Vale Life Magazine Dec-Jan 2017 Web Edition

Vale Life FREE MAGAZINE

Your free magazine for Aylesbury, Thame and the surrounding area

Take me home

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w art w music w people w Motors w homes w gardens w theatre w food w fashion w Beauty w health w travel w

Dec/Jan 2017-18

Cover image: Snow covered beech at Ashridge Picture by Damian Ward www.damianwardphotography.co.uk

Inside:

Top of the poppadoms

Local chef wins national award!

Keeping in shape can be fun

New Year health and fitness section

See our website at: www.vale-life.co.uk

Gathering winter fuel Kevin has logs to burn

Plus our columnists: Katy, Naomi, Polly, Amanda, Cathy, Paul, Tracy, Sandra, Shaun, Nigel, Rob, Alan and much, much more...

Free local listings for events and businesses

w A Meal for two at the trough, Orchard View Farm w Craft Beer Course w w Champneys Spa Day w Whipped & Charred cookbook w

A Ridgeway Kitchen comes with one important extra feature — peace of mind

Bespoke, fitted or just supplied, our stunning range of German and English kitchens come with total peace of mind.

Ridgeway will work with you throughout your project — whether small or large. It’s all done from surveying, designing, delivering and fitting your dream kitchen and using our own in house teams of experts.

All you need to do is relax and enjoy the end result. Add to that free survey and design, it all adds up to a very attractive deal indeed.

For more information on our range of over 500 kitchen options, you will be very welcome to drop into our showroom off the M40 near Thame in Oxfordshire. Or visit our website (www.ridgewaykitchens.co.uk) or call us on 01844 279900

Ridgeway Kitchens and Interiors | Unit 8 | Rycote Lane Farm | Rycote Lane | Thame | OX9 2NZ 2

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

O ng EE C ooki st FR SEC ed b ber 1 O irm em PR nf ov

co e N ith or W bef

Eat, Drink & Dine

INVITES YOU TO CHRISTMAS AT THE CROWN Telephone: 01296 670216 E-mail: info@thecrowngranborough.co.uk Web: www.thecrowngranborough.co.uk

Winslow Rd, Granborough, Buckinghamshire, MK18 3NJ

The Crown, Winslow Road, Granborough, Buckinghamshire, MK18 3NP A mile south of Winslow, within 15 minutes of Aylesbury & Buckingham Within 30 minutes of Bicester, Leighton Buzzard and Milton Keynes

A charming village pub, attractively and sympathetically restored and now under new management, offering high quality dining in relaxed and comfortable surroundings, as found at our sister pub The Old Thatched Inn at Adstock

Pub open seven days - Monday: 5pm-10pm, Tuesday-Friday: 12-3pm & 5-11pm, Saturday: 12-11pm, Sunday: 12-8pm Food served: Tuesday-Saturday: 12-2.30pm & 6-9pm, Sunday: 12-5pm

Tel: 01296 670216 Web: www.thecrowngranborough.co.uk Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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Do you live, work or have close family living in the Aylesbury Vale District?

Do you live, work or have close family living in the Aylesbury Vale District?

You could be eligible to move in to a brand new home, in the District, this Summer.

You could be eligible to move in to a brand new home, in the District, this Summer.

Over the next two years, Hightown Homes are building affordable one, two Over the next two years, Hightown Homes are building affordable one, two and three bedroom homes in the District, including Tingewick Road, Buckingham, and three bedroom homes in the District, including Tingewick Road, Buckingham, available for Shared Ownership sale. available for Shared Ownership sale.

Tingewick Road offers 2 & 3 bedroom, semi-detached houses with contemporary Tingewick Road offers 2 & 3 bedroom, semi-detached houses with contemporary kitchens, private gardens and parking. kitchens, private gardens and parking.

To discuss your eligibility please contact To discuss your eligibility please contact sales@hightownha.org.uk sales@hightownha.org.uk 4

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

www.hightownhomes.com www.hightownhomes.com

Welcome to Coco Tamarind Fine Indian restaurant & takeaway at Askett, Princes Risborough

Coco Tamarind serves the finest modern and traditional Indian cuisine, in stylish, comfortable surroundings. The relaxed ambience and efficient service, plus our well stocked bar, will ensure your time with us is a most enjoyable experience, whatever the occasion.

New Year’s Eve Angel Dancers

We are taking Christmas party bookings - call now full Coco Tamarind menu available for your festive celebration New Year’s Eve Bollywood night (8.30pm til late) - Angel Dancers, five course set meal and glass of Champagne: £54.95 per person. Early sitting (5.30pm 8pm) - regular menu and prices

l

Robbie Williams tribute!

Book quickly for robbie show Monday, March 5th from 7pm 5 course meal £29.95

l 10% discount on collected takeaways l Free home delivery within 5 mile radius (min order £15) Become a Coco Tamarind Member and enjoy discounts and special offers l Please book ahead, we are busy all week!

Order your takeaway or reserve a table online at www.cocotamarindHP27.co.uk or call: 01844 343111 / 01844 346100 Coco Tamarind, Aylesbury Road, Askett, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 9LY

01296 01296622975 622975 07711750917 07711 750917

FF uu nn e re ra al lDDi ri re e cctot orrss 2121- -23 23 High Street,Wendover Wendover, HP22 High Street, HP22 6DU 6DU

bradleyandjones.co.uk bradleyandjones.co.uk time@bradleyandjones.co.uk time@bradleyandjones.co.uk Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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!

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Crusader Holidays 2018

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BRITA IN & EUR O

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SUNDAY, ELVIS Fawlty Towers at the Andre Rieu Live MONDAY, In France HAPPY DAYS… WITH £385 4-Star Orchard Hotel 4 Days The King of Waltz Returns! André Fri 31st March 2017

Sun 30th 2 Days fromOctober £159 2016

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2 Days Single room supp.£15 Rieu is back in France with a brand Single supplement extra Lets take a trip back in time - we Insurance £23 new show! André Rieu will give you all loved Fawlty Towers! Come what you’ve come to expect from his and join in the fun as John Cleese performances: the maestro conducting impersonator, Edmond Wells, his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra the only 6’ 7’’ Basil Fawlty look and playing his world-famous and sound alike, walks the walk Stradivarius violin to create a colourful and talks the talk! Typically the concert full of surprises. The repertoire Fawlty Towers theme night will Join for a rock ‘n’ roll one-nighter with our action-packed themed overnight in Kent at the ranges fromus romantic, emotional start with meeting and greeting ballads to the most gorgeous and unique 7 Hotel Diner. Take a trip back in time to the glory days of the 1950s for an evening of Americana the guests at reception. Basil celebrated in thewaltzes. authentic US diner complete with green leather booths,will jukebox anddinner memorabilia announce as Manuelfrom the era to Experience the magic of André Rieu at compliment the stunning interior design.

Experience an all-American diner dinner leads guests to dinner in and time get ‘All Shook Up’ a festive and memorable evening and honoured fashion.

Sybil is her suede shoes! ‘It’s the André incredible Jackson performing as Elvis. So get on your glad rags and blue comewith see why Rieu isLee one of the usual self, Manuel will feature or live never!’. be shy. Dress for the occasion - bobby socks, crepe soles and Brylcreem mostnow popular acts inDon’t the world! as a waste of space, whilst Basil DAs welcome! will be giving the sort of service one would expect from a top class Torquay hotelier, all without mentioning the war! Room, 7 HOTEL DINER, HALSTEAD near SEVENOAKS February 10, 2017 – 4 days dinner & breakfast plus live PRICE INCLUDES: Can’tofhelp falling in loveevolved with theinto 7 Hotel Diner. The just used The Feast Saint Valentine an occasion in location which lovers entertainment from ‘the staff’. off thetheir M25affection is not thefor most scenic its unique American to express each otherbut by with presenting flowers, offering - Luxury travel throughout This 2 coach day tour is from restricted joining points in diner andand just sending 26 rooms, the 3* 7cards.

HotelThese Diner days makes foralso a quirky confectionery greeting it is the perfect - 1Bucks, night accommodation 7 Hotel Diner Beds, Oxon andatsome Hertfordshire points. opportunity to and takeayour loved one away for a short romantic break. overnight fitting - 3-course dinner in authentic American diner with a To ensure an unforgettable and enjoyable Valentine’s, we’ve come up with location for an Elvis night. glass of house wine and tea or coffee ideas All that should help you plan rooms are individually your weekend. Your weekend includes a Elvis tribute act during dinner special gift for the ladies so look for the Valentine.

Valentine Weekends - Love is in the air!

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decorated and feature tea & coffee making facilities, flat screen TVs and WiFi access.

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- Two included visits – Hastings on Sunday; Royal Look at our new style Tunbridge Wells on Monday

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Some of our holidays are already on our £259 PRICE website and don’t SUPPLEMENTS £219 forget the early £279 £159 booking discount Single (NIL – limited) £279 per person offer!

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Visit www.crusader-holidays.co.uk to book now

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Day Trips: www.mottsholidays.co.uk

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4 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, HP20 2LD Crusader Holiday Shop, 4 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1BH Crusader Holidays, 13 Crusader Business Park, Stephenson Road West, Clacton, Essex, CO15 4HP www.facebook.com/mottstravel

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6

Please see2017-18 our current brochure for booking conditions and trading charter.

Vale Life : Dec/Jan

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

Great rates Amazing results To advertise in Vale Life Magazine Call Charlie on 07702 006218

Spread the word across The Vale: see: www.vale-life.co.uk for details

8

Glam up and keep cosy

30

You got to be in it to win it

10

Santa’s stockings

32

Season of goodwill?

Keeping in shape can be fun!

34

Home for sale

15

New year, new me, gradually...

31

Star Struck

17

Good to be flexible

42

Key looks for 2018

18

Managing work stress

45

Gathering winter fuel

18

Win a Champneys Spa Day for Two

48

What’s new on the horizon?

20

The power of touch

52

Plan a pawfect Christmas

23

Let the children play

52

It started with a cow

24

Beautiful times

59

Top of the poppadoms

25

Live the life you want

60

Win a meal for two

27

Whipped and Charred!

61

You’re the sweetest thing

29

Painting with words

62

Chin chin it’s gin

12

Katy layers up for winter The legend of St Nick

Our 12 page New Year health & fitness feature Tracy embraces change, little by little Kim’s advice is to keep moving Step back and take a breath

Relax or get sporty, it’s up to you!

New hands at Massage Matters

Volunteers needed for Children’s centre Amanda looks back at a lovely year How to stay in the driving seat Cookbook raises funds for good causes Tips for tutoring your children

Bucks Business Awards 2018

Nigel suggests getting on with your builder Gorgeous Wendover home feature Polly’s got stars in her eyes Charlotte’s tips for a trendy home Kevin’s got logs to burn...

Naomi’s searching for seeds

Watch your pets with the Christmas decs Artist’s amazing animal pics

Local chef wins national award Dining with a difference

Heather’s got honey on the farm

Joe and Hannah get in the Christmas spirit

Merry Christmas...

S

o here we are once again, the festive season is in full swing and as if it wasn’t enough having to balance work and family life, there’s seasonal events coming up thick and fast, the roads are covered in ice and most of us still have a few Christmas gifts to find!

Recent research has shown that some of us aren’t very good at buying the right pressies either.

They say it’s the thought that counts, but a list of unwanted gifts received last year included a pair of marigolds, underwear from a boss, anti-cellulite cream and Botox

C

ongratulations to the following Nov/Dec edition competition winners! Hopefully your prizes will have arrived

- certainly not thinking it through there I’d say... One poor soul was given a tax disc holder, another unwrapped breast firming cream from their gran and an unlucky cat lover was given a bag of cat litter.

Apparently one in four people can’t remember the last time someone gave them a present they really loved - with mums and colleagues named and shamed as the most likely to give a poor present.

When it comes to being given a disappointing gift, 24 per cent said they see the funny side and laugh

by now, please let us know if not. Commiserations to those who weren’t so lucky - read on though for more competitions inside this edition, including

production and DJ sessions for children and young people with additional needs. Your chosen genres and preferred styles of music will be incorporated into the about it, some of us won’t let it sessions and no previous experience slide though and a whopping third is necessary, plus the Chiltern DJs admitted to falling out with their will bring all the equipment needed other halves due to a terrible gift for the lessons. attempt!

Do you know someone eager Bosses and colleagues pulled out of the office Secret Santa were most to learn to DJ for the first time or keen to revisit the soundtrack likely to be on the receiving end of of their youth? Do you fancy a shoddy present and maybe even mixing the latest tracks and tunes a ‘grudge’ buy, followed in second youself ? Find out more at www. place by exes (on behalf of the chilternmusictherapy.co.uk children of course).

Happy reading folks, Here’s a nifty gift idea though - Chiltern Music Therapy are offering DJ lessons with profits Editor, Vale Life Magazine going towards music therapy, music

the chance to win: A meal for two at the Trough, Orchard View Farm; a copy of the Whipped & Charred cookbook; a Craft Beer

Charlie

course; and a Champneys Tring Spa Day Last issue’s prizewinners were: A meal for two at the Betsey Wynne,

Swanbourne: Glynis Fewell, Tring A £50 Doug Kennedy photo shoot voucher: Lorna Ridgway, Gt Horwood

Vale Life Magazine is designed and published by Vale Life Magazine, 23 Glenham Road, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3WD Telephone: 01844 261579 Mobile: 07702 006218 Website: www.vale-life.co.uk Email: editor@vale-life.co.uk Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of Vale Life. We cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions or late changes. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the publishers. Printed in the UK by The Magazine Printing Company www.magprint.co.uk

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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with Katy Dyer

Personal stylist and fashion expert Katy scours our local boutiques and passes on tips and tricks for looking your best, plus the latest news on the high street trends

Glam up and keep cosy

W

hilst Winter is cold and it often feels like practicality HAS to take precedent over style, there is still a place for cosiness, luxury and glamour (or possibly all three!). There are many different ways to accessorise and

Fur & Sparkle look River Island, Aylesbury

sparkle this Winter season, whether you are enjoying a quiet night in with friends, outdoor entertainment, an exhilarating post-lunch walk or partying the night away.

Fur baby Fur is inherently cosy

and fashionable faux looks are unique in colour and style. There is a great range of colours and styles available currently at all price points – perhaps try a primary shade for something really outstanding.

And whilst it’s a good idea to take care with the bulk that fur fabric can add to your frame, don’t discount it on this characteristic alone. Try a styled gilet perhaps loosely belted. Or even a finer fabric with

more movement that gives shimmer rather than bulk.

Colourful designs in both soft muted blends and contrasting brights are really intriguing so worthwhile looking out for. And if full on fur is just not for you, why not add a hint with a collar, handbag accessory or even on boots - the perfect way to add a touch of luxury to your look.

All that glitters Winter is synonymous with party time. And whilst sequins, glitter and shine are perfect for a New Year

Faux fur coat £75 Next, Aylesbury Cable Knit Hat £20 Crew Clothing, Thame

8

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

party, there is no reason why a touch of sparkle can’t be used as part of your everyday wardrobe. A weave in a knit, subtle sequin motif or even shimmer in a fabric.

Of course outfits for the festivities and party celebrations can go all-out with matching skirt and top combo or a stunning dress. Conversely, a sequin top with a simple pair of slim tapered trousers can be the epitome of simple glamour.

Again, if going all over glamour is really not you, a simple sparkle clutch or shimmer in shoes will perhaps be all it takes for your outfit to go from a winner to WOW. Wrap it up Feeling the chill? The answer is layers. Fine fabrics one over the other to insulate against the cold.

Whilst the biggest, bulkiest sweater might be your first choice, first try to build up layers (perhaps in quality or luxury fabrics, including mixes with silk, cashmere or merino wool). It’s great to see winter-warmth layers in colours other than black or white. Many are heat generating which is great

if you have practicality at the top of your agenda. And if it is style over performance, well you’ll not be left wanting.

Styles from brands including Uniqlo, M&S along with your favourite outdoor brands have pattern, colour and sparkles so will fit the bill perfectly.

These functional yet flattering pieces can be worn under a real range of outfits from casual to nighttime glamour without feeling as if you have comprised in any way.

Lightening Up It is possible to work your festive threads way past December.

More subtle winter designs including stars and seasonal designs in colour, glitter or sequin, logos or quotes, with the same subtle sheen are quite suitable but still very wearable as the Winter months continue into the New Year. Cost per wear aside (once or twice per year?) choosing a fun but subtle design will make your purchase more cost effective (and Continued on page 13

Fur & Sparkle look River Island, Aylesbury

Stripe Tassel Scarf Multi £25 Fat Face, Thame

BEAUTIFUL GIFTS & HOMEWARE With Complimentary Gift Wrapping

Look out for our January Sale.

No 1 • HIGH STREET • WENDOVER • 01296 623 150

Sew Claire Dancewear & Accessories l Wide range of Ballet, Tap, Dance, Cheer & Gymnastic Clothing, Bags & Accessories l All types of Dance Shoes l Approved Pointe Shoe Specialist l We can also Personalise your Dancewear & Accessories for that unique look or perfect present

Sew Claire

Find us on Facebook or pop in to: 25 Duck Farm Court, Station Way, Aylesbury, HP20 2SQ Tel: 01296 706418 Email: sewclaire@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.sewclaire.co.uk

Helen Grace Beautifully hand crafted stylish hats

Image Style Colour Corporate

Wardrobe Review Personal Shopping Group Consultations & Workshops

01844 872 025 katy@katydyer.com www.katydyer.com

and fascinators for all occasions To buy or hire Come and try on our wonderful hats and fascinators in the privacy of our studio in Shabbington Simply call for an appointment on 01844 201017

www.helengracehats.co.uk Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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l

Column: Nicky Gregory‘Curious World’

Santa’s stocking I

t is said that long, long ago a poor man lived with his three daughters; he had no money for their dowries and was worried about what would happen to them after his death.

St. Nicholas heard the villagers talking and wanted to help, but knew the proud man wouldn’t accept charity, so St. Nicholas decided to help in secret and that night threw gold coins down the poor man’s chimney.

The coins landed in stockings that had been hung on the mantelpiece, over the fire, to dry.

In the morning the girls and their father found the stockings full of gold and were overjoyed. The girls were able to get married and lived happily ever after.

This led to the custom of children hanging stockings out for Saint Nicholas - the original Father Christmas.

Stockings became known in England from the early 19th

Nicky Gregory

Curious world

what this one, below, is?

Email your answers along with your name, address and contact telephone number to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Winner to be notified by email.

1930s Red Felt Christmas Stocking 1899 American Christmas Stocking

century and were filled with fruit, nuts, sweets and handmade trinkets.

Oranges were originally put into stockings to symbolise gold and an apple for good health.

ANTIQUES AT… WENDOVER A Dateline ANTIQUES CENTRE Est. 1987 A QUALITY ANTIQUES CENTRE offering town and country antiques in a Tudor, brick and timber house, with wall paintings and inglenook fireplaces.

Park in the Courtyard at the rear, where you will find Garden Antiques, a Tea Room, the Barn Courtyard Shops and an Artist’s Studio.

We are open every day from 10am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday and from 11am to 5pm, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

19th Century Child’s Striped Socks Traditionally in Western culture a child who behaves badly during the year is threatened with receiving only coal!

Our Nov/Dec edition’s mystery object was a pair of boot pulls. Can you guess

l Nicky Gregory is the owner of Antiques@Wendover, The Old Post Office, 25 High Street, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 625335 Email: antiques@antiquesatwendover.co.uk Web: www.antiquesatwendover.co.uk

Mystery object

Pardon my English!

A local dialect ‘Call My Bluff’ by Jacot de Boinod Can you guess the right definitions of the following words?

1) Maggled

3) Daffy

2) Blandigo

4) Tussocks

(Oxfordshire & Berkshire dialect) A) Tired out / exhausted B) Rotten C) Mixed up in / enmeshed (Herfordshire dialect)

A) Showery / cloudy B) A preacher who delivers a fiery sermon C) A large white wig as worn by dignified clergy and physicians

(Berkshire dialect) A) A yellowish golden colour B) Silly / feckless C) of a girl: forward / romping

(Hertfordshire dialect) A) Frayed and unravelled ends of a rope B) Rough pasture / anthills / lumps of grass found by a river C) A depression in spirit

l Adam Jacot de Boinod was a researcher for the

The Old Post Office, 25 High Street, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 625335 Email: antiques@antiquesatwendover.co.uk Website: www.antiquesatwendover.co.uk 10

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

television series QI and is the author of The Meaning of Tingo and Other Extraordinary Words from around the World, published by Penguin Books. Having researched our rural dialect, he is setting a fun ‘Call-My-Bluff Quiz for Vale Life readers - mind your language now...

