LIFESTYLE – fitch & fellows, Family Law Vintage Furniture, Cycling and Jewellery

Let White Hart Studio light the way this Christmas.

Call into White Hart Studio in Haddenham and you will find some bright lighting ideas. Candles, Battery, Solar and Electric solutions will light up your Christmas. Owner, Jane points me to some wonderful St. Eval candles. Sustainable. traditionally hand poured in Cornwall they come in beautifully designed tins. The candles are available in fragrances such as Winter Thyme, Orange & Cinnamon, Figgy Pudding and Inspirits. They make a great gift. If a naked flame makes you a little nervous, try the various ‘safer’ options. The LED Flame Candles are a brilliant alternative. Operated by remote control they are available in ‘Christmas’ red or green. You can have a still light or a flickering version. These are great value at just £18.00 for a pack of two with their remote included. Traditional white church style candles come in a pack of three. Other lighting options available are a Starburst wreath featuring LED lights. An ideal hanging decoration or a table centre piece. Also popular this year is the ‘Robin’. A metal frame in white or earth colour with numerous lights in the shape of a Robin. Very light, this is ideal for sending through the post. Just £15.00. Exterior lighting. Great for trees, doorways come in the form of a cluster of lights on a chain (comes with a transformer). Starburst lights that are available as solar or battery powered are perfect for lighting up a pathway. White Hart Studio are switched on for Christmas lights.

WHITE HART STUDIO WHITE HART STUDIO

FASHION, JEWELLERY, GIFTS & INTERIORSFASHION, JEWELLERY, GIFTS & INTERIORS

15 CHURCHWAY, HADDENHAM, BUCKS HP17 8AB15 CHURCHWAY, HADDENHAM, BUCKS, HP17 8AB T: T: 01844 292308 M: 07765 366308 01844 292308 M: 07765 366308 E: E: JANE@WHITEHARTSTUDIO.COM JANE@WHITEHARTSTUDIO.COM

Well, separation and divorce no longer needs to be like this anymore. A divorce revolution is upon us. In 2022 “No fault divorce” will become law and it is one of the biggest changes ever seen in family law. In readiness, new options are now available to help couples discuss and agree all aspects of their divorce, the legal paperwork, the financial issues and arrangements for their children. There is no need to go to court. Claire Colbert and Rachael Oakes have established their new business called Family Mediation and Mentoring LLP because they want to work with couples in a way that law firms cannot. The aim of the new business is to keep couples out of court and facilitate the resolution of any issue involving family breakdown, separation, divorce and its financial consequences, arrangements for children and any other kind of family dispute. The goal is to support couples to achieve the no fault divorce they want. To do this Claire and Rachael use all the skills they have as accredited mediators whilst drawing on all the knowledge and experience they have each built up working as specialist family lawyers for more than 20 years. They are leaving the world of litigation to do what feels like the right thing, helping couples achieve an amicable separation and divorce. Lawyers cannot meet with a couple together. They are prevented from doing so because it is regarded as a conflict of interest by the rules that govern how lawyers’ practice. One of the unique services Family Mediation and Mentoring LLP can provide is a Family Law Information Meeting. Whilst working as family lawyers Claire and Rachael were conscious that many couples wanted to meet together to obtain an understanding of the steps and options involved in divorce situations. Law firms cannot offer this service because they are unable to meet with couples together. This is a great first step for any couple wanting to receive as much information as possible about how the divorce process works and enables couples to make joint decisions about next steps. This service can reduce the risk of conflict, help people keep their legal costs down or assist anyone who might already be representing themselves in the family court. Family Mediation and Mentoring LLP are the only local business who can provide all the following services to help and support people;

l Traditional Family Mediation where a couple meet with a mediator to facilitate the resolution of the practical and financial consequences of separation and divorce. l The new Hybrid Mediation model where both lawyers representing the couple are involved in meetings so that they became part of finding the solution and stop litigating. The lawyers can provide legal advice as and when it is needed when discussing proposals for reaching an agreement l Meeting with children to ascertain their views about future arrangements so that they feel that they have a voice in the process l Mediating for couples to facilitate what might be included in a pre-marital agreement, post marital agreement or cohabitation agreement. l Coaching people who are having to go through the court process. This is a very stressful process and one Claire and Rachael know inside out. l Resolving other types of family disputes by mediation l Mentoring lawyers who work in the field of family law. This service is led by Rachael who also sits as a Deputy District Judge

