Thame Out Summer 2019 Issue 50

Thame Out Summer 2019

The complimentary magazine for the Thame area

Now in our 14th year

COME UP AND SEE HIM

BLOOMING BIG

SOARING DEMAND

TALENT SPOTTING

Steve Harley live at Towersey Festival

Ballooning Insurance

Haddenham Garden Centre has grown It’s Bucks Art Weeks

FUN IN THE SUN What Florida has to offer

CHECK OUT ... ... what it’s like to work at Travelodge HQ

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

SUMMER AT WHITE HART STUDIO OPENING TIMES Tues to Sat: 10am-5pm Sun: 11am-4pm

WHITE HART STUDIO

WHITE HART STUDIO

JEWELLERY,GIFTS G IFTS& &INTERIORS INTERIORS FAFASHION, S H I ON, JEWELLERY, HADDENHAM, 1 5 15 C HCHURCHWAY, U R C HWAY, HADDENHA M, BBUCKS U C KS, HP17 HP17 8AB T: 0T:1 01844 8 4 4 2 9292308 2 3 0 8 M: 36630 8 M: 07765 07765 366308 E: JANE@WHITEHARTSTUDIO.COM E: JANE@WHITEHARTSTUDIO.COM

Be the best version of you ERA Skin & Laser Clinic is a unisex medical aesthetic clinic specializing in face and body treatments Laser Hair Removal Skin Rejuvenation Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing) Body Contouring Acne and Rosacea Treatment Thread Vein and Hyperpigmentation Removal Dermal Fillers and Anti-Wrinkle Injections Book your free consultation online today @ www.eraclinics.co.uk or call us on 01844 698441 FREE PARKING AND Wi-Fi

Waitrose

ERA

l IGH THAME H

Town Hall

STREET

ERA Skin & Laser Clinic 98a High Street, Thame Oxfordshire OX9 3EH

> THAME OUT

Contents 6. LOCAL NEWS – Charity Bike Ride, Thame Chamber Choir, Garsington Opera and Thame Food Festival 10. HEALTH & BEAUTY – Expert Eye care, Healthy Feet, Hair Additions and Skin Care.

22. TRAVEL – Florida with Spear Travels.

24. LIFESTYLE – Gallant Menswear, White Hart Studio, Fitch & Fellows, and The Grove.

32. HOME & GARDEN – Kingsey Kitchens, Four Seasons Tree Care and Haddenham Garden Centre 38. FOOD & DRINK – Wine Column, Clifden Arms, The Thatch and The Churchill Arms 48. BUSINESS – Travelodge, J Bennett & Son Insurance and Thame Cars 58. ENTERTAINMENT – Towersey Festival, New Theatre and Oxford Playhouse.

64. LISTINGS 66. COMPETITIONS

> LOCAL NEWS

Murderously good tours A new season of Midsomer guided walking tours of Thame is about to get underway, following a second highly successful season last year. Inspired by the popular ITV series Midsomer Murders, the walking tours are held every Wednesday morning from May to October and take in the 22 Midsomer filming locations that can be found in Thame town centre.

Tony Long said, ‘The more people we have coming on the tours, the more funds we can donate to worthy causes at the end of the season. Since the tours began, we have been able to donate nearly £2,500 to the Mayor’s Charities and Thame Museum. The guides themselves don’t take any income from the tours’.

The tours take place every Wednesday at 11.00 am until 30th October. They start from inside Thame Museum (79 High Street, Thame, OX9 3AE), one of the filming locations.

Tickets cost £7.50 each and may be purchased online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/thamemidsomer. Alternatively, simply turn up on the day and pay at the Museum.

If the advertised tour times don’t fit in with your itinerary, tours can be arranged for groups of 4 or more people on other days. For more information, contact Tony Long at thamemidsomertours@gmail.com.

Cover: Travelodge See page 48.

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 ©2019 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

Midsomer Tour Guides pictured at Thame Museum (left to right) Nick Weir, Tony Long, Erroll Bateman, Peter Sawyer, Elaine Harrison, Bernadette Tildesley.

SkincareuBath & BodyuCosmeticsuFragrance

SUMMER GIFTS & GIFT VOUCHERS 17a Buttermarket Thame OX9 3EP email: sales@powdercfc.co.uk Tel: 01844 214816 www.powdercfc.co.uk

> LOCAL NEWS

On your bike for charity Local Celebrity Will Gompertz to start the Mix96 Tour de Vale Charity Bike Ride on Sunday 9 June 2019 WheelPower, the National Charity for Wheelchair Sport, is delighted to announce that BBC Art Editor, Will Gompertz (based in Buckinghamshire) will start the Tour de Vale Charity Bike Ride at Stoke Mandeville Stadium on Sunday 9 June 2019. Will was previously director of Tate Media, and has written extensively for The Guardian and The Times newspapers.

Will is delighted to start Buckinghamshire’s biggest bike ride, and hopes the day will be a huge success, with three glorious routes (100k, 60k, and 25k) for participants to enjoy across scenic countryside all in aid of WheelPower to help provide life changing opportunities for disabled children and adults to play sport and be more active.

The 100k route was designed for experienced cyclists, the 60k is a challenging ride with a few

steep hills, and the 25k is a fun ride for all the family which is free for under 16 year olds.

There are water stops on each route, marshals and support vehicles too to ensure your safety.

In addition to all the excitement on the day, Kris Aves who was injured in the terrorist attack on Westminster Bridge will present medals to all riders who finish the ride.

Kris has demonstrated his resilience and shared his story with us. In March 2017 Kris was returning from a commendation ceremony with the Met police. As he crossed Westminster Bridge he was hit by the car driven

by Khalid Massod in an attack which killed five people and injured many. Kris’s injuries put him in a coma for eight days. He had broken both his legs, had a head injury, a damaged shoulder, sternum and damage to his spinal cord. The attack left Kris needing to use a wheelchair, and

Will Gompertz

Kris Aves

with a permanent spinal injury. Following rehabilitation at Stoke Mandeville, Kris attended our Inter Spinal Unit Games in 2018. Kris was delighted to win a medal in the nine ball pool competition and try many other sports. He is continuing his recovery at home with his family and sport is playing an important part in helping him see a positive future after his injury.

The Charity Bike Ride raises money for charity WheelPower and we ask each and every rider to support WheelPower by raising sponsorship for the charity. Please ask family, friends and work colleagues (many companies will match their employee’s fundraising), your local shop, gym or anyone else you can think of.

Together we can change the lives of thousands of disabled children and newly injured adults, like Kris Aves.

Giving voice to your composition ...

A Blue Plaque is the Inspiration Thame has been in the national news recently because of the Town Council’s (rejected) proposal to erect red plaques commemorating the town’s fictitious involvement in a television series. Thame does however boast several blue plaques featuring famous real people who lived in the town, one of whom, the poet W.B. Yeats, is the inspiration for Thame Chamber Choir’s recently-announced Choral Composition Competition.

Launched as part of the choir’s 20th anniversary celebrations, the contest asks entrants to set any Yeats poem

6. Thame Out

of their choice; entries will be judged by international composers and conductors Bob Chilcott and James Burton, as well as the choir’s Musical Director Duncan Aspden and professional pianist and singer Anna Markland. The winning composition will be premièred at the choir’s concert during the 2019 Thame Arts & Literature Festival, and the composer will receive a prize of £1000.

Full details of how to enter are on the choir’s website, www.thamechamberchoir.org.

Working with wool at Green Dragon

Something to sing about Garsington Opera celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Garsington Opera’s 30th anniversary season will feature four new productions, including the UK stage premiere of Offenbach’s bright and enchanting Fantasio. Smetana’s sparkling comedy The Bartered Bride opens the season and will be followed by Mozart’s darkly powerful Don Giovanni and finally Britten’s classic ​masterpiece The Turn of the Screw. The season ends with concert performances of Monteverdi’s ​ atmospheric Vespers of 1610, celebrating the start of a partnership with ​renowned Baroque and Classical chamber orchestra, The English Concert. The season runs from 29 May to 26 July.

The very best singers from around the world and ​home-grown rising stars will be joined by the distinguished Garsington Opera Chorus and Orchestra.

The Philharmonia Orchestra joins for The Bartered Bride and The English Concert for the Monteverdi.

Performances take place in the spectacular Opera Pavilion which sits within the rolling landscape of the Chiltern Hills, less than an hour from London. With its transparent sides, audiences can look out on to the gardens beside the auditorium. Before the performance, patrons can enjoy the gardens and grounds of the Wormsley Estate, take afternoon tea and drink champagne or gin!

During the long dinner interval picnics can be taken down to the lake or patrons can have dinner in the elegant marquee overlooking the famous cricket ground. Performances resume as the evening light begins to fade and end by 10.15pm. A minibus service connects with High Wycombe station, a half hour train journey from London and forty-five minutes from Birmingham. www.garsingtonopera.org or telephone 01865 361 636

Spring Bank Holiday - 27th May 2019 Enjoy a family day of demonstrations and exhibitions at sheep-shearing time.

As the weather gets warmer during May, the Green Dragon rare breed sheep no longer need their fleecy coats and it’s time for shearing. This includes shearing the six rare breed rams – among them, Jupiter the Jacob and Boris the Badger-faced! The different breeds mean the fleeces vary considerably and have different uses. Farm visitors will be able to see the shearing taking place in the Animal Barn.

Local artists working with wool Green Dragon are delighted to be joined by the International Feltmakers Association, the Chiltern Spinners, Dyers & Weavers, and local Knitters Anonymous who will be demonstrating the magical process of turning wool fibre into woollen cloth, yarn and garments using some of the wool from the breeds of sheep that you see at Green Dragon.

Demonstrations will take place on the farm and in the Eco Centre Events Room, where there will also be an exhibition of work for sale showcasing the amazing diversity of wool in art, from fine art pictures to knitted garments and functional 3D items that can be both decorative and sculptural. www.greendragonecofarm.co.uk

... with Thame Chamber Choir To celebrate its 20th anniversary Thame Chamber Choir is delighted to announce its first Choral Composition Competition.

Joining our Musical Director Duncan Aspden on the judging panel will be international composers and conductors Bob Chilcott and James Burton and pianist and professional ensemble singer Anna Markland. k Prize – £1,000 and performance of your piece by Thame Chamber Choir as part of the 2019 Thame Arts & Literature Festival. k Closing date – Entries must be received by 5th August 2019. More details below.

k Forces – 28-voice SATB chamber choir (with divisi) a cappella or with piano k Duration – 3-5 Minutes k Text – a setting of any poem by famous Thame resident, W.B Yeats.

Please submit an anonymous PDF and digital recording (can be a Sibelius/Finale file) to thamechamberchoircompetition@ outlook.com by the 5th August 2019.

Winner will be notified by mid-September.

For more information about Thame Chamber Choir please visit our website – www.thamechamberchoir.org

*The competition is open to anyone over the age of 16, except current Thame Chamber Choir members.

Thame Chamber Choir will have exclusive rights over the winning entry for 12 months from winner being notified. Entries received after the closing date will not be considered. The piece must be an original work that has never had a public performance.

Thame Out .7

> LOCAL NEWS

Mary Berry to appear at Thame Food Festival

A titan of the baking world – Mary Berry is joining the leading lights at this year’s Thame Food Festival. As one of the country’s best loved cookery writers and celebrated television personalities, Mary will be appearing on the first day of the show – Saturday 28th September at Thame Showground in Oxfordshire.

Mary is known nationwide for her work as a judge on The Great British Bake Off and her own series including Mary Berry’s Country House Secrets. Mary’s latest series Mary Berry’s Quick Cooking was broadcast on BBC 2 in March of this year and she is currently filming the second series of Britain’s Best Home Cook (BBC 1).

She will be doing an interview and book signing. This will be alongside an all-star cast of chefs and bakers who will be on the main demonstration stage including previous The Great British Bake Off and MasterChef winners and contestants. Returning for more demonstration magic are Jane Devonshire, Steven Carter Bailey and Chetna Makan.

As Lotte Duncan, Patron and Organiser of Thame Food Festival says, “Well have we got a fabulous line-up of leading chefs and bakers this year! We are absolutely delighted that Mary Berry is joining us to celebrate all that is great and fabulous about food and cooking. We have got over 20 different demonstrations currently planned over the two days of the festival with a mix of chefs and bakers. They will be cooking live, sharing their knowledge and revealing their insights into the cooking and baking world, plus you never know, you just might get to taste something they’ve produced.”

