Look Local Magazine, Issue 108, November 2021

nov 2021 - Issue 108

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s Moo Moo SmoSoecehPyg.6 for info Lets Get social www.look-localmagazine.co.uk |

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November 2021

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03

Hello Readers,

06

Welcome to the November issue!

I actually can’t believe that this is the penultimate edition of 2021 - where has this year gone? I don’t know about you but I feel like time has just evaporated these last few months. Perhaps it’s due to the restrictions easing, allowing us to be more sociable once again, I don’t know. But one thing I do know is that I’m going to really appreciate all the exciting local events scheduled to happen over the upcoming winter & festive months.

26 CONTENTS 06. Business Profile A warm welcome await moo at Smoochy Moo Moo’s.

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

08. health & wellbeing Understanding and treating long Covid by Thame Therapy Clinic.

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

18/19. 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 Deck the Mantle with Coulon Stone.

BOOKING DEADLINE for december 2021 issue:

Friday 12th November 04

Lets start with local fireworks displays... Thame will be hosting their display, organised by the 3 Thame Primary Schools: St Joseph’s, John Hampden and Barley Hill, on Saturday 6th November at Chinnor Rugby Club on Kingsey Road, Thame. The gates and bar open at 5pm with the fireworks starting at 6pm. There will also be music and a variety of food vendors. Oxford Round Table’s Mega display returns to Oxford’s South Park, also on Saturday 6th. There’s a funfair, fully licensed bar and family viewing tent. Chinnor’s event takes place on Mill Lane from 6pm on Friday 5th November.

There’s a Jazz Night in Watlington for all you music lovers as well as the First Thursday Night Club which has moved to its new home in Thame Snooker Club (see page 20 for more details). Many festive events are also starting towards the end of this month with the Chinnor Railway Santa Train being a firm favourite.

This issue features articles from our regular contributors as well as a Company Profile from new local Ice Cream and Milkshake Parlour, Smoochy Moo Moo’s. Turn to page 6 to read more and to take advantage of their Special Offer on Hot Drinks during Thame’s Christmas Tree Light Switch On..

As always, Stay safe, 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

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05

Business Profile

A warm welcome awaits Moo at Thame’s newest Milkshake & Ice Cream Parlour...

I

started in catering from an early age; it was my first longterm job and although I tried a few other careers, hospitality always called me back. I worked for two very popular and wellestablished local establishments, Rumsey’s and Buddies, for many years which I loved as I’ve always enjoyed working for small independent businesses that provide good customer satisfaction and those that focus on consistent quality products. However, running my own business has always be a dream I’ve aspired to and when the COVID 19 lockdowns hit, it made me rethink what I wanted to do moving forward.

25% OFF Hot Drinks at the Thame Christmas Light Switch

Catering took a big hit and Buddies made the decision to close meaning I lost my only source of income at that time.

It was sad to see them leave, I had an amazing time working with the Buddies crew and I will always look back at that time with fond memories. However the perfect opportunity came up to take the lease on meaning my dream of running my own business could finally become a reality my vision of creating Smoochy Moo Moos, a family friendly milkshake bar, was born.

The unique name derives from the nickname I have for my son, Roo Roo, which led us onto ‘Moo Moo’ and the rest as they say is history. The bright vibrant colour scheme and overall shop design are an extension of my own personality and I want to create a fun, fresh, uplifting environment for everyone to enjoy. We want to appeal to all demographics, families, young and old so they could come and enjoy our fabulous milkshakes, as well as all of the other many offerings we have at the shop.

It has been a big collective family and friends’ effort to get the shop open, spending long hours to get to where we are now. I feel very privileged to have had such great support. I feel so lucky to be starting my adventure with my friends and family as a part of the team and their ongoing support is just amazing. We opened on the 2nd of August and I was overwhelmed by the support of the Thame public; they were queuing down the road.

Customer feedback has been key to our success and growth as we really do value our customer’s suggestions. For example, we have increased the ice cream in all of our milkshakes and now offer an even thicker shake option for no extra charge. We have made so many improvements to all of our products and have always focused on trying to create the best possible products for our customers since we want everyone to walk away from the shop happy.

We take a lot of pride in our milkshakes (everyone is tried and tested), insuring maximum flavour and value for money for the customer. In addition to our milkshakes we offer a wide selection of award winning ice cream from our Swindon based supplier, Marshfield. We have a vast selection of dairy and vegan options available to chose from and as dogs are a huge part of our family we stock ‘Marshfield’s Scoops’ - which has been a great hit with our four legged friends.

