Thame Out Summer 2021 Issue 58

Thame Out Now in our 16th year

Summer 2021

The complimentary magazine for Thame and the surrounding area

Home Truths

The Latest Property News from College and County

Clothes Lines

Wardrobe designs from Kingsey Furniture & Interiors

Curry Flavour

Olive Indian Cuisine in Princes Risborough

Happy Families

Financial advice from Wills & Trusts

Crowning Glory Helen Grace Hats

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

Specialising only in the most innovative skin, face and body treatments.

With a highly experienced team of clinicians and therapists, ERA’s philosophy is to simply provide the best, safe, aesthetic procedures with an exceptional customer service.

Set in a beautiful period building in the heart of Thame, the clinic comprises pristine, dedicated rooms for each specialist treatment.

Book your FREE Consultation today. b Laser Hair Removal b Fat Freezing & Body Toning b HIFU: Non-Surgical Facelift b Advanced Facials / Hydrafacial b Pigmentation Reduction b Acne / Acne Scarring Treatment b Dermal Fillers & Anti-wrinkle Consultations b Microblading & Beauty Treatments b Gift Vouchers Available

Visit www.eraclinics.co.uk or call us on 01844 698441 email: info@eraclinics.co.uk

Waitrose

ERA

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

IGH THAME H

Town Hall

STREET

FREE PARKING AND Wi-Fi

How to make your business more profitable. Sell it.

Promote your business or service through Thame Out magazine.

Delivered direct to homes and available at a number of selected pick-up points in Thame and the surrounding area. Places such as Waitrose, Thame & Haddenham and Princes Risborough railway stations, pubs, restaurants, leisure centres, shops and so on.

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

CONTENTS 6. LOCAL NEWS – Midsomer Tours, Thame Museum, Local Author, Thame Food Festival and Thame Town Music Festival.

10. HEALTH & BEAUTY – Expert Eye Care, Healthy Skin Care, and Ear Care.

22. FASHION – Gallant Menswear and Helen Grace Hats 26. TRAVEL – Bryony Hordern.

28. LIFESTYLE – White Hart Studio, fitch & fellows, Churchill Retirement and Lightfoots Solicitors.

36. HOME & GARDEN – 4 Seasons Tree Care, Kingsey Furniture, Haddenham Garden Centre, tillynilly, Greens of Thame, Stratton Audley Barn and Ridgeway Interiors.

60. PROPERTY – College and County 66. FOOD & DRINK – Wine Column, Olive Restaurant and 10 Mile Menu.

74. ENTERTAINMENT – New Theatre and Oxford Playhouse.

78. LISTINGS

Cover: College and County See page 60.

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 ©2021 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

Simply Bookkeeping of Thame

All accounts prepared for you to simply hand over to your Accountant.

Ideal service for small businesses and sole traders.

Online account packages. £15 to £20 per hour or agreed monthly fee.

email crysti@simplybookkeepingofthame.net.

LOCAL NEWS

Street music

Thame Town Music Festival Returns Thame Town Music Festival Director, Johnnie Littler announces: “We are delighted to confirm that our fantastic free Festival will go ahead on Saturday 10 July 2021 in 12 venues all over Thame.”

In its 4th year, the roads in central Thame will be closed to allow the main stage in front of the Town Hall, and a whole raft of food and craft stalls and bars in the streets. Nearly every pub will have live music showcasing a range of musical genres including jazz, folk, country, Americana, rock, pop, indie and reggae music.

Main stage headliners are the incredible Big Country, a legendary act who are bound to deliver a superb rocking finale. They are joined on the bill throughout the day by over 60 other acts including Rusty Shackle,

Laid Blak, James Kirby, Isla St.Clair, Jen Berkova, Curse of Lono, Self Help and many more. Johnnie continues: “I am also delighted to announce our partnerships with BBC Introducing in Oxfordshire and the Academy of Contemporary Music, both of whom will have their own stages showcasing the best of new talent from around the UK. We also confirm that our postponed concert with the brilliant Glen Miller Orchestra led by Ray McVay will also be going ahead in St. Mary’s Church on Friday 9th July starting at 7:30. All tickets sold last year are still valid, and there are still a few left over at WeGotTickets.com TTMF have consulted with Thame Town Council, SODC and the emergency services to ensure all health and safety guidelines are met. “As a free, open access festival we can only go ahead if all

Covid 19 related restrictions have been completely lifted but we are very optimistic about this and are looking forward to a great party for our wonderful community. Where possible we are having our stages outdoors to give a little more space. It’s all made possible by our incredibly generous sponsors including Equias BV, Christopher Ward Limited, ASM, Haddenham Healthcare, Thame Town Council and many other local companies.

For more information go to our Website: www.ThameTownMusicFestival.org or contact Contactus@ThameTownMusicFestival. org. We are always looking for volunteers to help on the day and we have a few slots available for artists and bands.

New voices in Oxfordshire A cheating government minister, an abandoned wife and a scheming press agent who turns on his boss: Sound familiar? Any similarity is entirely intentional. These are all characters in @emele, a comic opera by Wheatleybased composer Roger Simmonds. @emele is the first production by Oxfordshire Contemporary Opera, a new charity formed to provide a platform for

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new work combining young professional talent and community involvement in the county. The show will receive its world premiere in July with a stellar professional cast, including Jessica Wise, Naomi Rogers and bass Aidan Smith who plays the philandering politico.

The show is being staged outdoors for safety at Wheatley House, on July 7th, 9th and 10th July at 7.30 pm.

Tickets are £35 & £25 and can be purchased by emailing: emeletickets@oxcontemporaryopera.org or bought through Tickets Oxford.

Murder most fun Midsomer Tours are back

Local Author A new childrens book from local Author, Claire Wilby is now available.

Globetrotter - Meridien Travels the World is the story of a globetrotting horse. It is a story about friendship, travel and cultural insights - and of course a fabulous horse!

Based on the travels of a real horse, the book takes you on a journey with Meridien to foreign lands. You will meet the friends he makes along the way and share in his experiences of different cultures.

The book has been written with 8-12 year old children in mind. However, younger children will enjoy having it read to them and anyone is welcome to pick up a copy and join the journey and enjoy the fabulous illustrations. www.meridientravelstheworld.co.uk

New business

Thame Massage & Well-being Centre has opened its doors. Run by Mark Webster, it is a home to Masseurs and Pilates classes. Thame Massage & Well-being Centre is located at the back of Greens of Thame on Thame’s High Street.

We wish them all well.

01844 338844

After a year in which very few Midsomer Tours took place, thanks to Coronavirus restrictions, the popular Midsomer Tours of Thame are back! They recommenced on Wednesday 14th April, starting outside the Town Hall at 2 pm, and continue each Wednesday until 27th October.

The tours are led by a team of seven knowledgeable guides (all volunteers) who are enthusiastic experts, not only on Midsomer Murders locations, the different episodes, the actors, the bizarre methods of murder and much more, but on local history too.

The guides will escort you round the 23 Midsomer filming locations in Thame, tell you about each location – including Thame Town Hall (aka Causton Town Hall), the Spread Eagle and Swan Hotels, estate agents Chancellors and Tim Russ, Rumsey’s Chocolaterie and Thame Museum. Participants will also learn fascinating snippets about Thame’s history, from Neanderthal remains to the English Civil War and Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. A popular stop point is the Prebendal, which featured in a recent episode, not only rich in history as a building, but also the former home of Bee Gee, Robin Gibb, buried in St Mary’s Churchyard nearby.

The globally acclaimed Midsomer Murders is a TV phenomenon, which has been running since 1997 and is still going strong. Thame is one of the most-filmed locations, sometimes appearing as Causton, sometimes as one of the many picturesque villages in Midsomer County (aka Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire).

Tony Long, tour organiser, commented, ‘We are delighted that the ever-popular Midsomer Tours can start again. Over 6 million people watch Midsomer Murders in the UK and millions more worldwide. When people see it on TV, they want to come and visit the beautiful towns and villages of Midsomer, such as Thame. When they are here, they spend money in our restaurants, pubs, hotels, and shops – which has got to be good for the town and its economy, especially following the lockdowns’.

He added, ‘Following government advice, we will ensure that the now smaller tour groups comply with social distancing guidelines. Participants may wish to wear face masks, but none of the locations involve being indoors, so this is not necessary.

Hand sanitiser can be provided on request’.

Something to smile about Saturday 28th August Evening of Comedy 7.30pm-11pm (Gates open at 5pm ) Tickets available from www.ticketsource.co.uk We all need a good time, thankfully, this summer sees the return of Towersey Fringe.

Venue: Towersey Playing Fields For more information: info@towerseyfringe.co.uk

Sunday 29th August Day of Beer and Bands 1.30pm-11pm (Gates open at 1pm ) Great food stalls and children’s activities also.

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LOCAL NEWS

A feast of fun Looking forward to the return of the Thame Food Festival.

It’s back…Thame Food Festival returns for 2021 aiming to support and showcase lots of wonderful artisan producers Yet again Thame Food Festival will be a real foodie destination on the 25th & 26th September 2021 at Thame Showground.

More importantly than ever it aims to raise awareness and support many of our artisan producers who have worked tirelessly over the last year to survive.

As Lotte Duncan, organiser of the event says; “With the news that restrictions were planning to be lifted, we were keen to get preparations started and work towards creating a truly special end to the Summer. We know of so many small artisan businesses that have suffered and so it makes Thame Food Festival even more important now than ever. This is why we are working hard to give them an opportunity to showcase all the wonderful things they offer.”

She continues; “Little did we know a year ago where we would be now.

However, this is a chance for food lovers to enjoy a day out, while celebrating our artisan producers, supporting small businesses and to have something to look forward to. Obviously, several additional measures are being put in place to ensure that Covid-19 guidelines will be met. Our priority is to balance having a great event with keeping people safe and secure.”

Central to everything at the event will be a myriad of food and drink experiences, foodie sampling and demonstrations including: Artisan and Street Food Markets Spoilt for choice…already confirmed are a mix of sweet, savoury, hot, cold, vegan, vegetarian and flavours from right the way around the world. Something delicious to suit every taste! Many producers are booked, but fortunately the scale of the showground lends itself to allowing plenty of space for more to join. Stall holder applications are now open, so if you

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are an artisan producers looking for an opportunity to share your food and drink delights, then get in contact.

Chef and Baker Demonstrations On the main stage will be a myriad of demonstrations from some of our star chefs and bakers. These include a mix of both national and local leading lights who are all keen to reveal their love of food.

They will be creating tempting dishes, while giving us their foodie insights and thoughts.

More than just food The core of Thame Food Festival is always about the food and drink. Easily accessible, there will be a free shuttle bus from the Town Hall. However, it would not be a festival without live music both in the Artisan Village and also from the live stage.

Alongside will be the ever-popular Gin Garden and Pop-Up pub by FestivAles featuring a fantastic range of local awardwinning brews. Then for the shopaholics, step into the marquee of eclectic home and kitchenware which will be returning courtesy of Humble Country.

The dedicated Children’s Activity Area will also be re-visiting featuring local charity Thomley (based just outside of Thame in Worminghall) with lots of art and fun things to do. And once again, there will be dog shows and demonstrations

by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People with all money raised going directly to the charities.

Finally Lotte says; “Fortunately, the space at the Showground means we can expand the event space and we are now actively in discussion with a number of local companies creating sponsorship packages. There is lots of scope and with the additional measures that need to be put in place to make sure the event works we would welcome conversations with others to create something that will appeal to everyone.”

Buy your tickets online now. These will ensure a FAST TRACK ENTRY into the event on the weekend.

Entrance is £10 per day (accompanied children under 16 go free). Come eat, drink and do! Join for a fun, fabulous, feasting family day out!

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LOCAL NEWS

A brighter future, celebrating our past.

Thame Museum has reopened.

I

t is said, the future is shaped by the past. Well, our community has lived through a trying recent history. But with a vigorous Covid vaccination programme and an easing of the lockdown, the future has an optimistic air to it.

Thame Museum’s reopening is great news for locals and visitors alike.

Enter the main display room of the museum set in the old Court House and you will find display cabinets and panels, set in the arched recesses of the walls that tell the story of Thame through the ages.

Focusing on periods, such as the Civil War, that have loomed large in the town’s past. The artefacts span an impressive timescale, from the Anglo-Saxon period to the modern day.

The Museum is also acutely mindful of its duties to the present population of the town. It puts together a Handling Collection – these are early 20th century items such as irons, candlesticks, carpet beaters, sewing tools – which are taken to nearby care homes and schools so that the residents can connect in a tangible form once more with their childhoods and formative years. On the subject of children, dressing up boxes bring school trips to the Museum to vivid life.

The museum is much more than static displays however.

The first post lockdown exhibition is Two Thame Birds. This is the history of two iconic buildings in the town. The Spread Eagle and The Bird Cage. On display are never before seen photographs and archive material. Entrance is free.

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Based on ‘Midsomer Murders’, the hugely popular television series filmed in the town and surrounding area, the Midsomer Tours have started. These go right through until October.