The website contains lots of information about all the available services and explains all the above options in more detail so please do have a look –

Family Mediation and Mentoring LLP came about after much reflection and wanting to help couples find a better way to separate and divorce. As Alice Walker said – “Look closely at the future you are constructing. It should look like the future you are dreaming”. Claire and Rachael have dreamt the dream and want to create a better future for those they work with. If they can help you or anyone you know the freephone number is 0800 206 2258 or email them at

For expert advice and a superb selection of bikes and accessories, call into Thame Cycles.

To get the most of this popular hobby, you need to make sure that your bike and equipment is best suited to you. Opened in March this year, Thame Cycles is a small independent business that provides the local community and surrounding villages with all their cycling needs. Offering both equipment and expert advice. Situated in Station Yard, Thame, and with on site parking and easy access to the Phoenix Trail (part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network) you can easily access the shop via 4 wheels or 2. The Covid-19 pandemic has seen a boom in people exercising outdoors and cycling in all its forms has proved increasingly popular. For cycling enthusiasts and family riders alike, it is great news that Thame Cycles have ridden into town. Owner Jeremy Crook has turned his passion into a business. On two wheels since he was 6-years-old, Jeremy knows all about bikes. At home on a mountain bike and especially on a road bike, Jeremy was a professional rider and has represented Great Britain in numerous competitions. He has also repaired and maintained bikes his entire life. Bicycle repairs, maintenance and servicing are a core part of Thame Cycles. You can book your bike into their

workshop to ensure smooth running and trouble free cycling for all types of bikes. Jeremy is also a director of an electric bike company. His knowledge is invaluable in this fast growing sector of two wheel travel. Thame Cycles offer a comprehensive range of bikes including road, mountain and electric from reputable manufacturers such as Colnago, Wisper, Basso, Cinelli, Kelly’s, Argon18 and ‘Frog’ children’s bikes. This means Thame Cycles cater for the needs of a range of cyclists from children’s bikes, leisure riders, commuters, mountain bikers, through to serious road cyclists. The shop is well stocked with accessories such as clothing, glasses and helmets. For example Thame Cycles are one of the largest dealers for the popular Kali helmets. With media reports of supply issues for some items this Christmas, rest assured, Thame Cycles are stacked with great gift ideas. Christmas shopping is made even easier with the shop open on Sundays as well Thame Cycles knowledgeable staff have over 80 years of combined cycling experience to ensure you leave the shop with the right products for you. Joining Jeremy are Al, Shop Manager and David, a Mechanic. Looking ahead, Thame Cycles are currently working hard to have cycle hire available soon. Thame Cycles. A shop that peddles the pleasure of cycling.

Unit 6c, Station Yard, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3UH 01844 335913 www.thamecycles.co.uk

Yeats Lodge in Thame celebrates ‘Friendship Month’ as new research shows that a quarter of older people would like to make new friends