ANSWERS: 1A) tired out, exhausted 2A) Showery, cloudy 3B) Silly, feckless 4B) Rough pasture

A Victorian Brown & Polson blancmange mould priced at £39

Tapered pink trousers £38 - Next , Aylesbury Sparkle Jumper £29.50 M&S Collection , Aylesbury

Continued from page 11 likely kinder to the environment).

Keep it sporty The end of December comes hand in hand with plans for New Year – and if you intend to incorporate more exercise into your life in 2018, why not start with your kit? Colours and designs are unique and varied and practical too – after all, you want to be seen right? I strongly believe that investing in your kit makes you feel better about your chosen route to fitness. And when you feel better about something, you are more likely to do and have made a commitment. So why not pick one or two items to get you started on the journey.

Apres Ski Jumper £45 Fatface, Thame

Velvet clutch £22, Remember that personal style is far Next, Aylesbury less about the cost of your clothes and much more about how much you value yourself to show up authentically with pride. Writer Caitlin Moran is quoted as saying “When a woman says, ‘I have nothing to wear!’, what she really means is, ‘There’s nothing here for who I’m supposed to be today.”

Who do you want to be today?

Blue Sequin Skirt £35 M&S Collection, Aylesbury

Autograph Cashmere Star Jumper £99 Marks & Spencer, Aylesbury Embellished Bag £35, M&S Collection, Aylesbury

l Katy Dyer is a style coach and corporate image consultant and works with people of all ages, stages and backgrounds to help them present themselves at their very best. Because when you look good, you feel good.

Find out more at www.katydyer.com or simply call 01844 872025.

Make it a

Happy Christmas

Hester Clarke Fine Jewellers

Independent Family Jewellers since 1892 Goldsmiths House 10-14 Cambridge Street Aylesbury Bucks HP20 1RS www.hesterclarke.co.uk

01296 482963

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

11

Health & Fitness

Practice Yoga... ...Everywhere

www.Everythingyogauk.com

The Healing Temple Holistic Healing Therapies

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It not only makes you feel more alive, happier and able to cope with life but lowers the risk of life threatening diseases.

Fitness professional Emma Barker tells us more, while over the next few pages we’ve listed some local providers of health, fitness and wellbeing activities to try in 2018. Have fun and be healthy...

K

eeping Fit and Well is difficult at the best of times but in the Winter Months it can be really challenging. Not just because of Christmas and all the naughty but nice things it brings to eat and drink, but the season’s cold wintry days and dark evenings can just make you want to hibernate at home. Even your body works against you, craving carbohydrates to fatten you up for the cold wintry months ahead, which is not conducive to staying slim, nor great for energy levels!

So what can you do to keep fit and healthy? Well it isn’t about punishing workouts or extreme diets, it’s about about balancing key areas of your life - Diet, Activity, Managing Stress and quality Sleep and improving them little by little from where they are now. Make tiny positive changes to ALL of these areas and do so consistently over a set period of time and you will see fabulous life enhancing results!

DIET - First off take a look at what you are eating. A diet that is free of processed foods and full of lean, clean proteins, plant food, good fats and plenty of water is beneficial for all. Make small changes, pick

Emma Barker Inspired Holistic fitness & wellness

- Holistic Counselling - Holistic Coach - EFT - Indian Head Massage - Reflexology - Healing Kansa Ayurveda - Reiki - Soul Plan Reading - Tarot Card Consulting - Integrated Energy Therapy® - Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique - Workshops - Meditation Classes Facebook.com/thehealingtempleguiomar 01296 707860 / 07955 685672 19 Middle Field Weston Turville HP22 5RH

Mind - Body - Soul Where Healing, Teaching & Discovery Come Together

www.thehealingtemple.co.uk thehealingtemple@outlook.com 12

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

‘Movement for every body’ Welcoming, modern studio offering small group yoga & pilates classes, for all ages & abilities, in friendly, relaxing, professional environment Cross Keys House, New Road, Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 0LF Tel: 07793 387272 Email: enquiry@evolvepilatesphysio.co.uk Website: www.evolvehealthwellbeing.co.uk

Health & Fitness

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2016-17

asleep and not remaining asleep causes you not only to look and feel tired, it can also affect your hormones and in turn your metabolism and fat-loss! A great daily habit to create for this area is get off your phones, tablets and other devices at least an hour before bed! Place a drop of Lavender oil on your pillow, keep a note pad by your bedside and note down your ‘to do list’ before your head hits the pillow, so you are not running through them in your head.

Finally for all of the above consistency is key, so try these things for a set period of time.

Creating Healthy Habits not Restrictions is a quote that springs to mind! Good luck creating your Winter Wellness habits and if you need my help or more inspiration, please get in touch barker_ emma@hotmail.com or visit my Facebook pages: Spininthame & Beinspiredbyemma. l Emma Barker is a qualified Level 3 Personal Trainer and Indoor

One of Emma’s Spinning classes in action.

ONE thing at a time that you can focus on. For example reducing (not eliminating) your intake of sugar or alcohol or take-away food.

ACTIVITY - Set a goal for the month to do something active every single day! If you’re new to fitness, start with little ways of becoming more active: going for a gentle walk, or climbing the stairs a couple of times and build on these as you improve your fitness. For those already working out, up your ante, get a new gym programme, try a new class or do something completely different. It’s great to mix things up regularly our bodies are masters of adaptation. My final point on fitness is to make sure that you are balancing Yang exercises - things like Spinning, Weight Training and Running with Yin exercises such as: Yoga, Pilates and Swimming. Balance in everything is key. Incidentally I’ve created a new type of fitness class incorporating both Yin and Yang Exercises to work your body, mind and soul!

MANAGE STRESS - we all lead busy lives and most of us multi-task and juggle too many things on a daily basis. So the ONE thing that you can do daily to help alleviate stress is... wait for it... BREATHE! I feel really silly telling you this but before you roll your eyes just think - when did you last take 2 minutes to yourself to close your eyes and go inward, focussing on your breath and breathing deeply and evenly? Focussing on our breath instantly brings us into the present moment. Our breath is a mirror image of our mind, steady your breath and you steady your mind it’s that simple!

SLEEP – Having a bad night’s sleep, not getting enough or falling

Cycling Instructor with various health and wellness accreditations.

She helps people, one-to-one or in small groups, achieve their fitness and wellness goals, creating healthy habits for life.

Emma also runs spin classes in Thame. Spin classes cost £7.50 per class (discount for block booking) but mention ‘Vale Life Magazine’ and receive your first class for FREE! For more on spin classes or how Emma can help you, email: barker_emma@hotmail.com or see: www.Facebook.com/Spininthame

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Group Classes from £6 with a Pass or you can Pay As You Go. KaSo Studios also offer Adult Tap and Ballet, BuggyFit™, Zumba® & Children’s Dance Classes. A warm welcome awaits. enquiries@kasostudios.co.uk 07989 205 498/ 07914 353 843 www.kasostudios.co.uk Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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katie banfield BSc (Hons) Ost. Med. ND Registered Osteopath Winslow: 01296 714504 Stoke Mandeville: 01296 612361 Enquiries: 07770 917388 www.katiebanfieldosteo.co.uk

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Traditional Thai Massage, Swedish Massage, Aromatherapy Body Massage, foot massage, herbal hot compress, back, head & neck massage 1 hour Aromatherapy Massage £40 1 hour Swedish Full Body Massage £40 1 hour Traditional Thai Massage £45

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Buckingham Road, Watermead, Aylesbury, HP19 0FY

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Spirit Health Club Aylesbury OPEN WEEKEND

Spirit Health Club Aylesbury is the right place to be if you

are looking for a Health Club with a personal touch. Our Lifestyle Consultants are able to provide one to one guidance that has already Come along for FREE on Come and see the new, improved achieve facilities at relaxlet and unwind after a tough workout, or helped numerous members their goals.which Whytonot them Spirityou Health Club Aylesbury!

Anthe impressive to take your family for some valuable timeWeekend together.

The of 7th and 8th January help reach yours through use of the club’s facilities including renovation and redecoration has transformed the Spirit also offers a wide range of group exercise fitness suite, swimming pool and studio classes. In a friendly and Try our gym, classes, pool & spa facilities! fitness suite into a modern and welcoming facility, classes including: Yoga, Pilates, Spin and Insanity... relaxed environment come and unwind and take advantage of our while brand new, state-of-the-art Matrix and to name but a few. sauna, steam room, and spa you pool.

Numerous benefits to members Life Fitness equipment will help achieve your A number of flexible membership packages are callclubuswith to book your FREE trial for health and fitness goals and towels, the club’sdiscount friendly and available, if you and are looking for aOr health include complimentary on Holiday Innsostays a personal touch, why not contact Spirit Health Club knowledgeable Spirit team are offering inductions any day of the week! beauty treatments as well as use of all other Spirit Clubs across the and training programmes tailored to meet your Aylesbury for a free trial session or tour. Use UK. Additional services also include Personal Training, Physiotherapy, the voucher right to try out the club for free! needs.

Vale Life Magazine Beauty Therapy and offers Swimming Lessons.

In addition the club a swimming pool and a Don’t delay, contact Spirit Health Club Aylesbury relaxing sauna, steam room and spa pool, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s a great space in

as below and find out about our great 2018 membership offers.

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2017

One Day

Free Guest Pass Spirit Health Club, Holiday Inn Aylesbury, HP22 5QT Tel: 01296 734049

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Column: ‘Kiss & tell’ with Tracy Kiss

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18 Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2017

New year, new me... gradually!

I

Slow and steady wins the race says Tracy, whose lifestyle includes a vegetarian diet and regular gym visits

t’s that time of year again when we’re all set and ready for a change; each new year brings new opportunity and the enthusiasm to better ourselves but more often than not we bite off far more than we can chew, far too soon. Starting a new diet? Joining the gym? Vowing to find true love or the career of your dreams?

Why does it all have to happen at once, right here, right now without thought of consistency or stamina change is a marathon not a sprint.

The reason that 99.9% of new year resolutions fail is because the bar is set too high to begin with and as soon as the novelty wears off and reality hits home, we realise we’re just not capable of maintaining such a dramatic lifestyle change in such a short space of time.

So how can we ensure we reach each and every one of our new years resolutions to make 2018 our best year yet? Start small

and build it up gradually - it’s far easier to take baby steps and wait patiently for the results than going all out and losing all progress made when you revert. The aim of change is to build a sound foundation to ensure that we’re strong enough emotionally, physically and mentally to implement a longterm healthier and happier lifestyle.

The mind is a powerful thing, as are cravings, addictions and bad habits, so charging into change all guns blazing, or going cold turkey when quitting, will most certainly cause shock, panic and ultimately relapse. If you really want to reach your goal it’s going to take time, not days or weeks but months. The change created may not seem as grand or adventurous as Mrs Smith at number 42, but long after her yo-yo-dieting has seen her shed 8lbs in two weeks and gain 12lbs in a month, you’ll be smiling your way through the school run, seeing the

Tracy Kiss

Kiss & tell weight consistently drop off in time for summer - that’s if weight loss is your goal, after one too many sticky puddings this season.

And I’m sure you’ll agree that the biggest change we can make this year isn’t to our waistlines or wallets but to our mindset and motivation. Don’t be in such a hurry to have everything right here and right now because slow and steady always wins the race. l Read Tracy’s blog at: www.tracykiss.com or follow her on: Twitter: @misstracykiss or Facebook: /TheTracyKiss

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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Health & Fitness

Column: Fitness Focus with James Buckland

Want a career in rugby?

D

eveloped in England in the 1800s, rugby has become an international sport of enormous popularity across the globe. A contact team sport it is a great way to stay healthy and fit whether played recreationally or competitively.

Training for and playing Rugby builds strength - upper body, arms and legs; improves flexibility and agility; improves the body’s cardiovascular system by building a strong heart and lungs; develops speed and endurance; increases self-confidence and self-respect, while character-building and fostering courage, fitness, team effort and togetherness; it increases bone density; builds discipline and self control; reduces stress, improves sleep and helps build resilience - the ability to persevere through pain and adversity for the greater good. Rugby like many team games, can also improve your mental state, giving participants

James Buckland Coach & Academy Director

James in action coaching camaraderie and a sense of purpose and place within the team.

Next Phase Academy based at Aylesbury Rugby Club offers a full time rugby apprenticeship programme incorporating further education, for boys and girls aged 16-18, who are aspiring players or first time athletes and they are currently taking applications for students who will be 16-18 years old on the 1st September 2018.

“At Next Phase Academy we guide our students to ‘enjoy, respect and achieve’ within an immersive

team sport environment,” says Academy Director James Buckland.

“Utilising the impressive modern facilities at Aylesbury RFC, including purpose built classrooms, our expert and professional coaching and tutoring team is ready to help students successfully combine their sporting and educational ambitions at a period in their lives when they might otherwise ‘give up sport’.”

Students spend part of their time improving their rugby skills, developing their strength and

Thame Leisure Centre is encouraging more people get active, fit and 2018 and Walk,torun, swim, orhealthy cyclein yourself has scrapped joining fees for those who become with no contract and no joining members before January 31st!

The st impressive facilities include a large fully 31 January. equipped gym, state of tthe art spinning studio, 25m swimming pool plus toddler pool, four court sports hall for badminton, table tennis, indoor lf healthy football, netball etc, dance studio, numerous g fee until fitness classes, plus help and advice from their friendly team of fitness professionals.

Book a tour of the facilities or take a trial membership and see what is available: r.org.uk/thame Pop in or call: 01844 215607 www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/ south-oxfordshire/thame-leisure-centre

5 18 £3 20 to Jan up 1st 3 Save ends

EE THAME LEISURE CENTRE UARY

Sale

NO JOINING FEE THIS JANUARY No Joining fee!

conditioning and learning about the game. The remainder of their time is spent in lessons as they continue their education. In addition to furthering their rugby playing, coaching qualifications and a BTec in Sport are possible qualifications to be gained and may well lead to a career within the sport. l James Buckland played for Leicester Tigers, London Wasps, London Irish and England Saxons and was Head Coach for London Scottish and London Welsh and Coaching Consultant for the Russian National Team. Contact James re New Phase Academy E: James@nextphaseacademy.com T: 01296 328080 M: 07730689697 W: www.nextphaseacademy.com

THAME LEISURE CENTRE healthy fee until

For a full list of available holiday activities, speak to a member of staff or visit

NO JOINING FEE THIS JANUARY Join today at www.better.org.uk/thame

www.better.org.uk/thame

THAME LEISURE CENTRE

Walk, run, swim, or cycle yourself healthy with no contract and no joining fee until 31stst January.

Join today at www.better.org.uk/thame In partnership with

In partnership partnership with with In

Better is a registered trademark of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal District Council Council Arsenal,District London, SE18 6SX IPS No: 27793, Inland Revenue Charity No: XR43398

ure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under Co-operative & for Community Benefit & Societies registration no. 27793R. office: Termsand and conditionsthe apply,visit visitwww.better.org.uk/terms www.better.org.uk/terms fordetails. details.Better Betterisisaaregistered registered trademark andtrading tradingname nameAct ofGLL GLL2014 (Greenwich LeisureLimited), Limited),aacharitable charitable socialenterprise enterpriseRegistered andregistered registeredsociety society underthe theCo-operative Co-operative&&Community CommunityBenefit Benefit&&Societies SocietiesAct Act2014 2014registration registrationno. no.27793R. 27793R.Registered Registeredoffice: office: Terms conditions apply, trademark and of (Greenwich Leisure social and under

Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office:

16

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

Middlegate House, House,The TheRoyal RoyalArsenal, Arsenal,London, London,SE18 SE186SX. 6SX.Inland InlandRevenue RevenueCharity Charityno: no:XR43398 XR43398 Middlegate

GLL_Globals_2016_Jan_ThameLeisure_190x125mm_FV.indd 11 GLL_Globals_2016_Jan_ThameLeisure_190x125mm_FV.indd

08/12/2015 10:02 10:02 08/12/2015

Health & Fitness

‘Good Health’ with Sandra Smith

Good to be flexible F

lexibility, the range of movement any one joint can go through, varies between individuals while age is also an influencing factor. Each of us is born with an intrinsic span of movement which is generally at its peak during our early years. But the natural ageing process takes its toll; when joints decrease in flexibility the result is stiffness and limited mobility. But is this decline inevitable?

Kim Pedrick of Evolve Health and Wellbeing is adamant about our ability to retain flexibility.

“You should never stop exercising. All the research says the older you are, the more important it is to formalise your activity. And anyone can regain flexibility that has been lost. Yes, it takes longer as we get older, but if you want to do the splits at 50, you can achieve it.”

One of the most important aspects to bear in mind is finding

Kim Pedrick what motivates you. Choosing an exercise regime because of its current popularity is unlikely to last if it neither appeals nor suits your lifestyle. Regularity is key, so whether you opt for walking the dog, Tai Chi, yoga, swimming or Pilates, the benefits kick in only when done on a routine basis.

“Preferably you should exercise 3-5 times per week,” Kim advises.

“Or daily is ideal, just 5-10 minutes. A stretching programme is good for tendons and muscles but you want to make sure your body is warm first of all.”

Extended periods of remaining

in one position – such as working on a laptop – also results in joint stiffness, causing tightness in specific areas, generally neck and shoulders. As well as frequent breaks and moving around, lower back support, keeping your knees positioned slightly lower than hips and resting feet flat on the floor will help avoid undue stress.

For conditions such as hypermobility (typically known as double jointed) improving muscle strength and fitness provides protection for joints. And during adolescence growth spurts occur when long bones grow faster than muscles which then have to stretch to keep up. The resulting growing pain makes this a risky time for injuries.

Despite a lack of scientific back up, women tend to be more flexible than men though this may be down to lifestyle and exercise choice, more holistic routines are generally preferred by females.

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

Good Health

Sandra Smith But for everyone, between the ages of 50 and 70 approximately 30% of muscle strength is lost.

The knock on effect means we cut down on exercise which eventually has a negative impact on our physical ability. Unless, that is, you do something about it. Remember, even gentle stretching will promote flexibility so whether or not you’re the sporty type, there are plenty of ways to keep those joints in peak condition. www.evolvehealthwellbeing.co.uk l Sandra Smith is a freelance

writer, follow her on Twitter: @TheCurrentMrsS or visit her website: www.TheCurrentMrsSmith.co.uk

Thame Therapy Clinic Complementary Health Therapies from Experienced Practitioners 23 Upper High Street, Thame, OX9 3EX Tel: 01844 215555

www.thametherapyclinic.co.uk If you are feeling sad, confused, worried, depressed, anxious, lonely, or just overwhelmed, I can help.

Whatever issue is troubling you, why not get in touch and we can find a solution together?

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

Jaqui Supple Counselling

Web: www.jaquisupplecounselling.co.uk Email: jaquisupple@gmail.com Tel: 07977904067 Facebook.com/jaquisupplecounselling Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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Column: Fitness Focus with Kerrie Brindle

Health & Fitness

Managing work stress

A

new year generally kicks off with a new found vigour, energy and motivation to hit your targets, reach your goals and to achieve greatness. After the shock of January’s first alarm we get back to work, we get to the gym and the diet starts. But how long does it last?

Usually, after a few weeks, the new focused and motivated you, can start to wear off. You’re back working longer hours than you should, family commitments are taking priority and your mojo has become a go slow! And as the stresses of work and life begin to take their toll your motivation at work can diminish, so here are some tips to managing stress at work to help keep you motivated: Take a break: if you have a sedentary job make sure you get out of your seat regularly throughout the day. Take a walk

outside at lunch, the exercise and fresh air will ensure you come back to your desk refocused and energised for the afternoon.

Manage your time: write lists and prioritise your tasks. Get the most important tasks completed first and focus on results.

Take 10 to talk: chatting to colleagues can help relieve feelings of stress at work. It is ok to not be ok and talking to friends, family or colleagues can help.

Take control: take control of what is within your responsibility and accept what you can’t change.

Take time out: disconnect from

your phone, tablet or laptop and spend some time on yourself.

Whether that’s treating yourself to some quiet time or spending some time with friends and family, both will boost your wellbeing.

Kerrie is a Corporate Wellbeing Consultant based in Aylesbury working with businesses to improve the health and wellbeing of employees at work. beneFIT Health & Wellbeing delivers wellbeing workshops and events covering nutrition, physical activity and resilience, employee health checks and business boot camps.

For further information visit www.benefithealth.co.uk or call 07747 863743. l If you would like to learn more

about managing stress in the workplace and boosting employee motivation, you can join Kerrie, along with Helen Pettifer from Helen Pettifer training (www.

Kerrie Brindle

beneFIT Health & Wellbeing

helenpettifer.com) for a networking seminar on 1st February, 2018, when delegates will develop their understanding of employee relationships, creating a positive work culture to develop growth through improved motivation. You will leave with a checklist on how to create a healthier workplace for employees and tips on managing stress and improving mental health at work. l For further information email Helen: info@helenpettifer.com or Kerrie: info@benefithealth.co.uk

Win a Champneys Spa Day for two!

