ground and the Nursery ground. Number of events: 4. After the Games, Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will return to its traditional role as the home of cricket, providing a base for the Marylebone Cricket Club and Middlesex County Cricket Club. Archery equipment from the training, warm up and competition venues will be given to clubs and schools across the country.

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During the London 2012 Games, the Olympic and Paralympic Marathons and the Olympic Cycling Road Races will start and ďŹ nish in The Mall - an iconic location in the heart of London.

Following the celebrations to mark the Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diamond Jubilee and birthday in 2012, there will be a period of 36 days in which to erect the required temporary seating, scoreboards, video boards, tents, cabins and generators. The Marathons are free events, but spectators can apply for tickets to some viewing areas. The same applies to the Race Walks and Road Cycling races. Number of events: 11. After the Games, all the temporary structures will be dismantled and The Mall returned to its usual state.

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Wembley is the biggest of the six stadiums staging the London 2012 Olympic Games Football competition. It will host the gold medal events in both the Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competition.

It was announced in November 2011 that both the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Great Britain teams will play group matches at the stadium. The new stadiumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arch soars over 130m into the sky, more than four times the height of the towers of the old Wembley Stadium. Each seat has an unrestricted view of the pitch and plenty of leg room. Number of events: 2

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The Millennium Stadium is located on the banks of the River TaďŹ&#x20AC;, right in the heart of the Welsh capital, CardiďŹ&#x20AC;.

The Millennium Stadium has the honour of hosting the very ďŹ rst event of the Olympic Games, with womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Football matches starting on 25th July. It will also host the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bronze medal match. It was announced in November 2011 that both the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Great Britain teams will play group matches at the stadium. Number of events: 2. After the Games, the venue will continue to be used as the home of the Welsh football and rugby teams. <=@B6 5@33<E716 /@3</

Originally built for the Millennium celebrations, North Greenwich Arena has been transformed into a sports and entertainment arena with shops, restaurants and more. North Greenwich Arena will host Artistic Gymnastics, Trampoline Gymnastics and the Basketball ďŹ nals during the Olympic Games and then, a few weeks later, Wheelchair Basketball during the Paralympic Games. North Greenwich Arena sits on the point of the Greenwich peninsula, right on the Meridian Line. Number of events: 20. When the London 2012 Games are over, the North Greenwich Arena will revert to being a multi-faceted music,sports and entertainment venue.

facilities including Chobham Academy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a world-class new education campus with 1,800 places for students aged 3-19.

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One of the most famous football grounds in the world, the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Theatre of Dreamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is home to Manchester United Football Club. Old TraďŹ&#x20AC;ord will host nine Football matches during the Olympic Games, including a semi-ďŹ nal in both the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competitions. It was announced in November 2011 that the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Great Britain team will play a group match at the stadium. Number of events: 2 =:G;>71 /<2 >/@/:G;>71 D7::/53

The vibrant Olympic and Paralympic Village will be located in the Olympic Park. It will comprise residential apartments for around 17,000 athletes and oďŹ&#x192;cials, along with shops, restaurants, medical, media and leisure facilities and large areas of open space. Athletes will have easy access to the travel and leisure facilities of the adjacent Stratford City complex, and the High Speed 1 JavelinÂŽ shuttle service will link the Village to central London in just seven minutes. After the Games, the Olympic and Paralympic Village will be a lasting legacy of essential new housing for east London. It will be transformed into 2,800 new homes, including 1,379 aďŹ&#x20AC;ordable homes. The communities that develop in the area after the Games will be supported by new parks, open space, transport links, and community 44

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The Olympic Stadium will host the Athletics and Paralympic Athletics events, as well as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Number of events: 208. The Stadium will have a capacity of 80,000 during the Games: 25,000 permanent seats in its permanent lower tier, and a temporary lightweight steel and concrete upper tier holding a further 55,000 spectators that can be removed after the Games. The Stadium is designed to be ďŹ&#x201A;exible enough to accommodate a number of diďŹ&#x20AC;erent requirements and capacities in legacy.

Itwill continue to be a venue for sport and athletics, as well as cultural and community events - leaving a lasting legacy.

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The Royal Artillery Barracks will be the venue for Shooting, Paralympic Shooting and Paralympic Archery. Location: On the edge of Woolwich Common in south east London. Number of events: 36. The London port of Woolwich has a long military history and the construction of the current Royal Artillery Barracks buildings began in 1776. Four temporary indoor ranges for Pistol and RiďŹ&#x201A;e Shooting will be built together with outdoor shotgun ranges for Trap and Skeet events. After the

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The temporary Water Polo Arena on the Olympic Park will host both the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Water Polo competitions. It will contain a warm-up pool and a competition pool. The Aquatics Centre and Water Polo Arena will be adjacent to each other in one of the most compact areas of the Olympic Park. The Water Polo Arena will be taken down after the Games. Elements of the venue are expected to be reused or relocated elsewhere in the UK. E3;0:3G /@3</

Wembley Arena will host the Badminton and Rhythmic Gymnastics events. Number of events: 7. The Badminton World Championships took place at the venue in August 2011, acting as a test event for the Games. Around 6,000 spectators will be able to enjoy the action during the Olympic Badminton and Rhythmic Gymnastics competitions.

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Wimbledon is the home of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club and the setting for the famous Wimbledon tennis tournament since 1877. The London 2012 Olympic Games Tennis competition will take place just three weeks after the end of the annual grand slam tournament. Wimbledon is in south west London, near Richmond Park and the World Heritage Site of Kew Gardens. Number of events: 5 E3G;=CB6 >=@B:/<2 2=@A3B

Games, London 2012 is working with the Government and other key parties to identify opportunities where elements of the venue and sports equipment could be reused after the Games.

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Home of Newcastle United football club, St Jamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Park has hosted many exciting matches, and has a great atmosphere created by fans - so it is well prepared for whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to come in 2012. St Jamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Park will host a total of nine matches, including a quarter-ďŹ nal in both the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competitions.

Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour will be the venue for the Olympic and Paralympic Sailing competitions.

Location: Dorset, on the south coast of England. Number of events: 13. Weymouth and Portland provides some of the best natural sailing waters in the UK, with facilities on land to match.

Weymouth and Portland Bay is a natural amphitheatre and there are several vantage points to watch the Sailing events from if you do not have a ticket. The Local Authority will be also providing a big screen to watch the Games coverage on Weymouth beach, and putting on a range of free sporting and cultural activities. There is no seated ticketing for the Sailing event, so spectators will be sitting on the ground or standing.. After the Games, The National Sailing Academy will beneďŹ t from the improved facilities that the Games will leave behind, providing a state-of-the-art facility for elite training, competition and local community use.

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The Velodrome will host Track Cycling and Paralympic Track Cycling. The Velodromeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concrete lower tier will have 3,500 seats located around the track. A further 2,500 seats will be suspended in two upper tiers within the two curves of the venueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roof. In between the lower and upper tiers there will be a glass wall, giving spectators a 360-degree view across the Olympic Park and allowing people outside the venue to see the sporting action taking place inside.

The back-of-house area - including broadcast, catering and security facilities - will be shared with the Basketball Arena to make eďŹ&#x192;cient use of space.

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B3/; 50 Although we are waiting for the Team GB squad \W JM WNĂ&#x2026; KQITTa KWVĂ&#x2026; ZUML there are some stars we are pinning our hopes on to take us to Olympic gold!

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In 2010, it was announced that the Royal Mint would produce the medals for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.The medals are 7mm thick and weigh between 375400g. Each medal will have the sport and the discipline engraved on the rim. Like the last few Olympic medal designs the front will once again have the Greek goddess of victory, Nike stepping from Parthenon.The reverse side has the Games logo, and a ribbon depicting the River Thames with a grid symbolising pulling together and radiating energy. The medals will have a purple ribbon attached to them which symbolises Royalty and protocol.

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OLYMPICS SPECIAL

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The biggest festival the UK has ever seen! Leading artists from all over the world will come together with a chance for everyone to get into the spirit of London 2012 through dance, music, theatre, the visual arts, film and digital innovation and leave a lasting legacy for the arts in the UK. The London 2012 Festival will open on 21st June 2012 and run until 9th September 2012 - the last day of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. A series of countdown events from January 2012 will give you a taster of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to come.

In total, the festival features more than 1,000 events, with 10 million free opportunities to get involved. Some of the events are ticketed and the majority are free to attend.

Many have already been announced, with more to come over the coming months.

Please see www. london2012festival. co.uk for more details.

We welcome millions of people to London and the UK for an unforgettable experience...The London 2012 Olympics.

JANUARY2012 47

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p49_BUCKS_COLOUROFTHEYEAR__ 19/01/2012 15:21 Page 1

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HOW TO FIND YOUR COLOUR OF THE YEAR

2012 HAS BEEN DUBBED THE YEAR OF TANGERINE TANGO COLOUR BY PANTONE. LISA HAYNES REVEALS HOW TO FIND THE MOST FLATTERING SHADES FOR YOUR COLOURFUL YEAR AHEAD.

BY LISA HAYNES JANUARY2012 49

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elcome to the year of Tangerine Tango. The global authority on colour, Pantone, has designated the reddish orange as its colour of the year in succession to Honeysuckle pink.

The vibrant shade is now being touted as a go-to in cosmetics because of its versatility. It's exotic but in a friendly, non-threatening way, according to the Pantone colour gurus.

But whether you dance to the tune of Tangerine Tango for your lips, nails or even eyes, it's clear the 2012 tone won't be for everyone.

When refreshing your make-up bag for January, the key to finding your own colour of the year lies in your hair and complexion.

"Understanding your colouring is the next step in helping you to achieve a perfect make-up look," explains Pat Henshaw, co-author of new book Colour Me Beautiful Make-up Manual.

"The aim is to create balance and harmony between your natural colouring and the colours of clothes and make-up you wear."

By wearing your own bespoke brand of make-up shades, Henshaw believes you will not only feel good but look younger, healthier and fitter.

Here's how to discover your colour palette for 2012 and beyond:

LIGHT Your overall look is pale and delicate. The undertone of your colouring can be warm, with golden tints to your hair and a few freckles on your skin, or cool, with ash tones to your hair and a slight pinkish tint to your skin.

Light celebrities: Uma Thurman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Meryl Streep.

Make-up mantra: It's all about adding subtle definition to your Light features. "Give a hint of colour to eyebrows and eyelashes - a warm brown mascara will be more flattering than black," Henshaw advises.

"Try not to overpower your delicate colouring with strong shades of eye shadow or lipstick, even when it comes to more glamorous make-up. Instead, use the right colours from your palette and apply them in different ways."

Palette: Medium grey, light navy, cocoa and taupe for neutrals. Pastel pink, geranium, sky blue and apple green for accents.

DEEP Your skin can be porcelain to black but all your features - hair, eyebrows, eyes and lashes - are dark and defined so your make-up should be similarly deep and rich in tone.

Deep celebrities: Halle Berry, Penelope Cruz, Audrey Tautou.

Make-up mantra: Your features have a lot of depth to them and stand out on their own. "Accentuate your look by complementing it with dark, rich colours, even when it comes to more subtle daytime looks," Henshaw suggests.

"Blushers will add some depth to balance your colouring. Lipsticks 50

JANUARY2012

in rich shades will look fantastic on you. However, if you prefer softer colours, you will need to ensure that your face is balanced with strong make-up."

Palette: Black, aubergine, chocolate and pine for neutrals. Royal purple, scarlet, emerald green and true blue for accents.

WARM You're the golden girl of complexions with skin tone ranging from porcelain with freckles to golden brown. Auburn hair tones go as light as strawberry blonde to dark rich red.

Warm celebrities: Christina Hendricks, Susan Sarandon, Florence Welch.

Make-up mantra: To enhance your warm and rich colouring, your make-up should always have yellow undertones. Henshaw advises: "Brown eye pencils and mascara flatter more than black for both day and night.