In addition, yet again several of the chefs and bakers will be available for book signings post being on the stage.

Thame Food Festival CIC is a not for profit community interest company. This year’s event will be held at the Thame Show Ground on 28th and 29th September 2019 01844 340385 www.thamefoodfestival.co.uk.

8. Thame Out

Thame Out .9

> HEALTH & BEAUTY

Dull, dehydrated skin? Acne scarring? Pigmentation & age spots? Prone to acne?

Help is at hand, says Fleur Nicholls – Skin specialist at Cosmetic Courses .

Skin by the experts W

e understand that it can be hard making your way through the maze that is skincare; we often hear people say “is it too late for me to start a skincare routine now?”

“I have no idea where to start” “I’m not sure what products are best for my skin.”

When it comes to your skin concerns you are not alone. The question is, do we understand our skin type, are we using the right products and how do we know if the products or treatment we are using benefit our skin?

At Cosmetic Courses we understand just how important our skin is. Our experts have gone through years of training to be able to provide you with a bespoke treatment to fit your needs to ensure you get the best possible results. Well looked after skin can reap the rewards in years to come.

skin rejuvenation. These treatments can be used as stand-alone treatments or can be used alongside each other depending on the skin type, condition being treated and the results required. Within our state of the art clinic, we use high quality skin care products and equipment to ensure we deliver the best possible results for our patients. As well as provide the treatment we also stock skin care products to ensure you can continue with your routine.

Chemical Skin Peel & Microdermabrasion The chemical skin peel works by penetrating into the epidermis reaching a deeper point than any home skincare products. This coupled with the microdermabrasion treatment unblocks pores leaving you with immediately clearer and brighter skin. The microdermabrasion system uses medical grade crystals in a small vacuum-like device to exfoliate WHAT CAN COSMETIC COURSES deep into the skin, removing black heads DO FOR ME? and impurities. As your skin will be much Cosmetic Courses provides a wide fresher and the top layer of dead skin cells range of skin treatments to help you has been removed, any skincare products start your journey to rejuvenated skin, including chemical peels, micro needling, used on the face post treatment will work deeper into the skin, again optimising injectable skin care (Rederm) and IPL their benefits.

Micro needling If you suffer from mild or severe acne scarring, have chicken pox scars, stretch marks or skin imperfections then you may benefit from a micro needling treatment.

Helping to stimulate your natural collagen leaving your skin refresh and rejuvenated.

Micro needling can be used all over the face, the décolletage (chest area). This completely natural treatment will give you results after about 2 weeks with full results seen at 6 weeks post-treatment.

Rederm – The Injectable Skincare Rederm Xela is an injectable skincare which hydrates and stimulates the skin whilst awakening you own collagen and elastin production restoring a youthful glow and significantly improving pigmentation. It can be used in different ways to combat a variety of age related concerns and can be used on various different areas of the face including, k Dark circles around the eyes k Crêpe like skin k Fine lines & wrinkles on the face, neck, and décolletage k Face & Body skin laxity k Skin hydration k Photo ageing k Treatment of scars and stretch marks This treatment can benefit everyone!

10. Thame Out

Chemical Peel

SUMMER GLOW SPECIAL OFFER JUST ÂŁ50 (WORTH UP TO ÂŁ225)

Consultation with our skin expert 1 treatment from the list below* 1 SPF product *please choose from one of the following treatments at the time of booking. Chemical skin peel, mechanical microneedling, Rederm or 15 minute hair removal or IPL laser treatment.

LED Light Therapy

PRP (Vampire face lift) Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy known as the Vampire facelift is a natural skin cell renewal treatment used to regenerate and rejuvenate the skin surface. This technique is achieved by extracting your good plasma and reintroducing it back into your face. For those wanting an anti-ageing and skin resurfacing treatment without the use of products and chemicals then this is the treatment for you.

Laser Hair removal and Intense Pulse light treatment (IPL) We are excited to announce we are now providing laser treatments at Cosmetic Courses including laser hair removal and IPL. Laser hair removal is an effective solution to removing unwanted body hair. For maximum results a course of 4-6 is usually required with regular sessions every 6 months thereafter, depending on patient skin and hair type. IPL also known as Photo-rejuvenation or photo facial is an effective treatment that can help treat spider veins and age spots. It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin plumping up the skin, giving you a fresher look.

Please quote Thame out at the time of booking LED light therapy treatment An additional treatment to our skin rejuvenation range is an LED light therapy treatment. The treatment is used to promote healing of cells and tissues and is ideal to have after other skin rejuvenation treatments. It is a non-invasive treatment that is pain free and relaxing.

WHO ARE COSMETIC COURSES? Based in the tranquil setting of Princes Risborough in Buckinghamshire our state of the art clinic provides award-winning aesthetic training for medical professionals such as doctors, dentists and nurses.

Spearheaded by renowned plastic surgeon Mr. Adrian Richards we provide training in a wide range skin rejuvenation and injectable treatments.

We are dedicated to making the aesthetic industry a safer place by leading an example in our training. In order for our delegates to learn the practical aspects of the treatments, we require cosmetic models that are happy to have the treatments administrated in a training environment for a significantly lower price than high street clinics.

The treatments are carried out by our delegates under the watchful eye and

supervision of our fully qualified, highly skilled and experienced trainers.

Cosmetic Courses lives by the ethos experience, quality & success, which runs through the heart of our teaching and reflects on to our models journey with us from consultation to aftercare. Our passion for the exciting world of aesthetics has created an extensive community of likeminded individuals receiving non-surgical and skin rejuvenation treatments with us.

Start your skincare journey today: If you are interested in rejuvenating your skin and are happy to be a model we would love to hear from you, please contact our dedicated support team: ask@cosmeticcourses.co.uk or call 01844 319737. You can also visit our website www.cosmeticcourses.co.uk to learn more about being a model with us.

Cosmetic Courses Princes Risborough 01844 319737 ask@cosmeticcourses.co.uk www.cosmeticcourses.co.uk

Thame Out .11

> HEALTH & BEAUTY

Athlete’s foot No, not the fungal infection. achilles tendinopathy. This is a condition prevalent in athletes, but excessive physical activity isn’t the only cause, says Jenney Klose Director of Feet First in Thame.

A

chilles tendinopathy can incapacitate an athlete for several months, it’s particularly prevalent in runners. However it is not always associated with excessive physical activity.

“Achilles tendinopathy is a degenerative, not an inflammatory condition, this is why it is called tendinopathy rather than tendinitis.

This chronic pain can affect our private and working life as well as our physical fitness.” says Jenney.

Help is at hand however. Feet First Podiatry Clinic are a leading podiatry clinic in Thame and excel in all areas of foot care needs.

12. Thame Out

Jenney Klose treating a patient

For treating achilles tendinopathy, Feet First recommend extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). This treatment also helps plantar fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain.

It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes (plantar fascia). ESWT can also help patients suffering from hip bursitis, this is (as the name suggests) is tenderness to the outer hip.

So, how does extracorporeal shockwave therapy work, I ask Jenney?

“Shockwaves accelerate the healing process by activating the body’s selfhealing powers. They stimulate the metabolism and enhance the blood circulation. Damaged tissue gradually regenerates and eventually heals.

“It is an extremely effective treatment, after only three to five sessions, over 80% of patients report painlessness or significant pain reduction.” Jenney explains.

You may well have achilles tendinopathy if you have the following symptoms. Pain and swelling of the achilles tendon, the gradual onset of morning stiffness (often worse after a run).

Pain and or stiffness will typically ‘warmup’ during the first 10-15 minutes of a run.

People often don’t seek help as they feel they can run through the pain.

With extracorporeal shockwave therapy treatments lasting approximately 10 minutes and just three to five sessions at weekly intervals, Feet First will soon have you up and running pain free.

For any medical treatment, always seek out professional help. Feet First are a registered podiatry clinic. Registered and regulated by the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC). Feet First are also members of The College of Podiatry, the academic authority for podiatry in the UK. Feet First Podiatry is dedicated to making sure that every patient feels their feet are in safe hands and walks out knowing that they have received the very best treatment available in the industry.

Feet First Podiatry 13A Upper High St,Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 3ER 01844 261023 enquiries@feet-first.org www.feet-first.org

VICKY

JUMP FEET FIRST INTO SUMMER SHOES 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

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

Closed for lunch (1.00 - 2.00) 13a Upper High Street, Thame, Oxon OX9 3ER Tel: 01844 261023 Email: enquiries@feet-first.org www.feet-first.org

Thame Out .13

> HEALTH & BEAUTY

Framed personality Naturally prescription spectacles help you see better, but they can also change the way people see you. Deborah Rogers tries on some fantastic frames at Ivan R Cammack optometrist.

I

t’s you and a different you. We all have alternative sides to our personalities. Why not choose some individual frames to reflect them.

With the right design, one person can look business like, studious, playful or creative. Ivan R Cammack have selected some amazing frames from a number of frame houses who in turn provide a number of different styles. Cammacks also have eyeware specialists that will help you select frames to suit your face shape colouring and of course frames to bring out the complexity of your character.

Coco Song Drawing inspiration from the mystery of the Orient, using the finest materials in the world, Italian brand Coco Song creates women’s luxury eyewear delivering an unparalleled artistic masterpiece in each and every frame.

Exquisite elements such as silk, dried flowers, feathers, semiprecious stones, metal acents and enamelling are matched with one of a kind acetates. Each frame is made by the careful hand and expertise of an artisan master taking a minimum of six months to perfect. A magical blend of Italian design and oriental culture delivers.... an artistic masterpiece.

Introducing CCS, a new fresh take on the famous Coco Song eyewear designed for the modern woman. Replacing the adornments and oriental inspiration, while highlighting the natural elements such as silks, dried flowers and feathers; now excitingly rolled into new transparent and crystalline acetates and pearly colours.The result is a line that is considerably lightened and with a fresh and bright take for the effervescent and chic, “it” girl that wears them.

Urban lifestyle and sustainability – that‘s Neubau Eyewear neubau eyewear is an independent lifestyle eyewear brand offering a wide selection of optical frames and sunglasses. All frames are designed, developed and manufactured in Austria.

14. Thame Out

Inspired by urban culture, the brand name neubau pays trib­ute to inter­na­tion­al cre­ative hubs such as Vienna’s Neubau dis­trict, locat­ed in the pul­sat­ing heart of the Aus­tri­an cap­i­tal.

It is a place where artists, cre­ative souls and up-and-com­ing tal­ents con­nect; a dis­trict com­pa­ra­ble to oth­ers found around the globe from Shored­itch to Williams­burg, from Le Marais to Navigli.

The frames are lightweight and style conscious. Dri­ven by an urban spir­it, neubau eye­wear unites inno­v­a­tive design with exten­sive pro­duc­tion know-how and expe­ri­ence. As a result, neubau offers light­weight, fash­ion­able frames while guar­an­tee­ing the high­est qual­i­ty stan­dards and wear­ing comfort.

Sustainable by design, neubau eyewear’s ded­ic­ a­tion to style and qual­i­ty goes hand in hand with set­ting high envi­ron­men­tal stan­dards for every­thing they do. The companies efforts to stay con­scious of both envi­ron­men­tal needs and excel­lent design is con­veyed in the neubau mot­to SEE & DO GOOD. The con­scious use of resources and region­al Aus­tri­an pro­duc­tion are at the core of there efforts. This not only con­cerns the mate­r­i­al of the frames, it includes aspects such as pack­ag­ing, print­ed and in-store mate­r­i­al. neubau eye­wear also sup­ports non-prof­it projects revi­tal­iz­ing nature in urban environments.

Neubau strive to treat the envi­ron­ment with the utmost con­sid­er­at­ ion, know­ing that there are already many accom­plish­ments to look back on – but even more that lie ahead.

Call into Ivan R Cammack to cast an eye over these innovative frame brands. Some might be a little playful, but on a serious note, don’t forget to maintain the health of your eyes with regular eye tests.

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

Thame Out .15

> HEALTH & BEAUTY

The effects of alcohol on diet and exercise with Chinnor based personal fitness trainer, Hilary Westall has the answer.

Cheers! Your good health.

L

et’s be honest here – most of us like a drink or two. Or three.

Sometimes more at the weekends and when out socialising. But if you’re trying to lose weight and maintain an exercise regime and are still feeling challenged in your progress, it might be time to look at what, and how much you’re drinking.