W

ouldn’t it be great to launch your new year health regime with a relaxing, sporty or beautifying day at one of the country’s most fabulous health retreats!

Champneys Tring, the luxurious spa at Wigginton offers sumptuous accommodation in elegant surroundings, delicious cuisine, treatments, and therapists focusing on both inner health and outer beauty, not to mention the latest fitness trends. It’s the ideal place to take a little me time and reflect on your plans for the year ahead!

At Champneys you can relax and be pampered in style - whether it’s a birthday, a special celebration, some time with your partner, a hen party or just a girly get together, Champneys has the perfect pampering package 18

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

for you and you’re guaranteed a day to remember.

We’ve teamed up with Champneys Tring to give you the chance of winning a Champneys Spa Day for two. Imagine what you can achieve in just one day - time to take a break, relax and rejuvenate mind and body.

After arriving for your Spa Day at the picturesque Tring resort at 9am, you’ll be welcomed with refreshments and are free to relax, however you like. You’ll experience the delights of a full day of pampering and relaxation, with a delicious three course buffet lunch to enjoy half way through.

Get comfortable in the cosy Champneys robe and flip-flops that you’ll be given for the day and try out the spa facilities, including a 25 metre swimming pool, steam room,

sauna, and whirlpool. It really is the perfect way to unwind.

If you have the energy (and can tear yourself away from the spa) you’ll have a choice of over 20 exercise classes, ranging from dynamic aerobics and indoor cycling to more relaxing yoga, meditation and pilates.

Included: • Arrival at Resort from 9am, Healthy arrival snacks • Complimentary robe hire and flip flops • Nutritious three course buffet lunch • Full access to Champneys range of fitness classes and Spa and Relaxation experiences.

• Departure from Resort at 6pm.

If you wish to book additional treatments at your own expense it is worth doing so from the website

in advance but check out the class timetable too, so you don’t overlap your bookings!

If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning the *Champneys Spa Day for two described, simply email your name, address and telephone number along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Which Hertfordshire village is Champneys Tring in?

Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by January 20th, 2018. l Champneys Tring, Wigginton, Hertfordshire, HP23 6HY Tel: 0843 316 2222 Web: www.champneys.com *Terms and conditions apply. Valid Monday to Thursday only. Prize must be booked and taken within 6 months from the date of issue, subject to availability. Guests must be 16 years or over, non-refundable and non-transferable. Travel to the spa is not included. Valid at Champneys Tring only

Health & Fitness l Column:

Fitness Focus with Mehmet Gem

Help with back pain L ower back pain is something we all may experience during our life at some point, and is something we see in clinic regularly.

Everyone’s experience of back pain can vary greatly, whether it’s your first episode or your third, however understanding the cause of why it has happened and how to approach it is key.

Unfortunately, much of the information out there, in the public domain, regarding lower back pain, is poor, and much of the guidance is incorrect.

For instance, did you know that around 30% of 30 year olds who have never had back pain have disc bulges and have never had any symptoms, or that 70% of 40 year olds have degenerative discs on an MRI, yet never have pain.

Society in general has fallen into this cycle of being fearful to move as soon as one develops lower back pain, and unfortunately this is where the issue arises.

A common theme is that as soon as someone experiences lower back pain, they tend to see their GP, take pain killers, and rest, however this feeds into those beliefs that rest is in indeed what they need.

In fact medical research highlights the need to keep moving and exercising in some form when you have back pain.

Maria Bray

Nutritional Therapy

The Science of Health and Vitality l

Eat Well l Live Well l Feel Well

This can vary and doesn’t necessarily mean going for a Spinning class, or going for a run when in pain, but to just keep moving and to not be fearful of movement.

Fear avoidance is something I see often in many patients, not just with lower back pain, and it’s the job of mine, and my colleagues to help empower patients, giving then confidence to move and to guide them with their recovery.

With lower backs, the most fearful movement many people try to avoid is leaning or bending forward, with the belief that this is ‘bad’ for the spine, though this is far from the truth.

The spine itself is a substantially durable and robust structure, that can withstand far more than we realise, and flexing forward is a normal function it’s developed to be able do, so we mustn’t avoid it.

If you are experiencing any acute or long standing lower back pain, or any other injuries, be sure to

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

Mehmet Gem Physiotherapist get in touch with us, and we will endeavour to treat you with the highest level of care and guidance, to ensure you can manage and resolve your issue as well as you possibly can. l Mehmet Gem Bsc (hons) Msc

HCPC MCSPis a Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist Contact Mehmet at Tring Physiotherapy and Sport Injury Clinic, based at Tring Pilates, Sutton Court, Tring HP23 5BB. Tel: 01442 822547 Email: info@tring-physio.co.uk www.tring-physio.co.uk Facebook/Twitter @TringPhysio

Aylesbury Sports Massage For all your aches, pains and injuries

l

New Saturday morning Teen Clinic: £30 for 1 hour session Take charge of your health - I can assist you to achieve your desired health improvements with a mutually agreed and appropriate stepped programme of dietary and lifestyle changes.

Diagnostic testing for: l Food intolerances / poor digestion l Vitamin D skin prick - overall health; bones, depression; skin; immunity l Homocysteine testing - heart health; brain health

Call for free half hour consultation

Tel: Maria on 0771 5414719 / 01296 581561

www.mariabraynutritionaltherapy.com

Tring Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic Whether you are an elite athlete or not sporty at all, our aim is to get you back to where you want to be, as quickly as possible.

Specialists in: Sports Injuries, Running Injuries, Back Pain, Upper and Lower Limb Injuries, Post Surgery Rehabilitation, Acupuncture and much more...

Open Monday-Saturday (including late night appointments).

Contact Clare Davies Hartwell, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire Tel: 01296 747477 Email: clare@aylesburysportsmassage.co.uk Website: www.aylesburysportsmassage.co.uk

MINDFULNESS COURSES JANUARY 2018 in THAME

BOOK NOW:

Tel: 01442 822547 Email: info@tring-physio.co.uk

W: www.tring-physio.co.uk Facebook/Twitter: @Tringphysio Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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Health & Fitness

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

Massage Matters are not just experts at alleviating pain and muscle dysfunction. The team combine the science of anatomy with the art of massage for a positive holistic approach to your ongoing wellbeing. The stylish modern clinic has developed an excellent reputation over the past 18 months and is now introducing two new therapists, handpicked to complement and develop their soothing science...

M

assage Matters are specialists in massage therapy and treat the soft tissues of the body muscles, ligaments and tendons - to help relieve aches, pains, posture issues or related symptoms. There is a science to what they do and high levels of skill and expertise in the techniques employed. They are passionate about their work and believe that if massage was a regular part of our lives many of our problems would not occur in the first place.

Word of their effectiveness has spread and to cater for a growing client base and to be able to offer a seven day a week service, the team of experts is expanding. Meet new members Beth and Tom: Beth Spring “I’m Beth, one of the new Massage Matters therapists, specialising in aromatherapy massage. What I enjoy above all else is the feeling of giving a massage treatment and combining the physical sensation of touch with the alluring, memorable and healing scents of aromatherapy.

“Smell is such an important sense to me.

When I was about 12 years old, my older brother Dan and I would burn incense sticks in his bedroom. My job was to buy the sticks, from a shop across the road and then sneak them past our mum and up into his room. I remember vividly the way he struck the match and lit the flame and the intense aroma slowly filling the room while the smoke wound its way upwards. For me, scents conjure up powerfully reminiscent feelings, be they the aroma of pine at Christmas, the smoky

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Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

The con

The Massage Matters team - from left: Mark, Beth, John, Anna and Tom smell of bonfires on Guy Fawkes night or sun cream on a holiday – the sense of smell brings back good memories.

I was fortunate to learn more about the benefits of aromas during a training session at my previous job. We learnt about aromatherapy from a leading skin care company which makes beautiful, high quality body, skin and facial products. Their blends are amazing and they helped ignite my passion - a life-long love of aromatherapy has continued from there. I enjoy how quickly the aromas fill the room and how quickly they penetrate the skin and go into the body. The benefits last longer than just a single treatment too, often for up to 12 hours.

Aromatherapy became even more important for me a few years back when I was going through my own battle with depression and anxiety. I sometimes felt overwhelmed by a whirlwind of daunting, exhausting thoughts and aromatherapy treatments had a really positive result, lifting me away from those difficult feelings and helping me to see more of life’s positives. Looking back, it was a hugely important part of my road to recovery and the familiar, soothing scents continue to help me even now. I’m especially passionate because, whilst it helped me with my own difficult feelings, there are so many possible benefits which can help others in different

ways.

Each person is unique and we are each drawn to different aromas depending upon how we feel at the time. For me, the aroma of Lavender and Ylang Ylang combined is the most brilliantly relaxing blend, but is less good when I need to feel energised and ready for the day. I’ve found that Black Pepper, Bay and Clove are great for warming muscles and helping to ease aches and pains - so are perfect if you’ve just worked out. Bergamot, Neroli and Rose are uplifting scents, making them good for people with anxiety and depression, as they give a sense of well-being and positivity.

For me, treating people at Massage Matters offers new and exciting opportunities which are quite different to my previous spa jobs. I’m looking forward to integrating the 3 dimensional Hydrotherm massage techniques as a way of enhancing the known benefits aromatherapy. The Hydrotherm cushions warm, relax and prepare the body, readying it to absorb aromatherapy oils and accelerating the effects of their positive properties. Using oils for muscle aches during massage treatment is a great prospect. The combination of remedial massage and aromatherapy has the potential to offer enhanced muscle recovery whilst also increasing mental well-being.

Health & Fitness Tom Newby I’m Tom, a new massage therapist at Massage Matters in Thame, having recently taken the scary step of shifting careers. My journey to this point has been meandering but, looking back, also makes a lot of sense.

I’ve always wanted to help people improve their lives, but am also interested in what makes them tick. What I’ve discovered is that the human touch is a powerful, underestimated tool.

My love of the tactile began from an early age. As a child, I enjoyed the calming touch of our household pets - cats, dogs, rabbits.

This all felt very natural. But, moving into my teens and adulthood it quickly became clear that people don’t touch - that men definitely don’t touch!

At university, I took a course in Philosophy, I enjoyed the precision and scepticism, debating and wrestling with academic problems. But it also lacked something important, and I knew it. In truth, much of what I was learning wasn’t practical enough.

It was isolated within its bubble and didn’t relate to the real world. I felt frustrated, I was desperate for something to give me a sense of accomplishment, to make me feel I was making a difference to real people in some way.

Fast forward a few years and my quest had (predictably) been derailed by my need to pay the bills. I had an office job in London and one day, when I’d been sat for far too long at my desk, it hit me - I could spend most of the rest of my daily, working life interacting with a screen. I needed more than this. I needed to feel more connected to the world.

When I met John Holman, lead therapist at Massage Matters, it all just clicked. John was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about human anatomy and unmistakably clear that

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

any therapist trained by him would also need to be. The meeting caused a huge paradigm shift in my thinking. For the first time, I began to associate massage - a treatment I’d previously thought of as a form of relaxing, enjoyable friction - with an underlying scientific understanding of human anatomy.

John believes in the power of touch and in his own capabilities as a practitioner and a teacher. He inspired so much that I decided to join his team.

Through the art of giving treatments, I’ve realised that I can build trusting relationships, geared towards alleviating pain, treating injuries or helping people to feel better in themselves. I know how stressful work can be but now understand that a welldelivered, well-thought-through massage is the perfect remedy and the perfect retreat.

More exciting still, these feelings of bonding, stress reduction and pain relief are backed by scientific fact. Clinical studies from organisations such as The Touch Research Institute directly correlate massage treatment with a range of improvements to people’s wellbeing and wellness. Massage can improve

bonds between mothers and babies, reduce physical pain for cancer patients, and increase the range of movements for those with arthritis.

I now know that Massage Matters is the right place to be. The standards are high; therapists are given a rigorous knowledge of the body, via courses in theoretical anatomy and applied anatomy and through ongoing training and assessments; and there’s always support available, from one or more of the other four experienced therapists. Ultimately, I’m thrilled to have learnt that, through the simple science of touch, someone’s day can be reshaped and improved.

Why not take a really positive step towards looking after your own health and wellbeing in 2018 and try a massage treatment at Massage Matters. You can phone, email or book via their informative website which also outlines the three key areas they address: Pain and Injury Treatment - Sports Injuries; Postural Problems; Recovery from Surgery; Pain related to Poor Flexibility Stress Management - Tension Headaches; Neck and Shoulder Pain; Sleep Problems; High Blood Pressure Speciality Treatments - Massage during pregnancy; the Fantastic Foot Treatment; Massage for those with cancer; and the Hydrotherm 3 dimensional massage.

Gift vouchers are available and both Tom and Beth are offering a £10 discount on all hour long treatments (£35 instead of £45) booked before February 2018. l Massage Matters, North Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3TH Tel: 01844 212022 Email: hello@massagematters.clinic Web: www.massagematters.clinic Open Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm, Sat: 8am - 6pm, Sun: 10am - 4pm Closed Bank Holidays

Treatment for injuries, poor flexibility and recovery from surgery Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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Hearing For Life For the last fourteen years the UK has run a very successful, highly respected Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening programme. The newborn hearing screening is a very quick objective test that is conducted on every newborn baby within weeks of their birth.

The test helps to identify babies who have permanent hearing loss as early as possible. This means parents can get the support and advice they need right from the start.

The initial screening test is a very quick way to identify a potential problem, and the baby is then referred on to audiology for a more in-depth assessment, which will often conclude that there is no problem. For every 1000 babies born however, one to two babies are found to have been born with permanent hearing loss in one or both ears. This increases to 1 in every 100 babies who have spent more than 48 hours in intensive care.

This incredibly valuable programme introduces families to the importance of hearing literally within the very few weeks of birth but assuming all is well then what happens? When is the next stage that we consider our personal hearing health?

The truth is pretty shocking – it is likely that the neonatal screening is the only formal hearing assessment the majority of people will have until perhaps they are screened through work or when they notice a problem.

It is recommended that we keep an 'eye' on our child's hearing as they develop, but regular hearing checks are not the norm at any stage in life – which is odd when you start to consider how vitally important our hearing is at all stages of life.

We are all encouraged to regularly have our eyes tested and a visit to the dentist a couple of times a year is accepted as the norm. There is no question that this a good idea and an essential part of managing our general health and wellbeing but our hearing is not given the same level of attention. Having a hearing test is often seen as being unnecessary. It is only when something is wrong that people think about getting support and advice.

We encourage everyone to take their hearing seriously, whether you are of school age or in retirement. If you are unable to hear well your everyday life and social wellbeing become affected and you can find yourself very vulnerable in many situations.

You may also find you can no longer enjoy listening to music and just general conversations become extremely challenging without the support of technology.

Throughout 2018 we will also be giving you tips and advice to ensure you are keeping you ears safe so that you may enjoy better hearing. Protecting your ears from loud noises, for example, and how to care for your ears to keep them clean and safe from infections.

We take hearing seriously - will you?

TAKING HEARING

It is not only our main sense for connection and communication with the world, it is one of the major factors in shaping our brain development and importantly the way we learn.

Seriously

Our Hear Today events open up discussions on these topics.

Come and join us at our locations: 1st Friday - Amersham 1st Tuesday - Thame Give us a call to find out more information. It’s free, everyone is welcome and there’s always tea & cakes.

Phone: 01494 733840 2 22

Vale Life : Dec/Jan Nov/Dec 2017-18 2017

Email: hear@astonhearing.co.uk

Amersham: Aston Hearing, Flint Barn Court, Church Street, Old Amersham HP7 0DB Thame: Aston Hearing, Cobbles Yard, 112 High Street, Thame OX9 3DZ

Website: www.astonhearing.co.uk

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Column: Nick Phillips ‘Good to give’

Let the children play P

eople begin their volunteering journeys in any number of ways.

Some people know exactly which charity they want to give their time to, what they want to do and why. Others come across volunteering in a more roundabout way. For Greta Chang, it was because a friend asked if she would like to get involved. “Some people want to give back,” she told me.

“And I’m one of those people.”

This is a sentiment I hear time and time again, and it’s one which keeps so many of our charities and community groups ticking over.

Greta is one of the trustees of the Southcourt and Walton Court Community Project which runs the Go Play Holiday Club, providing activities in school holidays for children aged 4-11, from the Southcourt and Walton Court communities. The Project started in 1989 to strengthen community life and involvement on these Aylesbury

housing estates and has become a regular part of life for some local families.

Greta’s enthusiasm for Go Play is huge; because she can see its benefits. We all know that play is vital for the physical and emotional development of children and Go Play provides a safe and fun place where parents are happy to leave their children and, more importantly, where children are happy to go (even though there are no electronic devices!)

“Our culture has changed,” Greta explained to me. “Tablets and other electronic devices mean

children don’t play like they used to. But we provide a place where children can get creative with arts and crafts, develop social skills through interaction and games and generally have a good time in a safe environment. Holidays can be a difficult time for childcare; if parents are working they may need to take time off, but being at home with children all day can be fraught and exhausting and days out can be prohibitively expensive for our families. Go Play can help with all that.”

Greta is not alone in wishing to give back, but our most recent

Nick Phillips

Good to give report shows that the hours committed to volunteering is falling for the first time. Like so many local charities, more volunteer help on the management committee of the Project would be welcome; anyone with an interest in the welfare of local children could make a real difference to this great local asset and I’d encourage them to start their volunteering journey with them. Maybe, in 2018, you’ll be saying you started volunteering because someone in Vale Life asked you to… l www.goplay.org.uk l Nick Phillips is CEO of

Community Impact Bucks: Tel: 0300 1111 250 www.communityimpactbucks.org.uk

Experts in Mobility and Healthcare Supplies Come and visit our new showroom at Watermead, Aylesbury or, if you can’t get to us - give us a call and we’ll visit you!

Specialists in ‘tilt in space’ riser recline chairs Lightweight wheelchairs Wide range of mobility scooters Extensive range of three/four wheeled walkers Bath and shower solutions Aids for daily living Profiling beds and stairlifts Discreet professional advice on continence management Advice and guidance on all aspects of mobility and personal care Equipment Hire Excellent after sales service and customer care 35 Lakeside, Watermead, Aylesbury, HP19 OFX | Tel: 01296 435607 | Web: www.theeasyliving.company Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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l Column

Amanda Trott

If pampering is one of your favourite pass times, then look no further than the Vale for an enormous range of highly trained and able massage therapists, facialists, aesthetic practitioners and beauty therapists, ready to cater for your every need...

Amanda Trott

Beauty Spot

Amanda with Laura at Hidden Beauty

I

n a world full of stress, long working hours and the constant juggling of work and family roles, finding time time to relax and look after yourself is becoming increasingly important. Not only does it give you a wonderful sense of wellbeing, you come away, ache free, rejuvenated and ready to face the world. This year I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a variety of therapists, all passionate about their jobs, below is a round-up of some of the fantastic treatments I have experienced during 2017.

In February I met the lovely Laura Gilbey, owner of Hidden Beauty in Stoke Mandeville. Laura has been a beauty therapist for 18 or more years and has worked with Elemis for most of that time. When she offered me the chance to experience her favourite Elemis Pro Collagen Facial, I jumped at the chance to give my dull wintry skin a much needed boost. A hydrating facial was just what the doctor ordered, and with aging being my main concern, Laura suggested I try the hour long, Pro Collagen Age Defy, which incorporates not only a face, neck and shoulder but also a scalp, hand and arm massage. It was pure bliss and Laura’s expert knowledge of Elemis ensured my facial left me with lasting results.

In April, I visited Tina Baxter. Hidden away in a countryside location on the outskirts of Thame, is her beautiful rural massage clinic.

Tina qualified in Holistic Swedish Massage in 1997 and has since added to her massage skills over the years with varied training courses and, of course, a wealth of experience. She now incorporates Thai stretch, Pulsing and Acupressure. Tina has a truly holistic approach to massage, an approach which aims to treat the whole person, the mind, the body and the spirit as one, and which she tailors to your individual requirements. Not only does 24

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

Amanda with Amanda Supple at White House massage relieve tension, aches and pains, it’s also wonderful for aiding relaxation and giving emotional relief. Her full body massage in her lovely converted stable, was one of the very best massages I have received.

Sometimes not following the majority, but doing your own thing, can make you stand out from the crowd, something Amanda Supple, owner of White House Beauty and Holistic Health in Thame, decided to do.

Some 30 plus years ago, Amanda qualified as a Decléor trained beauty therapist, and has been faithful to the brand ever since. Recently, she took a leap of faith and now works solely with Ermana and Tropic, both of which are 100% natural botanical products. Taking an holistic approach to all she does, is very important to her.

