Vale Life June-July 2018 Web Edition

Vale Life FREE MAGAZINE

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June/July 2018

Cover image: Thame Carnival procession Pic by Amanda Trott

Inside:

Simply the best

Can you beat a retreat to Champneys?

Birthday washes

Celebrating the Laundry Hub

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

Viva España!

Three years for three hearts Plus our columnists: Katy, Naomi, Polly, Amanda, Cathy, Charlotte, Nicola, Sandra, Shaun, Nigel, Rob, Alan and much, much more...

Free local listings for events and businesses

How do you protect those who matter most? kiddrapinet.co.uk/myfamilylegacy

Inheritance isn’t a right but protecting your family is.

Download our 8 STEP GUIDE TO MAKING A WILL Book a free consultation today on 01296 509985 2

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

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 : Jun/Jul 2018

3

‘The Art of Wood Burning’

JØtul “fighting the cold since 1853”

The most comprehensive showroom in Oxfordshire Over 75 stoves and 15 under fire on display Kiln dried and Eco logs

Jøtul – logo

HETAS registered. Ample free parking.

Boundary Business Park, Wheatley Road, Garsington, OX44 9EJ Showroom open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm, Saturday 10am-1pm For technical advice it is advisable to make an appointment

01865 361505 www.manorhousestoves.co.uk Featured stoves from JØtul 4

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Do your dentures need fixing or replacing?

Our clinical dental technician, Roy, is a master craftsman who creates the ultimate in aesthetics for removable dentures.

The ‘True to Life’ technique incorporates tissue colour mapping using digital photography and individual tooth and gum characterisation. l Onsite dental implant lab - fast and reliable service

l Easy parking onsite

Call Oakview Dental directly on: 01494 569466 to arrange an appointment

T: 01494 569466

Oakview Dental, Units 1 & 2 Ministry Wharf, Wycombe Road, Saunderton, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4HW

www.oakview-dental.co.uk

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 : Jun/Jul 2018

5

EASTER CRUISES 2019 EASTER CRUISES 2019 4 DAYS DEPARTING 19TH APRIL 2019 From £369* per person 4 DAYS DEPARTING 19TH APRIL 2019 From £369* per person

IRELAND & THE ISLES OF SCILLY IRELAND &aboard THE ISLES SCILLY An Easter treat with CMV the intimate MarcoOF Polo with an optional visitEaster to onetreat of Europe’s most fashionable cities,Marco Cork, Polo on the Saturday and An with CMV aboard the intimate with an optional to spend Easter Sundaymost on peaceful St Mary’s the beautiful Isles of Scilly. visit to one of Europe’s fashionable cities,inCork, on the Saturday and Relax andEaster enjoy Sunday deliciousonfull board St Mary’s in the beautiful Isles of Scilly. to spend peaceful PRICE INCLUDES cuisine, stylish entertainment Relax and enjoyevening delicious full board and attentive service.

PRICE INCLUDES cuisine, stylish evening entertainment • Return coach transfers from and attentive service. local pick-up • Return coachpoints transfers from BRISTOL local pick-up points • Marco Polo Cruise as stated > RINGASKIDDY (County Cork) BRISTOL for 3 nights full board > ST MARY’S (Isles of Scilly) • Marco Polo Cruise as stated > RINGASKIDDY (County Cork) > ST CARDIFF 3 nightstea fulland board • for Afternoon late > MARY’S (Isles of Scilly) snacks > CARDIFF • night Afternoon tea and late *Based on two people sharing a Category Standard Twin Inside *Based on1 two people sharing a Cabin; 4 day travel insuranceTwin £25 Inside per person; Category 1 Standard Cabin; £250 person non-refundable 4 day per travel insurance £25 per person; deposit £250 perrequired. person non-refundable Full payment due 3 months before deposit required. departure.

Full payment due 3 months before Cruise T&Cs apply. departure.

Note: Some ports, passengers will land Cruise T&Cs apply. by launch or ports, tender.

Note: Some passengers will land by launch or tender.

night snackstea & coffee • Self-service (06.00 – midnight) • Self-service tea & coffee (06.00 – midnight) • On board entertainment activities • & Ondaytime board entertainment daytime of activities • & Porterage luggage (port to cabin) • Porterage of luggage (port cabin) • to Port taxes • Port taxes

5 DAYS DEPARTING 19TH APRIL 2019 From £599* per person 5 DAYS DEPARTING 19TH APRIL 2019 From £599* per person

DUTCH BULBFIELD CRUISE DUTCH BULBFIELD CRUISE

PRICE HELD FOR PRICE 2019 HELD FOR 2019

The perfect way to see the best of Holland from the picturesque Dutch waterways. thethe comforts the attractive river cruiseDutch ship, MV The perfect Enjoy way toallsee best of of Holland from the3*picturesque Esmeralda, as youall admire the everofchanging scenery by. ship, Visiting waterways.

Enjoy the comforts the attractive 3* floating river cruise MV the dazzlingas rainbow displays tulips in the Spring always been a Esmeralda, you admire the of ever changing sceneryhas floating by.

Visiting firmdazzling favourite of Crusader butof why notin trythe this very special Bulbfields the rainbow displays tulips Spring has always been a holiday and take to the water Easter!

No overnight sailing. firm favourite of Crusader butfor why not try this very special Bulbfields holiday and take the water Easter!

No overnight sailing.

DAY 1 Cross the to Channel andfor board at Zaandam DAY 2 Optional visit to Zaanse DAY 1 Cross the Channel and board at Zaandam PRICE INCLUDES Schans (open airvisit museum with DAY 2 Optional to Zaanse PRICE INCLUDES windmills) – cruise to Amsterdam.

• Return coach transfers from Schans (open air museum with DAY 3 Full –day included excursion local pick-up plusfrom windmills) cruise to Amsterdam.

• Return coachpoints transfers through theday glorious bulbfields Channel crossing DAY 3 Full included excursion local pick-up points plus plus a visit Keukenhof Gardens. through thetoglorious bulbfields • Channel MV Esmeralda Cruise as crossing Re-join the to boat in HoornGardens. (no plus a visit Keukenhof stated for 3 nights fullas board • MV Esmeralda Cruise included lunch Re-join the boattoday). in Hoorn (no (no lunch 3) full board stated for Day 3 nights DAY 4 Full day today). cruising around included lunch • (no Afternoon tea 3) on 2 days lunch Day the IJsselmeer ontoaround Alkmaar.

DAY 4 Full dayand cruising Late night snacks • Afternoon tea on 2 days Captain’s Farewell the IJsselmeer andDinner. onto Alkmaar.

Captain’s Farewell Dinner • Late night snacks DAY 5 Early disembarkation Captain’s Farewell Dinner. for (set menu) the journey back home.

• Captain’s Farewell Dinner DAY 5 Early disembarkation for • On board entertainment for (set menu) the journey back home. *Based on two people sharing a 2 nights • On board entertainment for

Lower Cabin; 5 people day travel insurance *Based on two sharing a £36 perCabin; person; £100 per insurance person Lower 5 day travel non-refundable £36 per person; deposit £100 perrequired person Full payment due 2 months before non-refundable deposit required departure.

Full payment due 2 months before Cruise T&Cs apply. departure.

Cruise T&Cs apply.

• Tour of Bulbfields & 2 nights entrance • Keukenhof Tour of Bulbfields & • Porterage Keukenhof entrance • Port taxes Porterage • Port taxes

01296 33 66 66 (Aylesbury) 01255 425 453 (Clacton) www.crusader-holidays.co.uk 01296 33 66Visit 66 (Aylesbury) 01255 425 453 (Clacton) www.crusader-holidays.co.uk us: Crusader Holidays 4 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Bucks HP20 2LD 6

Visit us: Crusader CrusaderBusiness HolidaysPark, 4 Buckingham Street, Bucks HP20Essex 2LD CO15 4HP Crusader Holidays Stephenson Road Aylesbury, West, Clacton-on-Sea, Crusader Holidays Crusader Business Park, Stephenson Road West, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex CO15 4HP Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018 info@crusader-holidays.co.uk info@crusader-holidays.co.uk

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

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

A working wardrobe

30

Win Midsomer tour tickets

10

A hearty good fellow

32

Mellow yellow

Anyone for coffee?

39

We are all storytellers

Birthday washes

40

Fun fix ups for the kids

Take to the hills

44

Surviving a heatwave

East meets West

49

Squint like an artist

Here comes the sun!

52

Turn it up!

Simply the best

55

Music, food, comedy, arts...

A sign you have healed

56

Oh what a night!

With bump and beyond

59

Service with a smile

Fixing your phobia

61

Viva España

Win Carol’s Clever Pants

62

Win a Dr Oetker goodie bag

Celebrating success

63

Win a meal at The Russell Arms

11 13 14 16 19 20 21 23 25 26 28

Summer chic 9 to 5

Bottoms up to Toby Jug!

The brew is nothing new!

A first birthday for the Laundry Hub Raising funds with peaky climbers Mixing influences for holistic health Ellen’s tips will save your skin!

Can you beat a retreat to Champneys?

Kelly talks about ScarWork

Wrapping up your Ante Natal needs Have you tried BWRT?

Smarty pants could save the day News from Bucks Business Awards

Dare you brave the murder trail?!

“Time to blur the boundaries,” says Polly.

Nick’s tips for helping with homework Inspiring ideas for youthful rooms Hot tips from Chelsea

“It’s all becoming clearer,” says Sandra Skanky Chaz is back on the beat

Glam festival is on our doorsteps Jersey Boys are back in town Coco T is a spicy treat

Three years for the three hearts Bag yourself some baking goods

Table for two at award-winning pub restaurant

A simple dislocation

I

have to say a heartfelt thank you to staff at Stoke Mandeville A&E this edition as they rose magnificently to the occasion when I visited a couple of weeks ago, to have a dislocated elbow put back in place.

The NHS is in desperate need of more funding, resources and staff but the dedicated workers at SM A&E were caring, friendly, speedy and efficient, despite having to work past the end of their shifts to look after me!

I had slipped over whilst playing football, landed on my elbow and the resulting crunch told me all was

C

ongratulations to the following May/Jun edition competition winners! Hopefully

not well!

Having x-rayed and examined me the consultant reassured me that it was a ‘simple dislocation’ - that is there was, fortunately for me, no fractures or breaks involved and that they could put it back in while I was knocked out with a shot of horse tranquilliser!

I came round babbling about my experiences on the ketamine induced trip to find my elbow back in place and neatly plastered.

Two weeks later the plaster was removed at SM’s Fracture Clinic and at the moment I am restoring mobility with physiotherapy

your prizes will have arrived by now, please let us know if not.

Commiserations to those who weren’t so lucky - read

Chinnor/Princes Risborough heritage line link complete

exercises.

All should soon be well, fingers crossed, or as close to crossed as I can manage...

Meanwhile in the real world it was good to hear from Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway (C&PRR) that on Wednesday 15th August, a newly restored platform at Princes Risborough will be opened to create a cross platform

on though for more offers and competitions inside this edition, including the chance to win: tickets to the

Towersey Festival; A meal for two at The Russell Arms; A Dr Oetker goodie bag; Carol Smillie Clever Pants; and two

interchange, linking the heritage steam line with the main line to London, so the steam railway will be under 25 miles and 40 minutes from Marylebone.

The 100% volunteer operated C&PRR will operate public services on the afternoon of 15th August running as ‘The Watlington Flyer’ and travelling non-stop in around 15 minutes each way for the fourmile trip in each direction.

More information from www.chinnorrailway.co.uk.

Happy travelling!

Charlie Editor, Vale Life Magazine Midsomer Tour tickets.

Last issue’s prizewinners were: Tickets to Oakfest: Jen Lucas, Oakley

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 : Jun/Jul 2018

7

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

A working wardrobe

W

hilst the Summer is a time to enjoy longer days and holidays away from home, sometimes it’s the practicalities that can cause the best of us to get hot under the collar, sartorial dilemmas in the warmest of the British weather can bring out the best (and sometimes worst) in us sartorially speaking, but some simple planning teamed with a splash of ingenuity and your workday wardrobe woes could easily be a thing of the past.

Getting dressed during the hottest days of the year is hard enough without also having to worry about looking presentable in the office.

Throw into the mix that here in the UK the weather can turn in the blink of an eye and it can become a daily struggle to get dressed.

M&S Pastel blue suit & apricot blouse

8

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Many workplaces now adopt a casual dress code, giving you more flexibility when choosing what to wear to work. However, even if your workplace is far from formal, it is still advisable to keep an element of professionalism about your look. Whilst flip-flops might be comfortable and cool, they’re certainly not smart or stylish.

Instead, opt for a pair of closedtoe sling backs that will work with trousers as well as dresses/skirts.

Long sleeves aren’t practical in the Summer but you may want to consider light layers if you work in an air conditioned environment.

Whilst vest tops and cold shoulder styles are usually best saved for the weekend, sleeveless blouses look elegant and stylish when paired with skirts or trousers.

Long Tall Sally Classic Belted Trench

Possibly one of the trickiest areas to navigate when dressing for work in the Summer is what to do about your legs!

If you’re wearing a skirt or dress then fine tights may be required (especially if your office has air conditioning).

If you prefer not to show your legs, even in the warm weather then you may want to try layering your dresses over leggings or opting for loose, lightweight trousers worn with smart pumps instead.

Sartorial etiquette varies between companies but regardless of what you do and at what level, your appearance is sending messages out to your colleagues, your peers and your bosses.

Follow these tips to make sure

Jigsaw Tulip Tunic & Trousers

you keep cool whilst looking the business at work: Fabric • Make sure that your garments are mostly made of natural fibres.

Cotton is by far the best.

• Don’t skimp on the quality of blouses and shirts.

• For suits or jackets, a light wool or jersey works well because it is cooler but also keeps its shape all day.

Fit • Don’t be tempted to skimp on material, a badly fitting garment on women or men will not only crease more in the heat but can also be very distracting. By choosing the best quality, you will avoid gaping blouses, bursting skirts and straining jackets.

M&S Bohemian blouse, mustard skirt with accessories

• Equally, clothes that are too baggy will look unkempt.

• Do choose clothes that are a looser, comfortable fit and that

Oasis Natural History Museum Black Jumpsuit

Jigsaw Print white top, Wide leg trouser, Blue Clutch, Cross Strap Trainer

flatter your shape.

To Bare or Not to Bare • Less garment means more flesh on show.

Cotton blouses or smart tops with a cap or a three quarter length sleeve are a great option.

• Cleavage and midriff should never be on show and just above the knee is about as high as you should go for a skirt length.

• As a general rule, tights are more appropriate than bare legs, but it really does depend where you work.

Neutrals & Seasonal Colour Neutrals Your staple items such as suits and separates should ideally be in neutral shades such as navy, grey etc. Do try to go lighter in the summer and opt for medium to light grey, pewter and light navy shades.

Colour Bring more colour into your working wardrobe in summer for a feel-good boost.

Consider what looks good on

Adams Travel Your Local Independent Travel Agent

11 Market Square, Aylesbury Tel. 01296 873017 aylesbury.adamstravel@gmail.com www.adamstravelaylesbury.co.uk

you and how much colour you can get away with in your work place.

Blues are ‘safe’ shades and green is a calming colour. Just make sure you pick the right shade for you and don’t forget to present a professional image of yourself.

The White Shirt White is always more popular in summer and the white work shirt is a great staple. Do make sure it is white and not yellow or grey! Washed out whites can let down your look.

Keeping up with Fashion How much you like to bring fashion into your work wardrobe will depend on your personality, but making it a bit more current can give you a little confidence boost. Just a new colour or accessory or mixing and matching pieces you already have in a current way can make a difference. 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.

Long Tall Sally Blue cotton trousers & white blouse

Helen Grace

Hats and Fascinators to match your outfit available to buy or hire HG

Bespoke pieces can be designed to perfection HG

Enjoy a one-to-one at our studio in Shabbington To book an appointment

T: 01844 201017 E: helen@helengracehats.co.uk W: helengracehats.co.uk

Louise Coates Independent Hair Stylist 079121 20025 / 01296 433233

I am an Independent Senior Stylist with 10 years salon experience City and Guilds trained to level 3 catering for all aspects of hair dressing.

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

Creative Cutting - Colouring - Styling - Perming I am fully insured and based at First Impressions, 18 Bourbon Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 2RR I look forward to welcoming clients old and new.

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

9

‘Curious World’

l Column: Nicky Gregory

A hearty good fellow

M

ade from the mid 1700s the original Toby Jug was also known as a Fillpot, the seated figure of a heavy-set, jovial man holding a mug of ale in one hand and a tobacco pipe in the other and wearing a frock coat, knee length britches and a tricorn hat. The hat forms the pouring spout, often with a removable crown. Early jugs held about a quart (2 pints).

The Toby Jug may have been inspired by a popular tavern song

by Rev. Francis Fawkes called ‘Brown Jug” about a Yorkshire sot called Toby Fillpot. The song first published in 1761 was made popular by Robert Deighton (1752-1814) in an etching showing a corpulent seated gentleman, foaming pint in hand with the words of the song below the picture.

A print attributed to Francis Hayman 1708-1776 titled The Hearty Good Fellow was also a name used for a Toby Jug.

Bloodstone signet ring

Martha Gunn and Toby Jug Toby was a popular word of the time to describe a thief - a ‘low toby’ was a footpad or street thief rather than a highway man.

Martha Gunn (1726–1815) is the female Toby Jug. She was the most famous ‘dipper’ in Brighton and pushed bathing machines, used by women bathers, in and out of the water and aided them from and back to the machine. A dipper had to be large and strong and Martha Gunn fulfilled both requirements.

The Morning Herald described her as “The Venerable Priestess of the

Bath” She was known countrywide, her image appearing in many popular engravings including repelling the invading French with a mop.

The Toby figure became so popular it was made in many different designs, amongst them pounce pots/pepperettes, cruet sets and tea pots.

Toby Jugs are part of the long satirical history of British comedy, cartoons and caricatures mocking royalty, politicians or well-known people. Some were extremely offensive. ‘Toby’ (jug) is cockney rhyming slang for Mug. Jugs depicting just the head and shoulders or face were made from 1934, the first being John Barlycorn by Doulton. These are also referred to as Toby Jugs although they should strictly be called Character or Face Jugs.

Our Mar/Apr edition mystery object was a horn bottle opener.

Nicky Gregory

Curious world

Can you guess 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.

Mystery object 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

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.

19thC American Child’s Rocker. A beautifully made example, measuring only 34cms high: £185 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 : Jun/Jul 2018

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

Anyone for coffee?

W

alk down most high streets nowadays and you’ll find plenty of cafés and coffee shops where you can pick up your favourite espresso or cappuccino.

We may think that they are just a recent phenomenon but coffee houses have actually been around since the 17th century although back then they were men only meeting places for business and political or literary debate.

Coffee was first introduced to England in the 17th century from Turkey. Originally viewed as a medicinal plant and an acquired taste, one early sampler likening it to ‘syrup of soot and the essence of old shoes’, it quickly became popular. Coffee was drunk black and sweetened with sugar but milk was not added. The first coffee house in England was opened in Oxford in 1650, followed soon after by one in London. Soon they were commonplace in larger towns. By

1675 there were more than 3,000 coffee houses throughout England with a large number in London but also in the provinces. A popular name for coffee houses was the Turk’s Head and there was apparently one in Temple Street in Aylesbury with that name.

Coffee houses became known as places to debate matters of politics, science, literature, commerce and religion, so much so that some in London were known as ‘penny universities’, as that was the price of a cup of coffee.

Several British institutions can trace their roots back to coffee houses including the London Stock Exchange, Lloyds of London and Sotheby’s and Christies auction houses. Influential patrons included Samuel Pepys and Isaac Newton. Anyone, (as long as they were male), could frequent them, and some became associated with

by Cathy Soughton

republicanism leading King Charles II to attempt to ban them in 1675 but the public outcry was such that it was quickly withdrawn. However other coffee houses were not so illustrious and were haunts for criminals and prostitutes.

Although some coffee houses had female staff, women were not welcome as customers and the rather tongue in cheek pamphlet published in 1674 called the Women’s Petition Against Coffee complained how the ‘newfangled, abominable, heathenish liquor called coffee’ had transformed their industrious, virile men into effeminate babbling layabouts who idled away their time in coffee houses!

