Thame Out Summer 2017 Issue 42

Thame Out Summer 2017

The complimentary magazine for the Thame area

Now in our 12th year

TRY ME A RIVER

The growing popularity of river cruising

FAULK FESTIVAL

Newton Faulkner and KT Tunstall headline Towersey

A BREED APART

Green Dragon Eco Farm

HOME STYLE

Selling women’s fashion from a living room

DRESS TO IMPRESS

Men’s fashion for the summer season

LOVE IS BLIND

The alternative way to dress a window

LEISURE > BEAUTY > HOME > TRAVEL > LOCAL > COMPETITIONS > AND LOTS MORE

“ “ “ “

Great experience, wouldn’t go anywhere else” Sharron - Wantage An outstanding service. I have already recommended the clinic to family & friends” Emma - Witney My experience has been excellent at MBNS. I felt welcomed from the initial appointment even though I was nervous. I was put at ease during the procedure by Paula and could not be more pleased with the final result. Thank you!”

Becky - Oxford I can honestly say that I am very happy with my treatment at your clinic. I come away knowing that I am not wasting my money and confident that I am going to get the results, I have given your number to several of my friends and family for all sorts of treatments. One very happy customer “ Maureen - Oxford Nurse led cosmetic clinics, serving Oxfordshire and London Award winning nurses specialising in anti ageing, injection lifts, and medical aesthetic treatments.

Call us now to book your consultation

> THAME OUT

Contents 4. LOCAL NEWS –Thame Food Festival, Midsomer Walks, Garsington Opera Chiltern Brewery, Supporting Independent Business and Thame Town Awards winners.

8. HEALTH & BEAUTY – Expert Eye, Skin care, Hair styling and Personal Training.

24. FASHION & LIFESTYLE – Gallant Menswear, White Hart Studio, Donna Taylor fashion, Thame Jewellery Workshop, Stratton Audley Barn and fitch & fellows.

30. TRAVEL –River Cruising with Spear Travels.

40. HOME & GARDEN –Ridgeway Kitchens, Greens, Concierge, and Kingsey Kitchens.

52. FOOD & DRINK – Wine Column 54. OUT & ABOUT – Green Dragon Rare Breeds Farm and Towersey Festival 60. ENTERTAINMENT – New Theatre and Oxford Playhouse.

64. LISTINGS 66. COMPETITIONS

How to reach more customers Thame Out THAME OUT. The complimentary magazine for the Thame area

Autumn 2009 Issue 11

Cover: Gallant. See page 28.

Thame Out

Opinions expressed in Thame Out Magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher and the magazine is in no way liable for any such opinion. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this publication is correct, the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions contained within. No part of this publication including any article, advertisement or graphic in whole or part may be reproduced without the express permission of the publishers. The company nor its agents accept any liability for loss or damage of manuscripts photographs and any other materials submitted to the magazine.

Copyright ©2017 Red Letter

Published by Red Letter, 25 Southern Road, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 2EE 01844 216847 Email: julian@red-l.co.uk www.thameout.co.uk

Carr parked in Oxford

Grape taste Corking wines at Wines Unfurled

Magic of the Middle East

Jimmy Carr at the New Theatre

What makes Syria a fantastic holiday destination

Truly engaging Gorgeous bridal gowns and beautiful wedding rings

The lifestyle magazine for Thame and surrounding area.

To advertise Call: 01844 216847 or Email: julian@red-l.co.uk See the website: www.thameout.co.uk

LEISURE ☛ BEAUTY ☛ HOME ☛ TRAVEL ☛ LOCAL ☛ COMPETITIONS ☛ AND LOTS MORE ☛

MagaScene FREE

SUMMER 2016 u

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR BICESTER AND BEYOND

MAGASCENE.

The kids are alright

Family friendly holidays from Spear Travels

The lifestyle magazine for Bicester and surrounding area.

Cultivating customers

The Plough in Marsh Gibbon

Christmas treats

Stratton Audley’s year round Christmas Barn

Bittersweet

Dropit 21 can help cure a sweet tooth

Picture perfect Portrait photography from Paul Wilkinson

M S

HEALTH BEAUTY HOME TRAVEL BUSINESS LOCAL ...

To advertise Call: 01844 216847 or Email: julian@red-l.co.uk

> LOCAL NEWS

Food on the menu Thame Food Festival 2017 guarantees to be a weekend of fun, food and feasting!

Thame Food Festival organisers have so many exciting things planned for their visitors over the two days this year - a Pop up ‘Milk Shed’ restaurant, The Chef’s Banquet on Saturday night, Festivales’ Pop up Pub, A Gin Emporium, Hearing Dog’s Fun Dog Show, Wine Workshops, The Big Thame Bake and of course, our Magimix Demonstration Stage - packed to the brim with Michelin Stars, Celebrity Chefs and Bakers!

The main ring has more fun features, lots of hot street food which will serve into the Saturday evening alongside the Pub and Gin Emporium.

There are also a bountiful supply of stunning artisan food producers showcasing and selling their delicious food all weekend - scrumptious regulars and some yummy new ones - there is something for everyone.

And Thame Food Festival has got much more up it’s sleeves - so keep in touch and sign up to the newsletter found on the home page of the website.

BOOKING IS NOW OPEN JUMP THE QUEUES AND BUY YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE! If you book your tickets early every transaction enters you into the prize draw to win a fabulous Magimix Patissier machine worth £500!

There are so many exciting things planned for festival visitors over the two days.

Tickets can be bought in advance for each day, and you’ll need both to attend the whole weekend.

Children under 16 are FREE Tickets are £5 per adult per day.

Go on, BOOK NOW

THA E

FOOD

FESTIVAL

@thamefoodfestival @thamefoodfest @thamefoodfestival

Saturday 30th September & Sunday 1st October Thame Showground

Charitable Chiltern The Chiltern Brewery are launching a new limited edition ale – Pride of Bucks and Berks 4.2% vol. The beer celebrates a top award won by the Brewery.

‘Pride of’ is a charity ale too. Every pint of the new ale sold will raise 5p for registered charity Horatio’s Garden and specifically for the project to create and care for an accessible garden sanctuary in the spinal injuries unit at Stoke Mandeville, that will provide solace for patients.

Dark amber with a smooth roast malt taste and a citrussy aroma, the ale uses the best Class A Maris Otter, Crystal and Roast Barley malts combined with Goldings, Fuggles and Cascade hops to produce a classic English best bitter that matches

6. Thame Out

beautifully with a Ploughman’s lunch, chicken, pork, salads and stews. It is available to Click & Collect online at www.chilternbrewery.co.uk and at their brewery shop in Terrick. You will also spot the beer on tap at many pubs in the area.

Brothers George and Tom Jenkinson and The Chiltern Brewery team were voted ‘The Pride of Buckinghamshire and Berkshire Life’ last year in the prestigious annual Food and Drink Awards from leading regional magazine title Buckinghamshire & Berkshire Life. The special award recognises individuals and businesses which actively and proudly promote the great local produce that Buckinghamshire and Berkshire have to offer, so they decided to launch a beer in tribute.

Local voices Over the next two weeks, over 160 children from local primary schools in Frieth, Ibstone, Chalgrove, Stokenchurch and Marlow will work with a director, musician and singer from Garsington Opera exploring themes, learning music and staging themes from Silver Birch, a new People’s Opera. The children will then all join together for a full day of rehearsals and performance to friends and family at The Holy Trinity CE (A) School, Marlow. Children and teachers from some of these schools will go on to appear in Silver Birch for three performances on 28, 29, 30 July at Wormsley. These workshops will be led by the director of Silver Birch, Karen Gillingham, together with composer John Barber and soprano Belinda Evans.

The world premiere of Garsington Opera’s thrilling new commission for the 2017 season, Silver Birch, will feature over 180 participants from the local community aged 8-80, including students from primary and secondary schools, members of the local military community, student Foley artists under the guidance of Pinewood Studios and members of Wycombe Women’s Aid. Appearing alongside top professional singers and orchestral players, they will perform as dancers, singers, actors and instrumentalists.

Midsomer meanders A new series of guided Midsomer walking tours of Thame has been launched. Thame is one of the most frequently used filming locations for the popular ITV series Midsomer Murders. The hour-long tours will be held weekly, led by specially trained Midsomer guides, and taking in many of the filming locations in the town centre that have been used in episodes of Midsomer Murders.

Midsomer Murders is still going strong after 20 years with regular screenings, not only in the UK, but all over the world. The series is one of the UK’s biggest TV exports - rating in Denmark’s top 3 and Australia’s top 20.

Many Thame landmarks have been featured in different episodes over time, including Thame Town Hall, the Market House, Rumsey’s Chocolaterie, the historic Swan, Black Horse, and Spread Eagle hotels, plus other locations. Thame’s cricket ground and Prebendal House were recently featured in filming for future episodes.

Tony Long, coordinator for the new tour guides – who are all volunteers, said, ‘The tours have been in development for several months, and follow on from the original tour which was created by David Dodds of Thame Museum. The tours are being held under the auspices of 21st Century Thame, an organisation that brings together local businesses, community groups and

councils to help keep Thame vibrant and viable as a market town.

Tony continued, ‘The tours take place weekly between May and October, alternating between Saturdays at 2.30pm and Wednesdays at 11.00am, and start from inside Thame Museum (79 High Street, Thame, OX9 3AE), one of the filming locations, taking in many locations in the town centre. We hope these tours will add a new facet to tourism in the town, attracting more visitors from the UK and overseas to the historic town of Thame.’

Tickets cost £7.50 each and may be purchased online at www.ticketsource. co.uk/thamemidsomer. Alternatively, you can simply turn up on the day and pay the guide. Part of the proceeds from Midsomer tours goes to Thame Museum and other charitable causes.

Use them or lose them Schools taking part in the project: 17 May Frieth CE Primary School joined

by Ibstone Infant School 18 May Millbrook Combined School 19 May Chalgrove Community Primary School 22 May Holy Trinity CE (A) School 24 May Stokenchurch Primary School 25 May Holy Trinity CE (A) School, Marlow Final sharing performance day with all schools (excluding Stokenchurch) together www.garsingtonopera.org

Inflation has reached its highest level in almost four years according to a recent article in The Times. Leading Economists it seems have warned of a family income squeeze since the country voted to leave the EU. Brexit has driven up inflation by 2.7%.

Perhaps its the uncertainty of Brexit and/or the General election, but some local businesses might well be starting to feel the pinch.

Thame and the local area are blessed with some excellent local independent businesses and its these hardworking owners that Thame Out believes need our help most.

Brilliant independent shops, hairdressers, cafés, etc all need our support. The last thing anyone wants, is to see these outlets disappear to be replaced by chain stores.

So, Thame Out asks our readers to go shopping, drink coffee and get your hair done. Long live independent outlets!

Talking of local business’s. Good luck to Mel and Zoe at Maze Hair. They are skydiving for charity on 4th June. They are looking for sponsors. If you would like to give, simply call into the salon on North St, Thame. Thank You.

Thame Out .7

> LOCAL NEWS

Town Award winners announced T

he ninth Thame Town Awards took place at The Barns Centre with over 40 guests in attendance including the winners and their guests, members of the Town Awards panel, the Mayor of Thame, councillors and Town Council staff.

The Mayor welcomed those in attendance, and thanked those who took the time to make a nomination this year and the Town Awards panels who had the difficult task of choosing the winners.

This year’s sponsors were Risborough Carers who will be celebrating their 25th birthday in 2017 but were unfortunately unable to attend. The Mayor thanked them for their kind support of the event.

Helen Johns and Sonja Francis, members of 21st Century Thame, gave a presentation about their involvement and success in the recent Great British High Street competitions, Revive & Thrive Awards, Midsomer Murders and their promotion of Thame. The Mayor thanked Helen and Sonja for working tirelessly and generously giving their time to promote Thame, and presented them with a glass bowl each as a thank you from the Town Council.