In June, Amanda invited me to sample her bespoke White House Deluxe Facial, which is designed uniquely for each individual, using a combination of both Tropic and Ermana skincare. Her experience of beauty shone through and her love of all things holistic and botanical made my facial a truly memorable experience. With a soft accoustic soundtrack playing gently in the background, I felt a very welcome guest in her charming, light and airy treatment room.

In August, I hot footed down to Monera in Thame, to meet Connie Skinner who had recently brought Reflexology to Monera’s comprehensive menu of treatments. I hadn’t really been sure what benefits I would get from Reflexology, as it was a treatment that in the past hadn’t particularly appealed to me, but I found it wonderfully relaxing and something I have since repeated. The particular type of massage used for Reflexology requires the application of pressure so, if you have sensitive feet, you will probably find this soothing rather than tickly. Certain areas of

Tina Baxter in her treatment room the feet correspond to different parts of the body, and, when out of balance, these points on the feet feel uncomfortable or tender when massaged. By stimulating these reflexes, nerve function and blood supply are improved, which may in turn alleviate health problems. I had been suffering with a strange unexplained pain in my side for several days, and not only did Connie locate this, the following day my ache had disappeared!

Although most of us associate reflexology with the feet, did you know it can also be used on the face with the same benefits? Patti Rayner is a Facialist and Reflexologist and has a degree in Cosmetology, she practices at Evolve Health and Wellbeing in Princes Risborough, but will also travel to your home if you live within the area. In October, Patti very kindly invited me to experience her luxurious Ultimate Facial, a 90 minute rebalancing, recharging, and detoxifying facial that she promotes as the ultimate holistic, rejuvenating experience.

She has recently trained in Facial Reflexology and Zone Lift Massage and believes in the power of relaxation and the importance of taking time and caring for oneself, so has developed this facial to meet those needs. Her facial was very different to anything I had experienced before, very much focusing on massage, which was deeply soothing but also extremely uplifting. Patti’s passion for her craft is obvious from the moment you meet her and her warmth and friendly manner make her a pleasure to be with.

Thank you to all who have taken part and to those of you who have read Beauty Spot during 2017, here’s to a beautiful 2018!. l To contact Amanda with regard to Beauty Spot

features please email: editor@vale-life.co.uk

Health & Fitness l Column:

Fitness Focus with Roo Davies

Live the life you want H ave you ever decided to make a change but found things slipped back to how they were pretty quickly or you never got round to making the change happen? You’re not alone, especially at this time of year with New Year resolutions all around!

Maybe you feel like you are at a crossroads; your circumstances may have changed; you could be feeling overwhelmed, unfulfilled or lacking purpose and direction.

Whether change is happening around your or you want to make a change, by its nature it can result in uncertainty bringing with it a real mix of emotions; unease, fear, confusion, as well as excitement and exhilaration.

But don’t despair, you can gain control and make change that lasts a lifetime. For many, life coaching helps them do this by providing the opportunity to gain clarity about who you are and where you want to go whilst helping you feel in control

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

and confident in your decision in place to deal with them. making.

3. Significant Reward - Your Part of my coaching philosophy motivation to gain from change is based around what I call ‘The 3 or not to significantly suffer if no Pillars of Change’. By ensuring that change occurs. In essence you each of these are present you can need to really want this change to make real change happen and be in happen so you are motivated to control. make the change and stick with it.

THE 3 PILLARS OF CHANGE Start by identifying the impact that sessions in a compassionate, safe 1. Self-Awareness - Your this change will bring. How will and confidential space. “I became approach will dictate success. Being positive about the process of Benefits of life coaching a life coach after a series of events left me feeling like change and believing that 80% of clients improved their self-confidence the rug had been pulled you can make change 73% of clients improved their relationships from under me,” she says. happen will be a key 72% of clients improved their communication skills “Over time I regained contributor to your success. Be mindful of 67% of clients improved their work-life balance control and shaped my next chapter. I understand how Source: International Coaching your attitude and be ready Federation Study, 2016 change can impact a person’s life. to manage any element of selfI don’t have a magic wand but we sabotage. can explore your situation and work 2. Commitment - Have a this change positively impact your together to move forward. robust plan. It’s not uncommon life and decide if the benefits are Roo Davies, The White House, for doubts to creep in, unforeseen significant enough to motivate you.

2 East Street, Thame, OX9 3JS complications to pop up, your Tel: 07753 756512 circumstances may change - the list l Roo Davies is a member of the Association for Coaching and is Email: roo@yourlifejourney.co.uk can be endless. A well thought-out based at The White House, Thame.

Web: www.yourlifejourney.co.uk plan will help you overcome these She offers face to face coaching Facebook.com/yourlifejourney.co.uk obstacles as you’ll have a strategy

Roo Davies Life Coach

Kirsten Jane Therapies Natural Wellbeing Therapies for Mind, Body & Spirit

Registered and insured holistic therapist based in Whitchurch Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Holistic facials and nail care Member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists Drew’s Hair Salon, 62 High Street, Whitchurch, HP22 4JS E: wellbeing@kirsten-jane.co.uk T: 07526 596033 W: www.kirsten-jane.co.uk

A salon with over 10 years experience, specialising in re-styles, colour work, hair and makeup for weddings and parties.

To book an appointment call or pop in

01296 338 344

Duck Farm Court, Station Way, Aylesbury, HP20 2SQ

fb.com/saffronhair.uk

info@saffronhair.uk

Charlotte Mobile Hairdresser Professional Hairdressing for

Everyone All in the comfort of your own home

For all your beauty needs Unit 5, Layby Farm, Stoke Mandeville Buckinghamshire HP22 5XJ 07771 330366 laura.gilbey@hiddenbeautyaylesbury.co.uk www.hiddenbeautyaylesbury.co.uk

Over 12 years of salon experience Tel: 07479 939461 www.mobilehairdesign.com charlotte@mobilehairdesign.com • modern cutting techniques • colours (all types) • • colour correction • blow dry • curls & waves • • perms • sets • hair extensions • special occasions • Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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by Cathy Soughton

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

Halton House Halton

manor house deteriorated and was subsequently demolished. When Alfred inherited the estate in 1879 he decided to build a grand new house, riving past RAF Halton, probably influenced by his brother you may not be aware in law and second cousin, Ferdinand that nestled in the de Rothschild, who had married woods above Halton Alfred’s sister Eveline in 1865 and village is Halton House, an imposing subsequently built Waddesdon Grade II* country house built for Manor.

Alfred de Rothschild in the early The architect for Halton House 1800s. Currently serving as the main was William R Rogers who worked officers’ mess for RAF Halton, it is for William Cubbitt and Company. also frequently used as a backdrop He designed the house in a French for film and TV sets so you may chateau style, resembling the larger have seen it without realising it!

Waddesdon Manor to some degree In the second half of the 19th and causing a cousin to comment century, the wealthy Rothschild that it looked like a ‘giant wedding banking family were the principal cake’ although other commentators land owners in the Vale of Aylesbury were less kind and thought it vulgar. and had acquired or built seven Work commenced in 1880 and it country houses in the Vale, the was completed three years later to most well known being Waddesdon be formally opened on 15th January Manor. Alfred de Rothschild was the 1884. The luxurious interior included son of Lionel de Rothschild who a sumptuous central salon, originally purchased Tring Park Mansion in all in white and gold with crimson 1872. 20 years prior to that Lionel silk panels. The matching staircase had bought the Halton estate hall has ornate bronze balcony from Sir George Dashwood which fronts incorporating the Rothschild included an old manor house near five arrows coat of arms. Outside the village of Halton. Over time the the grounds at one point included

D

Halton House

a skating rink, menagerie and circus ring.

A good friend of the Prince of Wales, Alfred was known for his lavish entertaining - his last party was held in 1914 at the outbreak of the First World War. Following a gentlemen’s agreement between Alfred and Lord Kitchener, the estate was used by the Army throughout the First World War and their practice trenches can still be seen in the grounds. Alfred died in 1918 and with no legitimate children, the house was left to his nephew Lionel de Rothschild, who didn’t consider it suitable and soon afterwards sold it to the nascent

RAF for a bargain price. The house became the officers’ mess and has remained so ever since. It has also become a popular venue for film crews and scenes from The World is Not Enough, (James Bond), The Queen, The King’s Speech, Poirot, Downton Abbey and The Crown have all been filmed there.

It was announced last year that RAF Halton will close in 2022 so the future of the house is uncertain.

In the meantime it’s possible to visit Halton House during the Heritage Open Days held in September, so look out for the dates for 2018 as it is well worth a visit. l Cathy Soughton is a professional genealogist and architectural historian providing family history and house history research in the local area.

W: www.bucksresearch.co.uk, E: soughton@btopenworld.com, T: 01296 624845 l Family History Gift Voucher Looking for an unusual Christmas present? Why not give a gift voucher for Family or House History research undertaken by a professional qualified genealogist. Contact Cathy Soughton, as above, for more details.

waitrose.com/thame

Community Matters Every month we give our time and money to local communities.

We donate £1000 to be shared by three good causes that you choose.

Waitrose Thame Supporting the community 26

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

Win copy of Whipped & Charred cookbook

in association with H RAISING MONEY FOR H FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE HOSPICE Saturday 27th January 2018 - 7PM Start Weston Turville Village Hall, School Approach, HP22 5RW £10 a ticket including Fish & Chip* Supper Bring your own drinks A raffle will be held on the night - Tickets now on sale and available to purchase from Adams Travel Adams Travel 11 Market Square, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1TJ Tel: 01296 873017 *Alternatives available: Sausage & Chips or Veggie Burger & Chips.

A

fabulous cook book raising money and awareness for the British Heart Foundation and MIND, has been launched by Head Chef of the White Hart at Minster Lovell, Thomas Curtis.

Whipped and Charred is a celebration of all things classic and homely, featuring 80 stunning recipes that reflect his family roots and passion for good food.

It is full of rich, homely content and a few memories and insights into Thomas’s life and time working as a chef.

The book showcases a range of diverse yet accessible dishes from pub classics such as beef wellington with mushroom duxelles and steak and onion pot

pie, to more intricate dishes such as blue cheese bons bons with apple and thyme dipping sauce and Earl Grey panna cotta with lavender shortbread.

‘I’ve covered pretty much all bases,” says Thomas, “including how to make things like staple sauces – and I’ve even thrown in a couple of cocktails!”

You can buy a couple for £20 from Thomas by emailing: thewhitehartminster@ outlook.com or if you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a copy, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk For which pub is Thomas head chef?

Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by January 20th. l www.mezepublishing.co.uk.

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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SECURE THEIR FUTURE Expertise in divorce, separation, finances and child arrangements, Kidd Rapinet provide experienced, professional help and guidance. Speak to Mark Studdart today.

01296 432541

mstuddart@kiddrapinet.co.uk

kiddrapinet.co.uk

AYLESBURY 28

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

FARNHAM

HIGH WYCOMBE

LONDON

MAIDENHEAD

SLOUGH

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Column: Nick Andrews ‘Education Matters’

Painting with words

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our children will be needing to describe scenes, events, characters, scientific experiments and more throughout their school lives.

The expertise with which they do this can have quite a considerable effect on their outcomes.

If we adopt a ‘Talk to Write’ approach from an early age we will build confidence and ability in the language; so ask open questions of your child as often as you can about what is happening at school.

This is a parental skill well worth acquiring; these are questions that cannot be answered with a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. (If you are struggling, just work the words ‘feel’ or ‘think’ into the question: e.g. ‘How do you feel about that?’ or ‘What will others think about that?’)

Be quiet yourself and listen carefully to the answers and notice particularly the adjectives, the describing words. There will often only be one, ‘A blue pen …’ Your

Book reviews

job is to ask again and ask for the adjectives to be in groups of three.

The magic triple! ; ‘A blue, chewedat-the-end, school pen…’

By doing this you will be improving both language and thinking skills and encouraging a love of detail. Once you are both engaged in the child describing whatever it is, play the game of you closing your eyes and asking for the description again so that ‘I can see it in my mind’s eye’. You can then tell your child that they have ‘painted a picture with words’.

Great success! (and there is a bit of Shakespeare in there, so why not?)

An older child may be able to embrace the analogy of a film maker being badly out of focus with ‘The man crossed the road’ but tighten up that lens to become in focus and you will see ‘The old, unshaven, limping man crossed the road’. In the second case you have painted a picture with words and it is of so much more use to the

l

reader and/or listener.

With regard to ‘Talk to Write’ (T2W), I urge you to resist the temptation to only value descriptions once they have been written. If your child is being actively listened to, and rewarded with your undivided attention, then their confidence in putting together descriptions will become embedded and the writing will then be a natural consequence – flowing more easily.

If we force the writing too early, we can create a resistance to the communication of detail because it is really hard to do when you are young. This goes some way, perhaps, to explaining the ‘One grunt for yes, two grunts for no’ syndrome of the teenage years. In other words ‘the less I say – the less I will have to write’; that’s an unfortunate downward spiral to get into.

With regard to descriptions with numbers; and that’s for another column at another time, I do recall

Nick Andrews

Education Matters early on in my teaching career being observed by a senior teacher who was asking Freddie about millimetres and centimetres.

“How many centimetres are there in this metre?” she asked.

“One hundred!” said Freddie proudly.

“Good boy”, she said and encouraged by this went on, “And how many little millimetres in this metre?”

Freddie thought for a moment, “Wow, I dunno,” he pondered “there must be f***ing hundreds”.

We left it there and moved on! l Nick Andrews is a retired Head teacher and a Trustee of Open English, providing supplementary teaching in English to those that need it most. Contact: nickubiq@gmail.com

Column: Bookworm with Waterstones

Fiction Book of the Month: A Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towles A wonderful tale about a man imprisoned within the walls of a Hotel, a grand, magnificent edifice, this book will hold your attention through its superb writing, wonderful characters, interesting history, dazzling storytelling, and tantalising wit.

Non-Fiction Book of the Month: The Secret Life of Cows,

by Rosamund Young How intelligent can cows really be? Well, this book answers precisely that, while at the same time explaining how a healthy way of breeding cows can affect their quality once in the market. A wonderful, cosy book that is both intriguing and enlightening.

Children’s Book of the Month: The Polar Bear Explorers’ Club, by Alex Bell This is an entertaining adventure following the steps of Stella Starflake Pearl, the first ever

female Explorer of the Polar Bear Explorers’ Club, and her friends.

Packed with action, delightful characters and mysterious creatures, this is the perfect Winter tale for children and adults alike. A true treat for fans of Philip Pullman.

Book of the Year: The Book of Dust, by Philip Pullman Delight in Pullman’s new masterpiece, The Book of Dust, the first volume of the La Belle

Sauvage series. Being a prequel to his acclaimed series His Dark Materials, The Book of Dust was elected Book of the Year for Waterstones and promises the action, adventure and wonderful writing of its predecessors. A must have this Christmas and upcoming new year.

New Release for January: The Extinction Trials, by S. M. Wilson The successor to the acclaimed dystopian novels The Hunger Games,

by Susanne Collins, The Extinction Trials are the new Young Adult stories that promise to be the series of the year. Wilson’s quality writing explores the incredible story of Lincoln and Stormchaser in a new series that will steal the heart of fans of The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner. l Reviews by Diana at Waterstones, Aylesbury Tel: 01296 423153 Web: www.waterstones.com Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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l

Column: Down to business with Philippa Batting

You gotta be in it to win it

B

uckinghamshire Business First is always looking for fresh ways to support businesses and recognise their achievements, particularly in challenging times. And here’s one you can help with. On May 22nd 2018, the latest edition of the Buckinghamshire Business Awards takes place at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre.

Do you run a business? Have you had a great year and want to reward your employees for their hard work with the recognition and glamour of an award? Do you want a nice spot of PR and increased attention for your business? Or do you know of a great business that you think should be rewarded for their efforts?

There are so many benefits to entering and winning awards, such as changing the way people look at your business. Angela Spang, CEO of JUNE MEDICAL, winner of New Business of the Year in

Philippa Batting Down to business

Winning firms at the 2017 Buckinghamshire Business Awards

2015, told me that “winning an award has such a big impact on a new small business like ours. It was a huge stamp of approval for the whole team. For new partners we come with a very visible sign of achievement. For customers it is reassuring to see that we have been recognised as a leading business. It was such an honour to win.”

Maybe you want the PR benefits that come with winning an award?

James Hakesley, winner of New Business of the Year in 2017 with Cube Video, knows all about

that, saying: “Entering business awards is a great way of gaining promotion. If you win, you get great publicity and certification. If you’re nominated but don’t win, you’ll still get your name in the press and in front of lots of potential customers.”

There are 12 categories in all, plus the overall Company of the Year Award. The categories are: Apprentice and Young Person Employer of the Year; Best Buckinghamshire Meeting, Conference and Events Venue

of the Year; Best in Aylesbury Vale; Wycombe; and Chiltern & South Bucks Districts; Business Leader of the Year; Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility; Excellence in Customer Service; Growth Business of the Year; International Trade & Export; New Business of the Year; and Small Business of the Year.

Entries close on January 31st 2018, so if you want enter yourself or recommend a business for entry, visit www.bbf.uk.com/bba2018. l Philippa Batting is MD of Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF), working to support and facilitate success within the business community. Membership is free - visit: www.bbf.uk.com

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01296 329875

www.gt-business.com 30

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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Here to Help

Lucky losers wanted!

S 01844 396124 payroll@perfectopayroll.com www.perfectopayroll.com

weddings celebrations corporate events www.stormfresh.co.uk michelle@stormfresh.co.uk m: 07803 147486

tarting in January, the Biggest Loser is a 12-week health and wellbeing programme that offers participants the opportunity to get fitter and healthier whilst raising funds for an important local charity.

Rennie Grove Hospice Care provides care and support for adults and children diagnosed with cancer and other life-limiting illness and their families. Every year through its responsive 24/7 Hospice at Home service, Family Support services and range of Day Services at Grove House, Rennie Grove give thousands of patients the choice to stay at home, surrounded by their families and friends.

Big Loser participants will have access to gym facilities, exercise classes, personal trainers and nutritional advice, in return for raising sponsorship to support Rennie Grove and the vital services it provides to the local community.

The Rennie Grove Biggest Loser will be the person who loses the highest percentage of body fat by the end of the 12

weeks.

The programme includes: • 12 week free gym membership at one of three Places for People sports centres - High Wycombe, Marlow and Princes Risborough • Access to personal trainers • Regular weigh-ins to monitor your progress • Nutritional advice from Holly Miles Nutrition • Fundraising tips and support from the Rennie Grove team • Prizes - including spa treatments, annual gym memberships and more It’s free to apply but participants must raise a minimum of £500 sponsorship for Rennie Grove.

Sonia Workman was Rennie Grove’s Biggest Loser in 2015 “It was an enjoyable and positive experience, well-supported by everyone involved,” she says.

If you’re looking to transform your life in 2018, application forms are available from: www. renniegrove.org/biggestloser or by calling 01442 820740. Completed applications must be in by Friday 12th January, 2018.

Flexible Fully-furnished All-inclusive office space Contracts from as little as 4 months On site business support Superb meeting room facility

follow us twitter.com/sanderumcentre

find the right space for your business 01844 211080 www.sanderumcentre.co.uk hello@sanderumcentre.co.uk Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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l

Column: Safe as houses with Nigel Grace

Season of goodwill?

F

irstly, I have to apologise finish the project.

- in the last issue I started At this time of year, most clients what is going to be a series are imagining moving into or back of articles on building your into their home and seeing the back own dream house. I will return to of the mess and disruption builders this theme in my next article but bring. Clients start planning their over the past few weeks I have Christmas celebrations and inviting become involved in several projects friends and family round to see where I don’t think builder and the results of their financial and client will be sending each other emotional investment. When this •Expert Advice Christmas cards and I have been does not happen it only magnifies asked to try and help. the problem.•Professional Fitting I have previously written about Most disputes do, I am afraid, •Very Competitive how to avoid having problems with revolve around money - this can be your builder but unfortunately anything fromfor a client feeling thatand Residential problems still occur. an extra the builder is claiming for Commercial work I visited a project recently on should have been included in their behalf of the builder. Whilst I was original quote, to the builder losingall •Carpets to suit there the client was also on site and money because works on site are you could feel the tension in the air, being delayedBudgets due to decisions not no-one would look each other in the being made •Free by the client.

Quotes eye and it was clear that neither However, you have appointed Obligation wanted to be there with the other your builder•No and I always advocate and the builder feels he is being to both parties that you do all you •Free Parking poorly treated and is considering can to maintain an open and honest walking away from the project. On relationship with each other. Be another I have been asked to help very clear about what you are • VINYLS • SISAL and • STAIR RODS because theCARPETS client feels that he has expecting the builder should overpaid the builder who is now be very clear about what he will SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES refusing to come back to site to be providing you. Ask the builder

Charles Huntington Flooring

when he is expecting to be paid - fortnightly or monthly? Never, never pay up front for work that has not been carried out. If you feel that you may struggle to pay a particular bill or invoice, then deal with it then. Most reasonable people would much rather be told a payment may be delayed rather than be given excuses once it becomes late. Late payment does cause problems to builders - but non-payment is a major issue. Like most people I like to be paid early but if a client gives me an assurance that I will be paid but it may be a little late then I am fine with that – to a point!