Every Wednesday, at 2pm, in small groups of max. 5 people, the tour starts at the Town Hall and finishes at the Museum. Details are available on the Museum website thamemuseum.org as well as thamemidsomertours@gmail.com The popular monthly talks will continue online until the end of the year.

The full programme of talks can be found on the Museum’s website.

Thame Museum is entirely run by volunteers. If you would be interested in joining this friendly, welcoming team do get in touch, they would love to hear from you.

79 High Street, Thame, Oxon OX9 3AE Tel: 01844 212801 Email: volunteers@thamemuseum.org Thame Museum is open from 10am – 4pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

There is full wheelchair access to all areas.

Pushchairs are welcome.

Admission is FREE. Government guidelines on Covid restrictions will still apply until further notice.

FIT FOR PURPOSE Invictus Fitness Centre is a state of the art gym that provides the perfect environment for all the family to achieve their fitness goals. The very latest equipment, great classes and training programs to suit a variety of passions, interests and fitness levels. Come and join us.

Invictus Fitness Centre 3 Wenman Road, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 3SD info@invictusfit.co.uk 01844 213602 www.invictusfitnesscentre.co.uk

MEMBERSHIPS FROM JUST £39.99.

FREE OFF-ROAD PARKING

HEALTH & BEAUTY Clinic Owner Emma Rothery with Aesthetic Practitioners Paige and Alice

Rejuvenation Destination ERA Clinic in Thame has become well known as the destination to head to for the latest face and body rejuvenation treatments.

S

ince re-opening on the 12th April, the team at ERA Skin & Laser clinic has expanded to include 2 new aesthetic practitioners and has been busier than ever. Jane Dale went to meet clinic owner Emma Rothery to find out which treatments have been most in demand since lockdown eased and what options are available if you’re looking to rejuvenate your face or body this year.

Emma says “when it comes to facial rejuvenation, we find people tend to sit in one of two camps. Those who are happy to have injectable treatments and those who prefer to try a less invasive option first. When we originally set up the clinic we were very aware of this, which is why we invested in the latest technologies such as HIFU and Radiofrequency, which are clinically proven to lift and tighten sagging skin without a needle in sight.

We of course also offer traditional treatments such as Botox®, Dermal Fillers & Profhilo®. This means that when you book your face consultation here

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at ERA you can be sure we will discuss all the options with you, not just those involving a needle! If you do choose an injectable option, you will be in safe hands as those treatments are carried out by Dr Arora, a medical doctor with over 10 years’ experience.

ERA Lift® ERA stands for Enhance, Rejuvenate and Anti-Ageing. So it’s no surprise that the clinic has created it’s own signature non-surgical facelift treatment. The ERA Lift harnesses the latest needle-free technologies to tighten sagging jowls and increase mid-face volume whilst improving overall skin quality and tone.

This is made possible because these technologies stimulate natural collagen and elastin which deplete as we age.

Thread veins and any areas of pigmentation are also addressed as part of the treatment using laser and IPL. A typical ERA lift treatment requires six treatments over three months and results are said to be most impressive.

Emma says, “At ERA, we pride ourselves on our results and will always invite you back for a post treatment review to

review your before and after photos. When working with “needle-free” technologies, it’s common to see an initial lifting effect with full results developing naturally over a period of three months.

This innovative approach is one of the many reasons why people choose ERA for their treatment.

Emma adds, “Not everyone wants a sudden improvement that draws attention, many people prefer to come for regular treatments to achieve the kind of results where friends comment that they look really well but can’t quite put their finger on why!”

Skincare First Emma advises “before embarking on any aesthetic treatment, it’s important to ensure that your skin is in good condition and well hydrated. As an approved ZO Skin Health clinic we are able to prescribe medical grade skincare to help you achieve beautiful skin which glows with natural radiance and addresses common concerns such as pigmentation, rosacea or acne”.

Core to Floor Technologies Many people are now choosing to visit aesthetic clinics to help tighten loose skin or lose areas of stubborn fat which remain despite a busy lifestyle or time spent at the gym. Emma explains, “we saw a huge demand for fat freezing and skin tightening treatments once lockdown eased. Cryolipolysis, Cavitation and Radiofrequency are proven technologies to treat excess fat or tone and shape the body. Depending on the type of fat we’re treating, we would either offer Cryoliposculpt® or Endoshape® treatments which harness these technologies in different ways, giving impressive results on the stomach, thighs or buttocks in as little as eight weeks”.

When it comes to improving the Pelvic Floor, ERA can also help you and is proud to be the only clinic in Oxfordshire to offer the revolutionary Emsella Chair. This treatment uses clinically proven HIFEM technology to tighten the pelvic floor muscles whilst you sit fully clothed on the Chair. It’s a noninvasive treatment which delivers results after only three weeks. This treatment is recommended for anyone who finds themselves leaking urine post childbirth or as a result of the menopause. It is also effective for treating erectile dysfunction or to improve intimate satisfaction. Emma

The Emsella Chair

Treating Fungal Nail infection with Nd:YAG Laser

Using HIFU to create volume in the mid face and lift and tighten the jawline

says “since launching this treatment we’ve been so thrilled with the improved quality of life our patients have achieved. Many are now pad free when doing exercise, happy to go on a long car journey without worrying about where to stop, or simply able to spontaneously sneeze or cough without having to worry about leaking. If you’ve tried kegel exercises without success or simply don’t have time to do them, Emsella is the perfect choice”.

Don’t Forget Your Feet!

When it comes to rejuvenation, even the feet don’t get forgotten at ERA! As well as offering luxury pedicure treatments

by Champney’s trained therapist Sue, the clinic also offers laser treatment for Onychomycosis, more commonly known as fungal nail infection. Fungal nail infections cause a darkening and a thickening of the nail and are notoriously difficult to treat. This is because the infection lies under the nail which makes it difficult to reach. Traditional treatments involve anti-fungal tablets which can have a harmful effect on the liver or liquids which need to be reapplied frequently. ERA’s laser therapists are all Level 4 laser qualified and use an Nd:YAG laser to treat this common condition, which penetrates the nail and kills the bacteria beneath. Nd:YAG Laser procedure is a quick and effective treatment requiring only one treatment session per week for six weeks, after which time healthy nail can be seen.

Whether you are ready to book a treatment or just curious to find out which treatment would be right for you, the clinic is always happy to help. Emma says “we offer free thirty minute consultations for all of our face and body treatments. We don’t charge for our consultations as that simply doesn’t align with our clinic values. Before embarking on any aesthetic treatment, we want you to ensure you’ve made a fully informed decision about your treatment. For us that means seeing you in person in the clinic, showing you the room you’ll receive your treatment in, introducing you to your therapist and taking time to explain all of your treatment options to you.

To find out more about how ERA can help you, visit the website www.eraclinics.co.uk or call 01844 698441 to book your free rejuvenation consultation.

98a High Street, Thame Oxfordshire OX9 3EH www.eraclinics.co.uk 01844 698441

Find ERA on Instagram and Facebook

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

“M

y Optometrist has never mentioned that I could have Contact Lenses, and so I assumed that I’m not suitable”. A familiar cry when I offer my patients the chance to experience the freedom to see without specs.

“But I’m not sure I could stand having something in my eyes”, is another response to my suggestion. This fear is quickly dispelled by a simple demonstration. “So how about I pop a pair of lenses on to your eyes, so that you can see to try on new frames? That will quickly squash your worry about lens comfort - and you’ll be able to clearly see the styles you are trying.”

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This is often the beginning of a spectacle wearers journey into the joy of contact lenses. A journey which opens up the choice to see without lenses steaming up, the chance to enjoy a more active lifestyle without the encumbrance of glasses, the opportunity to see and be seen as you would wish to, without your face being framed.

With the fear of discomfort assigned to the “that was an unnecessary worry” folder, and with the realisation that lenses are easy to apply and remove (with a little expert coaching), then all you need to do is trust your Optometrist to design or select the best contact lens product for you.

Becoming a contact lens wearer involves a few short appointments, beginning with a fresh Comprehensive Eye Examination to ensure good eye health and an accurate prescription to work from, and then a Contact Lens Assessment to ‘see off’ any eye-reasons that you should not proceed.

You might then be offered the chance to test drive some lenses selected from our sample stock, and finally we will place an order for ‘your contacts’, which take a few days to arrive.

Wearing Trial day, where your lenses are applied for you and then you head out for a couple of hours culminates in a teaching session, to give you the knowledge and confidence to handle and manage your

Close contact The dark days of winter and lockdown are receding. It’s time to take to the great outdoors with help and advice from Optometrist Ivan R Cammack.

Contact lenses are a brilliant alternative when spectacles get in the way.

contacts safely - so that you can go solo and begin to experience the promised new freedoms, where you can choose the days you use specs, and the days you do not.

Your contact lens wearing journey begins with a promise: that you will enjoy a new way of seeing the world; is developed by our expertise into a visual reality experience; and is then supported with life long aftercare and support to keep your contact lens wear on track and to keep your eyes in good health.

At this time of year, a good reason for using contact lenses is to protect your eyes from the sun.

Modern soft contact lenses give all round protection from UV light, whether the sun is directly in front of you, or is above or to the side, where sunglasses can be less protective.

Imagine, good all round vision, and good all round UV protection with soft contact lenses - and then you can add the stylish benefit of your favourite designer sunglasses brand when the summer sun makes you squint.

A well made, technically appropriate pair of spectacles will be the best way of providing for your vision needs in many situations. Contact lenses are a brilliant alternative, for the times when specs get in the way.

Don’t wait for us to suggest them ask your Optometrist whether you can where contact lenses. It just might change your view.

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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Katie Cooper went from a high pressured job working for a well known fashion house to a Pilates teacher.

It proved to be a good move for both body and soul.

A

How Katie fashioned a new life.

back injury and a recommendation from a GP led to Katie Cooper attended a Pilates class. In fact she benefitted from them so much, she carried on attending for 10 years. Her work was taking quite a toll on Katie’s body and those Pilates sessions really helped her both physically and mentally.

Taking time out to have her first baby led to a momentous decision.

Katie decided to retrain as a Pilates Teacher. She qualified in 2020 and currently runs classes from studios in Tring and Dunstable. Thanks to lockdown measures, Katie has been teaching remotely.

Now, Katie is bringing her classes and expertise to Thame. She is based in Thame Massage and Well-being Centre, just off the Upper High Street, next to Greens of Thame.

Her pregnancies (Katie has two children now) have led to her passion for working with pre and post natal

women and she is a strong advocate for how Pilates can be so beneficial throughout pregnancy and beyond.

Of course, Katie will be giving classes for all who would benefit from them.

Beginners, mixed ability and one to one classes are available, as well as the Pre Natal and Post Natal classes.

No one body is the same, which is why Katie looks at every client and their body as unique and individual.

Generally, Pilates aims to strengthen the body in an even way, with particular emphasis on core strength to improve general fitness and wellbeing.

Katie’s Pilates classes have something to offer people of all ages and levels of ability and fitness. All are welcome - from beginners to elite athletes.

Regular Pilates can improve posture, muscle tone, balance and joint mobility, as well as relieve stress and tension.

Injured, feeling stiff? Does your body need to re-calibrate? Email Katie at katiecooperpilates@gmail.com.

Or see her website, www.katiecooperpilates.com where you will find more information and can book a welcoming and friendly Pilates class.

Thame Massage & Well-being Centre (Next to Greens of Thame) katiecooperpilates@gmail.com www.katiecooperpilates.com

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

HEALTH & BEAUTY

We’re all ears Listen and learn about ear wax removal with Oracle Ear Care.

D

id you know that Oracle Ear Care is a training centre for ear wax removal?

Closely affiliated with Rotherham NHS Ear Care and Audiology Services, Oracle Ear Care Training delivers gold standard microsuction and irrigation training to other health professionals.

Sereta Parker and Jo Green of Oracle say, ‘We have just completed our first course and it was fantastic!

The feedback from the students was amazing and we feel confident that we have prepared the students well for the challenges they may face.’ Although the students have passed their initial assessment, they now have to get their ‘flying hours’ under mentorship. ‘I am looking forward to travelling to other clinics to mentor students in their own practices. Teaching is in my blood and where my passion lies’, says Sereta.

Sereta’s other passion is earwax. Soft, sticky, crumbly or hard, we all have earwax whether we like it or not. It does a very important job lubricating the skin of the ear canal, catching dust and dirt and, more importantly, giving us protection from microbes which may cause infection.

So, when does wax become an issue?

If the ear wax is not able to ‘escape’ from the ear, either because the ear canal is narrow or the wax has been pushed deeper into the ear with a cotton bud, hearing aid, noise plug or music bud, it

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can build up to a point where it completely seals the ear canal. If a sound cannot enter the ear canal, your world will become muffled and you may experience tinnitus, pain and even dizziness.

How is earwax removed?

Technology has moved on from the old-fashioned syringe! Years ago, the GP or nurse would use a large syringe full of water to try to propel the wax out of your ear. Nowadays, with the introduction of microsuction, the procedure is much safer. The clinician works with an ENT microscope ensuring detailed vision while using gentle suction to remove the wax.