The coffee house fell out of favour towards the end of the 18th century as the new fashion for tea replaced coffee. They were revived in a slightly different

format in the later Victorian period by the Temperance Movement which promoted abstinence from the consumption of alcohol and looked to provide other forms of entertainment to tempt people away from pubs. A number of coffee taverns were established in the Vale as a result including one in Kingsbury in Aylesbury, another at the bottom of the High Street in Wendover and the Swan Coffee Tavern in Aston Clinton which was run by a Hannah Bates.

After World War One the Temperance Movement declined and consequently the popularity of coffee taverns. It wasn’t until the late 20th century that coffee houses were reinvented by the likes of Starbucks and Costa Coffee – who knows though what 17th century patrons would have made of a decaf skinny caramel macchiato! 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

Holy Cow Home is having a Summer Sale !

Up to 15% off items* 18th June - 18th July 2018 * In store only * .

Eye-catching, different, handmade, Fairtrade, reclaimed, recycled... hand-picked from the four corners of the globe, come and see...

Holy Cow Home 6 Cambridge Street Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP20 1RS 01296 485158 www.holycowhome.co.uk Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

11

l Column: Slow Chilterns with Neil Matthews

Those magnificent men and women

T

his year marks the centenary of the formation of the Royal Air Force.

A while ago Vale Life featured Halton House, the extravagant creation of Alfred de Rothschild which has served as the Officers’ Mess for RAF Halton since 1918. But, elsewhere on the RAF base, you can get a greater taste of 100 years of RAF history - at the Trenchard Museum and the James McCudden Flight Heritage Centre (open Tuesdays 10am-4pm, t: 01296 656841 or email: trenchard. jmfhc@gmail.com in advance to arrange a visit).

Hugh, Viscount Trenchard (18731956) chose Halton as the home of a scheme for training apprentice mechanics for the RAF, which ran until 1993, with many apprentices

Viscount, Lord Trenchard testing a Link Trainer at Halton becoming aircrew. RAF Halton also trained other engineers on short specialist courses and was home to a well-regarded hospital until its closure in 1996. The Trenchard’s many exhibits include three complete aircraft, a set of

shark’s teeth and Lewis – one of seven goats who served as station mascot!

The Flight Heritage Centre, based in a former mess hall, promotes “air mindedness” by explaining the fundamentals of flight using old training aids and equipment. It’s named after James McCudden (1895-1918), who rose from engine mechanic to ace fighter pilot after coming to Halton in 1913. He downed 57 enemy aircraft and earned the Victoria Cross before his death in a flying accident. The Centre also showcases flight simulator machines; at one stage, an Aylesbury company employed up to 1,200 people to make these amazing contraptions.

Many of the Centre’s volunteers served as Halton apprentices; a conversation with them is a living link to our history. The RAF may leave Halton in a few years’ time, so visit these attractions before they disappear.

Nearby Princes Risborough offers two further reminders of

Neil Matthews

heroes of the air. Aviatrix Amy Johnson lived in the town for a year, in a 17th century half-timbered house in Church Lane known as Monks Staithe. More dramatically, a plaque outside the town library commemorates US airman Clyde Cosper who, in 1943, diverted his diving B-17 plane away from the town centre to crash in a nearby field. Cosper and his crew died in the crash – but Princes Risborough survived, thanks to his quick thinking. l Neil Matthews’ book Slow Travel: the Chilterns and the Thames Valley, co-written with his wife Helen, is published by Bradt Travel Guides in early 2019. See slowchilterns.com to find out more.

Award-winning Family Run Hearing Consultancy Estd in 1989

Need advice in an informal setting?

Why not join us at one of our free monthly Hear Today coffee mornings?

1st Friday of each month 10am-12pm Flint Barn Court, Church street, Old Amersham HP7 0DB

1st Tuesday of each month 10am-12pm Cobbles Yard, 112 High Street, Thame, OX9 3DZ

ALL WELCOME 12

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

“We are your local independent hearing consultancy, working in the area for nearly 30 years - we can help with all things related to ears and hearing.

Don’t suffer in silence, book in for a personal appointment.

Call or email for more details or join us at one of our Hear Today events” Duncan & Kate Collet-Fenson Directors of Aston Hearing

The Happy Hearing Van will be at World’s End Garden Centre, Wendover the last Friday of every month between the hours of 10:00am and 4:30pm.

Come along and talk to our audiologists, we also have our van equipped with specialised equipment to check the health of your ears. All for FREE.

www.astonhearing.co.uk hear@astonhearing.co.uk

OUR SERVICES Available in Amersham & Thame Hearing & Communication Assessments Very Latest Hearing Technology Full Hearing Aid Repair Service Ear Wax Removal (Microsuction) Children’s Hearing Screening Service Ear Protection Tinnitus Advice & Support

Amersham Flint Barn Court Church Street Old Amersham Buckinghamshire HP7 0DB Champneys Health & Wellbeing Centre Champneys Tring Chesham Road Wigginton Hertfordshire HP23 6HX 01494 733840 Thame Cobbles Yard 112 High Street Thame Oxfordshire OX9 3DZ 01844 396057

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

The Laundry Hub at Walton Court is celebrating its first birthday! A year of washing, cleaning and drying that has seen the smart new facility build a reputation for providing a first class service at great prices...

T

he refurbished units at Walton Court are all in use now. It has become a thriving neighbourhood centre and the smart blue and white livery of The Laundry Hub is right in the middle of the Hannon Road shops.

This is a convenient location, not only for Walton Court people to use, but for those driving from other parts of town too, as it’s easy to stop and drop off your laundry for a service wash, or to park for free while you do it yourself. You can combine it with some shopping at the Co-op, have a hair cut or pop to the pharmacy, there’s even a vets, a bookies and a chip shop, it’s a very useful parade.

The Laundry Hub is a stylish modern launderette with state-of-the-art, coin-operated washing machines and tumble dryers in a variety of sizes to suit your load. There is free wifi and a television to watch and during the day (9am-4pm) staff are on hand to accommodate those wanting to drop off or collect items for service washes, ironing or dry cleaning.

You are welcome to operate the machines yourself or, if you prefer, the Laundry Hub team will wash, dry and fold your washing for you - prices start from £11 for up to 4kg, including detergent and softener. They offer a same day or next day service and also a free pick up and return service within a ten mile radius - ideal for busy professionals or those who would find it difficult to transport their washing to the Launderette.

“Our machines are the latest Electrolux technology,” says owner Madge Dauris.

“They have super efficient water filters to minimise the energy, water and detergent needed to clean your clothes properly. The washing machines are in three sizes: 9kg, 14kg and 20kg while the tumble dryers are in two sizes, one that can manage a single duvet and one that can cope with a double or king sized duvet. If you wish to leave them with us we can wash, dry and bag two duvets for £30.

Madge

Sam

“A range of shirt services are available: washing, drying, ironing and folding, or just ironing (wash/iron/hanger - £2.30 each or £9.50 for five) and we also offer a dry cleaning service.

“It’s been an interesting first year, we have supported Aylesbury FC for the past season with kit laundry and we had a very successful bra collection campaign with Mix96 for breast cancer, during which more than 400 bras were handed in at the launderette!

“Being our first year there was a learning curve but we are happy to say that the business is flourishing. It was slow at first but after we featured in Vale Life Magazine things picked up and have steadily improved.

“We would like to thank all our customers, staff, contractors and suppliers for supporting us through our first year - without you we would not survive.

“We are now providing a collection and delivery service around the Vale which we hope will be a help to those people who

cannot get out and about. We can pick up your laundry from your home, wash, dry and iron it, if required, and return it to you the following week, when we can also pick up a new load. We cover all the local towns and villages - just call up to organise a collection.

“We aim to offer a reliable and professional service. Sam or myself are generally on hand with help, advice and assistance when needed and to provide change for the machines.

“We can provide commercial services for hotel and restaurant linen, work clothing, sports kits and so on, so please get in touch if of interest - free to pop in, phone, or email us if you would like more details.”

One particularly useful service the Laundry Hub offers for this time of year is the holiday suitcase wash. When you return from your trip, you can take your suitcase full of dirty washing straight in and the Laundry Hub will sort and launder it all for you - how fab is that!? l The Laundry Hub, Walton Court Centre, Hannon Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 8TJ Tel: 01296 706398 Mob: 07553 953458 Email: olhltd@gmail.com Web: www.ourlaundryhub.co.uk Open 7 days a week: 8am-8pm Service washes: 9am-4pm (Mon-Sat) Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

13

Try a Triathlon or Duathlon Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Sun day 31 Ju ly 2 6 01

Mini Olympic This year is Rennie Grove Hospice Care’s 10th Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge!

The event, which takes place Super Sprint in September, is a great opportunity to get outside with the family, enjoy our lovely, local countryside Duathlon and combine fun and fitness with a spot of vital fundraising for this very deserving cause...

600m SWIM, 34.5km CYCLE, 5km RUN

300m SWIM, 23km CYCLE, 5km RUN

5km RUN, 23km CYCLE, 5km RUN

L

IR_C3Ps_poster_2018:Layout 1 11/05/2018 14:37 Page 1

children - with life-limiting illnesses and their families, by providing a range of services, including a 24

ar! e hy

w No

in

t 10 s it

Sunday 9 September 2018

7, 11 or 20 mile sponsored walk along the Ridgeway Registered Charity Number: 1140386

Start: Princes Risborough School Adult: £20, child (5 –16): £10 Under 5s free

www.renniegrove.org/chilterns3peaks

Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge 14

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

panoramic views that surround the Chilterns Ridgeway. www.renniegrove.org/rafhaltontri All participants will take on the 01442 820740 first two peaks, Coombe Hill and RUN ntr y Team e ble Whiteleaf Cross, by completing av ail a e CYCLEPrinces the seven mile route from for th s n SWIM triathlo Risborough to Wendover. Once Sponsored by completed, walkers will be able to enjoy a well-deserved rest and Entrants must be 16 or over refuel. The seven mile entrants will then be able to head back to their cars via the buses provided

by Arriva, whilst the eleven mile walkers continue to Tring by way of bus to complete the additional miles and scale the final peak, Ivinghoe The Black family on Ivinghoe Beacon Beacon. For those who are feeling hour responsive Hospice at Home up for the challenge, the 20 mile service. route is taken entirely by foot, The charity’s own version of the including all three peaks, before famous national challenge calls on catching the bus back to your car locals of all ages (and their dogs) to and off home! head to the top of Whiteleaf Cross, Take the 3 Peaks Challenge! climb Coombe Hill and finish by Do it alone, with family tackling the incline at Ivinghoe and friends, or why not Beacon, whilst raising much needed organise a team from work funds to support its care.

Local business Origin are the headline sponsors of the event this year and have had a long association with Rennie Grove, supporting the charity over many years. The team at Origin have provided a fantastic sponsorship package to cover the costs involved in printing the T-shirts, which all participants will receive upon signing in on the day of the event.

Arriva Buses have provided bus travel for the event for several years now and are key to the operation of the day. They will be kindly Registration for the event is now providing transport to and from the open. For more information and to start and finish location - Princes sign up, visit: www.renniegrove.org/ Risborough School - as well as in chilterns3peaks or call: between the peaks for those who 01442 820740. don’t take on the longest walk, Entrance costs £20 for adults which clocks in at 20 miles. and £10 for children (anyone aged The Chilterns 3 Peaks five to 16 years old), while under 5s Challenge offers a choice of a 7, and dogs can join for free.

11 or 20 mile route. All routes can be completed at any pace, allowing l Rennie Grove Hospice Care www.renniegrove.org time to take in the stunning RAF Halton, Bucks

Registered Charity No. 1140386

ocal charity Rennie Grove Hospice Care is encouraging people to sign up for its tenth annual sponsored walk, taking place on September 9th, along the Ridgeway National Trail. It is seeking people to tackle one, two or all three, local Chilterns hills, whilst soaking up beautiful countryside views and raising funds in aid of their services at the same time The Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge has seen local people don their walking boots and enjoy the last of the summer in the scenic hills for a decade now. Organised

by Rennie Grove Hospice Care, funds from the event help to support local patients - adults and

Sign up for one of our three sponsored challenges to test your endurance, strength and stamina and raise money to support local patients and families with life-limiting illness.

Rated as

GOOD

by CQC

Individual Care in Beautiful Surroundings Outstanding care in the heart of Buckinghamshire

A place of care for over 50 years, our focus is to tailor your stay with us to your agenda and your needs. If you are in need of recovery after an operation, a break whilst family are away or maybe you are looking for specialist respite care, we would be happy to help in all cases.

First-class rehabilitation

Delicious, nutritious meals

Relaxing environments

“My stay at Chilton House was outstanding in every aspect, staff were amazingly helpful with positive attitudes, the food was excellent, and the physios worked closely with me allowing me to reach my recovery goal.”

Mr A, Berkshire

Chilton House, Chilton, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 9LR www.chiltonhouse.co.uk | 01844 265 200 | enquiries@chiltonhouse.co.uk Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

15

Amanda Trott

l Column

Want to feel better, to be fit, happy, healthy and pain free? Avenna therapy, health and fitness is a new business with a team of knowledgeable therapists, fitness, nutrition and wellness professionals ready to help you achieve your goals...

H

olistic therapist Carly Chamberlain, has worked in wellness for more than 10 years. She originally trained at the Australasian College of Natural Therapy in Australia and then qualified as a yoga teacher at the very source of the practice in the Himalayas! She has worked in various clinics and trained globally in spas around the world.

Carly’s passion is to teach people about themselves and help them take responsibility for their own wellness and happiness. She is a Wellness Coach and Spa Trainer; Yoga Teacher and Meditation Guide; and Remedial and Holistic Therapist and has her own business and online platform - Siromani Wellness, www. siromaniwellness.com (siromani is the sanskrit phrase for “to teach”) through which she sells the natural Ayurvedic skin care range, TriDosha, (which she uses in her treatments) and sends out monthly wellness emails.

Carly is also now one of a team of therapists, fitness and wellness professionals working from the new Worminghall based therapy, health and fitness centre Avenna.

Carly invited me to Avenna’s smart new facility at Wornal Park to try Intergrated Face Therapy - a bespoke facial Carly tailors to the needs of each individual client. First she took me through a thorough consultation, assessing my needs and requirements and analysing which of the ancient Indian Ayurvedic formulations fitted my skin type. Out of the three Ayurvedic skin types; Vata, Pitta and Kapha it was agreed I was Pitta and with this in mind Carly selected the correct products for my skin. She also believes that we should see what our senses draw us to, so asked me to smell each of the three oils and choose my favourite.

As I’d been suffering from headaches, tight neck and shoulders and a painful coccyx, she explained that the hour long treatment would help to deeply relax me, using a combination of Lymphatic Drainage, Cranial Sacral Therapy and channelling of the Chakras; an ancient energy system. I was instantly drawn to the Vata oil which was made with Ylang Ylang, Jasmine and Rose and so Carly said she would use the Pitta range for my skin and the Vata oils for the neck and shoulder massage.

She cleansed my skin with a beautifully fragranced palmarosa and grapefruit cleanser and then exfoliated with a kutki and fitkari

16

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Gently encouraging lymphatic drainage

Amanda Trott

Beauty Spot

Gently encouraging lymphatic drainage

Easing the lower back and coccyx area while the hydrating mask does its work Cranial Sacral Therapy for the head and neck

scrub which contained ground walnut shells as a natural exfoliant.

Once removed, Carly then applied the Pitta face cream, which contained sandalwood, to start the manual lymphatic drainage - a gentle massaging action. Within Ayurvedic treatments, massage flow is directed downwards over the face, neck and chest rather than upwards as with traditional facials.

This is to help drain puffiness and stagnant fluid down through the lymphatic system.

Stimulation of the lymphatic system helps with energy levels and general wellness as it is responsible for our immune system.

Marma points, similar to acupressure points in traditional Chinese medicine, are little junctions where energy pathways intersect and congestion can occur. These were massaged to help improve circulation, promote better sleep, relieve stress, anxiety and tension, manage muscle ache and boost the immune system.

Once completed, Carly applied a hydrating mask which contained active ingredients of Neem and Sariva, two traditional Ayurvedic herbs. Whilst the mask was working its magic, Carly started the Cranial Sacral Therapy. By placing her hands on certain areas of my head and body she was able to further aid drainage from the lymphatic system and relieve tension, using very small movements: “which,” she explained, “can in turn have a big impact.”

Cranial Sacral Therapy for the head and neck

The whole experience was deeply relaxing and left me feeling as though I was literally floating. Carly explained that this treatment could work as part of a course or as a one off.

The therapists at Avenna aim to help the whole person, so will often cross-refer and recommend other therapists if they feel a variety of treatments or a different therapy will achieve the best results for the client. They very much believe in looking after the whole person.

Carly is a highly trained and passionate therapist and her love of her profession shines through. Her warm and friendly approach make her a pleasure to spend time with and much to my relief my headaches have gone and my neck and shoulders are definitely feeling the benefit of her skilled touch. l Avenna THF, 32a Wornal Park, Menmarsh Road,Worminghall, HP18 9PH T : 01844 873140 W: www.avennathf.co.uk www.facebook.com/AvennaTHF Open Mon-Fri: 9am-8pm l Siromani Wellness, T: 07762 857968 E: siromaniwellness@gmail.com W: www.siromaniwellness.com

www.facebook.com/siromaniwell

l To contact Amanda with regard to

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

Health & Fitness l Column: Life Bites with Sarah Virág

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Dialling Up Self Belief

E

ver felt as though you’re facing a personal roadblock?

Whether it’s relationships, career progress or mapping out personal goals, the drive to succeed in life inevitably falters when we allow self doubt to creep in.

Luckily, recognising this unhelpful mindset is always the first step towards correcting it. And that’s exactly when you need a shift in focus, and to hone in on your most important inner dial.

So let’s dive straight in, and see how the incredible natural motivator of self belief will help you get everything back on track.

Self Belief Helps You Go The Extra Mile When all around are giving up at the starting gate, self belief is what gives you that extra push forwards.

It’s the comforting inner voice that

Self Belief Puts The Bad Times Into Perspective You need to hit some lows in life – unfortunately – to appreciate those magnificent highs. We might take a sideways step every now and then, but never doubt that you‘re on the right track for you.

helps you reach your goals and make things happen.

Self Belief Keeps You Going When No-One Else Is Watching Keep your eye firmly on the goal and do the spadework – whatever it takes – to get you where you’re headed. Believe in your abilities.

Put in the extra effort. It always pays off!

Self Belief Helps You Face Life’s Challenges When you step right up to the edge of your personal comfort zone, and break through it to face a new challenge – that’s when you‘ll experience real growth.

Face your fears and learn from them.

Self Belief Is Your Invisible Passport To Happiness Whatever you want to achieve in life; better relationships, a new job or house move; improved health or finances – everything begins with you.

Don’t allow circumstances or

Sarah Virág Confidence Coach others to dictate what‘s possible.

Instead grab hold of life with both hands, add a good dash of self belief on a daily basis – and start taking on the world on your terms.

Here’s to you!

Sarah xo l Sarah Virág BA (Hons), is a

confidence coach, writer, former global events manager, mother of three and author of ‘Wings for Life: Your Pathway To Freedom After Emotional Upheaval’.

Website: www.sarah-virag.com Email: sarah@sarah-virag.com

The White House Beauty & Holistic Health Clinic 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

2 East Street, Thame, OX9 3JS

Our team of highly qualified independent practitioners offer a variety of therapies, yoga and fitness classes.

For further information please contact

Jen Webster: 07768 188664 or Amanda Supple: 07761 355107

Charlotte Mobile Hairdresser Professional Hairdressing for

Everyone All in the comfort of your own home

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 •

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

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

17

Health & Beauty

Fitness Focus with Jenney Klose

Prevent foot problems

J

une is Foot Health Month and prevention is better than cure, so here are some top tips to prevent foot problems.

1. Wash your feet every day. Use warm, soapy water and take care to dry your feet well, especially between your toes – this will help to prevent fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot.

2. Do regular calf stretches. Get into a routine of doing these every day to keep your feet supple.

3. Pay attention to your socks.

Wear well-fitting socks and change them every day to avoid sweaty feet.