If you do find that your relationship is starting to break down, then deal with it then – don’t let it fester and deteriorate. Try and understand any issues from the other side’s perspective – changing a window size once the opening has been built may seem straightforward to you but to your builder who has let the bricklayer leave the site and has already ordered the window, changing

Nigel Grace

Safe as houses

the size may be problematic and expensive.

I am not advocating being best friends with your builder, but as soon as something happens that you are not happy with, speak to them about it. If problems continue to grow then sit down together – away from the site, go to a pub or •Expert Advice coffee shop and talk it all through.

Remember both of you want the •Professional Fitting same thing – to finish the build with the minimum of delay and •Very Competitive angst.

There are no winners for Residential and when a builder walks off the project – both Commercial work parties will lose sleep, money and reputation.

You don’t •Carpets to suitwant all to get to the position where both client and Budgets builder turn the other way when they•Free walk into the room – and it Quotes does happen – I have just seen it!

Charles Huntington Flooring

Charles Huntington Flooring

Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm Saturday 10am until 4pm. Any other time by appointment

•No Obligation

l Nigel is an experienced •FreeGrace Parking chartered quantity surveyor. For help and advice contact him on: nigel@nigelgracelimited.co.uk

•Expert CARPETS • VINYLSAdvice • SISAL • STAIR RODS SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES

•Professional Fitting Tel: 01296 337181 Mob: 07767370067 •Very Competitive Web: www.charleshuntington.co.uk Tel: 01296 Mob: 07767370067 for337181 Residential and 23 DUCK FARM COURT, STATION WAY, AYLESBURY, HP20 2SQ Web: www.charleshuntington.co.uk Commercial work DUCK FARM COURT, STATIONvinyl, WAY, AYLESBURY, HP20 2SQ WE WILL NOT BE BEATEN ON QUALITY OR SERVICE l Independent, family run carpet l Carpet, sisal, coir, hardwood l Extensive range of23traditional Charles Huntington Flooring to suit all and flooring specialists l Exclusive suppliers of Roger Oates and contemporary flooring •Carpets Charles Huntington Flooring Charles Huntington Flooring WEcan WILL NOT BE BEATENyet ON hard-wearing QUALITY OR SERVICE •Expert Advice Charles Huntington Flooring beautiful runners l Expert fitting service at competitive prices - we Budgets and rugs in our local area l Domestic and commercial match or better your quote •Expert Advice Charles Flooring Providing adviceHuntington and installations •Expert Advice •Expert Advice•Free •Professional Fitting Advice to private customers, professionals and •Professional Fitting Quotes•Expert •Expert AdviceFitting •Professional •Professional Fitting contractors for over 25 years •Professional Fitting •Very Competitive •No Obligation •Professional Fitting for Residential and •Very Competitive •Very Competitive •Very Competitive •Very Competitive Extensive experience with Commercial work for Residential and Residential and for Residential•Free and •Very Competitive Parking for thatched, heritage and listed buildings.

Commercial work for Residentialwork and Commercial Commercial work E

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Charles Huntington Flooring

Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm Saturday 10am until 4pm. Any other time by appointment

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for Residential •Carpets to suit and all Commercial work •Carpets to suit all Budgets Opening Times: Monday to Friday •10am 5pm CARPETS VINYLSuntil • SISAL • STAIR RODS CARPETS • VINYLS • SISAL • STAIR RODS CARPETS Saturday • VINYLS • SISAL • STAIR RODS CARPETS • VINYLS SISAL • Any STAIRother RODS SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES until•RODS 4pm. time•Free by appointment CARPETS • VINYLS • 10am SISAL & • STAIR SAFETY FLOORING • WOODQuotes • BINDING TAPES Stoves, Installations Servicing SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES SAFETY FLOORINGTel: • WOOD • BINDING TAPES Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm 01296 337181 Mob: 07767370067 Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm •No Obligation Saturday 10am until 4pm.

Any other time by appointment Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10aminfo@northmillstoves.co.uk until 5pm Opening Times: MondayBucks to Friday until 5pm North Mill Road Bledlow HP2710am 9QP 01844 342400 www.northmillstoves.co.uk Saturday 10am until 4pm. Any other time by appointment Web: www.charleshuntington.co.uk Saturday 4pm.

Any by appointment Saturday until time 4pm.

Any other time Tel: by appointment 07767370067 Saturday10am 10amuntil until 4pm.10am Any other other time by appointment Tel:01296 01296 337181 337181 Mob: Mob: 07767370067 Tel: 337181 Mob:337181 07767370067 Tel: 01296 Mob: 07767370067 Web: •FreeHP20 Parking Tel:01296 0129623 337181 Web:www.charleshuntington.co.uk www.charleshuntington.co.uk DUCK Mob: FARM07767370067 COURT, STATION WAY, AYLESBURY, 2SQ Unrivalled customer service through the commitment of our family team.

Commercial work •Carpets Budgetsto suit all •Carpets to suit all •Carpets to suit all Budgets •Carpets to suit all Budgets Budgets •Free Quotes CARPETS • VINYLS • SISAL • STAIR RODS Budgets Oxfordshire • Buckinghamshire • •Free Quotes •Free Quotes •Free Quotes •No Obligation Hertfordshire • Berkshire • and beyond •Free Quotes •No SAFETY FLOORING • •No WOOD • BINDING TAPES •No Obligation Obligation •FreeObligation Parking •No Obligation •Free Parking Contact us to book your free home THE BEST IN home •Free Parking •Free Parking survey or to visit our showroom to see •Free Parking the stoves in action.

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comforts

New leisure space To RELEASE Let in Aylesbury PRESS

C

handler Garvey have been instructed by Rockspring Property Investment Managers LLP to market up to 60,000 sq ft of commercial space they have empty above House

of Fraser/British Home Stores in Friars Square Shopping Centre, on Aylesbury’s centrally located Market Square.

The accommodation is available for for multiple uses, subject to planning,

including gymnasium, night club, offices, restaurant and general leisure uses.

For further information look on www. chandlergarvey.com or call Alan Chandler direct on 01296 398383.

CHAnDLER GARVEy MARKEt nEW CoMMERCiAL Buy to LEt to let / C6 Brunel Gate, Aylesbury to let / Aerial House, Chesham For SaleoPPoRtunity (Long Leasehold) For AyLESBuRy Sale (long leasehold) 105,952 sq ft 6,696 sq ft in Chandler, Director of Chandler Garvey has been instructed by Kingston Space Ltd to Modern Alan high bay warehouse in market the Space Business Centre, a development of 27 units located in one back to back easily accessible terrace and 16 units in the other. The units are of modern construction, having been built in distribution area.

2009. The sizes range from 367 sq. ft. up to 908 sq. ft. and are fitted with a mezzanine floor.

Spec includes 7m eaves, secure The total accommodation on the estate is 19,541 sq. ft. The site benefits from tax and stamp site, roller shutter duty savings, cheaper than renting, commercial investment yields will be higher than yields on doors, first floor Modern production office and parking. residential buy to lets, all units are business rates exempt (small warehouse businesswith rate relief), and offices, reception 105,952 sq ft on a site just under 5 acres. area andthere kitchen. is a dedicated unit and visitor parking.

Benefits from parking for 180 cars, attractive reception, 6,696 sq ft. break out area and covered loading area to main factory.

The freehold is owned by Aylesbury Vale District Council and Kingston Space Ltd are the long leaseholders, with over 130 years remaining. units available from £64,000 VAT.Aylesbury Office Park, Amersham Oxfordplus House, let / Anglo ToareLet

to 3,310 – 13,240 sq ft from 3,749 to 56,312 sq ft For Sale All units are let on monthly licences and are now producing a gross annual income in excess £300,000. Further details from Alan Chandler High – ac@chandlergarvey.com / 01296 398383.

Modern of development quality office suites to on the south side of let, with excellent car parking, White Lion Road, and exceptional on-site (the A404). Unit 4 is facilities. Oxford House is a available now and units four storey headquarters office 1, 5, 6 & 7 are available building located in its own in May 2018. grounds near Aylesbury town in recent years.

Office suites are available Two storey offices centre. The building has been from 3,749 to 56,312 sq ft. with air conditioning, full access raised floors and parking. comprehensively refurbished

To Let

Storage Land College Road North, Aylesbury

1.4 acre site fronting A41 Aston Clinton Road with industrial/ warehouse building 4,765 sq ft.

There is planning permission for another 1,525 sq ft steel framed workshop on the site.

to let

6 Millennium Point Aylesbury - 6,623 sq ft

Modern industrial warehouse unit comprising 6,623 sq ft.

Access is via a roller shutter door. 6m eaves, fitted first floor offices, gas central heating, double glazing, suspended ceilings with integral lighting, WC, kitchenette, car parking.

Call our Aylesbury Team - Alan Chandler and Terri Clarke on: 01296 398383 Lettings | Acquisitions | Investments | Valuations | Property Management Rent Reviews and Lease Renewals | Development / Planning Advice | Business Rates

A new perspective on property

www.chandlergarvey.com

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

Whether it’s for a spot of shopping in one of many delightful independent stores and galleries, for a coffee, or to lunch at one of the excellent cafÊs, pubs or restaurants, Wendover is well worth a visit, but imagine living in a gorgeous family home, just a short walk from the High Street...

W

endover is a pretty, thriving market town, or village, as the residents prefer, which has grown up in a handy gap in the Chiltern Hills, at the head of the valley of the River Misbourne, surrounded by spectacular countryside and set at the foot of the Chiltern Hills just to the south east of the county town of Aylesbury.

Wendover is well located for road and rail access with London reachable in under an hour via the A413 and M40 or the A41 and M1. The village has a train station at the top of the High Street which is on the Chiltern Railways Line, providing commuter services to Marylebone in 45-50 minutes. It also offers good day to day shopping facilities and has a regular weekly market on Thursdays, a Health Centre, Dentists and Library. There are schools in the village for all ages and the renowned Grammar School and High Schools nearby in Aylesbury together with the Sir Henry Floyd co-ed Grammar School.

There are many opportunities for recreation in the beautiful local countryside which includes landmarks such as Wendover Woods and Coombe Hill.

The Frost family have very much enjoyed living in the town and are sad to be leaving their lovely home on Dobbins Lane. But with grown up children fleeing the nest and a possible seaside relocation on the cards, their

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Oakdean, Dobbins Lane, Wendover stylish family home is currently on the market - a rare chance to purchase a property in this enviable location.

Oakdean is situated towards the end of Dobbins Lane - a leafy tree lined avenue within a short level stroll of the railway station and village centre.

The property is an exceptionally well-

Sitting Room

presented, detached family home with spacious, well-planned accommodation that comprises: a good-sized reception hall with polished oak flooring, cloakroom, a fabulous dual aspect sitting room with a natural stone fireplace, separate dining room, large kitchen with integrated appliances including fridge/ freezer, range oven and extractor hood,

Family Room

4 Chiltern Court, Back Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6EP

T: 01296 621177

E: wendover@timruss.co.uk

www.timruss.co.uk

Tim Russ & Company for themselves and for the Vendors or Lessors of this property whose agents they are give notice that: (1) The particulars and floor plans are set out as a general outline only for the guidance of intending purchasers or lessees, and do not constitute part of, an offer or contract. (2) All descriptions, dimen and necessary permissions for use and occupation, and other details are given in good faith and are believed to be correct but any intending purchasers or tenants should not rely on them as statements or representations of fact but must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to the correctness of each of them. (3 of Tim Russ & Company has any authority to make or give any representation or warranty whatever in relation to this property. (4) They do not hold themselves responsible for any expense incurred in viewing the same or any liability in respect of abortive journeys. Terms quoted are subject to contract. Floor Plan copyright

Rear garden

Dining Room

Bedroom 1 Galleried landing separate utility room, and family room with French doors into the rear garden.

On the first floor there is an impressive galleried landing, five double bedrooms, two en suites and a family bathroom. There is also

a large boarded loft space which already has a velux window and is ideal for conversion, subject to the necessary planning consents.

Outside there is an integral garage with up and over door, light and power, and a door into the utility room. There is parking for several vehicles on the gravelled driveway to the front, which is screened from the road by a mature hedge. The gated side access leads to

the rear garden which is of a good size and enjoys a high degree of seclusion. There is a paved seating area, the remainder being mainly laid to lawn with mature shrub planted borders.

For further details or to make an Bedroom 2 appointment to view this impressive family home, please calle Tim Russ and Company as below. It is on the market for ÂŁ1,150,000 l Tim Russ, & Company Estate Agents, 4 Chiltern Court, Back Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6EP T: 01296 621177 E: wendover@timruss.co.uk W: www.timruss.co.uk

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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Star Struck

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

Step inside by Polly Gibbs

Not Just For Christmas

Curious Coco Study (Beaded Star from The White Company - Styled by Polly)

One trend that has staying power (other than pineapples, which I thought would last a season - who knew) are stars. Following on from white hearts, stars have an ethereal, magical quality that evokes peace and joy....

T

hey have long been associated with mythology, spirituality and religious iconography, as well as representing many a lost loved one. Perhaps this is why, in its many forms, the simple star has captured our hearts and crept into interiors beyond Christmas time. So here’s a few ideas for the festive season and beyond: 36

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Practical and stylish, make an entrance with this new version of the coir star door mat in charcoal (£25 Graham & Green) - see opposite page.

And these mesh stars caught my eye for their slightly imperfect artisan quality. They look great as they are, but what’s really clever is you can pop things inside them. Try fairy

Polly Gibbs

Step inside

Polly Gibbs, Creative Director at Coco Design, shares her down to earth approach to interiors, from design secrets to trends and everything in between.

Step inside by Polly Gibbs

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

Nkuku Chatari Mesh Star

G&G Three Star Doormat

lights for a star shaped lamp, florists dried oranges for a scented Christmas decoration, small baubles would add reflective charm, or half fill with straw, top with toy animals and a manger et voila, a unique nativity scene. Or...think outside the ‘star’ and suspend mini tree

decorations from them. Beyond the festive season they’d look lovely in the garden, tucked within a border, on a fence, or lined with moss and plants for a star shaped display (bear in mind they will weather).

Back indoors arrange Lego Continued on page 39

High quality bespoke kitchens and furniture, handmade by skilled craftsmen in Buckinghamshire Complete Kitchens | Bedrooms | Wardrobes | Cupboards | Shelving | Storage Solutions | Furniture | Desks | Offices

‘Mark’s attention to details, such as the plate rack and bespoke drawer dividers, make everything a pleasure to look at and use.’

Unit 23, Kemps Farm, Chapel Road, Ford, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8XG Tel: 01296 706030 Mob: 07754 409203 Email: mark@ markwilliamsonfurniture.com Website: www.markwilliamsonfurniture.com Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18 37

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Step inside by Polly Gibbs

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

Continued from page 37 characters for a kids room, insert 70s polaroid photos for a vintage look, or display them just as they are. The possibilities are endless.

Oh, and they can be wall-hung as well. (From £39.95 Nkuku) Psst: sign up for the Nkuku newsletter and get 20% off.

Also by Nkuku are these little gems, (pictured right - star pots) that’ll make your desk rock. So simple but really effective; they’d make a great gift for the super organised, or those of us who need a little help with that (From £12.95 Nkuku).

I bought this oversized 1m star, in the opening image on page 36, from The White Company a few years ago and still enjoy it. For eons I dreamt of a wooden floor with oversized, floor-standing pieces propped : Abesso Star Pots against the wall, making this star the perfect piece for the study. Here, I’ve teamed it up with a vintage oak Hoppen, Geo throw from Rosara and matt black walls. Since sharing stool and chunky throw from Soho the image on instagram I’ve had Home, Book pictures from Kelly

so many requests as to where to buy the star and at last I can report that the show-stopping bestseller is

l

available once more at The White Company. Designed in-house Continued on page 40

Floors l Doors l Worktops l Furniture Top quality timber products at great prices!

A family business with over 20 years industry experience

T: 01844 217075 E: sales@oakleywoodtimber.co.uk

1a Drakes Drive, Crendon Ind Pk, Long Crendon, HP18 9EJ www.oakleywoodtimber.co.uk www.oakleywoodfurniture.co.uk Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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Step inside by Polly Gibbs

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

Continued from page 39 and made from silver glass beads, handthreaded around a sturdy metal frame, it has a subtle reflective quality. Featuring a white organza tie ready to hang in a large window, on a wall or above the fireplace for a contemporary statement. If you love it, buy it before it goes! (£65 The White Company).

With a retro feel, these star dining/ study chairs are comfortable while making a design statement. Also available in off-white so you can mix the two for a cool monochrome scheme (£135 RSG).

Part ornament part art, this candle holder will add instant pizazz to a display. Team it up with the Midas Hand Sculpture and a stack of your favourite books for a stylish still life (£18 Abigail Ahern). Sign up to Abigail’s newsletter for 10% off your first order.

These are on my radar! (See opposite page). Original tin stars imported directly from the Amish community in Lancaster County, PA. Upcycled from tin roofs, some come with paint and wear giving an extra touch of charm. Cluster a few together on a sideboard, kitchen counter

Star dining chair

North Star Candle Holder or group several on a wall instead of pictures.

Alternatively, remove the glass and backing from a picture frame and pop it around just one star, or nestle a single star among framed art for a little twist.

Each colour has its own powerful meaning; Black means protection, Blue means peace, calmness and spirituality, while white means purity, power of the moon and free flowing energy. (From £21.60 Tramps).

How divine are these Hex tiles - shown

Stylish kitchens for modern lifestyles

Book your free design appointment today The Italian sense of beauty is here…

Stoneworld Kitchens 43A Upper High St Thame OX9 2DW www.stoneworldkitchens.co.uk 40

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

01844 261768

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

efficient hydraulic press, rather than kiln-fired.

Curious for more star inspo?

Hop over to my Pinterest board for more ideas: @Curious_Coco

Amish Barnwood Star

Source List nkuku.com thewhitecompany.com rosara.co.uk abigailahern.com grahamandgreen.co.uk trampsuk.co.uk pophamdesign.com rockettstgeorge.co.uk ct-arch.co.uk (Charles Tashima Architecture)

here in a walk-in shower by Charles Tashima Architecture; the navy and gold work perfectly together like bread and butter. Founded by two

Americans based in Marrakech, Popham brings a contemporary edge to traditional Moroccan cement tiles with striking, graphic

patterns. The production process is admirably eco-friendly too, with all materials sourced locally and every tile finished in a more energy

l Polly is an award-winning designer, Decorex100 interiors influencer & Amara Interiors Blog Award Finalist. if you’ve got a rockin’ interior or design dilemma, message her and it could feature in the next issue.

Email: polly@coco-design.co.uk Website: www.curious-coco.com Insta, Twitter, FB: @TheCuriousCoco

Looking to warm your home and bring your family together?

Call to discuss your ideas and then visit our showroom:

North Mill, North Mill Road, Bledlow, Bucks HP27 9QP (By appointment)

( 01844 342400

www.northmillstoves.co.uk Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

53 41

Keyforlooks 2018 Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

Real Living

by Charlotte Bolton

Why you should plan ‘new year’ decorating now!

Real Living

Charlotte Bolton

Revealed: The biggest home decor trends of 2018 - and we’re all going to want COLOURFUL kitchens, UNUSUAL sinks and accents of CONCRETE....

I

f you’ve just bought a new house or want to revamp part of your home in the new year, here’s what the UK’s top interiors experts say we should be loving!

From bright and bold kitchens to copper and stone sinks, if you want to get a head start on the hottest home looks for 2018 read here… right now!

The top Décor Trends for 2018 Colourful Kitchens Original Sinks l Warm Neutrals l Big Florals l Concrete l l

NOVELTY SINKS You may have noticed that contemporary hotels and restaurants are featuring sinks in ‘novel’ materials such as copper and granite and home owners are following suit.

Stainless-steel or white sinks are being replaced with ones made from concrete, stone, copper or granite in 2018.

All surface kitchen unit paint COLOURFUL KITCHENS Kitchens have been predominantly white/ cream over the last few years, but word is consumers are tiring of these neutral hues.

In 2018 home owners will start incorporating bolder shades into their kitchens to make them more unique and to stand out from the norm.

If a whole kitchen in bright tones is too much for you, painting a part of a run of units in your favourite colour or even adding warm wood tones will transform a scheme.

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WARM NEUTRALS This year may have been all about cool neutrals such as light greys and monochrome but things are warming up for 2018.

2018 is all about warm greys with rich, earthy shades of camel, rust, tobacco, coupled with brown-blacks, delicious reds, and burnt yellow.