"Choose a blush powder with a warm undertone and simply apply with a bit more depth depending on the time of day or occasion. Whether you want subtle lip colour or more dramatic lips, keep your lip colour warm with lovely, golden earthy tones."

Palette: Bronze, olive, pewter and camel for neutrals. Apricot, primrose, terracotta and lime for accents.

COOL You have blue, grey or cool brown eyes and ash tones to your hair, be it blonde, white, grey, salt and pepper, dark brown or black. Your colouring may have become cooler as you've aged.

Cool celebrities: Jamie Lee Curtis, Dame Helen Mirren, Dame Judi Dench.

Make-up mantra: Make the most of your distinctive colouring by wearing make-up colours with a cool or blue undertone. "Most cools have a striking look, so don't be afraid to use brighter shades of lipstick and colours that will define your eyes," says Henshaw.

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health beauty "Cool, blue-based tones of eye shadows, blush and lipstick will always look best on you regardless of what look you are trying to achieve. Take your barely-there make-up up a notch by defining the eye area and do so with grey, blue and lilac shades of eye shadows and eye pencils."

Palette: Charcoal, dark navy, spruce and purple for neutrals. Light teal, rose pink, cornflower and blue red for accents.

CLEAR Your most outstanding features are your eyes, which are highlighted because of the contrast to your dark hair. They will have a clear, jewel-like quality to them.

Clear celebrities: Carla Bruni, Kate Middleton, Mila Kunis.

Make-up mantra: Your eye make-up shades should always enhance and not detract from your eye colour. "As a Clear, you can have the choice of making a feature of your eye make-up or your lipstick but not both," warns Henshaw.

"Forget the rules about matching your eye shadow to your eye colour - it will only make your eyes blend in with your look and you really should make them pop. Bright colours are great during the day, whereas an aubergine pencil with purple eye shadow will be more glamorous for evenings."

Palette: Black, black brown, royal blue and soft white for neutrals. Blush pink, ruby, Chinese blue and evergreen for accents.

SOFT You may have found a little of yourself in each of the previous colouring types, but didn't fit exactly. You have medium depth of skin tone, blonde to dark brown eyebrows and mousy blonde to light brown hair - often with highlights.

Soft celebrities: Scarlett Johansson, Beyonce, Kim Cattrall.

Make-up mantra: The gentle combination of your hair, skin and eyes means that your make-up needs to be soft and subtle - but you still need colour and definition. Henshaw advises: "Your Soft colouring needs to be complemented with muted tones. Anything that is too bright or dark will detract from your face.

"Your eyebrows should always be defined with a blonde eyebrow pencil, while your eyes need to be lined with soft browns or mossy shades, not black."

Palette: Rose brown, charcoal, charcoal blue and stone for neutrals. Claret, sage, soft violet and lavender for accents.

Henshaw's money saving tip: "Once you understand your colouring type and your best make-up shades, you can limit the cosmetics that you buy, investing only in those that will make you look fabulous."

Colour Me Beautiful Make-up Manual

by Pat Henshaw and Audrey Hanna is published by Hamlyn, priced £12.99.

Available now

TRIED & TESTED Rodial Crash Diet Body Detox, from £50 for 45 mins, at The House of Rush, Piccadilly, London (020 7042 3200/www.rush.co.uk).

At-home Rodial Crash Diet Kit, £99 (www.rodial.co.uk).

It's the worst possible scenario: a bloated Santa belly and a bikini to squeeze into in less than a month. Seeking a shortcut, I let the professionals do the hard work with Rodial's Crash Diet Body Detox. The treatment is designed to reduce that turkey feast-induced fluid retention in the legs, abdomen and arms and improve digestion to ease bloating.

Amidst the fragrant candles and starry-lit black ceiling at The House of Rush, my treatment begins with some firm but relaxing dry body brushing to my legs, buttocks and arms to stimulate the lymphatic system. Not everyone likes their stomach being touched, but I opt for the light brushing in a clockwise motion to get my sluggish system moving. Next I'm lathered in the Rodial Crash Diet treatment gel (£75) and then covered in cling film, so I resemble the Christmas ham. Snug towels cocoon me as I'm treated to a relaxing head and shoulder massage while the gel gets to work on my cellulite and water retention. After a series of manoeuvres, the film is removed and my skin is softened with a fragrant slimming body oil via vigorous massage. Unlike other detox and wrap treatments where you're often rudely interrupted by a shower, there's no reason to leave the bed - making for a more relaxing treatment. As a finishing touch, I'm offered a Rodial Crash Diet Stick drink (£48 for pack) with diuretic properties to wave goodbye to water retention. I wouldn't say I left the spa feeling miraculously honed and toned but, with tightened, glowing skin, this definitely gave me the kick-start to continue a January regime and allay those bikini fears.

BUY IT NOW From shoes to make-up, Cheryl Cole is putting her (red) stamp on planet beauty with a new limited edition lippy for L'Oreal Paris. She describes the Color Riche Lipstick in Red Passion as her "perfect dramatic accessory". Available at Boots, priced £8.16, £1 from every sale is donated to The Cheryl Cole Foundation in aid of The Prince's Trust.

JANUARY2012 51

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WITH THE AWARD WINNING DENTIST

DR SHaMeeK POPat

HELLO AND WELCOME TO 2012. WITH CHRISTMAS OVER, THE NIGHTS STILL CLOSING IN EARLY AND WITH MORE COLD AND FLU BUGS AROUND THEN I CAN EVER REMEMBER, THE MOOD CAN BE RATHER DOWN. HOWEVER, WITH THE SHORTEST DAY OF THE YEAR BEHIND US, I WAS RECENTLY REMINDED THAT THE JANUARY BLUES ARE NEARLY OVER AND IN FACT WE HAVE A LOT TO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS YEAR. WE HAVE AN EXTRA DAY OFF THIS YEAR WITH A ROYAL WEDDING – NO DOUBT CHORLEYWOOD WILL BE FILLED WITH STREET PARTIES AND WE HAVE SUMMER HOLIDAYS TO PLAN AND LOOK FORWARD TO. WE HAVE A BRITISH ACTOR – COLIN FIRTH WHO HAS JUST WON A GOLDEN GLOBE FOR BEST ACTOR, SO BRING ON THE OSCARS! AND NOW LIVERPOOL FOOTBALL CLUB HAS A REAL LEGEND MANAGER, LET THE REAL FOOTBALL SEASON BEGIN! TIPS ON BRUSHING TEETH

Everyone knows about the importance of brushing, but most people still use a fairly haphazard technique!

Establishing a pattern is extremely important, along with flossing and regular visits to the dental practice.

When brushing, it’s also important not to miss your gums. Adults, in particular, need to concentrate on the sulcus or gum pockets where plaque accumulates and encourages periodontal disease. Using a soft, round-tipped toothbrush, here are some helpful tooth brushing tips: A good place to start is with the inside upper-back teeth.

Place your brush at a 45-degree angle so it’s half on the gum and half on the tooth. Gently vibrate the toothbrush bristles in a forward and backward motion,

working some of the bristles under the gum. Make sure not to scrub!

Once you’re done with the inside of the upper teeth, move to the outside. Start at the back and move to the front.

Proceed to the tops (biting surfaces) of your teeth, using a back and forth motion, keeping the toothbrush bristles directly on top of the teeth.

It’s important not to rush your brush! A proper brushing should take at least two to three minutes to complete. If a more complete or longer brushing is new to you, there might be some bleeding and soreness of the gums. This is normal, but if it’s persistent, a visit to the dental practice may be necessary.

obviously healthier than others.

A snack that is swallowed quickly, such as a drink, is better than one that sticks to the teeth, like peanut butter. Foods such as fresh vegetables and cheese are obviously better than those with high sugar content.

With all the choices out there, it’s sometimes difficult to make the right choices for not only our overall health, but for our dental health. Here are some tips to help you out!

WHAT KIND OF SNACKS SHOULD YOU OPT FOR?

CHOCOLATE MILK OR ORANGE JUICE?

We live in the junk food generation. Some snacks are

Chocolate milk has all the nutritional goodness of milk and

CRISPS OR POPCORN?

Dump the crisps and pop the corn! Plain dry popcorn is best, but a little oil or a bit of butter or margarine won’t do too much harm. But don’t chew the kernels!

contains no more sugar than an equal serving of unsweetened orange juice. Even though they’re nutritious, foods like this shouldn’t be served too often during the day.

FRUIT PUNCH WITH REAL JUICE ADDED OR ANY FRUIT JUICE?

Though the punch with juice may contain a little juice and added vitamin C, it doesn’t stack up to a drink that’s 100% unsweetened juice.

A FRESH PEAR OR SOME DRIED FRUIT?

Pick the pear. Raisins and other dried fruits don’t make a great snack. Your teeth won’t take kindly to all the sugar and to the sticky, chewy texture.

PLAIN TOASTED OAT CEREAL OR GRANOLA?

No doubt about it, plain unsweetened cereals are far better. Granola and granola bars are high fat, and they’re sweet and sticky enough to give your teeth something to worry about.

LICORICE OR CHEWY FRUIT LEATHERS?

Say no to both. They’re both skimpy on nutrients and overly laden with sticky sugar. Your teeth will thank you!

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

52

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p53_BUCKS_AD_VARIOUS__ 23/01/2012 10:29 Page 1

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STAR STYLE RESOLUTIONS LYNDA BELLINGHAM

TAKE YOUR FASHION CUE FROM THE CELEBRITIES IN 2012 AS THEY REVEAL THEIR NEW YEAR FASHION AND BEAUTY GOALS.

BY LISA HAYNES JANUARY2012 55

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aking a resolution doesn't have to be all about quitting. Whether it's stocking up the beauty cabinet or adding to your wardrobe, overindulge your favourite habits instead and make 2012 your most beautiful year yet.

If you're stuck for good intention inspiration, these celebrities have their New Year goals sussed. Here are some resolutions you'll surely want to keep...

FACIAL FINESSE Coleen Rooney: "I already cleanse, tone and moisturise every morning and night, but I'd love to get a facial every six weeks. I like the natural look, so fresh, clean skin is key."

Entrepreneurial WAG Coleen's latest fragrance Butterflies (from £25) is available at Selfridges REGULAR REJUVENATION Liv Tyler: "I aim to use a mask on a weekly basis. I don't get enough sleep being a mum, working and travelling, so masks are important I use Givenchy Black For Light Mask (£59.50) to instantly brighten my skin."

Actress Liv Tyler is the face of Givenchy

DAVINA

FASHIONABLY FIT Davina McCall: "Post-workout, I love easy-to-wear pieces such as slouchy tops that fall off the shoulder. But when I'm working out, I want to wear something a bit wow and zingy - I really like bright colours."

SADIE FROST

Presenter Davina has teamed up with Next to design a new fitness range, out spring 2012 ME-TIME TREAT Gok Wan: "My beauty New Year's resolution is to set aside at least an hour a week for some much needed pampering. You forget how great it makes you feel and with my busy schedule, I never get enough time to indulge in it."

The TV stylist's pampering range Gorgeous by Gok is available from Boots LIGHTEN UP Sadie Frost: "My New Year's fashion resolution is to wear more colour - I wear far too much black. I also need to stop living in my yoga clothes for business meetings."

Fashion designer Sadie Frost is co-founder of Floozie by Frost French lingerie, available at Debenhams

COLEEN ROONEY

HEAVENLY HAIR Louise Redknapp: "I'm all about hair for 2012. It's much easier to keep my new darker shade looking healthy and shiny, so I may experiment with the style a little now. It's always nice to have a change."

TV presenter Louise Redknapp is the face (and hair) of Schwarzkopf 's LIVE Salon Style range, available from Boots 56

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ANGELIC ROUTINE Lauren Goodger: "To always remember to take off my make-up before going to bed. I also aim to drink more water and start taking vitamins."

TOWIE's Lauren is founder of Lauren's Way beauty range (www.laurensway.com) SKIN-KIND DIET Pearl Lowe: "My New Year beauty resolution is going to be cutting out dairy, wheat and sugar - I find it's so much better for my skin."