When it comes to calories in versus calories out, you need to eat fewer than you burn to lose weight, right? Whilst this does apply at its most basic level, not all calories are the same when it comes to how they affect your body. For example, 300 calories of broccoli will have a different (and much healthier) effect on your blood sugar and metabolism response than 300 calories of chocolate.

Alcohol on the other hand, has a unique effect on your body’s systems, and some of these effects can make it harder to lose weight and stay active. So as delicious as a large glass of Pinot Grigio or double gin and tonic might be, alcohol doesn’t do your body any favours, despite our use of it as a stress reliever and social go-to. Even the claims that red wine has heart-healthy benefits are now largely being dismissed.

Primary effects of alcohol: k Alcohol inhibits the absorption of calcium in muscle cells, which can lead to cramping. k Alcohol is a vasodilator (it dilates the blood vessels), making you feel warmer although it actually lowers your core body temperature. k Its diuretic effect can increase dehydration, which impacts on all of your organs and systems, including digestion. kThe effect most related to weight is alcohol’s negative effect on your liver’s ability to process sugar. It also blocks overall nutrient absorption and can lower your ability to burn calories efficiently.

Secondary effects of alcohol: k Drinking can alter your normal control mechanisms for eating as it lowers your inhibitions, which has you heading for the Big Mac and fries or the donner kebab when the pubs close.

16. Thame Out

k Whilst a few drinks can make you sleepy, alcohol can sabotage the quality of your overall sleep by interrupting your circadian rhythm. This blocks restorative REM sleep and can aggravate breathing problems.

Poor sleep may then have a negative effect on your athletic performance if your energy levels are below par. kThe hangover effect: if you feel hungover, or even just a bit groggy the next day, the chances are you’ll head for the full fry-up and a few more hours kip instead of heading to the gym. This double whammy of excess calories and inactivity can play havoc with your diet and fitness goals if it happens too often.

Finding a balance Despite alcohol’s negative effects, most experts are not suggesting we all go teetotal to remain fit and healthy, or even to lose weight. Moderation is key and new government guidelines now recommend the number of units per week for both men and women as a maximum of 14, spread out over the week. This equates to six pints of 4% beer; six glasses of 13% wine (175mls / glass); and 14 glasses of 40% spirits (one measure). These guidelines have been set at a level to keep the risk of cancers and other diseases low.

And if you’re pregnant, it’s recommended that you don’t drink at all.

However, if your weight loss has plateaued, or you have other health issues such as low energy levels or poor sleep, it might be worth cutting out the booze for a week, or even a month, to see how not

drinking might affect you. It could restart weight loss, and help you set healthier habits around food and exercise. It doesn’t mean you have to abstain for the rest of your life, but you should be mindful of how drinking versus not drinking or cutting down, makes you feel.

When alcohol is a real problem…

If you’re trying to reduce your consumption of alcohol and are finding it impossible, you may have deeper issues than weight management and exercise. If this is the case, consider turning to other resources. Your GP is a good place to start to point you in the right direction.

Drinkline is the national alcohol helpline if you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking. You can call this free helpline in complete confidence on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm). There are also free self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

Even if you’re confident that alcohol is not a problem, becoming more aware about how much you drink can help keep you on a healthy track and may help your weight loss and fitness goals too.

Hilary is a Level 3 Personal Trainer and Pilates teacher. She runs Pilates, body conditioning and stretch 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.

You. Different You. Exclusive to Ivan R Cammack Opticians.

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

> HEALTH & BEAUTY

Are you

Emma Rothery at ERA Skin & Laser Clinic describes some super summer treatments to help you look good and feel great.

A

t ERA we like to empower people to feel great about themselves and love the skin they’re in. If you are committed to taking care of yourself in terms of eating a healthy diet and leading an active life we can help with the rest.

and during that time you are able to read, relax or even take a short nap! To be a suitable candidate for treatment, you will need to have at least 3cm of malleable fat, that is to say fat which you can actively get hold of. The most common areas we treat are the stomach and thighs, although other popular areas are the FAT FREEZING & BODY SCULPTING back, arms and knees. Most people will These clinically proven treatments have see around 20% of the fat in the treated quickly become our flagship treatments area disappear during first month, but in the clinic, so much so that we were some of our clients have seen results recently nominated as the Cryolipsculpt™ much sooner with one of our recent Centre of Excellence for Oxfordshire, clients losing 1.5 inches after only 2 which we are truly honoured about! weeks. Usually, full results take between Fat freezing is a quick and painless 3-6 months. treatment with no down-time. The For those who have fat which is more technology works by using special solid and cannot be drawn into the vacuum applicators which draw in the applicatiors, we use our Cavitation device. fatty area to be treated and freeze down it Cavitation uses ultrasound energy to to -10C. A protective membrane ensures essentially “melt” away hard to move fatty the skin remains unaffected. areas. It’s very effective for treating so At this temperature studies show that called “beer belly’s” as well as the outer the fat cells start to break down and are thigh area. removed by the bodies natural process If you’re one of those people who over the next 28 days. Importantly, loves the idea of a gym body but has the Cryoliposculpt™ system uses a no time to get there we can also help microcurrent to tone skin whilst freezing tone and sculpt using our Endoshape to ensure you are not left with sagging technology, which tightens, lifts and skin. Treatment takes around 50 minutes firms areas difficult areas of the body

18. Thame Out

such as stomachs or the buttocks, and has been much championed by celebrities.

The completely non-surgical Endoshape treatment requires multiple sessions for best results but most clients will see a lifting effect from their first session.

Whatever your concern we do more than simply treat the problem, we always carry out a full consultation with you to understand what is important to you and what your treatment aims are. We always explain clearly what outcomes you can expect, backed up by our “real result” before and after treatment pictures & client video testimonials.

Our approach is entirely holistic, meaning that as well as simply treating the problem area we also work with other local talented therapists to address other concerns, whether it be personal styling to breathe life back into your wardrobe, nutritionalist advice to ensure your diet is really working for you, or life coaching to ensure you have the tools to regain control of your to-do list and make time for you!

All the therapists we work with are local qualified experts in their field and a one hour consultation with the most relevant therapist for your needs is included in all of our Fat Freezing and Body Sculpting treatment packages.

beach ready?

CELLULITE REDUCTION Cellulite has always been notoriously difficult to treat and various creams or micro-needling treatments have been go to treatment’s in the past with limited success. Cellulite is caused by fat cells becoming trapped within our skin tissue leading to bumpy, uneven skin texture.

There are 3 specific grades of cellulite, all of which require a slightly different treatment protocol. We always carry out a full consultation to understand what grade of cellulite you have prior to recommending a treatment plan. Our gold-standard cellulite treatment involves multiple sessions using our Endoshape™ system which is a combination of Cavitation (to reduce the fat), Radiofrequency (to tone and smooth) and Lymphatic drainage (to remove natural toxins from the body to prevent reoccurance).

PERMANENT LASER HAIR REMOVAL We’re often asked if laser hair removal is painful and the truth is that it certainly used to be, but not any more! We have 3 types of laser here at the clinic including our powerful Diode laser, which is quick and painless with most clients commenting that they just feel a mild prickling sensation.

Laser hair removal works by the laser light being attracted to the pigment in the hair and travelling down the hair shaft and cauterizing the hair follicle, preventing further growth. Hair grows in 3 distinct stages, meaning that hair is never all at the optimal stage to respond to the laser, which is why multiple sessions are always required.

Our state-of-the-art laser system enables us to treat most skin and hair types and the results are exceptional, with the majority of our clients reporting a difference in hair growth after only one or two sessions.

We often hear the words “I wish I had started having laser hair removal sooner” or “I should have done my underarms too” so we always run promotions in terms of treatment packages or multiple area discounts to help clients afford to do exactly that. Laser hair removal costs from £69 per session. Buy one area get one area half price for all treatments booked in May. SKIN ANALYSIS: As a Skin clinic, we’re obviously passionate about skincare and understanding what’s really going on underneath your skin is not always obvious to see. Sun damage is an all to common problem which we regularly see and treat in clinic.

To help promote the importance of skin health, we are offering Thame Out readers a FREE Skin Analysis, worth £50, until 30th June 2019. To book call 01844 698441.

We offer FREE consultations for all of our face and body rejuvenation treatments so there’s no better time to find out how we can help you be the best, beach ready, version of you this summer!

To book your free consultation, call the clinic direct on 01844 698441, visit our website eraclinics.co.uk, or pop in and see us at 98a High Street, Thame OX9 3EH (through the archway between Andrew Murray Estate Agents and the Toy Shop).

Parking and WIFI available.

ERA Skin & Laser Clinic 98a High Street, Thame Oxfordshire OX9 3EH

Thame Out .19

> HEALTH & BEAUTY

Hair gain Styling hair usually involves cutting it.

Sometimes however, there is a desire to add hair. Stylists at Maze Hair in Thame have transferred their talents to specialist wig styling and hair additions. Tracy Dale found out more.

N

o one it seems is ever happy with their hair. Blondes want to be brunette, brunettes want to be blonde. Those with natural curls want straight hair, and so on.

Well, help is at hand. Hair additions are a fantastic way of changing or enhancing your look. If you want to add length to your hair, no problem. You might want to add body to your hair, again, no problem. Short hair style, but fancy a ponytail? Easy. You can also add colour to your hair additions.

Talk to the team at Maze Hair if you want your hair to look that bit special for an upcoming event. A wedding, a ball a prom night? Whatever the event, you can walk into the room as a new you.

Maze Hair have some great products as well as some talented stylists to help and guide you.

The salon uses Balmain hair additions.

Two products are available. One is 100% real hair and the second is a 50% real hair and synthetic blend.

Chloe before hair additions

Chloe after hair additions

20. Thame Out

Both are excellent products. The 100% natural hair addition you simply treat as normal hair. You can add heat and colour.

For a hair addition that you want to hold the style for longer, the 50/50 blend is recommended.

To attache the additions, you can use tape that lasts from four to six weeks or micro rings that typically last a little longer (eight to ten weeks).

Below are just two examples of hair additions by Maze Hair. Chloe (in the mustard top) opted for additions to increase volume to her hair without

Wig before styling ...

... and after styling

increasing the length. She has highlights of blended colours added to her additional hair and her natural hair.

Kirstie wanted more length and body.

She also introduced a violet colour tinge.

Hair additions are a cost effective way to enhance your own style, especially for that special event. At Maze, the price includes a complimentary blow dry a week after the extra hair has been added as well as an after care package and advice.

WIG STYLING Another way of adding hair – sometimes through choice, sometimes through necessity – is by wearing a wig.

Stylist Zoe McCormac has completed a course for cutting and styling wigs. Called ‘My New Hair’, the course is taught by Trevor Sorbie.

My New Hair provide public advice, and support a national network of independent salons like Maze, who provide a wig styling service for people suffering from alopecia, cancer and medical hair loss.

Maze has pledged their commitment to the cause and provide a caring and sensitive service for their clients.

Of course, deciding to wear a wig isn’t limited to those suffering medical hair loss.

The wig fitting service is also available to people with thin hair, people who simply fancy a new look and to trans gender clients.

Clients buy their wigs (often from The Churchill Hospital in Oxford – NHS vouchers are available online) and then turn to Zoe’s expertise in styling them.

Zoe provides free advice to clients pre purchase. She advises on the quality of the wig, would you suit short or long, what colour best suits your skin tones, how to look after and store your wig, and so on.

A personal fitting and cut/style from Zoe is just the cost of a wet cut.

My New Hair have produced a booklet of advice and information on what happens when you lose your hair, choosing a wig, having your wig styled to suit you and aftercare/ hair re-growth in conjunction with the Department of

Kirstie before hair additions

Kirstie after hair additions

Health and Institute of Trichologists. They call it the Patient Information Resource.

Visit the Maze Hair or My New Hair website for more information.

Maze Hair Salon 11 Friday Court, North Street Thame , Oxfordshire OX9 3GA 01844 218215 Email: Salon@mazehair.com Twitter:@mazehair www.facebook.com/mazehair

> TRAVEL

Clearwater Beach

Florida Fun So much to see, so much to do in the sunshine state with Spear Travels.

