Look Local Magazine, Issue 109, December 2021

Dec 2021 - Issue 109

Lets Get social www.look-localmagazine.co.uk |

BVS skip & Roro bin hire e For a Quot

01844 281381 07792 286131

PHOENIX ELECTRICAL FOR SALES, SERVICE & ADVICE Free Delivery Free Connection (Gas & Built-In, chargeable)

Free Disposal of old machines (Refrigeration: a small charge applies)

Station Yard, Thame Tel: 01844 260477

Bo Se iler On rvic ly £ e 75 .00

Electrician Domestic & Commercial

Plumbing & Heating Engineers

• Electrical Installation Condition Reports • New Distribution Boards

• Gas Engineer

• Security Lighting • Fault Finding • Lighting / LED’s • New Sockets • Rewires

• New Heating Systems • Heating System Upgrades • Boiler Service & Repair • New Boilers • New Radiators • Landlord Certificates • Power Flushing

Hardy Hansford M: 07888 745800 | T: 01844 875485 E: hardy@htsinfo.co.uk | W: www.htsinfo.co.uk

December 2021

YOUR LOCAL PLUMBING, HEATING AND BATHROOM EXPERTS By providing a full range of high quality, domestic and commercial plumbing services across Buckinghamshire, we offer our customers a complete one-stop solution.

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BOILERS Servicing, repairs and installations (oil, gas & LPG) CENTRAL HEATING Installation and upgrades (oil, gas & LPG) BATHROOMS Design and installation specialists PLUMBING From dripping taps to full installations ANNUAL MAINTENANCE Contracts available FREE No obligation quotes

FOR THE BEST SERVICE IN YOUR AREA GET IN TOUCH call: 01844 274 604 email: info@surab.co.uk visit: www.surab.co.uk

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Hello Readers,

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Welcome to the December issue!

26 CONTENTS 07. Home & Garden Loft Ladders you can trust from Home County Loft Ladders.

08. Greener living Tips for a greener Christmas from Chinnor Friends of the Earth.

12. home & Garden The love of soil with Mimosa Garden Design.

16/17. News & Events News & events from our region.

20/21. Sound of music Simon Markland talks us through this months music scene and upcoming events.

26. Get the Look Conscious Christmas Gifts from Coulon Stone.

30. business Get £50.00 off your website with Harris Consultancy BOOKING DEADLINE for January 2022 issue:

Wednesday 15th December 04

Well there you have it! The end of another, somewhat challenging, year. I wanted to start my letter by wishing you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and sending well wishes and positivity to you all. Whilst we aren’t entirely out of the woods where Covid is concerned, we have come along way this year with the vaccination programme and (for now) life remains open this Christmas meaning we can enjoy local Tree Light Switch-On’s, get out and about locally to festive attractions and festive shopping events that are taking place throughout the month. Below are just a few to entice you: - Chinnor Light Switch On | 28th November - Santa visits Chinnor | 5th December - Santa visits Thame | 5th December - Thame Light Switch On | 3rd December - Princes Risborough Light Switch On | 4th December - Thame Street Food Market | 10th December - Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway, Carols on the Train | 11th December | Tickets still available on their website.

- Thame Town Hall Gift Sale | 11th December - Brill Christmas Event & Gifts | 12th December - Polar Bear Selfie Station | 1st - 24th December: Get a snap with Thame’s resident festive bear (sponsored

by Thame Cars) who stands (all 7ft of him) outside Thame Town Hall.

- Babes in the Wood, Panto at Thame Players Theatre various dates throughout December | Visit www. thameplayers.co.uk for further info And more can be found on our News & Events pages 16/17.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my advertisers, readers and deliverers for supporting my magazine throughout this year. As a small, independent business I really appreciate you. So here’s to a jolly good Christmas and an even better new year!

As always, Stay safe, and continue to shop and support local...

Love Emma x For Advertising contact 07707 386034 or Email: info@look-localmagazine.co.uk W: www.look-localmagazine.co.uk : Look Local Magazine : Look_Local_Mag 7,100 copies of Look Local Magazine are printed on a monthly basis and delivered to households in, Aston Rowant, Bledlow Ridge, Chalgrove, Chinnor, Crowell, Cuxham, Great Haseley, Great Milton, Henton, Kingston Blount, Kingston Stert, Lewknor, Little Milton, Milton Common, Postcombe, Sydenham, Tetsworth, Towersey and Watlington. In addition, the magazine can also be picked up from businesses in these areas and also Thame & Wheatley.