4. Trim your toenails. Use proper nail clippers – and cut them straight across, not too short and not down at the corners, as this can lead to ingrowing toenails.

5. Keep your feet moisturised.

Put moisturiser on your feet before you go to bed, avoiding between the toes (this can lead to fungal infections).

Jenney Klose Podiatrist

6. Wear the right footwear. Buy footwear in the afternoon when your feet are at their largest. Get your feet measured if you are unsure of your size.

7. Rotate your shoes. Try not to wear the same shoes two days in a row, to reduce your chances of developing a fungal infection.

8. Vary your heel height. Keep high heels for special occasions, as regular use can damage your feet.

9. Check your feet regularly.

Giving your feet the once over every week will help you to spot any possible problems quickly.

WHAT IS PODIATRY? Podiatry is the field of medicine that specialises in assessing, diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot and lower limb. A podiatrist can also give advice about foot care, gait analysis and on the best footwear for you and your family.

When do I need to see a podiatrist?

1. If your feet hurt – a podiatrist will assess your condition and advise you on the best treatment.

2. If your symptoms are getting worse – a problem isn’t improving naturally, or within 3 weeks of self-care.

3. If you want to prevent foot problems – a regular foot check can help keep your feet healthy. l Feet First, 13a Upper High

Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3ER Tel: 01844 261023 Email: enquiries@feet-first.org Web: www.feet-first.org

Specialist facial aesthetic clinic focussing on enhancing your features and reversing the clock, using the safest techniques and giving the most natural-looking results.

We specialise in: • Anti-wrinkle toxin treatments • Dermal fillers • Excessive sweating treatment • Non-surgical facelift • Chemical skin peels • OBAGI Prescription skincare All treatments are carried out by our Facial Aesthetics Medical Aesthetician, Dr Zaki Khatana.

Free consultations are available to discuss your treatment wants and needs.

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

8 Hampden Square, Fairford Leys, Buckinghamshire, HP19 7HT Tel: 01296 398 180 info@fairfordleyssmilecentre.co.uk www.fairfordleyssmilecentre.co.uk : Fairford Leys Smile Centre : @FLSmileCentre

Health & Beauty Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2016

We all long for Summer days spent outside enjoying the warmer weather - holidays abroad, sunshine, splashing in the pool, basking on the beach - but these most enjoyable of activities can play havoc with our skin, unless we are careful, says 4beauty’s Ellen Aubrey...

S

ummer is finally here and we are so ready for it! This month we are excited to be launching the most superior anti-ageing and sun protection range, called Sun Logic, by French skincare giant Guinot.

Sun Logic is more than sun protection, it compensates for age deficiencies to preserve the skin’s beauty and youth.

The key to this is in providing additional Melanin for the skin to restore its natural capacity for self-protection. The range consists of 13 key protecting and repairing products but my Top 3 Star Picks are: 1. Age Sun Summum SPF50+ Sun Cream for Face, protecting against the harmful and ageing effect of UVA, UVB and exposure to blue light (which comes from the sun and is twice as intense as UV rays).

2. Age Sun Anti-Ageing SPF50+ Cream for the Eyes, this is especially formulated to protect the delicate and thin skin around the eye contour, an area that requires specific sun protection without causing irritation.

3. Age Sun Anti-Ageing Sun Dry Oil SPF50 for the body. This is so comfortable to wear - a non-sticky formula that won’t stain clothing and feels like you have nothing on you skin, just a feeling of nourishment, whilst offering high protection and safely developing a beautiful long lasting tan.

The full range is now available in the salon, prices ranging from £28.75 to £62.25. We are on hand to advise you on the complete range in order for you to make the right decision on your own personal sun protection program.

Ellen Aubrey

Have you all downloaded your 4beauty App?? Here’s the link: https://1link.io/l/8940 Facial lovers who enjoy lots of outdoor pursuits, including working in the great outdoors. The treatment costs: £70 and can be booked online.

As if this wasn’t enough, it goes even further with its ability to repair the skin after high levels of sun exposure by soothing, calming, rehydrating and rebalancing the skin following exposure to the brute force of the sun.

With all this in mind we recommend you book a Hydraderm Solaire just before and shortly after your holiday. We also recommended this for regular Hydraderm

Keeping with the topic of sun exposure, we can also provide a secret weapon for preparing and repairing the skin for holidays or lazy days in the garden...

The Hydraderm Cellulaire Energy Solaire Facial is all you need to prepare your skin for the summer months and guarantee minimal ageing risk whilst enjoying some sunshine on the face. This 60 minute Facial will give you all the benefits of the usual Hydraderm Facial, but in addition will help build and reinforce the skin’s natural defence against UV rays, so it’s fully prepared to be bared....

Book a Hydraderm Cellulaire Energy Solaire Facial

Finally, Lisa has developed a wonderful Anti-Ageing Hand Treatment that we have now added to our Manicure Menu. We have listened to our clients’ feedback on the frustration of ageing hands and what they can do to improve the appearance of their hands. Lisa performs a wonderful exfoliation treatment along with a nourishing massage with specifically formulated antiageing products and completes this 45 minutes long treatment with hot Lisa mitts to encourage full absorption of all the powerful ingredients used in this amazing experience. The Treatment is £35 and can be booked online... l 4beauty Ltd, 56 High Street, Whitchurch, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP22 4JS Tel: 01296 640644 Email: admin@4-beauty.com Web: www.4-beauty.com Instagram.com/4beautysalon Facebook.com/ellenaubrey4beautysalon

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Simply the best!

“A day spent luxuriating at Champneys Tring spa resort is a blissful way to de-stress. There’s so much you can pack in though, an overnight stay could be a more relaxing option,” says Charlie Trott...

A

ny time spent at Champneys is a treat, but an overnight stay allows you to really make the most of the award-winning Health Spa. There’s a vast range of treatments and classes to try, exercise and relaxation to schedule in, plus lunch, dinner, the occasional smoothie or coffee and afternoon tea of course - phew!

An overnight stay in a Champneys suite it is then, although the current five night stay offer for which you can bring a friend for free was tempting!

Founded by eccentric naturopath Stanley Lief, Champneys Tring has been a bastion of health since 1925. The Rothschild-built mansion and estate is set in 170 acres of idyllic Hertfordshire countryside and the Spa’s lush, leafy grounds and tranquil setting will relax you the minute you turn through the impressive entrance gates, just outside the village of Wigginton.

On arrival we were warmly greeted by the helpful reception team, given a quick tour of the facilities and shown to our luxurious rooms. The spacious and stylishly decorated suite looked out across manicured lawns and verdant borders to the woodland beyond while just outside, accessed through sliding glass doors was our own private seating area.

Champneys had been busy since my last visit - everywhere looked smart, fresh and recently decorated, the rooms were lovely and very comfortable (countryside charm with a modern twist they call it) with gorgeous bathrooms and nice big showers.

On our tour we noted that in addition to the impressive variety of innovative and traditional spa treatments on offer, such as carefully-crafted massages, facials, wraps and scrubs, recent additions to the Spa Centre facilities now mean there is a new Relaxation Hideaway to snooze in, plus a fabulous light and airy Manicure and Pedicure Salon, with great views of the gardens, and an amazing, first of its kind in the UK, Marine and Wellness Spa, in which - influenced by the French concept of treating the body with marine actives - Champneys have partnered with Thalgo, the French Marine spa beauty company, to offer seawater therapy coupled with personalised marine wellbeing treatments. In a range of super cool, James

20 Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Champneys from rear lawn showing café extension, jaccuzzi umbrella and glass thelassotherapy pool house Bond style hi-tech treatment rooms The Marine and Wellness Spa harnesses the riches of the sea so you can benefit from its powerful healing, revitalising and rebalancing properties in conjunction with unique salt, oxygen, infra-red and water experiences.

Spa treatments range from face and body treatments by Champneys, Clarins, Elemis and Aromatherapy Associates through to wellbeing sessions in Acupuncture, Reflexology, Reiki, Colon Hydrotherapy, Hypnotherapy and Life Coaching to mention but a few. In addition there are up to 20 daily activities on offer (mostly free of charge) including: Pilates, Yoga, Zumba, Aquafit, Circuits, Step and Tone and Hula Hoop!

If you are the outdoors type there are tennis courts and a giant chess set or you can join an instructor and make the most of a Country Walk or Nordic Walk or even take out a bicycle. Meanwhile the spa has an air conditioned gym and a large pool for guests to use. All this to fit in along with breakfast, lunch and dinner - are you beginning to see why an overnight stay was needed!

I managed to ‘enjoy’ an excruciating but revitalising Deep Tissue Muscle Massage by a slim yet powerful Hungarian physiotherapist, an Executive Foot Treatment/pedicure, a relaxing swim in the pool and tea and cake in the sunshine on the comfy outdoor sofas.

Amanda loved her Citrus Blush Body Ritual - an uplifting 50 minute full body experience, with a tension-relieving back massage and hot stone neck and shoulder massage, Champneys

Head In The Clouds Massage - a blissful 25 minute scalp, neck and shoulder massage to release tension and 50 minute Reflexology treatment - the therapist works on key pressure points in your feet, to relax and energise the whole body.

Sadly we didn’t find time to languish in the warm, mineral rich Thelassotherapy pool or test the outdoor Jaccuzzi. We did enjoy the wonderful food in Champneys restaurant though. Lunch is an amazing buffet of delicious and appetising salads served alongside some lovely hot alternatives, dinner an appetising choice of three courses - again delicious, healthy and varied but this time served by the friendly waiting team and with the option of wine!

Champneys at Tring is a wonderful place to get away from it all and enjoy some amazing treatments. The rooms are very comfortable, the food is great and it is up to you to do as much or as little as you like. Our package included robe hire and flip flops; breakfast, lunch and dinner; a Champneys treatment; fitness classes plus use of the spa and relaxation facilities. Check in from 2pm, depart at 4pm the following day. See Champneys website for latest offers, or make a booking as below, you’ll be glad you did! l Champneys, Chesham Road, Wigginton, Nr Tring, Hertfordshire, HP23 6HX Reservations / booking: 0843 5611932 Email reservations@champneys.com Website: www.champneys.com

Health & Fitness

l Column: Fitness focus with Kelly Langmaid

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

A sign you have healed

W

hen it comes to scars, we tend to hide them away. We think that we simply have to put up with whatever we are left with after surgery or an accident. That’s not always the case.

Scars can often be painful and unsightly. From a cosmetic perspective alone, scars can have a huge effect on us. Additionally, internal scarring can create a range of problems. If we have had foreign objects inside our body, they will cause adhesions. Adhesions are the sticking of two surfaces that are not normally attached to each other, they connect structures that should not be connected.

This can be between the scar and the organs, muscles, ligaments or any other structure, including the skin. These adhesions can restrict mobility and organ function and create pain.

ScarWork is the brainchild of

Mastectomy scar before treatment

employing the lightest of touches.

There are over 20 techniques that smooth out uneven lumps, bumps, ridges, strings and gaps. Holes are filled painlessly and permanently.

By re-establishing the resilient 3D quality of the structures underneath the skin’s surface, ScarWork creates better functioning.

Ultrasound images have shown improvement to the tissue after treatment. With the restrictions and adhesions of a scar resolved, impaired nerves can regain sensation and internal organ functions can normalise.

The cosmetic effect can also be remarkable.

ScarWork shows incredible results with all kinds of scars - from large abdominal scars through to keyhole surgery. Ladies have reported feeling “put back together”, following work on vertical hysterectomy scars. Some Cancer centres are using ScarWork

After

Sharon Wheeler from Seattle in the United States. Sharon has developed a unique approach to working with scars, that has only been available in the UK since 2014.

ScarWork is an approach to reconfiguring the soft tissues, which will usually reduce the adhesions left by scarring. It can also improve the appearance of the scar. This is not simply vanity. If you have a scar that causes pain or discomfort, or restricts your movements, it can be debilitating.

ScarWork is a gentle therapy,

Avenna A6 Advert 2018.pdf

1

22/05/2018

A VENN A

Kelly Langmaid ScarWork Therapist

on Breast Cancer patients, the results of which have been life changing.

After treatment, clients often comment their scars feel softer, mobility has improved and they feel less pain. The improvement seems to be lasting and even a single session can be helpful.

Kelly Langmaid is one of only 200 people qualified in ScarWork in the UK and offers this revolutionary scar treatment at Avenna THF, near Thame. l For more information contact Avenna Therapy, Health & Fitness on: 01844 873140, or visit their website at: www.avennathf.com

18:39

*FREE

Wellness Assessment *One free assessment or taster class per person.

The complete solution to a happier, healthier you!

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Therapy

Health

Fitness

• Back ache and joint stiffness?

• Aches & pains?

• Afraid to move incase it gets worse?

• Been suffering with an injury for a while and need help to get better?

• Stressed from work and constantly tired?

• Does it affect everyday life and activities?

• Frustrated that you feel older than your years?

• Want to be more active and healthy?

• Want to get fitter and improve your posture?

• Want to feel happier when you look in the mirror?

• Not sure which classes you should try?

• New to exercise?

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CM

MY

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CMY

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Physiotherapy Osteopathy ScarWork Acupuncture Cranial Sacral Therapy Applied Kinesiology Sports Massage

Nutrition Allergy Testing Trauma Release Hypnotherapy Laser Lipolysis Reflexology Reiki

Injury Rehabilitation Pilates Equipment Sports Specific Personal Training Sports Taping Pre-Post Natal Children's Yoga

Call us today on..

01844 873140 fb.com/avennathf

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32a Wornal Park, Menmarsh Road, Worminghall, HP18 9PH. Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

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l Column: Fitness Focus with Lorna Robinson

Health & Fitness

Cranialsacral therapy

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raniosacral Therapy (CST) was developed in the 1970s by John Upledger, a doctor of osteopathy. It is a non-invasive, hands-on therapy that aims to enhance the body’s own healing capabilities.

Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle way of working with the body using light touch. This light touch is said to affect the pressure and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, which is the fluid around the brain and spinal cord.

People sometimes ask about the name Craniosacral Therapy and think it only refers to the head. In fact Craniosacral Therapy works with the whole person. Changes may occur in body, mind and spirit during and after sessions.

When a Craniosacral therapist places their hands lightly on you, they are using them to listen to you in much the same way that a counsellor might listen to your words.

Because it is so gentle and non-invasive, CST is suitable for everyone from newborns to the elderly. It is one of the therapies that was highlighted as a fertility enhancing treatment through Julia Indichova’s first book, Inconceivable: A Woman’s Triumph over Despair and Statistics.

Mothers and babies often try CST for problems associated with difficult or traumatic births. Letting go of tension held in the body enables you to settle and improves the functioning of the central nervous system. This can help babies and children with problems such as misbehaving, mood swings,

reoccurring ear infections, colic, developmental delays, Autism, ADS, ADHD, latching and feeding problems. Babies treated within the first two weeks after birth are given a great start; restoring balance and calm after what can be quite a traumatic experience for them.

Throughout our lives our bodies receive many stresses, strains, tension and trauma. Our bodies adjust, compensate and adapt to these changes. This can then result in headaches, migraine, chronic fatigue, central nervous system disorders, depression, anxiety, ongoing neck and back pain and many more symptoms. Many people have CST to help with these specific issues, others come for ongoing support in their busy lives and for help to meet life’s challenges.

CST supports your body’s innate ability to balance, restore and heal itself; as well as helping to reduce stress and build your underlying

Lorna Robinson Craniosacral Therapist

energy. The practitioner senses tensions in the body and helps to release these tensions in a supported and comfortable way.

The session typically lasts an hour, although this can vary and you remain fully clothed. During or after a session you may feel calm and energised, with increased clarity of mind and a feeling of well-being. l Lorna Robinson practises Cranialsacral Therapy and Reflexology at Avenna Therapy, Health & Fitness, 32A Wornal Park, Menmarsh Road, Worminghall, HP18 9PH Tel: 01844 873140 www.avennathf.co.uk

Your yoga practice is....

...Everything www.everythingyogauk.com

Classes and private sessions kate@everythingyogauk.com 07754 804 730 22

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

* offer valid until 1 June 2018 and subject to class availability at time of booking

Health & Fitness

l Column: Fitness focus with Rachel Ross

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

With bump and beyond

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t’s an exciting but daunting time when you discover you are going to have a baby and you’ll no doubt have plenty of questions, especially if it is your first time! Information is everywhere these days but for help and support you can trust, good, local ante natal classes can be invaluable and cover topics such as: • the growth and development of your baby • staying healthy through pregnancy and beyond • information about the stages of labour and options available to you when considering a birthing plan • how to look after and feed your baby Ante natal classes are also a great way to meet and make friends with other mums to be - a valuable support network as you enter into motherhood.

There are a range of ante natal options available locally including NHS, National Childbirth Trust

(NCT) and independent courses.

There are specialist classes too that focus on areas such as: Pregnancy Exercise; Yoga and Pilates; Relaxation; and Hypnobirthing among others which can make it difficult for mums to be to decide what’s best for them.

Local mums to be and new mums asked about their experiences of the courses available gave very mixed

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

‘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

feedback and the impression that there was no one course that met all their needs.

Chartered Physiotherapist and Pilates Instructor Rachel Ross, founder of Phoenix Freedom decided the way forward was to “wrap up” the best of ante natal care into one package and Ante Natal All Wrapped Up was born.

“Having researched what mums to be really want,” says Rachel, “I have put together a unique and competitively priced package of ante natal support which includes: • exercise classes including relaxation and mindful techniques similar to those in hypnobirthing • a half day education course presented by a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals: a practicing midwife, a women’s health physiotherapist, a counselling psychologist and a dietician, providing you with independent and holistic advice • a follow up 1-2-1 post natal

Rachel Ross Phoenix Freedom

check, approximately 6 weeks after your baby is born, by our women’s health physiotherapist for a comprehensive assessment.

As a team we felt that the after baby six week assessment was an important inclusion to ensure you are provided with a holistic and supportive package that takes care of you with bump and beyond. l Rachel Ross PGDip, MCSP, AACP, ACPIN, POGP is a Chartered Physiotherapist and APPI Pilates Instructor with post graduate training in women’s health For more details contact her on: T: 01844 875212 / 07971 814077 E: rachel@phoenixfreedom.co.uk W: www.phoenixfreedom.co.uk

Ante Natal all Wrapped Up 6 PREGNANCY EXERCISE CLASSES WITH RELAXATION, MINDFULNESS AND HYPNOSIS TECHNIQUES RUN BY A CHARTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST • ½ DAY EDUCATION COURSE PRESENTED BY OUR EXPERIENCED TEAM; MIDWIFE, DIETITIAN, COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGIST, WOMEN’S HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPIST • 6 WEEK POST NATAL 1-2-1 HOLISTIC ASSESSMENT CARRIED OUT BY OUR WOMEN’S HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPIST Exercises classes in Haddenham, Bucks Education day at Oxfordshire Golf Course with lunch and spa access included ● Package fee: £300

follow us Meet the team and find out more about the course on our YouTube channel Before & After Baby@PhoenixFreedom4U w phoenixfreedom.co.uk m 07971814077 e info@phoenixfreedom.co.uk Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

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Health & Fitness

l Column: Fitness Focus with Harriet Moran-Smith

Time at the barre A

fter many all encompassing years of training and working as a ballet dancer, I stopped dancing and joined the ‘real world’ having my son soon after. Like most new mothers I was desperate to get my pre-pregnancy shape back but found that nothing toned and sculpted my muscles the way that ballet had. It occurred to me that if ballet could help the way my body looked and felt, then maybe others would appreciate the same opportunity. Together with the desire for a career that could fit alongside motherhood, this inspired me to create Barre Sculpt.

Barre Sculpt is a ballet inspired workout for non-dancers with classes in Aylesbury, Great Missenden, Princes Risborough, Halton and Tring. The class takes techniques and influences from classical ballet, to tone, strengthen and lengthen your muscles, without adding bulk. Unlike many dance based fitness classes, Barre Sculpt is a low impact form of exercise (no jumping or jogging!) so it is gentle

Harriet on your joints whilst still giving your muscles a good workout.

There are lots of holding positions and very small movements, always stood up (using the ballet barre for balance) and the classes are accompanied by popular music singing along to songs you know helps to distract you from the burn in your muscles!