Fashion designer Pearl Lowe has collaborated with DP London to design a limited edition candle collection (www.dplondon.com) CROWD PLEASER Jade Thompson: "I'm going to try and stand out in 2012 by making bold outfit choices that showcase my individuality at red carpet events.

I want to make a statement through fashion."

Model Jade Thompson is the winner of Britain's Next Top Model 2011 and face of Peugeot RCZ Sports Coupe MORE PAMPERING Fearne Cotton: "My New Year's resolution is probably just to relax a bit more - to chill out and be a bit less hyperactive!"

DJ and TV Presenter Fearne Cotton has a clothing range at online retailer Very (www.very.co.uk) MASSAGE MISSION Emma Willis: "Sleep more, drink more water, and have more massages. Also, I want to have a facial because I've never had one before."

TV presenter Emma Willis is the celebrity ambassador of Regis Hair Salons CHILL OUT Matthew Williamson: "My wish for 2012 is to try and allow myself some time off from work and look for fashion inspiration outside the studio."

TV stylist Grace Woodward is Wella Professional's fashion ambassador CLEAN LIVING Jamelia: "My beauty resolution is to begin a healthier routine, but my birthday is on January 11 so my New Year resolutions always start on the 12th, not the 1st!"

Singer Jamelia is backing the music industry's Parental Advisory scheme SADDLE UP Anna Ryder Richardson: "For 2012, I'd really like to focus on expanding my equestrian look.

Everything from leather riding boots, vintage pocket squares and even a button front cape and scarf. Fabulous!"

LIV TYLER

Actress Lynda Bellingham is style ambassador for ladies fashion retailer Isme (www.isme.com)

Grace Woodward: "Drink more water. I hate drinking water but it's great for your skin. I also plan to go to bikram yoga weekly, not monthly!"

TV presenter Anna Ryder Richardson is a style consultant for Magnet Kitchens EFFORTLESS TRESSES Lauren Pope: "To finally achieve Sarah Jessica Parker-style ombre hair, my hairdresser has been taking my roots darker for the last few months. 2012 is all about low maintenance, effortless style and ombre hair means I'll never have to get my roots done."

TOWIE's Lauren recently DJ'd for Glam Rock Watches at boutique.Goldsmiths

GOK WAN

WARDROBE DETOX Lynda Bellingham: "I will be getting rid of any clothes I haven't worn for more than six months and making sure that everything I have is a wardrobe staple that I'll wear time and time again."

GET THE LOOK Going down as one of 'the' red carpet outfits of the year, Kate Winslet's Stella McCartney cut-out dress sent everyone dotty. Spot the difference with Boohoo's Demi frock, a snip at just £20 (www.boohoo.com).

BUY IT NOW Give your beauty resolution a boost with Korres Limited Edition New Year Skincare Regimen Kits. Each of the three tins caters for different skin types and specific needs, £19.50 (0870 850 3868).

HEALTHY HYDRATION

JANUARY2012 57

LOUISE REDKNAPP

Fashion designer Matthew Williamson is behind Debenhams' Butterfly range

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anuary is the perfect time of year to start focusing on you. It is the time of year that encourages you to think about the changes you want to make to your life, for the better. This year, commit to yourself, and everything else will follow. If you are feeling great, then all other areas of your life will reflect this, resulting in a successful 2012.

Your health and beauty routine will always be placed high up on a list of priorities, as when you look great on the outside, you will instantly feel good on the inside. While you focus on making yourself look and feel great, you should always choose the best quality products and treatments that will only have positive effects on your body. Your hands and nails are an essential part of your beauty regime, and must not be neglected.

Unlike your legs and bodies that go into hiding in the colder winter months, your hands are constantly on show, so they must always look their best. While looking their best, you must ensure that you are caring for your nails in the long term, it is important to choose a nail treatment that will not only look great but will

care for and nurture your natural nails.

Bio Sculpture provides the perfect beauty treatment that will strengthen and condition you natural nails whilst ensuring that they look great for up to 3 weeks. Bio Sculpture Gel is a nail treatment applied as a coating Gel onto Gel d your own nails to strengthen and d condition them with no damage.

Your nails will be transformed to their exceptional potential. Gel dries instantly a UVA Curing The gelunder is easily removed Lamp in a choice of over 140 w different colours, French or natural finish. The gel is easily removed without any damage to your natural nails. No more chipped nail polish as your gel nail colour will be long wearing and chip proof and your nails will keep their well manicured look long after application.

NEW YEAR

So, make 2012 your year by making choices that will benefit you on the inside and out.

For your nearest salon or information on training courses for beginners or experienced nail technicians: Tel: 0845 331 2347 www.biosculpture.co.uk

Ask for Bio Sculpture Gel the original everlasting manicure tried, tested and proven system adding strength and Bdurability to natural nails Bio Sculpture Gel is the original must have nail care product. Unlike varnish that chips and peels, this durable Gel is applied as an overlay onto natural nails by a qualified nail technician. The Gel is set under a UV Lamp giving it that strong, flexible, glossy finish which lasts for three weeks.

Easy removal without damage to nails.

For your nearest salon or information on training courses for beginners and experienced nail technicians, call 0845 331 2347.

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JANUARY2012

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TIME TO PUT YOUR HEALTH FIRST TO HELP IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH IN THE NEW YEAR, DOCTORS, ACADEMICS AND HEALTH ORGANISATIONS OFFER UP THEIR TOP RESOLUTIONS BE A QUITTER

BY LISA SALMON TV doctor Hilary Jones points out that quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways a person can improve their health. When people give up tobacco, their circulation and respiration improve within a month and, depending on how heavy a smoker they've been, the risk of heart disease and lung cancer become similar to that of a lifelong non-smoker within just a few years: "If you haven't already, this is the year to quit smoking. It's the greatest single step you can take to ensure future good health, and hundreds of thousands of other smokers have now successfully done this," he says. Visit www.nhs.uk/smokefree to find out more about the NHS Quit Kit.

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OUT FROM THE DESK It can be a struggle for office-bound workers to find time to exercise, say experts, and as a result, fitness levels can suffer. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) suggests both employees and employers resolve to make health in the workplace a priority in the New Year.

Professor Mike Kelly, public health director at NICE, points out that physical activity is essential for good health, contributing to both physical and mental wellbeing. It also helps to prevent or manage conditions including heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and obesity.

"Workers aren't always active enough to benefit their health, so we're recommending ways that employers can encourage staff to increase their levels of physical activity on their way to work, or during the day."

These include providing information about walking or cycling routes and encouraging employees to walk or cycle some or all of the way to and from work, and also putting up signs to encourage staff to use the stairs.

Becoming more active is also recommended by Arthritis Research UK, who have funded research exploring the connection between healthy bodies and pain-free joints.

"This year we're recommending that instead of relying on painkillers, people with back pain try yoga," says Professor Alan Silman, medical director at Arthritis Research UK, who points out that 80% of the population suffer from back pain at some point in their lives.

"Yoga provides real, positive benefits for people with chronic low back pain, plus there are no side effects."

For more information on the Yoga For Healthy Lower Backs

p60_BUCKS_YOURHEALTHFIRST__ 19/01/2012 15:41 Page 2

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health beauty programme, visit www.yogaforbacks.co.uk FOOD FOR THOUGHT Feeding your body a nutritious diet goes hand in hand with maintaining physical fitness. But it can be easier said than done. One way to maintain healthy eating resolutions is by keeping a food diary, suggest MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition... Do it!), who run family healthy eating and fitness programmes.

They suggest writing down everything you eat and drink after it's consumed, and then you can begin identifying your dietary strengths and weaknesses. For example, you might notice a tendency to snack at certain points in the day or recognise there's not enough nutritional variety in your diet.

"Only once we identify the factors impacting on our food choices and patterns - and see when and why we're doing things the way we are - can we work on breaking any habits contributing to them," says Lucy Hannagan of MEND. "Whether you're trying to lose weight in the New Year, or just get healthier by increasing your five-a-day of fruit and vegetables, keeping a food diary can help."

In addition, dehydration can be a reason people choose to snack, as they mistake thirst for hunger. Dr Roger Henderson points out that dehydration can also lead to more severe symptoms such as fatigue and headaches, and is a more common problem than many realise.

"Drink more water," he stresses. "I'm aiming to make sure I always have a glass by me when working during 2012."

CHECK IT OUT As well as taking steps to improve your health at the start of 2012, it may be an idea to check your current physical condition. Adults who have not seen their GP for three years are entitled to a general health check-up. This will usually include height and weight measurements, a blood pressure check, and cholesterol and blood sugar tests.

In addition, the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) suggest an oral examination.

"There's an increasing body of clinical evidence of the systemic links between poor oral health and some of the biggest causes of serious poor health and death in the UK," stresses chief executive Dr Nigel Carter. Gum disease, he explains, may contribute to a furring of the arteries, which can cause heart disease. Also, those with gum disease are nearly twice as likely to develop diabetes.

A resolution to maintain good oral health, he suggests, should include brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes twice a day, cleaning in between your teeth using interdental brushes or floss, cutting down on sugary foods and drinks, and visiting the dentist regularly.

Another area that people can overlook is their skin, say the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD). The organisation suggests people resolve to check their skin regularly (at least once a month) for any new moles, or a mole that's changing rapidly, as well as changes to patches of skin.

Parents are also advised to send their children for regular eye tests by the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust. This will not only pick up any problems with vision, but also signs of more serious eye conditions.

Finally, resolve to check your medicine cabinet, suggests Leyla Hannbeck of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA). A recent survey found many people never check their medicines are still in date, she points out.

"The New Year can be a good time to have a clear out of your cabinet. Medicines can become increasingly less effective once they pass their expiry date," she says. Visit www.bad.org.uk/sunawareness for information on checking your skin.

JANUARY2012 61

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p63_BUCKS_THEGOODLIFE__ 19/01/2012 15:45 Page 1

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THE GOOD LIFE MAKE 2012 THE YEAR YOU DON'T JUST TALK ABOUT IT, YOU ACTUALLY DO IT. LEARN HOW TO BAKE, VOLUNTEER FOR THE LOCAL SCHOOL READING PROGRAMME, DYE YOUR HAIR, JOIN AN AMATEUR DRAMATIC GROUP - THE CHOICES ARE ENDLESS! PLUS - A TRIED AND TESTED REVIEW OF JANE FONDA'S LATEST EXERCISE DVD.

BY BESS MANSON

N

down a path you were always meant to go down."

If you don't already have something in mind to take on this year, flick through some magazines and newspapers for inspiration, Pearl says.

So this year why not take on a different approach?

Here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling:

Ditch the list of unachievable tasks and take on one challenge something you've always wanted to do but never had the time, money or inclination - such as learn to dance, give yourself a whole new makeover, or take a solo holiday.

Susie Pearl, author of Instructions For Happiness And Success, urges us to pick something that takes us out of our comfort zone.

Deciding on your challenge is the easy part. Following through on the promise you've made to yourself is another matter.

Pearl says you have to write your challenge down then commit to it.

"Write it down and put the note where you can't avoid seeing it in your wallet, on the bathroom mirror, on the bedside lamp, she says.

Try to rope someone else into it, she adds.

"Get a mission buddy who takes on their own challenge, so you can motivate one another throughout the year."

Visuals are also important, she says.

"Put pictures up for what you want to achieve or of someone who has inspired you to take on the challenge. Visuals are essential to keep motivated and committed."

Taking on a challenge can lead to amazing things, Pearl says.

"If you commit to doing something new, you could meet people who will change your life. It could lead you on adventures you never imagined or spark a new career. It might even lead you to love.

"Sometimes, if you follow an idea or inspiration, it can take you

Join or start a book club Book clubs have a whiff of middle age about them but it's an unfair badge. If you like books and like talking about them, then forget the middle-age bad rep and join or start your own club.

Apart from being a great way to meet like-minded people, it's a great forum to exchange ideas, engage in some banter and generally have a good gossip with your new pals.

ew Year's resolutions may be full of all sorts of good intentions, but by February, those lists of the promises we made to ourselves are usually conveniently relegated to the rubbish bin.