Sereta says, ‘Microsuction works well if the ears have not been overtreated with drops. It is not necessary to soften the wax in most cases. However, if you have used a copious amount of drops and the wax is still there, gentle irrigation with water is generally the best way to remove it’.

Oracle offers both microsuction and irrigation ear wax removal. If you think you have a problem, just give them a call on 01844 617478.

Testimonial: A fantastic training provider in Ear wax removal. As a pharmacist, with very little experience in this field, Oracle provided me with the theory and practical training required to perform ear wax removal, using both microsuction and irrigation techniques. Through observations, hands on practical experience and the opportunity to ask questions throughout both days, I learnt, very quickly, the processes/ techniques required and the overall operation of running a clinic.

After completing the two day course, I feel confident to set up an Ear Wax removal service and am excited to see Jo and Sereta again to complete my competencies. This is one of the best training courses I have ever been on. The attention to detail throughout the course was impressive. Thank you for your expertise and fantastic delivery of training.

Ruth Emmett MRPharmS Prescribing Pharmacist

ORACLE EAR CARE

2 East Street, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 3JS Phone: 01844 617 478 Website: www.oracleearcare.co.uk Email: admin@oracleearcare.co.uk

The sun factor HEALTH & BEAUTY

Sunshine. Our friend and our enemy. Susan Forster at MeadowView Aesthetics explains how we can protect our skin this summer.

S

ummertime is finally here, meaning the sun is out in full force. Soaking up some rays can brighten your day, literally and figuratively. This is because exposure to sunlight triggers a boost in serotonin, one of your brain’s “feel-good” chemicals.

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Sunlight also has an ability to initiate a reaction within the body that triggers vitamin D which is essential for many of the vital processes in our body: it keeps our bones healthy and is thought to lower the risk of depression.

Sunlight, in moderation, is good for our well-being, but too much sun causes skin damage.

Sunburn, photoageing (premature skin ageing caused by the sun), hyperpigmentation and sun allergies are examples of visible skin damage, but the effects of sun exposure can go even deeper, causing DNA damage at a cellular level.

UV rays (both UVA and UVB) are the main cause of sun-induced skin damage but high-energy visible (HEV) light can cause further stress to skin when they interact with skin cells and generate free radicals. These free radicals are highly reactive oxygen molecules and are also known as ROS – Reactive Oxygen Species.

With the increase in hot weather, we also experience water loss leading to dehydration and skin irritation.

PRODUCTS Environmental Shield SPF 50. Nimue’s most advanced SPF. Offers high protection against the following causes of premature ageing: UVA, UVB, Infrared, High Energy, Visible Light, Pollution, Environmental stress factors.

During summer, we also tend to produce more sweat and more oil, which may lead to further skin problems.

Interestingly, our skin cell production is also more rapid during the summer.

What are the key skin concerns during Summer? l Sunburn l Acne breakouts l Melasma and pigmentation l Dry, inflamed and irritated skin l Prickly heat (or heat rash)

At MeadowView Aesthetics I offer a range of products and services that can help you to prevent and treat sun induced damage.

Some of my most popular treatments are; Harmony ClearLift™ a comfortable, nonablative alternative to traditional laser skin resurfacing, achieving skin lifting and rejuvenation. Its ground-breaking technology can counter the signs of photoageing in the face and firm the skin in the neck and décolletage. It is also painless, suitable for all skin types and adaptable for treating delicate areas. The result is rejuvenated skin that appears firmer and plumper – sometimes even from the first treatment – in as little as 20 minutes with minimal downtime and discomfort.

IPL Facials removes the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation by targeting the melanin in the darkened area, clearing all layers of the pigmentation and revealing even-toned, unblemished skin.

ClearSkin is the first technology to combine a non-ablative laser with simultaneous contact cooling and vacuum technology to treat acne safely and effectively.

The laser penetrates the skin and destroys P.Acnes bacteria while causing thermal damage to the sebaceous glands.

This reduces sebum production while the skin remains intact. With unique cooling technology, there is virtually no pain and treatment is comfortable.

Nimue Advanced Facials are active, yet gentle and safe treatments that facilitate dermal rejuvenation. These treatments deliver superior results, reducing pore size and achieving softer more refined texture, elasticity, radiance and skin vitality.

SPF 40.

Dual focus: high broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and anti-ageing benefits. Reduces and prevents the visible signs of photo ageing. Formulated to aid in DNA protection and repair. Lightweight and non-oily.

Element Barrier.

A lightweight face or body cream that protects the skin barrier against harsh environmental elements such as extreme temperatures and wind.

Remember these are some common misconceptions about the Summer Sun: l If you do not feel heat from the sun you will not get sunburnt l Applying SPF once is enough l If it is cloudy, you do not need sunscreen l You cannot get sunburnt in water l Any sunscreen will protect against UVA and UVB For more information please visit: meadowviewaesthetics.co.uk or contact MeadowView at info@meadowviewaesthetics.co.uk

Vitamin C Moisture Mist A multi-functional spray offering skin health results in addition to an invigorating and refreshing effect.

Contains a natural UVA screening compound, whilst hydrating the skin and offering protection against light induced skin ageing.

High Street, Kingston Blount Oxfordshire OX39 4SJ 07979 652460 info@meadowviewaesthetics.co.uk FREE OFF-ROAD PARKING

Susan Forster

Thame Out .21

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Getting to grips with pain How trekking in Asia led to a whole new career for Jody Sharp

A

fter one particularly long walk in Thailand with her partner.

Jody’s aching limbs were crying out for a massage. Jody was amazed at how revitalised she was afterwards. This was the moment this support worker wanted to find out more about this particular type of massage.

Her work meant she saw plenty of people of all ages suffering with pain and injury. With her first hand experience of Thai massage, Jody realised it would help so many people. Jody decided to learn the art of Thai Massage so she could treat others.

Thai massage, which originated in India, has been around for over 2,500 years. Originally regarded as a healing art.

Unlike typical Western-type massages, it doesn’t involve lying on a massage bed while a massage therapist applies oil to your body and kneads your muscles and pressure points.

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Instead, you lie fully clothed on a mat on the ground while a practitioner uses stretching, pulling, and rocking techniques to relieve tension, promote relaxation, and improve flexibility and circulation.

Sometimes referred to as assisted yoga, Thai massage is focused on improving the flow of energy throughout your body.

Jody concentrates on the 10 main SEN energy lines within the body. There are six in the legs, two in the back and two in the arms. All are connected to various parts of the body and Jody will work on their pressure points.

Whatever your struggling with, Jody can tailor the treatment to a particular place of discomfort.

Thai massage is excellent for all ages, pregnant women and contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be flexible.

Jody wants her clients to feel as good as she did when she had her massage. People either feel rejuvenated and full of energy or completely relaxed.

A Thai massage can lower stress levels, boost energy, relieve headaches, stimulate circulation and improve your range of motion.

A gentle, but effective treatment, why not let Jody pass on her hands on experience to easing your aches and pains.

Thame Massage & Well-being Centre (Next to Greens of Thame) 01844 33 88 44 jodeline16@googlemail.com

For expert ear care, consult the Oracle.

We are a family-run ear care clinic in Thame, Oxfordshire. Services include microsuction, irrigation and foreign body removal.

ORACLE EAR CARE 2 East Street, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 3JS Phone: 01844 617 478 Website: www.oracleearcare.co.uk Email: admin@oracleearcare.co.uk

Thame Out .23

FASHION

Sunny outlook Deborah Rogers talks to Lucy and Carol at Gallant, as they look forward to a brighter summer.

“T

his Summer is going to be a good one,” says Lucy. “Whether you’re celebrating with family and friends without restriction, sitting in a back garden, or a pub; whether you’re stay-cating somewhere to make the most of what our fair Isle has to offer; or whether you’re going to your favourite event that’s in the calendar every year, apart from the last. We know it will feel a little better, the drink will taste a little sweeter, the laughter a little louder and the hugs a little longer,” adds Lucy.

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And the clothes, I ask? “A little more dapper,” replies Carol.

“Its been a long time without the art of dressing up. And we miss it. Appreciating the small things is something we’ve really embraced and will never take for granted again, she adds.

At Gallant Lucy and Carol know that it’s not just about the clothes, although important, its as much about reconnecting with each other and especially with their customers. “Seeing

people face to face is so important, says Lucy. We thrive on seeing them in person and chatting with our customers, as they browse, “adds Lucy.

Gallant always choose their collections with you, the customer in mind.

Carol says, “Over the years we’ve honed the vital criteria when considering and selecting our garments. These include origin, fit, fabric, style, colour and detail.

We make sure we provide the very best and display it in a way that’s effortless to

Stenstroms Sand Eton Seven For All Mankind Gran Sasso Antico Borgo Hiltl Sunspel Thomas Maine Without Prejudice Baldessarini Plus a welcome return to ...

Circle Of Gentlemen Pal Zileri LAB Jacob Cohën

shop, ensuring your experience is the very best it can be, creating an atmosphere that will have you revisiting,” she adds.

With years of experience in tailoring and alterations, Gallant continue to offer a complimentary alteration service to complete and perfect your purchase.

“Shopping in a real shop on a real High St should never be replaced with ‘online’ shopping in our opinion,” says Lucy. “Our Independent shops have heart. They have soul and will always look after their customers and each other,” she concludes.

I couldn’t agree more, and now independent shops like Gallant need our support just that little bit more.

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 Saturday 10:00am–5:00pm

Thame Out .25

FASHION

Hold on to your hats With lockdown easing and the summer season upon us. Exciting times are just around the corner. Now is the time for us to dress to impress. Karen Maitland joins Helen Grace Hats owner, Helen Nicholls on a recent photo shoot.

Many thanks to Dwina Gibb for allowing us to use The Prebendal in Thame for the photo shoot.

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W

eddings, Christenings Garden Parties, Race Days, Regattas.

All wonderful social gatherings that have been sorely missed. Now, back on the calender, we can finally make a date to dress up.

The crowning glory for any outfit is surely the hat. A finishing touch of elegance, sophistication and fun.

If you have a special occasion that demands the right head gear, Helen Nicholls can help.

Helen has always been a creative person and In 2015, she finally turned a passion into a business and started her own company called Helen Grace.

“It was working with a Milliner called Graham McCartney, that I knew what I wanted to do,” says Helen.

Helen helped Graham sell his hats at horse racing meetings and Regattas.

“It was Graham who encouraged me to start my own company”, adds Helen.

Now, Helen designs and crafts her own styles of hats and fascinators. These can be bought or hired. Helen Grace specialise in selling Whitely, Maddox and Failsworth.

It’s a very personal service. Although Helen sells and hires her creations online, she will always encourage potential customers to visit her studio in Shabbington. This way customers get

Ella and Anna Summerhayes

to try them on, see the colours more accurately and simply hold them and feel the quality.

Helen will always work with the customer and ensure the hat or fascinator suits the lady in question and fit perfectly.

“Some of my customers like minimalist style head wear, others like hats with a bit more bling for example,” says Helen. “Different styles suit different customers, it’s a very personal ‘one to one’ purchase. It’s not like ordering a pair of jeans online and simply sending them back. Anyway I would never put any of my creations in the post for fear of damaging the delicate designs”. adds Helen.

You can enjoy a one-to-one fittingwith Helen and have fun trying from their large range of Hats and Fascinators in the privacy of the studio.

If you are hiring a hat, Helen is happy for you to keep it for a few days before the event so you can become accustomed to wearing it.

Helen Grace do their utmost to produce some stunning hat masterpiece. They consider face shape, colouring, hairstyle and age of the customer before putting together a hat or fascinator. A hat to suit an

Jorge and Beverley Botinas

Helen 8-year-old bridesmaid wouldn’t necessarily work for an 80-year-old grandmother of the groom for example.

As these photographs show, men are catered for as well.

So, whatever the event or occasion, I’m sure the perfect hat or fascinator is waiting for you.

Something to grace any head, you might say.

Helen Grace Hats 01844 201017 or 07776 198927 helen@helengracehats.co.uk www.helengracehats.co.uk

Thame Out .27

TRAVEL Monument Valley, USA

Despite and throughout the Coronavirus breakout, Bryony Hordern has never shaken off her travel bug, as Steve Rogers discovered.

Great times traveller I

Bryony Hordern

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n fact her desire to travel has never been greater than it is now. Bryony has spent lockdown planning some wonderful great escapes for her family and clients alike to enjoy in 2022.

It was back in 1982, that Bryony established Tickets Anywhere in a wooden shed in Royston in Hertfordshire, before relocating the business to Thame in 1987.

“My passion for travel began when I started working for Pan Am. I loved it at Pan Am,” she recalls. “It was just the coolest airline back in the 1960s and 1970s,” she adds.

Now clients can benefit from Bryony’s 56 years experience in the travel Industry.

There’s hardly a place on the planet that Bryony hasn’t visited.

Retiring in 2015, you might have thought this seasoned traveller would simply cruise off into the sunset.

But no, her passion for travel is too deep-rooted. As a result, Bryony has recently set up as a Travel Counsellor.