O

h so sunny, oh so exciting, oh so fun… oh so Orlando! In this vibrant, ever-changing destination, nothing ever gets in the way of enjoyment. From the rush of the parks to the chilled out vibes of Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista and beyond, Orlando is the perfect spot to make holiday memories which last a lifetime. Hailed as the theme park capital of the world, and for good reason too – it’s packed with some of the world’s greatest parks, rides, slides and entertainment. But that’s not all... with world-class shopping, awardwinning dining, exciting nightlife and outdoor adventures galore in Orlando, there’s something to suit the whole family from the young, to the young at heart.

With the warmer weather on the horizon and holiday mode kicking in, now is the perfect time to be thinking ahead to your 2020 escape to the sun!

Don’t miss out on the ideal side dish for your 2020 Walt Disney World Resort in Florida holiday. For bookings made 25 April - 05 November 2019 (for selected arrivals 01 January - 03 October 2020,

22. Thame Out

excludes arrivals 30 Mar - 18 Apr 2020), guests staying at selected Disney Moderate, Deluxe, or Deluxe Villa Resorts get treated to FREE Disney Dining, or FREE Breakfast when you stay at a selected Disney Value Resort.

There’s always new magic happening at Walt Disney World Resort. Live your adventure in a galaxy far, far away, become the size of a toy, burst into a cartoon world with Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and more. Whether you’re looking for cherished Disney Characters, thrilling attractions, splashing good water parks or even a relaxing beach or two, Walt Disney World has it all.

Breakfast with Pluto

©Disney

Universal Orlando

Keywest

relaxed atmosphere and Caribbean flair embody the city’s free-spirited vibe, so you’ll be forgiven for spending your days soaking up the sunshine at the iconic South Beach – the place to see and be seen!

There is a whole host of excitement waiting elsewhere in Orlando too. Get in the heart of all the action at SeaWorld®, Aquatica®, Busch Gardens® and Discovery Cove® as you lose yourself on incredible wildlife-inspired thrill rides, enjoy a oncein-a-lifetime animal encounter or choose to simply float the day away. Take your holiday to the next level at Universal Orlando Resort™, take to the dizzying heights of ICON Orlando™ observation wheel, enjoy a Boggy Creek Airboat Adventure, explore Professor Wonder’s Upside-Down Laboratory and so much more.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Venture to the wider areas of Orlando and the state of Florida, and you’ll be amazed at the range of holiday experiences on offer.

Dotted along the west coast of the Florida peninsula, the Gulf Coast boasts stretching white sandy coastlines and stunning

golden sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico, along with vibrant culture and craft beer scene in St. Pete/Clearwater. Further south, take a step back in time in the quaint old towns in Sarasota and Naples, home to white shell-covered beaches and magnificent national parks.

Boasting the ‘World’s Most Famous Beach’, the Atlantic Coast is home to the iconic Daytona Beach and world-famous International Speedway. Follow the boardwalk for retro arcades, rides and live concerts. Discover the laid-back surf-town in New Smyrna Beach; hosting beautiful art galleries, quaint boutiques and delicious seafood restaurants.

And then there’s Miami. Bursting in colour and urban-tropical charm, Miami boasts an enticing assortment of entertainment venues, historic hideaways and trendy beach hotspots. Miami’s

SPEAR TRAVELS OFFER k Stay 7 nights with FREE Disney QuickService Dining Plan at three-star deluxe Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort from £1,199pp, departing London Gatwick (flying with Virgin Atlantic) on 13 Jan 2020. Includes FREE Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, Disney’s 7-Day Ultimate Ticket with Memory Maker, $200 Disney Spending Money & FREE Disney’s Magical Express Transfers, based on two adults and two children sharing, saving £270pp.

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

Thame Out .23

> LIFESTYLE

Clothes maketh

What one wears is taken by others as an essential signal of status. The proverb ‘clothes maketh the man’ is recorded in English from the early 15th century.

An earlier saying in classical Greek is, ‘the man is his clothing.’ Today, Lucy and Carol at Gallant provide the clothes that make the local man.

L

ucy and Carol took on Gallant seven years ago and in that time they’ve found a ‘you can always find something different’ niché. Gallant stock brands that have stood the test of time as well as introducing new brands that better represents the tastes and style of chaps in Thame and the surrounding area.

Brands evolve and change with whatever feedback Lucy and Carol get from customers, as Lucy explains.

“We find that our customers care more and more about their clothes and their appearance. That’s no bad thing.

24. Thame Out

Clothes that make you feel as good as possible; that fit perfectly; that are stylish; and are made beautifully are what gives you confidence… and those are the requirements we need to meet. It is at the forefront of our minds when we are buying for the next season.

“If you are looking for something different, with unique detailing, this is what sets Gallant apart”.

Gallant offers the one thing that most customers place as paramount in their shopping experience. Service.

Never overbearing but there when help is needed. As a customer, you will

receive expert advice on styles, which brand works best for you and suggestions for items you may not have considered that fast become you’re new favourite garments. Alterations are all part of the service as well. From suits to jeans all are expertly tailored to fit. A bespoke shopping experience is available. “We try as much as possible to offer advice when its wanted. The kind of advice that you’d give a friend – and if one thing isn’t working as well for you as it could, we’ll tell you, and suggest something that will be perfect. There’s no point in sending you away with a garment you don’t love as we’d never see you again.

Stenstroms Seven For All Mankind

the man

Sunspel Eton Claudio Lugli Without Prejudice Handstich Jacob Cohen Lagerfeld Thomas Maine Antico Borgo Hiltl Begg & Co Gran Sasso

SUMMER STYLE OFFER Carol and Lucy pride themselves on the relationship they have with their customers. “We’ve had customers for as long as Gallant has been here, so over 20 years. One day a customer might bring their son in for a suit for graduation and then a few years later we’ll see them again for a suit for their wedding.

“It’s a real privilege serving customers for so many years. They are more like friends”.

So fellas, get along to Gallant in Greyhound Walk. You could walk out a new man.

Exclusive Offer to Thame Out readers Bring in this page to receive 20% off any full price suit.

Valid to the last weekend of June 2019 (Not valid in conjunction with any other offer)

GALLANT LUXURY MENSWEAR

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

Opening Hours Monday to Friday 9:30am–5:30pm Saturday 9.30am–5.00pm

Thame Out .25

> LIFESTYLE

Al fresco living

26. Thame Out

Summer time and the living is easy at White Hart Studio. Jane Rogers called in.

D

ays of soft warming breezes and long languid evenings. Summer is most definitely upon us.

Now is the time to get outside and enjoy the outdoors.

White Hart Studio in Haddenham has both fashion and furniture ideally suited to summer.

I wandered into a sun drenched outside area at White Hart Studio. Here I found some wonderful items of garden furniture. Spotted by owner Jane at a trade fair in Paris, are some Parasols by Decorama GMBH. Available in bright vibrant colours. With a slightly oriental feel to them, they remind me of the cocktail umbrellas. The parasols are priced at just £95.

From Garden Trading is a table and four chairs set. Stylish and weather resistant, colours available include metallic grey, steel blue and a stunning daffodil yellow.

Not only can your garden look great, but so can you. Jane has introduced a fabulous range of Kimonos in different lengths, and made up of a combination of soft natural fabrics. Designed by family run designers, One Hundred Stars, who provide their customers with statement fashion pieces that are fun and comfortable to wear.

Ideal to wear with jeans or as a ‘cover up’ item, you might well have seen the One Hundred Stars kimono worn by actress Amanda Seyfreid in Mama Mia 2.

Regular readers will know Jane is a restless spirit and interiors change like the seasons.

Never resting on her laurels, she has just re-furbished the Garden Room at White Hart Studio. To celebrate this, White Hart Studio will have a late night shopping and Gin tasting evening in association with Griffiths Brothers (www.griffithsbrothers.com) on Tuesday 18th June. Count me in!

In the meantime, my garden awaits.

WHITE HART STUDIO

WHITE HART STUDIO

JEWELLERY,GIFTS G IFTS& &INTERIORS INTERIORS FAFASHION, S H I ON, JEWELLERY, HADDENHAM, 1 5 15 C HCHURCHWAY, U R C HWAY, HADDENHA M, BBUCKS U C KS, HP17 HP17 8AB T: 0T:1 01844 8 4 4 2 9292308 2 3 0 8 M: 36630 8 M: 07765 07765 366308 E: JANE@WHITEHARTSTUDIO.COM E: JANE@WHITEHARTSTUDIO.COM

Thame Out .27

> LIFESTYLE

Fresh start Breath more easily at The Grove in Haddenham, Bucks.

O

ne of the greatest joys of country living is being able to breathe truly fresh air and enjoy your peaceful surroundings to the tune of calming bird song and the rustling of leaves, rather than choking exhaust fumes and invasive car horns that accompany city life in the UK. The Grove at Haddenham Bucks is the ideal location for growing families and those taking it a bit easier, by combining the health benefits attributable to a country lifestyle with a speedy convenient rail commute to the capital.

The recent introduction of The Mayor of London’s Phase 1 of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone in Central London from 8th April 2019 has highlighted the shocking extent of London’s poor air quality, reaching dangerous levels at times. Whilst there are extensive plans to combat some of the worst air quality in Europe it will be a while before the results will be seen and felt.

The impact of the poor quality polluted air quality in the majority of the UK’s cities is being seen already, with rises in respiratory health problems becoming a major issue for the health services. Young children are particularly

28. Thame Out

vulnerable, as are those approaching their senior years; with it is believed 1 in 10 city dwellers currently suffering from poorer health quality as a direct result of air pollution.

April and May the months that make air quality even sweeter in the country, accented with the natural perfume of wild flowers and fresh cut grass, bringing back those long-lost hazy summer days packed full of youthful exuberance. The long spring days, combined with a location in the great outdoors, allows new homeowners at The Grove, Haddenham Bucks to enjoy all the benefits of its rustic village location amid the Vale of Aylesbury and Chiltern Hills.

To avoid meeting the same fate as the UK’s cities, Buckinghamshire County Council is actively targeting pollutant emission reductions by supporting National Clean Air Day on 20th June, urging everyone to avoid commuting by personal vehicles and adopt a more environmentally friendly travel alternative. For commuters at The Grove this should be a breeze, with the local station just a 10-15 minute walk away and up to 42 trains to the capital every day – not to mention the health benefits of a brisk walk!

Award winning Dandara’s new homes at The Grove, Haddenham is the ideal choice for all of those with a family at any stage, from new parents and growing families to those with only the last in the nest. Find your luxury home on a prestigious development, allowing you and your family room to spread and grow. In fact, 50% of the development is set aside for open space and natural landscaping so you and your family have plenty of space to explore.

With four fully dressed show homes at The Grove, and our friendly on-site sales team at hand, there’s nothing to stop you and your family from choosing your bedrooms already. Planning your future in a luxurious new Dandara Home makes home life just that little bit easier.

Don’t forget, if you’re a either a first or second time buyer (selling your sole residence), you may qualify for the government aided Help to Buy* scheme for new homes up to the value of £600,000, and able to take advantage of the government’s highly successful initiative to put people in the homes they need. *For further information on ‘assisted move’, and Help to Buy and to register your interest about any of the new homes at The Grove visit www.thegrovehaddenham.co.uk or call 0800 5875 171.

> LIFESTYLE

Coloured thinking Colour is the building block for all artists. Susannah Fellows is the owner of fitch & fellows art gallery and chairperson of Bucks Art Weeks (8 - 23 June). Colour is this years theme.

Kathy Foster

Ali Mackie

W

hat draws us to one piece of artwork over another? Obviously, subject matter and scale are important factors but, alongside the notes of the musical keyboard and the letters of the alphabet, colours provide the building blocks of our emotions.

Each colour is subtly connected to a web of experiences and associations. Some of these are highly idiosyncratic: a particular yellow might remind us of a long-dead grandmother’s kitchen or a pair of boots we had as a child.

But others carry more universal meanings.

Here are a selection of Bucks Art Weeks artists talking about colour and what it means to them.

Sarah Orpin

Barbara Robjant

“Light is a thing that cannot be reproduced, but must be represented by something else – by colour.”

Paul Cezanne

30. Thame Out

George Boyter

Kathy Foster’s chair paintings are part of an on-going series which she began in her degree show and they’re a subject she keeps coming back to. She loves taking weathered and worn, mundane things, like chairs, and bringing attention to them. “I use bold colours to lift and highlight things that are often overlooked.

It’s instinctive. Even when the piece is an abstract, I know when the colouring is wrong and I’ll keep experimenting.” Her personal favourite colour is turquoise which she says is present in almost every painting she paints.