Learn to sing Join a singing class or a choir and discover your inner voice because singing is actually good for you.

Stephen Clift, professor of health education at Canterbury Christ Church University, says singing together is a positive collaborative social activity which raises the spirits and helps to energise the body.

"Singing can also be particularly good for people with existing health problems, including mental health difficulties such as depression and anxiety," he adds.

Jane Cole, creator of Sing For Fun, which provides singing lessons and workshops throughout the UK, says: "Singing is so good for you, it should be on prescription.

"When people sing at the top of their voice, they release endorphins - feel good hormones - that make you feel great."

For more information, visit www.musicteachers.co.uk; www.choirs.org.uk; and www.singforfun.co.uk

JANUARY2012 63

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THING WHEN YOU IT'S A SCARY THING WHEN YOU U CAN'T MANAGE THE DISCOVER YOU CAN'T MANAGE THE WHEEL ANYMORE. SIMPLE CARTWHEEL ANYMORE. TUMBLED INTO A AS KIDS WE TUMBLED INTO A WITH ABANDON BUT CARTWHEEL WITH ABANDON BUT AND SOME EXTRA A FEW YEARS AND SOME EXTRA ES THEM ALMOST POUNDS MAKES THEM ALMOST ZARD. A HEALTH HAZARD.

and some extra pounds makes them almost a health on, visit www.bookgroup.info and some extrahazard. pounds makes them almost a health hazard.

For more information, visit www.bookgroup.info Learn the art of the perfect cartwheel without slipping a disc - if cartwheel without slipping a disc - if Learn the art of the perfect Learn to dance only to prove to yourself that you can do it. only to prove to yourself that you can do it. ango... What ever dance style you choose, it's going Zumba, ballroom, tango... What ever dance style you choose, it's going a step-by-step guide, visit www.wikihow.com/do-a-cartwheel For a step-by-step guide, visit www.wikihow.com/do-a-cartwheel n more ways than to youbethink. good for you in more ways than you For think.

Go on on yourshe own Go on holiday on your own ck in and actually make you feel happier," "The endorphins kick inshe andsays. actually make youholiday feel happier," says.

It's a liberating experience to take a holiday - even a short break -toon It's a liberating experience take a holiday - even a short break - on you fit, makes you happier many benefits. It keeps "Dancing has so many benefits. It keeps you fit, makes you happier own. your own. to meet people. And you're doingpeople. a andeven it's athough great way to meet Andyour even though you're doing a Going solo, you are much more approachable by other travellers so approachable by other travellers so Going solo, you are much more p you to relax." workout, it does help you to relax." you're going to meet loads of people along the way.

It's also a good you're going to meet loads of people along the way. It's also a good mation, visit www.danceweb.co.uk For more information, visit www.danceweb.co.uk chance to reflect and relax doing exactly as you without having to exactly as you wish without having to chance towish reflect and relax doing consider anyone else. consider anyone else.

Learn to bake Try own a holistic holiday or perhaps a cityTry break.

Bon voyage! a holistic holiday or perhaps a city break. Bon voyage! good reasons to make your bicciesgood and reasons cakes: to make your There areown so many biccies and cakes: For more information, visit travel sites www.thelmaandlouise.com; and sites www.thelmaandlouise.com; and For more information, visit travel You know exactly www.justyou.co.uk www.justyou.co.uk them, you'll save money, and you'll feel so darn what's gone into them, you'll save money, and you'll feel so darn emade fare, you'll never a packaged sponge proudlook of your homemade fare,inyou'll never look a packaged sponge in Volunteer Volunteer the eye again.

Give some of your time each week to a charity.

Give some of your time each week to a charity. with the humble scone, thenoffwork your waythe up.humble By Start simple with scone, then work your way up. By Time is as important as money and can openis up a whole new world and can open up a whole new world Time as important as money appointed Christmas pud chef.

Christmas you'll be appointed Christmas pud chef. youeach as well as benefiting to you as well as benefiting others. ns or set aside some time week where can sometotime Takeeach some lessons or you set aside week where you others. can Help the aged, offer your services to a Help schoolthe oraged, library reading offer your services to a school or library reading recipe at a time. concentrate on one recipe at a time. programme, donate your time to an animal shelter... there's no end programme, donate your timetoto an animal shelter... there's no end to gular tasters and prepare yourself forregular tasters and prepare yourself for Appoint your the causes you could devote a few hours of your time to each week. the causes you could devote a few hours of your time to each week. m. constructive criticism.

Volunteering and give you sense of your horizons and give you a sense of Volunteering willa broaden o it, so can you. For more information recipes, If Nigella can doand it, so can you. For more informationwill andbroaden recipes,your horizons adding something to your community.adding It might even putto theyour world into something community.

It might even put the world into now.co.uk/recipes/cake visit www.goodtoknow.co.uk/recipes/cake a better perspective. a better perspective.

Volunteervisit www.ageuk.org.uk; and Volunteer For more and information, wheel - no matter your ageto do a cartwheel - no matter your For Learn age more information, visit www.ageuk.org.uk; Help at Reading Help at www.vrh.org.uk hen you discover you manage simple It'scan't a scary thingthe when you discover youReading can't manage thewww.vrh.org.uk simple

cartwheel anymore. a tree, vegetables Grow something - a flower, a tree, vegetables bled into a cartwheel with abandon but a few As kids we tumbled intoyears a cartwheelGrow with something abandon but- aa flower, few years 64

JANUARY2012

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health beauty There's a remarkable satisfaction in growing something you planted yourself. And even more satisfaction in eating home-grown vegetables, fruits and herbs. There's nothing like eating a tomato that actually smells and tastes like a - well, tomato.

Do some reading on what to plant when, arm yourself with some compost (or make your own if you're really game), invest in the basic essential tools and you're halfway there.

Whether you have a garden or a just a small spot for some pots, get growing.

For more information and tips, visit www.applegategardens.co.uk Give yourself a new look Don't look back on life and regret never getting the radical haircut you always planned to get but never had the courage - just do it.

Cut it, colour it, style it.

And while you're at it, give yourself a whole new makeover. Call in a stylist to sort out your wardrobe. Be brutal and start the new year fresh by throwing out the bits you never wear.

Find out what colours really work for you with a colour consultation, or get a make-up lesson (smoky eyes, anyone?).

For more information and advice, visit www.colourmebeautiful.co.uk/ colour-consultation Ramble Walking is a great way to get fit without all the predictable injuries and downright exhaustion of running or going to the gym.

Plus you get to see a little part of your world each time you get out there.

Survey the terrain as you discover the countryside, or even the green belt of your city, and breathe in the good air.

Go with some friends and stop at a pub for a well-earned drink and some hearty tucker during your ramble.

All you need is some walking shoes, some inspiration and perhaps some good maps to start you off - and maybe a walking pole if you really want to look the part.

Find out more at www.ramblingclubs.com Tried & tested Tightening our belts financially to cope with hard times can mean there' s no spare cash for gyms. Gabrielle Fagan tests Jane Fonda's new home fitness workout for the over-50s.

What is it? Jane Fonda: Trim, Tone & Flex is the third workout DVD in her successful Prime Time range, and includes a 20-minute upper body workout, a 20-minute lower body workout, and a final 10-minute relaxation programme to relieve stress.

What's it like? Jane Fonda's the woman who in the Eighties urged millions to don a leotard and 'go for the burn'.

But times change and while the actress, activist and fitness guru is as devoted to workouts as ever, she is setting a gentler pace for this, her 27th DVD. Eerily, she looks much the same as she did in her thirties, with an apparently wrinkle-free face, amazing figure and lithe legs, but Fonda's now 74 and has osteoarthritis in her hands and feet.

So this class is aimed at those who aren't gym bunnies but would simply like to stay in shape and lose those creaking joints.

There are two workouts, one for the upper body and one for the lower body - all that's needed is a chair, a towel and a couple of weights.

Fonda chats and encourages throughout in a low-key, friendly way, rather than the irritating, overenthusiastic cheer leader style familiar to many celebrity fitness offerings - a big bonus if you're going to use the DVD regularly.

DANCE TAKES YOU INTO She explains the workout and puts their ANOTHER BRAINWAVE effect into context. For example, twisting the STATE. "THE ENDORPHINS upper body will be helpful for reversing the KICK IN AND ACTUALLY MAKE YOU FEEL HAPPIER" car, as well as getting in and out of a car, or going up and down stairs.

She points out that improving balance and posture will help to prevent falls and reveals that to improve her own balance, she always stands on one leg to brush her teeth.

When she recounts all the problems that can befall us as we get older, including her own ailments, she jokes, 'It sounds like we are all falling apart' and then adds positively that, 'Of course, we're not!'

She also points out that overall fitness and following routines can also help the brain and says encouragingly, 'Man, are we going to be smart!'

The upper body set includes joint-easing moves, and others to help slim the arms, shoulders, back and stomach, while the lower body also has gentle joint rolls and works the major muscles of the legs, hips and buttocks with seated and standing exercises.

This DVD promotes the importance of staying strong and active rather than the standard 'losing weight' message that is often associated with fitness DVDs. For someone like me, who knows they should workout but doesn't want to physically punish myself, it was excellent, and there's the potential to up the intensity of the workout by using heavier weights, or increasing the repetitions.

I think Fonda's going to be my new best mate in the mornings as I finally stick to my New Year's resolution and shake my stuff but definitely avoid the burn!

Information: Jane Fonda Prime Time: Trim, Tone & Flex is available from all good retailers, priced £17.99 ■ JANUARY2012 65

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5 TOP

NEW YEAR BEAUTY RESOLUTIONS

BY LEVANAH REYES-WAINWRIGHT

I WILL CLEANSE, MOISTURISE AND USE A SERUM

If you are craving a healthy, dewy complexion for 2012 then you really need to uphold a daily skincare regime.

Without removing the day’s dirt and grime you simply create the perfect environment for spots and bacteria to multiply. Double cleanse to remove all impurities using cosmeceutical grade effective skincare with biologically active ingredients. Use a moisturiser with an added SPF to protect you during the day, and a restorative night cream to repair. Finally, don’t forget to use a targeted serum before moisturiser. Serums are special boosters for the skin, packed with higher concentrations of ingredients that can penetrate rapidly into the top layers of the skin to help feed the skin with nutrients and delay onset of ageing.

TRY: Vitage Revitalising Daily Cleanse (£24,cosmeceuticals. co.uk), Clinique Youth Surge Day SPF15 Age Decelerating Moisturizer (£39,clinique. co.uk), Tara Walker’s 66

JANUARY2012

Regenerating Dream Night Creme (£69,tarawalkersdream. com), Functionalab Eye Contour Serum (£49, Harrods) I WILL LOOK AFTER MY HAIR

2012 is when you will get your hair mojo back, I promise.

Get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks and ditch the two-in-one shampoo & conditioner! Shampoo and Conditioner are made up of different molecules - one is foamy, the other is silky. Get yourself haircare tailored to you, such as Aussie Miracle Moist shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Then use an Aussie Volume Conditioner and comb it through your hair whilst it’s on using a brilliant hair tool called Tangle Teezer to minimise knots, then rinse off. I can’t stress this enough - only put it on the ends of your hair or your scalp will get greasy quicker. Finally consider a radical cut - a fringe, a pixie cut or layers to change up your style for the better. TRY: Tangle Teezer (£10.20, Boots), Aussie Big Size (£5.99, available nationwide)

I WILL SPRING CLEAN MY SKINCARE AND DETOX MY MAKE-UP BAG AND BRUSHES.

According to research by retailer Debenhams, the average British woman’s make-up is out of date by a staggering four years! A regular make-up and skincare detox is essential, throw out old or broken make up and any skincare that smells funny, has changed colour or separated (mascaras should be thrown out after four months). And don’t forget to clean your make-up brushes every fortnight, this doesn’t take long and can prevent the constant build-up of any new bacteria. Wash them in warm water in a little shampoo, and leave to air dry.