Working from home in Oakley, Bryony designs, plans and books luxurious, lifechanging holidays. Naturally, last year was a disaster for the travel industry. Bryony booked and then had to cancel all 15 holidays.

Her desire to get away is matched by her clients, so she is already planning for late 2021 and 2022.

Bryony specialises in first class travel experiences. Trips that are exclusive and difficult to put

Bryony (second from right) in her Pan Am days. On her right is the actor Robert Wagner who was filming in London

Machu Picchu, Peru

Lake Louise, Canada Terracotta Army, China

Royal Palace, Bangkok, Thailand

Palmyra, Syria together on the internet. She offers a truly bespoke service. When she plans a trip for her family, she only wants the best and that applies to her clients as well.

Booking a trip with Bryony means she is always at the end of the telephone.

One couple had an issue when touring Australia and New Zealand, Bryony was able to help from this side of the world.

People want different things from their holiday.

You might want to simply flop on a beach in the Maldives and do nothing for 14 days, or tour Europe with a packed itinerary with something to see every day for a month. Whatever you are looking for in a break, Bryony can provide you with an unforgettable experience.

Her work and passion for travel has seen Bryony experience many fantastic trips. Some favourites include the Canadian Rocky Mountains and a trip on the Rocky Mountaineer train from Bamf to Vancouver. A trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu or a 7 day journey on the Palace on Wheels in Rajasthan, India.

Her most relaxing holidays, however, have been on water. A cruise is Bryony’s

holiday of choice, and she has an extensive knowledge of the best cruises to take. “Put people on the wrong cruise and they’ll hate it, put them on the right cruise and they will cruise for ever,” says Bryony.

Bryony has cruised around the globe.

Highlights include sailing across the Atlantic from London to New York, across the Indian Ocean from Perth to Cape Town. The next cruise planned is from Lisbon to Rio de Janerio.

As you can imagine, there are some excellent deals to be had on cruise holidays at the moment.

Rest assured, all trips booked through Bryony are financially secure.

Surely, there are parts of the world for Bryony still to explore I ask? “Not many, but Nepal is on my wish list, along with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Travel is a real adventure, and I look forward to my next one,” she says.

However much travel has changed in its scope, in its expectations, in its diversity, one thing has remained constant for Bryony. And that is to ensure that each and every one of her customers enjoy a holiday – as smooth in its arrangement

Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Australia Puerto Montt, Chile

as it is pleasurable in its experience – to remember. Which probably explains why, after her many years of experience, Bryony is so successful at making dream holidays a reality.

Bryony and her customers, are still going places.

Bryony Hordern Travel Counsellor bryony.hordern@travelcounsellors.com www.travelcounsellors.com/bryony.hordern 01844 660004

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LIFESTYLE

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Rooms

to improve Take a fresh look at your interiors by calling into White Hart Studio. Here you will find four rooms of inspirational items for your home.

J

ust as the world starts to open up and we all head outside, typically, Jane at White Hart Studio bucks the trend. She wants us to improve our interiors.

Jane is particularly excited by the items of vintage furniture and homeware currently instore.

She has visited her contacts in the trade, especially clothing and furniture traders. The furniture really caught her designers eye.

Vintage furniture fits perfectly with her ethical ethos. Recycling and upcycling are a passion (any purchase from White Hart Studio will go home in a paper bag made from recycled newspapers) and these recently purchased items really fit the bill. They look great and are of course functional.

You will find desks, chairs, and folding benches. These latest additions to the Studio are proving very popular with customers as well. A pair of brass Victorian candlesticks were sold within two hours of being displayed.

One company that has been particularly embraced by Jane is Libra.

Inspired by bygone eras and diverse cultures, Libra furniture is all about statement design. A chance to add a spark of original character to any home.

Namaste have a strong ethical policy at its core, and this is another company that Jane admires. They use largely natural materials and traditional techniques to produce beautiful and interesting items. Look out for throws and Rag Rugs hand crafted in India and all Eco friendly.

White Hart Studio is open from 10.00am - 5.00pm, five days a week .

Closed Sunday and Monday.

Naturally, as a result of the pandemic, some people will be a little nervous, so with this in mind, Jane has utilised the space and opened up the door at the end of the shop where you can now enter. You can then leave by the till at the opposite end. This totally avoids any congestion by the till and enables you to keep a safe distance from other customers.

Jane is always introducing new items to the store. To keep abreast of news and the latest additions, please go to her Instagram page whitehartstudio or her facebook page.

Jane is always on hand to help customers with help and advice.

Why not improve your interiors by exploring White Hart Studio’s.

WHITE HART STUDIO

WHITE HART STUDIO

JEWELLERY,GIFTS G IFTS& &INTERIORS INTERIORS FAFASHION, S H ION, JEWELLERY, CHURCHWAY, HADDENHAM, 1 5 15 C HU 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 .31

LIFESTYLE

Retirement living in style Brighter days and a new lifestyle are just around the corner at Yeats Lodge.

C

hurchill Retirement Living’s brand new Yeats Lodge development in Thame offers more than just a new apartment, it’s the key to a whole new lifestyle.

With like-minded neighbours, safety and security, and no more worries about maintenance, it could help you leave behind loneliness and isolation, and instead look forward to making new memories. You can still be fully independent, but with friendship and support on hand whenever you might need it.

If you are considering a fresh start this spring, Yeats Lodge is open by appointment, so you can arrange to view a show apartment and find out more about the lifestyle on offer.

In a new Yeats Lodge apartment you can sit back and relax with the peace

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of mind that there is a Lodge Manager to keep an eye on things and no more worries about maintenance. That means a real weight off your mind, giving you more time to do the things you want to do, and enjoy the retirement you deserve.

Throughout the pandemic, Churchill Owners have enjoyed the benefits of community living and support. Some have formed support bubbles, while others have simply felt the peace of mind of having familiar friends and a trusted Lodge Manager nearby.

If you would like to find out more, make an appointment now to visit either virtually or in person. The team at Yeats Lodge is looking forward to welcoming you as soon as you are ready to explore what a lifestyle with Churchill can be like.

Call 01844 319881 or go to www.churchillretirement.co.uk.

Sales Executive, Amanda at Yeats Lodge

Churchill Retirement Living Yeats Lodge, Greyhound Lane, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 3LY 01844 319881 www.churchillretirement.co.uk

Art and soul.

LIFESTYLE

The world’s a better place when you have art to draw on.

A visit to fitch & fellows is always an uplifting experience.

O

ne positive thing that has come out of lockdown is the number of people that have re-discovered their creativity. Isolation has seen some difficult days, and many have found the value in picking up a paintbrush or pencil and expressing themselves through art or crafting.

Now, at long last, as the world is opening up again, fitch & fellows opens it’s door to bring you a selection of professional artists and makers and the products of their lockdown efforts.

As much a gallery as a shop, fitch & fellows in Buttermarket, Thame is home to a celebration of contemporary creative craftsmanship. You will discover some wonderful examples of work made by some very talented artists. All from the UK, and some local.

This is a very special time for the arts locally. We have just had Oxfordshire Art Weeks – fitch & fellows hosted Kate Wilkinson and her beautifully crafted jewellery and Graham Lester’s unusual bowls made of recycled materials.

Their work, as well as the exhibition of Peter Keegan’s landscapes, still life and portraits are still available.

From the 12th to the 27th of June it’s Buckinghamshire’s turn with Bucks Art Weeks. As Chair of the Bucks event, Susannah Fellows, owner of fitch & fellows, oversees the running of this annual event and exhibits the work of some of those taking part. This year she’ll be hosting jeweller, Kerry Newth, who will be demonstrating her jewellery making skills for visitors, and the watercolour painting of George Boyter, who will be exhibiting UPStairs@ fitch&fellows.

This upstairs space has proved a valuable and successful extension to the shop and gallery downstairs. “As we don’t have much wall space on the ground floor, I decided to extend what we do up

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to the next level. The 3-weekly exhibitions seemed an obvious development and have proved very popular. Visitors often sit for ages, drinking in the paintings – a moment of quiet in a busy day,” says George Boyter

Kerry Newth

Susannah. The exhibitions carry on throughout the year and vary widely in style and technique.

Art. Bringing some much needed joy and colour back into our lives.

Bucks Art Weeks 2021 will be taking place throughout the county from 12–27 June – put the dates in your diary!

In the meantime, explore the website (www.bucksartweeks.org.uk) and browse through all of this years participating artists and makers. Perhaps, start considering who you may wish to visit. The world is opening up again – and there’s so much to see.

This year, the free Special Edition brochure has been designed to work in tandem with the website. Available at fitch&fellows as well as many locations in the area, its larger images are intended to aid your choice of who to visit.

And it’s a wonderful keepsake beyond this years’ event. All contact details of each artist, and a fuller experience of their work, are on their pages on the website as well.

Should you see something that you like, the exhibitors will be very happy to speak with you closer to the event, about their opening times, their work and discussing possible commissions.

During the event this year, the social media pages on Facebook and Instagram, will be alive with artists posts, images of their work and of their events. So make sure you check in to see what’s happening throughout Buckinghamshire.

Kerry Newth

Graham Lester

Celebrating The Unusual In Creative Craftsmanship

Graham Lester

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

Peter Keegan Kate Wilkinson

“Creativity is contagious, pass it on” Albert Einstein

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LIFESTYLE

An amazing interior The old church on Thame’s High Street boasts a quite stunning interior. It is now home to The Loft, a store with designs on our own home interiors.

Janet Dale called in.

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A

nother plucky independent business has started trading in Thame. With online shopping booming and High Street shops struggling to recover from lockdown, Thame Out wishes the owners well.

Lets hope this church of furniture and home interiors generates a loyal following. It deserves to.

Owners Robert and Liz Bremner have moved heaven and earth to establish a wonderful retail outlet. In fact they have moved 400 miles with their family to do so as well.

Robert’s whole career has been spent in the furniture business. His Father was in furniture retail and they had stores in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Work was taking over Robert’s life.

A desire to spend more time with his young family led to them selling up and starting a smaller business in Crieff, Perthshire.

Robert and Liz are proud Scots, but decided their future was better away from Scotland. They wanted a fresh challenge. “We spent many happy holidays in Oxfordshire with the children and decided to move South,” says Robert.

After flirting with the Cotswolds, the family decided to settle in Thame and relocate their business (Cotswolds loss, Thame’s gain).

“It’s a lovely area to live, and from a business point of view, we have great access to the motorway network and we’re much closer to the ports. We have a lovely building located in the heart of Thame that is the ideal size for us,” adds Robert.

Though they don’t consider themselves Interior Designers, Robert and Liz want to fill the premises with items to inspire their customers to create wonderfully imaginative interiors. Inside The Loft you will find highly individual statement pieces of furniture.

Robert and Liz have an eclectic mix of products. They reflect their desire to offer something a little bit different to their customers. The majority of items at The Loft are sourced in the UK. Soon, Robert hopes restrictions are eased enough for him to travel around Europe, on the hunt for even more individual items.

So what can you find in The Loft?

A wide range of items. Downstairs you will find the smaller objects such as ceramics, hand made jewellery and handbags, clocks, mirrors, lighting, candles, glassware and so on.

Upstairs on the gallery floor are the larger items, dining chairs and tables, sofas, larders as well as rugs, cushions and throws.

I noticed Oak chairs and tables, a chrome and leather chair, an unusual metal cupboard. Truly individual pieces.

Expensive items? Not necessarily.

Prices range from a £5 candle holder up to a £3,000 dining table and six chairs, the dearest item in the shop.

Quality is affordable.

Robert and Liz are enthusiastic High Street shoppers rather than online shoppers. Both owners will be in The Loft to serve you and offer advice, but most of all to let you see and feel the quality of their goods.

Open from Tuesday to Saturday, come and discover what’s to be found in The Loft.

43a Upper High St, Thame, OX9 2DW. www.loftonline.co.uk E: sales@loftonline.co.uk T: 01844 214392 Open Tues to Sat, 10am - 5pm.

Closed Sun and Mon.

Thame Out .37

LIFESTYLE

Family business Wills & Trusts Wealth Management. A company that helps take care of family financial planning and legal support. It also treats their employees like a family too.

E

stablished for over 25 years and based here in Thame for the past nine, Wills & Trusts is recognised today as one of the UK’s leading full-service wealth management firms with Chartered Financial Planner status.

The company was created by David Batchelor, thanks in part to a family inheritance. Given a lift by a relative, it’s no surprise that families are at the core of the companies philosophy.

Whether you’re planning for tomorrow or thinking about your family’s future, Wills & Trusts combine Chartered financial services, legal and accountancy advice to help you protect, grow and enjoy every aspect of your wealth. Building a future and cementing a legacy.

David’s vision is to make massive changes in many people’s lives as well as those of the company’s employees. “ I believe that life is about growth.

It’s about making everything we do

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tomorrow better than today. Our future and that of our clients must be better than the past,” says David.

“When you come to work you do it for three reasons. First (and let’s be honest) you need to pay the mortgage or rent.