8-23 JUNE

BAW Catalogue 228 (Sarratt)

Ali Mackie’s work is about joy and pleasure and she expresses her creative energy with neon colours “florescent yellow, acid lime green and shocking pink” which she says is her signature colour. “As I consider a subject, the longer I look at it, the more the colours heighten in my mind and dance. I want my work to make people happy and the colours I choose bring me enjoyment as I work.”

BAW Catalogue 204 (Chesham)

Barbara Robjant’s colour choices are about the mood she wishes to create rather than necessarily about the true colours of her subjects. Photo realism is not her style. She likes using black as it’s a strong, dramatic contrast to any other colour. Her favourite colour in her palate is blue-green but, when adding drama, will reach for rich reds.

BAW Catalogue 227 (Sarratt)

BAW Catalogue 186 (Great Missenden)

Interestingly, all four women, when questioned, said that they themselves never choose bright colours for their clothing and tend to be very much more subtle in the colours they surround themselves with at home. The colour comes out of them as an expression of their inner, creative voice.

George Boyter - Watercolour Artist Kerry Newth - Handmade Jewellery

Val & Mel

Mellisa Goode - Ceramics Valerie Zec - Stoneware Ceramics All Bucks Art Weeks exhibitions, pop-up displays and open working studios and demonstrations are completely free to the public. Hundreds of artists and makers are taking part this year and every type of work is represented and demonstrated – sculpture, glass, jewellery and painting, to wirework, woodwork, photography and textiles. You can choose to view, purchase, commission or try your hand at loads of different skills, for free. Directories of all the artists participating are now available to collect at participating venues or check the website for details. Look out for the bright yellow Bucks Art Weeks signs around the county and follow the arrows. www.bucksartweeks.org.uk admin@bucksartweeks.org.uk 07950 732117

“The chief function of colour should be to serve expression.”

Henri Matisse

Kerry Newth Celebrating The Unusual In Creative Craftsmanship

Sarah Orpin trained as a graphic designer in the 70s and uses secondary colours in her textile work - pink, lime, turquoise - against black for contrast. A favourite colour combination she’s using at present is orange and navy. She’s currently in the throes of marketing her work under the new title Butterfly Bazaar to reflect the colourful collage-like effect her textiles quilts, cushions, etc. - creates when seen all together.

Both a shop and gallery, fitch & fellows exhibits the work of established as well as new artists and designers throughout the year. During the Bucks Art Weeks fortnight, you can see more extensive collections of work by the following artists:

fitch & fellows 18 Butter Market, Thame OX9 3EP 01844 215099 www.fitchandfellows.com

Thame Out .31

> HOME & GARDEN

Matt and the Giant Redwood

Branching out Four Seasons Tree Care. A trusted business that has been caring for our trees and hedges for over 25 years. Owner, Matt Vaughan takes us through just three of their recent projects.

O

Judas Flower

32. Thame Out

ut with the old and in with the new. Four Seasons Tree Care were very pleased to be invited to work on an interesting project with the awardwinning garden designer, Rosemary Coldstream. The aim was to create a stunning new avenue approach to a property near Thame. Firstly, a neglected and outgrown line of trees needed to be felled and removed. They ground out all of the stumps thoroughly, in readiness for the regrading of the soil and the new planting to follow.

A mixture of large root-balled multistemmed shrubs were planted to form a colourful, informal screen and backdrop.

Thirty two ‘Chanticleer’ Pears were planted to create a gently curving line forming a visually stunning avenue effect.

These trees are ideal for more formal planting as they tend to retain a relatively compact and upright shape that requires little pruning as the trees mature. They

have abundant white flower in the Spring and often hold their leaf into early Winter.

The client and designer were delighted with the finished job and for Matt and his team, it was very pleasing to help create a beautiful landscape feature that will last for many years to come.

As trees age and decline in vigour they often gain in value, character and beauty.

Take this veteran Judas tree for example – growing in an old garden in the middle of Marlow. Matt estimated this tree to be around 200 years old and despite the hollowed main trunk it still carries a full crown and produces masses of purple flower. Few species can boast such a vibrant display of Spring colour. Four Seasons Tree Care carried out some careful pruning to lessen weight on the structure of the tree along with a timely addition of micro nutrients into the soil within the root zone. These measures will help this

The Avenue

Work starts on the avenue

tree live on for years to come. “It is always rewarding to focus our skills and provide expert arboricultural TLC on beautiful veteran trees like this,” said Matt.

Why not put your tree work in safe hands with Thame’s most trusted and accredited tree surgeons. Contact Matt and he will be happy to discuss your project.

As always, the team have been busy on a wide range of tree work from careful pruning to some really large tree removal jobs such as the sectional felling of a Giant Redwood. The tree had been badly damaged, probably by a lightning strike, and had become very unsafe. The work was undertaken in two stages. Firstly, the limbs and top section of the tree is dismantled safely, using a rigging system and secondly Four Seasons bring in a crane to lift out the main stem in sections.

“As you can see, no two jobs are alike and we just love the contrast,” says Matt.

“One day, it may be careful pruning with secateurs and the next it is moving heavy timber with big machinery. We welcome it all,” he adds.

Four Seasons Tree Care Limited 1 Beech Road, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 2AL

< The Judas Tree

T: 01844 218222 M: 07973 507876 E: mail@4seasonstreecare.co.uk

Thame Out .33

> HOME & GARDEN

A garden centre of delights

Haddenham Garden Centre is a family run business, and it is growing. Deborah Rogers pays a visit.

E

stablished over 40 years ago, Haddenham Garden Centre is run by a third generation of the Hawkins family. Stephen, Kate and Ben, who along with parents Chris and Margaret pass on their undoubted knowledge, enthusiasm and years of experience to their customers.

The Garden Centre’s stunning redevelopment is nearing completion.

Increasing in size to accommodate even more food, drink, clothing, gifts, haberdashery, pet supplies, garden furniture and of course horticultural products.

As the name implies, Haddenham Garden Centre has always been and will always be the home of everything for the garden (seeds, plants, shrubs, water features, garden furniture and so on).

The huge outdoor area for plants has been extended to include an impressive interior plant area protected by a stunning wooden canopy.

Interestingly, the plants are arranged by colour. The ‘Year of Colour’ theme helps customers to design their garden.

34. Thame Out

A big bright and airy Farmshop houses a local butchers (Beef Olive). Stocking top quality local meats that have been traditionally reared and properly hung for the best flavour. Homemade sausages, skewers and other treats are waiting for your summer BBQ. The Farm shop is also home to a well stocked delicatessen featuring local and regional artisan food and drink. You will find award winning cheeses, home-cooked meats, a selection of olives, seasonal salads and snacks. Also available are some excellent local beers, ciders and wine. plus fresh bread, pastries, biscuits and cakes.

Larder essentials such as pickles, chutneys, jams and chocolates can be found on the grocery shelves.

Some newly installed freezers are full of premium ready meals, sweets, canapes and party food by the ever popular ‘Cook’ and ‘Field Fare’ companies.

Finally on the food front, the popular restaurant is increasing in size and choices on the menu and will soon benefit from an outdoor eating area.

The pet supplies area has also increased in size. Look out for the brilliant dog treat ‘pick & mix’.

New to Haddenham Garden Centre is The Works. Great value good quality stationary items, art and craft materials, hobby items and toys. Mums might have a problem dragging the kids away.

The famous Edinburgh Woollen Mill is another addition. A super selection of ladies and mens clothing and accessories.

Joules is a new addition to the Haddenham Garden Centre’s clothing department One thing that hasn’t changed is the super selection of greetings cards and gift ideas. Home ware products by Sophie Allport are a very welcome addition.

Expert help and advice is always on hand whether your query is on horticulture, pet food, butchery, deli products, gifts, clothing .... simply ask.

Haddenham Garden Centre still has plants at its roots, but is now branching out into some new exciting areas. Put aside plenty of time when you visit, there is a lot to discover.

Ben, Kate and Stephen Hawkins

Haddenham Garden Centre HP17 8HN www.haddenhamgardencentre.co.uk 01844 290395

Thame Out .35

> HOME & GARDEN

Picture perfect Recently a potential customer called in to see Fay at Kingsey Kitchens & Interiors “I want a kitchen like this,” he said and held out a photograph cut from a magazine. And so started some detective work by Fay.

P

eople often have a picture in their mind of their dream kitchen. In this case, it was literally a picture from a magazine.

No accompanying article, no make of kitchen, and a total lack of suppliers names didn’t stop Fay from going to work. She recognised certain materials and design styles and set about briefing her team of designers at Kingsey to match the kitchen as pictured.

The distinctive handles were sourced first followed by an impressive looking ceramic splashback. In the photograph the look of the splashback was carried throughout the worktops and Island.

36. Thame Out

Fay thought this would be too much for her customers kitchen and recommended a plain quartz worktop (supplied by Marble Workshop in Haddenham).

Fay didn’t want to be a slave to the photograph supplied if the team at Kingsey believed something could be improved upon.

Kingsey Kitchens & Interiors did a wonderful job of matching the design of the kitchen to the one in the image. The team really did their homework which is apt, as the home of the new kitchen/diner (housed in an extension) is the converted Lord Williams School boys dormitory.

In consultation with the customer, the design evolved.

The large central Island is home to a Siemens flexi induction hob. This is an induction hob without the allocated heat areas. It operates intuitively. The Island also features a down draught extractor unit that disappears out of sight when not in use.

The owner is a keen cook and particularly loves to cook using a Wok. Some induction hobs are fine for Woks, but Woks work better if a flame wraps around the sides. As a result a Siemens Domino gas burner was installed.

A bespoke pull out drawer unit was designed and built by Kingsey especially to accommodate the customers selection of oils and spices. Generous full height fridge and freezer and matching ovens feature alongside a beautifully spacious corner larder.

At the end of the dining area, Kingsey built a media wall. Again designed and built to the customers exact specifications. It is home to a flat screen tv, push to open cupboard doors to hide away the technology and sky box. Shelves have been added to store the children’s books and somewhat unusually an area built in to store logs for the burner. It’s amazing what features can be built into today’s kitchens.

The media wall design and colour matches the kitchen area seamlessly If you have been inspired by a kitchen image, contact Kingsey Kitchens & Interiors. Fay and the team will bring your ideal kitchen to life.

Kingsey Kitchens & Interiors Unit 1, Manor Farm, Risborough Road, Kingsey, Bucks HP17 8LU www.kingseykitchens.co.uk 01844 290 899 info@kingseykitchens.co.uk Showroom Opening Times Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm Saturday & Sunday any time by appointment

NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN Thame Out .37

> FOOD & DRINK

Screwcaps!

Whatever next?

Wine in a can?

Wine comes in many different containers.

Is this a good thing asks wine expert, Jerome Harlington?

W

e all love the sound of a cork being pulled out of a bottle of wine, but nowadays more and more wines are using screw caps.

Why is that?

There is certainly something special about pulling a real cork from a bottle of wine. It’s a very pleasurable thing.

The wine trade has had a huge problem with cork taint. We’ve all heard about corked wines. As little as ten years ago it was seen that about one in twelve bottles were affected by this so the industry had to respond.

They responded by looking at a range of closure options to wine and the screwcap seemed the most effective alternative.

Now there’s absolutely nothing wrong with screw caps, they’re great for ninety percent of the wines that we drink as long as you’re going to drink the wine within five years. If you’re going to age the wines for longer than that then cork is better.

But all this doesn’t take away from the romance that comes with drawing the cork from a bottle of wine. I’m sure you’ll be pleased to hear that the cork industry haven’t rested on their laurels. They’ve been working very hard and have largely resolved the problem.

So we can still enjoy wines with that cork and romantically pulling the cork from the bottle.

38. Thame Out

In my early career I worked with Mentzendorff, wine shippers jointly owned by family companies Champagne Bollinger and the Fladgate Partnership that includes Port Houses, Taylor’s, Fonseca, Croft and Delaforce.

When I first visited Bollinger back in 2000 I was most fortunate to have been given a tour of the house and cellars by Ghislain De Montgolfier, who was head of the Bollinger Champagne House at the time and is the Great-Great Grandson of founder Joseph Bollinger.

During the tour I was surprised to see that their vintage Grande Annee Champagne, that enjoys an extended ageing period in the Bollinger cellars, was fastened with a cork closure. I asked why the bottles were ageing under cork and not crown cap as per their Special Cuvee bottles that are aged for 3 years in the cellar. Ghislain explained that they had done extensive tests and found that crown caps were perfect for aging up to 4 years, but beyond that the wines aged better under cork.