I WILL TAKE CARE OF MY BODY

This is the year when you stop making excuses and start exercising, getting fit and toning up. I recommend starting to take a beauty supplement to nourish your skin with active ingredients from the inside out to achieve long-lasting results beneficial to nutrition and your health. Also, exfoliate your body at least twice a week and don’t forget to moisturise with a super moisturiser like Lanolips Lovely Lanolin(tm) Golden Ointment for silky smooth and radiant skin.

TRY: Functionalab Beauty Dose Hair, Skin and Nails (£26, Harvey Nichols), Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish (£6.64, Boots), Lanolips Lovely Lanolin(tm) Golden Ointment (£17.99, victoriahealth.com) I WILL TRY SOMETHING NEW!

If you are stuck in a make-up rut, break it in 2012. Dare to wear that bright pink lipstick you lust after, paint on neon or dark nail polish if you’ve never been brave enough and don those false lashes to flutter. It can give you a real confidence boost and completely transform your look. Even better is that if you don’t like it you can take it off, that’s the beauty of it!

p67_BUCKS_AD_VARIOUS__ 23/01/2012 10:49 Page 1

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“I LIKE LIVING AT HOME… I’M HAPPY HERE” SAYS MAUDE

W

hen James Harris noticed that his mother Maude* wasn’t looking after herself as well as she used to, he began to worry about how to support her to be safe and healthy.

Following her husband’s passing away, Maude now lived alone in the house she’d been in for nearly 20 years. James lived over 100 miles away so he began to think about moving her to a residential home where she’d be looked after.

But Maude didn’t want to move – she loved her home, her local village, had friends she saw regularly and didn’t want to leave. She knew that she wasn’t coping with life’s daily tasks, but was still fiercely independent and adamant about remaining in her own home.

So James turned to Aureus Care, a premier provider of specialist homecare and support services, to provide a support package tailored to her needs. Aureus completed a comprehensive risk and abilities assessment of Maude’s capabilities, home environment and requirements, then matched her to a Care Professional who was perfect for her.

Maude’s Care Professional, Mary, helps her with her morning routine of taking a shower and getting dressed so that she feels

smart and attractive; cooking fresh balanced meals so she doesn’t need supplemental folic acid injections and reminding her to take her medication and use a prescribed gel for her hip and knees so she has less pain and is more mobile.

Maude feels she can still live her life to the full in the home she loves and loves asserting her independence. James is happy knowing that his mother is safe and well and that if Maude’s capabilities should deteriorate, Aureus Care will ensure that Mary has all the specialist training and support needed to ensure she can stay with and support Maude long into the future.

Maude said “Everyday Mary comes to help me about the house.

We do things together and she makes sure that I’m eating right and taking my pills. I like living at home and going to see my friends and Mary always helps me. I’m very happy here. I know James used to worry about me, but now he knows Mary’s here I think he doesn’t worry so much.”

Aureus Care Ltd 111 Amersham High Street, Amersham, Buckinghamshire HP7 0EA Telephone: 01494 853 334 Email: enquiries@aureuscare.co.uk JANUARY2012 69

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improving not moving?

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,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 70

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

p70_BUCKS_FRITHSDEN__ 20/01/2012 11:19 Page 2

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ot for the first time we have a crazy situation wherein some types of antique silverware are worth more money for their scrap metal value than they are for their historic and functional qualities. Currently this applies to those large Victorian tea services, trays, memorial centre-pieces and presentation cups. Thankfully most people today are resisting the temptation to scurry along to the nearest collection point and cash in, unlike the similar temptation of late 1970’s.

This was when a demand for the scrap metal saw even fine Georgian coffee pots, candle sticks, teapots and tankards being melted down for cash.

This is of course a tragedy because antique silver from the UK and C.I. is one of the few classes of antiques that by means of the finest guarantee system in the world, it is possible to tell from the hall marks stamped upon it when a piece was made, where it was made, where it was tested for quality, who tested it, what the quality is, when it was made, whether duty was paid, and most fascinating of all, the life story of the person who made it.

It all began way back in the 12th century when King John 1167 – 1216 recognized that some semblance of order and uniformity needed to be introduced to the manufacture of coin of the realm and functional and commemorative silverware, correctly termed ‘wrought plate’. This is because pure silver is too soft to be durable and so is mixed or ‘alloyed’ with a hardening agent.

At first copper alone was used but over the centuries many other ingredients have been introduced. The problem was that copper does not alter the colour of the silver and so it was not beyond the temptation of a silversmith to dilute the quality of the costly primary metal by adding any amount of 72

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copper before starting to make coin or object. At the time of King John the leading silversmiths in the Western world were Germans, and so a party of them were invited to come to England and advise on a ‘fineness’, that is a maximum percentage of silver to copper to make a metal pure enough to have maximum intrinsic value while being soft enough to ‘work’ or make with, yet be hard enough to withstand handling and use. The Germans settled on a ratio of 92.5% fine (pure) silver to 7.5% copper, which standard has remained the same (officially) from the 12th century to the present day with the exception of a short break between 1697 – 1720.

Legend has it that the Germans were not overly welcome and were given the nickname ‘Easterlings’. The silver they produced was labeled the same and over the years the first two letters were dropped – we were as lazy with our language then as we are today – and the word ‘sterling’ became used to describe fine silverware and anything else of guaranteed quality.

As coin and wrought plate were the same material it was

possible and much practiced to melt coin to make wrought plate when you got rich and melt wrought plate to make coin when things got tough. It was on such an occasion that any substandard silver was discovered but to date there was no true means of tracing the perpetrator.

So in 1300 a statute of King Edward I provided that no ware of gold or silver should be sold until it had been taken to the headquarters of the guardians of the craft of silversmiths correctly referred to as goldsmiths- later to become known as an Assay Office.

There it was to be tested, the details of which we shall look at later, and if approved be stamped with a mark as a guarantee of quality.

The mark, known at first as ‘the King’s mark, depicted the head of a lion, but as it was symbolic, and the then popular French language term for a lion in heraldry was ‘leopart’ it soon became known as the Leopard’s Head mark. At this time the headquarters of the Guild of Goldsmiths, already established earlier in the 13th century, was in London and it was not long before the Leopart’s Head mark in turn became known as the London town mark.

Now this was all very well but there was still no definitive method of tracing an unethical goldsmith who had cheated in his material structure by putting too much copper into his mix.

So to protect the honest smith and his clients as well as to trace the crooks a second mark was added in 1363 through a statute of King Edward III which provided that every goldsmith “should have a mark by himself ” to be struck next to the King’s (London town) mark. Then, before any wrought plate was melted down a note was made of the maker’s name and if the silver was found to be substandard, he could be traced

and held responsible.

Now this is taking longer to cover than I had imagined, and we haven’t even begun to talk about Channel Isles silver, so I’m going to make this the first of at least three episodes in the coming months, and I hope you will stick with it.

Just briefly back to that crazy situation I mentioned at the beginning in the early 1970s.

It was when the American oil billionaire Nelson Bunker Hunt and his brother William Herbert began accumulating large amounts of silver in an attempt to corner the market in this raw material. They nearly succeeded for by 1997 they had acquired estimated silver holdings of 100 million Troy ozs.

Between 1979 and 1980 the scrap price rose from around £6.50 an ounce in September 1979 to just over £30 an ounce in January 1980. Such a value was unsustainable and silver prices ultimately collapsed to below £6 an ounce two months later. It was estimated that the brothers benefitted by between $2billion and $4 billion before Nelson filed for bankruptcy in 1988.

But such a phenomenal rise meant that old and new wrought plate was worth more for its material content than it was as an object, whatever it was. So antique silverware was worth more for melt than it was as a tangible piece of history, and I hope to show you in the ensuing chapters just how extraordinarily detailed that tangible history is.

Incidentally apart from his failed attempt to control the world’s silver supply and his spectacular bankruptcy, N. Bunker Hunt is accredited as saying - words to the affect that - “A billion dollars isn't what it used to be” and “People who know how much they're worth aren't usually worth that much”.

Read that with a rueful smile.

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A ROOM FOR ALL SEASONS Y You want to move.! You need to move! You need more space for living, relaxing, entertaining. But moving is expensive and uncertain, and you have lavished a lot of time and money on your house and garden. Fortunately there are many ways to extend your property, from creating rooms in your loft, building a conservatory, to adding a garden room. All of these options create space and add value. Much has been written about loft conversions and conservatories, but garden rooms are still a largely undiscovered way of providing flexibility and fun.

When most people think of outside structures in the garden they think of gazebos and summerhouses.

But these days the range of options is staggering. Given our British climate, rooms open to the elements might seem a risk.

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How many days a year would you use it? What would you use it for?

How would it fit into my garden?

Fuman Dejahang, Managing Director of Crown Pavilions, one of the UK’s leading

changing needs. Don’t think only of open gazebos any more. Our garden gazebos are for all year use. They have durable canvas side panels that can be rolled down in the winter. The blinds come with zips and PVC windows as well as

A garden room should be an extension of your house, and you can put it wherever you want. You can landscape around the garden room to create an integral part of your garden... manufacturers of garden rooms, provides some of the answers.

“Times have changed” he said, “and the design of garden rooms has developed to meet people’s

highly effective infrared heaters.

All these features mean the gazebos can be used all through the year.

But you can also think about outdoor kitchens, sitting rooms with plasma screens, studies with storage

When you are looking at extending your house, a garden room could be the answer that you are looking for...

and internet connection, screens to protect you from the weather, mood lighting for evening entertainment, heating, hot tubs. These days we can provide a wide range of buildings for a variety of requirements, all designed around the needs of the families we build them for”.

A garden room should be an extension of your house, and you can put it wherever you want. You can landscape around the garden room to create an integral part of your garden.

Fuman explained, “When we install a garden room we are especially mindful of the landscaping around it. Our sister company, Crown Gardens, will look after every aspect of planting and creating a beautiful setting which fits in with your existing garden. After

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all, the garden room should be a sanctuary that reflects your house and enhances your garden. The lighting and heating are also important, especially if you want to entertain in the evening. We take care of all that too. We make sure that all parts of the structure work together in harmony, whether you are just relaxing or whether you are entertaining guests.”

Of course, these days we also have to be especially careful about our green credentials. The beauty of a garden room created by a company such as Crown Pavilions, is that you can be sure that the timber is ethically sourced as well as deigned for easy maintenance with a quality and natural finish.

The structure must be sturdy and the soft furnishings need to be resistant to everything our

climate can subject it too; fade and insect-resistant in the summer and mould-resistant in the rain.

Fuman Dejahang Managing Director of Crown Pavilions

The possibilities are endless.

Whether your garden is large or small, or merely a paved courtyard you will find a garden room to suit your taste.

Fuman comments “People want to enhance their homes and gardens and create spaces which are flexible for family life and entertaining friends.

Garden rooms extend the scope of how you use your house and garden, create exciting and beautiful focal points, potentially increase the value of your property, and they are fun”.

www.crownpavilions.com JANUARY2012 75

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When is a door not a door? …When its a-jar?

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t’s funny how we still remember some of the old jokes our school friends and parents told us… particularly the bad ones!That said, in this energy conservation age, thermally efficiency wise, a door in practical terms is not actually a door (in the energy saving sense) when it is a-jar, as obviously when open a door lets out all the energy that has been generated by the property’s heating system.

A door is also not a door when it is a-jar in the security sense either, as it is designed to provide access and egress for the property’s owner(s), visitors and guests. You don’t find many UK households today who leave their front and/or back doors unlocked at night! I do know a few who do risk leaving them open during the day, but if they were to be burgled their insurance company would not pay them anything, in the same way if an unlocked car is stolen. Nowadays, most insurance companies insist on multi-point locking for front and back doors, and sometimes require an additional deadlock, and unless when you leave your property you do lock both locks (i.e. the yale lock and the mortice lock) its contents simply will not be insured, despite the fact you have paid a premium!