8. Thame Out

The Mayor then presented Councillor David Dodds with a framed article of The Thame Gazette from the year he was elected as a Councillor, as well as a luxury two night stay at The Billesley Hotel, as a thank you for his 50 years’ service to the Town Council.

The Town Awards ceremony began with the presentation of the Creative Arts Achievement award which went to Catherine Enticknap for her successful Interchurch Productions, of which she is director, and for motivating people of all ages to act, sing, dance and perform, with many going to be professionals. Catherine was very thankful for her award, and added that the award was for her team.

The Sporting Achievement award went to the head coach of Thame Swimming, Ian Blyth. He received the award for his his passion and enthusiasm for the club and relentless energy for inspiring the best in each and every swimmer.

Service with a Smile went to Jason & Joshua Atalay, who had been nominated for their top-class and friendly service, and were described as beacons of positivity and always smiling.

Sue Boyle received the Volunteer of the Year of the award for raising thousands of pounds for charity through her popular and enjoyable quiz nights, to which she gives her time “freely, enthusiastically and with a wonderful sense of humour”. Sue was also nominated for her involvement in various community events and was described as “a true pillar of our community”. Sue was very grateful for the award and added that this year is the 25th year of doing quizzes!

The final Town Award to be given out was the Lifetime Achievement award, which went to Angus Lachlan for his 25 years’ service to Thame Town Cricket Club including a variety of volunteer roles and 10 years as Chairman.

The Mayor then presented her Cadet, Oscar Earls, with a certificate, and thanked him, adding that it was his first public service. Guests then enjoyed a buffet and photographs with the Mayor.

To view images from the event, please go to the ‘Thame Town Awards’ Facebook page.

Next year will be the 10th town awards and we are looking forward to celebrating in style! Watch this space.

JAQUI SUPPLE COUNSELLING If you are feeling sad, confused, worried, depressed, anxious, lonely or just overwhelmed, I can help.

I am a qualified Psychotherapist offering a flexible therapeutic service tailored to your needs and requirements.

I specialise in a mixture of therapies including CBT and humanist.

Whatever issue is troubling you why not get in touch with me and we can find a solution together. www.jaquisupplecounselling.co.uk/blog jaquisupple@gmail.com 07977904067

Thame Out .9

> HEALTH & BEAUTY

rapidly becoming the must-have, noninvasive facial treatment for Brit stars who want to look red carpet ready all the time while simultaneously improving their skin’s health.

Widely known as the ‘celebs fave’ HydraFacial, along with its sister treatment PERK ™ - the world’s first hybrid treatment that combines a salon based treatment with a take home product that prolongs the treatments effects – are both now available at MBNS Clinic Thame and Qutis Clinic Witney.

HYDRAFACIAL Combining six essential skincare steps, taking between thirty and sixty minutes, into one simple facial, HydraFacial ensures that it’s not just the appearance of the skin that is improved, but also its long term health.

To treat the skin HydraFacial is the only machine of its kind that utilises a unique, patented, spiral shaped tip to create a powerful vortex action and hermetic suction to deliver botanical ingredients containing nutrients to the skin, such as hyaluronic acid, green tea extract and red algae extract. It is also packed full of powerful antioxidants which counteract the damage of free radicals – caused by pollution, sun and stress – which can all damage the skin and accelerate the ageing process.

Secrets of the Skin Nurses When it comes to ‘celebrity facials’ MBNS and QUTIS now offer clients the established star and the next big thing - introducing HYDRAFACIAL MD and PERK™.

A

MBNS and QUTIS appreciate their clients’ time is valuable.

Which is why they believe that maintaining skin health doesn’t need to be complicated. Just like many A-list celebrities and well known famous faces, we are increasingly turning to effective, non-invasive treatments that take up very little time yet give maximum results.

Two new contenders have entered the ring in the fight against dull, lacklustre complexions that are as relaxing as any in-spa facial, with results you usually associate with more invasive treatments.

Clients undergoing the treatments report that their facial lines, wrinkles and brown spots have diminished, whilst pores

10. Thame Out

and skin tone have become clearer and more defined. It sounds almost too good to be true, so Thame Out asked ANNE DEVENPORT from MBNS here in Thame to explain further.

THE CAST There is one treatment that celebrities just cannot get enough of lately. Dubbed the ‘celebrity facial’ Hydrafacial is a lunchtime pick-me-up that has already turned a flurry of A-list celebrities into devoted fans. It is already a firm favourite for a long list of famous faces in the States including Ivanka Trump, Beyonce, Paris Hilton, Marie Osmond, Brittany Snow and Real Housewives star Kim Zolciak, and it is

Thanks to this spiral tip HydraFacial can utilise the 4-in-1 technology of VortexCleansing™, HydroPeel® Exfoliation, Vortex-Extraction™, and Vortex-Fusion® to cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate and rejuvenate like no other facial treatment on the market.

All the aforementioned ingredients penetrate deeply into the skin during the pleasant and relaxing six-step process (comprising of lymphatic drainage, cleansing and exfoliation, brightening agent, extraction, hydration and LED lighting), leaving skin with a healthy radiance that is further enhanced with every treatment. HydraFacial can function as a standalone treatment or be a complement to other skin treatments like PERK.

PERK PERK is a quick, affordable, standalone treatment for lip boosts, eye rejuvenation or whole face treatments for people with busy lifestyles. Not only is it a very popular treatment in its own right but also the perfect way to compliment and further enhance the effects of a HydraFacial treatment.

Taking just 5 -10 minutes to administer, PERK and its take home serum - which helps prolong the treatment effects for up to a month - compliments HydraFacial by focussing on the delicate areas around the lips and eyes.

ALL-STAR SUPPORT The beauty of HydraFacial, and what makes it such a star-studded favourite, is that you can see immediate results that don’t require any downtime. Fans in the UK who use and endorse its effectiveness include Karren Brady, Abbey Clancy, Alex Gerrard, Melanie Sykes, Suki Waterhouse, Tanya Burr, Emma Bunton, Sophie Anderton, Pasha Kovalev, Tina Hobley and Claire Sweeney to name but a few!

Karren Brady CBE, Baroness of Knightsbridge and award-winning businesswoman, is a long time fan of HydraFacial. Here’s what she has to say about it…

“Weeks of filming, long hours and heavy studio make-up leaves my skin congested, dull and lack lustre. HydraFacial is the ideal treatment for me. Not only do I like the idea of the six-step treatment, I also appreciate that it only takes under an hour’s treatment time. It’s always good to find such an effective treatment that I can fit into a busy lifestyle.”

“Immediately following a HydraFacial treatment my skin is buffed, cleansed and

glowing. It’s very rare that you see a great result after just one treatment, but the difference after a HydraFacial is incredible.

My pores are tightened, the skin hydrated and the fine lines around my eyes softened.

The following day, if it’s possible, my skin is even better. It actually improves the quality of my skin and makes me feel like I don’t have to cover my face with make-up.” “ I like to have a HydraFacial regularly to keep my skin healthy and glowing.

Being constantly in the public eye means I always have to look my best, especially down the red carpet with cameras flashing in my face. Having regular HydraFacials and using their own home care products in between treatments really gives me lots of confidence - because I know my skin looks great, without the overdone effects of some treatments. This is a straightforward treatment that improves the skin’s texture, softens fine lines and gives amazing hydration, leaving you feeling that glow you had in the bloom of youth.”

A glowing testimony indeed! So, if you are after some TLC for your skin, with a little relaxation along the way HydraFacial and PERK are the perfect choices to keep your skin youthful, clear and protected against the effects of urban life.

Why choose MBNS and Qutis Clinics?

Our nurse practitioners are some of the very best in the Aesthetic industry and have won the prestigious Aesthetic Nurse of the Year award – twice, judged by the British Journal of Nursing.

We always strive to bring our patients the very latest in both product and technique – like HydraFacial and PERK – and undergo constant training and professional development to be able to deliver the treatments correctly and for maximum effect.

Each treatment is tailored to your individual skin condition to provide instantly visible results as well as longterm benefits - salons or spas rarely offer this kind of skin health expertise, which is another reason to consider us for your HydraFacial and PERK treatments.

Keeping your skin in good health is as important as keeping your body in good shape, so regular visits are recommended.

“Skin Health for Life” is a series of treatments, based on your budget, to ensure that you always have vibrant, healthy looking skin.

It’s affordable and the results are testament to what great value a few sessions can be, compared to ordinary facials. It can even be combined with other skin treatments to improve deeper wrinkles and other signs of ageing.

If you would like a consultation with one of our specialist nurses, call MBNS on 01844 213007 or Qutis Clinics on 01993 704050.

MBNS Clinic 57 North Street, Thame, Oxon OX9 3BH Tel: 01844 213007 www.lookyournaturalbest.com

Qutis Clinic Witney 27 Corn Street, Witney, Oxon OX28 6DB Tel: 01993 704050 www.lookyournaturalbest.com

Thame Out .11

> HEALTH & BEAUTY

Raise your glasses to

contacts Working, socialising, playing sport? Whatever you’re doing, contact lenses might just be a better alternative to spectacles.

Jim Chilman talks to Ivan Cammack.

A

s you would expect, Ivan R Cammack Optometrists are dedicated to keeping your eyes as healthy as possible. This applies to all their clients whether they wear contact lenses or spectacles.

As a life-long wearer of spectacles, I was interested to discover how far technology has come to make wearing contacts a viable alternative.

“Wearing specs to correct your vision works really well and can be a great fashion accessory. However there are times when they just get in the way”, says Ivan “As an alternative way of correcting vision, contact lenses give you crisp all-round vision, the freedom to be active and a natural look.

12. Thame Out

“Contact lenses move with your eyes to give you a full field of focused vision, wherever you look, you don’t get the reflections and distortions you get with glasses, they won’t get splashed, giving you clearer vision whatever the weather. and they don’t steam up when you enter a warmer space”. He adds.

“Contact lenses are really excellent vision alternatives and we stock re-usable and disposable contact lenses.

“ACUVUE® in particular offer an excellent range of contact lenses, they feature innovative technologies for clear vision and comfortable contact lens wear.

“It’s important to keep your eyes moist.

They can start to feel tired towards the end of the day, especially if you wear your

contact lenses for a long time. You may also find they feel dry when you work for long hours on a computer, travel by air or spend time in air-conditioned or centrally heated rooms.

“For long-lasting moisture and comfort, try 1-DAY ACUVUE® TruEye®, 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST for ASTIGMATISM or 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST. These daily disposable contact lenses give you the cleanliness and convenience of a fresh, new lens every day.

“And for a lens that helps prevent that tired eye feeling even in tough environments, choose ACUVUE OASYS® or ACUVUE OASYS® for ASTIGMATISM. “Our eyes also need oxygen, just like the rest of your body. Contact lenses are made from water-loving materials called hydrogels that allow oxygen to reach your eye.

“Most of us wear sunglasses to protect our eyes on sunny days. However, UV rays can get in around the sides of your sunglasses, and these concentrated peripheral rays can be damaging for your eyes.

“Wearing ACUVUE® contact lenses with UV blocking filters, as well as sunglasses, protects the areas of your eyes that sunglasses alone are unable to cover.

“For the best protection from the sun, wear UV blocking contact lenses, wraparound sunglasses and a widebrimmed hat.

“Our 1-DAY ACUVUE® TruEye® contact lenses offer the highest protection from the transmission of the sun’s harmful UV rays of any daily disposable contact lens. Or if you prefer a reusable contact lens with the highest protection, try ACUVUE OASYS® or ACUVUE OASYS® for astigmatism.

“One final lens that is worth trying is our Overnight Vision Therapy (OVT), contact lens.

“OVT, also known as ‘Ortho-K’ is becoming a popular option. OVT uses a specially designed contact lens called ‘Eyedream’ that reduces the power of the cornea at the front of the eye during overnight wear.

