Vale Life Magazine June-July edition 2019

Vale Life FREE MAGAZINE

Your free magazine for Aylesbury, Thame and the surrounding area

Take me home

www.vale-life.co.uk

www.vale-life.co.uk

w art w music w people w Motors w homes w gardens w theatre w business w fashion w Beauty w health w Food w

Jun/Jul 2019

Cover image: Boy George is performing at The Henley Festival on Wednesday, July 10th www.henley-festival.co.uk

Inside:

Let’s get Tropical

Natural products so good for your skin

What a peach!

Thame pub is the place to go

New life in old buildings

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

Fabulous flats for town centre living Plus our columnists: Naomi, Polly, Amanda, Cathy, Lynnette, Nicola, Sandra, Shaun, Nigel, Rob, Alan, Virginie, Sherry and much, much more...

Free local listings for events and businesses

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

The The Old Old The The Old Old Thatched Thatched Inn Inn Thatched Thatched Inn Inn Gastro GastroPub Pub

Gastro GastroPub Pub The TheMain Old Old Main Street, Street,Adstock, Adstock,Buckinghamshire, Buckinghamshire,MK18 MK182JN 2JN Thatched hatched Inn Inn

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Vale Vale LifeLife : Nov/Dec : Nov/Dec 2014 2014

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

3

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

4

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

&ADVICE

TRAINED & INSURED

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imopclean clean it green

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

5

Local landowners, it’s time to stay ahead of the curve.

MILTON KEYNES BUCKINGHAM

Thornborough

Woburn Newton Longville

Padbury

Great Horwood

Great Brickhill Mursley

Steeple Claydon

Winslow

Winslow Stewkley

BICESTER

Calvert

LEIGHTON BUZZARD

Botolph Claydon Granborough

AYLESBURY

A possible route for the Oxford–Milton Keynes–Cambridge Expressway

To succeed in the global economy, Britain must continue to build on its strengths. The ‘hi-tec arc’ connecting Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Oxford could be the UK’s Silicon Valley – a world renowned centre for science, technology and innovation. This area is a national asset, that competes on the world stage – but only with an integrated strategy to deliver new homes, connectivity and job opportunities can it release its full potential.

With all these changes to the local area including new infrastructure and housing projects bringing new roads, schools, health & leisure facilities and employment there is so much to take in and to know.

The Wilkinson Partnership are at the forefront, knowing what plans are being discussed, understanding the strategies being considered, considering the governance and implementation concepts that will combine to deliver the potential growth of one million new homes across the region by 2050.

If you own land and want to know more about what’s going on, then talk to us today. We’re acting on 1,000’s of acres of land across the region, with a brilliant track record of success.

WILKINSON – traditional values, modern approach Breakfast Fields - Swanbourne

2018 Winner ‘Build’ Magazine Best Land and New Homes Agent – South

If you would like to discuss the opportunities within the ‘hi-tec arc’, please call 01525 382065 or email us at land@qualityhomes.co.uk

www.qualityhomes.co.uk 6

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

land & new homes

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

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

Tom Jones tribute plus mixed hits selection with Ian Scott Tuesday, 20th August from 7pm

5 course meal with entertainment only ÂŁ29.95 Book today to avoid disappointment! l

l 10% discount on collected takeaways l Free home delivery within 5 mile radius (min order ÂŁ15) Become a Coco Tamarind Member and enjoy discounts and special offers l Please book ahead, we are busy all week!

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

01296 01296622975 622975 07711750917 07711 750917

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bradleyandjones.co.uk bradleyandjones.co.uk time@bradleyandjones.co.uk time@bradleyandjones.co.uk Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

7

!

R LI for ing 01 DA you n 29 Y B r ow 6 RO 20 33 C 19 66 H 66 UR E

HO

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

IRELAND & THE ISLES OF SCILLY

Nwith GCMVEaboard R Itreat UEaster U RtheOintimate Polo with an optional T OAn P EMarco FO R O VandE R 4 0 Y E A R S visit to one of Europe’s most fashionable cities, Cork, on the Saturday to spend Easter Sunday on peaceful St Mary’s in the beautiful Isles of Scilly.

Relax and enjoy delicious full board PRICE INCLUDES cuisine, stylish evening entertainment and attentive service.

