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

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.

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.

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.

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 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?

> Accountants

> Estate Planning > Investments

> Pensions > Solicitors

Wills & Trusts has three Prime Directives. These are the foundations on which every decision is built.

“ 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.

“ 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.

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.

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

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. 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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

1 Beech Road, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 2AL

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

tillynilly have designs on your interiors.

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 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

Innovative designs of blinds and hand made curtains to dress your windows beautifully. Greens of Thame are open for business.

(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.

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

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. 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.

PowerView® A smart way to operate your blinds remotely.

OF THAME

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.

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

Chocolate box thatched cottage with land

Victorian family home on the green

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

Period family home with detached cottage

Iconic Tudor farmhouse steeped in history

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

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

Celebrating the great outdoors this summer with Haddenham Garden Centre. Now fully open for business.

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 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.

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

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

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

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 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.

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

www.ridgewaykitchenprojects.co.uk