All material appearing in this publication is reproduced as supplied. Although every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers/printers cannot accept responsibility for the content of this publication. All artwork is accepted on the understanding that the description of goods and services are fair and accurate and permission has been given for use in this publication. Inclusion of advertisements does not imply endorsement by the publisher or printer. No part of this publication may be reproduced.

To advertise, call 07707 386034 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk

December 2021 REMOVE DAMP AND DECAY FROM YOUR HOME

We’re your local property care specialists with national coverage for Dry & Wet Rot, Woodworm, Structural Repairs, Damp Proofing, Basement Waterproofing and Damp & Timber Reports.

Suite 107, 94 London Road, Headington, Oxford OX3 9FN

Call now on 01865 479907 www.timberwise.co.uk

AIR CONDITIONING FOR YOUR HOME OR OFFICE

Benefits include: Energy Saving | Heats in Winter Improves Air Quality For a quote: Call: 07754 311725 Email: penfoldsaircon@outlook.com

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Editorial Feature

Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!

These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all?

That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.

watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value.

Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.

The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50sqft of boarding and a light - all fully fitted in less than a day from just £355! But it’s not just the affordability of the package that makes Home Counties Loft Ladders stand out, as manager Jamie Oakley explains: ‘Our

Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford.

us by our existing customers - that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make

that happen for every installation we carry out!’

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9558 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

Our business relies on referrals and we get a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to

Need more storage space?

INSTALL A LOFT LADDER AND USE YOUR LOFT! STARTER PACKAGE: Aluminium loft ladder, light plus 50 sqft boarding, fully fitted in less than a day from £355

• Loft Ladders • Hatches • Boarding • Insulation • Lights • Fully Guaranteed

CALL FREE: 0808 301 9558

Following COVID-19 Secure Guidelines

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07

Health & Wellbeing

Have yourself a greener Christmas...

By Cathy Gaulter Carter, Chinnor and Thame Friends of the Earth

Christmas presents shouldn’t cost the Earth. We are all becoming more aware of the over-consumption that is threatening our wonderful planet.

We can all do our bit by finding alternatives.

Our family has had a ‘Secret Santa’ for years now. This means we only buy one present for one person, and the rules are: 1. To buy from a charity shop or make the present yourself or buy a hand-made item 2. Not to spend more than an agreed amount

Here are a few other ideas: - Put together a zero-waste kit? You could include a portable cup, a reusable bottle or some wax food wraps. Shampoo or shaving soap in a bar (like soap).

- Cook some sweets, biscuits or make marmalade or chutney?

- Adopt an animal as a gift such as an otter or a hedgehog (Wildlife Trust or WWF).

- Give the gift of membership to the local Wildlife Trust, National Trust, RSPB, or something similar.

- Give a plant, a tree, shrub or even a hedgerow!

- Look out for gifts with little or no packaging and preferably from a local shop.

- Charities such as the Friends of the Earth, Woodland Trust, RSPB, Sustrans have websites where you can order gifts - Christmas Bee Saver Kit from Friends of the Earth - Bees are vital to our planet, helping pollinate the crops and plants that sustain us. Buy a Christmas Bee Saver Kit for a loved one and receive bee-friendly wildflower seeds and a bee identification guide.

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PROTECT YOUR FAMILY TREE GUARDIANSHIP WILLS WITH INTEGRITY

PRICES FROM £95.00 - Basic Single Will £150.00 - Basic Joint Will £3,900 - Pre-payment Funeral Plans £110.00 - Lasting Powers of Attorney

THE IMPORTANCE OF A WILL Having a will is arguably one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. Not only can a will legally protect your spouse, children, and assets, it can also spell out exactly how you would like things handled after you have passed on.

A will gives you the opportunity to appoint guardians for your children which is the only way to ensure they are safeguarded if the worst were to happen to you.

For more in-depth information or experienced advice regarding Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Funeral Plans contact Michael Bradley

T: 01844 281013 | M: 07868 746406

December 2021 www.linda-fhp.com

Professional Care in your own home

FOOT

DIABETIC FOOT CARE

HEALTH with Linda

CORNS NAIL TRIMMING NAIL PROBLEMS ATHLETE’S FOOT VERRUCAE Linda Nann 07401 086286 MCFHP MAFHP info@linda-fhp.com Foot Health Practitioner

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11

Home & Garden

Look locally over the garden gate with Lucie Giselle Ponsford

‘The Holly bears a berry’, but not every holly!..

Ilex aquifolium, Common Holly or European Holly is catching my eye now as I plan my wreath making courses and commissions for the festive season.

Pictured is one in flower. A male. Usually it is in spring we see them flowering and often they go unnoticed. This is due to the fact every other plant is captivating us with an explosion of flower and foliage.