Another problem I’ve experienced with wines having extended aging under screw cap is reduction. This is where you get the smell of rotten eggs in the wine. I particularly remember this at the Australia Tasting many years ago where there were examples of bottles under screw cap for 10+ years.

Reduction was a problem.

Typical notes of reduction in wine are - rotten eggs, garlic, struck flint, cabbage, rubber and burnt rubber. So extended aging under screw cap could be the issue here if you get these notes on any wine you taste.

That said for the majority of wines we enjoy, screw cap closures are absolutely fine and very convenient!

But just as we’re all getting used to screwcaps, I’ve spotted another type of closure for wine. Wine in a can! This is now a thing, starting in the USA a few years ago and has started to reach our shores. It was even shown on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch very recently.

But before you turn your nose up in horror, an aluminium can is an excellent closure to show a fresh vintage wine in its purest form, although it is not a format for aging wine, it’s perfect for fresh and aromatic wines and young fruity reds. It’s also a good option for the environment with a lower carbon footprint over bottles; they’re not always cheap and cheerful wines either, one of the wines shown in a can on Sunday Brunch was £12.50! This was for half a bottle equivalent so £25 a bottle.

We’re excited about this trend and are exploring options for future developments, certainly with our zero alcohol wines. Watch this space!

Let me know if you’ve tasted any wine in a can and I’d love to hear what you think.

Get in touch thameout@trailblazingwine.com

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

PowerView® A smart way to operate your blinds remotely.

GREENS OF THAME

BEDS BLINDS CARPETS CURTAINS

4 Upper High St, Thame Oxfordshire OX9 3ES l 01844 212560 l info@greens-furnishings.co.uk

Thame Out .39

> FOOD & DRINK

Baked Camombert

Bouillabaisse

Scotch Eggs

A call to Arms The Village pub is the heart and soul of a community, but many have been lost or are under threat from development. The Clifden Arms, Worminghall’s only pub was one such establishment in need of a saviour. Happily it has several saviours as Stephen Dale discovers.

T

he Clifden Arms public house is the quintessential English timber framed building. Thatched roof, wooden beams and flagstone floors.

The oldest part is medieval and the newer wing was added in the 17th century . ​ It had always been a Free House until about 12 years ago when the pub was bought by Enterprise Inns. It’s fair to say The Clifden Arms went through a few years of mixed success.

40. Thame Out

Now under new ownership the pub is once again trading as a Free House, priding itself on good beer and quality food.

Nobody appreciates the value of a local pub more than the locals themselves. So it’s great to know that a small group of Worminghall residents have purchased this historic Inn. They have already started a superb transformation and The Clifden Arms is once more open for business.

A mini refurbishment has taken place.

What was quite a dark interior is now light and welcoming.

The manager is Jude Bishop and she works tirelessly to make The Clifden Arms a destination pub as well as a ‘local’.

FOOD AND DRINK Great food and drink is the cornerstone of the inn. There are four real ales and four lagers on tap, including a local beer (Rebellion).

Glorious Gardens The Snug

Stay overnight

The Clifden Arms will be serving home made and where possible, locally sourced food that are ‘pub classics’ . Traditional Sunday roasts, beer battered haddock and chips, ham egg and chips, for example. A lunchtime menu offers a superb choice of sandwiches as well as mature cheddar, ham or home baked pork pie ploughmans.

Food themed evenings are proving popular. There are lots of midweek specials on offer and the ‘Fish In The Fireplace’. is especially popular. The fish is delivered every Thursday straight from the boat so it is as fresh as it can be. The Chef will then decide what dishes will feature on the blackboard. Sea Bass, Squid and ink risotto and Moules were the options when I visited.

OUTDOORS The Clifden Arms is surrounded with wonderful garden areas. Beautifully peaceful views of the Buckinghamshire countryside abound, making the pub an

ideal summer destination. A child friendly play area is due to be installed soon, which is sure to attract families. There will be frequent BBQ’s during the summer months on their brand new Argentinian Asado which is fuelled by wood. Check their website for details.

EVENTS Look out for events at The Clifden Arms.

There are lots planned throughout the summer months. A Gin and Jazz evening is set for the August Bank Holiday, as well as Oktoberfest later in the year .

PRIVATE HIRE The Clifden Arms is an ideal venue for a private function or event.

You can book the snug bar for a private lunch, dinner or for a meeting for up to 20 people. The room benefits from a private access to the main bar.

Weddings, wakes, christenings, birthday and anniversary parties are all catered for.

BED & BREAKFAST The Clifden Arms now has five newly refurbished guest rooms in their red brick barn adjacent to the pub. These include a family room and a one bedroom flat.

Decorated to a high standard in Laura Ashley fabrics, the rooms are comfortable and modern. ​ All rooms have king size beds with mattress toppers for that extra comfort and luxury bedding for a great nights sleep.

There is no doubt the Clifden Arm’s new owners and management are determined to make the pub a great success. They are doing their bit, now it’s up to you and me to pay a visit.

The Clifden Arms, 75 Clifden Rd, Worminghall, Buckinghamshire, HP18 9JR. 01844 338090 WWW.theclifdenarms.co.uk

Thame Out .41

> FOOD & DRINK

Serving the good stuff

There is currently a mis conception that mid-week dining at The Thatch is a bit pricey. In fact it’s quite the opposite. Prices have actually been reduced as Duncan Sherwood discovers.

I

am talking to Frazer Sutherland, Peach Pubs Director and ‘mein host’ at The Thatch restaurant in Thame’s High Street. Regulars will instantly recognise a man who is a friend to everybody with a laugh that resonates throughout this ancient building.

During our conversation, Frazer mentions guests comments that dining at The Thatch is a bit of an expensive treat. I was surprised. It is a treat yes, but certainly no more expensive than restaurants of a similar ilk.

42. Thame Out

“Take a look at our lunchtime and Supper Club menu, two courses for £14.50.” Frazer says handing over the current menus.

Certainly evening menu starters with prices starting from £6 and mains starting at £14 seem reasonable to me, with dishes such as 14 Hour Braised Beef & Ale Pie to Whole-roasted Sea Bream and Sherry & Strawberry Trifle, Mascarpone Cream, there is definitely something for everyone round the table.

The Thatch is open every day, with lunch served from noon and fresh food available all day. They take huge pride in

Evelin Rae

Frazer Sutherland

serving the best ingredients they can find, from ethical producers and freshly prepared by some talented chefs.

The Thatch like to keep things local. Fruit, vegetables and salad items are supplied by Bucksum near Long Crendon. Beers from XT Brewery (between Long Crendon and Chearsley) and bread from Long Crendon Manor bakery.

Perhaps this perception of expensive dining comes from the fact that The Thatch has for some years been the restaurant to visit for a special celebration. Frazer is rightly proud of the restaurant’s ‘go to’ reputation, but it isn’t just for exclusive celebrations.

Menus change monthly and are as fresh as the locally sourced ingredients. There are always a good choice of daily specials.

The Thatch is a classic English pub, serving top quality food, fine ales and carefully-chosen wine. The Sixteenth Century building is full of character, and usually filled with local characters too.

A social hub in Thame’s High Street, Frazer, manager Evelin and the team offer true hospitality to friends and strangers alike.

Prices are just as friendly too, as they continue to ‘serve the good stuff’.

01844 214340 29-30 Lower High Street, Thame, OX9 2AA

k COM PETITIONk Win two tickets to the summer menu tasting on the 12th June .

SEE PAGE 66.

Thame Out .43

44. Thame Out

> FOOD & DRINK

The Churchill Arms in Long Crendon has re-opened.

Duncan Sherwood called in for a pint and a Pad Khing.

M

y brother lives in Australia and loves to take his holidays in Thailand. On a recent visit back to the UK, I took him to the Rising Sun in Thame for a meal. The evening finished with John declaring that he had just enjoyed the best Thai meal he has ever had, better than anything he had experienced in Thailand. Praise indeed.

Well now these culinary delights courtesy of Fat Buddha Thai can be enjoyed in Long Crendon. Jay, the popular owner of The Rising Sun in

46. Thame Out

Thai essential Thame has taken over the running of The Churchill Arms, in the High Street.

He now divides his time between Thame and Long Crendon.

I am pleased to report that the success of The Rising Sun has been replicated at The Churchill Arms. Here is a traditional English pub steeped in history and a popular destination for locals. With Jay and his team at the helm, visitors from further afield will be sure to book a table.

The pub and restaurant areas have been updated, creating a modern welcoming atmosphere whilst retaining

the original feel of the pub. Open fires, stone walls and original beams.

The Churchill Arms serves great food (eat in and takeaway). Drinks including a good selection of lagers and real ales, which change throughout the seasons.

There is also an extensive gin, whisky and wine list.

Thai food is internationally famous, whether for its fiery chilli or its complex combinations of aromatic spices all made with fresh ingredients. The guiding principal in each dish at The Churchill Arms is always harmony of flavours and

this is the principal they have followed when crafting the menu.

Fat Buddha Thai have created a menu that brings in all the most popular and well-known dishes, all cooked in a traditional way. Alongside this, they offer some of the more authentic and contemporary Thai dishes.

Keep an eye out for the seasonal and special dishes on the boards. These offer

you the opportunity to try something very different, maybe ask the team to recommend something new, based on your favourite dishes.

The Churchill Arms is a pub for all seasons. It is blessed with a good sized garden. A real bonus for al fresco dinners and drinkers this summer.

On cold rainy days you benefit from the warmth generated by real fires. All year round you can watch live sport on one of the two screens.

The last Friday of every month is an opportunity to tune into some live music.

Starting from 8pm, what better way to enjoy an evening with friends. Further events are planned, so check online for details.

A couple of real ales in the garden followed by a superb meal made for a very pleasant few hours. For my brotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next visit home to Oxfordshire, I think a short hop over the county border is a must.

The Churchill Arms 1 High St, Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire HP18 9AF 01844 335081 www.churchillarms-longcrendon.co.uk

Thame Out .47

* > BUSINESS

Work for a big brand without the big commute Travelodge is one of Thame’s largest employers.

So you don’t have to go far for your career to go far.

Y

ou’d expect that as one of the leading brands in hospitality with another 20 hotels due to open by the end of the year, Travelodge’s head office would be in London, not Thame! By investing in quality and choice for their guests while staying true to their low-cost roots, Travelodge’s sales rose 8.8% to £693.3m in 2018 and they’re well on their way to becoming the UK’s favourite hotel for value.

Further investment in 2018 has seen the Support Office revamped to mirror the hotels they support. Their comfy communal space has been renovated to

match the new Bar Café featured in many of their hotels, as well as artwork from key locations including Edinburgh, Barcelona, and Liverpool.

Travelodge believe in rewarding people for their hard work, so now they have arranged for on-site access to a variety of services such as beauty treatments, dry cleaning and exercise classes. Hannah, the People Director, says “We know and appreciate that people work hard and it can be difficult to fit everything in. By providing some services at the office, it’s our way of saying thank you and supporting local businesses in the process.”

No clock watching at Travelodge

48. Thame Out

In addition to their extra services, employees also receive some brilliant benefits, such as 50% off Travelodge stays and money off for friends and family, as well as hundreds of discounts at high street retailers. There’s lots of opportunity for career progression, with the option to work across different departments and all the Travelodge vacancies are advertised internally first. From monthly office Huddles where they discuss business performance and any social news, to ‘Learn@Lunch’ sessions led by experts within Travelodge, there’s plenty of opportunity to explore different areas of the business and how each team supports the company’s strategic aims.

Despite being a 24/7 business, they still make time for exciting social events.

On their annual charity day in August,

Travelodge employees, their friends and family (and dogs!) get together to raise money for their chosen charity, the British Heart Foundation. The amazing employees at Travelodge, both at the office and in the hotels, raised over £68,000 in 2018!

Emily says “It’s a great day. Lovely to get everyone together for a good cause…

Seeing our CEO in goal for the penalty shootout was brilliant. The kids love it and we were over the moon that our Australian Cattle dog, Pippa, won the dog show.

We’ll be defending our title this year!” The Travelodge annual conference is another exciting date in the diary; where Support Office employees and Hotel Managers from around the country come together to discuss strategy and business news, and celebrate the year with an awards ceremony and dinner.

Who’s winning?