• Return coach transfers from

BRAND Pennines & York

Great Yorkshire Show ‘LOVE LUXEMBOURG’ BRISTOL > RINGASKIDDY (County Cork) Monday July 8th > ST MARY’S (Isles of Scilly) 5 Days,> CARDIFF £459

local pick-up points

NEW FOR 2019!

• Marco Polo Cruise as stated

for 3 nights full board SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT BREAK

• Afternoon tea and late

The superb Great Yorkshire This early bird Show getaway weekend, full of fabulous night snacks *Based on two people sharing a is anmarvellous iconic three-day fun, music and divine dining, stays at the ever • Self-service tea & coffee Category 1 Standard Twin Inside Cabin; popular, family-run 3* Grand in pretty Vianden event and one the (06.00 – midnight) 4 day travelofinsurance £25Hotel per person; in the Luxembourg Ardennes.

Centrally located in this biggest agricultural shows £250 per person non-refundable • On board entertainment deposit medieval required. atmospheric, town complete with fairytale in the English calendar. & daytime activities Full hotel payment due 3 months castle, the has long been abefore favourite Price Includes: Every year more than 130,000 visitors with •Crusader Porterage of luggage (port departure. customers.

Your hosts, the converge Peverelli family, you 4 to Nights and over 8,500 on thewill ensure cabin)hotel with breakfast & dinner Cruise T&Cs animals apply. have relaxing and enjoyable stay.

Highlights include two Greata Yorkshire Showground inwill Harrogate Note: Some ports, passengers land • Entrance Port taxesto show evenings of live entertainment, two sparkling breakfasts by launch or tender. to compete, socialise and celebrate. Stay Welcome tea/coffee with local fizz, twoHotel included excursions and a drink Toureach of Skipton, Ilkley & Keighley at the Majestic Harrogate. night with dinner. Enjoy this fabulous, value for money getaway break to one of Europe’s ‘secret’ DEPARTING corners!

5 DAYS 19TH APRIL 2019 From displays featuring unique aircraft types

Day Trips

rarely seen together in the UK skies or

August 5th - 5 Days, £379 £599Monday * per person

This adventure packed itinerary offers

very different through ENTERTAINMENT The perfect way to see the besttwo of Holland from thejourneys picturesque Dutch anywhere else.

On Saturday night, resident singer, Lisa, will entertain hills and moors. waterways.

Enjoy all the comforts of the attractive 3* river cruise ship, MV Flying Legends Airshow – Duxford Flying Legends culminates in the finale with a great mix of popular songs and we have booked a Sit back and relax and watch the Esmeralda, as you admire the ever changing scenery floating by. Visiting Sunday July 14th, Balbo formation, when all the WWII fantasticPRICE live band for the Sunday night – old timer Marcell the dazzling rainbow displays of tulips in the Spring hasunfold alwaysfrom been a dramatic landscape the £53 Adult / £49 Senior fighters take to the skies to salute in but why not try this very special Bulbfields firm favourite of you Crusader Trioen and hisFOR Little Red Rooster Band – always a big hit comfort of a steam train, canal barge HELD Take yoursuperb seats,repertoire sit a mass flypast. holiday and take to the water for Easter! No overnight sailing. with their2019 of 60s and 70s favourites. or your reserved coach seat.

DUTCH BULBFIELD CRUISE

back and prepare

Step back in time and enjoy the

DAY 1 Cross the Channel and board at on Zaandam A ride the Keighley

& Worth

to be enthralled by musical entertainment, enjoy a glass of INCLUDED EXCURSIONS DAY 2 Optional visit to ZaanseValley Railway as featured in the PRICE INCLUDES the Flying Legends Luxembourg City Pimms, sit in a Spitfire, view(open the large Schans air museum with famous film The Railway Children AAirshow full day 2019! excursion to Luxembourg City, the charming scale model aircraft windmills) exhibits, Airfield – cruise to Amsterdam.

•the Return transfers from through heartcoach of Bronte Country little capital its UNESCO listed Old Town inConstruction an The 27thwith Edition 3 Full day & SpiritDAY of Britain re-included excursion local pick-up points plus and a Pennine boat cruise aboard an attractive setting. through glorious of this world famous enactment, Home Front Busthe and ladiesbulbfields Channel crossing authentic plus a visit to Keukenhof Gardens.

canal narrow boat, coupled

aerial spectacular - have your vintage makeup done in the • MV Esmeralda Cruise as Moselle River & Scenic Little Switzerland and excursions through the Re-join the boat in Hoorn (no with visits stated for 3 nights full board beguide held at Awill local willthe show you the very best of thisVintage Village. included lunch today). wonderful Yorkshire Dales, make this (no lunch Day 3) iconic Duxford Flying Legends is the Airshow not to picturesque area including Remich, the ‘Pearl of the DAY 4 Full day cruising around one not to be missed.