Holly’s are dioecious which means in order for them to fruit and have fertile seed for the next generation, they need separate plants to be pollinated: a male and a female.

But this is where we, as gardeners, can get caught short of berries!! The males will flower but do not bear fruit, standard guys! Sorry!

So how do you know if you have bought male and female plants??? Well I am still not sure that the info on nursery sites really helps you to ensure you have male plants in an order they are easy to grow from seed which means it is a potluck affair. But if you order a hedge of 10 plants you are likely to have a few males. One plant will be enough to pollinate five female holly plants! To all intents and purposes they look the same and it is only the flower that distinguishes them.

However, as an alternative the ever ingenious cultivation of selective breeding has produced now monoecious varieties, which have the male and female flowers on the same plant, therefore ensuring fruiting.

Holly J C Van Tol is one such variety and takes away any worry of whether or not your plants are going to bear fruit.

If you have the space a holly or two would be a great addition to the garden for festive foraging come December. They are also evergreen and so great for nesting birds.

With love, Lucie Join me @mimosadesign on FB or @mimosagardendesign on IG. Email: info.mimosadesign@gmail.com Call: 07737 286784.

12 To advertise, call 07707 386034 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk

NEWS & EVENTS

in our region

16 To advertise, call 07707 386034 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk

THE ICKNIELD LINE

STEAM TRAINS - MON 27 & TUE 28 DECEMBER ALSO NEW YEAR’S DAY SAT 01 & SUN 02 JANUARY Looking for something to do with friends and family after Christmas, or on New Year's Day or the day after?

Steam trains depart Chinnor: 10.30, 12.15, 14.00, 15.30 And depart Princes Risborough: 11.15, 12.55, 14.40, 16.05* * no return from Chinnor

Fares: Adult (see website) £6 - £12 Child (5 to 15 yrs) £3 Under 5 yrs go FREE There's also a complimentary cuppa in our marquee on Chinnor station!

FOR TIMETABLES & FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL OR SEE WEBSITE

CHINNOR & PRINCES RISBOROUGH RAILWAY 07979 055366 | www.chinnorrailway.co.uk

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STATION ROAD . CHINNOR . OX39 4ER

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Wild Bird Feed Pet Food - brands include Burns, Natures Way, Chudleys Heygates Farm Animal Feed Animal Care including, Hay, Straw, Wood Shavings for Horses, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs Snowflake, Bliss and Bedmax Animal Bedding Bulldog Gardening Tools Garden Sundries & Seeds Erin and Melcourt Compost & Barks

Opening Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm

Saturday, 9:00am - 4:00pm

Sound of Music

elcome to our December music page. Here you will find information on how to find the best musical instrument tuition in the area and what musical activities and workshops are taking place at this time.

W

in Thame will take place on Friday 3rd December from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm. There will be many stic fanta of ty fun activities for everyone to enjoy varie a has Thame throughout the evening, with the big opportunities for budding musicians other light switch on at 6:00 pm by Santa who wish to join together with to s band From le. himself! like-minded peop a host also We g! ringin bell choirs to There will be many performances as huge variety of annual musical event’s, part of this year’s event including music these will all be back to provide a brought to you by Thame Concert Band, wonderful calendar of live music in Stilt Walkers, Mulled wine and food 2022! In the meantime, have a available and of course the chance to wonderful Christmas and New Year. meet Santa! emy As part of this year’s switch-on the Thame Music Acad Are ble! availa now hers vouc organisers would love to have hundreds TMA gift of gifts under the tree, donated by the you wondering what to buy for your people of Thame, for people in need. loved one this Christmas?

All gifts need to be new and unopened, Look no further…. Thame Music and with best before dates after Academy can provide personalised Christmas for food. gift vouchers for musical instrument s There are 3 gift choices: lessons with any of their fantastic tutor they s and for any of the instrument - Bring a wrapped toy/game for a offer tuition in! child with a tag attached to say which age and gender of child the gift would For further information and to suit. The Red Kite Centre and Thomley purchase a voucher please contact this Hall will help to distribute these.

TMA via the details at the end of a to up for article. Vouchers are valid - Cosmetic and clothing items for . hase year from purc ‘Love in a Bag Thame’ to distribute to the homeless and vulnerable. Please hame Christmas Lights search ‘Love In A Bag Thame’ via Switch On Facebook for item lists.

This year’s annual Christmas - Long life tins and food Lights Switch-On event to support local refugee families through

T

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Entertainment ‘Asylum Welcome’ in Oxford, and other agencies. Refugee children will also receive gifts and toys.

For further information about this fantastic event please search ‘Christmas in Thame’ via Facebook.