Hear from some of the Travelodge Support Office team below about what they think makes Travelodge a great place to work.

Paula, the Learning and Development Manager at Travelodge Support Office, works part time to balance her work and family life.

When coming back to work, why did you choose Travelodge?

“I joined Travelodge because the role was three days a week, and I could start after my maternity leave. I wanted to work part time because I needed to be me, not just mum - I love spending time with my daughter, but I love work as well, so it’s a really nice balance. I’ve never worked anywhere so working-mum-friendly! One of the best things about my job is the variety. I attend lots of meetings and work on training design, strategy and delivery. At Travelodge, you’re free to share your thoughts and ideas, and people will listen and look to implement them.”

Having first worked with Travelodge as a contractor, Tim later joined Travelodge in a permanent role as their IT Delivery Director.

What really surprised you about Travelodge?

“The levels of commitment and passion people have here, you don’t always see that so consistently in other organisations.

We have great people at Travelodge so it’s a very personable and friendly place to work. The recent refresh of the office did a fantastic job in making it a much nicer place to be and more conducive to our open style of collaboration.”

A recently refurbished hotel

>>> Thame Out .49

* > BUSINESS

What do you love most about your role?

“In IT, we have a challenging and exciting strategic road map, with a clear vision, and it’s great that the people we need to engage with are here in the building. We have strong experts working across our departments who are clear about what they want to deliver, analysis of changes and potential business benefits.”

Charley joined Travelodge a year after finishing her A Levels at Lord Williams’s School, starting in Customer Services before joining the Recruitment Team.

Why did you want to join Travelodge?

“A friend working at Travelodge recommended it to me, so I applied for an entry level role in Customer Services.Then, I saw a post on our internal community about a Recruitment Advisor vacancy, so I applied - it’s important to take all the opportunities here as there’s so much room for career progression.”

Red Day Goings On

Best bit of advice?

“It doesn’t matter if you haven’t worked in hospitality before. I’ve been able to learn about and understand the brand with support from my manager and colleagues.

Having time with your line manager means there’s always a chance to chat about what’s next for you and how they can help you with that.”

In hospitality today, the budget sector is the best place to be, and with Travelodge being the first budget hotel chain in the UK, there’s no better brand to be part of.

If you’re interested in working for a well known national brand in a fast-paced local support office, head over to www.travelodge.co.uk/careers to see their current opportunities and sign up for job alerts.

50. Thame Out

* > BUSINESS

At your service Just as regular dental check-ups keep our teeth in good order, a regular service for your vehicle is vital to keep it running at maximum efficiency and safe to drive.Steve Rogers took his Nissan Qashqai to be serviced by Thame Cars.

L

et’s face it, car maintenance and taking time out for a service can be a nuisance. Thankfully, at Thame Cars, they make it stress free and as convenient as possible.

That was certainly my experience.

Thame Cars did everything to ensure my car service caused me as little disruption to my day as possible.

After I booked in, I was asked if I wanted a lift back home or to my work. Or if I required the use of a loan car. They also gave me the option to use their waiting area and wait. I opted to work in the spacious waiting room and benefit from the free Wi-Fi and tea and coffee.

Mind you, the loan car is an excellent option (it is available to you for more than a day if needed – should a special part might need to be ordered in for example). Reassuringly, Thame Cars loan vehicles come with fully comprehensive insurance cover.

I had my annual service due, but they also carried out a Free Vehicle Check, that anyone can have at any time.

It’s recommended to have one as you come out of the winter months and another one as we leave summer behind.

As I was to discover, the winter months had really taken a toll on my car. Salted roads and those seemingly unavoidable and endless pot holes can really do some damage. The Nissan’s tyres and tracking certainly needed checking.

I also had one eye on the summer ahead. As a family, we are driving down to Cornwall and I wanted to make sure my car was in tip-top condition. It’s as much of a safety check as a service.

The spacious waiting area

52. Thame Out

Scott Price Operations Manager

Andy Britton, Harry Gollins and Kirsty Sladewski Service Advisors

Thame Cars Vehicle Health Check is a fast and visual, 51-point maintenance check during which they make sure your engine, gearbox and other such fundamentals are operating as well as they should be. They do this by following a simple, traffic light system: Red means there are urgent safety issues that need dealing with immediately.

Amber would be an indication that, while there are some issues that require attention in the not-too-distant-future, no urgent repairs are needed right away.

(For instance, your brake pads might need replacing soon, even if, for the time being, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at an acceptable standard.)

Green means your vehicle is in perfect working order and requires no work whatsoever.

A Vehicle Health Check is going to save you money in the long run. Simply put, fixing those minor issues now is preventative medicine, significantly extending the lifespan of your vehicle. The trick is to catch these issues in the present, before they become more costly in the future.

A yearly service is essential for any car, but a year is also long enough for a more serious problem to arise. For this reason, Thame Cars recommend a Vehicle Health Check every six months, just to be sure.

One aspect I appreciated with my vehicle service with Thame Cars was dealing with just one person from start to finish. They are effectively your personal service advisor.

It certainly was a stress free experience having my car serviced at Thame Cars.

Driving away from the forecourt the car felt better to drive thanks to the highly trained mechanics and their state-of-theart equipment. It also looked great thanks to the superb valeting service. It actually felt like a brand new car.

Thame Cars service all makes of vehicle.

Why not get yours ready for the summer, call Thame Cars and Harry, Andy, Kirsty or Scott are waiting to help.

Thame Cars Rycote Lane, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 2BY www.thamecars.co.uk 01844 390 583

* > BUSINESS

With thanks to Aerostat Magazine for giving us permission to run this article

Up, up and away

Peter Dowlen is a larger-than-life personality from the ballooning world, a representative of insurance broker, J Bennett & Son and whose flying escapades have become the subject of a series of amusing cartoons. This is part of a recent interview with Aerostat Magazine the official journal of the British Balloon & Airship Club.

What’s your favourite ballooning anecdote?

I heard a story where a fellow balloonist flew in fog. The forecaster said the fog would lift shortly, so our intrepid pilot, fully believing the forecast, took off. After an hour’s flight, the fog had got much worse, but he decided to gingerly start a descent. As he was tapping What was your most scary moment? his altimeter to check height, he had the How did you get into ballooning?

It was during a thunderstorm in Holland. misfortune to see the ground coming up fast.

I started through a friend in 1976, who An ‘expert’ met guy from Amsterdam’s He grabbed the burners, with both hands, learned to fly at Cirencester Agricultural Schiphol Airport had assured us, when and started to burn, turning on all taps. But College. I was always interested in giving the met, that there was no thunder it was too late. In his path, looming through aviation and, as an Air Cadet, I was lucky in the vicinity. Minutes after take off, we the fog, was a greenhouse, followed by a enough to fly Chipmunks, which whetted found out how wrong he was, and had large vegetable patch and a beautiful row of my appetite. After leaving school, I carried to make an emergency landing into a runner beans, in full bloom. Next, the silence on flying fixed wing, building up hours to cow field, just missing all of the cows. of the day was broken by the crashing of get my PPL. Fortunately, I had two very large German glass, mixed with 24 million BTUs of propane ladies on board and the basket stopped shooting up into the envelope. The basket What are your memories of your quickly and the envelope fully deflated continued through the greenhouse and first balloon flight? immediately. Thirty seconds after that, there then into the beans. The continual burning It was 16th October 1976, with my friend was a bright flash and then a huge clap at last started to work. Wrenching the entire Rob Fuller. We landed in a tree. It was in of thunder, followed by gusts well over 30 row of beans from the ground, stalks and all, Snapdragon, G-BCRE, a Cameron O-77 knots. We got soaked, but were safe. our pilot is now approaching the house, at with a Velcro rip. We were fortunate the same time as trying to extract the bean that the tree was opposite the Dog & What appeals most about ballooning? system. At roof level, he neatly pushed all the Pheasant pub in Brook, near Godalming, The freedom and camaraderie and all those canes holding the beans off the basket and Surrey. They had just opened as we serendipity moments. over the apex of the house. Our pilot then finished packing away. I seem to disappears like a cork out of water, into the remember being driven home after we Where have you flown abroad? blue sky and safety. Twenty minutes later were shown the door at closing time. I Ireland, Holland, France, Germany, Italy, the fog begins to clear and a safe landing is thought, this is great fun!

Austria, USA, and of course all over the UK. made. I often wonder what the householder thought, as they woke to find the carnage What do you find most difficult What’s your favourite balloon event? outside and on the roof. about ballooning?

There are too many to mention, but high The fickleness of the British weather, but on the list would be The Irish Meet, Twente How long did it take to get your licence? with the keenness and loyalty of a local Ballooning and latterly Todi. I have attended Three years – marriage to my wife, Gail, crew, we usually get lucky. If we meet and every Irish Championships since 1985. in1978 intervened, so it could have been the wind doesn’t drop, the Black Horse quicker. in Great Missenden serves excellent ales What balloons do you currently fly? from a local client, the Rebellion Brewery Current balloon, a Cameron Z-90, G-CIJB, How was your first solo flight?

Company, in Marlow. and an older envelope is a Cameron N-105, It was shortly after my check flight with G-OJBS. Both are affectionately called Gerry back in October 1979. It was What was your most Bennett. interesting to say the least, as I used the memorable flight? trail rope on landing. Bad idea, on your own There have been a number, but probably How often do you fly? in a 77 with a Velcro rip. I went up again, but it was the flight over the English Channel I used to fly about eighty times a year and fortunately the crew were fit and ran across with Mary in 1992. Sixty-two other it’s now down to about thirty. Quality, not the field, grabbed the line and got me down. balloons under the supervision of ace quantity, as you get older. organiser, Derek Belton, flew a charity event, most landing at Calais airport after a two-hour flight. We landed at the far end of the runway and enjoyed some champagne whilst we awaited retrieval. By the time we got into the terminal, the other pilots had finished all the beer!

54. Thame Out

You’re the inspiration for a new series of adverts for J. Bennett & Son, illustrated by cartoonist Rupert Besley: how did that come about?

From the team in the office, my nickname, my adventures, and of course how my crew (specifically Mary Sanders), have to get me out of scrapes. It’s a lovely compliment and Rupert is an excellent cartoonist. We were very lucky to find him.

Insurance can sometimes be complicated, and J Bennett & Son Insurance Brokers understand that you will want to deal with people who speak your language.

They look after businesses in Thame and elsewhere and specialise in commercial insurance. When it comes to insurance, businesses need to know that their staff, reputation, premises and equipment are protected and are covered for the unexpected. As a broker they also help you identify the threats and risks to your business and negotiate cover on your behalf.

If you would like to talk about your Business or even your Balloon, why not call them on 01494 450 450 or email them at insure@jbennett.co.uk

What are your ballooning goals?

Purely to enjoy myself safely and carry on as long as I can, health and regulations permitting.

What’s your passion outside of ballooning?

All country sports, allotment gardening, motorcycling and cooking. I also enjoy nice meals, including fine wine and travel.

How did you get involved in balloon insurance?

It was following my joining the Snapdragon Syndicate. I was already working in insurance, which helped me get to know the market and start work to design our own scheme. When I joined J. Bennett & Son in 1984, we insured several balloons with Generali of Italy and Lloyds of London. The first J. Bennett balloon came on the scene in the Summer of ‘87, which sparked the growth of our Balloon Insurance business, culminating in

us finally creating our own scheme, with our own wording and claims handling facility.

How many balloonists does J. Bennett & Son insure?

We have approaching 200 policies and insure over 500 balloons. It is a real mix of private and commercial balloonists. From a small hopper up to 16 passenger public transport balloons.

J. Bennett & Son Ltd 9 North’s Estate, Old Oxford Road, Piddington, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP14 3BE 01494 450 450 mark@jbennett.co.uk www.jbennett.co.uk

Thame Out .55

The Rising Sun - Fine Thai Cuisine

If you want to enjoy the delights of a traditional British pub â&#x20AC;&#x201C; oak beams, stone floors, great beers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and the flavours of fantastic Thai cuisine, there is nowhere better than the Rising Sun in Thame.

and top sport 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 Premiership and EFL Football Rugby, Cricket, Golf and much more ...

b Loyalty card available (ask in pub) b Half price cocktails every Wednesday b Find us on Facebook b Live sport (Sky & BT)

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

01844 214206 www.risingsun-thame.co.uk

> ENTERTAINMENT

Towering festival Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

Bruce Foxton

Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel

Celebrating its 55th year, the brilliant Towersey Festival returns to Thame Showground over Bank Holiday weekend From Friday 23rd to Monday 26th August.