It comes as new research shows that a quarter of older people would like to make a new pool of friends but have no idea where to start. A survey of 1,000 people aged 65 and over revealed 30 per cent think they have lost the art of small talk as they have got older. And almost half (45 per cent) don’t feel like they spend enough time socialising. Overall, a third of older people admitted they have experienced loneliness – a feeling which can cause the decline of both their physical and mental health. The research was revealed by Churchill Retirement Living as part of its Friendship Month, where it is encouraging people to tour visit its developments and see the social element of independent living. Churchill’s Regional Marketing Manager Dawn Coster said: “At Churchill we understand the importance of friendship as well as independence, so we have created Friendship Month - a time to celebrate the benefits of friendship and support that come with a new apartment at Yeats Lodge. It’s an ideal time for people to come and see the lifestyle on offer here and we’re even giving a free voucher to new visitors so they can enjoy a coffee and a catch up with a friend on us.” Yeats Lodge is a stylish collection of one and two bedroom privately-owned retirement apartments available to buy now. Each apartment has been designed exclusively for those in their retirement years and has a number of safety and security features, such as a 24 hour emergency call line and a video entry system, for complete peace of mind. To find out more call 01844 319881 or visit churchillretirement.co.uk

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

fitch & fellows is home to plethora of artistic gift ideas for Christmas.

the rare and the everyday. Here you will find the work of many new and established artists and makers. Paintings, ceramics, jewellery, glass, wood, mixed media, metal, textiles and all things handmade adorn the walls, shelves and display cabinets. An Aladdin’s cave for Christmas ideas. UPStairs@fitch&fellows, the exhibition space above the shop, has a show entitled WHIMSY, on until the end of the year, featuring the world famous miniature photography of David Gilliver and his ‘Little People’. With him are the classically painted but humorous still life paintings of Caroline Moore. In the shop, discover some fantastic ideas for gifts this Christmas from some imaginative and talented artists. Look out for some delicately patterned porcelain tableware in pastel shades by Sarah Went. Iridescent glass vases and baubles from Isle of Wight Glass. Wonderful perfume bottles decorated with golden trailing glass by Allister Malcolm. How about soaps from Art House - a charity presenting artistic talents of adults living with complex neuro-diverse and physical support needs. 100% of sales sustains the charity, enabling it to grow and evolve. And who doesn’t love chocolate? Love Cocoa, the business run by James Cadbury, related to the famous Cadbury family, prefers sustainable chocolate. For every bar sold, a tree is planted. For jewellery, seek out sterling silver bracelets and earrings. Prices start at just £15. Then there is Kate Wood. Her work is notable for the ultra fine workmanship of her pieces. featuring, sapphires, pearls and labradorite. Kate’s ‘Waterfall’ earrings are stunning. You can be sure, a gift for Christmas from fitch & fellows will be very special.

Celebrating The Unusual

In Creative Craftsmanship

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

One of a kind boulder opal Pendant. 18ct yellow gold setting with diamond. On a string of white pearls with 9ct yellow gold clasp. £10,625 9ct yellow gold disk pendants made by Thame Jewellery Workshop. £190 (small) £310 (large).

18ct white gold earrings with ombre effect pink sapphires. £1,000 18ct white gold diamond cluster ring in flower style shape. £2,375 14ct yellow gold pendant with boulder opal set. 9ct yellow gold chain. £745

18ct white gold yellow and white diamond half ET ring. £1,800

18ct yellow gold pendant with boulder opal and 18ct yellow gold chain. £923

Black opal set in an 18ct yellow gold ring. With diamonds on the shoulders. £1,085

Sterling silver handmade hammered pendant on chain with cabochon garnet. £185 Druzy Onyx stones set in sterling silver earrings. Designed and made by Thame Jewellery Workshop. £170

Large agate pendant set in sterling silver on an extra long chain. Designed and made by Thame Jewellery Workshop. £690

Sterling silver concentric circle pendant with hammered effect finish. Designed and made by Thame Jewellery Workshop. £110 Sterling Silver Aztec column pendants. Designed and handmade by Thame Jewellery Workshop. Range from £85-£135

Druzy Onyx stones set in sterling silver cufflinks. Designed and made by Thame Jewellery Workshop. £200

Opal ring in sterling silver. £195

Sterling silver large cuff bangle with hammered finish. Designed and made by Thame Jewellery Workshop. £320