These richer tones make our space feel more welcoming and less stark.

BIG FLORALS Florals are going to be just that - big, again next year.… if you want to get florals right

Real Living

by Charlotte Bolton

Below - Stone sink Right - warmer shades are coming in

in 2018, it’s all about high-contrast colours and oversized blooms.

If you like floral prints (whether on wallpaper, bedlinen, cushions etc), you’ll love this trend. Flowers are still big business in the interior world in fact they’re bolder and bigger than ever, see left.

Big flowers!

CONCRETE Concrete sinks and bathrooms have been all the rage this year, but this raw material is also infiltrating furniture, decorative accessories,

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

Decorative concrete

wallcoverings, worktops and tiles… this is a fun material/texture to experiment with.

Experts say it will be one of the biggest home interior trends of 2018 and we’ll see it in all aspects of home furnishings. l To find out how your home could be featured in a UK homes magazine visit Charlotte’s website: www.reallivingspaces.co.uk.

Share your home interior ideas in a magazine! It’s fun, and free!

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Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

43

‘The Art of Wood Burning’

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Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

There’s nothing cosier than an open fire or blazing wood burning stove at this time of year! Luckily there’s a plentiful supply of local logs on offer as firm’s such as Pasture Care are busy maintaining farmland and hedgerows and pollarding trees...

P

asture Care is an agricultural and equestrian contractor based in Towersey and founded, some 15 years ago, by Kevin Smith, a former engineer with experience and knowledge of farm and field management.

Their services range from small-scale paddock maintenance to whole farm contracting, covering all aspects of estate management and include working with Sustrans to re-instate the Phoenix Trail footpath/cycle path and bridleway which runs from Princes Risborough to Thame along the former railway line.

A particularly tricky aspect of local land management is the pollarding and pruning of willow trees along the banks of the River Thame and so, about five years ago, Kevin combined specialist parts from Finland and Ireland to create an impressive tree shearing machine that can safely and quickly grip and cut off huge branches and then lay them neatly on the ground, without a workman having to climb the tree. The shear is mounted on a 13 tonne 360 excavator, with low ground pressure capabilities which enables working in boggy conditions with the minimum of ground disturbance.

Log cutting in the barn

To see Kevin’s skilled operation of his machine is quite spectacular and the tree shear can efficiently and safely be used to pollard trees, clear scrub, coppice hedges and harvest firewood.

As a result of their local activities Pasture Care produce a large quantity of firewood which is sawn, chopped, stored and dried in huge barns There are mixed bags of dry, mature hardwood logs, from local, sustainably managed trees, seasoned and ready to burn in wood burners or on open fires, and bags of softwood logs, which are fully seasoned and locally sourced but recommended for wood burners and outdoor use rather than open fires as they tend to spit.

“Soft woods burn more easily, hotter and more quickly than hardwoods,” says Kevin.

“They are good value as they are half the price but don’t burn twice as quickly! They are a cleaner burn too - less soot and you don’t get as much ash.

“If you just want to light your log burner for a couple of hours in the evening you are probably better off with softwood, as hardwood logs can take a while to get going and then keep on burning long after you’ve

Kevin Smith gone to bed!”

If you’d like to order some logs or get in touch with Kevin about other Pasture Care services, contact him as below. One cubic metre bag of hardwood is £90 while a cubic metre bag of softwood is £45. These bags are much larger than some of the ‘builders one tonne bags’ of logs you can get, so represent great value for money.

Local delivery (by transit with a Hiab crane) is free - wood can be tipped out at your preferred location or delivered in log bag (£10 deposit on bag). l Pasture Care, Penn Farm, Manor Road, Towersey, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3QX Tel: 01844 217771. Mob: 07768 020607 Email: kevin@pasturecare.com Web: www.pasturecare.com

Kevin’s Tree Shear

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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Advertising feature

Expectations Exceeded Having had our loft conversion beautifully completed by Asset Lofts in 2013 we decided to approach the director, Terry Richards, to assess the possibility of a single story extension instead of a costly house move.

“The project was completed on budget and within the agreed timescales.”

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sset Lofts visited a few days later to listen to our ideas and explained the various options, including planning processes and timescales.

After this initial meeting, its architect visited to undertake a comprehensive survey and to work our ideas into a presentable format ready for submission to the local authority’s planning department.

We were very pleased with the drawings and even more delighted with the council’s decision to approve the application.

The architect from Asset Lofts even accompanied me to a meeting with the planning officer.

A couple of months later we were all approved and ready to build. Asset Lofts appointed our project manager, Chris who met with me at my home on several occasions before arriving on the first day of the build.

Chris was a consummate professional. He understood the vision and explained to us in every day language what to expect, including the likely timescales and aspects we could be actively involved in and so on.

Since we were living in the house whilst the extension was being built, Chris completed all external works leaving our original tiny kitchen intact, before knocking through to our new living space. This enabled us to continue living in the house whilst all the work was underway.

Chris and the Asset Lofts team were not in the slightest bit phased by the many 46

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

“I am proud of what has been achieved and would have no hesitation in recommending Asset Lofts and its team of contractors.” challenges our extension would pose for them. We had no rear access due to the river, no parking outside because of restrictions, no room for a skip in the front garden thanks to a cherry tree and a sewerage pipe running directly underneath the area to be extended. In addition, all of the materials had to come through our sitting room and out through the back of the house. Furthermore, all the rubble had to be carried back through the house for safe disposal. Chris and his team provided more than adequate protection to my newly laid solid oak flooring and were as careful as possible.

Throughout the entire build Chris and the team kept us fully abreast of all developments and also when key decisions would be required. The team was not phased by slight changes I insisted on during the build. Whilst this did not impact on the planning process or building control it did have an impact on the builders and they remained upbeat and professional at all times.

The end result has far exceeded our expectations. We now have a workable and stylish kitchen replacing our old one in which it was impossible to have the dishwasher and oven door open at the same time!

We even have a six-seater dining table and a couch with more than adequate storage.

We have had many family gatherings since the extension has been completed and we just love the fact that we can now

accommodate so many people in our new space. Best of all are the bi-fold doors which let us open up into the garden and dine alfresco.

The extension has changed the way we live in the house and has given us many more years of enjoying the house as we no longer need to move to accommodate the needs of our family.

The project was completed on budget and within the agreed timescales.

Any extras that we had instructed the builders to carry out were detailed separately in the revised specification.

The interior design ideas were expertly executed by Chris and his team of dedicated professionals. This also included the addition of salvaged floor boards that we wanted to use as wall covering.

I am proud of what has been achieved and would have no hesitation in recommending Asset Lofts and its team of contractors to undertake any type of extension or refurbishment in your home.

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l Column ‘In the Garden’ with

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

Naomi MacKay

What’s new on the horizon?

P lanning for a new year and a fresh start in the garden, here are the latest introductions to look forward to…

Once you’ve done all the Christmas shopping, this is an ideal time to cosy up by the fire and have a read through all those gardening catalogues that either dropped through your letterbox or appeared on you computer or tablet.

As the wind howls and the frost bites, we gardeners can look ahead to warmer days, and dream of bright flowers, delicious scented shrubs and growing vegetables to grace the dinner table.

Over at Thompson & Morgan they have announced the arrival of two new varieties. Poppy ‘Supreme’, is from T&M’s own breeding programme and lives up to its name. Its fully double flowers are three times larger than those

Poppy Supreme of other similar papaver rhoeas varieties and it boasts delightful crinkly petals with picotee edges in pink, cherry and orange tones with white centres. Long-flowering and multi-branching, it is ideal for direct sowing in borders and beds.

The new poppy came about

thanks to Charles Valin, who heads up Thompson & Morgan’s plant breeding team. He spotted some plants in a batch of double Shirley poppies that had extralarge flowers. Two generations of selection later, Charles’s team had managed to ‘fix’ a giant-

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flowered mixture in double picotee bicolours.

He said: “All the hard work that we’ve put in to create this stunning poppy has been worth it!

The flowers are huge and yet they retain their elegance and are in perfect proportion to the overall plant size. We discovered that Poppy ‘Supreme’ has a very robust constitution and blooms for twice as long as traditional poppies.

‘Supreme’ was a real hit with bees in our trials and I think gardeners will love them too!”

There’s nothing quite like the scent of home-grown tomatoes on a warm summer’s day and Tomato ‘Oh Happy Day’ is a real bonus for gardeners. In T&M trials, ‘Oh Happy Day’ F1 resisted late blight infection for three weeks longer than ‘Mountain Magic’.

The round, slightly flatter, 150g tomatoes grow in clusters of 3-7 fruits and T&M say they have the

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l Column ‘In the Garden’ with

Naomi MacKay

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

Oh Happy Day tomato plants

Seed tray racks perfect taste balance of acidity and sweetness.

Poppy ‘Supreme’ and Tomato ‘Oh Happy Day’ will be available from mid-December 2017. Poppy ‘Supreme’ £2.49 for 300 seeds.

Tomato ‘Oh Happy Day’ £2.99 for 8 seeds

Keeping your greenhouse, or other growing space, tidy when you’re growing on all these seeds can be tricky, but GBC Gardens for Leisure has come up with some very neat seed tray racks.

The racks, in white, which have watertight trays, making it easy

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to water seeds without getting the surrounding area wet.

You can also buy a set of castors, which fix on easily, making it simple to move the rack inside and outside; perfect when hardening off seedlings later in the growing season.

The white finish looks good and I could even see this fitting nicely into a kitchen or conservatory, if you don’t have a greenhouse. The racks, complete with seeds trays, cost from £57 and are available in garden centres.

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Seed tray racks Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

49

Leather gloves go for gold There’s no reason why practical things can’t be beautiful and that’s certainly true of the latest gardening gloves from Gold Leaf.

Inspired by original botanical artwork from the world-famous RHS Lindley Library, ‘The RHS Collection’ comprises three styles of high-quality leather gloves, with each design taking its name from a celebrated RHS Show. The gloves have ergonomically-designed padding for extra comfort and eye-catching images of symbolic flowers: Chelsea – bears the handcoloured printed engraving of ‘The Great Scarlet Poppy’ by Wedell after an original by John Lindley (1799-1865). The poppy is widely recognised as a traditional symbol of remembrance.

Hampton – is graced with the beautiful colour illustration of Rose Marechal Niel, originally by renowned 19th century lithographic printer, G.Severyns. Historically, a yellow rose symbolised friendship.

Malvern – illustrated with a watercolour image of Iris ‘Mrs Barnard’ by British botanical painter Lilian Snelling (18791972). The Iris is a long established symbol of hope and wisdom.

The range has already scooped the Best New Product Award, Home, Gift and Clothing at leading industry trade show GLEE 2017.

The gloves cost £14.99 and are available in major garden retailers across the UK. Online course for generation rent Whether you rent a property, or just move house a lot, it can be heart-breaking to leave all your hard work behind you when you move.

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A new online gardening course is helping Generation Rent make the best of their spaces with moveable modern garden designs.

Training provider Learning with Experts has recognised that a new generation is struggling to get on the property ladder and wants to help them enhance the quality of their lives – wherever they’re living.

The New Contemporary Garden, led by RHS ambassador Jamie Butterworth, will help Generation Rent fill their living spaces with

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perfectly planned greenery. The course aims to provide them with all the skills they’ll need to craft contemporary gardens both indoor and out.

Tutor Jamie, named as one of 2017’s most Influential figures in horticulture, said: “Gardening doesn’t have to be complicated.

Just because you don’t own your own space doesn’t mean you can’t create your own garden - be it a balcony, windowsill or roof terrace, the smallest of places can still bring great gardening pleasure.”

He will take enthusiasts through some of the latest trends and ideas to make their space both practical and contemporary looking.

The course contains design principles to convert any spot into a plant paradise, including how to plan properly, what to plant for both food and beauty and how to maintain it.

Find out more at www. learningwithexperts.com. l Naomi Mackay is a freelance

journalist who helps small businesses with anything to do with words – writing or proofing brochures and websites, running social media campaigns or producing blogs. Contact her at naomimackay@gmail.com

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l

Column: Lucy Ellis ‘Animal Magic’

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

Plan a pawfect Christmas

I

t’s very easy to get caught up in family festivities and forget about your pets over Christmas and New Year, so here are a few friendly reminders to keep your animals happy and healthy.

Stay Safe - cooked bones can splinter and be extremely dangerous for pets, so don’t leave your festive leftovers within reach of any animals. In fact human meals can be very rich for cats and dogs, so it is better to buy them a species-appropriate special dinner.

And remember that many foods can be poisonous to animals – particularly chocolate, raisins and grapes. If your pet does manage to sneak behind your back and steal the Christmas pud, pack of mince pies, chocolate log or the cooked turkey carcass, then it’s best to visit the vet, and fast.

While it’s lovely to put up Christmas decorations, our poor pets don’t understand why the shiny new additions aren’t new toys.

l

scissors and plastic bags.

Cats in particular can be beguiled by lights and try to attack twinkly baubles – while Hydrotherapy poolthis might make a funny YouTube clip, it can end up with a frightened feline bringing down the Christmas tree leaving a mess of needles, shattered ornaments and broken lights posing a fire hazard.

The simplest way to keep your pet safe is to shut the door to any room with tantalising treats when you are not around. Likewise, mistletoe and fresh holly sprigs make lovely seasonal decorations, but the berries are highly poisonous, and be aware of other hazards associated with the time of year, such as drawing pins, string,

Keep Calm and Carry On many pets are disturbed by the commotion of Christmas, but there are plenty of options to help your animals remain calm with increased household activity. There are a wide range of valerianbased products to relieve stress in animals, from a simple spray for bedding and clothing, to a room atomiser or diffuser. Animals appreciate having a safe haven in which they can hide during times of stress, so find your pet’s favourite spot and create a comfy hideaway where they can retreat when it all just becomes too much.

Treats & Toys - of course many pets want to enjoy Christmas with the family, so don’t forget to put out a stocking and presents for your four-legged friend. Unique Pets has numerous ideas from pick & mix treat stockings and toy stockings, to a selection of Christmas jumpers, bandanas, scarves and

Lucy Ellis

Animal Magic headbands, not to mention a wealth of Christmas-themed toys. Don’t neglect your dog walking duties while you’re busy entertaining over the holidays, otherwise you might end up with a hyperactive and destructive dog… as well as exercise, dogs benefit greatly from playing games and receiving attention, which can help to keep them calm.

Whether you’ve just got a new pet or are caring for an existing furry family member, remember that a pet is for life, not just Christmas. #AdoptDontShop l Lucy Ellis is a writer and

blogger who with Jenna Tomlins runs Unique Pets (Aylesbury & Winslow), independent pet shops offering individual pet advice, grooming, dog training and pet photography. www.uniquepets.co.uk

Column: Sandra Smith ‘Our Creative Vale’

It started with a cow R

uth Aslett starts with the eyes and nose.

Before long an element of cheekiness emerges.

Perhaps it’s the angle – appealingly odd – complemented by the curious, if not quirky, nature of the expression which meets your gaze and defies you not to smile that is so downright engaging. We are, after all, a nation of animal lovers so how can you do anything other than appreciate these gorgeously mischievous animal portraits?

“What I’d like to achieve is getting the animal’s personality across,” the Chinnor artist modestly shares. “The main thing is to capture the character. I never planned to go into this; I was doing a lot of different things when animals caught people’s attention and I felt it was something I could do.”

The first animal Ruth painted was a cow. The image sold prompting her to try various other farm animals. Sales remained consistent as customers 52

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

Ruth Aslett

approached her with commissions for pet portraits.

“In an ideal world it’s nice to have the pet over and photograph them myself but sometimes people have a photo they like. I want to capture something personal about the pet and how their owners see them.”

Having studied A Level Art, the subject went on a back burner for years until, once her youngest son

started school, a friend encouraged her to join an art group. Ruth now attends weekly Artsmart classes in Thame where she values feedback and mixing with other artists.

Using mainly acrylics because of their forgiving qualities, Ruth first of all covers the canvas with an orange wash before painting over a background colour which allows some underlying tones to show through. She sketches in water soluble pencil before working on facial features.

“I use decent quality paints and canvasses; there’s more oomph about them. I have over 50 brushes; for each painting I probably use 6-7 different types although there are favourites I’m comfortable with.”

Having never set out to do commissions, these now account for up to 50% of her output.

Creative Vale

Sandra Smith Meanwhile occasional teaching and exhibiting at local art shows are fitted in around shifts at Stoke Mandeville Hospital where she is a Maternity Care Nurse.

“I enjoy my job and I like the balance of work and art,” Ruth muses when I ask about artistic ambitions. “Every painting is a challenge. Would I like to be a full time artist? Maybe in years to come.” www.ruthaslettart.co.uk l Find out more about Sandra

Smith’s work as a freelance writer by following her on Twitter: @TheCurrentMrsS or visiting her website: www.TheCurrentMrsSmith.co.uk

l

Column: Showtime! with Shaun Nolan

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

A year of living theatrically Hamilton

venue that continues to go from strength to strength as the years go by. It’s been a fantastic year for the Waterside with the arrivals of major tours like Hairspray and the announcement of future hits coming to town like Mamma Mia! (next June) and Jersey Boys (the week after in early July).

When it comes to the West End, there have been so many fantastic shows this year that I couldn’t possibly list all of them, so make sure you’re following me on Twitter at @shaunycat to find out more. Highlights off of the top of my head though have to include: the landmark revival of Sondheim’s Follies at the National Theatre; Simon Stephens’s scorching and powerful Heisenberg at Wyndham’s; John

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Tiffany’s spellbinding revival of Tennessee Williams’s The Glass Menagerie at the Duke of York’s; the incomparable Imelda Staunton in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf at the Harold Pinter; Marriane Elliot’s ridiculously good revival of Angels in America at the NT; Audra McDonald in Lady Day; and so, so, so much more.

I should probably also take a moment here to brag and tell you all that I saw Hamilton in London at its second preview performance this month and that that too is definitely up there as one of the best shows that I got to see this year!

So what about what’s to come in January? Well there isn’t much popping up in the post-panto weeks when it comes to the Vale, but there’s a lot of fantastic stuff opening its doors to us up in The Big Smoke. The new Conor McPherson play – featuring the songs of Bob Dylan – entitled Girl From the North Country lands in the West End on December 29th following a great sold-out run at

Shaun Nolan Showtime!

The Old Vic. I saw it there, loved it and cannot wait to see it again in the West End. Other highlights include revivals of Harold Pinter’s The Birthday Party starring Zoe Wanamaker and Pearl Mackie from Doctor Who (from January 9th), the fantastic Almeida production of Mary Stuart starring Juliet Stevenson (from January 13th), and one of my favourite plays Long Day’s Journey into Night with Jeremy Irons and Leslie Mann from January 27th. l Shaun Nolan is a freelance writer, writing columns for different publications, and his own fictional stories and scripts. You can find him at @shaunycat on Twitter and tell him about your own theatre experiences or if you want your show mentioned in this column, tweet him and let him know!

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his issue I’m looking forward but also back on what we’ve seen in 2017; following on from panto, January is a notoriously quiet month, giving me some time to reflect on all of the theatre that I’ve been privileged to see over the past 12 months.

In the Vale, I’ve been frequently blown away by the fantastic opportunities we have for people who want to get involved in the Arts. I’ve been lucky enough this year to work closely with companies at the Court Theatre in Tring – a venue I have been a part of for over five years now – and as ever, it’s been a joy. I’ve also had several chances this year to work alongside the team at the Limelight Theatre at the Queen’s Park Arts Centre which is not only a fantastic and warm venue to be at, but also has a completely unparalleled team of staff and volunteers to boot.

The other main venue I have the veritable thrill of working with is Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, a

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l

Music Column:

Turn it up! with Paul Adams

Music and the city Our music columnist is Paul Adams - musician and performer, who can be seen in venues across our area both solo and with A Little Bit Country.

Contact Paul with local gigs and music news at: paul@mrpauladams.co.uk Add your gigs to our website what’s on diary for free at: www.vale-life.co.uk

Live Music December 20th Gig Night (up & coming bands) Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury 21st Krissy Matthews Dukes, Princes Risborough 22nd Roughcut Ruby The Dairy Maid, Aylesbury 23rd Hot Banana (60s Covers, 5 piece) Victoria Club, Aylesbury 24th Kitty Mazinsky (Oldies) Dukes, Princes Risborough 29th A Little Bit Country Aristocrat, Aylesbury 30th Sean (Various, Solo Artist)

British Legion, Leighton Buzzard 31st A Little Bit Country

Jack & Alice, Thame 31st Smooth Operator The Legion Club, Wendover 31st Paparazzi (50s - present, 6 piece) The Black Boy, Oving 31st McVicar (Rock Covers, 4 piece) The Top Bell, Leighton Buzzard 31st Secret Genius (Covers, 5 piece)

Grove Lock, Leighton Buzzard 31st Carnaby Street (60s Covers ) The Star, Leighton Buzzard 31st The Rockettes (50s/60s)

George & Dragon, Northchurch

January 2nd Five Fold Kiss (Covers - 5 piece) Aylesbury Shootpool, Aylesbury 6th Alibi (Pop / Rock, 4 piece) Red Lion, Leighton Buzzard 6th Five Fold Kiss Shootpool, Aylesbury 11th Rachel Redman

Dukes, Princes Risborough 18th A Little Bit Country

James Figg, Thame 19th Moondogs Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury 26th Showaddywaddy Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury 26th Sarah McQuaid Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury 27th Purple Zeppelin Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury

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Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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hristmas is coming, however I think mine has already been, for I (along with my musical partner Harriet Stewart) got to tour the home of country music - Nashville, Tennessee - back in November. And there was nothing more exciting!