T

his year’s Towersey promises another excellent mix of leading folk/ roots artists, big bands and solo performers, as well as workshops, storytellers, street theatre, and masses of activities for younger visitors.

Kicking off on Friday, there’s appearances from Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel, whose hits include the enduring Make Me Smile and Here Comes The Sun, the acclaimed Unthanks, and shanty heroes Fishermen’s Friends (whose rise to fame as inspired a hit movie).

58. Thame Out

Newton Faulkner

Saturday’s line-up sees troubadour Newton Faulkner alongside From the Jam (featuring The Jam’s original bassist Bruce Foxton), and award-winning Welsh/ Seneglese duo Catrin Finch and Seckou Keita, while on Sunday the main stage welcomes original 2-Tone ska legends The Selecter, Ireland’s Hothouse Flowers and Seth Lakeman.

The Selecter

Finally on Monday, there’s the return of the always entertaining Ukulele Orchestra Of Great Britain, the 50-plus Conservatoire Folk Ensemble, and an afternoon concert honouring the life of singer Roy Bailey with tributes from Tom Robinson, Martin Simpson and special guests.

With over 100 acts, plus specially selected real ales and street food vendors, drop-in activities for all ages, craft stalls, lantern parade, dedicated ceilidh/ dance tent, and much more, Towersey is the perfect summer festival.

Tickets/Info’: 0115 8077900 www.towerseyfestival.com/tickets

> ENTERTAINMENT

Playing at the Oxford Playhouse STONES IN HIS POCKETS 8 – 13 JULY A small village in rural Ireland is turned upside down when a major Hollywood film studio descends to make a historical blockbuster on location. Often hysterically funny, thoughtprovoking and witty, this wonderful comedy has won numerous awards including both the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best New Comedy.

THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN 16 – 20 JULY Adapted from Paula Hawkins’ novel – an international phenomenon selling over twenty million copies worldwide – and starring Samantha Womack, this gripping new play will keep you guessing until the final moment.

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE 20 –24 AUGUST Age guideline: 12+

TABBY McTAT 16 – 18 AUGUST From the team behind Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales and Zog, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Tabby McTat is a heart-warming tale of friendship and loyalty, interwoven with original songs and a sprinkling of magic.

Based on the Oscar-winning film, Little Miss Sunshine is a touching and hilarious musical comedy that celebrates the quirks of every family, the potholes in every road and the power of overcoming our differences. Age guideline: 14+

k COM PETITIONk WIN FOUR TICKETS TO SEE LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE on Tuesday 20th August at 7.30pm. See page 66.

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

CIRCA PRESENTS HUMANS 13 & 14 SEPTEMBER

MACBETH 17 – 21 SEPTEMBER

Ten acrobats take us on a stirring journey of what it means to be human, and of how our bodies, our connections, and our aspirations all form part of who we are.

Blazing with tension, energy and passion, experience a powerful new interpretation of Macbeth, the Watermill Ensemble’s boldest production to date. Fuelled by greed, ambition and desire, the Macbeths’ desperation to survive is reflected in the fierce reverberations of Johnny Cash, The xx and The Rolling Stones.

Age guideline: 12+

Age guideline: 8+

Thame Out .61

> ENTERTAINMENT

What’s new at the NEW THEATRE WAR HORSE

ANT MIDDLETON Mind over muscle 28 SEPTEMBER

21 AUGUST – 7 SEPTEMBER War Horse, the unforgettable theatrical event based on his beloved novel, will return to Oxford, to the New Theatre Oxford from Wednesday, August 21 – Saturday, September 7.

War Horse last played at the George Street venue at Christmas 2017 to sell out audiences. Tickets for the production go on sale at 10am on Friday, November 16.

Directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, Nick Stafford’s adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s remarkable story of courage, loyalty and friendship, about a young boy called Albert and his horse Joey, set against the backdrop of the First World War is the most successful play in the National Theatre’s history. It features ground-breaking puppetry work by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, which brings breathing, galloping horses to life on stage.

Michael Morpurgo said: ‘Joey, the War Horse and his great team from the National Theatre, are touring the UK again, taking their show all over the country, to towns and cities. I am so pleased this is happening; that so many more people will have the chance to enjoy this unique theatrical event. Steady boy, steady Joey.

Trot on!’

War Horse is directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, designed by Rae Smith, with puppet direction, design and fabrication by Basil Jones and Adrian Kohler for Handspring Puppet Company, lighting by Paule Constable, and movement and horse choreography

by Toby Sedgwick, with video design

by Leo Warner and Mark Grimmer for 59 Productions, songmaker John Tams, music by Adrian Sutton and sound by Christopher Shutt.

Ant Middleton, best known as the Chief Instructor for Channel 4’s hit shows, SAS : Who Dares Wins, Mutiny and Escape is returning to the City of Dreaming Spires this autumn.

This brand new show for 2019 from the No. 1 Sunday Times Best Selling Author will bring the ‘elements’ to the audience through lighting, sound and set. The show will recreate what mental strength it took behind the scenes for Ant to complete his recent SAS series and his huge Everest challenge. Plus throughout Ant will take the audience through a motivational journey of self-help and self-discovery.

LULU Still on fire 22 SEPTEMBER Lulu still has plenty to shout about as she embarks on another mammoth tour of the UK. A singer, songwriter, actress, national treasure are all labels that have been attributed to Lulu. She has stayed the course, when many have faltered, why, simply because her talent as an artist and her determination as a person. Her powerhouse performances have ensured a loyal following of fans who come out year after year to witness a legend at work.

If you haven’t seen Lulu live, then don’t miss this special opportunity as Lulu

recounts her remarkable life now at 70 years old and a career that has outshone many of her contemporaries.

Still on Fire is a show packed full of hits, in which Lulu takes us on her own personal journey through her music.

Supported by a 4-piece band, LED screen with carefully selected family and career defining moments. Lulu will have you sitting, standing, dancing, singing, laughing and simply listening to an amazing story that started on 3rd November 1948.

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.

62. Thame Out

SHUTTER SPEC SECURITY We supply, install and service a range of high quality garage doors, security grilles/shutters and entrance gates. Please come to our showroom.

UNIQUE SECURITY FEATURES

Domestic, Commercial and Industrial Security Solutions

01844 212152 info@shutterspecsecurity.co.uk www.shutterspecsecurity.co.uk

6 Swan Walk, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 3HN Tel: 01844 212152 www.shutterspecsecurity.co.uk

Thame Out .63

> LISTINGS

What, where and when?

NEW THEATRE – OXFORD www.newtheatreoxford.org.uk 0870 606 3500 June 5 Al Murray: Landlord of Hope and Glory 6 Sir Ranulph Fiennes: Living Dangerously 8 Wannabe - The Spice Girls Show 14 - 15 English Youth Ballet Cinderella in Hollywood 16 Walk Right Back The Everly Brothers Story 17 - 22 Amélie 23 Hello Again Neil Diamond 24 - 29 Hair the Musical July 4 Totally Tina 5 A Vision of Elvis 6 The Carpenters Story 13 The Johnny Cash Roadshow 16 - 20 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 19 Stand Up Oxford 21 An Intimate Evening of Songs and Stories with Graham Nash 24 James Acaster COLD LASAGNE HATE MYSELF 1999 27 Showaddywaddy 30 The Spooky Men’s Chorale August 3 The Dreamboys 11 The Proclaimers 17 Some Guys Have All the Luck The Rod Stewart Story 22 - 2 Sept War Horse September 19 - 21 Stephen Fry - Mythos Trilogy 22 Lulu - Still On Fire 23 The Simon and Garfunkel Story 25 Frank Skinner 26 An Evening with Harry Redknapp 27 Aled Jones & Russell Watson In Harmony 28 Ant Middleton - Mind Over Muscle

64. Thame Out

OXFORD PLAYHOUSE www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305 June 2 Julian Clary: Born To Mince 4 -8 Napoli, Brooklyn 11- 15 Turn of the Screw 18 Don Pasquale 20 - 22 Rotterdam 26 - 28 Chekov’s First Play July 4-6 MCS Drama presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream 8 - 13 Stones in His Pockets 16 - 20 The Girl on the Train 23 - 30 Shakespeare’s Globe on Tour The Comedy of Errors, Twelfth Night and Pericles.

August 16 - 18 Tabby McTat 20 - 24 Little Miss Sunshine September 13 - 14 Circa presents Humans 17 - 21 Macbeth 24 - 28 Two Trains Running THE PLAYERS THEATRE – THAME www.thameplayers.co.uk The Players Theatre, Nelson Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 2DP June 2 Hats off to Led Zeppelin 8 Dung Beetles July 19 - 13 Cut! By Robert Duncan 10 - 14 The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice

by Jim Cartwright WATERSIDE THEATRE 0844 871 7607 June 5 RSC - The Taming of the Shrew, Live Screening 7 -9 The Tiger Who Came To Tea 11 ROH - Romeo & Juliet, Live Screening

20 20 21 23 23 26 27 27 28 29 July 5

NT - All About Eve Encore Screening Rhythm of the Dance The ELO Experience Dementia Friendly Screening The King and I Money For Nothing Here Come The Boys NT - Small Islands, Encore Screening Hormonal Housewives The Illegal Eagles The Magic of Motown

An Evening of Mediumship with Terri Stromeyer 6 - 20 Open House Family Theatre Club: Act One 6 - 20 Open House Family Theatre Club: Act Two 10 Jimmy Carr - Terribly Funny 11 The Dreamboys 14 Kandeez Dance presents 15 22 - 27 Avenue Q 31 RSC - Measure for Measure, Live Screening August: 15 - 18 The Addams Family 18 Dementia Friendly Screening The Greatest Showman 24 An Exhibition of Darts September 4 BYO Baby Comedy 6 James Kirby - Everything To Fight For 7 The Unbound Sketchbook 8 Some Guys Have All the Luck The Rod Stewart Story 14 & 15 Aylesbury Heritage Open Day Tour 14 Swing That Music: Down for the Count & Swing Dance MK 15 Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave 19 Madagascar The Musical 23 John Finnemore’s Flying Visit 25 Think Floyd 26 The Dung Beatles 27 The Searchers & Hollies Experience

> COMPETITIONS

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

b

Win.Win.Win.

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 10th June 2019.

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 Hilary’s article is about the effect of what on diet and exercise? a) Atkins b) Aerobics c) Alcohol (See page 16 for details) The Thatch Competition Two tickets to the Summer Tasting Menu on the 12th June will go to the first correct entry out of the hat.

The question Starter prices start from? a) £6 b) £8 c) £10 (See page 43 for details)

WINNERS Personal Trainer Competition Barbara Edge, Brill Beacon Festival Competition Charlene Howlett, Oakley Oxford Playhouse Competition Gordon Govier, Brill ERA Competition Lou Merry, Thame Sadie The Spider Competition Mrs M Lawrence, Tackley

How to reach more customers

Thame Out The complimentary magazine for the Thame area

Carr parked in Oxford Jimmy Carr at the New Theatre

Oxford Playhouse Competition Four tickets to see Little Miss Sunshine on the 20th August (7.30) will go to the first correct entry out of the hat.

The question The age guideline for Little Miss Sunshine is? a) 10+ b) 12+ c) 14+ (See page 60 for details)

Autumn 2009 Issue 11

Grape taste Corking wines at Wines Unfurled

Magic of the Middle East

What makes Syria a fantastic holiday destination

Truly engaging Gorgeous bridal gowns and beautiful wedding rings

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

THAME OUT.

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

MagaScene FREE

SPECIAL OFFERS FROM:

SUMMER 2016 u

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR BICESTER AND BEYOND

The kids are alright

Family friendly holidays from Spear Travels

Cultivating customers

Cosmetic Courses Page 11

The Plough in Marsh Gibbon

Christmas treats

Stratton Audley’s year round Christmas Barn

Bittersweet

Dropit 21 can help cure a sweet tooth

ERA SKIN & LASER CLINIC Page 19 Spear Travels Page 23 Gallant Menswear Page 25 66. Thame Out

Picture perfect Portrait photography from Paul Wilkinson

M S

HEALTH BEAUTY HOME TRAVEL BUSINESS LOCAL ...

MAGASCENE.

The lifestyle magazine for Bicester and surrounding area.

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

Thame Out .67