The main elements are posture, core strength, balance and

Aylesbury Sports Massage For all your aches, pains and injuries

flexibility. I believe that there is far too much emphasis placed on weight loss when in fact good posture can completely transform the way you look and is a much easier and often healthier change to make. If someone walks into a room with perfect posture and the confidence that goes with this, they will almost always look fabulous! Core strength is also a big focus along with toning the legs, bottom and arms. Also balance and flexibility, which are two easily forgotten elements of fitness and have huge benefits throughout sport and daily life.

Barre Sculpt is suitable for all ages (the current client list has a 60 year age range!), no dance experience is needed and it is just as much for men as it is for women.

A non-dancer’s experience: “I’m so glad I gave Barre Sculpt a try as being a non-dancer I had initial reservations. Since starting I feel so much stronger and leaner and my posture is improving all the time. Harriet is so knowledgeable, helpful and encouraging and now

Harriet Moran-Smith I can’t imagine not having Barre Sculpt in my life!” Claire Randall l Contact Harriet: 07739 123191

Trial classes are £10, an 8 week term is £80 or pay as you go classes are £12. Go to www.barresculpt. co.uk for further information or email info@barresculpt.co.uk to book your space.

Facebook.com/Barre Scul Instagram - Barresculptuk Classes: Halton Tennis Centre.

Princes Risborough School.

Physique Fitness, Silk Mill, Tring.

Spirit Health Club, Holiday Inn, Weston Turville.

The Misbourne School, Gt Missenden.

Suffering with Anxiety, Feeling Sad & Unhappy, Relationship problems Caring, empathetic & confidential ? help is available.

Hypnotherapy can & has helped many many people with these types of issues.

Contact Clare Davies Hartwell, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire Tel: 01296 747477 Email: clare@aylesburysportsmassage.co.uk Website: www.aylesburysportsmassage.co.uk A BALLET INSPIRED WORKOUT FOR NON-DANCERS AYLESBURY • GREAT MISSENDEN • HALTON • PRINCES RISBOROUGH • TRING

FREE initial consultation

Angie Elbourn Reg Hyp. MNRAH. CNHC (CNHC are the only registering body for Hypnotherapy that is recognised by the Dept of Health)

www.hypnohelp.co (just co no uk) 077756 77796

Angie.hypnohelp@hotmail.co.uk

Maria Bray

Nutritional Therapy

The Science of Health and Vitality l Eat Well l Live Well l Feel Well 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 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK,

PLEASE VISIT WWW.BARRESCULPT.CO.UK

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Tel: Maria on 0771 5414719 / 01296 581561

www.mariabraynutritionaltherapy.com

Health & Fitness

‘Good Health’ with Sandra Smith

Fixing your phobia W

hen faced with a phobia, the body’s reaction is to run away from the situation which, to the individual, is a perceived threat. Avoidance equals protection, regardless of how rational or otherwise the fear.

But dodging circumstances isn’t always feasible. And this is where Nicky Ward, with over 20 years’ experience as a hypnotherapist and counsellor, can help. In the calming environment of her Wendover studio, she details the sort of obsessions that distress clients and the alternative within their grasp.

“There are fears, such as heights, that we should have but a phobia is a screaming fear, an over the top response to something that is natural. Common phobias are spiders, snakes and social situations such as public speaking.

Our reaction is fight or flight. The problem, however, is that you can’t

Phobias can be easy to get over run away from a thought. What I do is reprogram the head to take that reaction away from the thought.”

A technique championed by Nicky is Brain Working Recursive Therapy (BWRT) which often involves only one session.

“I don’t need to know too much about a phobia, just how it affects a client’s life and how they would like to feel. This works for everything from self esteem to one of the most common phobias, needles. Usually in a stressful

situation our hearts pound and breathing increases. If having an injection is a problem, however, the brain thinks you could bleed to death so lowers your blood pressure, resulting in fainting. In this and other situations, BWRT neutralises the phobia; the client is then desensitised and no longer experiences the unnatural reaction.”

Phobias, which can affect all ages, may be a consequence of learned behaviour, trauma or stress.

“When we’re under pressure,” Nicky explains, “stuff from the past surfaces because we’re in a vulnerable state. Our sub conscious comes through with deep seated fears. Some clients just want to talk about their problem, then we move onto hypnosis. There’s nothing scary or controlling about hypnotherapy, and the client doesn’t lose consciousness.

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Good Health

Sandra Smith Sometimes I mix and match BWRT with hypnotherapy.”

While some obsessions are easy to evade, there may be occasions when you have to face that plane ride or blood test etc and that’s when an hour with Nicky Ward could enable you to do so with confidence rather than dread.

“Phobias are easy to get over; the sooner you get it done, the better.” www.speedwell-chc.co.uk l Sandra Smith is a freelance writer, follow her on Twitter: @TheCurrentMrsS or visit her website: www.TheCurrentMrsSmith.co.uk

Pardon my English!

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

If you’re supporting an elder relative or friend, whether a little or a lot, go to: www.maudandmum.com for useful wellbeing, time and money saving info.

Also on Facebook and Twitter @maudandmum

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

www.thametherapyclinic.co.uk

(Hertfordshire dialect)

3) Wum

A) to hum B) to walk aimlessly up and down with short steps C) the second swarm of bees in the same season

(Buckinghamshire dialect) A) the ripple caused by any disturbance of water B) careless, reckless, happy-go-lucky C) a small cavity in a rock

2) Watcher’d

4) Cagmag

(Buckinghamshire dialect) A) plump; also soft and spongy B) wet-footed C) exhausted; run down

(Hertfordshire dialect) A) more on one side than on the other, ill-balanced, shaky B) coarse tough food; disorder C) without thought, headlong

l Adam Jacot de Boinod was a researcher for the

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) to hum 2B) wet-footed 3A) the ripple caused by any disturbance of water 4B) coarse tough food; disorder

Help for carers of elders in Oxon/Bucks

1) Bumble

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

25

Win Smillie’s ‘clever’ pants

P

Carol Smillie

regnancy, childbirth, obesity and increasing age are just a few of the causes of bladder weakness, a common problem for women across the UK. In fact, 1 in 3 women are now reportedly suffering from the condition and the inevitable embarrassment that comes with it.

Pretty Clever Pants is a pioneering range of protective underwear developed by household name ex-TV presenter and entrepreneur Carol Smillie which has been designed to help sufferers cope with embarrassing symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), giving them back their confidence.

Unique in their concept, Carol’s Pretty Clever Pants are designed with a concealed waterproof layer which offers women that extra peace of mind and comfort when dealing with many of “life’s little leaks”.

“You won’t have seen me on your TV screens for a while,” says Carol, “I’ve gone from Changing Rooms to changing careers and have been running my own business Pretty Clever Pants. It’s gone from a simple idea to a multiaward-winning brand of smart underwear, giving confidence to women all over the world.

In 2017 I licensed the brand to TV shopping channel High St TV, the company behind health food market leader Nutribullet. HSTV have taken the product worldwide, via their global territory partners, which gives me more time to do other things.”

Carol’s invention is a stylish and comfortable way to avoid the embarrassing symptoms of urinary incontinence – why not get back your confidence with Pretty Clever Pants! Available from www.prettycleverpants.com If you’d like to be in with the chance of winning a two pack of Pretty Clever Pants, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the size you would like: 6-8, 10-12, 14-16, 18-20, 22-24 and colour: Black/ Blue/Pink/Nude, or Blue/Black, Pink/Nude, Pink/Blue, Pink/Black, Black/Nude, Blue/Nude, the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Which TV home makeover series did Carol Smillie used to present?

Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by July 20th, 2018. l www.prettycleverpants.com www.highstreettv.com

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 26 Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

l Column: Nick Phillips

‘Good to give’

Help getting from A to B

I

am often amazed at how busy life is and how much we can and now expect to - fit into an average day.

The trend towards longer working hours and the demand of a growing population has meant the service industries have had to adapt. We can now shop on the High Street every day of the week, buy groceries 24 hours a day, and, as the NHS is moving towards a seven-day week service, can attend more weekend and ‘out-of-hours’ medical appointments.

However, this progress is not inclusive and it is the most vulnerable members of our community who are being left behind in the wake.

A key problem experienced by many is access to transport: Aylesbury Vale is a rural district with an ageing population and traditional transport services often do not adequately serve either remote areas or can’t

The Haddenham Community Vehicle Service in action accommodate the needs of those with severe mobility issues. Changes in subsidised travel schemes and limited weekend services have only exacerbated the challenges faced by many.

In particular finding suitable transport is a significant obstacle for some trying to get to medical appointments: last year over 90% of all calls received by the Bucks Transport Hub phone line asked for help to travel to hospitals or GP

surgeries - not just from rural areas but also from Aylesbury itself.

Without enabling travel for all, social isolation is a reality that many experience both within our towns as well as our rural communities.

One example of how a community is helping its own residents is the Haddenham Community Vehicle service. Run by 14 specially trained drivers, the service takes disabled people from Haddenham and the surrounding villages to social and medical appointments. Local people were determined to provide a first class service to the disabled in their community and, in under three years, have helped over 60 clients complete more than 1000 journeys.

We are lucky to have an amazing network of over 60 car and bus schemes across Bucks; run by cohorts of volunteers, they provide a lifeline through social and shopping outings as well as medical related trips. But we need more: the

Nick Phillips

Good to give demand for accessible transport is far greater than the existing schemes can cope with and some areas, such as Aylesbury town, have a serious shortage of volunteer transport schemes.

If you would like to find out more about existing volunteer transport schemes or what support is available to help your community set up and run your own, call us on 0800 085 8480. l For more information on

Haddenham Community Vehicle contact Sue: 07945 366779 l Nick Phillips is CEO of Community Impact Bucks: Tel: 0300 1111 250 www.communityimpactbucks.org.uk

A personal approach to caring for your loved one A lovely home in beautiful grounds offering the very best in nursing and residential care.

Please give us a call on 0808 1691375 or call in to see us at Bledlow Road, Saunderton Princes Risborough Buckinghamshire HP27 9NG www.chilterncare.co.uk

e5453 Vibe Chiltern Care Services ad 125x190mm (2).indd 1

27 Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018 16:43 07/06/2018

l Column: Down to business with Philippa Batting

Celebrating success

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obody starts running a business in order to win an award, there is simply far too much going on day to day to think about glittering ceremonies and shiny trophies.

However, official recognition of progress and achievements can be a defining moment for businesses big and small, helping to increase awareness of the business, increase sales, boost team morale, and support the retention and hiring of new employees.

That’s why it’s always an honour for Buckinghamshire Business First to organise the Buckinghamshire Business Awards to celebrate the success that comes from not giving up in the hard times, from seeking support when it is needed, and from forging great teams out of individuals.

The 2018 Buckinghamshire Business Awards took place

Company of the Year - Ashridge Group on May 22nd at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre and once again showcased the very best of local business success. Businesses large and small covering all manner of sectors were highlighted and celebrated, with a lucky few walking away with a trophy to show for their efforts.

This year’s Company of the Year is Ashridge Group, a specialist provider of facilities and security services. Managing Director Mark Walker and his team are a credit to the Buckinghamshire business

community and were worthy winners of this most prestigious prize.

Success begets success, something previous winners at the Buckinghamshire Business Awards have discovered for themselves. A successful business community relies on having a great support network around it, loyal customers and clients who value building relationships with each other more than always looking for simply the cheapest deal, and entrepreneurs with the talent and drive to make a real impact in their local area with their products, services and general outlook.

This year we had a brand new Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility Award which celebrated those businesses who have CSR engrained into their company ethos. The link between business and charity is strengthening all the time, with

Philippa Batting Down to business

both parties looking to work with the other for the common good of whole communities.

Look out for the 2019 awards application process beginning towards the end of this year.

Perhaps you’ll be the one celebrating in 12 months’ time.

You can discover all of the 2018 award winners, as well as view photos from the night and videos of all the finalists, online at 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

Hosted Telephony Business Mobiles

business solutions Communication Made Easy

Broadband Services/ Internet CCTV/Access Control M2M Sims (Machine to Machine)

01296 329875

www.gt-business.com 28 Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

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Bookkeeping VAT Returns Management Accounts Payroll via

Call 01844 396134 info@profynd.com

Cream teas at Creslow Manor!

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reslow Manor’s annual cream tea fundraiser for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution farming charity (RABI) takes place this year on Sunday June 24th from 3 to 6pm.

Creslow Manor at Whitchurch, near Aylesbury is the former grazing ground for the Royal Table and dates back to the 13th century.

Owners Brian and Linda Lear have hosted this annual cream tea event since 2010, with RABI’s Buckinghamshire committee working hard to improve things year on year.

Around £4,000 was raised in 2017 when good weather meant drinks could be enjoyed on the Creslow Manor lawns and the Buckinghamshire committee ran a raffle and an auction, with some great prizes.

RABI is farming’s oldest and

Are you drowning

largest charity, distributing grants of around £2 million every year to farming people of all ages in financial hardship.

“We gave out grants of more than £14,000 in Buckinghamshire last year,” says Jenni Green, RABI South Central regional manager.

“I’m delighted that Barclays will be supporting this year’s event. It’s been a long winter and Spring has come late, forcing many farming families to struggle. Events like this really do help us to make a difference to people’s lives.”

Tickets cost £6 for adults, £3 for children aged 6-12 and fivesand-under go free.

Call Jenni Green on: 07919 478518 or email: jenni.green@rabi.org.uk l To find out more about RABI visit: www.rabi.org.uk or call RABI’s confidential helpline: 0808 281 9490.

WE CAN HELP!

under your 'to-do' list?

professional admin support for your business Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

29

Win Midsomer tour tickets!

M

idsomer Murders, the UK’s longest running contemporary detective drama, is still going strong after 21 years - filming for series 20 with Neil Dudgeon in his 7th series as DCI John Barnaby, completed last year and is waiting for broadcast dates to be confirmed.

Thame regularly features, either as Causton, or as one of the many villages in the fictional ‘Midsomer county’ and locals delight in spotting bits of their town and the surrounding countryside in the series.

Many Thame landmarks have been featured over the years, including Thame Museum, Rumsey’s Chocolaterie, the Coffee House, the Swan, the Black Horse, the Spread Eagle, Thame Cricket Ground and Prebendal House among others.

Thame Town Hall itself has appeared as Causton Town Hall and now visitors can pretend they really are outside Causton Town Hall by asking at the information desk inside for a specially made Causton sign to be hung over the Town Hall sign, while they take a souvenir snap!

“6.5 million people watch

frequently used filming locations for the popular ITV series, was launched last year.

Tony Long, coordinator for the tour guides – who are all volunteers, said: “The tours are being held under the auspices of 21st Century Thame, an organisation that brings together local businesses, community Tony Long (right) and groups and councils to tour guides outside help keep Thame vibrant ‘Causton’ Town Hall THAM E MIDSO and viable as a market MER MURD ERS TR AIL town. The tours, which Midsomer Murders in last one hour, take place the UK and millions weekly on Wednesdays more worldwide,” says at 11am from May until Becky Reid, market October and start from inside town coordinator at Thame Museum.”

Thame Town Council. “It’s one Tickets cost £7.50 each and of the UK’s biggest TV exports, and may be purchased online at: www. when people see it on TV, they want ticketsource.co.uk/thamemidsomer at to come and visit the beautiful towns Thame Museum or simply turn up on and villages of Midsomer, such as the day and pay the guide.

Thame.”

Any funds raised (the guides are With this in mind a series of unpaid) go towards admin, promotion guided Midsomer walking tours and deserving local causes. of Thame, led by specially trained Tours may be possible for groups guides and taking in the most THAME TRAIL INSIDE

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GUIDED TOUR AVAILABLE

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Follow film the his ing loc at toric markeions in an t town d arou nd of Th ame

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of 4 or more people on other days.

For more information, contact Tony Long at: thamemidsomertours@ gmail.com A Visit Midsomer leaflet, covering locations in Thame and in neighbouring villages is available at the Town Hall Information Centre and Thame Museum, as well as at local hotels, pubs, shops and cafés and can also be downloaded from www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk, www.thamemuseum.org or www.visitmidsomer.com.

If you’d like to be in with the chance of winning a pair of tickets for a walking tour, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Who originally played the part of Inspector Barnaby in the series before Neil Dudgeon took over?

Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by July 20th, 2018. Tour to be taken by October 2018. l www.visitmidsomer.com thamemidsomertours@gmail.com

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 30 Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

National Retail Decline

A

new report has suggested that more than 10,000 stores are expected to close for retail this year. This is on top of an estimated 60,932 which have closed since 2012, the Centre for Retail Research said.

The rapid growth of online retailers is noted in the report as one of several factors in

pRESS RELEaSE

the decline of bricksand-mortar stores, and Aylesbury is no exception.

Chandler Garvey are currently instructed by Rockspring to market 75,000 sq ft of space, formerly BHS and House of Fraser which is available to let for leisure, restaurant, office or any other use, subject to planning.

CHanDLER GaRVEy MaRkET nEW COMMERCIaL Buy TO LET OppORTunITy In ayLESBuRy

To Let

Part of new development,

to let /

C6 Brunel Gate, Aylesbury

Alan Chandler, Director of Chandler Garvey has been instructed by Kingston Space Ltd to Aston Clinton - 55,000 sq ft For Sale (Long Leasehold) 6,696 sq ft market the Space business Centre, a development of 27 units located in one back to back terrace andsq16 modern having been built in highconstruction, bay Aston Clinton 55,000 ft units in the other. The units are ofModern warehouse in easily offices, Aylesbury – The 73.42009. The sizes range from 367 sq. ft. up to 908 sq. ft. and are fitted with a mezzanine floor. distribution acre site The formstotal part of the accommodation on the estate is 19,541accessible sq. ft. The site benefits from tax and stamp area. former major development duty savings, cheaper than renting, commercial investment yields Spec includes 7m will be higher than yields on area as identified by Aylesbury eaves, secure(small site, business rate relief), and Vale District Council.

Our residential buy to lets, all units are business rates exempt roller shutter doors, Clients, Inland Homes have there is a dedicated unit and visitor parking. first floor offices, obtained planning permission reception area and for approximately 400 The freehold

by Aylesbury vale Districtkitchen.

Council and Kingston Space Ltd are the long residential units, provisionis owned restaurant, a local retail centre with over years remaining. units6,696 are sq available from £64,000 plus vAT. ft. of a careleaseholders, home, hotel/pub/ and a130 B1 office.

All units are let on Blue monthly licences and are now To producing annualLoft income in excess Offices, Aylesbury Let a grossFriars to let Leanie, Aylesbury of £300,000. Further details from Alan Chandler – ac@chandlergarvey.com / 01296 -398383. from 10,000 75,000 sq ft

only 10,000 sq ft remaining

Iconic headquarters building to let in part (from 3,347 to 19,621 sq ft).

Car parking 1,308 sq ft, VAV air conditioning, full access raised floors, 2 passenger lifts and excellent natural light.

10,000 - 75,000 sq ft of good quality Grade A specification offices in a prime town centre location.

The property will form part of the upper floors of the existing Friars Square Shopping Centre.

Available in 18-24 months.

To Let

For Sale

Storage Land, Dropshort Farm 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.

2 Asheridge Industrial Estate, Chesham, 5,340 sq ft

Ground floor industrial/office unit of 5,340 sq ft refurbished by Chancery Gate.

Features 10 on site car spaces, 3.7m eaves to underside of suspended ceilings, solid concrete floor.

Good office content and lean-to extension to the rear.

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 : Jun/Jul 2018 31

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Step inside by Polly Gibbs

Mellow Yellow LG Garden Chelsea 2018

Bringing The Outdoors In

Blurring boundaries between inside and out can bring the ultimate harmony to a home, creating a seamless flow with natures colours reflected throughout the interior design...

I

nspiration really can be found everywhere for our homes - a visit to RHS Chelsea prompted this feature as I fell in love with the colour, ethos and tranquiility of the LG Eco-City Garden by designer Hay-Joung Hwang.

: LG Garden At Night 32

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Sharing it’s layout with that usually found in a living room, the design is calming and sociable, ‘integrating our increased dependency on technology [whilst] mindful of the environmental issues posed by contemporary lifestyles, as well as to reduce pollution specifically in areas of high population density’ (LG).