Second, it’s because you want to do something that you enjoy doing 80% of the time (there are always those days when you need a glass of wine when you get home) And third you want to feel that you are doing something meaningful with your life.

“I believe that every one of us wants to do something meaningful. I think every one of us wants to do more than just pay the mortgage. And I’m convinced that everyone of us wants to love what we do; and to love what we do we must do something meaningful.

“By building legacies we mean building our clients wealth. Of course this means their money, but it also means their intellectual and emotional wealth. The

wealth that is built from their life’s work, effort and toil. It is this that creates and builds our clients wisdom.

“Protecting those legacies is all about making sure that the family keeps and maintains that wealth. We want our clients to pass all of their financial, intellectual and emotional wealth to the people that matter, the next generation. Now, that might not be their children, but it will be someone with whom they have a deep connection.

“And why families? Because this is what’s important. We could spend the time helping business to pay less tax, but would that really get you emotionally involved?

We could focus on group pensions schemes, but would that give you a deep sense of satisfaction when you go home at night?

“There is nothing like getting that card, that call or that note from a client that says thank you for what you have done.

Its a very, very rare thing. When was the last time you wrote to McDonalds to say thank you? Or your bank, or your insurance company, in fact anyone?

< David Batchelor > Accountants > Estate Planning > Investments > Pensions > Solicitors Wills & Trusts has three Prime Directives.

These are the foundations on which every decision is built.

1. Do the right thing “ It all starts with doing the right thing. In every situation we must ask ourselves as a company, are we doing the right thing. “ We hire the right people who know what it means to do the right thing. They can’t walk past a paper clip lying on the floor because they know that to move it, is to do the right thing. They would never leave a dirty cup in the sink because they know that is not doing the right thing.

They keep promises to clients and always do what they say they will do”, says David.

2. Putting the client first “ Everything and I do mean everything revolves around the client. Putting the client first means just that, it means enacting the golden rule and then some.

“But who is your client? The answer is, of course the end user, but it’s also those with whom you work. When we put our team before us, we create a degree of trust and cooperation that no one else can match, but it must start with us. We must give to receive, and we must give until we receive.

“Putting the client first is all about service and the client journey. It’s about under promising and over delivering. It’s about always doing what you say you will. It’s about going the extra mile. It’s about understanding the client so that you can communicate in ways that they understand. It’s about understanding what it is that they care about,” adds David.

3. Make the future better than the past Can you imagine a world that does not progress? Or a world where everything stays the same? Would you watch the same episode of a soap opera every day?

Would you be happy with having as much wealth tomorrow as you did last week, or knowing the same things tomorrow as you did last year?

“Making the future better than the past is fundamental to making life better, whether it’s the lives of our clients, ourselves, or our team mates. The need for constant and never ending improvement must be part of everything we do every day, every week and every year. “ Your family. Our family. Growing together. We all share a similar vision for the future: to experience the joy that comes with having the financial freedom to build a better life for ourselves and our

loved ones, and the comfort it brings to know everything will be taken care of, even after we’ve gone.

Wills & Trusts Wealth Management was founded upon this very idea more than 25 years ago. And even though their methods, expertise and knowledge have evolved throughout the years, their principal focus has remained largely the same.

Whether you’re planning for tomorrow or thinking about your family’s future, Wills & Trusts combine Chartered financial services, legal and accountancy advice to help you protect, grow and enjoy every aspect of your wealth.

Perhaps their ‘family’ can help yours.

91/92 High Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3EH +44 (0) 1844 212907 www.willsandtrustswealth.com

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HOME & GARDEN

Take in the wonderful country air at Stratton Audley Barn. There is plenty of room for customers to shop, eat and drink.

Room to breathe O

n the edge of the lovely village of Stratton Audley, you will find Stratton Audley Barn.

Situated amongst mature trees and surrounded by open countryside, it really is a beautiful setting.

Stratton Audley Barn is a hidden Gem! Following the third lockdown and a short spell operating as a takeaway only, the Barn is now open for business and ready for summer.

What else attracts visitors to Stratton Audley Barn? Firstly there is the shop, a bright airy space that is home to a beautiful selection of gifts, home wares and greetings cards. Discover excellent gift items for men, women and the home. Clothing, jewellery, soft furnishings, lights, glass, ceramics and more adorn the tables and shelves.

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Sara Howson and her team have been using lockdown as an opportunity to source new products and suppliers for items that are not generally found on the High Street. New summer stock is now in.

At Stratton Audley Barn it is ice cream season and their delicious homemade Ice Cream is back! Its popularity has soared and with inventive new creations, it’s no surprise! Sit in the sunshine and enjoy flavours for the children; Unicorn, Party Rings and Jammie Dodgers and for the grown ups, indulge in flavours from Banana and Bakewell, Salted Caramel to Strawberry and Lemon Meringue to Lotus Biscuit. Tasty Milkshakes are also available, made with the Barns famous Ice Cream.

With plenty of outdoor space, both undercover and in the spacious paddock, the Barn is popular with dog owners. For

your four legged friends, the team have just launched their doggy ice cream so you won’t have to share yours!!

Stratton Audley Barn has a well deserved reputation for its food. Created by the Barn’s talented cook. They are rightly gaining plaudits for their expanded Brunch and Lunch menu as well as their

sumptuous home made cakes and scones that accompany the established popular tea and coffee.

People travel to Stratton Audley Barn just for the afternoon teas with homemade scones, cakes and choice of sandwiches. The teas are that delicious.

With the business adapting to the many changes thrown their way with Covid, new Takeaway Afternoon Teas in a presentation box have proved very popular recently, available to order online. (Minimum 24hours advance notice required.)

At this time of year, and with indoor seating not available until 18th May, the real joy of visiting Stratton Audley Barn is the chance to sample food and drink, al fresco.

Enjoy the peace that the countryside has to offer in the spacious outside eating area.

Although lockdown restrictions are steadily easing, the team’s focus remains on keeping everyone safe and well, Stratton Audley Barn is well set up to put you at ease in these challenging times, following all Covid guidelines. Sanitiser is available on entering and a one way system is in place as well as track & trace systems.

It’s the generous space that guarantees no overcrowding that is the Barn’s great advantage.

Celebrate the summer at Stratton Audley Barn. There’s room to move and room to breathe.

Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 4pm Lunches served 12.30-2:30pm

Afternoon teas available, please call to book in advance.

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

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HOME & GARDEN

Tree planting, pruning and felling The work we love to do!

Pine Tree Removal

Matt Vaughan, from the Thame based tree care company, Four Seasons Tree Care takes a look back at some recent jobs.

P

lanting beautiful specimen trees is one of the most satisfying jobs that we do. The three large Birch in the photo on page 45 are Betula pendula ‘laciniata’. This is a variety of our native Silver Birch. It has a deeply cut leaf and a more narrow crown shape with the shoots hanging and slightly twisted which gives the tree a very graceful, weeping effect.

We planted these large specimens amongst smaller multi-stems to create a woodland glade effect.

We use a loader to lift these larger trees into place and give them a mix of clean top soil, mushroom compost and a specialist feed that contains mycorrhizal fungi as well as nutrients and trace elements. This gives them the very best start to ensure they will establish and

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Oak and Beech Tree Pruning

thrive in their new setting. They will make a lasting feature for many decades yet to come.

A recently completed job in Princes Risborough involved reducing 14 mature Lime trees that formed an avenue along a private road. The trees were all subject to a Tree Preservation

Order and so we obtained planning consent for the work. The residents were all very pleased with our efforts and certainly the overall effect as you look down the road is good. The trees are now well-balanced and well-shaped adding stature and maturity to the frontages of the properties without being overbearing.

Lime Trees

Birch Trees Lifted

Lime Trees Pine Tree Removal

New Birch Trees Pine Tree Removal

Birch Trees Planted It was all about the view on this job. We pruned this large Oak tree and the Beech trees behind to clear lower growth and to reduce the spread across this garden. This allowed the fantastic view beyond the garden to be really seen and appreciated. The Summer months, after the leaf has fully formed is a very good time for pruning most broadleaved trees.

Sadly, there are times when trees need to be removed. In the photos above, the team are busy dismantling four very large Black Pines in a really tight spot

with no clear space below. There was no access for larger machinery and so the trees were all dismantled piece by piece using a rigging system to lower everything safely.

It took a full three days to safely remove these trees. As you might expect, we will soon return to this garden to plant some new specimens.

If you have any tree work and you need a company that you can really trust then do give us a call.

But don’t just take our word for it – have a look at over 50 excellent reviews on the Which? Trusted Trader website. www.trustedtraders.which.co.uk

For a complete tree service and a company that you really can trust, call Four Seasons Tree Care today. They will be pleased to advise and quote for your tree work.

Four Seasons Tree Care Limited 1 Beech Road, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 2AL T: 01844 218222 M: 07973 507876 E: mail@4seasonstreecare.co.uk

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HOME & GARDEN

Home style

tillynilly have designs on your interiors.

A

pril saw the reopening of tillynilly on North Street in Thame. Owner Tracy Nielsen is very grateful to all their regular and new clients who have called in or contacted them. Emerging from Covid lockdowns. Tracy and her team are delighted to be back assisting customers with new designs for their homes.

New collections from tillynilly’s suppliers are proving to be very popular.

From botanical prints on velvets and linens to calm textured plains, there is something for all design styles.

Tracy has noticed that many customers are doing their best to be ‘greener’ and use sustainable products. tillynilly offer blinds and fabrics from recycled sources. From roller blind fabrics made from ocean plastics, to furnishing fabrics produced with recycled polyester.

“We are delighted to see a surge in

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upcycling, repairs and refurbishment of all soft furnishing and furniture, “ says Tracy. “We offer a full service for repairs and alterations to curtains, blinds and soft furnishing. Curtains being transformed into roman blinds is a particularly popular request. Repairs to curtains due to sun, water or other damage can be achieved by adding replacement panels or edges, or altering the size where possible,” adds Tracy.

You can contact tillynilly to discuss your requirements and see if you can lengthen the life of your favourite items or fabric.

The shop is open Tuesday to Saturday for ‘off the shelf’ shopping or gathering information and the studio continues to be available by appointment for larger projects, curtains and soft furnishings.

“New to our shop are faux indoor plants, low maintenance and handy for those that are not green fingered, or if you simply want to add a little foliage to a dark

corner of the home where a natural plant couldn’t grow,” says Tracy. “They are great for brightening up your home working area and we can also assist you with stylish furniture and seating, including motorised desks for ergonomic working,” adds Tracy.

Motorised blind and curtain hardware is continuing to grow in popularity and tillynilly offer advice and installation of these products as well.

Let tillynilly help you create some wonderful interiors.

tillynilly Creative Interiors.

55 North St, Thame OX9 3BH 01844 220035 info@tillynilly.com

43a Upper High St, Thame, OX9 2DW. www.loftonline.co.uk E: sales@loftonline.co.uk T: 01844 214392 Open Tues to Sat, 10am - 5pm Closed Sun and Mon

What would it feel like to have that extra special Garden Room?

Over the past year Kingsey Furniture & Interiors Ltd have been asked to design, manufacture and build bespoke outdoor rooms. We made the decision to work only with the highest quality materials, this in turn ensures that all of our garden rooms are built to the highest specification. What you can expect from us, is our total attention to detail. All of our designs have fully insulated walls and floors with 12mm laminate wood flooring, underfloor heating and recessed lights in the ceiling and canopy. The beauty of our outdoor rooms is that they are suitable for all year-round use, whatever that may be…. Office, den, studio, gym, spare bedroom or playroom.

We work to your specification to deliver your total solution.

Contact us to arrange a free site visit to discuss your requirements.

T: 01844 299820 and ask for Sue or Fay Kingsey Furniture & Interiors Ltd Unit 2, Manor Farm, Risborough Road, Kingsey, Bucks HP17 8LU E: sues@kingseyfurniture.co.uk www.kingseyfurniture.co.uk

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HOME & GARDEN

Blind vision

Rollerblind

Innovative designs of blinds and hand made curtains to dress your windows beautifully.

Greens of Thame are open for business.

A

fixture on Thame’s High Street since 1963, Greens of Thame (formerly Greens Furnishings) continue to serve the local community Although Greens of Thame still has a shop front on the High Street (the entrance is to the left of the Mint Velvet shop window), a visit is by appointment only.

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Lockdown has given the team - Tim, Pete and Sian - a chance to streamline their business and deliver a truly bespoke service. Appointment only, means a personal, one to one meeting. Customers can benefit from their invaluable collective knowledge and command the undivided attention of the teams many years of experience.

Greens of Thame specialise in all aspects of window treatments and Hypnos beds and mattresses.

A really impressive area of the showroom contains the blinds collection.

Sian is on hand to demonstrate the superb Luxaflex range of blinds available in a host of different styles to suit any of your window needs.

Made to measure Blinds can transform the look and mood of a room with practical features for light control and privacy.

Luxaflex® blinds in store include, TruFit™ Duette® - The TruFit™system enables Duette® Shades to be fitted to the glass without drilling. This makes it

Silhouette

Duette

an ideal solution for bi-fold doors, uPVC windows and conservatories.