HIGHLIGHTS • Afternoon tea on 2 days airfield. and Enjoy miss, it has something everyone.”

Moselle’ scenic Mullerthal, known as the Little thefor IJsselmeer and onto Alkmaar.

Stay at the Mercure Hotel Wetherby.

• Late night snacks world class,ofunrivalled, choreographed Route ACFI. Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

• Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast & dinner Switzerland Luxembourg.

ACCOMMODATION Stadium Island Boat Tour GRAND DE VIANDEN TuesdayHOTEL July 23rd, The popular, run 3* Grand Hotel de Vianden £42ever Adult / £40family Senior is in the town and its facilities include A centrally two and located a half hour guided bar, loungeIsland and lift. All rooms are en-suite riverrestaurant, tour of Stadium with TV.the Please noteElizabeth that single rooms are small. within Queen

Price Includes: • Captain’s Farewell Dinner

DAY 5with Early disembarkation • A drink dinner each nightfor (local beer, wine or soft drink) 4 nights with breakfast & dinner

(set menu) Olympic which thePark, journey back home.

• 2 Sparkling breakfasts with free(main flow local bubbly course is carvery) • On board entertainment for includes magnificent views *Based on two people sharing a Grassington, Skipton • Live musical entertainment on Saturday and Sunday nights 2 nights of theLower London Stadium, Cabin; 5 day travel insurance & Pennine Boat Cruise • Porterage & welcome drink on arrival • Tour of Bulbfields & £36 per person; £100 per person the AcelorMittal Orbit and Keukenhof entrance Haworth non-refundable deposit required the newly refurbished • Two included excursions as stated above& Train journey Full payment due 2 months before • Porterage York Full Day Medieval Carpenters Road Lock. departure.

Cruise T&Cs apply.

• Port taxes

All above prices do not include Travel Insurance or Single Supplements (if available).

4 DAYS | FRIDAY 15TH – MONDAY 18TH MARCH 2019 From £299 per person No single supplement* Travel Insurance £34

01296 33 66 66 (Aylesbury)

*limited (Double room for sole occupancy £45)

01255 425 453 (Clacton)

www.crusader-holidays.co.uk

Visit us: Crusader Holidays 4 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Bucks HP20 2LD

01296 33 66 66 (Aylesbury) 01255 425 453 (Clacton) www.crusader-holidays.co.uk Crusader Holidays Crusader Business Park, Stephenson Road West, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex CO15 4HP 8

Visit us: Crusader Holidays info@crusader-holidays.co.uk 4 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, BucksFacebook.com/CrusaderHolidays HP20 2LD

Crusader Holidays Crusader Business Park, Stephenson Road West, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex CO15 4HP

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Contents 10

Statement shades

33

For readers and writers

14

A whole hidden world

36

Stiff upper lip?

Thursdays are fun

38

Raw

Let’s get Tropical

46

Getting your hands dirty

Back in the saddle

48

New life in old buildings

Caring for your skin

50

Making an impression

Challenge the family

51

Handmade in Aylesbury

Our England Cricket doctor

52

Forget the treadmill

Tennis Anyone?

55

A good year for the rosés

A pain in the arm

57

Turning of the tide

A medal for her pedal

58

What a peach!

Because Family Matters

62

The naughtiest puppets in town!

It’s all about words

68

Little car, big heart

15 16 18 20 22 23 24 26 27 31 32

‘Don’t forget your sunnies,’ says Lynnette The art of fore-edge painting Take the kids to the town centre Natural products so good for your skin ‘Can I be Frank,’ says Fran Thame salon is skin specialist Taking on the Chilterns

From local clinic to Lords

Will you be watching Wimbledon?

No time to get Tennis Elbow!

Heather’s been biking with the big boys How Mediation offers a way forward The importance of vocabulary

BeaconLit - the friendly bookfest Don’t ignore your mental health Nudes that take their cue from nature ‘How much can you take on?’ says Nigel Fabulous flats for town centre living How to style your home for selling Iliana’s a wizard with bespoke funishings Gardening keeps body and mind in shape Sherry sips her way through the local vineyard Plot a course for The Bay of Bengal?