Polly Gibbs

Where space is a premium and noise, stress and pollution are high, Hay’s garden brings balance, beauty and hidden solutions that aim to tackle issues of modern living.

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

Running water is used to dilute city noise, tactile and calming camomile is used instead of

lawn, while Hay’s interest in using moss to Continued on page 34

Step inside

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

33

CityTree

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telephone

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34 Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

www.kloeber.co.uk

The Old Dairy, Lawn Farm Business Centre, Grendon Underwood, Bicester, Buckinghamshire HP18 0QX

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VISITS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY to book call our Head Office on 01487 740044 Open Tuesday to Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 2pm Closed Sundays, Mondays and Bank Holidays

Step inside by Polly Gibbs

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Continued from page 33 tackle pollution has scientific as well design merit.

According to Japanese scientists the humble moss - the bain of our lawns - is in fact a key bioindicator, responding to pollution or drought by changing shape, density or disappearing.

It packs a powerful anti-pollution punch too by absorbing more •Expert Advice nutrients than a forest of trees, inspiring ‘CityTree’ a bio-tech filter •Professional Fitting

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Zhengliang Wu, co-founder of Green City Solutions, told CNN last year. “We dream of creating a climate infrastructure so we can regulate what kind of air and also what kind of temperature we have in a city.”

This revelation is bound to prompt a trend towards moss as a feature in our homes and gardens.

One easy way is to use Reindeer moss to add charm to centrepieces and terrarium displays (£9 Westelm).

Charles Huntington Flooring

•Expert Advice An indoor vertical herb garden is another way to bring outdoors •ProfessionaltheFitting in, (see image on overleaf) providing •Very so much moreCompetitive to an interior design Residential andherbs than thefor convenience of fresh on handCommercial for cooking. work This simple decorative element •Carpets to suit all adds height, texture, scent and visual Budgets impact indoors, lit by Hay in warm •Free Quotes light that enhances the outdoor colour•No paletteObligation - genius.

There are many vertical kits •Free Parking available to recreate this planting in Continued on page 37

Charles Huntington Flooring

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comforts Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

35

Step inside by Polly Gibbs

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

: LG Vertical Herb Garden

Empire Shade in Yellicat by Pooky

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 01844 261768 www.stoneworldkitchens.co.uk 36 Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Continued from page 35

Step inside by Polly Gibbs

trollus and aquilegia, with orange geums and coppery verbascums your home (try Vertical Garden Pros are complemented by spires of icy for advice and information). white lupins, digtalis and peonies that contrast with the structured box However, beyond it’s eco and hedge, giving symmetry and order. design charm, it is Hay’s use of The palette is repeated with colour that really gives this garden scatter cushions on the seating impact (Main picture, page 36) that act as a visual note to pull the as pops of sunny yellow bring scheme together. Replicate this balance as well as joy. Notice indoors with accent colours using how the meadow-style planting is rugs, cushions, a Pooky lampshade or two, or a feature chair like this contained to four corners of the sunken seating area. Yellow lupins, leather Angel Cerda by Incanto.

Then you reach design nirvana as the eye dances both inside and out.

For more inspiration see the Curious Coco Pinterest colour board and follow me on social.

Source List haydesigns.co.uk rhs.org.uk lge.com greencitysolutions.de verticalgardenpros.com westelm.co.uk

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

incanto.es pooky.com pinterest.co.uk/curious_coco 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@curious-coco.com Website: www.curious-coco.com Insta, Twitter, FB: @TheCuriousCoco

Angel Cerda by Incanto Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

37

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 38 Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

www.hightownhomes.com www.hightownhomes.com

ARTICULARLY PHONE NUMBERS AND OUR EMAIL ADDRESS l Column: Nick Andrews ‘Education Matters’

web. www.chiltern

We are all storytellers

Nick Andrews

tel. 0771281 LEASEhereCHECK THIS PROOF CAREFULLY, will be many in triples.

This brings colour and Climax occasions when your child power to the writing. The young tel. 075000482 Education Story ARTICULARLY PHONE NUMBERS asks for help with their person willAND often want to charge Mountain Matters writing. It is important to ahead with the story plot and will Rising Action Falling Action startEMAIL from where they are,ADDRESS not from need encouragement to add detail. web. www.chiltern OUR touch and hearing too. This can also a standard you hope and expect For example, “The boy crossed

T

When the problem reaches a high point!

them to be at.

If the task is to write a story, it may be useful to follow the Story Mountain approach. This helps structure the child’s thinking and the invention of a coherent tale that makes sense. Storytelling and writing is an important part of school which teaches and reinforces core life skills.

First the characters need background - to be placed in time and location. Try and encourage your young story teller to do that implicitly; for example, “He got out of the atomic particle transporter and was in sunny Australia in the usual 2 second commute” places us clearly in the future and in summer.

Equally, “He shut the door against the biting wind and heard the clipSS on the clop of the horses LEhooves WIREfade FREEstones cobbled places ITCinHaway”, us in the and the winter.

L SW R WALpast

Includes events leading up to main issue or conflict

Background

Introduction of characters and settings

the characters work to solve their problem or conflict

Resolution

How things end up

The rising action is ‘plot’ – what happens to the characters as they work themselves towards a crisis, a problem, a dilemma. The tension is created naturally because we don’t know what will be decided and what will happen. The characters make their decision and then events flow from that decision and the resolution is reached. It is usual to end the story with a lesson learned or a moral.

You could introduce your child to this approach and then together notice that this process is revealed in most films and TV dramas.

With narrative writing the sentences should be full of adjectives and adverbs – often

the road” is good-enough English but compare it to “The touslehaired, dirty faced and clumsy boy staggered slowly across the dangerous and slippery road” and you can read what I mean. Say to your child, “Let’s paint a picture with words – so that I can see it with my eyes closed when you read it to me”.

The other key skill is to use all of our six senses.

I will leave the reader to reflect on their five senses but add the ‘sixth sense’ to the writing. The mysterious and intuitive sense we have of people and situations is incredibly useful in writing, “She knew, she just knew that something dreadful had happened in this room.”

Children can be visual in their descriptions and you will help them if you can bring in taste, smell,

lead young writers into figurative writing (… she tasted fear for the first time) which enhances their writing.

The younger writer is best started with similes; something is ‘like’ or ‘as’ something else. ‘He ran like a cheetah’ or ‘She fought like a lioness to defend her cubs’.

When the stories are ready; they should be heard aloud with some ceremony. It is in the hearing of them that the writer can check their work and then revise it.

Helping young storytellers develop makes you part of a very noble tradition, that now includes Michael MacIntyre!

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ors.

l Nick Andrews is a retired head teacher who now runs an education consultancy called Education Matters.

He can be contacted via: editor@ vale-life.co.uk

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Real Living by Charlotte Bolton

Fun fix ups for the kids Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Cheap and cheerful does it for the young ones...

T

Real Living

Charlotte Bolton

he long summer holidays are great for RE-DECORATING – but what if you don’t have the time or money to go the whole hog, yet still want a fresh new look with child appeal?

Have some fun with these simple but creative ideas that will transform kids’ rooms in a flash - without turning into a full refurb!

GO CAMPING INSIDE! Rig up a makeshift tepee by tying a few bamboo canes together at one end with string.

Cut a hole in the middle of an old bed sheet, and pop over the frame. Cut a flap for a door and put lots of cushions and books inside.

Alternatively buy a Kids Teepee Play Tent (140 x 120 cm) for £38 from Hobbycraft.

SHOW OFF THEIR PICTURES Start a gallery wall – either on a spare expanse of wall or behind a door - by hanging plastic frames without the glass, so kids can easily swap in artwork and or photos/pictures.

A short string ‘washing line’ with a few wooden pegs to clip up cards and postcards works too. Picture Pockets Photo Display, £3.99, www.urbangifts.co.uk.

Kids Teepee Play Tent OVER THE RAINBOW! Instantly brighten up a young child’s room with rainbow-coloured shutters. Shutters make it easy to control light levels for nap times, plus if your little one suffers from asthma or allergies, shutters are easier to wipe clean of dust and fluff than curtains or blinds.

Rainbow Shutters, from £299 per m2, Shutterly Fabulous, www.shutterlyfabulous.com.

Picture pockets photo display 40 Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

CREATE A GREAT STUDY AREA Make sure young students have the right environment to take on homework or revision by creating plenty of storage at their desk.

Wallpaper or paint behind shelves and cubby

Rainbow shutters

Real Living by Charlotte Bolton holes to create a fun yet stimulating work space. www.furniturefactor. co.uk have a great range of desks/ storage facilities suitable for teenagers – try the Duplex White Computer Desk Workstation with Bookcase, starting from £119,

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

www.furniturefactor.co.uk.

JUNGLE FEVER - ROAR !!!

To create a rainforest backdrop (great for girls and boys bedrooms!) paint a wall in a base green colour, then draw a simple treeline one third

of the way down the wall.

Paint the wall below it in your next colour. Repeat twice more, moving the treeline lower and using a darker paint. Let each coat dry before applying the next.

Finish the ‘look’ and create a treehouse style bunk bed by topping with a leaf canopy, like Lova (pictured), £8, Ikea.

Teenage Study area

the Dark Stars, from £9.61 per pack, www.wall-art.com 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!

LIGHTING UP TIME Stick glow in the dark star and space stickers to the ceiling so that kids can’t wait for the lights to be turned off. Or spell out their name or just create a ‘beautiful’ night sky above their bed. Multi pack Glow in

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 Email: mark@markwilliamsonfurniture.com Website: www.markwilliamsonfurniture.com Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018 41

Finally there is a real alternative to timber windows.

A fully stocked showroom including Solidor

®

Omega Homestyle has over 25 years’ experience of designing and fitting premium doors, windows and conservatories We firmly believe that by keeping the entire process as stress free as possible, we are adding to your enjoyment of your new windows, doors and conservatories. For an individually tailored service and to find out exactly what we can do for you please contact us or come and visit our newly refurbished showroom.

Omega Homestyle, Woodway Farm Industrial Estate, Bicester Road, Long Crendon, Aylesbury, Bucks HP18 9EP Tel: 01844 201888, email: info@omegahomestyle.co.uk or visit:

www.omegahomestyle.co.uk

Lots to see! QuaLity products

42

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Free parking

l Column: Safe as houses with Nigel Grace

Get your hands dirty

W

hether considering an upgrade to the bathroom or a complete home build, most of us will ask ourselves the question ‘what work can we do ourselves?’

This is usually either to save money or for personal satisfaction.

But before you dive in and get heavily involved you need to give your decision plenty of thought.

Most of us have full time jobs and finding the time to work on your project could be challenging.

Weekends are only two days a week and your annual holiday, if you are lucky, might stretch to four or five weeks but this doesn’t add up to a great deal! I know people who have built large extensions by themselves, but it has taken a long, long time!

Most projects are ‘built’ by one party (a single builder or a company) acting as what we call the main contractor. They take responsibility for all aspects of the build, working to your designer’s

drawings. They organise all the materials, labour and specialist subcontractors to undertake the work. This total responsibility will make your life easier, but it comes at a price and you are paying it.

If you are not a skilled trades person or experienced in DIY, then the idea of getting involved can be daunting but there are ways you can be involved without getting dirty!!!!

Particularly on larger extension projects or self-build home projects it is not unusual for clients to act as the project manager and employ all the individual trades directly themselves and in some instances source all, or some of the materials. This is not as daunting as it seems, but it will involve a lot of communication and planning and you don’t have to be a construction expert as suppliers, merchants and subcontractors will help you. Taking on this approach will undoubtedly save you money but it is not without risks. If you order the wrong materials or fail to appoint a subcontractor in time,

then not only will your project be delayed but you will have to pay the extra costs to put it right. By taking a logical, planned approach though, you should be able to make it work. Also, it is very common for subcontractors to recommend another subcontractor – which helps enormously and is a more reliable method than relying on the internet to find trades.

From my own personal experience on the large projects we have done for ourselves we have appointed individual subcontractors ourselves and ordered the materials etc. I have been working in the industry for a long time and my wife is highly organised so between us we have the skills and knowledge to make this approach work, but it can be very hard work. When there is a problem it is down to you to sort it out, if materials don’t arrive, the electrician doesn’t show on the date promised, there is a query on the design then it is down to you to resolve the problem. I can still remember, leaving for work at

Nigel Grace

Safe as houses

6am, getting home at 7pm and then having to go to the site of our new house to move by hand over 15,000 roof tiles by hand which had been delivered to the site and offloaded in the wrong place, restricting access for the following days’ work!

If you fancy doing some of the work and feel comfortable then why not? It is common for painting and decorating, soft landscaping and sometimes wall tiling to be done by the homeowner. But try and weigh up the time you have available and the amount of work that you like to do as it is not good to keep looking at unfinished jobs around your house – and we have all been there!!!! l Nigel Grace MRICS is an experienced chartered quantity surveyor. If you need help or advice on your project contact him on: nigel@nigelgracelimited.co.uk

g w nin Ne Clea ice v tio er Pa S

Find us at Views Farm, Great Milton, OX44 7 NW

01844 279274 www.stoneworld.co.uk Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

43

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

l Column ‘In the Garden’ with Naomi MacKay

Surviving a heatwave If the predicted heatwave appears, Chelsea Gold-Medal winner Sarah Price has some top tips for plants that will look good all summer, says Naomi MacKay...

T

here have been hints at some hot summer weather – and if the predicted heatwave ever appears, gardeners would do well to consider the sort of plants to have in their plots this year, to cut down on watering.

Here, Sarah Price, designer of the 2018 M&G Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, shares her tips and drought tolerant-plant

Mediterranean plants took centre stage in the M&G Garden list. Drought-tolerant plants were key in her Monet-inspired, Mediterranean-themed garden.

Many of the plants she chose, such

as Euphorbia rigida and the yellow horned poppy, Glaucium flavum, flourish in harsh climatic conditions and in areas that receive very low

levels of rainfall.

“Such species are likely to play increasingly important roles in our gardens if climate change

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44 Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

l Column ‘In the Garden’ with Naomi MacKay

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Sarah Price at the M&G garden at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show leads to drier, warmer summers”, Sarah suggests. “These diverse Mediterranean landscapes, such as dry meadows or high-altitude

steppes, have an intriguing, raw beauty that is a far removed from quintessentially British manicured lawns and herbaceous borders. It’s

all about tuning into a different sensibility, so that we adjust the way we look at plants and how we garden.”

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Sarah Price’s top tips for surviving the drought: 1. Understand the Continued on page 46

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45

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

l Column ‘In the Garden’ with Naomi MacKay

Continued from page 45 characteristics of your soil: Soil conditions and microclimates will influence a plant’s drought resistance capability. For instance, clay soils and a milder climate will allow plants to survive for longer periods without rain than a site with sandier soils and greater sunshine exposure 2. Choose ground cover plants: Thymus, low-growing Achillea and Teucrium will hug the ground and shade it, reducing moisture lost to evaporation.

3. Mulch to reduce moisture lost to evaporation: this will give each plant the greatest chance of success 4. Acknowledge the value of pruning: an annual trim will enhance the natural mounding shape of Mediterranean sub-shrubs 5. Resist the use of chemical fertilisers; this will allow natural mycorrhizal symbiosis to take

Purple at Chelsea - Lupins appeared in many gardens

place; allowing fungi to colonize the root system of a host plant, providing increased water and nutrient absorption capabilities

6. Look to warmer climates for plant inspiration: Looking at the many different ways and conditions in which groundcover plants flourish

in harsh, water-deprived areas in the wild can provide inspiration for alternatives to lawns and resource Continued on page 48

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47

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

l Column ‘In the Garden’ with Naomi MacKay Asphodeline lutea (Yellow candles) Catananche caerulea (Cupid’s dart) Centranthus lecoqui (Mauve valerian) Cistus creticus (Cretan rockrose) Dianthus carthusianorum (German pink) Lotus hirsutus (Hairy canary clover) Salvia argentea (silver sage) The colour purple (and yellow) Purple often features at Chelsea, but this year Pantone named Ultra Violet as its colour of the year, so maybe it has been more prominent than usual. This year it is joined by yellow, rust and bronze – and that old cottage garden favourite lupins have made a real comeback. l Naomi Mackay is a freelance

Seedlip - Yellow and rust were also on trend at the 2018 show Continued from page 46 hungry herbaceous borders

demand less water to help them establish.

7. Plant in autumn to allow the water-seeking roots to establish before spring: Smaller plants

8. Water properly during the first year to avoid watering in ensuing years: Creating zones around

the garden allows plants with similar watering and maintenance requirements to thrive together Sarah’s top drought-tolerant plants from the M&G Garden:

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l Column: Sandra Smith ‘Our Creative Vale’

Squint like an artist L et’s begin with a word of warning: if you’re tempted to pigeonhole Mark Fennell – his portraits have, after all, and not for the first time, this year been selected for the Royal Society of Portrait Painters’ Annual Exhibition, plus he has Royal Birmingham Society of Artists exhibitions to his credit – then prepare for disappointment.

Don’t get me wrong.

This is no criticism of his painting. Quite the opposite given how Mark’s portraits render likeness in such depth that studying an image is the equivalent of being treated to a one-to-one conversation with the subject. Compelling, intense, artistically articulate? Yes, all of those things, and more.

But let’s get back to my point.

Which is, in addition to this amiable 56-year-old’s ability to transfer personality onto canvas, he also excels at landscapes.

Mark Fennell

“Painting from life is a good opportunity to practise,” Mark smiles.

“I give myself a two hour window for a plein air landscape. I’m inspired by the scenery all around.”

In fact he doesn’t need to venture far to appreciate the local countryside. Through the glass doors of his studio is a view of

nearby Brill windmill, a landmark he has captured on several occasions in different seasons.

Nevertheless, I sense portraits are his real calling card.

“It’s important to first talk to the subject. I try to spend 2-3 hours in my studio painting the subject, then take photographs.

Initially I put in a loose line sketch in charcoal then hit it with a light rag to leave a ghosted image. I work wet on wet in oil, over 2-3 days, leaving fine details until the end.”

Mark laughs when stressing the importance of squinting - the subsequent blurring and avoidance of intrusion of minutiae during the early stages of constructing an image reveals greater definition of tonal values.

Meanwhile a disparate career background has given him a head start in marketing and self promotion, as well as fostering presentation skills used during demonstrations.

“You have to talk and

Creative Vale

Sandra Smith concentrate while painting, with banter going on around you.

Because of the pressure when working in advertising, I can cope with that.”

And his ambitions? “I want to enter the BP Portrait Artist Award. If I can come up with an idea, I’d like to crack that one.”

A heady aspiration, yes, though I sense this next level of success is well within Mark Fennell’s grasp. www.markfennell.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

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49 53

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

l Column: Lucy Ellis

‘Animal Magic’

Things are heating up!

T

he summer hols are coming up fast, but don’t forget to think about keeping your pets happy and healthy, at home and away.

It’s lovely to take the dog out on a sunny day, but best not to let them run around outside between 11am and 4pm on hot days. Try to walk them first and last thing and plan shady routes on mud and grass, rather than concrete.

Always check the temperature of the pavement with your hand before you head out – if you can’t keep your palm on the surface for more than 5 seconds, then your dog’s pads will burn while walking on it.

If you do go out, take plenty of fresh water with you and consider getting your dog a cooling coat or cool mat to help keep his temperature down.

Keep dogs out of dried up streams, stagnant ponds and lakes - they can harbour nasty algae and bacteria leading to tummy upsets.

Back home try to keep animals

help lower her body temperature.

Frozen yoghurts or ice cream for dogs make a refreshing treat, or freeze some stuffed Kongs.

If you’re a raw feeder and are travelling with your dog, you can Bring your dog in store before pack his food straight from the you go away and we can advise on freezer into a cool box with ice a meal plan, based on the meats blocks to keep it chilled until you you can buy in most supermarkets. arrive at your destination.