The first stop after getting off the plane was Nashville Today on 650AM WSM - the radio station which is home to The Grand Ole Opry, and one of the longest running stations in the world! What other local show has legendary guests like Loretta Lynn, Barry Gibb, Olivia Newton John and Kevin Costner?

We were on Cloud Nine!

Next up was an interview and live performance for TV show Nashville Entertainment Weekly.

We played the world famous Bluebird Cafe not once but twice and even got to be in the city during the Country Music Awards, sitting in traffic with none other than country music icon Keith Urban, and we wrote two songs for our second album!

Our two week tour was a country musician’s dream. Scratch that, a musician’s dream, as Nashville isn’t just about country music! We were lucky enough to meet and

ALBC in Nashville

work with some extremely talented performers and songwriters and have even begun to plan our return!

2018 will be an extremely busy year for A Little Bit Country.

You can follow details of the whole tour at www.albcountry. co.uk/nashville-tour.html

Return of Rachel Redman R

songwriter and performer. She is the reason I play guitar and joined a band. I have tried my hand at producing like she does too. I also love Alanis Morisette, The Corrs, Alisha’s Attic and more recently, Lady Antebellum and Taylor Swift too.

What would you consider to be your When did you start career highlights so writing? I remember far? It has to be my first writing my first song album launch. When with my piano teacher at people come out to hear school when I was about something I have created, six years old. It was such an enjoyable experience, well, there really isn’t a Rachel Redman better feeling than that. that I haven’t stopped I would also include since! performing for people on their Who are your musical influences? As a teen I became a wedding day! Their first dance, or when they’re walking down the aisle. massive Sheryl Crow fan. She has It’s the couple’s special day, one to been a major influence on me as a achel Redman is a musician, teacher and live music host from Berkshire who performs in the local area. Rachel is about to return to the live circuit after taking a break whilst adjusting to her role as a new mother. I recently caught up with Rachel.

remember, and I get to be a part of that.

Have you written anything since having a your baby and if so has your writing style changed? Not yet but when I get the chance I shall be writing again! I reckon I will be a lot more soppy. There will most likely be a song about my baby coming up!

What does the future look like for Rachel Redman? I am planning a new music video and recording an acoustic album. Also I have confirmed a number of gigs already for next year, which I’m really excited about playing.

Rachel is performing at Dukes Wine Bar in Princes Risborough on 11th January, 2018.

Catch up with Rachel at: www.rachelredmanmusic.uk

The greatest rock’n’roll band!

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hat, is what they call themselves. It’s one heck of a statement but do Showaddywaddy live up to that self proclaimed title? Cue drainpipe lurex trousers, box jackets, bootlace ties, frilly shirts, brothel creepers and multi-pastel socks (and I thought I had it tough with boots, hat and a belt buckle).

It was back in 1973 that two Leicester bands merged to create an 8 piece band with the unusual feature of having two vocalists, two drummers, two guitarists, and two bass guitarists. Showaddywaddy have been wowing audiences ever since though, winning their first heat on the 1970’s equivalent of Britain’s Got Talent - “New Faces”. The band

continued to court success when they released their debut single “Hey Rock’n’Roll” in April 1974.

It reached number 2 in the UK Singles Chart and they went on to have a further 22 UK hits, with ten of them hitting the UK Top Ten, as well as reaching the Top Ten in other countries too!

The Leicester lads made nearly 300 television appearances, including starring in their own BBC TV special in 1980, and even appeared in the 1975 film “Three

For All”. Fast forward to 2013/14 the band are celebrating their 40th Anniversary and go back out on tour with Bay City Rollers, David Essex, and The Osmonds!

But have they still got that X Factor? Well with 88 performances since January this year and a further 68 booked for 2018, it looks like these Rockers (or should I say Teddy Boys?) are still in high demand!

Showaddywaddy will be jivin’ it up on the stage at Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre on 26th January 2018, so you can find out for yourself then.

For ticket information visit www.atgtickets.com/shows/ showaddywaddy/aylesburywaterside-theatre

Lauren’s tale is a real winner A year 5 pupil at Ashfold School has beaten more than 100,000 other children to scoop Gold in BBC Radio 2’s 500 Words short story-writing competition!

Lauren Cook, from Quainton, who is nine, won the competition’s 5-9 age category HRH The Duchess of Cornwall and received her award at a awarded Lauren her prize star-studded grand final at the Tower of London earlier this year.

500 Words, which received 131,798 entries this year, is now one of the most successful storywriting competitions for children in the world.

It began seven years ago when radio 2 DJ Chris Evans had the dream of getting children excited about reading and writing. Nearly half a million pupils have entered a story so far which is more than 277 million words written!

Emmy and BAFTA-winning Lauren Cook with Ashfold’s 500 books actress, Jenny Agutter, read and Honorary Judge, Her Royal Lauren’s winning story, The Highness,The Duchess of Cornwall, Kindest of Strangers, at the final;

l Column: Peter

Jenny Agutter reading Lauren’s story at the final

awarded Lauren her gold medal and prizes.

As well as rubbing shoulders with royalty and the world’s biggest celebrities, Lauren won a special illustrated copy of her story, printed by royal bookbinders, as well as Chris Evans’ height in books, plus 500 books for Ashfold School.

Headmaster, Michael Chitty, said, “We are extremely proud of Lauren’s fantastic achievement and thrilled to receive these wonderful books for our school library as part of her prize.”

Lauren was one of only 12 winners selected from the 131,798 entries! l Founded in 1927, Ashfold School is a leading independent prep school for boys and girls aged 3 - 13 years, located in 30 acres of beautiful grounds in the Buckinghamshire countryside, near Thame.

For further information, contact Anna Senior, Head of Communications T: 01844 238237 E: anna.senior@ashfoldschool.co.uk www.ashfoldschool.co.uk

Purvis ‘Not that Peter Purvis’

Support live comedy!

I ’ve run several gigs over the years including a couple of successful comedy tents at large festivals like Wilderness and Citadel, with acts like Dane Baptiste and Sarah Pascoe headlining. Closer to home, I put on a charity night at Aylesbury Rugby Club a couple of years ago in aid of Air Ambulance and the bill included Yuriko Kotani, who went on to win BBC New Comedian of the Year in 2015, and Ivo Graham who has since been on ‘Live At The Apollo’.

The Limelight Theatre in Aylesbury’s Queen’s Park Centre is a great little theatre and an ideal venue for comedy, with extremely helpful volunteer staff. Many of the acts I put on here have progressed considerably, like Harriet Kemsley (‘Bobby & Harriet Get Married’ which is about her wedding to fellow comedian Bobby Mair, on SKY 153), and comedy musical duo, Jollyboat who sell-out Edinburgh Fringe each year.

Other folks have also put on comedy nights in Aylesbury. There

was an excellent one at Fairford Lees Village Community Centre a few years back and there are some great events put on by ‘Comedy Ladder’ in Stokenchurch and Thame (in one of the best real ale pubs and community boozers in the area, The Cross Keys).

Currently I run a regular a night at The Aristocrat pub in Aylesbury on the first Thursday of each month.

And another stand-up comedy night in Aylesbury has recently started at The Old Millwrights pub.

‘So,’ I hear you say, ‘and your point is…?’ My point, dear readers, is that on your very own doorsteps, you have the opportunity to see some truly hilarious comedy for a few quid, or even for free (perhaps with a bucket collection at the end). There is nothing quite like seeing live comedy. With or without a few beers, it’s a great night out.

And it’s live! Anything can happen.

The variety of acts on the circuit is truly impressive - from mainstream gag merchants through musical and magical comedians to the

truly weird and surreal (like, ur, Fred Ferenczi). I guarantee that if you enjoy a laugh, you’ll love live comedy. There’ll be at least one act (and probably more) that you’ll go away and say about, “I would have paid good money to see them”.

Many of the acts that I (and others) have booked in Aylesbury over the years were relatively new at the time, perhaps getting one of their first paid gigs, having emerged, like myself, relatively psychologically unscathed from the open mic scene, where you schlep unfeasibly large distances to perform on a bill with 20 similar hopefuls (who constitute most of the ‘audience’) doing five minutes each. While you perform, the ‘promoter’ will possibly break off occasionally from playing Candy Crush on his mobile phone to heckle you. The MC might well be the venue’s barman ‘having a go’ at comedy for the first time, having seen it being done on the telly and concluded that ‘it looks really easy’ - it isn’t, believe me, I’ve tried! The

Peter Purvis likes of Michael McIntyre, Micky Flanagan and Sarah Millican all began this way - at the bottom, honing their craft in the only way possible, by performing to audiences at small, live comedy nights.

So, my point is, why wait until they are famous and you have to pay £50 to see your dot-sized comedy hero on an arena stage or on a Netflix TV special? Why not go and see possible future Eddie Izzards, Alexei Sayles and Harry Hills this very month, locally?

Support live comedy! l Peter is from Aylesbury and performs as stand-up comedian Fred Ferenczi.

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The New Year heralds a new season at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre and they are pulling out all the stops for 2018 with phenomenal shows that tick all boxes, from comedy to drama, musicals to gig nights. Start filling up your diary now as this is a handpicked selection you just won’t want to miss…

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he new year can be dull and grey, but things will soon be brightening up and you’ll be chuckling your way into February when amultiaward winning smash hit comedy is on the cards - the aptly named The Play That Goes Wrong. (Mon 5th to Sat 10th Feb). Imagine Fawlty Towers meet Noises Off in an hilarious production that’s guaranteed to leave you aching with laughter.

The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are putting on a 1920s murder mystery, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong… does! The accident prone thesps battle on against all the odds though to reach their final curtain call and side-splitting results ensue!

Musical lovers are advised to bring tissues to the powerful Blood Brothers (Tue 13th to Sat 17th Feb) starring critically-acclaimed actress and singer Lyn Paul. Telling the moving tales of twins separated at birth, this will be the perfect Valentine’s treat. Bill Kenwright’s ‘Dazzling’ (Sunday Telegraph) production has been visiting theatres across the country performing to sell-out houses and receiving standing ovations.

Considered one of the best musicals ever written, Blood Brothers has triumphed across the globe scooping up no fewer than four awards for best musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway.

Blood Brothers: Tue 13th to Sat 17th February

The Play That Goes Wrong: Mon 5th to Sat 10th Feb)

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Monday 19th to Saturday 24th February Casting has been announced for the ‘King of the Detective Thriller’ Edgar Wallace’s The Case of the Frightened Lady, (Mon 19th Sat 24th Feb) with familiar TV faces Gray O’Brien (Coronation Street, The Bill, Casualty), Rula Lenska (Rock Follies, Doctor Who, EastEnders); Denis Lill (The Royal, Only Fools and Horses), Charlie Clements (EastEnders), Philip Lowrie (Coronation Street), April Pearson (Skins), Ben Nealon (Soldier Soldier) and Glenn Carter (Jesus Christ Superstar).

Edgar Wallace is one of the most popular and prolific crime writers of the 20th Century and the brains behind the iconic film, King Kong. Having written more than 150 detective novels throughout his career Edgar Wallace’s gripping page-turners are regarded as the bedrock of the modern thriller, and The Case of the Frightened Lady remains one of his most celebrated works.

Looking for family fun? Look no further than Roald Dahl classic, George’s Marvellous Medicine being brought to phizz-whizzing life at the end of January (Tue 30th Jan to Sat 3rd Feb). Frothbuggling family fun is in store with growing grannies, feathery farm animals and

Sunday 21st January

Coming up at Aylesbury Waterside Your at-a-glance guide to what’s on...

Bowie Experience Back to Bacharach The Rocket Man

lots of surprises.

If live music’s your passion enjoy a tribute evening with some of the best bands on the circuit including T-Rextasy (Sun Mar 25th), Bowie Experience (Sat 6th Jan) and The Rocket Man, (Fri 19th Jan) or even enjoy an evening with superstars of the 70s Heatwave, Odyssey (Sat 20th Jan) and Showaddywaddy (Fri 26th Jan). There’s even the chance to explore your inner beast, or beauty and indulge in a singsong with Sing-a-long-a Beauty and the Beast!

Let the Waterside entertain you in 2018, book now by calling 0844 871 7607 (Bkg fee.

Calls 7p per min plus your phone company’s access charge) or visit www.atgtickets.com/ aylesbury (bkg fee). l Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1UG Telephone Booking: 0844 871 7607 Website: www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury

Heatwave + special guests Odyssey Sing-a-long-aBeauty and the Beast The Classic Rock Show Showaddywaddy in Concert George’s Marvellous Medicine The Play That Goes Wrong Blood Brothers

The Case of the Frightened Lady

Sat 6th Jan Thu 18th Jan Fri 19th Jan Sat 20th Jan Sun 21st Jan Tue 23rd Jan Fri 26th Jan Tue 30th Jan to Sat 3rd Feb Mon 5th to Sat 10th Feb Tue 13th to Sat 17th Feb Mon 19th to Sat 24th Feb

George’s Marvellous Medicine: Tue 30th Jan to Sat 3rd Feb Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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Column: Nick Coffer ‘In the kitchen’

Traditional prawn cocktail with Marie Rose sauce

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s well as all the great recipes my show provides for my listeners, I do love the fact that it puts hard working local businesses into the public eye. Restaurants are the result of lots of blood, sweat and tears from the owners and their staff and I feel it’s really important that we recognise the key role they play in our small local communities and support them. As I always say on air, if we don’t use them, we will lose them!

Recently I had a guest on my show called Denise Wright. She is finally fulfilling her lifetime’s ambition, and opening a traditional pub and restaurant in Little Brickhill (near Woburn) early next year, called the George and Dragon. She really loves traditional food and she went all retro with the 1970s classic, prawn cocktail.

Apparently the recipe was one of the first things she learnt in catering college in 19… okay, I won’t give you the actual year! The Marie Rose sauce here is perfect – fresh, cool and zingy – and it makes the ideal accompaniment for the sweet prawns and crunchy salad. A really great, classic starter

Ingredients: serves 4 1 bag mixed salad leave 1 lemon (cut into 4 slim wedges, then juice the rest of the lemon) 1 orange, juiced Small handful flat parsley leaves, finely chopped 4 small sweet tomatoes Cucumber for slicing 1 tbsp tomato ketchup 4 large tbsp quality mayonnaise 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce Salt and ground black pepper 200g fresh peeled prawns 4 optional fresh, unpeeled whole king prawns for decoration Cayenne pepper (optional) to sprinkle on top Method: Preparation time less than 30 minutes For the sauce, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Add in a little drizzle of lemon juice and a good drizzle of orange juice.

It is really important to taste as

you go and to stop adding the citrus fruits as soon as you feel the sauce has enough. If it gets too bitter, add a little mayonnaise. Season with a little salt and pepper.

Take four large martini glasses or glass bowls and pop a small handful of leaves into the base of each one.

Top the leaves with your peeled prawns.

Generously spoon over the Marie Rose sauce, sprinkle with a small amount of cayenne pepper and add

in some chopped parsley for extra colour and flavor.

In the kitchen Nick Coffer

Quarter the tomatoes, pop those on top, as well as some thinly sliced cucumber. Finally, hang the unpeeled king prawn from the side of each glass and finish with a wedge of lemon.

Lovely served with some toasted rustic bread. l Hear wonderful recipes on Nick Coffer’s Weekend Kitchen every Sunday morning on BBC Three Counties radio at 11am.

You can also join Nick weekday afternoons at midday for music plus local guests with great stories.

FREE

Sunday Lunch for up to four people, when a deposit is paid on the day of the Wedding Fair.

Wedding Fair Sunday 18th March 11am-4pm

For more information on all our events please call 01296 734030 or email events@hinnaylesbury.com 58

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

For more information or to book any of the above events, contact us on 01296 734000 and quote reference ‘VALE EVENTS 1’

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

Risborough’s Radhuni Restaurant has long held an excellent local reputation for Fine Indian Dining and now one of their chefs, Shumon Uddin, has been recognised as Chef of The Year in 2017’s national Curry Life Magazine Awards. Shumon was commended for his creative flair and attention to detail...

K

ing of curry. Shumon Uddin, has worked at the Radhuni Restaurant in Princes Risborough, since it opened in 2009. He started working in the curry industry as a teenager washing up and peeling potatoes, until a chef noticed how interested he was in cooking and took him under his wing. Now an accomplished and dedicated chef himself, his favourite pastime is creating new dishes.

The 33-year-old collected his coveted award in front of an audience of more than 600 people at a gala event in London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel, hosted by journalist and broadcaster, Michael Buerk.

“We’re all delighted for Shumon,” says Akthoraz Miah, owner of Radhuni. “He is a fantastic chef and produces consistently good food. It’s a nice change for him to sit down and be waited on. The event was a great evening for everyone and the award will take pride of place in the restaurant.”

“I enjoy creating new dishes,” says Shumon.

“At Radhuni we are always looking to improve and develop out menu and although we maintain a full range of traditional and popular dishes, we also like to add new recipes for those who wnat to be adventurous and try something different.

“I am inspired by chefs and recipes from all around the world and like to adapt their ideas for use in our Indian cuisine to create something new.”

One of Shumon’s most popular creations is Zafroni - chicken marinated in cheese with green chilli, garlic and coriander and cooked in coconut milk, while a real show-stopper is his King Prawn Catalana - Jumbo King Prawns cooked with Roasted Star Anise, Fenugreek and Jovantry, an unsusual spice dried on a low heat and blended before being

Mr Miah with chef Shumon Uddin and his award

added to the curry to give a unique flavour.

“I like the Vujon,” says Mr Miah, it’s chicken or lamb cooked with a type of garlic pesto, tomatoes and ginger for a tangy, sweet and sour flavour.”

“I am very pleased to have won this award,” says Shumon, “but it is not a one man show, it is very much a team effort here at Radhuni.

I couldn’t cook without the help of my colleagues both in the kitchen and front of house and the support and organisation of Mr Miah, they all have a part in winning this.”

Syed Belal Ahmed, Editor of Curry Life Magazine and organiser of the Curry Life Awards, said: “It’s a great accolade because the level of Indian cuisine in the UK has reached unprecedented heights, which includes several Michelin star restaurants.”

Radhuni is located in the Old Library on Church Street, Princes Risborough, a stunning 16th century wealden house, with black and white timbering to the left of a modern entrance. Inside it is a pleasing mix

of contemporary style and old world charm - there’s a comfortable reception area with a funky modern bar, while the main restaurant is an impressive Elizabethan banqueting hall, where oak beams have been complemented by huge brass chandeliers, metal pendant shades and eastern wall plaques, for an exotic edge.

It’s a spacious place with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and can seat up to 100 diners.

“We are always updating and improving,” says Miah. “I like to keep things fresh and interesting for our customers. We introduce new dishes to the menu every few months and we constantly update the decor.”

The Radhuni menu has the traditional Indian and Bangladeshi dishes that many diners love, plus a variety of house specialities and new additions - dishes gathered from all over South East Asia.

“All the food here is fresh,” says Miah.

“We do the preparation in the afternoon and cook to order in the evening. We have well equipped modern kitchens and a special tandoori oven that cooks at a very high temperature.

“We put on occasional entertainment, a jazz night or an Abba or Elvis night,” says Miah. “and special evenings for occasions such as New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Night.”

The restaurant is open seven days a week, from 6-11pm Monday to Saturday and from 6pm to 10pm on Sundays and will deliver takeaway orders, over £15, for free, within a five mile radius. They also do gift vouchers and have discounts and benefits for Radhuni Spice Club members. l Radhuni, The Old Library, Church Street, Princes Risborough, BUCKS, HP27 9AA Tel: 01844 273741 / 273412 / 690446 Web: www.radhunihp27.co.uk Facebook: \RadhuniPR Twitter: @RadhuniPR

The Radhuni Princes Risborough team

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Win a meal for two at The Trough!

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rchard View Farm, in the quiet Buckinghamshire countryside, between Haddenham and Princes Risborough is a delightful Rare Breeds Farm, Café, Farm Shop and Butchery.