Thame Players Theatre Thame Players pantomime is back!! Meet Robin Hood and his Merry Men and the evil Sheriff of Nottingham in their performance of ‘Babes In The Wood’. And of course the Babes themselves.

The performances will be taking place from 3rd – 5th December 2021 and also 8th – 12th December.

A traditional story with all the elements you expect from a Thame Players panto - lots of songs and dances, lots of colour and drama, and of course lots of hilarious laughter!

Bookings are now being taken and enquiries for block bookings can be made to Colleen Tudway by telephone on 01844 290888 or by email at colleentudway@btinternet.com.

Tickets cost £10 for adults and £9 for concessions. A discount of 10% will be offered for the purchase of 10 or more tickets for any one performance. To find out more please visit: www.thameplayers.co.uk

Local Live Music

The First Thursday Music Club FTMC have now moved home, after 10 great years at the Stables behind the James Figg pub they have now relocated to a bigger room at Thame Snooker Club in central Thame. The room can hold a lot more people, there is a stage and room for instruments, the artists, and the sound guys.

The club have their own dedicated bar and loos. There is also ample free parking right

outside. Another change is that FTMC are requesting a donation entry fee of £3 to the audience. (Obviously acts do not have to give.)

The dates are on the first Thursday of each month, the date for December is Thursday 2nd.

The club will be keeping their walk up open mic slots at the beginning of the evening as this is the essence of the FTMC. They aim for 7 acts per evening with a mix of slot lengths to reflect line-ups and repertoire. If people travel far the club like to give them a decent amount of time to play. They have also scheduled in longer for changeovers to make it stress free (hopefully) and allow the odd encore whilst still keeping to time.

If you would like to perform or find out more about the FTMC please contact them via their Facebook page, search ‘The First Thursday Music Club’.

Friday At The Fish Open Mic! Our next ‘Friday at the Fish’ open mic will be taking place on Friday 10th December.

This is a totally free event and a wonderful opportunity to perform or just come along to watch the huge host of local musical talent.

The music kicks off from 8 pm onwards with 20 minute slots given on a pre-booked basis, though some availability may be left on the night.

To find our more please search ‘Friday At The Fish’ via Facebook.

This feature is brought to you by Simon Markland of Thame Music Academy

Tel: 07743 032292 Email: info@thamemusicacademy.com Web page: www.thamemusicacademy.com

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Vehicle Care The Windmill, Thame Road, Great Milton, OX44 7JA

Oxford Car Care

Car Sales & Motor Repairs in Oxfordshire

• Car Sales • Motor Repairs

• MOT’s • Free local Collection and Delivery

Workshop: 01844 279254 | Mobile: 07860 566973 www.oxfordcarcare.com | E: info@oxfordcarcare.com The Windmill, Thames Road, Great Milton, Oxford OX44 7JA

Workshop: 01844 279 254 Mobile: 07860 566 973 E: info@oxfordcarcare.com www.oxfordcarcare.com

• Car Sales • Motor Repairs

• MOT’s • Free local Collection and Delivery

We are a small family-run business with over 30 in theOxford motor trade.

The Windmill, years Thamesexperience Road, Great Milton, OX44 7JA We stock a range of hand-picked quality used cars that fall Workshop: 01844 279 254 Mobile: 07860 566 973 in the low tax and low insurance group making E: info@oxfordcarcare.com them idealwww.oxfordcarcare.com for first-time drivers or city cars.

All our cars come with : Minimum 6 months MOT Engine service if due Valeted to a high standard Free 3-month warranty

22 To advertise, call 07707 386034 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk

STEEL STOCKHOLDER, CUTTING, DRILLING, HIAB CRANE DELIVERY, FABRICATION, INSTALLATION STOCKISTS OF BEAMS • COLUMNS JOISTS • CHANNELS • ANGLES • FLATS ROUNDS • SQUARES • RHS • CHS PLATES • WELDMESH

T : 01865 409 300 E : sales@cpsteels.co.uk www.cpsteels.co.uk

Home & Garden

BGA 45 LEAF BLOWER

BATTERY POWERED

• Compact and ergonomic • Soft handle • Easy to control

£109

Inc. VAT

SPECIAL OFFER

Rycote Lane Farm, Rycote Lane, Milton Common, Oxfordshire, OX9 2NZ www.farol.co.uk/mowers 01844 278843

The

50 plus

Home Repairs

• Plumbing • Electrical • Handy • Decorating • Gardening • And more from

- Tap washers - To consumer units (fuse boxes) - Fencing and external works - Plus technology and help at home for the elderly

Call or visit our web site for full details of our broad range of services, helpful advice & pricing