A brand new product, Sonnette™ Shades combine the simplicity of a roller blind with the insulating design of a honeycomb blind.

A blind that captures light beautifully to create a feeling of sheer comfort in your home. Duette® Shades perfectly diffuse light and provide extraordinary, energy-efficiency in your home, no matter the season. The unique design creates an insulating barrier at your windows to regulate the temperature in a room, whilst reducing your energy costs.

Silhouette® Shades take the harshest light and transforms it into softly diffused light. You simply tilt the fabric vanes to enjoy beautiful daylight whilst filtering out glare.

All the blinds can be operated manually as you might expect, but it’s those that move remotely with PowerView® that are particularly impressive.

Operated by a remote control unit or via an app/hub on your smart phone, you can set your blinds to open at anytime.

Even when you are away - a great security feature.

Greens made to measure Roman Blinds celebrate a passion for the beauty of fabrics to enhance the home you love.

Peter Keegan

PowerView® A smart way to operate your blinds remotely.

If you prefer curtains, then Greens specialise in hand made styles created by local seamstresses. The finest brands are available such as Colefax and Fowler, Romo, Linwood and Sanderson Design Group.

Some customers know they want to change the look of their rooms, but are unsure what style would best suit them.

Fortunately, Greens of Thame also provide an Interior Design service.

Tim, Pete and Sian are there to help you make the most of your home.

Call or email for an appointment.

Greens of Thame. Superb products and excellent service.

GREENS OF THAM E

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

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HOME & GARDEN

Bedroom secrets Exciting things are happening in the bedroom. The humble wardrobe is not so humble anymore. Yet another innovation from Kingsey Furniture & Interiors. As Steve Rogers discovered.

I

f you think of a wardrobe, do you think of a stand-alone construction made of pine or mdf? Think again. The modern day wardrobe is a thing of beauty.

Especially one designed and built by Kingsey Furniture & Interiors.

With a long-established history for designing stylish and practical kitchens, Kingsey continue to transfer their talents into other parts of the home.

The constant desire for more space has seen the team design customised space efficient workstations in dining rooms and kitchens as well as outdoor garden offices.

Storage solutions are every bit as important in the bedroom as they are in any other room in your home.

Thankfully, you don’t have to limit your choice to a box standard ‘off the shelf’ design.

Of course, Kingsey can build a simple stand alone wardrobe, but is this the best use of their creativity and craftsmanship?

People want different things from their wardrobe. On the inside, tall people need higher hanging space perhaps. A home needs to be found for a large collection of shoes? Different sized drawers for different articles of

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clothing? Drawers that are hidden from view? A rail that pulls down for ease of access? A mirror on the inside?

As for the outside, doors in a shaker style or ultra-modern? Stylish handles, various handle less options or push to open?

Would you like two traditional doors or sliding or bi-fold doors?

What about the finished look? Kingsey use Saviola textured finishes that are 100% eco-friendly. Your wardrobe can be a feature of the bedroom with finishes that include leather look, linen or wooden plank finish. The options are endless. If you would prefer the wardrobe to blend

into the background, whatever colour the bedroom wall, Kingsey can paint it in a perfectly matched hard wearing paint.

The wardrobe itself can stand alone or be fitted neatly into an alcove or under the eaves. Kingsey are adept at fitting storage into the most unusual of spaces.

Storage solutions in the bedroom don’t reside with the wardrobe alone.

Recently, Kingsey have designed and built locker style cupboards that fit under the bed and a vanity unit where the mirror and hair dryer comes up and back down, out of sight when not in use.

Kingsey have also built bespoke floor to ceiling wardrobes in dressing rooms.

Walk in dressing rooms are increasingly popular. You would be surprised how Kingsey can fit them into a standard sized bedroom.

Excellent designs, craftsmanship and materials. It’s no secret why Kingsey are so popular.

Contact Kingsey Furniture and Interiors and discover what they can do for you.

Phone 01844 299820 or email Fay@kingseyfurniture.co.uk for more information.

The showroom is open Monday to Friday 10.00 - 16.00 or anytime Saturday or Sunday, but appointments are necessary.

Kingsey Furniture & Interiors Ltd Unit 2, Manor Farm, Risborough Road, Kingsey, Bucks HP17 8LU www.kingseyfurniture.co.uk www.kingseykitchens.co.uk 01844 299820 – 01844 290 899 Fay@kingseyfurniture.co.uk SPACIOUS KITCHEN SHOWROOM OPEN

Appointment only please

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Piddington, Oxfordshire P.O.A Beautiful bay fronted farmhouse with views

Haddenham, Buckinghamshire £995,000 SOLD Grade II Listed family home situated next to the church

“Traditional values combined with today’s digital media allow us to offer an unrivalled bespoke service reaching a global audience”

Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire £1,200,000 SOLD Contemporary new build offering light and space

Ickford, Buckinghamshire £699,950 SOLD Chocolate box thatched cottage with land

Sales & Lettings

Thame, Oxfordshire £599,950 SOLD Grade II Listed Alms House dating back to c1555

Cuddington, Buckinghamshire £999,950 Victorian family home on the green

hamnetthayward.co.uk

Successfully selling and letting exceptional homes in Thame and surrounding villages for over 30 years

Aston Rowant, Oxfordshire £1,500,000 SOLD Substantial modern family home in an acre

Brill, Buckinghamshire £550,000 SOLD Grade II Listed 18c Cottage overlooking the square

“Being open for business with a full compliment of staff through the pandemic has undoubtedly given our clients the premium service they expect”

Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire £1,350,000 SOLD Period family home with detached cottage

Crowell, Oxfordshire, £1,250,000 SOLD Stunning barn conversion in landscaped gardens

01844 215371

Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire SOLD Iconic Tudor farmhouse steeped in history

Thame, Oxfordshire £1,375,000 Centrally located farmhouse with annex

thame@hamnetthayward.co.uk

HOME & GARDEN

Celebrating the great outdoors this summer with Haddenham Garden Centre.

Now fully open for business.

Fully open N

ow is the time to get outdoors and make the most of these summer months, with the help of Haddenham Garden Centre.

During lockdown, the garden provided an important sanctuary for our national, mental well-being. In fact, recently released figures show the country now has an estimated three million new gardening enthusiasts.

Just as well Haddenham Garden Centre is fully equipped to help you enjoy your garden and outdoor living generally.

The extensive plant department has a wide range of shrubs, arranged by a year in colour, so whatever the season your garden will always look great.

At this time of year, the collection of the famous David Austen roses are proving particularly popular.

Bedding plants abound, choose from a range of herbaceous perennials again displayed by colour to make it easy to design your garden.

Naturally, Haddenham Garden Centre has a team of experienced staff who can help with any gardening questions.

Again, lockdown seems to have had an effect on habits. More and more of us are growing our own vegetables.

Haddenham Garden Centre can help you create your very own kitchen garden with

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their range of herbs and vegetables, and fruit plants.

Outdoor living is about entertaining friends and family and goes beyond the flower beds and vegetable patch.

You will find gas and traditional BBQ’s including Heston Blumenthal’s fantastic Everdure range.

Large plant pots and containers, fire pits, a huge range of outdoor lighting, outdoor furniture and patio sets from brands such as Kettler, Hartman and Alexander Rose.

There is a new range of cushions, throws and rugs that are equally at home in the garden as in the home.

You can even find sand, gravel and stones for those wanting to create, paths, patios or rockeries.

From the great outdoors to a great indoors. Now Haddenham Garden Centre is fully open, there is so much more to discover.

The generous gift area is full of soft furnishings, books, kitchenware, clocks, mirrors, haberdashery, childrens toys and greetings cards.

The Pet area provides for all your pet needs. Providing food and accessories for Dogs, Cats, Small Animal and Aquatic.

As well as a huge range of wild bird food and accessories. A qualified pet nutrition advisor is on hand to advise customers.

The Works offers a good quality, great value alternative to the full price specialist sellers of Gifts, Stationery, Art & Craft materials, Books, Hobbies and Toys.

The Edinburgh Woollen Mill. Focused on delivering quality products, great value and excellent service levels.

Then there is Joules. A British clothing company which sells clothing inspired by British country lifestyles.

Food is an important part of Haddenham Garden Centre as well. The farm shop is full of tempting food from local producers and suppliers. They also stock a range of local and regional beers and ciders, and local and international wines.

The bakery features in-store produce as well as the daily deliveries from local bakeries. This ensures they have a full range of delicious cakes, pastries, scones, tarts and biscuits as well as traditional and artisan breads.

The Deli counter showcases the best award winning local and regional cheeses as well as home-cooked meats, fresh breads and antipasti ranging from olives to seasonal salads.

Beef Olive Butchers are at the counter Thursday – Saturday. However, pre-packed meat is available seven days a week.

Great news. the ever popular Gardener’s Retreat is now open again. A large space that allows for indoor and outdoor dining.

The interior has been completely refreshed, and so has the menu.

New delights such as The Gardeners Platter. Mature cheddar cheese, home baked ham, homemade hummus, marinated olives, chutney, freshly baked bread & balsamic dipping oil served with a dressed garden salad Roasted Sweet Potato, Butternut & Bulgar Wheat Salad with kale & red onion tossed in a wholegrain mustard & virgin olive oil dressing.

Crayfish Salad with lemon & dill crème fraiche served on a bed of rocket & garden leaves.

Homemade beef burger made with an in-house butcher’s British ground beef topped with crispy bacon & melted Monterey Jack cheese served in a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, red onion & gherkin accompanied by chunky chips & BBQ sauce.

Goats Cheese & Red Pepper Tartlet.

A warm puff pastry tartlet filled with onion marmalade & roasted red peppers, topped with goats’ cheese, and baked in the oven served with a choice of one

of the speciality salads, are joined by old favourites such as Full English and Gourmet breakfasts.

Lunch favourites such as Toasted Ciabattas and Pittas, freshly made sandwiches, and delicious baked potatoes, as well as daily specials.

Not forgetting Afternoon Tea. Gardener’s Retreat now have a childrens afternoon tea that includes cupcake, party rings, marshmallows dipped in chocolate with sprinkles, gooey chocolate brownie and fying saucers!

Enjoy the summer, especially with Haddenham Garden Centre now in full bloom.

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

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SHUTTER SPEC SECURITY AWNINGS Retractable awnings add extra living space to your home, offer outside shade in the summer and add curb appeal to your home.

ShutterSpec Security has recently partnered with Erhardt Markisen, a market leading German manufacturer of solar shading, and glass terrace roof products. This partnership allows us to deliver beautiful awnings to our customers just in time for summer, meaning you can make the most of the longer evenings outside in the garden with your loved ones and friends.

Domestic, Commercial and Industrial Security Solutions

We supply, install and service a range of high quality garage doors, awnings, security grilles/shutters and entrance gates.

Please visit our showroom.

GARAGE DOORS Whether it’s a space saving Roller Garage Door, a Sectional Garage Door for extra insulation or an Up and Over Garage Door, we offer you products from the highest quality manufacturers with a wide range of colours to suit your choice.

01844 212152

info@shutterspecsecurity.co.uk www.shutterspecsecurity.co.uk

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

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HOME & GARDEN

See and feel the quality.

Ridgeway Interiors put lockdown to good use.

Updating their superb showroom with stunning new displays. It is now open for you to explore.

T

o really appreciate a beautiful kitchen, you need to get up close. See it, feel it, open the cupboards, pull out the drawers and imagine it in your home.

Throughout the latest lockdown, work continued on updating the Ridgeway Interiors showroom. Now it is fully open to the public.

You can see a range of kitchen displays as well as a smart utility room.

A new Systemat 3 Kitchen is on show (a brand new design launched this year). This fabulous kitchen features slim 8mm pull out drawers, a choice of Bora classic down draught Hob and a Tefal induction Hob. Clever

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in cupboard lighting. With a true black finish and Deckton worktops.

Systemat are so confident that you’ll love their kitchen, they’re offering a 10-year warranty across their Systemat 3 range.

You will also find the a new Ridgeway bespoke hand painted kitchen. Truly personalised kitchens made with carefully selected timbers combined with curved cabinets, hand carved corbels and pilasters. A kitchen you can have sized to suit your requirements. Any height, depth and width.

Just two new displays to add to the existing six to explore.

Ridgeway Interiors are passionate about creating bespoke, luxury kitchens. From concept to completion, they work with you every step of the way to make sure you get the kitchen of your dreams, on time and on budget.

With a dedicated design team and a full time installations manager, Ridgeway manage the whole process to make sure you have all the pleasure and none of the hassle.

The team are committed to creating a dream kitchen within your budget. Driven by a passion for innovation, their designers will create kitchen designs and layout alternatives to fulfil your requirements, all free of charge and obligation.

Ridgeway Interiors have their own team of trusted, experienced installers.

Ensuring trouble-free installation of your kitchen every step of the way.

But before all this, see some great kitchens in their large, bright showroom.