Once the full effect has taken place, the eye is effectively “normal” and the Eyedream user can see clearly with no need to wear contact lenses or glasses during the day.” Ivan concludes.

So, should we try contact lenses?

Definitely worth looking into.

Try 1-DAY ACUVUE® TruEye®, 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST or 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST for ASTIGMATISM daily disposable contact lenses. Or for reusable contact lenses, try ACUVUE OASYS® or ACUVUE OASYS® for ASTIGMATISM. “Contact lenses can even help with hay fever and allergies. pollen, dust and other irritants can build up when you re-use contact lenses. Daily disposable lenses, such as 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST, don’t

allow allergens to build up, and help keep your eyes white, healthy and comfortable.

Another good reason for using contact lenses is to protect your eyes from the sun The sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can be just as damaging to your eyes as they are to your skin. ACUVUE® is the only major contact lens brand that blocks more than 98% of the transmission of the sun’s UVB rays and 85% of its UVA rays as standard across its product range.

Ivan R Cammack (Thame) T. 01844 212048 E. info@ivancammack.com Chinnor (01844) 351564 Wendover (01296) 625892

Thame Out .13

> HEALTH & BEAUTY

Hit your way fit says Chinnor based personal fitness trainer, Hilary Westall.

Fighting talk (round 2)

I

f you read the last issue of Thame Out, you’ll know that I was in the throes of boxing training with UWCB (www.ultrawhitecollarboxing.co.uk) – an eight week training regime culminating in a black tie event on March 18th with a real audience, in a real ring…and a real fight with an opponent. Three twominute rounds with a one minute rest between them, to be precise. Doesn’t sound like a lot, but those rounds were exhausting, and I was coming from a reasonably fit base. I won my fight.

And given how much I enjoyed the experience, finished with my nose and teeth intact and am still friends with my opponent, I figured I should share the result with you and take a look at the fitness benefits of boxing. Just in case you ever want to give it a go…

It’s easy to see why boxers at the top of their game are so fit: as a sport, boxing requires strength, speed, agility, hand-eye coordination, endurance and power, not to mention the mental nerve required to put yourself out there.

However, as a fitness activity, it enables the average person to harness those same athletic skills, all without having to take a hit. So let’s have a look at what those benefits are: Improved cardiovascular health You need to place some stress on your heart and lungs in order to improve your fitness, lose excess weight and protect yourself from life-limiting health conditions such as stroke, diabetes and heart disease. How you choose to do this, so long as you keep your heart rate up during your workout, could just as easily involve punching, kicking and jumping, as running five miles or going for a swim. And you won’t be remotely bored.

Improved all-over body strength Punching, kicking and jumping all require a surprising amount of combined puff and strength. During the boxing circuits I took part in, we had to punch a body bag weighing in at around 100lbs, which requires upper body strength and your core to engage as you make contact with the bag. The fast, rotational movements required in boxing develop your core strength, enabling you to punch hard without losing your balance In addition, other strength training moves were incorporated, including squats, press ups, weighted medicine ball exercises, sit-ups and planks, all within a 30 minute circuit.

14. Thame Out

Improved hand-eye coordination This may not spring to mind as a fitness benefit, but people with good hand-eye coordination tend to have faster reflexes and reaction times, and better physical coordination all round. This becomes especially important as we age, where balance and coordination naturally decline and the risk of falls increases. When you’re faced with a speed bag, or you’re paired up to spar with a partner, you have to be able to see your target, react to your target and hit your target, all while the target is moving and changing position. With practice, hand-eye coordination improves substantially with this type of training.

Beat stress It’s pretty well documented that exercise releases endorphins, the hormones that boost mood and improve sleep, both of which help reduce stress levels. And if you’ve had a bad day, or someone’s upset you, there’s nothing quite like taking it out on a punch bag to make you feel better. A circuit of high intensity punching, with other exercises thrown in for good measure, doesn’t leave you with much room to worry about anything else.

Taking out your stress on a punch bag is preferable to taking it out on your nearest and dearest, and can be very therapeutic.

Improved body composition Boxing provides a perfect combination of muscle-building strength training moves with high intensity calorie-burning cardio. With regular, focused sessions you’ll see improvements in muscle tone, a decrease in body fat, and your bones, joints and ligaments will all become stronger.

Where to train?

In terms of getting started, and if you’ve no interest in getting punched, you’ll need to find somewhere that offers boxing-based classes and sessions outside of the ring. You’ll still learn the basic skills – jabs, upper cuts, hooks, footwork, speed, core strength and agility, power and flexibility – but without the pressure to fight.

Box at home If you don’t have nearby access to facilities that provide boxing training, you can always set yourself up at home.

I bought a punch bag from eBay, and you’ll obviously need boxing gloves (invest in a decent pair). A medicine ball and skipping rope, and anything else suitable you can lay your hands on, such as dumbbells, kettlebells, bands – will enable you to run through an effective boxing sequence that incorporates cardio and strength work.

And finally…

Boxing is a lot of fun and is one of the most effective ways to get in shape and improve your physical (and mental) health. If you want to give it a go, my advice is to take some classes or work with a trainer to master the basic skills before embarking on home workouts.

Or explore training with UWCB or ‘Train Like a Pro’ (www.tlapuk.com) if you fancy getting in the ring and raising money for charity, which is what I did – and let’s not forget that I managed to raise over £1,000 for Cancer Research UK. A great result all round in my book.

Hilary is a Level 3 Personal Trainer and Pilates teacher. She runs body conditioning and Pilates classes in Chinnor and can be contacted on 07812 097562, email: hilarywestall@gmail.com for further details.

Win a FREE b COMPETITION one-to-one workout. See page 66.

THE LENS THAT KEEPS UP WITH Your demanding days

1-day Acuvue Oasys 10 day FREE Contact Lens Trial.

Ask in store.

Terms and conditions apply

Thame 212048 l Chinnor 351564 l Wendover 625892 info@ivancammack.com

> HEALTH & BEAUTY

Scissor sister

Jamie Michelle Pfeifer has over 20 years experience styling hair. She established Studio 86 over five years ago, but its not just the stylish and imaginative cuts, or the subtle, elegant colourings, that keep her customers coming back, as Bev Foster discovers.

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tudio 86 is located on Thame’s Lower High Street. It’s owner Jamie Michelle Pfeifer has really impressed with her creative skills for over five years now. She has a devoted list of clients, and I am one of them. I simply love the relaxed atmosphere. It’s an oasis of calm on a busy High Street .

Jamie’s assistant Charlotte relaxes you with a superb head massage and follows this up with a hand massage. You are already in a capable pair of hands before Jamie has started to work her magic.

In fact Charlotte is developing into quite a stylist herself. She is now styling clients hair with Jamie’s help and guidence.

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Every time I visit Studio 86 the first thing I notice is the laughter. There is real warmth in the salon. Here I am on a cool spring morning with a hot cup of tea, head and hand massages, great conversation and a few laughs, what’s not to like. You almost forget you have come in for a hair cut.

Something that busy people appreciate is the fact that Jamie’s hours are not your usual Monday - Saturday, 9 - 5 Salon hours.

She doesn’t open every day. Early starts, late finishes and long weekends are part of the job. You can call or email to book an appointment if Studio 86 is closed.

Jamie is happy styling women’s, men’s and children’s hair, rest assured, you will be in the experienced hands of a top team. You will leave positively pampered.

Little wonder, then, that Jamie, the salon’s master stylist and technician, now has a devoted list of clients. Loyal and full of praise. As you can read at the end of this article. These are just a selection and like my hair a (metaphorical) pair of scissors was needed to trim them down to size.

Charlotte is now styling clients hair under Jamie’s expert tuition and is looking for models to work on at a reduced price.

Please contact Studio 86 at any time on 07985 206 777.

Client comments “A beautiful salon, lovely cut, great colour, and calm atmosphere” Mirium C - Haddenham Client since 2007 “Jamie is my fairy godmum hairdresser... Never go back to the USA” Jo G - Cuddesdon Client since 2007 “I have followed Jamie around from salon to salon over the last 10 years, and so glad she has Studio 86 now. When you find a great hairdresser, you don’t want to change!!”

Michele D - Long Crendon Client since 2007

Jamie

“Jamie is simply great at her job and is a kind individual.

I need her magic ability to make my hair look good” Rita M - Ilmer Client since 2008 “Simply the best!”

Joss W - Bledlow Client since 2012 It is a treat to come here.

The cut and colour are fab and the chats are entertaining ... Love Oliver (Salon Mascot) Hazel B - Thame Client since 2012 “Best fresh trim EVER ...

Don’t leave Thame!!”

Ben M - Watlington Client since 2012 Charlotte

Contact Jamie on 07985206777 ] jamiestyles77@yahoo.com ] www.jamiestyles.com ] For 24/7 online booking go to www.vagaro.com/studio86

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> HEALTH & BEAUTY

Stephanie Green established Springwell Clinic in Marlow just two years ago, and the future (just like their clients after treatment) is looking good.

Look well. Live well.

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ook well - Live well. That is the Springwell Clinic motto. The team believe that beauty should be more than just ‘skin deep’ . This is why the clinic offers treatments for both the face and body, inside and out.

Springwell specialise in aesthetic treatments such as Botox ®, dermal fillers and skin rejuvenation. as well as advanced body treatments such as fat freezing and skin tightening. intravenous nutrient therapy which is a big celebrity favourite has also proved a popular addition.

Libbie Wallace The clinics Aesthetic Prescriber who has worked as a theatre nurse in various specialties before she commenced her career in non-surgical facial aesthetics.

Libbie trained with leading experts in all aspects of medical aesthetics, namely Botox ®, dermal fillers, chemical peels and medical skincare. She is currently working towards her Masters in Non-Surgical Facial Aesthetics at Queen Mary’s University London.

Gersende Langlume Gersende is a fully qualified and highly Stephanie Green experienced physiotherapist and A highly regarded Aesthetic Nurse Specialist and has worked within aesthetics osteopath.

She graduated from the prestigious for 19 years. She is a member of the British European School of Osteopathy in Association of Cosmetic Nurses, the British Maidstone in 2006, having previously Dermatology Nursing Group and the qualified in Physiotherapy at the IPKN in British Association of Sclerotherapists.

She has strived and succeeded to build Belgium in 2000.

Gersende brings an international and a warm friendly environment with a like holistic perspective to the treatments minded team of top professionals that which she offers, providing relief have one thing in common. They want via osteopathy, physiotherapy and you to leave the clinic looking and feeling sometimes relaxation techniques. fantastic.

As well as Stephanie, The Springwell Leonie Cox team include: The Client Co-ordinator, Leonie has a real passion for skin care and has a wealth of experience in customer relationship management. She is a fully trained beauty therapist and is on hand to help

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all customers get the best results when applying bareMinerals range of fantastic natural products.

Stuart Moore Practice Manager Stuart worked in the leisure industry for 25 years prior to founding the clinic with Stephanie. Stuart has a qualification in nutrition along with a passion for healthy living. He is responsible for health and fitness, weight management and nutrition programmes at the clinic.

Gersende

Libbie Springwell celebrate a successful two years.

used alongside all the other treatments we offer and isn’t a replacement for dermal fillers but a fantastic addition!

The results are usually seen after two quick treatment sessions, with a one month interval between them.

An increased firmness, elasticity and an overall improved quality of the skin is seen after the two treatments. Maintenance treatments are required 6-12 monthly depending on the degree of correction required, your age and lifestyle.