01844 392 823 www.the50plus.co.uk

Serving customers for over 20 years

- Extensions - Renovations - Loft Conversions - Kitchens - Bathrooms - Landscaping - Driveways - Windows & Doors - Conservatories Tel: 07967 991770 E: lpbbuilders@hotmail.com www.lpbbuilders.co.uk

24 To advertise, call 07707 386034 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk

Home & Garden

A Conscious Christmas Gift Ideas... By Coulon Stone There are many ways to make Christmas more conscious this year, whether that’s choosing recyclable paper (because most wrapping paper is not recyclable), being mindful when choosing gifts by only buying things the recipient will truly love, avoiding gifts which are plastic heavy, and shopping from independent businesses. Only good can come from limiting waste and shopping more sustainably. But if you’re stuck for ideas and you have a loved one who digs all things home and kitchen then we have some environmentally conscious gift ideas made from natural materials that will last a life time and support a local business.

Natural Stone Chopping or Serving Boards Why not visit our showroom to pick out a stone which we’ll handcraft in to a beautiful chopping or serving board. A natural stone board is versatile, low maintenance and easy to clean. They are most popular in granite or marble creating a beautiful board which can be left out on your worktop as a permanent display piece, or used to serve cheese and charcuterie boards at the dining table.

Pestle and Mortar For the keen cooks out there a handcrafted pestle and mortar makes a great gift. The hefty weight and deep bowl means it won’t slip and slide as your grind, and spices, seeds and nuts won’t jump about. Choose a rustic look which combines rough and smooth granite, or for a modern take choose a sleek, shiny marble. They also look great displayed on open shelving or on top of your worktop.

Natural Stone Styling Tray Again, visit our showroom, pick out a natural stone and we’ll handcraft a styling tray to your measurements. We think these trays look particularly beautiful in an emerald green marble, charcoal grey granite or classic Carrara marble.

They look perfect sat on top of an ottoman in your living room used as a place to rest your drink, or on top of a table to display flowers, candles, and other decorative items. Rubber feet can be added to protect your surfaces.

If you are interested in any of the gifts above please get in touch by visiting www.coulonstone.com And for more natural stone inspiration follow us on Instagram (@coulonstoneltd) or Facebook (@coulonstoneltd).

26 To advertise, call 07707 386034 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk

Home & Garden

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Home & Garden

28 To advertise, call 07707 386034 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk

Home & Garden

Hardy Plant Specialists

- Herbaceous perennials, shrubs, climbers, trees, hedging and hardy annuals in a beautiful nursery set in Chiltern woodland - UK grown and peat-free - Wide range of common and unusual plants - Christmas workshop tickets available - Bulbs now in stock Opening Hours Tuesday to Saturday 10am-5pm Summer (British Summer Time) 10am-4pm Winter (Greenwich Mean Time) www.stottsnursery.co.uk Ibstone Road, Stokenchurch, HP14 3XS 07542 718307

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SWAN RESTAURANT

Voted the Best Antique Centre in the UK High Street, Tetsworth, Oxon, OX9 7AB

01844 281777 www.theswan.co.uk antiques@theswan.co.uk

The Swan At Tetsworth Restaurant & Bar Open Thursday – Sunday From 10am – 11pm

Full English Breakfast Light Lunches Friday Themed Food Night Saturday Steak Night Sunday Traditional Roast Dinner with all the trimmings We are happy to open the restaurant midweek for private functions.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING: Book Now for Christmas Dinner For all enquiries or to book a table

T: 01844 281182 E: restaurant@theswan.co.uk

Voted the Best Antique Centre in the UK High Street, Tetsworth, Oxon, OX9 7AB

01844 281777 www.theswan.co.uk antiques@theswan.co.uk

WE ARE MAKING OUR VENDORS THOUSANDS OF POUNDS! WHY NOT JOIN US AT OUR FIRST AUCTION OF THE NEW YEAR ON

13th & 14th JANUARY 2022

Here are some highlights from previous sales...

A Victorian 18ct Gold Albert Watch Chain.

SOLD £2300 HAMMER

Williams and Gibton, A Pair of 19th Century Irish Mahogany Console Tables. SOLD £4600 HAMMER Marcel Dyf, 1899 - 1985, Oil on Canvas Lakeside Landscape.

SOLD £10,000 HAMMER

An early 20th Century 18ct White Gold and Diamond Ring.

SOLD £3200 Clarice Cliff, A Bonjour Jam Pot HAMMER and Cover.

SOLD £1400 HAMMER

We are still open for valuations and virtual valuations, from a single item to a complete house clearance or specialist collections.

For all enquiries

T: 01844 281777 | E: antiques@theswan.co.uk