Ridgeway Interiors Unit 8, Rycote Lane Farm, Rycote Lane, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 2NZ Phone: 01844 279900 www.ridgewaykitchens.co.uk Ridgeway Kitchen Projects www.ridgewaykitchenprojects.co.uk

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PROPERTY

Property Market Update

from College and County, Thame THE HOME FRONT Property News Page 61

MARKET REVIEW Property Facts & Figures Page 62 & 63

HOMES SOLD Page 64

HOMES FOR SALE Page 65

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The home front

Property market update from College and County, Thame.

The past few weeks have seen a very busy property market, especially here in the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire area. The weather has certainly changed, and lockdowns have eased, adding to a general feeling of confidence and a theme of “getting on with things”.

But what’s it been like across the country? Well, if you look at the statistics, it’s been very good news across the board. House prices are up, and a lot of transactions are being lodged.

It also seems that conveyancing companies and solicitors have been taking on more staff to cope with demand.

Several stories have caught my attention this month, and so I feature them in this month’s news round up.

Don’t forget, if you want to know more about what’s happening locally, just get in touch with me on 01844399292 or email darren@collegeandcounty.co.uk.

PRICES ARE ON THE UP House prices in March had a bit of a resurgence, according to the figures collected by the Halifax in its House Price Index.

The HPI reported that “on a monthly basis, house prices in March were 1.1% higher than in February”, and that “in the latest quarter (January to March) house prices were 0.3% higher than in the preceding three months (October to December)”.

Russell Galley, Managing Director, Halifax, said: “Following a relatively subdued start to the year, the housing market enjoyed something of a resurgence during March, with prices up by just over 1% compared to February.

This rise – the first since November last year – means the average property is now worth £254,606, a new record high.”

There’s no doubt, if you’re looking to sell your Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire home, that now will be a good time to get a great price.

TRANSACTIONS NOT TAKING A HOLIDAY Many outlets are reporting that March was a bumper time for housing transactions.

HMRC released figures that showed how UK residential transactions in March 2021 had been impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and also the so-called holidays for Stamp Duty, Land and Buildings Transaction Tax and Land Transaction Tax. Figures show that the “provisional seasonally adjusted estimate of UK residential transactions in March 2021 is 190,980”. This is double the number of transactions in March 2020 and 32.2% higher than February 2021.

Additionally, the “provisional seasonally adjusted estimate of UK non-residential transactions in March 2021 is 12,530”. This is 53.0% higher than March 2020 and 24.5% higher than February 2021.

These really do show that the property market has been hugely impacted by the holidays and means more people than ever are buying homes.

If your living in the surrounding villages, then I am able to provide the following information for your property and its location so please do get in touch.

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If you are living in the surrounding villages, then I am able to provide the following information for your property and its location. So please get in touch.

PROPERTY

Recently Sold RANGE OF PROPERTIES SOLD SINCE THE START OF THE YEAR Kings Road, Thame OIEO £750,000

Well House, Tiddington Guide Price £750,000

Millway Furlong, Haddenham Guide price £325,000 Corbetts Way, Thame Guide Price £425,000

Clifden Road, Worminghall Guide price £750,000

Haddenham Road, Kingsey Guide price £475,000

Town Farm Close, Thame Guide price £1,000,000

Mitchell Close, Thame Guide price £650,000 Chearsley Road, Long Crendon Guide Price £1,600,000 Hollyhocks, Henton Guide Price £725,000

Red Fox Barn, Waterstock Guide price £475,000

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Dorsett Cottage, Long Crendon OIEO £800,000

Currently For Sale SELECTION OF PROPERTIES CURRENTLY FOR SALE

White Hart Lane, Haddenham Guide price £,1,195,000

Millway Furlong, Haddenham Guide price £475,000

High Street, Thame Guide Price £250,000

Warren Mead, Thame OIEO £575,000

Cricketers Way, Haddenham OIEO £550,000 Willow Barn, Waterstock OIEO £475,000

Croft Road, Thame Guide price OIEO £450,000 Rooks Lane, Thame Guide price £625.000

Upper High Street, Thame Guide price £279,500

I trust you have found the following information useful, if you are thinking of moving in the near future and wish to understand what the current market is doing in your location, please do get in contact with me.

Darren Hunt MNAEA 01844 399292 07833 2464546 darren@collegeandcounty.co.uk

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Delivery

George and Molly

Local, seasonal, organic

Mark Lord Photography

Charles

FOOD & DRINK

Ten mile menu deliver organic veg boxes and more, direct from a fantastic family farm right on your doorstep

T

he rich, fertile soil at Sandy Lane Farm in Tiddington, near Thame, was organic long before it was fashionable. Over 30 years ago, Charles Bennett saw the benefits of working with nature, not in spite of it and today, his son George heads up the family farm, growing an amazing array of veg for the ten mile menu boxes.

It’s unusual to find a local farm that grows the diversity of produce that George does at Sandy Lane - and rarer still to find that farm is organic. Heading into the summer season, the fields are full of carrots, chard, courgettes a plenty and (George’s favourite) super sweet corn cobs are on the horizon.

In the market garden, the polytunnels will soon be a jungle of tomatoes, beans and agretti, all surrounded by a carpet of herbs with an incredible aroma that hits you as soon as you open the doors in the morning sun. Always quietly busy, the farm team sow, plant and harvest mostly by hand and are joined in the field by an array of insects and birds, who work for them as nature’s very own pest controllers.

Diversity is at the heart of everything George does on the farm - whether that is encouraging biodiversity with uncultivated wild flower ‘beetle banks’

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and tree planting, to diversity of crops and rotations to keep the soil healthy. No part of the farm is treated in isolation (above or below ground) and George strives to keep nature in balance at all times.

Ten mile menu have been delivering George’s organic veg to Oxfordshire and South Buckinghamshire for the past seven years, with fantastically loyal customers in Thame and the surrounding villages. It was in 2013 that Steve Sidhu realised that despite the array of brilliant local produce out there, it was unfeasibly difficult to get hold of it. His company, ten mile menu aims to ‘join the dots’ between farms and the customers - making local produce convenient and affordable.

Today, the business is very much veg focussed but also offers a selection of store-cupboard essentials (bread, eggs, coffee) and from other independent, local producers.

For much of the year, with the vast majority of the veg in the ten mile menu boxes coming direct from the fields at Sandy Lane, food miles are kept down to mere metres. Steve has also invested in the first fully electric delivery vehicle, taking the hugely important step towards an environmentally friendly fleet. Always delivering the veg in re-useable boxes, the company aims to reduce their carbon

footprint every step of the way and the produce is kept as seasonal as possible.

It’s an exciting time on the farm. With an expanded market garden, passionate team and vast new transformative ‘no dig’ beds, George now has even more capacity to grow his extremely tasty, organic veg for local customers. These veg boxes are an opportunity to really get to ‘know your onions’ (and your carrots and your salad!) from the ground up direct from the soil at Sandy Lane, to your doorstep. Traceability, from field to fork.

Ten mile menu deliver each Thursday and Friday, shop as little or as often as you like, no need to be in. Visit the website to register and for further details: www.tenmilemenu.co.uk Also, do check out social media for regular updates on what’s happening on the farm and all things organic. Find them on instagram and Facebook @tenmilemenu

Ten Mile Menu www.tenmilemenu.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

A short trip from Thame to Princes Risborough was to make a long lasting impression on Stuart Dale when he discovered Olive Indian Restaurant.

I

t would have been the summer of 2019. We were invited to a family function at my sister-in-law’s home in Princes Risborough.

As is often the way, a couple of drinks followed by a takeaway curry was the order of the day.

“A new Indian Restaurant has opened in Duke Street,” my Brother-in-law exclaimed. “It’s really good,” he enthused.

He was right, it was.

The restaurant in question was Olive, and we have returned on numerous occasions.

Managed by Saifi, you can expect a really warm welcome and excellent service whether you are dinning in or collecting a takeaway.

But most important of all is the quality of the food. It is excellent.

Olive has been a bit of a life saver throughout the past lockdown. It has been well worth driving over from Thame to collect our food.

However, great news for us and anyone else from Thame, Olive now also deliver to Thame. Delivery is free with a minimum order of £30. If you collect yourself, you will save as much as 20% off the cost.

It is worth pointing out Olive also deliver to Princes Risborough (naturally), Chinnor, Lacy Green, Speen and other surrounding areas.

So what makes Olive’s cuisine so popular, I ask Saifi?

“Fresh ingredients and freshly cooked food. Most restaurants have preprepared, pre-cooked food,” says Saifi.

Everything here is cooked to order, using fresh ingredients rather than frozen.

Cooking takes a little longer, but I believe it’s well worth it, he adds.

When we met, Saifi had just travelled back from London sourcing fresh leaves.

It would have been easier to use frozen, but that’s not the Olive way.

Saifi describes Olive as a naturally authentic Indian Restaurant. The aim

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is to bring customers regional dishes from around India as well as traditional favourites. “ All our curries contain 100% natural ingredients and we do not use any processed meats, bulking agents, preservatives, artificial colourings or flavourings, explains Saifi.

You can enjoy classic favourites such as Masala’s, Korma’s, Pasandas, Baltis, Dopiazas, Bhunas, Jalfrezis,Vindaloos and so on.

Or, how about something a little different, like the regional specialities: Kholapuri Garlic Chilli Chicken.

Cooked with fresh chillies, lime and finished with mustard & curry leaves.

Rajasthani Venison Curry.

Venison curry from the land of famous forts and palaces.

Sri Lankan Slow Cooked Lamb. Lamb with spinach and chick peas.

Coorgi Coconut Lamb. Lamb cooked with coconut milk flavoured with cardamom and saffron.

Parsee Roast Duck Narangee. Five spice marinated duck with ginger fennel and orange sauce.

Goan Green Chicken Curry. Chicken cooked in a tangy sauce made from a puree of green herbs tropical lime.

Spiced Monk Fish Malabari. Marinated with roasted spies, pan fried.

Keralan Jumbo Prawn Curry.

Golden roasted coconut and mustard curry with traditional Keralan spice.

Alleppey Mango and Coriander Chicken. Mild curry cooked with yoghurt, mustard seed and fresh green mango.

Hriyali Lamb.

Chef special herb cooked with spinach and potato.

Saifi is a trained Chef and has worked in the business for 35 years. He has worked at Olive in Princes Risborough since it opened, working seven days a week establishing a reputation for fine food and service. Quality is key to everything Saifi

Olive branch does. from the interior decoration to the wine list for example. Olive stock quality wines from France, Italy and South Africa.

He could serve cheaper wines and make a greater profit, but again, that is not the Olive way.

When eating in, Olive is limited to just two sittings. Saifi wants his customer to savour the dining experience and not be rushed.

Eating in or takeaway, Olive serve up some fine Indian Cuisine. I owe my Brother-in-law a drink. Kingfisher, I think.

Call 01844 274443 to order a delivery or book a table.

OLIVE IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK FROM 5.00PM

Olive Indian Restaurant 16 Duke Street, Princes Risborough HP27 0AT Tel: 01844 274443 / 01844 274388 Email: info@oliveindianrestaurantpr.co.uk

Thame Out .69

FOOD & DRINK Al fresco entertaining tips from Jerome Harlington.

I

Wine and rain?

t’s late April and I’m watching my hand gradualy turn icy blue as I stoically cradle my pint of long anticipated Beechwood Bitter as chilly north winds eddy around the courtyard of this delightful ancient inn.

Having been stuck inside for the best part of a year we collectively didn’t need much of a push to sit outdoors at hospitality venues across the country no matter the weather and I’m sure this is a trend that we will be here to stay.

So here are my top tips to help make alfresco dining and entertaining as enjoyable as possible.

Ideal drinks and food to serve Interestingly the environment does impact taste and often outside your senses are given a lot more stimulation than inside.

So as well as your staple supply of favourite drinks, full flavoured alcoholic or non alcoholic cocktails work well or experiment with some of the interesting vibrant hard seltzers that have recently made their debut on to the market. If serving wine your more robust styles that are full of flavour are a better option. Aromatic New Zealand whites or big Californian reds as an example would be worth imbibing outside. The lighter, cooler climate, delicate wines tastes and complexity can easily be lost outside so perhaps better saved for indoor enjoyment.

As the evening draws in think about warm drinks such as mulled wines with spice that work particularly well.

The same applies with food, it’s worth opting for full flavoured dishes such as middle eastern mezzes or barbeque or fire up your pizza oven if you have one.

Serve big and bold food that delights your guests taste buds.

Glassware and serving plates Rather than your best crystal stemmed glassware or china, it’s often best to go with tumblers that are stable and less

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easily damaged. There are some great stemless glassware options available that would be perfect.

Planning your space Whatever the occasion may be, every event will have different requirements that may mean configuring your outdoor space differently to suit the occasion. Things to consider are where will food be cooked and served?

Where will people linger prior to eating? Where is the best place to serve drinks? Where will people sit to eat and whether there is any space needed for garden games or activities.

When you’re planning an event far in advance, you can’t always guarantee that the weather will stay dry. It’s worth thinking about how you’re going to prepare and serve food – if you’re planning on doing it outside, make sure your guests can sit underneath a garden parasol or even a gazebo if the forecast on the day involves any chance of rain.