Run by Jim Mackellar, a man driven by his passion for great locally produced food, Orchard View Farm was established in 2008 and with a strong emphasis on rare breeds, has gradually grown from a smallholding into a small working farm, currently boasting a flock of Jacob Sheep, Large Black and Saddle Back pigs, turkeys and a herd of White Fallow Deer.

There is a popular farm shop which features the most delicious meat from the farm - expertly prepared by a team of skilled onsite butchers - their sausages in particular have won Gold Taste Awards. There is also a packed farm shop featuring the best locally produced foods, including biscuits, beers, oils, vegetables, eggs, cheeses and chutneys to mention a few of their mouthwatering

selection. There’s gift ideas, cards and pottery too and ales and wines from local brewers. The café/ restaurant has a reputation for delicious homecooked food with an innovative twist - pheasant samosas being a perfect example - and local, fresh and seasonal produce.

Adding to this, a new dining area, The Trough, has been a longheld dream of Jim’s. Following a visit to a unique little eatery in Cape Town he has been developing the idea of a place to eat simple yet fantastic food cooked by fire

and served in a unique yet relaxing environment. The Trough was launched on December 1st and features a unique barbecue pit using locally sourced wood to cook and flavour. It is partnered by a Wood Burning Oven producing everything from the best local pizza and calzone to breads and roasted meats. The kitchen is completely open, so allowing diners to view and even partake in the cooking of their meals.

This unique space is also available to hire for parties with a difference.

Events at The Trough will build through 2018 and develop from Pizza and Calzone nights with freshly prepared toppings reflecting the farm, to include steak nights, grill nights, sausage evenings and more... and as the weather improves the shutters will open and more fantastic Food by Fire will be served to the outside area.

If you’d like to be in with the chance of winning a Food by Fire meal for two with bottle of house wine at The Trough, Orchard View Farm, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk What kind of deer does Orchard View farm have at present?

Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Jan 20th, 2018. l The Trough, Orchard View Farm, Stockwell Lane, Little Meadle, Buckinghamshire, HP17 9UG Tel: 07835 306083 www.orchardviewfarm.co.uk

Win a Craft Beer course O

xfordshire based online global learning provider, Learningwithexperts.com has been named as a finalist in the Website of the Year category at the Garden Media Guild Awards.

Between 2015 and 2017, the company has seen a 142% increase in students aged 18-34 taking up courses in gardening.

Learingwithexperts not only offers courses in gardening though but can teach a variety of subjects from jewellery to food and drink, photography, floristry and antiques.

The lessons all take place in a friendly, safe and secure online classroom, which you access via your pc or tablet. you can start whenever you’re ready and then work at your own pace.

Each lesson starts with an inspirational video from your expert who is also available to provide personalised feedback You can share assignments and 60

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Farm Shop open Thursdays 11am-6.30pm & Saturdays 10am-2pm Fresh organic veg, slow-reared free-range meat & more...

Events throughout the year & ‘pop-up’ Seasonal Suppers Visit: www.sandylanefarm.net for more information Find us in Tiddington (between Thame & Wheatley) OX9 2LA

discuss them with your fellow classmates and after each lesson, you practice what you’ve learned with an assignment and can continue chatting with your classmates for as long as you want

You also receive lifetime access to all course content and your classroom If you are interested in Craft Beer and would like to learn more about it by taking a Learningwithexperts course with Craft Beer expert Matt Simpson, ‘The Beer Sommelier’ (starts February 12th, 2018) then either find more details at www. learningwithexperts.com or if you’d like to be in with the chance of winning a course, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@ vale-life.co.uk Where is learning with experts based?

Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Jan 20th, 2018.

“Ideally, students will learn almost every aspect of beer,” says Matt.

“From the methods of creation, to various brands and styles and with what foods these pair best. We will briefly study the history of certain styles cover brewing techniques, discuss various terminology (gravity, IBUs, A.B.V., etc.), and ultimately conduct tastings... though the entire course will be peppered with how various styles should be detected by the palate.” l www.learningwithexperts.com

Harvest Moon

Tastefully decorated, authentic Chinese restaurant, serving traditional dishes to suit every taste. Eat-in and takeaway service.

Perfect for parties - we can cater for groups of up to 50 people.

Harvest Moon, 1 Pump Lane, Thame, Oxon, OX9 3BT Tel: 01844 215272 / 214834 Email: harvestmoonthame@gmail.com Website: www.harvestmoonthame.co.uk

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Column: Heather Jan Brunt ‘This farming life’

You’re the sweetest thing

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arlier this year three beehives arrived on the farm. They were positioned near some woodland for several months and the honey from the bees proved very popular in our farm shop and even won an award.

Helen and Jonathan Palmer from Great Missenden own the bees, and visited them weekly to ensure they were well. In October they entered the National Honey Show and won the E H Thorne Trophy for two jars of medium honey from the bees here on our farm.

Helen, who used to work in clinical research for a pharmaceutical company before she retired, said: “I was very pleased.

The honey from the farm is darker than the honey from the hives we have at home, and it has a different taste. I think it was from the white clover in the fields where the cows graze and the damp weather. It’s quite a strong tasting honey from the farm, from home it’s a lot more floral. The taste of honey is dependent on what the bees are

Grove Farm honey

foraging on.”

Helen has enjoyed having the hives on the farm and says it brought a different experience to beekeeping, but it was essential that she always remembered all the necessary equipment during her weekly visits – as it would have been a long trek back home to collect the forgotten items!

The hives have returned to Helen’s home for the winter, where it is easier to look after them, but will hopefully be back in the spring when the bees become active.

A keen gardener, Helen always wanted to keep bees, but waited until moving to Missenden before taking a beginner’s course with the Mid-Bucks Beekeepers in 2011.

She then bought a nucleus from another beekeeper. It is possible to collect a swarm or put out bait hives and hope that a swarm will find it, but that is considered a bit random and there is no knowledge of the provenance.

Helen’s first colony of bees had six frames and 20,000 bees. She now has 50,000 and produced 68kilos of honey this year.

Jonathan works in a government position as a regional bee inspector for the southern region of the National Bee Unit, which is part of APHA (the Animal and Plant Health Agency).

The essential equipment for keeping bees includes the hives, a

This farming life Heather Jan Brunt

smoker, a bee suit and a hive tool to move the frames. Helen has been stung, and last year she had a bad reaction, but this wasn’t caused while she was working with the bees in her hives, it was while she was working in the garden.

She recalls: “I wasn’t actually beekeeping. Normally you get a local swelling, but I got swelling and a rash all over. It wasn’t full anaphylactic, but I went to A&E and they gave me steroids and anti histamine.”

She is now undergoing immune therapy to build up her resistance and should be able to continue with her beekeeping hobby. l Heather Jan Brunt is a journalist

and a farmer’s wife. You can follow her on Twitter @HJBjournalist Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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Column: Deli delights with Joe and Hannah

Chin chin it’s gin!

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e are Joe and Hannah from The Deli at No.5 in Thame. We love to discover and champion accomplished, independent producers from around the British Isles. We stock, display and sell the fantastic things they make and with the help of our customers give them much appreciated support and encouragement.

Although we work with suppliers from all around the country, we love to find things locally if possible.

Luckily we live in an area blessed with a rich abundance of producers making all manor of fantastic treats.

We stock a variety of speciality food items from cheeses and charcuterie, pickles, jams, chutneys, biscuits and honey, to small batch gins, spirits, and beers, some amazing English wines and a selection of gifts and homeware from slate cheeseboards to glass,

pottery and woollen throws.

Gin has flooded back into fashion recently. With more and more distilleries opening up, there are now so many to choose from it can be quite daunting to choose!

So today we would like to share with you our three favourite locally made small batch Gins.

Twisting Spirit - Kaffir Lime and Lemongrass, South Stoke, Oxfordshire: Produced in a new micro distillery in the heart of the Chilterns and made using a unique dual distillation process. 10 quality botanicals are distilled using hot distillation techniques and the lighter botanicals are distilled using a cold distillation technique then ‘twisted’ together to create some truely unique gins.

Campfire - Puddingstone Distillery, Wilstone, Tring: Launched just a year ago this award-winning gin is produced in small batches. 10 carefully selected botanicals are distilled with the finest UK wheat spirit. The result is a gin that leads with a citrus nose and juniper palette, has a rich middle and a sweet end that builds.

Griffiths Brothers Cold Distilled, Griffiths Brothers Distillery, Amersham:

Joe & Hannah Deli delights

Made in small batches in the village of Penn Street in Buckinghamshire this unique gin features 13 different botanicals is made entirely by cold distillation.

The cold distillation allows each botanical to be individually distilled and the low temperature helps capture the real flavour of a botanical rather than the ‘cooked’ flavour, achieving the cleanest, brightest taste. l Joe and Hannah run delicatessen and homeware store The Deli at No5 at 5a Buttermarket, Thame, OX9 3EW, pop in or contact them via: hello@thedeliatno5.co.uk Tel. 01844 214229 www.thedeliatno5.co.uk

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P E Mead & Sons Farm Shop Wilstone, Nr Tring, HP23 4NT 01442 828478 www.pemeadandsons.co.uk 62

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Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

Making new friends, working in amazing places and knowing that you’re helping a great cause these are just three of the many good reasons to join the National Trust’s army of volunteers...

T

he National Trust is a charity that works to preserve and protect historic places and spaces for ever and for everyone. The trust was founded in 1895 and given statutory powers, starting with the National Trust Act 1907.

Historically, the trust has tended to focus on English country houses, which still make up the largest part of its holdings, but it also protects historic landscapes such as in the Lake District, historic urban properties, and nature reserves.

Visit a National Trust property and often it’s the skill, time and passion of National Trust volunteers that have made the place special and helps the public to enjoy their time there. Whether you fancy a role in the great outdoors, connecting with the public or getting to really know an historic house, the National Trust is sure to have something exciting happening near you...

At the moment Claydon House is seeking historians, shop-keepers, pianists and ‘people’ people for volunteer roles at the sumptuous Georgian house and inviting North Buckinghamshire residents to discover a new adventure at Claydon House in 2018 by joining the volunteer team. Volunteers bring

All images are of Claydon House the spirit of the house to life and uncover hidden truths and unique treasures for visitors to explore.

There are many roles to get involved with from fundraising to retail assistant and even a volunteer pianist. There’s the opportunity to try room guiding or join the visitor welcome team at reception.

Boarstall Duck Decoy is also keen to welcome people to join their visitor welcome team.

Everyone is invited to pop along to one of the open days at Claydon House to find out more about the many roles to get involved with. These are on: Thursday 25th January: 10.30am-1pm Saturday 27th January: 10.30am-1pm For more information about Claydon visit

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claydon For more information about Boarstall Duck Decoy visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ boarstall-duck-decoy l Claydon House, Middle Claydon, Buckinghamshire, MK18 2EX l Boarstall Duck Decoy, Boarstall, Nr Bicester, Buckinghamshire, HP18 9UX Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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l Column: Alan Candy’s Altomobiles

Small but colourful Skoda Citigo Colour Edition

W

ith diesel now officially the dirty D-word, suddenly the electric era is here with a bang.

Minimalist car design should be the future as lightweight electric and ‘driverless’ cars appear on the horizon. After years of delay and dawdle, they’re just around the corner.

So Skoda are pretty well placed, come the revolution.

Take the urban run-around Citigo, for example. Breathing new life into the old maxim that small is beautiful, Citigo presents one of the most pared down and clever fascias around, while its dimensions are ideal for today’s cut and thrust city driving and

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Alan Candy’s

AltomobilES elbows-in parking challenges.

Today’s parking spaces, particularly outside supermarkets, are just too small for the average modern car, now so beefed up for safety that they have evolved into cumbersome beasts. Hulks.

Here, the Citigo is undisputed lightweight champ. At about 11ft 10ins long, 5ft 5ins wide and 4ft

Skoda Citigo Colour Edition 10ins high, Citigo is the ultimate motor for manoeuvrability and will slide in that Tesco slot with space to spare.

Its interior design is also a masterpiece in miniature.

Controls and switchgear are miraculously crammed down into one panel while a tiny

infotainment screen is controlled by buttons below. It isn’t touchscreen operative, though simple and effective.

But drivers like me who like to ramp up the seat to obtain a high driving position hit a snag you then can’t see the top third of the speedo, even though the

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

Skoda Citigo Colour Edition steering wheel does adjust.

Pandering to today’s insatiable need for personalisation, there’s also a rainbow selection of palettes from which to choose – my Colour Edition model came in Crystal Blue Metallic with Candy White roof and matching white door mirrors and alloys.

Great for making a statement but not so clever when those white alloys are soon blackened by road dirt.

Performance obviously isn’t a great consideration here, and rightly so. The 1.0 MPI 60PS petrol engine makes its way to 62mph in a plodding 14.4

seconds but who cares when you returning a combined 64.2mpg and emitting only just over 100g/ km of CO2 on the way?

Despite manufacturers’ overhyped fast-car advertising, this is the reality of today’s ecoflavoured transport.

Also the Citigo is still plenty

of fun to drive. It nips around cheerily, with light and easy steering and makes the most of its small footprint in ingenious ways (an umbrella stashed under the passenger seat; storage nets on seat-backs; bottle holders at the sides of the seats; hooks in Continued on page 66

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Book a test driveº today, call us on 01296 770245 LODGE GARAGE. A41 Bicester Road, Kingswood, Bicester HP18 0QJ Tel: 01296 770245 www.lodgegarage.co.uk The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Mazda range: Urban 28.0 (10.1) - 65.7 (4.3).

Extra Urban 51.4 (5.5) - 80.7 (3.5). Combined 39.2 (7.2) - 74.3 (3.8). CO 2 emissions (g/km) 167 - 99.

The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results obtained through laboratory testing. These are provided for comparability purposes only and may not reflect your actual driving results.

Retail sales only, subject to availability for vehicles registered between 01.10.17 and 31.12.17 at participating dealers. T&C apply. *0% APR Mazda Personal Contract Purchase available on all Mazda2 and Mazda3 models. #Excludes Mazda2 90ps Tech Edition. Finance subject to status. 18s or over. Guarantee may be required. Mazda Financial Services RH1 1SR. Models shown: Mazda2 75ps SE, OTR from £12,695 and Mazda3 120ps SE, OTR from £17,995. All models shown feature optional Metallic paint: Mazda2 Soul Red Metallic paint (£660), Mazda3 Soul Red Metallic paint (£670). OTR price includes VAT, number plates, delivery, 12 months’ road fund licence, first registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years’ European Roadside Assistance. ºTest drives subject to applicant status and availability. Details correct at time of going to print. Not available in conjunction with any other offer unless specified.

Buckinghamshire Mazda trading as Lodge Garage is a credit broker not a lender for this financial promotion. We can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction.

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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l Column: Alan Candy’s Altomobiles

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

Continued from page 65 the luggage area).

There are also some endearing quirks, such as manual-toggle door mirrors and a stalactite

spike to pull down the tailgate.

Despite an ‘easy entry’ feature, climbing into the back is a challenge and a half in the threedoor version. I claim a personal

best for cramming in an old lady of 87 but she still bears the mental scars and hasn’t spoken to me since.

Creating maximum load space

isn’t a great success, either.

Rear seats do flip over but the resultant bulky two-tier luggage platform isn’t great.

However, the Citigo is what it is. A popular, practical, ecominded urban hero. And with colour schemes that’ll knock ‘em dead.

Factfile: Model tested: Skoda Citigo Colour Edition 1.0MPI 60PS 3-door.

Price: £10,490 (£10,790 as tested).

Engine: 1.0 MPI 60PS petrol.

Transmission: 5-speed manual.

Performance: 0-62mph in 14.4 seconds, top speed 100mph.

CO2 emissions: 101g/km.

Key features: Crystal Blue Metallic colour, Candy White roof; body coloured exterior mirror cappings and bumpers; LED daytime running lights; mobile phone interface; tyre pressure monitoring system.

Skoda Citigo Colour Edition

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We can service your car and m aint ain your warranty by using genuin e par ts and oil and working to your m anufacturer’s guidelin es. l l l l l l

Labour rate more than 50% less than m ain dealers Quality service and repairs Adv anced diagnostics Local collection and deliver y / Loan car av ailable MOTs/Windscreens/AirCon Recover y av ailable ProTechCars Ltd, Unit 20 Fleet Marston Farm, Fleet Marston, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP18 0PZ Tel: 01296 655799 / Mobile: 07774 604149 Email: service@protechcars.com Website: www.protechcars.com Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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l Column: On

The Road with Rob Auchterlonie

A lot to like INFINITI Q60

I

T’S a tough one, this – pitching a new car into the bear pit that includes coupe offerings from Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

But you can’t fault Infiniti for trying, and if buyers are wooed by looks alone then the up-market arm of Nissan has a reasonable chance of getting away without too much of a mauling.

There’s no denying that externally, it’s wearing a smart set of clothes. Someone who knows a bit about style has been wielding the designers pen and come up with a sassy looking coupé that has a purposeful look.

It’s a given that the look of a car should attract admiring glances and this one certainly does. And there are some neat touches like the exaggerated kink in the C pillar at the rear, which makes the profile view instantly recognisable.

There’s a choice of a 2.0 litre petrol four cylinder with rear wheel drive, or a 3.0 V6 powering all four wheels. It’s the petrol powered car under scrutiny here, a car with a slightly jiggly ride but which compensates in some way for that by having a snug,comfortable cabin that is as quiet as a church crypt at midnight (just don’t ask, ok?). The level of noise cancelling employed in the Q60 is impressive.

There’s an impressive and

Rob Auchterlonie

ON The Road lengthy list of standard equipment in this £37,690 car as you’d rightly

INFINITI Q60

INFINITI Q60 expect, and the view forward is one of two pronounced wheel arches linked by a vast gently curved bonnet, while inside there’s a lot of information spread across the dash in front of you. The Japanese way of covering all the bases….

Space in the front is generous but those in the back are hampered by a low roof line, a point remarked on by our now fully grown grandson.

There’s a lot to like. It offers a sensible blend of pace, economy and performance, while proving fairly smooth and effective in operation. It has a stability through a series of bends that is reassuring, but the speed sensitive power steering assistance can at times make the Q60 feel a touch unwieldy – there’s a bit too much weight to it as you turn but then in other conditions and a different speed it’s as light as you’ve come to

INFINITI Q60 68

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expect cars to be these days.

The fact that Infiniti has yet to fully register with the British motoring public could be down to its relatively small dealer network, but ask any fan of F1 and they’ll be fully aware of the brand.

What is evident though is that Infiniti is trying hard to pick up sales from the rest of the prestige contenders in the market.

It’s a tough ask – after all, the rest have been around for quite some time, whereas Infiniti was only launched in the US in 1989, and has only been here in the UK since 2008.

It’s another car that polarises opinion and one which during our spell piloting it around attracted not a single detrimental comment.

Not within earshot, anyway.

You’ll likely either love it or fail to give it a second glance.

On paper it’s maybe not as quick and not as economical as its main rivals, but then you’re guaranteed a bit more exclusivity than the Teutonic offerings – and it WILL find favour with those who don’t follow the herd….

FASTFACTS: Infiniti Q60 Premium Tech; £37,690; 1991cc turbocharged inline four, 16 valves, 211ps, 350Nm; seven speed automatic box, rear wheel drive; top speed 146mph, 0-62 7.3secs; fuel – urban 30.7, extra urban 52.3, combined 41.5; CO2 156g/km; will it fit the garage?

4690/2052/1395 (l/w/h).

Independent Truck, Van & Car Repairer

Servicing l Inspections l MOT preparation l all makes & models l mercedes specialists l Breakdowns l Recovery service l Class 4/7 MOTs l courtesy vehicles l Mobile on-site servicing l

KM Commercials, Unit D8, Brunel Gate, Telford Close, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8AR Tel: 01296 488898 / 07720 706918 Open Monday to Friday 8am-6pm and Saturdays 8am to 1pm

For all your vehicle repairs, servicing & MOT testing a first-class service at competitive prices We are opposite Tesco Broadfields, Aylesbury Family run garage All makes & models l Servicing & repairs l MOT Testing (class 4 & 7) l Tyres l Exhausts l Brakes l Air-Con Regas l 4 Wheel Alignment l Cam belts l l

See our website for offers and services

2a & 3a Broadfields Court (opposite Tesco), Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8BU Tel: 01296 432552 www.tandeaylesbury.co.uk

Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

69

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Local business, Roofmaster approved, Established 1969

Flat, felt and rubber roofing We also do slate and tiling repairs, PVC fascia boarding and chimney repointing

Call today for a free estimate 01296 655526 / 07831 465501 www.kcollinsfeltroofing.co.uk Email: kenny.collins@btinternet.com

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WINNER

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www.impactsignsolutions.co.uk Vale Life : Dec/Jan 2017-18

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the green retreats group

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