Leonie Springwell Clinic is a superb ‘Health Hub’ with visiting practitioners offering an array of alternative therapies to ensure you can look and feel your best mentally and physically. These include : Optimal energy nutrition Psychological therapies Relationship therapy Sports Massage Physiotherapy LATEST TREATMENTS Springwell prides itself on keeping abreast of the latest most innovative treatments available within this rapidly evolving industry. Some of which are: PROFHILO® This ground breaking treatment which originated from Italy not only hydrates your skin from the inside out, it increases your collagen and elastin production and actually remodels your skin, making it look far firmer. It can be

KLERESCA - Springwell is one of the first clinics in the U.K. to offer this ground breaking Acne and skin rejuvenation treatment. Kleresca represents a completely new mode of action in the field of dermatology. It uses BioPhotonics which is a light conversion system designed to stimulate the tissue’s own repair mechanisms and normalise cell activity to improve the complexion and reduce the signs of scarring. A gel is applied to the skin and a high energy light activates the gel targeting the causes of acne including P.acnes bacteria and the inflammatory response that acne produces in the skin. The gel allows the spectrum of wavelengths to penetrate into the dermis of the skin to kill bacteria and stimulate your skin’s own repair systems, thus treating your acne.

The gel is applied to the area to be treated. This is usually the face, but can also be used for the chest and back. A lamp is lowered over the area and emits a warm glow that is comfortable. Because the light is bright, eye shields are worn throughout the treatment. The treatment is only 9 minutes long. After this time the gel is removed and the face cleaned. The

treatment is performed twice a week for 6 weeks and the results will continue for 6-12 months.

FAT FREEZING Fat freezing is one of the body contouring treatments available at Springwell.

Perfect to help you spring into summer with body confidence. It is ideal for targeting stubborn pockets of fat, around the tummy and hips. This treatment also targets bingo wings, inner thighs and muffin tops! The frozen fat cells, are dissolved naturally over a period of 2–3 months leaving a more contoured body. The process removes fat cells PERMANENTLY and can be equated to Liposuction – but without the pain, down time or high price tag. See www.springwellclinic.co.uk/pricing-botoxand-fillers for a treatment. Fat freezing can be a single treatment for stubborn areas of fat or as part of a course with the other body contouring treatments. Over a consultation we can advise the best option for you.

So, if you want to look well, live well and be well treated, contact Springwell Clinic now.

Springwell Clinic 10-12 Oxford Rd, Marlow SL7 2NL 01628 308060 hello@springwellclinic.co.uk www.springwellclinic.co.uk

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VISIT OUR SHOE SHOP SUMMER RANGE NOW IN Stylish, comfortable wide fit shoes for women and men.

Expertly fitted by qualified podiatrists and shoe fitters at Feet First. Podiatry and shoes. The perfect fit.

If you require a fitting, please call for an appointment.

SHOE SHOP OPENING TIMES Monday: 9.30am until 4.30pm Tuesday: 9.30am until 4.30pm Wednesday: 9.30am until 4.30pm Thursday: CLOSED Friday: 9.30am until 4.30pm Saturday: By appointment only

Excellence for all your foot care needs GENERAL FOOT CARE DIABETIC FOOT HEALTH ACHILIES TENDINOPOTHY VERRUCAE TREATMENT GAIT ANALYSIS

13a Upper High Street, Thame, Oxon OX9 3ER Tel: 01844 261023 Email: enquiries@feet-first.org www.feet-first.org

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Skill, experience, imagination and flair.

Celebrating contemporary creative craftsmanship.

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> LIFESTYLE

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Thought provoking fashion

White Hart Studio in Haddenham. Where thoughtful clothing has become more important and ever more popular with its customers. Karen Sherwood pays a visit.

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hought (originally Braintree) was founded in Australia in 1995 and is now based in London, the company was formed with the vision of creating eco-friendly and sustainable clothing. Originally promoting hemp as an environmentally friendly alternative to cotton, Thought has expanded its range of eco fabrics to include organic cotton, bamboo, rayon and Tencel from trees. Responsibly sourced wool and recycled polyester.

The company takes pride in forging long lasting and strong relationships with designers and suppliers. This is why it works with the same small businesses and factories from when it began.

Thought has also signed up to a Code of Conduct approved by the International Labour Organisation and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ensuring all employees are treated with respect, dignity and paid a fair wage, while providing healthy working conditions free from discrimination or child labour.

White Hart Studio owner Jane shares Thoughts philosophy on sustainability and ethics. In fact the company interviewed Jane for their blog called stockists stories. To see the interview, go to Thoughts website and look at the blog. www.wearethought.com Thoughtful fashion for thoughtful customers. Oh, and simply great clothes. Of course, Thought is just one of many clothing ranges sold in this beautiful shop.

Lovely local, independent business’s like White Hart Studio are a rare breed, they need our support. Why not call in and explore White Hart Studio yourself. The shop is open Tuesday to Saturday and even open on Sunday from 11 to 4.

Enjoy relaxed shopping in a pretty village atmosphere.

WHITE HART STUDIO FA SHION, JEWELLERY, GIFTS & INTERIORS 1 5 CHURCHWAY, HADDENHAM, BUC KS, HP17 8AB T: 0 1 8 4 4 2 9 2 3 0 8 M: 0 7 7 6 5 3 6 6 3 08 W: WH ITEHARTST UDIO.COM

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> LIFESTYLE

Little gems Shining examples of beautiful jewellery designs from Thame Jewellery Workshop.

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hame Jewellery Workshop can design wonderful one-off pieces of jewellery and clean and repair both antique and modern items but most of all, when you visit Thame Jewellery Workshop on Thame’s Lower High Street, you will find showcases decorated with some stunning pieces. Rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and cuff links, designed and made by both local and international designers.

Here are just a selection of the exquisite items that adorn the display cabinets.

THE CLASSIC LOOK Timeless designs.

Baroque fresh water pearl necklace. £360.00 Fresh water cultured pearl earrings. £75.00 Pearl brecelets in various colours. From £25.00 Silver pendant with very rare Variscite. £490.00 Silver bangle with wrapped wire detail. £160.00 Silver twist earring. £30.00

STATEMENT PIECE Silver waterfall necklace

by Lucy Quartermaine. £880.00

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SHEER LUXURY High quality pieces made by TJW. 14ct yellow gold vintage diamond pendant. £820 white gold and sapphire/diamond earrings. £3,150.00 18ct diamond and sapphire pendant. £1,750.00 18ct Vintage diamond cluster ring. £1,430.00 18ct white gold, Tansanite and diamond ring. £1,400.00 White gold Engagement, wedding band and eternity ring set hand made by Robert French at TJW.

VINTAGE Genuine antique jewellery.

THE BO HO LOOK. Layering your items of jewellery.

Silver hoop earrings by Thame Jewellery Workshop £45.00 Agate, copper and silver necklace by Julie Brandon £156.00 A round etched copper and silver pendant

by Julie Brandon £188.00 Copper, brass and silver bangles by Julie Brandon from £45.00 to £145.00 Various semi precious stone stacking rings

by Thame Jewellery Workshop from £20 Silver Element air armour ring by Lucy Quartermaine £95

18ct white gold ring with Lilac Sapphire and diamonds . £1,800.00 Large Amethyst earrings set in 18ct gold. £600.00

Thame Jewellery Workshop 87 Lower High Street, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 3EH 01844 690123 thamejewelleryworkshop@yahoo.co.uk

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> FASHION Circle of Gentlemen Jeffery West Eton Gran Sasso Seven For All Mankind Sunspel Oliver Sweeney Lagerfeld Hiltl Gant Florentino Robert Charles Antico Borgo

Smart choice Ascot, Henley Regatta, a wedding?

Whatever the event Gallant, Thame’s premier menswear boutique, has top quality clothing to fit any occasion.

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here’s a bubbling up of anticipation at this time of year for all the Summer celebrations, weddings, parties and special occasions, generally. Like the popping of a bottle of Champagne, excitement for those invitations to events such as Henley Regatta and Ascot is almost over flowing.

So, rest assured, Gallant Menswear have fine-tuned and carefully curated their Summer collections with such events in mind. Their brands reflect the shift in formality and perfectly capture the right look for any occasion, so you can have absolute confidence in your choice.

Lucy and Carol at Gallant have provided five top tips to ensure you feel perfectly comfortable on that big day.

1. If your host has given you a dress code, stick to it. Whether a much anticipated wedding or a fantastic Birthday bash, your host has gone the extra mile and so should you.

2. Give yourself plenty of time. Avoid getting caught out at the last minute with a suit that no longer fits; a shirt that looks tired; or a tie with the last occasion’s red wine splash. Allow a few weeks for the finer details and any alterations you may need.

3. Special occasions are an opportunity for a refresh. Be it a new shirt or the entire ensemble, view it as a chance to update and feel revitalized for the event.

4. Smart phones have made occasions unforgivng these days. What you choose to put on your back will be immortalized in a few hundred photos and looked back on for years to come. True style is in the detail so choose wisely, add a little twist of personality and you won’t go wrong.

5. Having gone to all the effort of pulling together a final look you’re happy with, make sure your footwear doesn’t let you down. At the very least, give your shoes a polish. Your party will notice!

GALLANT LUXURY MENSWEAR Open Monday to Friday 9:30 - 5:30 Saturday: 9:30 - 5:00 Sunday: 10:30 - 3:30

10 Greyhound Walk, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 3DY 01844 218 400 www.gallant-thame.co.uk twitter: @Gallant_Thame

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> FASHION

Taylor made fashion Cabi is a leading women’s designer fashion label. Hugely successful in the USA and now available to the women of Great Britain. But, this is a brand you won’t find in any store. Nicola Dale talks to cabi Stylist, Donna Taylor to find out more about this unique fashion line.

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t could be that your busy life curtails opportunities to indulge in some clothes shopping. It could be you haven’t found a brand you like. It might be that you are a sociable person who would enjoy the company of like minded women. Either way, ‘social shopping’ might well be what you are looking for. cabi came to the UK last August, but the business has been operating successfully in the US for 15 years where they have over 3000 stylists.

Here in the UK, cabi selected just 20 ladies to be part of their UK pilot and Donna Taylor was chosen as one of those stylists.

Originally from Boston, Donna reached our shores when her company moved across the pond.

Donna had a senior role in a global marketing services company for over 20 years and moved to the UK with them in 1999.

“I have always had an interest in fashion and had often toyed with the idea of having my own business,” says Donna. “My career was all consuming

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USA fashion in the UK

and it wasn’t until I had my daughter quite late in life ( I was 41) that the tug between work and family kicked in. I still needed to work, but I realised I was missing out on my daughter growing up.” She adds.

The cabi collection of clothes has something that will appeal to most women. There are two collections per year - Autumn/Winter which sells from August to December and Spring/Summer which sells from February to June. There are three things that cabi does that make them different from on line shopping or high street stores

Firstly, the clothes are intentionally designed to create wardrobe capsules so that women do not have to struggle knowing how to wear/match their pieces.

Secondly, items are designed to fit real women’s bodies and move with them.

Many pieces have a little give or stretch so they are comfortable as well as stylish and last for many seasons (they warranty pieces for 2 years).

Thirdly, cabi doesn’t just sell the clothes, they sell the service that goes beyond the show or shopping experience.

Donna in action presenting styling tips in her ‘Home Boutique’

Donna getting more quality time with her daughter “The fashion and style experience is best delivered in a home show where 8 10 women get together to have a drink, some nibbles, meet the sylist and see the collection. The average woman spends a year of her life deciding what to wear; they have wardrobes full of clothes, but nothing to wear. “We all accepted this as the status quo, because there wasn’t an alternative .... until cabi came along,” says Donna.

“We are changing the way women shop by creating an alternative boutique in women’s living rooms around the country.

It is similar to how Airbnb is changing the

way we book holiday accommodation.

Women - who by our nature love to multitask, can achieve a lot in one evening at a cabi show: visit with friends and have a drink, learn about current trends and styling tips and try on and buy pieces to supplement their existing wardrobe or create a new one. Hosting a show is great fun and a fantastic way to earn considerable discounts on the pieces,” adds Donna.

As cabi is just starting up in the UK, now is a great time for a woman with an entrepreneurial spirit to consider becoming a stylist. It doesn’t require a full time commitment - dedicating just 10 hours per week could yield several hundred pounds a month in earnings - and more over time. Cabi provides everything needed to be successful the great collection of clothes, the rack, marketing materials and access to lots of training. The connections you make, both with other stylists as well as clients and hostess are what make this job unique.