If the idea of a DIY raw menu is If you don’t have a cool box, ask too much, come in store and we for a polystyrene box from Unique can advise on a range of wet, dry Pets. By keeping the food cool and semi-moist alternates for your while you travel, you can transport holiday. enough for a long weekend away or Whatever you do, don’t leave the first few days of a holiday. your dog in a car on a hot day; If you’re camping, many sites even with the windows open, the offer facilities to refreeze the ice concentrated heat from the sun packs to keep the box cool a little literally turns your vehicle into an Chilterns Grown in the the Chilterns longer. If you’re travellingGrown in the in oven in minutes. If your dog or cat A rich source of Vitamin E UK, you should be ableA to rich find asourcehas bits, don’t of pink Vitamin E forget to protect local independent pet store stocking them with some 10x Oil 10x more more Omega Omega 3 3 than than Olive Olive child’s Oil sunscreen. raw food, but if you’re going abroad And enjoy your summer holidays!

GM Free, Free, No No artificial artificial flavourings flavourings or or colourings colourings GM you might find something suitable Only Fat compared to in l Lucy Ellis a writer and Oil Only 6.5% 6.5% Saturated Saturated to is14% 14% in Olive Olive Oil in the supermarket – in France Fat theycompared blogger who with Jenna Tomlins have a selection of “viande pour runs Unique Pets (Aylesbury & animaux” (fresh meat suitable for Winslow), independent pet shops, animals). www.uniquepets.co.uk

Lucy Ellis

Animal Magic

inside during the hottest part of the day, preferably with the curtains closed and the windows ajar.

Windowsills can be lethal suntraps for cats, so draw a blind or prevent pets from sitting there for too long.

Ensure any hutches or runs for small mammals have shaded areas at all times of the day, provide access to fresh water and consider a cool mat to offer some respite.

Your dog may go off food during the hot weather or when you travel, so make sure she drinks enough water and eats little and often. If you feed your dog raw food, you can also put it out slightly frozen to

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Summer Fun at Green Dragon New Wildlife Zone Opens!

T

he Animal Encounters Programme for this Summer will be all the more exciting with the opening of the new Wildlife Zone. There will also be competitions and quiz trails, farm and nature trails, indoor and outdoor play, and farm to fork menus in the cafés.

The Wildlife Zone will be welcoming summer holiday visitors from August 1st 2018, after a busy four months of preparations that included creating the huge enclosures, animal shelters and the central indoor display.

The animal encounters programme will include the new wildlife, allowing visitors to get close to animals, such as the golden eagle, reindeer, fox, ravens, red squirrels, barn and tawny owls. This is an exciting

Sheep shearing

Farm to fork

addition to an already popular visitor destination in north Buckinghamshire.

Exclusive Animal Encounters As well as the Farmer for a Day experience, always popular during the school holidays, there will be Ranger for a Day experiences with the opening of the Wildlife Zone. Tailor-made to suit visitors of seven years and above, these private sessions enable visitors to enjoy a unique hands-on learning experience that’s such fun as well.

B

y the half-term holiday, the weather will be warm enough for the Green Dragon babies to leave the Animal Barn, where they were born, and venture outside.

In its two cafés, Green Dragon serves freshly prepared, seasonal food that is sourced locally and home-reared or

home-grown wherever possible. All their meat goes to supply their menus and is very popular with visitors who can learn more about its production by following the Farm to Fork Trail.

Depending on the time of year, there is Dexter beef, lamb and pork from the rare breeds, and fruit and

veg from the garden and orchards. The free-range chickens produce the eggs.

There are menus for adults and children in both cafés, including vegetarian and glutenfree options.

The Barn Café, in the soft play, is open all year round and, during the school summer holidays, the Eco Centre café will be open, serving breakfast and pizzas that are woodfired outside by the pond.

They are really popular as they are freshly made and great value for money with a variety of delicious toppings to choose from.

l For more details about the summer holiday activities, the new Wildlife Zone, private animal encounters and farm to fork menus, ring 01296 670444 or email info@greendragonecofarm.co.uk The Green Dragon Eco Farm, Play Centre & Eaterie, Claydon Road, Hogshaw, Bucks, MK18 3LA www.greendragonecofarm.co.uk Open daily 10am-5.30pm

l Column: Heather Jan Brunt ‘This farming life’

Family farm up for sale

T

he farm where we live has been my husband Geoff’s home and workplace for his entire life. His family, on both sides, have been farmers or butchers or both for as far back as anyone can remember.

So making the decision to retire and sell the farm has been a big one. The current average age of farmers in this country is late 50s.

It’s back breaking work, extremely physically demanding, calls on your time 24/7 and is not particularly rewarding financially. It’s the sort of job that you have to love unreservedly in order to be able to do it. There has never been any doubt of my husband’s love for it.

So any sacrifice was considered worthwhile.

But, although he is physically much fitter than many men his age, Geoff has found the work is becoming more difficult. As a family we have discussed various options for the farm but in the end the most sensible one is to sell up.

Selling a farm is a much longer process than selling a house,

Geoff Brunt with Stephen Rutledge

because it is a business as well as a home, and there are livestock and crops involved.

We first approached chartered surveyors and rural property consultants Fisher German in Thame several years ago for an initial discussion about how to handle a future sale, and these discussions were reopened with partner Stephen Rutledge before Christmas.

Most farms change hands at the end of the farming year on Michaelmas, 29th September. This gives the outgoing farmer time to harvest any growing crops and hand the land over clean and clear for the incoming farmer to plant his

own crops.

But the work involved in the sale starts many months before that.

A detailed plan of the farm had to be put together and professional aerial photographs taken, the sales brochure went through several drafts as details about the fields and buildings, easements, wayleaves and rights of way had to be checked.

After the sales board went up, viewings started and as I write this we face the imminent sale of our suckler herd, which has a bloodline going back more than 30 years to the original six cows that founded the herd. It will be an emotional day for all of us when the cows and calves leave the farm in a convoy of lorries to be taken to Thame Market for sale in mid June.

Prior to the sale of the herd we had to close our little farm shop which we have opened once a month for many years, selling our own Terrick Beef, Terrick Lamb and other local foodstuffs. It has been sad to say goodbye to our loyal customers, and their kind words and

This farming life Heather Jan Brunt

wishes have been very rewarding.

So, what will my husband do when he retires, with no cattle to feed and no fields to look after?

Mr Rutledge said: “I’ve noticed farmers rarely look back once they’ve done it. Some lead a conventional retirement; some retain a little bit of land for a smallholding to carry on farming in a much smaller way; and some of them find jobs that utilise the practical skills they have built up over the years - they can turn their hands to all sorts of things.”

Fisher German has an office on Thame’s High Street. Telephone 01844 212004, website: www.fishergerman.co.uk l Heather Jan Brunt is a journalist

and a farmer’s wife. You can follow her on Twitter @HJBjournalist Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

51

Turn it up! with Skanky Chaz Youthful focus for new fest

l Music Column:

Music columnist Skanky Chaz is a musician, songwriter, band manager, agent, sunworshipper and connoisseur of fine lager.

Would you trust this man?

Well it’ll do no harm to send him details of your local music activities: editor@vale-life.co.uk and don’t forget to add your gigs to our website what’s on diary for free at: www.vale-life.co.uk

Live Music JUNE 23rd The Long Riders: The Old Sugar Loaf, Dunstable Players: The Queen’s Head, Aylesbury SloMo Funk: Dukes, Aylesbury 24th Mudslide Morris & The Revelators: Dukes, Risborough 24th The Way Back: Hampden Arms, Gt Hampden 28th Jamnation, Dukes, Aylesbury Kent Duchaine: Dukes, Princes Risborough 29th Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury 30th Skasouls UK: Shootpool, Aylesbury Gig Night, Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury JULY 1st Players: The Angler’s Retreat, Long Marston (3pm) Free State Revolution, Cider & Sausage Festival, Wingrave (6pm) Sam Scarrott: Dukes, Princes Risborough 5th Jamnation, Dukes, Aylesbury Steve Winch & The Inception First Thursday Music Club, Thame 6th Unbroken Stix Chinnor Bike Dayz, Chinnor 7th The Kytes: Dukes, Princes Risborough Straight Eight: Chinnor Bike Dayz, Chinnor 8th Sandy Lenny: (12noon) Risborough Town Festival Roger Kiesa: Dukes, Princes Risborough 13th Folk in the Annexe: Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury 14th Tom Ridout No Excuses Band Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury 21st Sweet Billy Pilgrim: Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury

52

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

The Curves

T

ringFest 2018 is a new and exciting project showcasing some of the best talent from across Beds, Bucks, Herts and London. It takes place at The Court Theatre, Pendley, nr Tring, on Saturday 28th July when a whole day of music and excitement kicks off at 12noon and carries on through the afternoon and evening featuring bands and acoustic acts with musical styles from Pop through to Indie, Punk, Metal, Funk, Rap and Dance - there will be something for everyone - tickets are £10 (Adults), £5 (Students/Concessions).

www.facebook.com/events/382349718910163/ www.twitter.com/TringFest www.instagram.com/tringfest/

Alt fest tickets unleashed

A

ylesbury Alternative Music Society are a locally based rock collective dedicated to putting on original live music events.

They’ve been at it for more than two years now and are planning their biggest event to date: Unleash 2018 on August 3rd hoping it will become Aylesbury’s first regular alternative music festival.

“We want to focus on the variety within alternative music,” says organiser Matt, so for future events there may be punk, electronic, progressive and more, but for this one we’re going Heavy as we can and

Imminent Annihilation Melodic as we can.

UNLEASH 2018 will feature

6 bands: Imminent Annihilation (pictured), VNDTA UK, Greyhaven UK, CONFRONT THE CARNAGE and Second Rate Angels, performing from 7pm to 12am.

The gig will be followed by Aylesbury Alt Music Society’s own club night Invasion with Alt/rock DJs until 3am and takes place on Friday August 3rd at Pulse 51 (formerly Mangos) just off Market Square.

Tickets are now on sale at £8 for gig+afterparty! www.ticketsource.co.uk/date/512974 www.facebook.com/AYAltSoc

More busking for Bucks Mind!

B

uckinghamshire Mind’s live music event, Busk for Bucks Mind, is back on Friday 6th July 2018, from 5.30pm till late, at Dukes, Aylesbury.

The benefit gig aims to raise vital funds for Buckinghamshire Mind’s mental health services and raise awareness of mental health.

This year the headline band is the hugely popular El Bronson.

The event will also feature a host of incredible local musical talent, both acoustic and electric, including Nighjar, Harry Quinn, JP and Betty, Suzy B, Jim Marvin, The Recovered and Róisín Johnston, plus the event will kick off with Bucks Mind’s very own band, consisting of members of their therapeutic music group.

The host for this year’s gig is the

BBC’s Andy Holmes, who is a Time to Change Champion.

Tickets are £8 in advance (plus booking fee) or £10 on the door and are on sale now at: www. wegottickets.com/event/434085 Find out more at: www. facebook.com/buskforbucksmind www.bucksmind.org.uk www.time-to-change.org.uk

l Column: Showtime! with Shaun Nolan

Here we go again

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Mamma Mia! returns to Aylesbury Waterside theatre

Shaun Nolan

I

know I say this every year, but the Summer is a really quiet time for theatre, both in London and regionally.

Mainly, this is because most of the Arts world are busy spending their time up in Edinburgh for the annual festivals, mainly the Fringe. Funnily enough, I’ll be joining them this year, but not as a spectator: as a performer! I’m taking my very own one-man play called Paper Dolls to the Edinburgh Fringe this year – written by and starring me – and I couldn’t be more excited. Starting on August 4th, it’s sure to be a laugh. For more information, check me out on Twitter – my tag is at the end of the article.

Before that though, I’m really looking forward to getting my teeth stuck in to a lot of the great work that the Vale has to offer.

At the Waterside, we have back-

Showtime!

to-back brilliance: the alwaysinfectious Mamma Mia! arrives in town running June 26th to the 30th. I adore this feel-good show and I urge all of you to run down and see it for yourselves. A sequel to the movie arrives in cinemas three weeks later too, so you could always call it homework!

For the two weeks after that (July 3rd to July 14th), Jersey Boys is back in town, an announcement I’m sure that you’re all thrilled to hear.

I took my mum to see this and she loved it. It’s actually the only show we’ve ever seen together, so it holds a dear place in my heart.

At the Limelight Theatre,

Unbound Theatre are performing a revival of Old Times by Harold Pinter (6th & 7th July). As you may remember, I’m directing a show for them to be staged in September, so if you come along to Old Times, you might see me in the audience, too!

And at the Court Theatre, three brilliant things are on for you to see. The Tringe Comedy Festival returns from June 24th to July 14th for its ninth year running, so if you’re a fan of stand-up comedy, I highly recommend that. On July 28th, Tringfest makes its debut, an all-day music festival taking place at the theatre. My friend Jack’s band Ripley are headlining, so I

can assure you that it is packed full of great local talent. And finally, from July 31st to August 4th, the Tring Youth Theatre Project stage “An Animaltastic Double Delight”, a two-show bill of Disney’s The Aristocats and The Jungle Book live on stage. I started my stage journey doing this company’s annual show back in 2011 and seven years later, I’m taking a solo show to the Edinburgh Fringe. If that doesn’t urge you to go and see these youngsters, I don’t know what will! l Shaun Nolan is a freelance writer

and producer who, when he isn’t writing columns, is typically found writing his own fictional stories and scripts. You can find him at @ shaunycat on Twitter and if you want your show mentioned in this column, tweet him and let him know!

The Witchert Chorale

Musical Director: David Quinn

Points of the Compass with Wendlebury Winds

featuring music for the Shakuhachi

Join us on a journey with music by Dvorak, Elgar, Poulenc and Rutter

Saturday 30th June 7.30pm St AndrewÕs Church, Chinnor Tickets £10 (U16 free) from Pat Haywood 352007 or Ann Millar 215632 In aid of The United Parish of Chinnor www.witchert.org.uk

Follow us on

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

53

l Column: Nicola Lisle ‘Classical Lass’

Galas, Gardens and G&S

T

here’s a whole lot of country house opera coming up in the Vale area this month and next, so dust off those picnic hampers and pray that this glorious weather continues!

Garsington Opera (www. garsingtonopera.org) continues its season with further performances of Capriccio (until 28th June) and The Magic Flute (until 21st July), while Verdi’s Falstaff also kicks off this month (16th June-22nd July).

I’m particularly excited, though, about The Skating Rink (5th-16th July), Garsington’s first-ever world premiere. Written by composer David Sawer and librettist Rory Mullarkey, the opera is based on the novel of the same name by Chilean author Robert Bolaño and is a tale of passion, corruption and murder. The production features a real ice rink and professional figure skater, and I think it’s going to be absolutely stunning.

Winslow Hall Opera (www.

The Skating Rink at Garsington

winslowhallopera.co.uk), now in its seventh season, is staging Verdi’s Il Trovatore (22nd June1st July), while Opera della Luna (www.operadellaluna.org) will be bringing its new production of Leonard Bernstein’s Candide to Stowe on 15th July.

If you prefer your opera in bite-size chunks, you won’t want to miss the magnificent opera gala at St Mary’s Church, Aylesbury, on 23rd June, with Aylesbury Opera (www.aylesburyopera.org.uk) and Aylesbury Choral Society (www. aylesburychoral.org.uk). Soloists include Victoria Joyce (soprano), Adriana Festeu (mezzo), Jeff Stewart (tenor) and Mark Evans

(baritone), with pianist Colin Spinks and director Kelvin Lim. Expect lots of toe-tapping choruses, solos and ensembles.

Talking of toe-tapping tunes, Princes Risborough Choral Society (www. princesrisboroughchoralsociety.org) is staging perennial G&S favourite The Mikado at Longwick Village Hall on 27th-30th June, and there is a finger buffet included in the price of the ticket.

There’s more than just opera coming up, though. You’ll wish you could split yourself in three on 7th July as there are three irresistible choral concerts on that night.

Lord Williams Festival Chorus (www.lordwilliamsfestivalchorus. org.uk) is giving a Proms-style concert at Thame Leisure Centre with traditional favourites by Parry, Elgar, Walton and more. Tring Choral Society (www.tringchoral. org.uk) weighs in with a concert of Vivaldi, Haydn and Pergolesi at St Peter and St Paul Church, Tring,

Nicola Lisle

Classical Lass while over at Windmill Hill the National Youth Choir Fellowship Octet will be performing a cappella music by female composers to mark the centenary of women’s suffrage (www.waddesdon.org).

Finally, if film music is your thing, Aylesbury Symphony Orchestra (www.aylesburyorchestra.co.uk) will be playing excerpts from hits such as Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Jurassic Park and Gladiator on 24th June at Aylesbury Vale Academy. l Nicola Lisle is a freelance writer and author specialising in classical music, genealogy and social history.

Follow her on Twitter @NicolaLisle1 and send her a tweet if you would like your concert or show mentioned in this column.

Win tickets to Towersey!

T

he Towersey Festival is back this August Bank Holiday (24th-2th7 August 2018) with its biggest ever

line-up!

Headline acts include legendary guitarist Richard Thompson and his Electric Trio and the Sharon Shannon Band (Fri); enduring hitmakers The Proclaimers and Big Country, who’ll be playing acoustic (Sat); Mercury Prize winning singer/songwriter Beth It’s not just Friends, about music Orton and Fisherman’s whose rise to stardom is the subject

The Proclaimers 54 Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Festival Dance Tent of a forthcoming movie (Sun); and BBC Radio 2 favourites The Shires (Mon), the UK’s biggest country act.

With over 100 bands across nine stages, joining them will be Wildwood Kin, Martyn Joseph, Bellowhead’s John Spiers and Steeleye Span’s Peter Knight, supergroup Daphne’s Flight, BBC Radio 2 Folk Award 2018 winners Imar, the much lauded Brighouse and Rastrick brass band, and much more.

There’s also three dedicated venues for the amazing All About Children family programme, with

a range of activities, shows and discovery sessions for the younger Towersey-goer, plus the very best in street theatre performers, films, comedy, storytelling, a well-stocked real ale and cider bar, gin bar, DJs, fire walking, stalls, and a huge range of workshops, ranging from dance classes and songwriting, to knitting and Zumba.

Taking place at Thame Showground, Thame, tickets are available now from £40 per day, with discounts on Weekend tickets for local residents.

For more information, including the full stage-busting line-up, see:

Sharon Shannon www.towerseyfestival.com To mark the 53rd Towersey, we have a pair of adult Weekend tickets (including camping) to give away to one lucky reader.

If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning these, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Who originally recorded the hit track I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)?

Winner to be drawn at random and notified by email by July 20th. l Tickets: www.towerseyfestival.com or call: 01629 827016

c d i o o F s u M Come Arts

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

dy

Henley Festival, the UK’s most glamorous boutique festival, and winner of Headline Performance of the Year at the 2016 Festival awards returns to its stunning setting along the river bank at Henley-on-Thames, from 11th-15th July 2018, and tickets are selling fast...

Rita Ora

H

Grace Jones

enley Festival is our favourite event of the summer. The UK’s only black-tie boutique festival,The five day event is glamour personified, offering Michelin-starred food, award-winning comedians, Turner Prize nominated artists and the biggest names in popular, world, jazz and classical music.

Many festival goers arrive by boat, and the green lawns of the festival river bank are transformed into a Great Gatsby vision, as black tie clad revellers spill across the festival site, champagne in hand, while fireworks explode overhead!

Enjoy fabulous things to eat in sumptuous marquees on the banks of the River Thames, international stars in concert on a floating stage, street theatre, performing arts and all manner of musical entertainment. Your only problem is what to watch next!

So dig out your DJ or cocktail dress and prepare for a stellar cast which this year includes headliners: Rita Ora (Wed 11th), Grace Jones (Thur 12th), Nile Rogers & Chic (Fri 13th), Curtis Stigers & Rob Brydon (Sat 14th), plus virtuoso violinist Min Kim with Henley Symphony Orchestra (Sat 14th - lunchtime concert) and on Sunday 15th English National Opera with the award winning young welsh Soloist Natalya Romaniw full orchestra and chorus, under the baton of ENO Music Director Martyn Brabbins.

Established 36 years ago as a classical music charity event, Henley Festival continues to

Nile Rogers & Chic be run on a not for profit basis supporting charitable projects at both a national and local level. This year proceeds from the festival will go to two charities, the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust and the Teenage Wilderness Trust.

The 2018 comedy line-up is bigger and funnier than ever, with the likes of Paul Merton, Lee Nelson, Lucy Porter, Mark Watson and Dominic Holland among the biggest names of the 25 comedians performing plus a very special evening of unscripted, spontaneous comedy from Dead Ringers’ impressionist Jon Culshaw and legendary comedy producer Bill Dare in their sell-out show The Great British Take Off and some jaw-achingly funny cabaret from Tina C and Vellma Celli.