For those who may prefer a Hot Drink we have a great selection of ethically sourced, freshly ground coffee, indulgent Hot Chocolate made using real chocolate flakes in flavours such as salted caramel (my favourite), black forest (cherry) and mint and we have even brought bubble tea to Thame with 4 fantastic flavours to choice from. We have an American Sweets & Soda range as well as homemade cakes, notably Thame’s famous Mars bar cake. And for the more health conscious among us we offer Protein Shakes or fruit packed smoothies, helping you to your 5-a-day.

So with all this to tantalise your taste buds we cant wait to welcome moo…

Love Laura and the Smoochy team x

90a High Street, Thame | 01844 212333 Smoochy Moo Moos | @Smoochymoomoos

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

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

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Health & Wellbeing

Understanding and Treating Long Covid By Andy Roscoe.

At present there is no medical diagnosis for the symptoms of Long Covid and therefore no

drug treatment on offer. The main symptoms of fatigue and mushy brain are however not new in the post viral world as this is what many people have suffered from who have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or ME, and similarly there has been no medical drug treatment for this condition.

In this situation people are finding complementary therapies and counselling more useful especially where the symptoms are dominated by anxiety. Depending on the severity of the initial exposure to Covid 19, therapies such as acupuncture and homeopathy can be very useful alternative responses to the many strange symptoms thrown up by Long Covid.

In acupuncture theory the Covid or Sars 2 virus creates a stagnation of fluids in the body, usually in the lungs first but also in the digestive system. This stagnation of fluids is one of the reasons that people have died of blood clots if they were unlucky enough to have Covid badly and needed to go to hospital. It also explains why pre-existing obesity was a key indicator in the chances of surviving Covid 19 as obese people already had a pre-existing stagnation of bodily fluids. But more commonly it presents often as a dry cough (stagnation of fluids in the lungs), followed by a swamping of the digestive fluids particularly in the spleen. This effectively wipes out the two main engine rooms of the body and hence chronic fatigue sets in.

Once the engine rooms that create red blood and nourish the body have seized up, then there will be a lack of nourishment to the brain, hence ‘mushy brain’, and associated sense organs such as the ears will feel blocked, and the ability to smell and taste will also be swamped by the excess fluid.

Further down the digestive system the condition will present as diarrhoea as the colon and stomach become overwhelmed by fluids. And the strange symptom of a rash on the outer edge of the big toe may also occur as this is the acupuncture pathway of the spleen.

Recovery from any of the above symptoms will not be automatic using complementary therapies, but it is worth knowing that post viral conditions have been with us a long time and there is help out there.

If you would like to have a longer discussion of any of these issues then please contact Andy Roscoe at Thame Therapy Clinic: T: 01844 215 555 | M: 07722 381 250 Web: www.thametherapyclinic.co.uk Visit us: 23 Upper High St, Thame, OX9 3EX

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Health & Wellbeing

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November 2021 www.linda-fhp.com

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11

Home & Garden

Look locally over the garden gate with Lucie Giselle Ponsford

Lately I have mostly been thinking about compost..

The soil and it’s make up is a precious resource and right now, if you are veggie growing, incorporating a good bit of muck (FYM) into designated zones (e.g. not on your carrot patch as they will fork with too much nitrogen) will literally be the grounding for best crops next year.

But compost is black gold and we are out of the habit of making it and I want to share a few options that over the coming months you could consider or invest in: 1. A Wormery, it can be used indoors but I would be happier with it outside, in a sheltered position, with a little protection during the winter. These systems use ‘red worms’ which can be bought! It is a superb option, compact with bi-products of: liquid worm tea and vermicompost (ooohh!) You’ll be supplying your beds with all they need. One for Santa’s list.

2. Bokashi, from a Japanese word that means ‘fermented organic matter’, this system deals with the process of breakdown anaerobically (without oxygen). Truly a compact composter, which is great if you don’t have much of a garden and plenty of potted plants? The host medium for the microorganisms is purchased with the starter pack but can be almost any fine organic grain or grass-like substance — bran, rice, dried leaves, even sawdust. It produces a pickled liquid which is harvested regularly and you can put anything in it, very much like the kitchen caddies we have for council collection.