“Working in a male-dominated career all my life I never experienced this supportive way women can encourage and help each other. It is truly unique and part of what makes cabi so special,” says Donna.

Cabi is starting to grow in the UK now that the pilot phase is complete, and it is such a fantastic culture of supporting women that Donna can see that growth

continuing. Each stylist has her own business and chooses to develop it according to her own schedule, needs and talents, but the common thread is the support and mutual respect and serving others. Cabi supports a few women’s charities and they make it a priority to ensure that their stylists do well in the business in order to do good in the world.

Each stylist is paired with a woman in a developing country who receives a microloan to develop her own business when they join cabi. Donna’s entrepreneur ‘sister’ lives in the Philippines, a country she travelled to many times when she was in a corporate role. She saw the poverty first hand. Donna’s ‘cabi sister’ has a grocery store and the loan from cabi allowed her to expand her inventory so she could grow her business and feed her family.

Charity it seems really does start at home - with a fashion show.

Donna Taylor Independent cabi Stylist 07974 568801 tayloredstyling@gmail.com Shop online 24/7 donnataylor.cabionline.uk Images by Mark Hewitson Photography 01844 278015 www.markhewitson.co.uk

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> TRAVEL

Go with the flow River cruising is the fastest growing holiday choice in the UK. Duncan Sherwood discovers more.

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pain, Italy, the Canaries and the Caribbean are all popular holiday destinations for 2017” says Tanya Farrer at Spear Travels.

“However, we have seen increasing numbers of travellers booking river and sea cruises. River cruising in particular has seen a surge in popularity”. she adds.

So, why are people choosing river cruising in 2017?

“I think people are looking for more cultural and sightseeing holidays having exhausted the sun and sand beach breaks. What better way to see some amazing cities than “dropping in” for a day or so as part of your holiday.

“The pace of life with a river cruise is slow; meandering along the rivers, taking in the local scenery combined with regular stops along the way, generally within walking distance of the main city attractions. Everything is so accessible. Another contributing factor is the quality of the ships – very luxurious and high standards with stunning cuisine which is part of the holiday adventure.

“It would be remiss of us not to mention the luxury of the ships you travel on. Furnished to a very high standard, you will not be disappointed.

Lets not forget the stunning cuisine which awaits you at every mealtime.

“All of this at affordable prices, confirming that river cruising is excellent value for money. Some of the cruises offer an all inclusive package which means that there are no hidden extras and budgeting is made easy.

“Relaxing River and Waterway Cruises can take you straight to the heart of some of the world’s finest destinations, offering hours of unforgettable scenic cruising along the way.

“Smaller, more intimate ships reach places larger vessels simply cannot access. You can see the scenic highlights of narrow canals, winding rivers, unspoilt countryside and so much more.

“By visiting Spear Travels and talking to our very own river cruise experts, you can see the wide choice of destinations available to you including some amazing journeys - the captivating French rivers, the ever-popular navigations of Spain’s Guadalquivir River into seductive Seville; admire the picturesque fjords of Scandinavia; witness Scotland’s spectacular scenery via beautiful lochs; glide along tranquil waterways en route to historic cities in Germany and Belgium.

With special permission to transit the River Weser, you can sail all the way to Bremen, while it’s also possible to take in the handsome Belgian city of Ghent via the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal.

“Docking right in the heart of towns and cities across Europe means you’ll have the convenience of being closer to the highlights, so exploring each destination is so much easier. Overnight stays allow for more familiarisation of the likes of beautiful Bordeaux and Hanseatic Hamburg, all at a pace that suits you.

“We are featuring the Amadeus fleet in this article for its quality, cuisine, service, and experienced English speaking guides plus it’s range of regions and destinations.

“For those looking to spread their wings even further afield, then why not consider Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong - a memorable experience.

New ships and new itineraries are regularly being added in this growing market as cruise ships reach even higher standards.”

Is it time you came aboard and experienced why river cruising is so popular?

Talk to Tanya and the team at Spear Travels.

Spear Travels Greyhound Walk, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 3DY 01844 217228 thame@speartravels.net www.speartravels.net speartravels-thame @speartravels

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Hassle Free Shopping Styling Experience Show. Share the fashion experience with your friends by hosting a show in your home or office; enjoy hostess benefits of 50% discounts off pieces as well as cash credit.

Mini Show. Bring a couple of friends or neighbours to my home boutique home for an intimate shopping experience; your friends will thank you and you will enjoy the hostess benefits.

Personal Styling Appointments. Come to my home and shop in the comfort and privacy of my alternative boutique.

Fashion Emergencies. Special events?

Trip to Tokyo? I can help!

Wardrobe Building and Consulting. Master the art of selecting key pieces that will take you from season to season.

Wardrobe Audits. Clean out and organise while creating a wish list to fill the new gaps.

Sometimes less is more; don’t be one of those women that wears only 30% of what is in her wardrobe.

STYLISH TIMELESS SOPHISTICATED FEMININE ON TREND CASUAL CAREER COMFORT

Donna Taylor Independent Stylist 07974 568801 tayloredstyling@gmail.com Shop online 24/7 donnataylor.cabionline.uk

> LIFESTYLE

Barn storming lunch Interiors, gift ideas for the home and garden, jewellery, books, toys, coffee, ice-cream. What more could Stratton Audley Barn have to offer?

Excellent lunches for starters. Jane Williams paid a visit.

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ituated on the outskirts of Stratton Audley you will find Stratton Audley Barn. It’s a popular destination for visitors looking for those gifts and items for the home that are just that little bit different.

Originally created to sell Christmas trees and decorations, Stratton Audley Barn now has a well deserved reputation for excellent items for the home. Owners Richard and Sara Howson have been very adept at putting their years of farming skills and experience into the barn business. For example, as former dairy farmers they sell superb ice-cream.

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Sara and her talented team of cooks and bakers are responsible for the sumptious cakes and scones that accompany the established popular tea and coffee served at Stratton Audley Barn.

So as an accomplished cook, it seemed natural for her to broaden the menu and provide lunches for the hungry shoppers.

I was one of those shoppers, and I opted for a delicious home made quiche. and salad with a home made coleslaw and vegetable crisps. This was followed

by a melt in the mouth Bakewell tart and ice-cream. Further home made food is available.

It was a beautiful sunny Spring morning when I visited Stratton Audley Barn.

It really is a lovely setting, situated amongst mature trees and opposite a paddock that is home to a pair of horses.

All very peacefull. especially at this time of year. I enjoyed my lunch inside the bright dining area, but I noticed an outside eating area. I might just eat al fresco on my next shopping trip.

Stratton Audley Barn West Farm Barn, Launton Rd, Stratton Audley, Bicester OX27 9AS 01869 278184 www.strattonaudleybarn.co.uk info@strattonaudleybarn.co.uk

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> LIFESTYLE

Scene change Former actor Susannah Fellows has relocated her art gallery.

Tracy Foster has a mooch around fitch & fellows new home in the Buttermarket, Thame.

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cting and art. Two of Susannah Fellows’ great passions. From a theatrical family, she trained and worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company and has played lead roles in many of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s West End productions.

But now the scene is set for Susannah to indulge her other creative passion with the opening of the new fitch & fellows art gallery in Thame.

The original gallery in East street proved to be a great success. I believe this is down to the warmth Susannah exudes to visitors and her excellent taste in the artists she invites to display their work. Susannah certainly has a good eye.

The new location in Thame’s Buttermarket is a bigger and brighter environment to display the artwork.

The one thing that is unchanged is the friendly welcome visitors will receive. Walking into some art galleries can feel a little intimidating. Not so at fitch & fellows. The new gallery might be a bigger space than the old East Street location, affording Susannah more room to display more artwork, but it still has a lovely intimacy.

It’s an eclectic mix of art and craft in the gallery. If Susannah likes the work, in it goes.

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BUCKS OPEN STUDIOS

“Art can be confrontational, confusing and thought provoking. But it can also be quirky and fun”, says Susannah. “ Sometimes it’s obvious why you like a piece of work, other times you find yourself thinking I don’t know why, but I love that!” she adds.

Well take my word for it, there is plenty to love and admire on display in the new fitch & fellows gallery.

Susannah’s enthusiasm for her artists is infectious. She admires everything in the gallery, and really appreciates the skill and imagination that goes into every piece, (it wouldn’t be there if she didn’t) but certain artists have really impressed her.

She points out some amazing ceramics

by Joan and Jack Hardy. “Created using a converted 3D printer, how did they think of that?” Susannah enthuses.

“Look at this as well,” says Susannah, as she picks out a stunning artwork on the wall by Helina Sharply. It’s a three dimensional country scene made out of fine wire.

Other works of note are genuine old postcards that the artist Vicki Jayne Elder then illustrates over. Fusing the old with the new. It’s art recycled.

On the floor in the middle of the gallery is a work by Carey Naughton. She refurbishes old chairs. They are covered in appliqué and feature hand stitched designs of country scenes.

Susannah notices my eye has been attracted to more ceramics. “They are by an artist called Laurance Simon, “ she says.

“I have always collected her work, ever

Susannah will oversee this years annual art extravaganza that is ‘Bucks Open Studios’. This ever popular event will showcases over 500 artists and makers who open up their studios to the public for two weeks from 10th – 25th June. It’s an impressive lineup of free demonstrations, hands-on workshops and exhibitions in over 200 venues across Buckinghamshire.

Commenting on her new role, Susannah Fellows said: “I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to have been chosen as the new Chairperson for Bucks Open Studios. I really look forward to introducing new visitors to this great event. The wealth of artists and makers in our county, responsible for the vast array of work which is shown and sold to the public each year, is astonishing.

We have so much talent here and, quite simply, I would like to see Bucks Open Studios become the best known and most successful of all the countrywide art and craft events.”

since I opened my first gallery in London., I simply love her work,” Susannah adds.

Laurence has her work featured in the V&A museum as well as fitch & fellows.

As we go to print, there is still a bit more work to do to the outside of the gallery, but the stage is set for fitch & fellows’ next venture. Act two, you might say.

fitch & fellows 18, Buttermarket, Thame Oxfordshire OX9 3EP 01844 215 099 fitchandfellows@gmail.com Opening hours:Tues-Sat 10:30-5:30

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> HOME & GARDEN

Grey matter Two completely different kitchens from Kingsey. They both have a grey colour theme and more importantly, they share the same intelligent design.

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xcellent workmanship, high quality materials, and innovative designs all combine to make a great kitchen. Kingsey Kitchens demonstrate all this and more in two recent installations. The first kitchen can be found in Emmington, and it is a new build.

The home owners wanted a high end bespoke kitchen supplied and installed by a local company, cue Kingsey Kitchens.

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The first thing that strikes you about this kitchen is that it is a framed kitchen.

The drawers vary in size to allow for flexible storage and have hidden details in the form of beautiful dovetail joints.

The worktops are granite and the kitchen features a slate Rangemaster range with matching hood.

The kitchen finish is Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray and the sink is a grey Blanco Subline sink. The routed in lighting underneath the work tops and island is

particularly effective, especially at night.

This kitchen also boasts a stunning custom-built dresser not only for extra storage but as an eye-catching addition to the kitchen.

Work started with the kitchen itself, but Kingsey’s talents were soon employed to work on a utility room and a boot room.

The home owners are keen walkers and dog owners so these last two rooms take on extra significance. The boot room cupboards have built in ventilation holes to cope with damp clothing and large drawers to store dog paraphernalia (dog treats especially). The utility features a

raised washing machine and tumble drier with pull out drawers to rest the laundry basket (well thought out back saving design features).

The second kitchen design is an extension to a bungalow in Haddenham.

This is a really contemporary design (a good example being the funky lime green drawer interiors).

Kingsey Kitchens were recommended to the customer by the builder of the extension as the customers needed a design that exactly fitted the new space.