Doors are a common cause of draughts and leaks in most homes, so fitting replacement double glazed or even triple glazed residential doors is a sure way to reduce the amount of heat your property is losing as a result of retaining old inefficient doors. The added bonus is that multi-locking comes as standard on virtually every aluminium, composite and UPVC double glazed front door in the UK marketplace. By raising the door handles vertically on these high security doors, one not only activates the locking mechanisms, but also engages the gaskets around the door frame, creating a seal, keeping out the cold, reducing draughts and keeping expensive heat inside.

A door is neither a container (i.e. a jar!) when it is open or shut, but when open it does let the cold outside in and the warmth stored inside

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out. Thermally efficiency wise, your property will greatly benefit by fitting it with double glazed doors, and obviously benefit even more if you install a triple glazed UPVC front door, back door or a set of triple glazed French doors.

Aluminium double glazed residential doors are excellent replacement doors in terms of added energy efficiency and security, however the most thermally efficient and secure doors are the top of the range composite front doors, and composite French doors that are available in the UK. The downside is that high quality double glazed composite front doors, do cost more than UPVC or aluminium replacement doors, but when it comes to saving energy, the security of your home and fantastic aesthetic appearance, do you really want to compromise and settle for second or third best? Even though Hazlemere’s composite door range is the most expensive type of replacement doors in their High Wycombe doors showroom (although less than the cost of double glazed solid hardwood front doors), they are still Hazlemere’s best selling front doors, which tells its own story.

That said, when it comes to replacement back doors, kitchen doors or French doors opening into the garden or onto the patio, most owners in the South of England are more than happy to install UPVC or aluminium doors as their back door or kitchen door, given these areas are usually more secure in the first place, and the double glazed replacement aluminium or UPVC doors are a dramatic improvement both security wise and thermally wise on the old leaky and draughty doors.

So when is a door not a door? …When it is not double or triple glazed… and securely shut!

If you would like more information on Hazlemere Windows thermally efficient insulated bespoke residential doors telephone 01494 854266 or visit www.hazlemere.co.uk" www.hazlemere.co.uk

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Bang & Olufsen of Marlow 32 Spittal Street, Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 1DB Tel. 01628 488818 marlow@bang-olufsen.co.uk www.bang-olufsen.com/marlow

Picture for illustration purpose only.

Scan the code with your Smartphone.

You will need a QR code reader app which can be downloaded from the app store.

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p78_BUCKS_TITCHMARSH__ 19/01/2012 15:49 Page 1

TIPS ON HOW TO BEAUTIFY YOUR FRONT GARDEN - PLUS WHAT'S GOING TO BE HOT AND WHAT'S NOT IN THE WORLD OF GARDENING IN 2012

By Hannah Stephenson

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s the ideal gardens ambassador for this year's Ideal Home Show, TV gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh needs to stay ahead of the times.

Keeping a keen eye on gardening trends, landscaping designs and what the public will be growing in 2012 and beyond, he predicts that the 'grow your own' campaign will be as strong as ever this year.

"Growing your own will still be popular," he says, "and veg can be fitted into pockets on the flower border as well as on a dedicated veg patch.

"Climbers on house walls are set to make a resurgence - who needs to look at boring brickwork? Just make sure that adequate wire or trellis supports are provided.

"And repeat-flowering roses should be in every garden - in and among border perennials and shrubs - dedicated rose beds are now out," he says.

Despite heavy TV commitments, Titchmarsh will be out in his Hampshire garden this winter, preparing it for spring and beyond.

"Getting my garden ready for spring is something that, like everybody else, I try to fit in around work. But it's vital and my garden is my safety valve as well as my canvas.

"My garden has good lines. Perspective, proportion and form are every bit as important to me as colour. There is lots of evergreen topiary clipped box and yew but within the borders there are billowing banks of perennials, shrubs and roses.

"I also have a wild flower meadow and a wildlife pond, providing great entertainment and a really good way of doing my bit for conservation. My garden is my sanctuary."

Winter offers time for planning new borders and allows gardeners time to do jobs little

by little, he says.

"The great thing about winter is that things move slowly in the garden and we have a chance to catch up. It's not all about tidying, though there is some of that to do border perennials to cut back (I like to leave some old foliage on in winter to help insects and birds), the last of the leaves to clear up and compost.

"I lightly fork over the earth between plants in early spring, working in a sprinkling of blood, fish and bone and then, among shrubs in particular, I mulch with chipped bark to seal in moisture and keep down weeds."

Winter is a great time to take a long, hard look at the garden and work out where there are gaps in terms of interest, he reflects.

Deciduous trees and shrubs are best planted now (provided the soil is not waterlogged or frozen) to give them a head start in spring, while perennials should be ordered now for planting in early spring so that the year can get off to a flying start.

If the ground's too hard or wet to work on, curl up on a winter's evening with some seed catalogues and work out what you want to grow this year, making your order quickly for the best selection, he suggests.

If you're creating a new veg plot, decide what you like eating and how much space such crops will take up. Then work out sowing and harvesting times so that the best use is made of your veg patch.

"Order your seeds early and store them in a shoe-box in order of sowing times," he advises.

"Don't sow too much of quick-maturing crops such as lettuce and radish at the same time, but make smaller sowings every few weeks to ensure a succession of tender young crops."

Indoors in January and February, you can sow geranium (pelargonium) seeds early - they take a long while to grow and will flower sooner if they are raised on a warm windowsill.

Sprout seed potatoes so that they get off to a flying start when they are planted out later.

At the Ideal Home Show 2012, Titchmarsh will be judging the Ideal Young Gardeners of the Year competition in which six colleges go head to head to create sustainable show gardens.

"We need to do much more to promote horticulture as a career and to pass on our gardening skills. It is the most rewarding of jobs, tough at times, yes, but one which allows us to do our bit for the future of the planet."

The Ideal Home Show at London's Earls Court runs from March 16 to April 1. To book tickets, visit www.idealhomeshow.co.uk or call 0844 858 6763.

Best of the bunch - Mahonia This winter shrub provides interest in both colour and form, with its deep green, glossy, holly-like leaves and clusters of fragrant yellow flowers, followed by purple or black berries.

Mahonia will grow happily in shade, providing not only scent but good architectural value and some of the upright varieties, such as M. x media 'Charity', which bears vivid yellow flower spikes in winter, make good barriers against intruders.

Others, such as M. japonica, which grows to 2m (6ft), make useful plants for a woodland edge or shrub border in shade.

For a later-flowering variety, try M. aquifolium 'Apollo', which bears clusters of scented, acid-yellow flowers in spring.

All of the popular varieties are easy to grow and are not fussy about soil type.

Good enough to eat Horseradish If you've loved horseradish with your roast beef this winter, why not try growing your own for an eye-poppingly hot accompaniment?

Be warned, though, it's an invasive perennial with deep roots that regrow when they're broken off and, once established, can be as difficult to get rid of as ground elder.

Grow it in a bottomless

bucket sunk into the ground with its rim about an inch above the surface so that the roots don't spread up there and to keep clumps in check.

Only the root of horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is used.

Buy plants from specialist herb nurseries, or some seed companies offer roots in their autumn catalogues for planting up in late winter or early spring.

Make a hole in the soil with a dibber and push a single root into it, thickest end uppermost, leaving the tip at ground level.

Plant three roots about 60cm apart for a good clump. Let the plants grow for two years before harvesting.

Dig up one plant in September or October, using the biggest roots for the kitchen and cutting off one of the thinner roots to replant.

What to do this week ● Continue to take root cuttings of acanthus, Oriental poppy, phlox and verbascums. ● Continue to keep bird feeders and troughs topped up with bird food and water. ● Keep the strong, whippy shoots of apple tree prunings to support bulbs later in the season. ● Bring container-grown shrubs such as viburnum, rose and deutzia into the greenhouse for forcing, maintaining a minimum temperature of 13C (55F). ● Sow sweet peas in deep pots under glass. ● Protect hairy-leaved alpines from winter wet with an open-ended cloche. ● Plant bare-rooted roses as soon as they are delivered. ● Firm down plants which have been lifted by frost. ● Bring pots of herbs indoors for use in the kitchen. ● Continue to harvest parsnips, kale and winter cabbages. ● Protect shrubs of borderline hardiness with layers of fleece or netting if frost threatens. ● Plant shallots and Jerusalem artichokes. ● Sow celery in a heated propagator.

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CAN YOU SLEEP ON A BIG DECISION?

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here’s nothing worse than spending a night tossing and turning. A big decision, a row, noise from nearby traffic or a train track; all these things can stop us getting forty winks.

Buckinghamshire based company, Frank Hudson, design and produce beautiful vintage furniture with a modern twist. To celebrate the launch of their new Shakespeare four-poster bed, they went on location to the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre in Quainton, near Aylesbury to photograph the bed next to one of the museum’s vintage steam engines. The museum will be directly affected by the HS2 rail link which is planned to run right next to the building – the route is no doubt 80

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causing many a sleepless night for the people involved.

So how do we get a good night’s sleep? Tim Hudson, co-owner of Frank Hudson offers the following top 10 tips: 1. A comfortable bed is essential in helping you to relax and unwind from the day – if you wake up aching you may need to invest in a new mattress 2. Keep to a regular sleep cycle by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.

3. Spend as much time as possible outside during the day to increase light exposure 4. Turn off the television or computer an hour or so before you go to bed so your mind is less stimulated 5. Read a book under a soft light to relax your mind

6. Keep the noise level down, blocking noises from outside with soothing music or ear plugs 7. Avoid eating big meals at night as the stomach has to work hard to digest it 8. Cut down on caffeine or eliminate caffeine 9. Avoid that night cap as it reduces your sleep quality 10. Make a note of issues causing anxiety and delay thinking about them until the next day when you are fresh The four-poster, Elizabethan inspired Shakespeare bed also made us think about how sleeping tips have changed. 400 years ago beds were less comfortable and tips for getting a good night’s sleep have changed greatly.

1. Some recommended that the number of hours sleep per night should be 3 to 5 2. Houses should be barricaded and bolted 3. Bed bugs hunted for 4. Feet washed and hair cut and combed 5. Late night suppers should be avoided but if not it was recommended to sleep on your right side to facilitate digestion Frank Hudson will be revealing their stunning Shakespeare bed at the forthcoming Interiors 2012 exhibition at the NEC later this month.

Visit Frank Hudson at: Rosebery Avenue, Pinions, High Wycombe, Bucks HP13 7AH Tel: 01494 522011 info@frankhudson.com www.frankhudson.com

p81_BUCKS_AD_VARIOUS__ 23/01/2012 10:46 Page 1

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p82_BUCKS_STGILES__ 23/01/2012 17:19 Page 1

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ST GILES FURNITURE MAKERS OF FINE BRITISH FURNITURE FOR 25 YEARS!

S

ince the 1600’s Buckinghamshire has been at the heart of English furniture which started with chair making! The Windsor chair was the most famous product produced locally, followed by the ladder back chair. At one time there were over 4,000 chairs being hand produced every day in the High Wycombe area as a direct result of the huge number of beech trees surrounding the area.

High Wycombe became well known for its famous chair bodgers who formed a wonderful band of craftsmen working throughout the beech clad Chiltern hills using their pole lathes’ to create the legs and uprights for traditional chairs such as the Windsor, which they then sold on to local furniture companies. In fact High Wycombe became so well known for its furniture production that it now boasts its own Museum. The bodgers legacy is beautifully represented in a furniture collection including Windsor chairs at the Wycombe Museum.

The collection also houses tools used by bodgers working in the Chilterns' woods along with tools from local factories and workshops such as Glenisters, right This image was taken around 1900 and supplied by Wycombe Museum.

From these early beginnings it was a natural progression for cabinet makers and other associated businesses to move into the area and high quality pieces started to appear for many prestigious stores such as Libertys

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and Frederick Parker which would later become known as Parker Knoll.