3. Regular compost bins are a solution for external composting but I find you need to work hard with the plastic lidded container, lift off the whole bin, turn and return, they rarely get any heat up (which is the productive microorganism bit) and they are plastic!

4. Conventional rotating compost heaps made with three bays and three sides are a labour of love and I have ambitions for one in my someday-larger-garden or possibly the allotment. They take large swells of waste and grass clippings but you would do well to manage the layers if you want a fast turn around. Good for the serious gardener with space.

If this all seems a bit: ‘been there done that’ or ‘gotta brown bin so meh!’ Remember if you take from the plant you are taking from the soil too. If you do remove top growth to tidy in autumn you would do well to dress with a composite fertiliser in the spring, not now as a warm spell and a feed could bring on new growth, which would be crushed by the frost. So think on your soil what solutions would suit you.

With love, Lucie

Other ideas do share @mimosadesign FB or @mimosagardendesign IG. Email: info.mimosadesign@gmail.com | Call: 07737 286784.

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

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NEWS & EVENTS

in our region

Christmas in Thame...

Following the success of last year’s advent calendar, Thame Town Council will be producing another ‘calendar of events’ booklet that will be delivered to every house in Thame. There will be an event every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December, plus festive competitions, and activities to get involved with throughout the month.

The events begin with the Christmas Lights Switch-On, on Friday 3 December. This year the event will be scaled down compared to previous years, but don’t worry - there’ll still be lots to come and enjoy including mulled wine, live music, children’s characters, and Santa hats as we ring in Christmas to Thame.

Throughout December look out for pop-up events including a street food market, live music performances, gift fairs, a carousel, selfie-station, and the return of the popular Window Wanderland! Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit from Santa – he will be visiting Thame’s streets with his sleigh in December as well as making a special visit to his Grotto in the Town Centre! We’ll also be running competitions over the festive period for you to get involved with, with prizes generously donated by local businesses.

More details about what’s on when can be found throughout the booklet (which will be available this month), via the ‘Christmas in Thame’ Facebook page or the Town Council’s website: www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk/christmas.

Hidden Treasures

Antique & Vintage Fair Marlow Liston Hall Chapel Street, Marlow, SL7 1DD

Saturday 6th November

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Sunday 28th November

Waddesdon Village Hall High Street, Waddesdon, HP18 0JE

Sunday 5th December For details, contact Neil Payne on 07394 704272

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

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17

Sound of Music

elcome to our November music page. Here you will find information on local musical events, upcoming concerts and where to find the best music tuition in the area.

W

Thame has a variety of fantastic opportunities for budding musicians who wish to join together with other like-minded people. From bands to choirs to bell ringing! We also host a huge variety of annual musical events.

Thame Players Theatre Thame is very lucky to have it’s very own professional theatre, ‘Thame Players Theatre’, situated just a few minutes walk from the town centre. During November there are some fantastic opportunities to see some live music!

The Tom Petty Legacy – Taking place on Friday 5th November this promises to be a fantastic tribute to one of the biggest acts in recent times.

A full two hour show of an American songwriting icon and, together with the Heartbreakers, recognised as one of the finest live bands to have come out of the US. Performed by experienced musicians that really capture the energy and excitement of a Tom Petty show.

The show has been highly praised by the musical press, describing it ‘A five star show. Superb’.

Tickets cost £16.00 Opera Anywhere – Thame Players Theatre is proud to announce that there

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will be performances of four of the finest Gilbert and Sullivan shows during November.

The events are: - THE MIKADO at 7.45pm on Friday 12th November, - THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE at 2pm on Saturday 13th November - HMS PINAFORE at 7.45pm on Saturday 13th November - PATIENCE at 7.45pm on Friday 7th January Buy a ticket which costs just £50 for this SPECIAL OFFER and get the same seat for all four performances.

For further information and to book tickets for any of the performances listed above please visit: www.thameplayers.co.uk Thame Music Academy TMA is a professional, creative and innovative music school providing tuition to Thame and the surrounding areas.

They can provide tuition in a huge variety of instruments including: Piano, Keyboard, Guitar, Ukulele, Bass Guitar, Singing, Strings, Woodwind, Brass, Drums & Percussion.

TMA is now taking bookings for autumn and winter in

Entertainment all of the instruments they offer and with all of their fantastic tutors! Please contact the academy via the details at the end of this article to find out more and make a booking.