Think about seating and physical comfort Some of the best alfresco dining experiences have included soft furnishings such as cushions or blankets so that guests are just as comfortable outside as they might be inside.

Ensure your guests are warm As the evenings draw in, there can be quite the chill in the air. Making sure you have a source of heat for people to enjoy is vital if you want your guests to be comfortable. I’ve recently discovered the amazing comfort of outdoor infrared heating. It works so well as a heating solution as rather than blowing hot air around or burning gas it’s ultra efficient and actually only heats thermal mass - so your guests will be cosy and warm. There’s

a local company Arc Thermal Products that specialise in this so worth looking them up if you’re interested in heating your outdoor space.

Lighting and ambience Good outdoor lighting can really enhance your outdoor space, giving it a wonderful ambience as well as practical illumination for important areas. Think about which areas you will need lit, such as a pathway from the garden to the house, the eating area and any areas you want to highlight.

So there you have it, I hope these tips help you make the most of your outdoor entertaining and of course if you’d like any wine suggestions or food pairing tips please do drop me a line. I’d be delighted to hear from you as always!

Jerome

info@trailblazingwine.com www.trailblazingwine.com 01296 872315

Two traditional English pubs.

One Fine Thai Cuisine.

It’s time to eat out.

Enjoy the delights of a traditional British pub – oak beams, stone floors, great beers – and the flavours of fantastic Thai cuisine, The Rising Sun in Thame and The Churchill Arms in Long Crendon.

Make the most of the summer by eating out at The Rising Sun and The Churchill Arms.

Don’t forget to book the restaurants for inside dining as well.

THE RISING SUN

26 High Street,Thame OX9 2BZ l 01844 214206 l www.risingsun-thame.co.uk

THE CHURCHILL ARMS

1 High Street,Long Crendon HP18 9AF l 01844 335081 l www.churchillarms-longcrendon-thame.co.uk

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR THE SUMMER

Thame Out .71

COLUMN

Q. I want to divorce my spouse amicably, without blame, citing irreconcilable differences. Is that possible?

A.

Most family solicitors will want to support you in achieving your divorce (together with other arrangements around children and finances) amicably, this reduces animosity and cost which is better for all. Despite what Google (or other search engines) might tell you, in England and Wales you cannot divorce based on irreconcilable differences, as you can in other jurisdictions.

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Within England and Wales there is only one ground upon which you can obtain a divorce, that is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.

At present, to support this ground the petitioner (the person bringing the divorce) needs to rely one of five facts; adultery (although this cannot be used in same sex marriages or civil partnerships), unreasonable behaviour,

desertion (for a period of two years), the parties having being living apart for two years and both consent to the divorce or the parties having lived apart for five years (in which case the other person does not need to consent). Given the need to wait for two years parties often elect to proceed on the basis of unreasonable behaviour or adultery (where applicable) to be able to bring the matter to a conclusion without having to wait.

For some time, campaigners having been seeking the introduction of “no fault” divorce to remove the need to apportion blame. This ‘no fault divorce’ will become law in the autumn of 2021.

The ground for divorce remains, that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, but there is no requirement to rely on one of the five facts. This change signals a move towards helping to minimise some of the tensions currently felt when a marriage or civil partnership breaks down and someone has to be “blamed”.

Do you have a legal question for the family team or another solicitor at Lightfoots? Contact us at ask@lightfoots. co.uk and you could feature* in our new regular column in Thame Out magazine. *All situations are different and the answers provided should not be relied upon as tailored advice.

SUMMER AT WHITE HART STUDIO

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OPENING TIMES TUES TO SAT: 10am - 5pm

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ENTERTAINMENT

Playing at The Oxford Playhouse BRAINIAC LIVE 27 – 28 JULY

RAMBERT SUMMER - LIVESTREAM 15 – 17 JULY Siblings Marne van Opstal and Imre van Opstal (company dancers NDT, Batsheva) are among the hottest up-andcoming new choreographers on the scene. Rambert is always looking for exciting new voices, so we’ve invited them to unleash their fresh creative force on our dancers.

Marion Motin’s choreography for Dua Lipa (IDGAF) and Christine and the Queens (Christine, Tilted) has a quirky hip hop vibe. Rouge is what happened when we invited pop’s coolest choreographer to work with Rambert’s daring dancers. Now she’s back in the studio re-making Rouge with a new cinematographic twist.

Strap on your safety goggles boys and girls! Brainiac Live comes to the Oxford Playhouse! The most outrageous live science show with exploding dustbins, combusting microwaves, live daredevils stunts and all the experiments you’re not allowed to do at home.

Based on the popular TV show, come join the fearless Brainiacs as they take you on a breathless ride through the wild world of the weird and wonderful.

Watch in amazement from the safety of your seat as the Brainiacs delve fearlessly into the spectacular mysteries of science!

Covid Secure Measures Please note, this event is currently being sold to a socially distanced seating plan and capacity. Subject to government advice and guidelines this capacity may increase from 21 June 2021. Please be assured that the safety of our audiences and staff is of the utmost importance to us and we continue to follow the safety and hygiene measures set out by the government in its guidance for performing arts.

RUSSELL HOWARD - RESPITE 28 – 30 AUGUST Following the critically acclaimed sold out arena leg of his tour ‘Respite’, Russell Howard returns with his biggest globe-spanning stand-up tour to date.

Riding high on the success of his Sky One show The Russell Howard Hour, and his global smash Netflix special Recalibrate, Russell is back on stage where he belongs, making sense of a world that’s spinning out of control.

This show has been rescheduled from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August 2020

Oxford Playhouse Ticket Office: 01865 305305 www.oxfordplayhouse.com 74. Thame Out

LIFESTYLE

L

ightfoots are proud to announce that from 1st May 2021 Petrova Caldecourt has become a Partner in the firm.

Following Gill Wright’s move into a consultancy role last year, Petrova has, over the past 12 months taken on responsibility for the Family team and will continue in this leadership role as a Partner.

Much like all other partner appointments before her, this opportunity is in recognition of what Petrova has achieved since joining Lightfoots and the energy she has brought to the firm, family law team and of course our clients.

Congratulations Petrova!

Petrova joined the Family Department of Lightfoots in 2016 and has built up considerable experience advising and assisting people following the breakdown of a relationship, whether this be to deal with divorce, finances or children. She advises in all areas of family law across all walks of life, from high net worth to more modest assets including in preparation for marriage and is praised by clients for her “excellent” advice, allowing them to feel confident in their rights and responsibilities and that they are in “safe hands”. In 2018 Petrova trained as a Mediator and we are proud that Petrova and Gill are able to offer mediation in Thame.

Petrova says “I am excited for this new adventure and challenge, building on the department and network which Gill has established, working on the relationships Lightfoots have within the community, both close by and further afield.”

We are also pleased to announce that Adam Ball. has recently joined us as a Solicitor, bringing with him a wealth of Cohabitation expertise and Inheritance

A new partner for Lightfoots Solicitors Act claims further solidifying the comprehensive range of advice Lightfoots has to offer in assisting clients in a range of situations.

At Lightfoots we offer free initial no obligation meetings to provide some information and advice about your current situation so please get in touch if you need us.

Our Family services include: l Divorce l Mediation l Child arrangements l Financial arrangements l Pre and Post nuptial agreements l Cohabitation l Civil partnerships l Domestic abuse After a year of such turmoil and uncertainty we are delighted that as the country emerges from lockdown and can once more move forwards, Lightfoots is already on that path and we would like to take this opportunity to thank our clients and team for their ongoing support.

1-3 High Street, Thame, Oxon OX9 2BX. 01844 212 305 enquiries@lightfoots.co.uk also at 28 High Street, Princes Risborough HP27 0AX

Thame Out .75

ENTERTAINMENT

New for 2021 from the New Theatre

THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA 27 JUNE The sensational Glenn Miller Orchestra swings you back in time playing Glenn Miller’s own arrangements of favourite wartime chart toppers and hits from the forties directed by legendary band leader Ray McVay.Featuring: Pennsylvania 6-5000, St Louis Blues March, American Patrol, In the Mood, Danny Boy, Moonlight Serenade, I Know Why, The Dambusters March, Little Brown Jug, Tuxedo Junction.

There will also be a special tribute to the famed RAT PACK - Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. - who performed in the same era! New York, New York, Volare, Mr. Bojangles and Chicago to name but a few.

BLOOD BROTHERS 17 – 21 AUGUST Written by Willy Russell, the legendary BLOOD BROTHERS tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.

Few musicals have been received with such acclaim as the multi-award-winning Blood Brothers. Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone.

PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT 23 – 28 AUGUST

It has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” (The Daily Mail).

The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

Pack up your wigs, heels and all the glitter you can find, because the iconic, joyous and award-winning musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert is BACK touring the UK and Ireland!

Based on the Oscar-winning movie, Priscilla is the hilarious and heart-warming adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for the Outback to put on the show of a lifetime. Two worlds collide on this fabulous journey of self-discovery and friendship, and along the way our trio discover the true power of love, acceptance, and sass!

With more glitz and glamour than ever before, this show-stopping musical features spectacular dance routines, a dazzling array of eyepopping costumes, and a scintillating, sing-a-long soundtrack full of your favourite dance-floor classics. Including Hot Stuff, It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Finally and many more; it’s pure joy guaranteed!

Tickets for all shows can be purchased from the New Theatre box office on George Street, by ringing 0844 871 3020, or by visiting our website at www.atgtickets.com/oxford (phone and internet bookings subject to booking/transaction fees).

For bookings of 10 or more, and for Equal Access bookings, please call our dedicated in-house team on 0844 871 3040.

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LISTINGS

What, where and when?

NEW THEATRE – OXFORD www.newtheatreoxford.org.uk 0870 606 3500 June 11 Here Come The Boys 15 Harris and Baker: Back Stage Pass 27 The Glenn Miller Orchestra August 17 - 21 Blood Brothers 23 - 28 Priscilla - Queen of the Desert September 10 Jon Richardson: The Knitwit 16 Paloma Faith 18 Mo Gilligan - There’s Mo To Life 24 What’s Love Got To Do With It? 25 Fisherman’s Friends 27 John Bishop: Warm Up 29 Jamie Cullum 30 David Essex OXFORD PLAYHOUSE www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305 June 8 - 9 The War of the Worlds 11 A Cold Supper Behind HarrodS 14,19,21 & 26 Four Quartets 20 Adam Buxton Rambles... Sold Out 22 Tatty Old Heart (Work-in-Progress) 26 Creature Comforts Wellington Square Gardens, Welling 26 The Gift 27 Flotsam and Jetsam’s Voyage to the Trash Vortex 27 Game Over July 3 Michael Spicer: The Room Next Door 8 -10 You Can’t Stop The Beat 12 - 15 Under The Mask 15 - 17 Rambert Summer Livestream 16 - 18 Russell Howard: Respite 19 - 24 The Woman In Black 26 - 27 Brainiac Live

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August 24 - 29 Six September 18 Phil Wang 19 Yotam Ottolenghi: A Life in Flavour THE PLAYERS THEATRE – THAME www.thameplayers.co.uk The Players Theatre, Nelson Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 2DP July 6 - 10 Diary of a Nobody 16 Voodoo Room 17 Who’s Wine Is It Anyway with Neil Phillips, the Wine Tipster 23 The New Foundations WATERSIDE THEATRE 0844 871 7607 July 5 Hello Again A Tribute to Neil Diamond 16 UK Foo Fighters 18 Friars Aylesbury: Big Big Train & Lifesigns August 26 The Chicago Blues Brothers A Night At The Movies 27 The Adventures of Bo Peep 27 Levellers September 6 - 11 Hairspray The Musical 12 One Night of Queen Performed by Gary Mullen & The Works Towersey Fringe Saturday 28th August Evening of Comedy 7.30pm-11pm (Gates open at 5pm ) Tickets available from www.ticketsource.co.uk

Sunday 29th August Day of Beer and Bands 1.30pm-11pm (Gates open at 1pm ) Great food stalls and children’s activities too Venue: Towersey Playing Fields For more information: info@towerseyfringe.co.uk Twelfth Night Half Cut Theatre bring Shakespeare’s classic Rom-Com Twelfth Night to The Rising Sun at Ickford @ The Rising Sun, Ickford.

Jun 13 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Thame Town Music Festival 10 July Thame Food Festival Thame Showground 25 & 26 September The Walled Garden at Wormsley Visit Thursday 10th June 2021 2:00pm-5:00pm – Adults: £35.00 A Midsummer Garden Walk Thursday 24th June 2021 7.30pm-9.30pm – Adults: £15.00 (Friends: free) Turn End and Middle Turn Open Day Monday 30th August 2021 2.00pm-5.00pm – Adults: £20 (Friends: free, Students with ID card: £15, 5-16 years: £2.50, Under 5s: free) Garden Photography Workshop with Jason Ingram Thursday 9th September 2021 10.00am-4.30pm – Adults: £130 (Friends: £120)