The extension houses a lounge/dining area that is separated from the kitchen by a peninsular. This houses storage and the

1810 Cavaduo grey sink which is a composite material made up of quartz, sand and granite. This makes the sink especially hard wearing, scratch resistant non fading and easy to clean. The grey sink colour matches the grey Tristone colour of the work tops and to finish it off a boiling water tap has been included.

Again the predominant kitchen colour is monochrome, though here contrasting greys with both Anthracite grey and Light grey finishes have been used. The antique copper splash back is a real design statement and was sourced

by Fay at Kingsey. Imaginative copper lighting echoes the splash back.

As with all Kingsey kitchens, storage is hugely important, both kitchens have unique to them, spacious walk-in designed corner larder cupboards. Thus leaving work surfaces free of clutter.

Just two beautiful, cleverly designed monochrome kitchens from a company that uses its grey matter.

Kingsey Kitchens & Interiors 1 The Barns, Manor Farm, Risborough Road, Kingsey, Bucks HP17 8LU www.kingseykitchens.co.uk 01844 290 899 info@kingseykitchens.co.uk

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> HOME & GARDEN

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> HOME & GARDEN

Window dressing is seeing a move away from curtains to blinds. Sian Callow-Salt, interior designer at Greens of Thame explains more.

I

am talking to Sian Callow-Salt. at the back of Greens in Thame’s Upper High Street. We are surrounded by a whole range of Luxaflex blinds. “We stock every conceivable blind in every

Blind vision conceivable material and style,” says Sian. “We have to because blinds are proving hugely popular with more and more of our customers,” she adds.

So why this sudden surge in popularity for blinds I ask?

“There are a number of reasons.

Blinds suit a newly built home especially and you may have noticed how many of these are being built in and around Thame. Blinds are particularly effective on large windows and bi-fold doors as well. Not that blinds don’t work in an old stone cottage or Georgian town house or that curtains don’t look right in a modern house. It all comes down to personal taste of course.

“Blind design and technology has come a long way in recent years. As have the materials and colours. The range is fantastic, it’s not just about our old friends the Venetian blind and the Roller blind.

“We now have Faux wood and wooden shutters, Facette, Duette, Twist Rollers, Silhouettes, and so on. Today, blinds are both practical and aesthetic.

“The latest innovation which I must show you, is brilliant” Sian enthuses.

PowerView. A revolutionary new system that automatically moves your shades throughout the day, so you don’t have to. You use smart technology to control the movements at the touch of a button.

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PowerView® A smart way to operate your blinds remotely. will come to your home to offer you their years of advice and expertise.

There’s more to Greens than just blinds of course. For customers that prefer a more traditional window dressing, they stock a huge range of fabric samples for curtains, naturally. Not to mention carpets and beds.

As for beds, I notice Greens have 30% off Hypnos beds and mattresses.

“It’s a good deal isn’t it.” says Sian. “The relationship between Greens and Hypnos goes back 40 years, they have built a world-wide reputation for beds of the very highest quality.. Our Hypnos beds are available in a number of styles,” adds Sian.

30% off? That’s worth sleeping on.

PowerView is the smart way to easily adjust the light, shade and temperature of your rooms.

This new, cutting-edge system, allows you to operate your blinds remotely, from across the room (or across the other side of the world) via your smart phone or tablet. This makes any blind operated

by PowerView great for security as well.

While you are away on holiday you can

programme your blinds to open and shut at any given time.

All Luxaflex blinds are designed with child safety in mind. They all comply with new European safety standards. Any cord or chain operation is out of a child’s reach and some opening systems (PowerView for example) don’t have cords at all.

Anyone thinking of installing blinds can rest assured that somebody from Greens

Greens of Thame 4-5 Upper High St, Thame OX9 3ES 01844 212560 info@greens-furnishings.co.uk

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> HOME & GARDEN

T

he first thing the buyers of a run down house at Bledlow Ridge did was move out. Plans were afoot to completely refurbish the property.

Now, what was a building site is a sight worth seeing, especially the kitchen.

As well as the builders working on-site, Ridgeway Kitchens & Interiors designers and installers were frequent visitors.

From surveying, designing, delivering and fitting, Ridgeway pride themselves on their service to customers. All their kitchens come with one extra feature it seems, peace of mind.

So it was no different with this installation at Bledlow Ridge, as with all jobs carried out by Ridgeway, they were with the customer from start to finish – and what a finish.

Before so much as a screw was put in Ridgeway designers worked closely with the customer on the layout. The kitchen is by Hacker, German engineering at its finest. It really is a sleek and seamless look.

Gloss, handleless and finished in cashmere and white. The kitchen has Silestone worktops that are extremely hard wearing.

The overall gloss look is accentuated by a glass splashback.

Storage is so important in a kitchen. On this particular job, the customer visited Ridgeway’s impressive showroom near Milton Common for some inspiration.

She found some superb storage solutions that were then incorporated into her own kitchen. The kitchen features a striking breakfast bar that provides pull out storage and a lit display unit on the side that faces the dining room.

Storage includes a huge walk-in pantry and a superb glass shuttered cabinet that opens and closes via a touch sensor underneath the cabinet. It opens to reveal lit glass display shelves.

The kitchen features Siemans appliances throughout and as requested by the customer, an under mounted sink. Another bespoke feature requested is a raised plinth that runs all round the kitchen. This is designed to allow for easy access to her bottled cooking oils.

The high gloss finish is highlighted by the kitchen’s lighting. It’s awash with lighting. Spotlights, hanging lights over the breakfast bar, plinth lighting, under cabinet lighting and so on.

A stunning kitchen in a stunning location. It really is a room with a view.

The Bledlow Ridge A lovely home located in Bledlow Ridge has stunning views across the Chiltern Hills. The view inside of this superb Ridgeway Kitchen is a winner too, as Stephanie Dale discovers.

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way Ridgeway Kitchens & Interiors, Rycote Lane, Milton Common, Oxfordshire OX9 2NZ

01844 279900 www.ridgewaykitchens.co.uk info@ridgewaykitchens.co.uk

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Hardwood Timber Specialists - Since 2005

FLOORING DOORS WORKTOPS ACCESSORIES SPACIOUS SHOWROOM FREE PARKING

Unit G, Lower Road, Garsington, Oxfordshire OX44 9DP Tel: 01865 367888 Email: sales@everythingwood.net www.everythingwood.org.uk

“

Everything Wood did everything they promised. Great product, great service and great price.

Ian & Sarah Ashcroft, Combe, Oxon 50. Thame Out

”

Fine Indian Cuisine An excellent dining experience in an historic setting

Enjoy the authentic taste of India in Princes Risborough.

Superb food and a vibrant atmosphere makes for a great night out

Radhuni Restaurant. The Old Library, Church St, Princes Risborough HP27 9AA

01844 690446 / 273412 Online orders and reservations: www.radhunihp27.co.uk Takeaway and FREE local home delivery available

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> FOOD & DRINK

Are you a red wine drinker but a white whiner? Well you’ll love these whites, says Jerome Harlington.

White wines for red wine drinkers.

S

ummer is finally upon us and we’ll hopefully be enjoying some lovely sunny summer days ahead. Now is the time to chill down some delicious white wines and I have some excellent suggestions for you to enjoy. I’m actually thinking of white wines for those of you that would usually only drink red wines.

When I ask people why they only drink red wine they often say that the main reason is that they often find white wines a bit fruity sometimes, a bit too sweet and that what they enjoy about the red wines is the savoury complexity and dryness.

So I thought I’d recommend some white wines that share those characteristics.

There are six styles of white wine that I think would be a really good starting point if you currently only enjoy red wines.

These white wines are not the kind of fruit bombs that you might be used to when you’ve tried white wines before.

These are much more savoury in style.

Some of them are produced in the same way that red wines are.

The first wine I would recommend if you haven’t tried it is a white Rioja. White Rioja is a herbaceous style of wine. It does have some character, lemon and citrus notes, but it also shows thyme and savoury herbs.

It’s a delicious wine with a bit of structure that would be very good to try if you only like red wines.

The next wine I’d recommend you try if you only like red wines but would like to try white wines is a wine you probably

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haven’t heard of called Ribolla Gialla. This wine comes from North East Italy and the wine is extremely complex offering floral notes but is not overly fruity. The wine shows tangerine and apricot notes but also floral and herbaceous notes. It’s a really interesting style to try.

I would also recommend re-visiting Chardonnay. Go for a Chardonnay that has had a little bit of oak ageing.

Chardonnay with oak ageing often has been fermented in whole bunches including the grape skins and this is the same method used in red wine production. With this method you get a lot more complexity and savoury notes.

You get a slightly heavier style of wine and I think this would be very appealing if you’re starting out trying whites when you’re used to only drinking reds.

The next style that I would recommend is a Semillon Sauvignon.

Again, this is more herbaceous in style.

You can find some great examples in South West France.

Another style that I think is very exciting is Orange wines. Orange wines have started to come back in style. It’s an ancient method of producing white wine and we’re seeing a comeback in Eastern Europe, especially Slovenia and also North East Italy. Orange wines are white wines fermented in whole bunches with the grape skins so you get a lot more complexity as you do with red wine. More savoury notes and less fruity in style, you do get some fruit but

these wines are very close to red wine in wine making style so these are good wines to try if you only like reds. Perfect to be chilled down in summer.

The final wine I would recommend is a Marsanne Roussanne blend which again is herbaceous in style. This is delicious chilled but not the sort of fruit bombs that you would expect if you don’t like white wine and you’ve experienced that when you’ve tried white wine.

I’ve put together a recommended selection on each of these styles that you can purchase and give them a go; experiment to see if you can start to enjoy white wines in the summer months if you’ve only liked red wines in the past.

If you’d like to hear more about my recommendations and pick up a bottle or two to try please drop me a line on thameout@trailblazingwine.com Happy Exploring!

jerome@trailblazingwine.com www.trailblazingwine.com +44 (0)1865 339353 Mobile:+44 (0)7886 916857

The Rising Sun and the east

If you want to enjoy the delights of a traditional British pub – oak beams, stone floors, great beers – and the flavours of fantastic Thai cuisine, there is nowhere better than the Rising Sun in Thame.

b Food served until 10.30pm b Takeaways available b Lunchtime specials for people in a hurry b Tuesday is quiz night (cash prizes) b Live music every other Saturday and Bank Holiday Sunday b Wednesday is Cocktail night b Loyalty card available (ask in pub) b Half price cocktails every Wednesday b Find us on Facebook

IT’S SUMMER ENJOY EATING AND DRINKING AL FRESCO

b Live sport (Sky & BT)

The Rising Sun, 26 High Street,Thame OX9 2BZ

01844 214206 www.risingsun-thame.co.uk

> OUT & ABOUT

A rare delight Green Dragon Rare Breeds Farm and Eco Centre is a hidden gem. Located near Quainton in Buckinghamshire, if you love the countryside, animals and a whole lot more, you will want to pay a visit. Jane Maitland did just that.

T

here’s so much going on at The Green Dragon Rare Breeds Farm & Eco Centre that it’s amazing to realise that it opened its doors just two years ago.

I’m visiting the Farm on a brilliantly sunny, cloudless morning, enjoying panoramic views and a dome-blue sky above. It’s a hidden gem in the North Buckinghamshire countryside, so close to Thame and the surrounding villages.

I’m here to meet owners Ray Marzec and Lesley Maddox to learn about their project that started 39 years ago as a dream to own a rare breeds farm, and a vision to bring together conservation, locally sourced food, and the natural world.

Ray says: ‘It’s been a lot of hard work, but we’ve finally created a Farm where people can come together for education and enjoyment, to learn about conservation and wildlife and explore the great outdoors.’

He goes on: ‘As we’ve developed the Farm, we’ve brought in rare breeds of sheep, cattle, pigs and poultry from across the UK, breeds that haven’t been seen in large numbers for many generations. We like to think we’re doing our bit to save rare breed farm animals from extinction!’