The music academy has always been a great advocator of singing and they are looking to start a new children’s choir which will take place on either a weekday, late afternoon, or on a Saturday morning.

TMA would love to hear from you to gather your opinions on when would work best for your child/ren, then the sessions will be organised. Alongside having a fantastic musical and social group, learning a huge variety of songs and working with like minded people, TMA is keen to showcase our local music talent at upcoming local events and festivals.

Please Contact TMA for further details, their contact information can be found at the end of this article.

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, here are the 2021 dates:

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.

FTMC welcome all - beginners to virtuoso and love all styles of music. This could be folk, country, americana, blues, reggae, rap, rock, pop, classical - everything if they can host it!

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 12th November.

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

- November 4th & December 2nd

Email: info@thamemusicacademy.com

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

Web page: www.thamemusicacademy.com

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

Home & Garden

DECK THE MANTEL

Ideas for decorating your fireplace this Christmas... By Coulon Stone

Christmas is just around the corner, and we have a feeling it’s going to be a really special one. Last year’s festive period was a mixed bag for most as we dealt with feelings of loss, disappointment and isolation, with breaks in family and friendship traditions and missed Foliage and Paper Crafts opportunities for connection Candlesticks (Ti-Media) (Max Attenborough) with loved ones. But for some it also bought the chance to create new ways of celebrating and the opportunity to have the low key Christmas they’d always dreamt of. It was certainly a year to remember!

At Coulon Stone one of our favourite things about this time of the year is creating

beautiful, bespoke fireplace surrounds and hearths in people’s homes. Made from natural stones like limestone, marble and granite we love the idea that our craftsmanship plays a vital role in making homes across the county extra special over Christmas - covered in decorations and creating a cosy space to curl up in front of.

With that in mind, we thought we’d share our top tips for decorating your fireplace this Christmas.

A great place to start is with lots, and we mean lots of natural foliage. Traditionally we think evergreen branches, holly, pinecones and winterberries, and we encourage you to forage for them where you can, this can also double as a festive activity with friends and family. However if you’re looking for a more contemporary look, plants like ivy and eucalyptus would work beautifully. Rather than just lying the foliage on top of the mantel, try draping it over the edge for an elevated look.

Candles are one of the most effective Christmas decorations but can be forgotten in place of fairy lights. Try using a variety of candles placed on top of the mantel, and if safe to do so along the hearth. Use a variety of candle sticks and tea light holders in rich, warm tones like dark blue, forest green and gold, along with pillar candles in varying heights – they’ll look as romantic during the day as they do lit-up at night.

For a cohesive look, decorate your fireplace with pieces that compliment your Christmas tree decorations. And if you’re feeling up to it get crafty. Christmas is about connection, relaxation and celebration, so what better way to spend the festive season than creating your own fireplace decorations. Simple crafts could include creating 3D paper stars, drying out fruits or decorating pinecones and foliage, more complex crafts could include creating an embroidery wreath to hang above the fireplace or baubles made from twine. A bit of DIY is bound to get those Christmas juices flowing and nostalgia pumping!

If you decorate your fireplace this Christmas using any of the tips above we’d love to know. Email us a picture to info@coulonstone.com, or tag us on Instagram (@coulonstoneltd) or Facebook (@coulonstoneltd).

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

Home & Garden

Please mention Look Local Magazine when responding to adverts.

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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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29

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

Our next sale takes place on 4th & 5th November Antiques & Interiors to include: Jewellery & Silver, Ceramics, Paintings, Furniture, Wine & Spirits...

Upcoming Auction Lot: A PAIR OF 19TH CENTURY IRISH REGENCY CONSOLE TABLES BY WILLIAMS & GIBTON, DUBLIN: £2000 - £4000

7th & 8th October Auction Highlights Lot 480 : J. JAQUES AND CO. ‘STAUNTON’ BOXWOOD AND EBONY CHESS SET SOLD £2600 HAMMER Lot 433 : ROALD DAHL, A SIGNED FIRST EDITION ‘THE TWITS’ HARDBACK BOOK SOLD £1800 HAMMER

Asian Art Auction 15th November Upcoming Auction Lot: A PAIR OF 18TH CENTURY CHINESE POTTERY MODELS OF CRANES/PARADISE FLY CATCHERS: £5000 - £7000

Lot 73 : TAXIDERMY TIGER SKIN RUG WITH MOUNTED HEAD. SOLD £2600 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