Henley Festival’s Jazz Club in the stunning Spiegel Tent offers dining and live jazz before and after the main headline act. Ray Gelato and the Giants opens on Wednesday night, followed by Pop Noir songstress Purdy on Thursday, while on Friday night it’s highenergy Soul/R’n’B from The Staks Band.

Saturday night King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys do the honours and on Sunday Miss Kiddy and the Cads, will provide swinging beats to transport you straight back to 1945 for a high octane close.

This year, working with BBC Music Introducing, Henley will also showcase

Curtis Stigers

Min Kym

a variety of up and coming acts local to Berkshire including: Pearl, TN, a British country band; Lorne a singer, songwriter and pianist with a sound that is a cross between Bon Iver, Brandon Flowers and Damien Rice; Alex Green, previously front man of the Attention Thieves, mixing folk, country, blues and rock; Cecil an indie pop artist somewhere between Lana Del Rey and Kate Bush; and WolfNote, a new acoustic folk and roots quartet.

There’s World Music from Senegalese band the Coute Diomboulou Band, a Spanish Afro-Cuban mix from Son Yambu; rockin’ surfin’ guitar music from the Bikini Beach Band, Brazilian Flamenco from Trovador plus rootsy Bluegrass sounds from The Coal Porters, and Folk courtesy of Megan Henwood, Maz O’ Connor, Solasta and Le Bistrotet.

All this plus an amazing food selection, art, plenty of bars, weird and wonderful street performers and an amazing firework display to end each evening.

It’s going to be another amazing festival, so don’t delay, get your tickets today, as some evenings have already nearly sold out! l Henley Festival, Henley Bridge, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2LY Tickets from £35/£55 to £130 T: 01491 843404 E: info@henley-festival.co.uk W: www.henley-festival.co.uk Facebook: /HenleyFestival Twitter: @henleyfestival Car park opens: 4pm / Festival gates at 6pm Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018 55

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Franki Valli and his Four Seasons may have come from the wrong side of the tracks but they are on the right side of the Vale now as their hit musical story ‘Jersey Boys’ is due for a two week run at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre. It’s one of several hot shows your eyes (and ears) can adore this summer…

J

ersey Boys remains a red-hot ticket and you can get your hands on some for when the popular musical arrives in Aylesbury at the Waterside Theatre for two weeks from Tuesday 3rd to Sat 14th July!

But what is the secret of the show’s success and how has this story of love and laughter led to a whole new appreciation for a one time barbershop quartet from New Jersey - The Four Seasons.

Pulling in one of the broadest audiences in musical theatre history, Jersey Boys has won almost as many awards as The Four Seasons had hit records. Well, perhaps not that many!

After all, while the show features over thirty ‘Seasons’ chart-toppers, between 1962 and 1978 Frankie and the boys sold in excess of 100 million records. But if your expectation of the show is a night of nostalgia presented in juke box format, think again. Jersey Boys hasn’t thrilled over 25 million people worldwide by simply taking a trip down a musical memory lane.

“It’s a true, gritty and gutsy story,” says Lewis Griffiths, who plays Nick Massi, with relish. “The Seasons were idolised, but they were blue collar guys who worked their way up the ladder. It works because it’s a story

Lewis Griffiths, Michael Watson, Declan Egan & Simon Bailey in JERSEY BOYS from 3rd to 14th July. Pic Brinkhoff & M+Âgenburg of hope; if it can work out for the Seasons then why not for me?” he finishes, stressing

Declan Egan, Michael Watson, Simon Bailey & Lewis Griffiths in JERSEY BOYS from 3rd to 14th July. Pic Brinkhoff & M+Âgenburg

56 Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

that not only is this a true story, but also a fascinating slice of social and musical history.

Australian actor Declan Egan (Bob Gaudio in the show) is always amazed by the show’s reception: “Standing ovations are standard.

It is overwhelming, but twelve years on this show is still affecting people. It’s so cool! I first played this role at nineteen and I’m now twenty-six. I keep coming back and that is testimony to how great it is. I am so very proud to have been a Jersey Boy for seven years. To be part of such a legacy – I still have to say pinch me!”

As for Michael Watson who plays Frankie Valli (and who returns to the role after several stints in the West End), there is another reason that Jersey Boys is so special to him.

Well, two, in fact. “My partner played Lorraine in the show in the West End and that’s where we met and we have just had a beautiful baby

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Awful Auntie: Wednesday 18th to Sunday 22nd July

girl,” he says, with a smile to rival the brightest spotlight.

But if his beautiful little daughter is his baby girl, Jersey Boys will always be his musical baby. “It’s everyone’s show, but it will always be one of the biggest parts of my life.

The crowds are so joyful because it speaks to everyone. It’s a play, a concert, a history and a party. You connect with it on so many different levels.”

As for Lewis, touring life has proven very fortuitous. On a previous tour he was interviewed on stage in Newcastle by a young lady for local television. “She’s now my fiancée,” he says proudly, agreeing that theirs is a story that has all the hallmarks of a romantic movie blockbuster.

When it comes to the songs, as well as being prolific, The Four Seasons had an unmistakable and utterly unique sound. Do the boys have any favourites?

“At the moment my favourite is Cry for Me,” says Simon Bailey who plays Tommy DeVito. “It’s the first time The Seasons all sing together and it’s a great song. But they are all such great songs”.

Lewis says: “There’s a line in the show where I say, ‘Even after I quit the group it still had some kind of pull over me.’ Well, you can leave Jersey Boys, but whether you’re in the cast or in the audience, it will always have that pull over you.”

For a full programme of events pick up a

Cirque Berserk Aerialist Odka from Mongolia: Monday 23rd to Wednesday 25th July.

Picture - Piet Hein

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

Monday 23rd to Wednesday 25th July What’s On or visit atgtickets.com/aylesbury.

Call 0844 871 7607 (bkg fee. Calls cost up to7p per min plus your phone company’s access charge) and snap up this summer’s hottest tickets! l Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1UG Telephone Booking: 0844 871 7607 Website: www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury

Milkshake Live! Saturday 28th July

Mamma Mia!

Tue 26th to Sat 30th June Jersey Boys Tue 3rd to Sat 14th July Awful Auntie Wed 18th to Sun 22nd July Cirque Berserk Mon 23rd to Wed 25th July Some Guys Have Thu 26th All The Luck July The Magic of Motown Fri 27th July Milkshake Live!

Sat 28th July Whistle Down Thu 16th the Wind to Sat (Stage Experience) 18th Aug The Story of Wed 22nd Guitar Heroes Aug

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

57

l Column: Nick Coffer ‘In the kitchen’

Korean Popcorn Chicken

P

ut simply, this recipe is one of the tastiest things I have enjoyed on the Weekend Kitchen.

It should carry a health warning as it is insanely moreish. Once you take one bitesized piece of deliciousness, you really just cannot stop. The recipe was created

by Kumud Ghandi, who runs the excellent Cooking Academy

cookery school in Rickmansworth.

Her story is an interesting one - her family have always been in the spice trade, and her dishes always burst with flavour.

I have also made a vegetarian version of these at home, using a vegetarian ‘chicken’ replacement..

Ingredients for the chicken: 500g chicken thigh (skinless and boneless) cut into bite-sized pieces 50g cashew nuts 1 tbsp rice wine 2 tsp ginger powder 1⁄2 tsp fine sea salt 1⁄4 tsp ground black pepper 190g corn starch Oil for frying

1⁄2 tsp chopped garlic

For the sauce: 5 tbsp tomato sauce/ketchup 1 1⁄2 tbsp Korean chilli paste (or any chilli paste) 2 tbsp honey 2 tbsp dark brown sugar 1 tbsp soy sauce 2 tsp sesame oil

For the garnish: Sesame seeds Finely chopped spring onion Finely sliced red chilli (optional) Place the chicken pieces into a large mixing bowl. Add the rice wine, ginger powder, salt, and ground black pepper and mix them well. Cover the bowl with cling film and marinate the chicken for 30 minutes in the fridge.

Coat each chicken piece with the corn starch powder thoroughly. It’s best doing this in 4 to 5 batches so that they are well covered with the starch powder.

In the kitchen Nick Coffer

Pour some cooking oil into a deep wok and bring it to a temperature of around 175C. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden and cooked through (this will be around 2-3 minutes).

Take them out and set aside onto kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil. Repeat this with the remaining chicken.

Don’t put too much chicken in at once as it can lower the oil temperature too much.

To make the chicken pieces extra crunchy, fry them all twice.

This is actually worth the effort!

Set aside.

Pour all the ingredients for the sauce into a heated pan, boil on

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 58 Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

a medium heat until the sauce thickens a little bit (approximately 1-2 minutes), stirring constantly.

Add the cashew nuts and fried chicken and coat with the sauce quickly.

Serve by garnishing with spring onion and sesame seeds and the optional red chilli.

Eat your portion before anyone else makes it into the kitchen… 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.

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

The sweet and sour pairing of coconut and tamarind makes a great name for an Indian restaurant but it’s the perfect combination of striking decor, delicious food and friendly, efficient service that makes Coco Tamarind Indian Restaurant one of our area’s most popular spots for discerning diners...

C

oco Tamarind Fine Indian Dining informative and helpful.

Restaurant and Takeaway opened “We have a charcoal tandoori clay oven in 2005 in the former Black for creating authentic tandoori dishes and we Horse pub at Askett near Princes make all our own marinades and spice mixes Risborough. It has long enjoyed an enviable from scratch. Our ingredients are sourced for reputation for great food and service, which quality and freshness, locally where possible current owners, Kazi Hasan Rony and wife and as everything is made freshly we can cater Faria, have built on since they took over the for special dietary requirements and allergies, restaurant two years ago. although we would request A stylish refurbishment plus advance notice of these whenever an obsession with both top possible.” quality customer service and The decor is stylish and exceptional food have meant contemporary, cleverly combining Coco Tamarind’s popularity has traditional Indian elements with continued to grow. Customers clean modern lines and some very will travel surprising distances effective lighting. There’s a distinct to enjoy the relaxed ambience ‘wow factor’ in the jazzy carpet and superb cuisine and regulars and fascinating bubble screen Kazi Hasan Rony have learnt that it’s wise to book and the coloured lighting which ahead, even if dining early in the gently ebbs and flows through a week. Especially popular are the occasional variety of atmospheric shades. The Indian music nights which generally sell out well globe ceiling lights are a fabulous feature, in advance (Next one Adele tribute on 18th casting their interesting patterns while fresh September). flowers, modern art and traditional ornaments Rony is originally from Bangladesh and has add a final flourish. A recent addition is the been a popular presence on the local Indian ‘bookcase’ wallpaper and ‘exposed brick’ restaurant scene for many years. A charming chimney breast, a cosy nod to the buildings host he is always ready with warm welcome previous role as a country pub. and makes running the busy restaurant with its “We’ve tried to make it comfortable and team of more than 15 staff seem effortless. stylish,” says Rony. “We don’t have tables too “Our main focus is on quality,” says close together, so our customers have a little Rony. “The food here is freshly prepared privacy. We have comfortable and supportive each day. We are fortunate to have two chairs and a relaxing bar area where customers highly skilled and experienced chefs whose can enjoy a pre-dinner drink and nbbles or cooking is exceptional. They are supported wait for their takeaway.” by a full kitchen team and ten front of house Outside there is a pleasant decking area with staff ensuring service is attentive, friendly, seating for up to 16 which is popular in the

warmer weather.

The food is exceptional; beautifully presented and quite unique as in addition to the traditional Northern Indian and Bangladeshi dishes there are many original recipes developed by the Coco Tamarind chefs.

The Tandoori Specialities are marinated in delicately spiced yogurt for 24 hours to tenderise the chicken, lamb or prawns and produce a tantalising flavour and are then served with green salad and sauce.

Then there are the House Specialities, such as Xacuti Chicken or Lamb - a full flavoured spicy curry made with roasted star anise, coconut, cinnamon, jovantry and fenugreek seeds for a stunning flavour, or Sikondari Raan - lamb shank slowly cooked with onions, green pepper, tomatoes, potato, minced meat in a thick spicy sauce and Seafood Specialities such as Sharshoo ka Sea Bass - fresh sea bass cooked with spinach and mustard, or Mango King Prawn - mildly spiced king prawns tikka with mango, coconut, almond and fresh cream. All taste fresh and are bursting with flavour while looking fabulous and the Naan bread is perfectly fluffy and light with lovely crispy crusty bits, just how I like it! Judging by customer comments on their website, Facebook and Trip Advisor I’m not the only one who thinks so either. l Coco Tamarind, Aylesbury Road, Askett, Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 9LY Email: cocotamarindhp27@gmail.com Tel: 01844 343111 / 01844 346100 Web: www.cocotamarindhp27.co.uk Open 7 days: 12-2pm & 5.30-11pm

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

59

4 POUND STREET / WENDOVER / HP22 6EJ Search for us on:

NOW OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK THOUGHTOUT THE SUMMER*

Enjoy 16oz Sirloin Steak, 4 giant Argentinian prawns with all the trimmings. £22.95pp

Sur f And Tur f: 12t h June, 10t h July, 14t h August & 11t h Septem ber.

WHATS MY WINE? – WEDNESDAY JULY 11

Join us for a fun evening wine quiz with a tapas banquet. Tickets £29.95pp.

SPANISH MARKET – SATURDAY JULY 14

Join us on Pound Street, to taste some authentic Spanish produce.

VILARNAU CAVA TASTING – WEDNESDAY AUGUST 21

An exclusive tasting of Vilarnau Cava's with the winemaker Eva Plazas Torne. Tickets £45pp.

PAELLA FIESTA – SUNDAY AUGUST 26

Come and see how to cook a paella in the worlds biggest Paella pan (Well in Wendover!)

Tickets £22.50 Adult / £8.50Children.

NOCHE DE MARISCOS – TUESDAY JULY 3

Join us for our 1st Seafood Night. Enjoy a platter of fresh seafood to share between 2 people. Tickets £20pp.

2 For 1

Co ck ta il s Thursday & Fri day 3-6pm!

BOOK ONLINE OR CALL 01296 622 092

www.trescorazones.co.uk *CLOSED: MONDAYS

60 Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Tapas bar and restaurant Tres Corazones will be celebrating its third birthday come September.

A popular and flexible addition to Wendover’s eating and drinking options, it’s a great place to watch the world go by al fresco, lunch, brunch or bring friends and family for a bit of a party...

T

res Corazones is Spanish for ‘Three Hearts’ and refers to owner Katrina Turnbull and her two daughters Katie and Lena. The girls have recently reunited following spells travelling and at university and offer a friendly welcome and efficient service at their family restaurant and bar at the top end of Wendover High Street.

“We’ve been made to feel so welcome here in Wendover, the people are really lovely,” says Katrina, who moved with her daughters from Darlington to open the restaurant. “We started from scratch and now have a great customer base with lots of regulars - some who come in every week!”

Tapas - ‘small plates’ filled with tasty savoury snacks - are a way of life in Spain and a particularly delicious accompaniment for wine, beer or chilled dry sherry. They work equally well here and are great for sharing, especially as Tres Corazones has a team of excellent Spanish chefs in the kitchen who create really authentic Spanish cuisine with the occasional modern twist.

“Tapas is a fun, relaxed way to eat at any time of day,” says Katrina. “It’s great for a snack or a meal. You can have as much or as little as you like. You can just come in for a drink but if you then feel like some cheese, olives or something more substantial as well, that’s fine! Sit in the bar, or sit at a table, we don’t mind! Our cocktails have become really popular - I think we are famous locally for our Porn Star Martinis, they have been described as ‘epic’ on TripAdvisor and we have a 2-4-1 Cocktail Happy Hour on Thursdays and Fridays from 3-6pm.

“To celebrate our third birthday we are

Lena, Katrina and Katie

currently serving Champagne by the glass at the price it was when we opened 3 years ago.”

The menu at Tres Corazones, is constantly changing with contemporary dishes such as the Japanese influenced Tataki de Atún (seared tuna, wasabi) alongside traditional favourites such as: ‘Patatas Bravas’ (spicy tomato potatoes), ‘Croquetas’ (various flavours such as Serrano ham mixed with bechamel), ‘Tortilla Espanola’ (Potato and Onion Omelette) and ‘Calamares Fritos’ (fried squid with garlic mayo). There’s ‘Pintxos de Cordero (marinated lamb skewers with mint yoghurt) or Solomillo (pork loin with caramelised onion, apple puree), Spanish meatballs (Albondigas), cold meats, hams and cheeses, squid and prawns, organic bread from The Rex Bakery served with Arbequina olive oils and daily specials... quite a range and all very tasty, plus options to suit vegetarian, vegan, gluten and dairy free dietary requirements.

For those with a sweet tooth there are also gorgeous desserts and of course the rather addictive churros and hot chocolate dip, which is equally good at brunchtime or dinner!

“We’re now open six days a week,” says Katrina, “we only close on Mondays. Tuesdays have become popular for our once monthly Surf and Turf evenings (steak and prawns for £22.95 per head). We’re open all day, from 11am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and there’s a 2 tapas for £8.75 / 3 tapas for £12.95 Menu Del Dia available Wednesday to Saturday from 11:30am to 2:30pm.”

When she took on the premises Katrina organised an extensive renovation and redecoration, keeping features such as the lovely old tiled floor, oak pillars and exposed brickwork but upgrading with a smart new bar area, stylish lighting and subtle colours which set off the chunky wooden bar for the perfect combination of rustic charm meets urban chic.

It’s smart but casual and the sound system adds a subtle but cool combination of jazzy Latin grooves and funky Cuban rhythms to add to the holiday atmosphere!

The later addition of the fabulous bi-fold doors to the front mean that in warmer weather tables spill out onto the pavement and you can drink or dine al fresco, giving the whole place a truly Mediterranean feel - they are very popular though, so book ahead!

It’s a great place for a quick drink, a snack, a romantic meal or a party not to mention brunch! Regular events such as tasting and quiz nights all add to the fun and if you’d like to create your own tapas at home there is a delightful range of authentic Spanish products on the retail display to take away. l Tres Corazones, 4 Pound Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6EJ Tel: 01296 622092 Email: katrina@trescorazones.co.uk Web: www.trescorazones.co.uk Open: Tue 5-11pm, Wed 11am-2.30pm & 5.3011pm, Thur-Sat: 11am-11pm, Sun: 11am-4pm Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

l Column:

‘Kiss & tell’ with Tracy Kiss

Healthy menu at gym café

F

resh, delicious feelgood food is the perfect accompaniment to an energetic gym session and something I’m very enthusiastic about, as quality nutrition works hand in hand with exercise in order to achieve the body of your dreams.

I’ve been a member of Aylesbury’s biggest gym GymFit4Less, since the day it opened on Britannia Walk in Aylesbury town centre, just off the High Street beside Wilkinson’s.

It offers 24/7 access to members and a huge range of facilities over several floors, from an MMA cage and three gym areas, to saunas, barbers, sunbeds, beauty rooms, over 65 fitness classes a week, ladies only gym area, 4 studios, plus cross fit, boxing, spinning, stretching and powerlifting areas. It has also recently launched a brand new healthy eating café and meal prep service too. My oh my they’ve been busy!

Kareem, Tracy and Cameron at Lean 6 Café

Members and non-members alike can now dine from Lean 6 Café’s fresh and vibrant eat in or takeaway service which offers healthy protein-rich nutrition-based meals.

Lean 6 Café is a family run business where grandfather Ali, son Kareem and grandson Cameron share their passion and ethos for quality food.

Kareem decided to start eating more healthily three years ago and the café was born from his passion.

It is open six days a week catering for gym goers, shoppers and little ones too.

The breakfast menu ticks all the fitness friendly boxes with a choice of scrambled egg, low fat cheese or avocado bagels, protein oats, yogurt, fruit and nuts or an all day breakfast to tempt those with bigger appetites.

A selection of chicken breast, steak or ham and salad wraps, ciabattas and panini’s go down a treat at lunch time along with soups and slaws and their grilled chicken burgers, tuna steaks, pasta, rice and potatoes are the ideal way to end an active day.