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Today, alongside the Farm, this family attraction includes a Pets’ Corner, outdoor and indoor play centres, 2 cafés, a Nature Trail, a Messy Play Barn, children’s shop, plus a calendar of special events and school holiday activities linking their ethos of sustainability, heritage and well-being.

Up Close Animal Encounters There are now just under 300 animals at The Green Dragon. 70 babies were born this spring including lambs, chicks, goat kids, piglets and rabbit kits. It’s a lovely time to visit as they find their feet and become more independent. There’s a daily programme of demonstrations and hands-on activities where the expert handlers explain what’s unique to each of the different breeds and how they’re looked after.

Play Time This Way! The play facilities designed for 2-8 year olds are hugely popular. Outside there’s the sleeping dragon adventure playground, a huge pillow trampoline and ride-on pedal tractors and go-karts. There’s also a Nature Trail around the perimeter of the Farm to go exploring, where over 1,000 wild flowers have been planted as well as bird and bat-nesting boxes. Inside

the converted barn is a large soft-play area and Café, perfect for rainy days and watching little ones have fun. A separate Messy Barn houses sand-pits, ride-on toys and lots of space to run about against the backdrop of the dinosaur murals.

Garden Produce & Farm-to Fork Healthy Eating Planting has been in full swing in the Farm gardens and the sustainable greenhouse made from recycled wood and glass and using its own renewable energy system.

As well as salads, Ray and Lesley are growing Heritage varieties of vegetables - Victoria Rhubarb, Banana Legs Tomato and Jerusalem Artichokes to name just a few. Says Lesley: ‘We use our home-grown

Birthday Parties & Activity Camps Green Dragon is a great place to celebrate a Birthday. There are different packages to choose from, such as VIP animal encounters, activities on the Farm, designated party areas next to the play centres and party food platters using healthy, quality ingredients. There are Activity Day Camps for children 4 - 11 years during the school holidays, and After School Club on a Thursday and Friday with a meal deal.

produce in our cafés, alongside our own meats such as our Dexter beef. Our aim is to use fresh, quality ingredients in dishes that can be enjoyed by the whole family - as well a few dishes specially designed for mums! We want to teach our young visitors about the provenance of good food - as well as having a go at some planting themselves.’

Special Events Events are run throughout the year, tying into the seasons and Ray and Lesley’s ethical and eco philosophy. There’s Sheep Shearing Day on May 20th, with demonstrations of how wool turns into felt fibres. There’s the Early Morning Nature Walk on Saturday 27th May, 6- 8am with breakfast, led by a local naturalist pointing out bird species as they sing in the new day, and other wildlife and wildflowers.

On June 10th there’s StarBQ with an ‘outer space’ theme including hands-on science activities and talks, themed crafts, competitions, costumes and a barbeque using their own meats. Ray says: ‘We want to celebrate the seasons whilst teaching

our visitors about the cycles of Farm Life.

Later in the year we’ll have Apple Day, Halloween Week and a Nativity Event in December - live animals included!’

A Relaxed, Welcoming Atmosphere What strikes me most as I finish the tour is the special atmosphere of the Farm. It’s relaxed and friendly, it feels like a working farm and it isn’t too commercial. The staff seem genuinely keen to welcome visitors and teach them about the animals. And there’s so much space to explore - it’s easy to see how one could lose track of time and while away a summer’s day, just taking it all in.

]THAME OUT OFFER

Free adult admission with a child’s entrance ticket – Equivalent to over half-price off a family admission.

Please quote the code TO17 on your arrival at The Green Dragon Offer valid until: 03.09.17

The Green Dragon Eco Farm.

Claydon Road, Hogshaw MK18 3LA. Open daily 10am - 5.30pm www.greendragonecofarm.co.uk 01296 670444 Annual memberships available.

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> OUT & ABOUT Newton Faulkner

KT Tunstall

Always hitting the The annual Towersey Festival comes to Thame showground this August. A weekend of music, dancing and fun awaits.

I

t’s the summer event with the warmest of welcomes. The Towersey Festival organisers always seem to get it right. This year they bring more top class music on stages big and small, dance, handson workshops, ground-breaking children’s and youth programmes and that special something that makes Towersey so special.

But of course it’s mostly about the music and the line-up for 2017 doesn’t disappoint. KT Tunstall, Newton Faulkner, Eliza Carthy and Jon Boden, are set to headline the 53rd Towersey Festival that runs from the 25th to the 28th of August.

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They’re joined by Show Of Hands, Lindisfarne, The Blockheads and Foy Vance, amongst others.

Scotland-born and Los Angeles-based, KT Tunstall came to prominence with her 2004 debut Eye To The Telescope, which earned her BRIT and Ivor Novello awards, in additional to Grammy and Mercury Prize nominations.

Her recent album, 2016’s KIN, exemplifies the very best of guitar pop.

The diverse collection includes a duet with KT fan James Bay, the raucous rebellion of It Took Me So Long To Get Here, But Here I Am, the call to arms of Hard Girls, and lilting album closer Love Is An Ocean.

Newton Faulkner boasts two number one albums. His debut, Hand Built By Robots, knocked Amy Winehouse off the top spot in 2007, and he returned to the top again in 2012 with Write In Your Skin. His recent fifth album, Human Love, saw the once dreadlocked troubadour expanding his classic singer-songwriter influences with sounds from other cultures.

Eliza Carthy’s The Wayward Band line-up features some of the UK’s very best acoustic and roots players, including musicians associated with the mighty Bellowhead, Mawkin, Blowzabella, Emily Portman Trio, and more. Their debut

right note album, Big Machine, is a big album from a big band, earning Eliza her highest chart placing!

Jon Boden is perhaps most recognisable as the lead singer (and one of the principal arrangers) of the multi-award winning Bellowhead, one of the most exciting live acts of recent years. The band played their last ever music festival show at Towersey in 2015 before retiring last year, allowing Jon to continue with his lauded and diverse solo career.

With founder member Rod Clements still at the helm, 1970’s folk rock pioneers Lindisfarne’s songbook features such

Lindisfarne

tracks as Meet Me On The Corner, Run For Home, Lady Eleanor and Fog On The Tyne, while The Blockheads’ many hits include Reasons To Be Cheerful Part 3, What A Waste, and Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick.

Irish singer/songwriter Foy Vance has worked with such artists as Sheryl Crow and Ed Sheeran (co-writing several songs on Ed’s Multiply and Divide album). Recorded in Nashville, Foy’s latest collection, The Wild Swan, was released via Sheeran’s Gingerbread Man Records, and lists Elton John as Executive Producer.

Towersey Festival Director Joe Heap said: “We have another great mix of artists this year, including BBC Radio 2 favourite KT Tunstall, as well as such Towersey stalwarts as Jon Boden, Eliza Carthy and Show Of Hands, who have visited the festival many times over the years.

“We’re very excited by our line-up,” continued Joe, adding that there’s been a real buzz around the festival this year.

“Off the back of a successful 2016, we’ve already sold out of both our Tier One and Tier Two tickets, so we know our audience is really looking forward to Towersey 2017 as much as we are.”

Tickets for Towersey Festival, which runs from 25-28 August at Thame Showground, are available now with Adult Day Tickets from £30, Youth £21, Child £14, under 5 free. Tickets for the full festival are £126-£57 (Tier 3).

For further information, including tickets and local resident discounts, see: www.towerseyfestival.com

] Tickets also available at

Bizzie Lizzie Flower Shop in Thame

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> ENTERTAINMENT

Playing at the Oxford Playhouse DEATH OF A SALESMAN

11 – 15 JULY Willy Loman is not as young as he once was, and boy is he feeling it. After half a lifetime on the road, this once successful travelling salesman is unable to keep up in a changing workplace; he’s on the brink of unemployment, and he and his wife have got bills to pay. When his drop-out son Biff moves home again, Willy decides to give success one last shot. Can he prove to everyone he’s got what it takes?

Widely considered to be one of the greatest plays of the 20th century, Death Of A Salesman speaks of the cost of not being able to let go of the American Dream.

From the producers of A Tale Of Two Cities, this major touring revival of Arthur Miller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece sees Olivier Award-nominee Nicholas Woodeson play the iconic central role.

Ticket prices £15 to £32.50 | Discounts available Age guideline 12+

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS 25 – 29 JULY Following the success of last summer’s Peter Pan in Scarlet, director Theresa Heskins returns to the Playhouse with her celebrated production of Verne’s classic adventure. The mysterious and fabulously wealthy Phileas Fogg wagers his life’s fortune that he can circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days. Join Fogg and his loyal valet, Passepartout, as they voyage from the misty alleys of Victorian London to the exotic subcontinent and the Wild West in a race against the clock. Kick off your summer holiday with this remarkable adventure and marvel as a talented cast of eight play over 125 characters in this imaginative, highspirited escapade. Featuring six trains, five boats, four fights, three dances, two circus acts and an elephant.

Ticket prices £12 to £25 | Discounts available Age guideline 7+

Ticket Office: 01865 305305 www.oxfordplayhouse.com 60. Thame Out

TWELFTH NIGHT 25 JULY– 3 AUGUST

Firmly established as a cultural highlight of Oxford’s summer, Oxford Playhouse and the Bodleian Library are delighted to present one of Shakespeare’s finest comedies performed in the stunning outdoor setting of the Old Schools Quadrangle.

This year we welcome The Watermill Theatre’s 50th anniversary production of Twelfth Night, directed by Paul Hart (Propeller). Set in the 1920s with Europe reeling in the wake of war,

Shakespeare’s tale of mistaken identity, mischievous mishaps and misplaced love is accompanied by unforgettable jazz music inspired by the likes of Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Brought to life by an ensemble of actor-musicians, this dazzling production balances comedy, romance and live music, showcasing The Watermill’s critically acclaimed bold and playful style in the glorious, historic setting of the Bodleian Quad.

Ticket prices £22 and £24 Discounts available Age guideline 10+.

k COM PETITIONk WIN TICKETS TO SEE TWELFTH NIGHT

Win two tickets to see TWELFTH NIGHT on Tuesday, 25 July.

See page 66.

THE WIPERS TIMES 18 – 23 SEPTEMBER Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s The Wipers Times tells the extraordinary true story of the satirical newspaper created in the mud and mayhem of the Somme. In a bombed out building during the first world war in the Belgian town of Ypres (mis-pronounced ‘Wipers’ by British Soldiers) two officers discover a printing press and decide to create a newspaper. Defying both authority and gas attacks, it proves a huge success with the troops on the western front.

Ticket prices From £15 Discounts available

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> ENTERTAINMENT

What’s new at the NEW THEATRE THE ILLEGAL EAGLES 21 JULY OFTEN acclaimed as the World’s Official No.1 Eagles tribute, The Illegal Eagles return to the stage in 2017, this time celebrating their own incredible 20 years of UK and international touring.

And they will be making a welcome return to the New Theatre Oxford on Friday, July 21.

This seasoned group of talented musicians are true Eagles fans at heart.

Their impressive mastery of the Eagles distinctive sound has made them one of the most sought after shows of their kind in the world.

For their special 20th Anniversary tour, The Illegal Eagles bring you their strongest and most popular show to date. Performing all of the classic Eagles hits including Hotel California, Take It Easy, Lyin’ Eyes, Take it to the Limit, Life in the Fast Lane and many more!

JOE McELDERRY 5 AUGUST

SINGING sensation JOE McELDERRY has been back in the recording studio and is now preparing to go out on tour – which includes a date at the New Theatre Oxford on August 5.

To celebrate the release of his fifth studio album, Saturday Night At The Movies, Joe will embark on a nationwide live tour from July 14, named THE GLORIA TOUR, with songs from his new album, and more.

He will be joined on stage by special guests, X Factor’s Lloyd Daniels and Any Dream Will Do runners up Keith Jack and Ben James-Ellis who have all featured in the musical phenomenon Bill Kenwright’s production of Joseph and the Technicolor® Dreamcoat.