Living in an area which has its roots in English furniture has been very inspirational for me

since furniture is very much in the family. My own grand-mother owned two antique shops locally and inspired my father who found his niche in the making and restoration side of this business. Furniture design has always been the attraction for me personally. Forming a relationship with the client and “growing” with them over the years continues to be extremely satisfying and stands the test of time, just as our pieces of quality furniture do.

As a small family business making furniture for many family homes, our initial visit is all about what makes the house tick! This is the route to planning storage, style, colours and all other requirements. We are frequently asked to visit clients who we have designed and manufactured “one off ” pieces of furniture for over many years and it’s highly rewarding when our initial discussions revolve around the family rather than any furniture requirements! It is a huge compliment to be invited back to design additional furniture for our clients as a result of previous pieces they have had from us which they have loved.

We have now been based in Chalfont St Giles for 25 years which is quite a milestone!

During that time we have grown from a restoration site to the business we have now which incorporates any free standing or

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fitted furniture for the home from a fully fitted hand made kitchen to a bedside table. Having our own workshop with 17 skilled craftsmen producing traditionally made furniture means we can make anything in wood and are able to offer our clients a huge choice.

Whether you are looking for traditional or contemporary styles for your coffee tables, dining tables, kitchens, studies, cinema rooms or drawing rooms we can design the right thing for you.

Quality is of the utmost importance to us. We use solid woods and all frames and joints are constructed using the same traditional methods used from the 1600’s.

The last few months have seen a lot of change for our business!

In September 2011 we started a re-fit of our Chalfont St Giles showroom followed by the closure of our showroom in Gerrards

Cross which was a little sad but for all the right reasons. It is increasingly hard for a small retailer to survive on the High Street with high rents and rates etc, however, the two years spent in Gerrards Cross was a very positive experience for us and certainly raised the profile of our company locally.

Our re-fit at St Giles has resulted in a beautiful showroom with many super ideas for the home including bedroom, study, lounge and kitchen displays.

There are many beautiful home furnishing pieces on display with one-off pieces available to take away and many more ideas to help inspire you. We also have many clearance pieces available as a result of merging our two showrooms!

To celebrate our new look showroom and 25 years of trading we have decided to have a bit of a bash with two very

special “open evenings” on the 9th and 10th of February 2012.

This will be a great opportunity for us to showcase our own bespoke furniture along with some very special pieces from students studying Furniture Design and Craftsmanship at Bucks New University which is part of the National School of Furniture.

Wycombe College has long been famous for producing some of the most well known furniture makers and continues to do so as Bucks New University. St Giles Furniture has been associated with the Furniture Design course there for some time, helping to advise and sponsor up and coming new talent in this field.

This year the second year students have been tasked with making a desk as part of their “Working from Home” project and we are delighted to be

exhibiting some of these pieces as part of our celebrations here at St Giles Furniture. Our open evenings will be very special events with drinks and canapés for our guests and are by invitation only, however, please do contact us if you would like to be part of this one off event where we will be offering discount vouchers of £250 for any furniture orders placed to the value of £3,000 or more.

To find out more about the history of local furniture making and to see examples of chairs, tools, a reconstructed bodger’s hut and lots more, visit Wycombe Museum. www.wycombe.gov.uk/museum or call 01494 421895 for opening times and directions. Entrance to the Museum is FREE. For more information or to reserve a place at one of our open evenings’ please email debbiesmith@stgilesfurniture.com or telephone 01494 873031 JANUARY2012 83

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AN OPEN-PLAN KITCHEN AND LIVING SPACE

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ith Christmas well and truly over and the children now back at school, our thoughts are turning to the home and how to improve it.

The kitchen is very often the first on the list.

Design expert, Martin Postle, from Teddy Edwards on Woodstock Road cautions: “These days the kitchen is required to be far more than just a place for storage and preparation of food. Rather than being isolated at the back of the house, it has become more of a living space which includes a dining and, sometimes, a soft-seating area. But, as a consequence the kitchen furniture needs to compliment the style of these other areas.”

“It is really important to think about how you live or how you would like to live” Martin continues. “Many of our clients can be in the kitchen all day and sometimes all evening. You need to consider that several people will be in the same space at the same time, all performing different tasks: cooking, homework, laptop, watching TV. These requirements all need to catered for.”

We’re all entertaining more at home now, so the functionality of the kitchen is vital in order to prevent the normal build-up of clutter. We all want our kitchens to look great so careful planning is more important than ever with an open-plan space as it is permanently on show.

Visiting the Teddy Edwards showroom, it’s clear to see that the emphasis is very much on ‘furniture’ with warmth and charm (rather than on modular kitchen units). Their designs feature ‘blocks’ of furniture, instead of the more usual continuous run of units, perfect for successful harmony in an open-plan area and for creating a living-room feel.

If you are after a contemporary take on classic handcrafted furniture then make Teddy Edwards your first port of call.

Teddy Edwards 67 Woodstock Road Oxford 0X2 6HJ Tel: 01865 404 960 www.teddy-edwards.co.uk

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p85_BUCKS_AD_VARIOUS__ 23/01/2012 10:38 Page 1

Parker Knoll

Complete Range on Show

SALE NOW ON Lowest prices on all Parker Knoll ranges Free delivery and disposal of old furniture. Also extra special sale prices on Sherborne and Vale upholstery.

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01923 774904

Best of British

EASY PARKING AVAILABLE

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h ouse garden

NEW YEAR NEW BORDER TIPS ON HOW TO BEAUTIFY YOUR FRONT GARDEN - PLUS SOME IDEAS ON BORDER DESIGN AND TIPS ON HOW TO MINIMISE MAINTENANCE

By Hannah Stephenson

I

f your borders lack colour, texture and depth, then it's an ideal time to plan a new one to give you all-year-round colour, beautifully matched plants and a few surprises along the way.

Don't be afraid to copy other's ideas. You may need to visit a National Trust garden or simply look for inspiration closer to home, seeking out ideas by peeking into neighbouring gardens or simply asking keen gardening friends how they achieved a particular effect which you want to replicate.

Take a camera and notebook with you so that you can take pictures of particular scenes, so you don't just rely on your memory.

Alternatively, cut out pictures from magazines and cover them with tracing paper, drawing on the key plant shapes you like.

You may not be able to use exactly the same plants that you have admired in a magazine, but it will give you an idea of what works shape and height-wise.

When planning, ensure that the border provides year-round interest, not just a mass of

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blooms in summer which leaves the area looking dull and boring in winter.

Brighten up spring with bulbs and make use of evergreens and shrubs with coloured bark or berries in autumn and winter to prolong interest and keep a shape to the border.

While summer can be a riot of colour, trees and shrubs provide a framework to the border, some structure on which to build seasonal displays. They can also be used individually to create a particular effect such as a focal point.

Of course, the first consideration is your soil - is it acid or alkaline, is your aspect light or shady, is the ground dry or moist? Again, consider plants which have done well in your neighbours' gardens because they are also likely to do well in yours.

If you want a tree or shrub to add height to a border, use a tripod of canes which can be moved around to give you an idea of where the new addition will fit in best and when choosing a tree, consider its rate of growth and ultimate size. You

p86_BUCKS_NEWYEARNEWBORDER__ 19/01/2012 15:52 Page 2

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house garden don't want it dominating the border and casting shade over some of your more colourful sun-lovers later in the season.

Try to keep the planting design simple, choosing perhaps large interlocking drifts of plants rather than a mismatched smorgasbord of a lot of little plants which you've bought on a whim but which don't really complement each other.

Consider a themed border for compatible plants, such as a Mediterranean border, or a border with one type of plant such as herbs, which can be intermingled successfully.

Think about repetition in your border as using a particular plant repeatedly makes a particularly showy plant stand out and also helps merge a diverse display.

Alliums, with their stunning lollipop-shaped clusters of flowers can provide a showy display repeated at points along a border, but any repetition will help give the border more visual uniformity.

If you haven't particularly thought about colour, do so now, and use a colour wheel to judge which colours go best together.

Do you want a sizzling clash for a dramatic, hot effect, or a softer palette of colours closer in shades such as pinks and mauves, which will merge together beautifully in the border?

Use a few large, architectural plants such as phormiums or fatsias, to create a dramatic effect, rather than lots of fussy, small plants. Position plants, still in their pots, so you can stand back and view the effect from several angles and move them if you need to.

BEST OF THE BUNCH POINSETTIA If your poinsettia has made it happily through Christmas, you may be able to make it bloom again for the next festive season.

Keep it moist, but not sodden, and out of draughts for the time being. From April, gradually decrease watering, then when the leaves have fallen,

cut back the stem to leave 4in stumps. At this point, the pot can be placed in a mild, shady position and the compost should be kept almost dry.

In early May, water and repot the plant, replacing some of the old compost, and place it on the brightest windowsill you have.

By the end of the month you should see vigorous new growth.

Feed regularly and remove some of the new growth to leave four or five strong new stems.

In June, move the plant outside in its pot and place it in a semi-shaded spot and in July pinch out each stem by about an inch to keep the plant bushy.

Bring the plant back indoors in August and continue the watering and feeding regime.

By the end of September light control is essential, so you'll need to cover the plant with a black plastic bag in the evening and remove it the next morning so the plant is kept in total darkness for 14 hours.

In November you can stop the darkness treatment and hopefully your poinsettia will again be in bloom at Christmas time.

GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT TURNIPS No haggis feast would be the same without 'neeps and tatties', which may prompt you to try to grow some in the new year.

Maincrop varieties are the easiest to grow and can be sown in July and August, for a first crop from October. Good varieties include 'Manchester Market', which is recommended for long storage, 'Golden Ball' and 'Champion Green-top Yellow'.

Turnips do well in non-acid soil with reasonable drainage.

Sow them thinly in a non-shady spot and thin them out as soon as the seeds are big enough to handle, until the plants are 25cm apart. Water them regularly to make sure you don't end up with small and woody roots and hoe regularly to keep weeds under control.

Start lifting them as soon as they are large enough to use, as they deteriorate with age.

However, in most areas you can leave them in the ground and lift them when you want them.

THREE WAYS TO...

SECURE YOUR GARDEN 1. Replace external shed hinges (those with screws on the outside) with internal ones.

2. Use wall and ground anchors to secure heavy furniture left out over winter and bolt down valuable containers and statues.

3. Use prickly shrubs such as berberis to make hedges around your boundary which should help deter opportunist thieves.

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK ● Clean up your pots if you haven't already, brushing off dirt with a hard-bristled brush and discarding those which have broken, which can then be used as crocks. ● Sprinkle a thin layer of compost over the ground to enrich the soil and set off the flowers of early spring bulbs when they come through. ● Order seeds to be sown in January or February. ● Protect vulnerable plants from frost and wind damage. ● Check on bulbs being forced for indoor display every week so you don't miss flowering. ● If the soil is not waterlogged or frozen, continue winter digging. ● Clear borders of weeds and debris to keep them neat and prevent a build-up of garden pests and diseases. ● Order new summer-flowering bulbs in good time from a reputable supplier. ● Replace plant ties which have rotted before plants start growing actively. ● Examine stored dahlia tubers every few weeks and discard ones which are showing signs of rotting. ● In the greenhouse, if you want to force lilies to produce early flowers, pot them up now. ● Protect early-flowering winter bulbous irises by covering them with a cloche. ● Cut back suckers of rhododendrons at their point of origin.

JANUARY2012 87

p88_BUCKS_AD_VARIOUS__ 24/01/2012 09:54 Page 1

DIYframing

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Why not give us a call on 01494 459545 for free and impartial advice so you can start framing today.

Visit our new Framing superstore in High Wycombe Open Mon-Fri 9-5 and Sat 10-2pm.