What’s really got me buzzing is their vegan menu - something that’s rising in popularity across the world, as 2018 has seen the biggest increase in meat-free and non-dairy dining ever. Their falafel pittas and

Tracy Kiss

Kiss & tell burgers, salads with hummus, sweet potato fries and wraps are the ideal opportunity to try a meat-free meal and add a bit of greenery into your diet - something the whole family can embrace.

With a whole range of smoothies, milkshakes, protein, shakes, hot drinks, healthy snacks, low fat cakes and nut selections it’s refreshing to finally have a prime location café catering for gym goers and shoppers alike who want to both look and feel good. l Read Tracy’s blog at: www.tracykiss.com or follow her on: Twitter: @misstracykiss or Facebook: /TheTracyKiss

Win a Dr Oetker goodie bag!

F

rom The Great British Bake Off to Masterchef, Ready Steady Cook and Britain’s Best Chef, Nigella, Jamie, Gordon, Gino it seems we love cooking and baking at the moment!

We marvel at the professionals and many of us try to emulate their skills at home, some successfully, some not so, but whatever your ability level, having the right ingredients does help you on your way to achieving a pleasing result.

German firm Dr Oetker produces baking powder, cake mixes, natural extracts and flavourings, colouring, cake decoration, icings and marzipan, baking cases and candles, easy-fill cake centres, Bake in the Box Loaf Cakes and an amazing variety of other products, including one of Italy’s most popular ready made pizzas and the Onken line of yoghurts!

Dr August Oetker’s first product, his superior baking powder, was devised in 1893 in Bielefeld, Westphalia and the company he founded now enjoys a reputation 62 Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

as one of the world’s most trusted food brands.

The Dr Oetker website is full of recipes and baking ideas made easier by using the company’s products. Dr. Oetker natural flavours and extracts are easy to add to your sponges, icings and chocolate - from Madagascan Vanilla to Sicilian Lemon they deliver the most delicious taste, while a delicious range of chocolate bars, chips and chunks

are perfect for adding a superior chocolatey taste and texture to your baking. Dr. Oetker Fine Cooks’ Chocolate melts smoothly and evenly and is ideal as an ingredient, covering or decoration. The chocolate range includes delicious chocolate chips and chocolate chunks, designed specifically for baking which retain their shape when in the oven.

From classic Hundreds and Thousands to pretty wafer daisies,

there are edible decorations to delight all of your family and friends too.

Whether you want to add a chocolate flourish with giant stars, or create your own personal designs and messages using the range of decorating icings, the edible decorations will add the finishing touch, making your home baking even more beautiful!

If you’d like to be in with the chance of winning a goodie bag of Dr Oetker baking products including Bake in the Box Loaf Cakes, chocolate chunks and stars, natural extracts, vanilla pods, liquid glucose, wafer butterflies and more, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk When did Dr Oetker produce his first product?

Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by 20th April, 2018. l www.oetker.co.uk

Win a meal at The Russell Arms

T

he Russell Arms at Butler’s Cross, near Wendover, sits at the foot of the Chiltern escarpment, overlooked by Coombe Hill. It is only a mile or so from Chequers, the Prime Minister’s official country residence, which in the late 17th century was owned by relatives of Oliver Cromwell the Russell family, from whom the pub takes it’s name.

The Russell has been a watering hole and coaching house since 1784 although parts of the building are even older. At one time it was utilised as servant’s quarters for those working at Chequers. Since 2012 it’s been owned by a group of local residents, The Friends of Russell Arms.

It is a lovely pub with a welcoming, relaxed ambience which has been smartly refurbished to cleverly blend its traditional charms with comfortable and stylish contemporary decor. Outside there is a lush beer garden with a terrace and barbecue and inside a working fireplace and log burner, ready for the colder months.

Head Chef / patron Dan

Dan Scott

Scott has been at The Russell Arms for three years. He came recommended by Tom Kerridge and has worked with Michael Caines, esteemed French chef Guy Savoy in Qatar and at a three Michelin Star restaurant in Paris.

Dan has used his experience and creativity to develop exciting menus giving plenty of options for light snacks or more hearty fare.

The techniques and expertise employed in the Russell’s kitchen are as fine as any in the country and last year the pub was awarded

a prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand Award which recognises both the quality and value of the food. It is awarded to the best restaurants serving three courses for under £28.

Inspired by classic British and Continental recipes Dan aims for a perfect blend of presentation, quality and flavour in seasonal dishes that enable his team to get the best out of the produce the local area has to offer.

“We aim for simple, tasty British food that people will enjoy,” says

Dan, “local seasonal ingredients, simple classic flavour combinations, presented in a way people might not expect, perhaps mixing different textures.

“We grow our own herbs on site and cook everything freshly, so there will be daily specials to complement the seasonal menu.”

If you’d like to be in with the chance of winning a meal for two with a bottle of house wine at The Russell Arms, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk When was The Russell Arms first established?

Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by 20th April, 2018. l The The Russell Arms, 2 Chalkshire Road, Butlers Cross, Buckinghamshire, HP17 0TS Tel: 01296 624 411 Email: therussell@distinctpubs.co.uk Web: www.therussellarms.co.uk www.facebook.com/ RussellArmsButlersCross Open Tue-Sat 10am-11pm Sun 12pm-9pm Closed Mondays

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

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l Column: Alan Candy’s Road to the Future

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Smart motorways need smart Do you know how to drive smart?

Smart Motorways depend on drivers following signs on the gantries

A

survey by road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist has shown that two thirds of motorists are concerned about safety on so-called ‘smart’ motorways.

In the survey, completed during March 2018 by more than 2,500 people, the main concern (expressed by 51 per cent) was of breaking down with no access to a hard shoulder.

GEM road safety officer Neil Worth said that it was easy to see why motorists would be concerned. “The prospect of breaking down on the

Alan Candy motorway is scary at the best of times,” he said. “But in a smart motorway environment, when there may be no hard shoulder, it becomes a great deal more worrying.

“If your car develops a problem on a stretch of smart motorway, GEM’s advice is to try to get to the next junction or service area. If that’s not

possible, then pull in to the next emergency area. These are easily identified by blue signs with orange SOS symbols next to them.”

GEM discussed the survey results during a recent visit to

the Highways England control centre at Godstone in Surrey, where motorway cameras and sensors are located, and where speed limits can be changed and lanes closed in a matter of seconds.

Tel: 01844 274652

Email: info@risboroughservicecentre.co.uk

www.risboroughservicecentre.co.uk Chinnor Road, Bledlow, Princes Risborough, Bucks HP27 9PH

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Aston Martin • Jaguar • Subaru • Landrover Mercedes • BMW • V W • Audi

2.5 miles from station

A41 29 LO NG W IC

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• Servicing & repairs all makes and models • MOT testing • • Brakes, batteries & exhausts • Specialists in 4 x 4 vehicles • • Full electronic diagnostics • Engine rebuilds & remapping • • Air conditioning (re-gas & servicing) • Tyre centre •

03/11/2012 09:32

l Column: Alan Candy’s Road to the Future

drivers

Biggest seller gets update KIA Motors has revealed the New Kia Sportage, introducing a range of enhancements to the brand’s UK, European and global best-seller.

The new model pairs an updated exterior and interior design with new safety and infotainment technologies. Powertrains are also fully-compliant with future emissions standards.

The Sportage’s advanced new EcoDynamic+ 48V diesel mild-hybrid powertrain is the first to be launched as part of the brand’s global powertrain electrification strategy. Kia is the first manufacturer to offer hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric and 48-volt mild-hybrid technology across its full model line-up.

“The technology in use was impressive,” added Mr Worth.

“But we must remember that to work effectively it relies on all smart motorway users understanding what is expected of them. That’s why we are keen to ensure that motorists know where to go for simple and straightforward advice. For example, it is regrettable that there is still no specific smart motorway advice contained in the Highway Code.”

Check out the new page on the GEM website at www. motoringassist.com/ smartmotorways. Here produced by Highways Speed limits you will find tips on England. can be changed signs, speeds, lanes There are three key and other relevant and lanes closed points to remember information. There are when driving on a in seconds also links to a selection smart motorway: of smart motorway videos • Never drive in a lane

For all your vehicle repairs, servicing & MOT testing a first-class service at competitive prices We are opposite Tesco Broadfields, Aylesbury l Family run garage

Kia will launch 16 advanced powertrain vehicles by 2025, including five new hybrids, five plug-in hybrids, five battery-electric vehicles and, in 2020, a new fuel-cell electric vehicle.

Kia sold more than 131,000 Sportage models in 2017, representing a quarter of the brand’s total European sales. In the UK, the

Sportage continues to be the brand’s biggest seller with 39,683 delivered to customers in 2017, making up over a third of UK sales last year.

Updates to the Sportage range also include modifications to ‘GTLine’ models.

European customer deliveries of the new model will start later this year.

Put safety first if your closed by a red x • Keep to the speed car develops a problem There are on a stretch of smart limit shown on the three key points motorway: gantries to remember • Don’t drive on • Try to drive to the next emergency area. the hard shoulder unless Continued on page 66 specifically directed

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

See our website for offers and services

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Open Monday to Friday : 8am-5pm Contact: 01296 487400 Email: info@dieselinjectionpp.co.uk www.dieselinjectionpp.co.uk Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

65

l Column: Alan Candy’s Road to the Future

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Continued from page 65 This will have a blue sign with an orange SOS phone symbol next to it.

• Switch on your car’s hazard warning lights and the sidelights if it’s dark or foggy, then get out of your car on the passenger side and use the phone to contact the control centre.

• If you use a mobile phone to call for assistance, if possible, tell the operator the number of the nearest marker post. These are located at 100-metre intervals on both sides of all motorways and will assist in pinpointing your location.

• Stay out of your car and stand behind the safety barrier while you wait for assistance to arrive.

• You must contact the control centre before leaving an emergency area, as this allows a controller to put a temporary closure on the inside lane which newyou FordtoFocus willThe help get back onto the motorway and build up your

speed safely.

• If you can’t make it to an emergency area, drive as far onto the motorway verge as you can

and stop there.

Switch on your hazard lights, then leave the car on the passenger side and get behind the

safety barrier.

Call 999 for emergency help, then contact your breakdown cover provider.

Telephone:

01844 353388

40 Oakley Road, Chinnor, Oxfordshire, OX394ES (to rear of Claremont Automatics) Email: johnnixey@btconnect.com

Telephone: 01844 353388 l Bosch Car Service Centre l MOTs including Class VII (3.5 tonnes) l Servicing, repairs, tyres, exhausts and air

conditioning for cars and light commercials

l Diagnostics: we have the most up to date work

shops and equipment in the area

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long wheelbase vans, campers and trucks

Independent specialists for Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT and Skoda Servicing, repairs, diagnostic testing, MoTs, tyres, air-con specialising in Audi R8, RS & S models.

5A HIGH STREET • WHITCHURCH • BUCKS • HP22 4JU T 01296 641 429 WWW.VASS-TECH.CO.UK

66 Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

l Column: Alan Candy’s Road to the Future

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

California dreaming

• If you can’t leave your vehicle, keep your seatbelt on and switch on your hazard warning lights and sidelights.

FASCINATING, fun to drive and freedom on four wheels - the California from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. As it achieves a new production milestone, the most successful mobile home in its class is now again setting new benchmarks.

The 100,000th California has just been produced at the Hannover-Limmer site and with its ‘dream of a holiday on four wheels’ Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is also heading for a new production record this year. Only last year the brand achieved a new record with 15,155 California vehicles built (up 18 per cent).

The milestone 100,000th vehicle that has now been produced in Limmer is a California Ocean (2.0 TSI, 150 kW) with 4MOTION, 7-speed DSG, two-tone Candy White/Starlight Blue Metallic paintwork with matching dark

blue pop-up roof sides and awning, cycle rack, navigation system, kitchen units, wood-look flooring and much more.

Dr Eckhard Scholz, Chairman of the Brand Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles said at the celebratory event: “The California is justifiably an icon among camping and leisure vehicles, the most popular and best-selling mobile home of its kind.”

This home on four wheels began its story of success 30 years ago. The California was developed jointly with ‘Westfalia’. It was based on the third generation of the Transporter and initially produced in RhedaWiedenbrück. Since 2004, the California has been developed and made by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles solely at the Hannover-Limmer plant. The

California production facility covers approximately 13,000 square metres.

Just recently, for being the most popular compact camper van, the California was awarded the title “Mobile Home of the Year 2018”. Over the 30 years since the California was launched, more than 160,000 units have been produced in total, 100,000 of them in Hannover- Limmer.

As a stand-alone brand within the Volkswagen Group, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is responsible globally for the development, construction and sales of light commercial vehicles, producing the Transporter, Caddy, Crafter and Amarok ranges.

Globally, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles employs over 21,000 people, including around 14,000 at the Hannover site.

Independent Truck, Van & Car Repairer l 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

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

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

l Column: On The Road with Rob Auchterlonie

Really Spectacular!

AUDI RS5 COUPE

AUDI RS5 COUPE

R

S. Two letters that sum up the importance to Audi of having products that are the pinnacle of their range. It’s an aspirational thing for the buyer, and sticking an RS in front of the model number can make it a bit of a lifechanger. For not only have you arrived at the higher echelons of Audi ownership, you’ll also arrive everywhere you go a darn sight quicker than in a regular cooking model – no slouches themselves, it has to be said.

The marque has gone from a 17 model range to 53 in the space of just 17 years and they confidently boast they could sell a lot more if they could get more from the factory. Take the TT RS – a car that in terms of performance has figures akin to the super sleek R8.

This year’s production run is sold out already so your deposit cheque could be sitting on a desk for a long time. January 2019 to be accurate.

If you’re lucky – and well equipped in the wallet department – you might still get your hands on the all-new RS5 Coupe which lights the afterburners and hits 62mph in less than four seconds.

An experience that is, quite simply, intoxicating.

It’s a highly addictive blend of everyday three door compact practicality with ‘light the blue touch paper and enjoy’ performance.

It has a limited top speed of 155mph. If you want more it can be derestricted and romp on to 174mph. But probably only if your name is Hermann and there’s a convenient traffic free autobahn just down the road.

There’s an excess of carbon fibre effect brightwork in the cabin, which might not be to everyone’s taste, but Audi has a reputation for an extensive options list so there will be something in there to suit your taste.

Power delivery is so smooth but can also be brutal – a real poke in the kidneys as the quattro system bites and the headlong rush to the next corner dominates your mindset for the brief spell it takes to get there. Then it’s surefootedly through the bend and the process begins

68 Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

Rob Auchterlonie

ON The Road again. It’s as seamless as you’re able to make it.

AUDI RS5 COUPE its sprintability (Audi word, not mine) is equal to and in mirror cappings and diffuser insert. some cases better than some The standard LED headlamps supercars. That tells you just how with their dynamic scrolling good the 2.9 TFSI engine really is. indicators can also be upgraded Its mid range performance is to Matrix LED units capable of nothing short of spectacular, with intelligently diverting their high its huge reserves of torque on tap. beam around oncoming and leading Everything that goes on under traffic for maximum illumination, the bonnet ends in a chorus, and for maximum visual impact conducted by the big oval exhaust the sizeable 19-inch alloy wheels pipes, as the RS5 booms, spits and can also be upgraded to a 20-inch burbles its way through the gears. design.

A faster shifting s-tronic gearbox Defining features also abound in and faster reacting quattro drive the lavishly crafted interior. Fine helps to instil it with that supercar Nappa leather-upholstered RS performance. sport seats locate you perfectly The biturbo’s copious power in relation to the flat- bottomed is deftly managed by the eightmultifunction sport steering wheel speed tiptronic transmission with and the tiptronic selector lever optimised shift times and by the with its RS insignia. When the reworked five-link front and start button is pressed the sharp all-new five-link rear RS-specific and detailed graphics of the RSsuspension, which is supported by specific, fully digital Audi Virtual quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Cockpit come to life.

The centre differential-based This standard feature of UK RS system distributes drive forces in a 5 models features a customisable 40:60 front-to- rear ratio favouring display incorporating special RS dynamic handling with optimal screens providing information on traction. tyre pressure, torque and g-forces.

For the most committed The list of driver assistants that drivers Audi Sport also offers optional RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), ceramic brakes and dynamic steering with RS-specific tuning.

Pronounced air intakes, gaping oval exhaust tailpipes, quattro blisters complementing those widened wheel arches and an exclusive honeycomb design for the single frame grille are among the features that render the updated A5 body fit to bear the RS badge.

In this latest model, the look can also be further enhanced by new features such as a full carbon roof and by bundled appearance packs that accentuate the sill strips,

feature as standard also includes the Audi side assist blindspot monitoring system, Audi hill hold assist and the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system offering finetuning of engine response, transmission shift points, steering weighting and the operating characteristics of the quattro system and sport differential.

Refinement is a word that keeps coming back to you – even on the potholed backroads of Buckinghamshire, where the Audi’s ability to ride the worst of them was impressive.

The induction roar is manna to the ears of any petrolhead, as is the spit and crackle as the eight speed tiptronic box goes about its business and through its gears. The merest touch of the throttle summons up all you need for a very rewarding spell behind the wheel.

If your budget doesn’t quite stretch this far then the RS3 in saloon and hatch guise is a very acceptable entry point to Audi RS ownership at £44,725, while the RS4 Avant (£62,175), with the same 2.9 litre TFSI 450ps engine as the RS5, is arguably one of the finest estate cars you can buy for combined practicality, power and performance.

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

A ll makes serviced & R epaired

BMW & MINI specialist

T ired of Ma i n Dealer P ri ce s ?

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 Labour rate more than 50% less than m ain dealers l Quality service and repairs l Adv anced diagnostics l Local collection and deliver y / Loan car av ailable l MOTs/Windscreens/AirCon l 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

DISCOVER THE MAZDA RANGE AT LODGE GARAGE NEW CAR SALES . MAZDA APPROVED USED . MAZDA SERVICE CENTRE

• Service department with factory-trained technicians • MOTs, tyres, 4 wheel alignment, air con re-gas • Bodyshop facilities inc. Smart repairs and insurance approved work For more information, call us on 01296 770245

LODGE GARAGE MAZDA A41 Bicester Road, Kingswood, Aylesbury, Bucks HP18 0QJ Tel: 01296 770245 www.lodgegarage-mazda.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). CO2 emissions (g/km) 167 - 99.

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

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

69

K Collins Roofing Ltd Roofing Specialist

Local business, Roofmaster approved, Established 1969

Flat, felt and rubber roofing We also do slate and tiling repairs, PVC fascia boarding and chimney repointing

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Covers Health & Finance 2 home visits, advice and certification * OPG charges of £110 82 per application are extra Email: edward@lpaconsultants.co.uk

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Your friendly & reliable local plumbing service Gemma Lawrence-Davis T: 01296 425969 M: 07769 330983 AdE: gemma@theplumbersgem.co.uk 1 5/3/13 9:48 am Pagewww.theplumbersgem.co.uk 1

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Slating and tiling repairs undertaken.

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70

Compliant with the IPW Code of Practice

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

01844 338941 www.chiltern-leisure.co.uk enquiries@chiltern-leisure.co.uk

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TO ARRANGE A VISIT OR FOR MORE TO ARRANGE A VISIT OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ANTONIA BARNES INFORMATION CONTACT ANTONIA BARNES 01844 261766 or 07795 01844 261766 or 07795 692464 692464 www.feetforlifethame.com www.feetforlifethame.com

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2018

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GEWAY

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Your complete kitchen service GERMAN & ENGLISH BESPOKE KITCHENS Getting a new kitchen can be a daunting prospect. So we do all we can to make it as pain-free as possible. With Ridgeway Kitchens and Interiors you get consistent management of your project throughout and a dependable, in-house team to carry out all work.

Whether you’re working to an architect’s plan, want to replan your living space or simply need a high quality, good value refit, we can help.

Prices can start from as little as £12,000 fitted and including VAT (subject to survey), and better value than the high street.

Call us to arrange for a tour of our showroom near Thame or for more information on our German and English bespoke kitchens, visit our website.

01844 279900 www.ridgewaykitchnesandinteriors.co.uk RIDGEWAY KITCHENS & INTERIORS, Rycote Lane, Milton Common, Oxfordshire OX9 2NZ K I TC H EN S

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