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The new album of the musical starring Joe McElderry recently hit the Amazon musicals No.1 spot, as the production, now in its 35th year, continues to play to packed houses around the country. Joe starred in the hit musical when it came to Oxford in March 2016.

The new album, which will be released in July, includes iconic hits from film and theatre featuring I’m into Something Good, Love is All Around, Daydream Believer as well as the new single Gloria, which was released in March.

Number 1 and platinum selling artist Joe has already released four top 20 albums, two of which reached the UK top three. His debut single The Climb went to the top of the charts and was nominated for the Best British Single BRIT award in 2010.

FLASHDANCE

18 – 23 SEPTEMBER FLASHDANCE – THE MUSICAL returns to the UK for the first time since 2011, and will arrive at the New Theatre Oxford on September 18 – 23.

Prepare to be blown away with an astonishing musical spectacle and phenomenal choreography to this iconic score, including the smash hits ‘Maniac’, ‘Manhunt’, ‘Gloria’, ‘I Love Rock & Roll’ and the award winning title track ‘Flashdance What a Feeling’.

Produced by the award winning team at Selladoor Productions - producers of Footloose, Avenue Q and Little Shop of Horrors – and Runaway Entertainment – producers of In The Heights, Guys and Dolls and Lazarus, FLASHDANCE - THE MUSICAL is not to be missed!

Take your passion and make it happen!

FLASHDANCE - THE MUSICAL tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of 18 year

old Alex, a welder by day and ‘flashdancer’ by night, who dreams of going to the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy and becoming a professional dancer. When a romance complicates her ambitions, she harnesses it to drive her dream.

Based on the Paramount Pictures film (Screenplay by Tom Hedley and Joe Eszterhas, story by Tom Hedley) Flashdance is an inspiring musical about the power of holding onto your dreams and love against all odds.

Flashdance proved a hit with audiences, and remained in the Top 10 Box Office in the States for 15 weeks after release. The original score also proved hugely popular, with the soundtrack album selling 700,000 copies within two weeks of release.

The platinum selling hit title track ‘Flashdance – What A Feeling’ won both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe in 1983, with the soundtrack winning the Grammy Award for Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or a Television Special in 1984.

k COM PETITIONk WIN TICKETS TO SEE FLASHDANCE. Win two tickets to see Flashdance on Monday, September 18.

See page 66.

Tickets for all shows can be purchased from the New Theatre box office on George Street, by ringing 0844 871 3020, or by visiting our website at www.atgtickets.com/oxford (phone and internet bookings subject to booking/transaction fees). For bookings of 10 or more, and for Equal Access bookings, please call our dedicated in-house team on 0844 871 3040.

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> LISTINGS

What, where and when?

NEW THEATRE – OXFORD www.newtheatreoxford.org.uk 0870 606 3500 June 2 Motown’s Greatest Hits: How Sweet It Is 3 Madeleine Peyroux 4 Sing-a-Long-a Frozen 4 Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music 6 Kraftwerk 9 The ELO Experience 20 Kevin & Karen Dance The Live Tour 22 Kevin & Karen Dance The Live Tour 23 - 25 We’re Going On A Bear Hunt 27 - 1 July Out of Order July 8 The Carpenters Story 10 Ride 21 The Illegal Eagles August 5 Joe McElderry - Gloria 19 New Theatre Ghost Hunt 24 - 26 Dinosaur World September 12 Peace Train: The Cat Stevens Story 13 Texas 14 John Bishop - Winging It 15 The Magic of Motown 16 Nights on Broadway The Bee Gees Story 17 Tap Factory 18 - 23 Flashdance 26 Jon Richardson: Old Man 28 Milton Jones is Out There 29 One Night of Elvis: Lee ‘Memphis’ King 30 One Night of Queen OXFORD PLAYHOUSE www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305 June 9 10

Rory Bremner: Partly Political Shappi Khorsandi: Oh My Country!

13 - 17 SKYLIGHT

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13 - 17 19 - 20 19 - 20 21 23

GOLEM BETWEEN THE TWO EMMA Goggles What if the Plane Falls Out of the Sky? 23 2 GIRLS, 1 HOARE 24 THE PAPER MOON 24 Though Lovers Be Lost 24 Make Love and Smash Fascism 25 Cow 25 Hervé 25 Unconditional 25 Anchorwoman 26 The Class Project 27 Finding Mr Paramour 27 - 1 July Waiting for God 27 Fran and Leni 28 MINE 28 PLANET EARTH III 29 Mercutio and Tybalt 29 Confessions of a Sex Addict 30 Massive Sense of Urgency 30 I’m the Hero of This Story July 1 - 2 Wrecked 1 Searching Shadows 1 How Not to Steal a Llama 1 Miserably Happy 2 Aleena’s Garden 2 Progress!!!!!!!

2 Todd and God 4 - 6 Playmaker Performed 6 -8 Children of the Night 7 Carthage 8 Kid Carpet 11 - 15 Death of A Salesman 18 Stacey Kent 19 In Conversation with Nadiya Hussain 21 -22 Kin 25 - 29 Around the World in 80 Days 25 - 30 Twelfth Night. Old Schools Quadrangle, Bodleian Library August 1 - 3 Twelfth Night. Old Schools Quadrangle, Bodleian Library 7 Play in a Week: Fee-Fie-Fo-Fun! 10 - 12 The Runner 15 - 19 Bring on the Bollywood

21 Calamity, Comedy and Clowning 22 - 26 The Gruffalo September 7 - 8 White Feather Boxer 11 - 16 The Tiger’s Bride 11 - 12 Stewart Lee - Content Provider 18 - 23 The Wipers Times 24 Simon Amstell: What Is This?

27- 30 Things I Know to be True 28 - 30 Instructions for Border Crossing THE PLAYERS THEATRE – THAME www.thameplayers.co.uk The Players Theatre, Nelson Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 2DP June 16 Comedy @ The Players Theatre The latest comedy night at The Players Theatre features Matt Forde with Matt is Lou Sanders (the first female comedian we have welcomed to the theatre).

17 Bootleg Bee Gees For the first time we present a tribute to the Bee Gees.

18 TCC2 Thame Children’s Choir – the children’s section of Thame Chamber Choir – are coming to The Players Theatre on to perform their annual concert.

11 - 15 Honk A heart-warming re-imagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling.

23 Comedy Triple Bill Baroque Theatre Company is coming to The Players Theatre to perform their Comedy Triple Bill – a show they are touring nationwide from Penzance to Carlisle.

WATERSIDE THEATRE 0844 871 7607 June 6 Russell Brand - Re:Birth 9 Berliner Philharmoniker: Live Screening (Second Space, Aylesbury) 9 - 10 Northern Ballet: The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas

10 10 20 22 24 25 28 28 July 2 5 6 8 9 14 14 16 19 20 27

Northern Ballet: Goldilocks & the Three Bears NT Live Screening - Peter Pan (Second Space, Aylesbury) Brian Poole and The Tremeloes NT Live Screening - Salome (Second Space, Aylesbury) That’ll Be the Day Kandeez Dance Presents - Blank Canvas tickets ROH - Otello Live Screening (Second Space, Aylesbury) The Big Chris Barber Band Better When Im Dancing La Boheme: Live from Taormina (Second Space, Aylesbury) Glyndebourne 2017 Season: Hamlet, Live Screening Totally Tina Dementia Friendly Encore Screening - South Pacific NT - Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Encore Screening The Simon and Garfunkel Story Susan Diane School of Dance Presents Once Upon a Time Joe McElderry - Gloria NT - Angels in America Part 1 Millenium Approaches (Second Space, Aylesbury) NT - Angels in America Part 2 Perestroika (Second Space, Aylesbury)

August 3 Glyndebourne 2017 Season: La Clemenza di Tito, Live Screening 16 - 19 Oliver!

25 Comedy Club (Second Space, Aylesbury) 31 NT Live Screening - Yerma (Second Space, Aylesbury) 31 Islands In The Stream September 1 Chas & Dave 7-9 Tango Moderno 15 Comedy Club (Second Space, Aylesbury) 15 John Bishop - Winging It 17 Dementia Friendly Encore Screening - Calamity Jane (Second Space, Aylesbury) 19 - 23 Deathtrap 20 ROH - The Magic Flute, Live Screening (Second Space, Aylesbury) 22 Paul Foot ‘Tis a Pity Shes a Piglet’ 25 - 26 The Tiger Who Came To Tea 28 Thank Abba for the Music 29 Joel Dommett: Live MISC June 3 Roller Mania @ Thame Leisure Centre 4 Thame Family Fun Run – Fundraiser at John Hampden Primary School 4 Thame Guitar and Music Fair @ Spread Eagle Hotel 10 Thame Boys & Youth FC Festival of Football 2017 at ASM Stadium - Meadow View Park 11 The Tetsworth FC 6 a side Football Tournament 12 Forget Me Know Cafe at Chinnor Village Centre 25 CPM Thame 10k 25 Towersey Manor Fete (12.30 - 4.00) 27 Towersey Fringe (Midday - Midnight) Beer, Bands & Comedy. www.towerseyfringe.co.uk July 1 Open Doors Thame: Thame Businesses meet the community at Thame High Street Car Park 2 Aston Rowant Village Fete 8 Thame Town Music Festival at Thame High St Car Park August 5 The Stone Village Sausage & Beer Festival at Stone Recreation Ground

There are some great prizes to be picked up in this issue of Thame Out. You will need to submit a separate entry for each competition that you wish to take part in. All you have to do is answer the particular competition question and send your answer on a postcard marked, for example, personal trainer competition or, say, Oxford Playhouse competition to Thame Out, PO Box 181, Thame OX9 0BA. Closing date for entries is the 20th July 2017. Alternatively, you can email your answer to julian@red-l.co.uk

Personal Trainer Competition A FREE training session with Hilary Westall will go to the first correct entry out of the hat.

The question Which sport has Hilary recently taken up? a) Badminton b) Bowls c) Boxing (See page 14 for details)

Oxford Playhouse Competition Two tickets to see Twelfth Night on 25 July will go to the first correct entry out of the hat.

The question Where in Oxford is Twelfth Night being staged? a) Bodleian Quad b) Radcliffe Camera c) University Parks (See page 61 for details)

New Theatre Competition Two tickets to see Flashdance on 18 September will go to the first correct entry out of the hat.

The question Alex is a ‘Flashdancer’ by night and a what by day? a) Plumber b) Carpenter c) Welder (See page 63 for details)

Conditions 1. One prize per household 2. There is no cash alternative 3. The judges’ decision is final and no further correspondence will be entered into

And the winners were Congratulations to our last issue winners.

Personal Trainer Prize – Claire Tomlinson, Chinnor Oxford Playhouse Tickets – Jenny Clarke, Long Crendon New Theatre Tickets – Michael Buggins, Thame

66. Thame Out

Find the correct definition of the following three words.

Answers below.

BUGABOO A - An imaginary thing which causes fear or anxiety.

B - An ongoing irritant.

C - A children’s game from which Hide and Seek originated.

FUNAMBULIST A - A ropewalker or rope dancer.

B - A comedy turn.

C - A street performer.

CORCASS A - The oldest female in a matriarchal society.

B - A hinged door on a cargo ship allowing access to the hold.

C - A salt marsh or land susceptible to flooding by a river.

Sandra Smith FREELANCE WRITER CREATIVE WRITING TUTOR E: sandra.smith81@btinternet.com www.TheCurrentMrsSmith.co.uk Twitter twitter.com/TheCurrentMrsS 01296 624759 07788 552871

BUGABOO Answer = A An imaginary thing which causes fear or anxiety.

Win.Win.Win.

from wordsmith Sandra Smith

FUNAMBULIST Answer = A A ropewalker or rope dancer.

b

Wordplay

CORCASS Answer = C A salt marsh or land susceptible to flooding by a river.

> COMPETITIONS