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Makers of bespoke contemporary furniture in Oak, Black Walnut and High Gloss Paint Finishes in the colour of your choice Side tables, coffee tables, chair side tables, wine racks, console tables, lamp tables, bedside tables, AV units, mirrors Enquiries or to discuss a particular project please telephone

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PRESERVE THE CHARACTER OF YOUR HOME WITH BENENDEN™ SLIMLINE REPLACEMENT WINDOWS • Ultra-slim aluminium frames • Fit into original timber sub-frames or direct to brick or stone • Very low maintenance • Superior insulation & security

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p90_BUCKS_OXFORDAIRPORT__ 23/01/2012 18:38 Page 1

t ravel

THAMES VALLEY’S NEWEST COMMERCIAL AIRPORT

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ondon Oxford Airport is the Thames Valley area’s primary regional and business aviation airport – the only commercial airport between London Heathrow and Birmingham.

Located in the heart of one of Europe’s fastest growing and most prosperous regions, Oxford lies just 40 miles to the north-west of the Greater London area, halfway to the UK’s industrial heartland of the Midlands.

• New daily flights starting May 2012 • Jersey and Isle of Man, seven days, all year round from £49 each way • From London Oxford Airport, the Thames Valley's newest commercial airport • Enjoy a whole new VIP travel experience from executive terminal facilities Please visit Manx2.com and LondonOxfordAirport.com for more information.

Tel: 0871 200 0440 for Manx2 Tel: 01865 290 600 for airport

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p91_BUCKS_AD_VARIOUS__ 23/01/2012 18:42 Page 1

Award Winning House Builder Contact Raymond Smith Maple Rise 15 Howards Wood Drive Gerrards Cross SL9 7HR Tel: 01753 888867 Mob: 07785 461333 email: smithbuild77@btinternet.com New BuildS | RefuRBiShmeNtS | exteNSioNS

p92_BUCKS_ENJOYHOLIDAYS__ 23/01/2012 15:37 Page 1

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THE MED’S BEST KEPT SECRET

N

orthern Cyprus is the Med’s best-kept secret; you can enjoy the beauty of unspoiled landscapes, clear blue unpolluted seas and quiet beaches. ‘Once you holiday there you will never want to go anywhere else.’

Nothern Cyprus provides the most stunning sceneries from; mountains, beautiful countryside, remote villages and luxurious sandy beaches where life has remained unchanged for centuries.

However they have a long association with the British so English is widely spoken; the local people are well known for their friendliness and hospitality.

Cyprus has seen many civilisations, evidence of which is easy to see from the remains of medieval castles, abbeys and steep amphitheatres.

Situated in the eastern corner of the Mediterranean, roughly 40miles from Turkey Northern Cyprus provides a typical Mediterranean climate with long, warm and dry summers from mid-May to mid-October.

It is easy to get around Northern Cyprus as car hire is inexpensive and there’s also an excellent public mini-bus service.

Kyrenia is a town on the northern coast of Cyprus known for it’s history. The city nestles beneath the five finger mountains, it is one of the most picturesque of Mediterranean towns with an impressive Byzantine castles situated next to a spectacular horseshoe shaped harbour; the castle houses a museum where you can view ancient ship ruins. The old town is filled with whitewashed buildings and 92

JANUARY2012

the ruins of walls and towers that once protected the city from attack.

There is an abundance of restaurants and bars, where you can relax, try the local specialities and watch the world go by. As the sun sets, Kyrenia harbour becomes the focus of activity as the locals take their evening stroll and the cafes and bistros that face the sea prepare for their nightly guests.

The calming atmosphere of this beautiful sea-front city makes holidaying in Kyrenia a relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Whether you’re a lover of nature, an archaeologist, a keen walker, a history lover, a water sports enthusiast or simply a sun-worshipper this stunning island is the ideal spot for you.

6 The Broadway Chalfont St Peter SL9 9DX

p92_BUCKS_ENJOYHOLIDAYS__ 23/01/2012 15:37 Page 2

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food drink

Jerusalem artichoke soup NOW IS THE TIME TO EAT THIS UNUSUAL VEGETABLE (OUR NAMESAKE!) WHICH IS RELATED TO THE SUN FLOWER AND GROWS WELL IN OUR COLD CLIMATE. THEY FIRST CAME TO OUR SHORES FROM NORTH AMERICA IN THE EARLY 17TH CENTURY VIA HOLLAND. THE ROOTS SHOULD BE SCRUBBED CLEAN BUT NOT PEELED SO AS TO PRESERVE FLAVOUR AND COLOUR. FOR A LIGHTER FINISH AND MORE THEATRICAL PRESENTATION WE SERVE THIS SOUP FROM A CREAM WHIPPING GUN AND GARNISH WITH A HAZELNUT CREAM, ARTICHOKE CRISPS AND TOASTED HAZELNUTS .HIGH IN IRON THESE WONDERFUL TUBERS HAVE A GREAT NUTTY RICH TASTE AND LEND THEMSELVES TO A WARMING WINTER SOUP.

ingredients Soup 1kg Jerusalem artichokes washed 1 clove of garlic chopped 3 sticks of celery – medium chopped 1 onion – peeled and medium chopped 1 medium floury potato 2 litres chicken or vegetable stock – warmed 300 ml warmed double cream 50 g salted butter Salt and freshly ground pepper Artichoke crisps 25g toasted hazelnuts

Method

Soup 1. Scrub the artichokes and then chop into small pieces.

2. Sweat in a hot pan with a little 94

JA NUA RY 2 012

butter and oil with the chopped onion garlic and celery.

3. Add stock and chopped potato, cook until just soft.

4. Liquidise in a blender with the warmed cream. Season to taste.

5. Pass through a sieve and then your soup is ready to serve – pour into warmed bowls.

6. Garnish with toasted hazelnuts and artichoke crisps.

Chef’s tips When selecting your artichokes try and go for the less gnarled ones as they will contain fewer pockets for dirt and grit to collect.

To garnish you could use some very finely sliced and deep fried artichoke crisps or for real luxury a few pan fried scallops work very well indeed.

Join us for a romantic Valentines Dinner Indulge your loved one with a seven course gastronomic tasting menu with a glass of J Lassalle Premier Cru Brut Rose Champagne NV on arrival and selected wines to accompany £140 per person (available the evening s of Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 February) Five Course Lunch Tasting Menu Sample this month’s delicious winter recipe as part of our Lunch Tasting Menu and experience the culinary theatre of the open kitchen and view Laurie and his team in action at the Pass.

Available for just £35 for five courses with an optional wine flight £18

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

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

p93_BUCKS_AD_VARIOUS__ 23/01/2012 11:25 Page 1

Bespoke Private Caterers

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

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

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food@seasons-catering.com

01494 727807

www.seasons-catering.com

Delicious food inspired by the seasons

p22_BUCKS_OLDBELL__ 24/01/2012 09:39 Page 1

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food drink

Coaching Inn Style

THE LDE O OLDE BELL BELL B63 =:23 03:: B@/<A:/B3A B63 B@/27B7=</: >:3/AC@3A =4 B63 1=/167<5 7<< 4=@ ;=23@< B@/D3::3@A

e eputed to be the oldest inn in England, The Olde Bell oďŹ&#x20AC; ďŹ&#x20AC;ers ers locally sourced fare and ssttyylish lodgings so that guests and patrons can rediscover the pleasures of the traditional i The ďŹ rst in the family of Dhillon inn.

Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stylish moder m n coaching establishments, The Olde Bell functions as a village in itselff,, combining great ser vice, food,, relaxed surroundings and thoughtful design,, robust food, rambling meadow gardens. W ith parts of the original building dating back to 1135, 5,, the inn creeks with heritage and histor y, palpable todaayy in the th black wooden beams,, inglenook ďŹ replaces and crooked,, sloping oak ďŹ&#x201A;oorboards. Loved by Hollywood royalty and political icons,, Mae West,, Car y Grant,, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Errol F lynn were among the many guests who staayyed at the inn,, along with Winston Churchill and ffor ormer US president, sident,, D wight D Eisenhower. Nowadaays D ustin HoďŹ&#x20AC;man,, Er E dem Moralioglu and Grace Woo oodward are seen dining in the restaurant or relaxing by the roaring ďŹ re.

W hile many historical featur features of the inn remain unchanged, Isle Crawfford adopted the restrained-chic aesthetic that she used to revitalise Babington House. Much of the furniture, tableware and textiles were specially commissioned pieces by local suppliers such as Ercol in nearby High Wycombe. The inn bar, ideal ffor or ďŹ reside banter, ser ves local ales,, ploug ploughman ghmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lunches and hearty, nostalgic dishes. The bar comprises chunky tables,, low beams and a local,, homely feel feel prevails.

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The dining room continues the love aďŹ&#x20AC;air with the traditional inn concept as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;warm,, aďŹ&#x20AC; foodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ďŹ&#x20AC;or ordable and connected to good od food (Ilse Crawfford). The design elements take their inspiration ffrrom local histor y and suppliers. An antler chandelier provides the centrepiece to a dining space furnished with locally produced birch Windsor chairs, irs,, accessorised with sheepskin throws.

Tactility and historical touches are key elements,, the ssettles are detailed with geometric. Welsh woollen blankets while the walls whisper with refferences to local legends and ffolklor olklore; olk plates printed with vintage images and woodcuts line the walls while literal historical touches such as ceramic pie birds remain.

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p22_BUCKS_OLDBELL__ 24/01/2012 09:39 Page 2

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food drink The main restaurant opens out towards a vast, meadow-style garden, making it an ideal spot for alfresco summer dining, complete with an outdoor summer kitchen. Meanwhile, The Olde Bellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seasonally inspired menu of traditional and modern British classics is the culinary brainchild of The Olde Bellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distinguished kitchen triumvirate, executive chef and author, Warren Geraghty, head chef, Andrew West-Letford and pastry chef, Jason Farr. The inn has earned itself a reputation as a foodie retreat with menus that are in keeping with the innâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s essential character, inventive and unfussy. Local suppliers are used for fish and meat and all bread is baked fresh on the premises. In line with his passion for wild food and foraging, Warren has implemented plans to maximise The Olde Bellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to local produce and nature dictated dining. Since summer 2011, guests and diners have been sampling dishes containing the freshest, home grown ingredients, courtesy of the innâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very own â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Kitchen Gardenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and head gardener Mandy Hill.

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While the design emphasis is on the communal spaces, rooms are spread between the main inn and a collection of barns and outbuildings. The bedrooms mix the old with the new, retaining the simple, pared back feel to the communal areas. Comfortable modern beds covered with woven wool Welsh blankets sit atop traditional reed rugs.

Additional room features include a rustic oak trestle, an Anglepoise lamp and a chair upholstered in Windsor suiting.

Bathrooms are fitted with drench showers in the doubles and elegant roll top baths (as well as showers) in the suites.

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Connected by a ramble of traditional and modern buildings, The Olde Bellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s village-like feel has made it a popular venue for weddings and special occasions. The Tithe Barn and Malt House are licensed to hold civil ceremonies. Meanwhile, the Malt House is available for exclusive hire for very special occasions and includes a dining room and bar, music room complete with grand piano, private garden and personal chef.

Among the The Olde Bellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many unique selling points is its close, 40 minute proximity to London. Meanwhile, Heathrow airport is a mere 15 minute drive making it the ideal resting point for jaded, weary travellers. Located in a genteel, Thames-side village in Berkshire, Hurley itself boasts countless attractions, among them a picturesque, riverside walk and the historic towns of Henley and Marlow. Many rambling trails and nearby outdoor pursuits will satisfy those with a yearning to explore the British countryside at its best. The inn supplies bicycles and picnics upon request that are ideal for guests who wish to take a more strenuous route to exploring the local countryside, stately homes and nearby attractions. =< B63 E30

The Olde Bellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recently launched website is the perfect tool to whet your appetite before visiting The Olde Bell.

Using illustrations drawn by legun, the site perfectly depicts the history, myth and intrigue which surrounds this ancient hostelry. Combining present day photos with a collection of half man â&#x20AC;&#x201C; half beast portraits, food news and a blog, the website gives an insight into the coaching innâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past, present and future. www.theoldebell.co.uk The Olde Bell, High Street, Hurley, Berkshire, SL6 5LX w: www.theoldebell.co.uk t: 01628 825 881 e: oldebellreception@coachinginn.co.uk JANUARY2012 97

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