Thame pub is the place to go It’s adults only at Avenue Q

Suzuki’s new Jimny is a real character

Celebrating India

C

elebrating India is a fascinating pop up store which appeared at Bicester Village in May showcasing designers, changing the face of modern India.

Value Retail kindly invited me along to the opening when Desirée Bollier, Chair and Chief Merchant of Value Retail Management hosted guests including; Waris Ahluwalia, Jodie Kidd and Ruth Ganesh Trustee of Elephant Family, along with Donna Air and Amandip Uppal bestselling cookery writer. It was inspiring to see the fashion-

C

ongratulations to the following May/Jun edition competition winners! Hopefully your prizes will have arrived by

elephant sculptures honouring one of nature’s most celebrated species, were on show, to mark a partnership with Elephant Family forward designs of India’s most in support of its valuable work celebrated talent at the boutique, in protecting these endangered designers such as Manish Arora, creatures.

Pippa Small, Beulah, Behno, Elsewhere in the village a Huemn, Dhruv Kapoor, Kanika further six magnificent life-size Goyal label, Kashmir Loom, Khosla Jani, SZ Blockprints, Tada elephants were on display. The Asian elephants are carved from & Toy and Tiipoi, and later enjoy lantana camara, a plant that’s a delicious Indian inspired lunch destroying their natural habitat. at Café Wolseley!

The restaurants at Bicester The boutique was part of Village joined in by supplying All Things India, a village-wide campaign celebrating the creativity an authentic taste of India. and craftsmanship of the country The award-winning Curry Leaf Café has opened its first pop-up including fashion, photography, outside of Brighton at Bicester jewellery and lifestyle.

Village and will remain for the In addition five magnificent

now, please let us know if they have not.

Commiserations to those who weren’t so lucky.

There’s no competitions inside this edition, but

check back in our Aug/Sept edition as we’re working on a few for the Summer.

Last issue’s prize winners were: Family tickets to

Oakfest’19: Clare Cook, Ashendon A copy of The Slow Chilterns Guide: Tim Quinton, Halton Copies of Countryside

duration of the Summer, serving modern Indian street food. Café Wolseley has added The Delaunay signature chicken curry dish to its menu and will be serving a collection of Indian-sourced tea and bespoke elephant shortbread biscuits, all individually iced.

For shoppers wanting to introduce Indian flavours at home, check out Amandip Uppal’s cook book, Indian Made Easy, which blends traditional and contemporary methods.

Happy reading

Charlie Editor, Vale Life Magazine

Books walking guides: Cheryl Thomas, Wendover A pair of tickets to Towersey Festival: Kim Harbison, Aston Clinton

To advertise in Vale Life Magazine call Charlie on: 07702 006218 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 2019

9

with Lynnette Jackson

Personal stylist and image consultant Lynnette passes on tips and tricks for looking your fashionable best, plus the latest news on the high street trends...

Statement shades

T

he sun is shining and it’s time to get our sunnies on!

Sunglasses not only protect our eyes from harmful UV rays, but they are also a wonderful way of updating our look, adding interest to outfits and showing our personal style.

Here’s my tips on choosing the best sunglasses for your face shape, personal colouring, and your unique style.

There are 3 things to consider when looking for the perfect pair of

statement look If your face shape is rounder, with rounded edges to all sides of the face – then use square or rectangular shaped sunglasses to balance out the curves of the face.

These below from Dior and Rayban are great!

If your face shape is more heart shaped

Rayban aviator gold blaze, HOF: £172

Dior Nuance square sunglasses, John Lewis: £220

Hush aviator rose gold, John Lewis: £85 Polo Ralph Lauren Rose Gold round sunglasses, HoF: £127

sunglasses: Shape, Colour and your personal Style Shape Different shaped sunglasses suit different face shapes – so I would suggest that you choose a frame shape that flatters and suits your particular face shape.

The general rule is if you have an angular face shape - where your cheekbones and jaw are in line (sometimes called square or rectangular shape) – then use glasses to soften the angular lines. So go for round or oval shapes – like these, above, from Polo Ralph Lauren or these, right, from Prada for a more 10

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Rayban square sunglasses, HoF: £145

Prada Oval sunglasses, John Lewis: £217

or an inverted triangle (great cheek bones and a narrower chin) - then look for sunglasses that are wider at the bottom, and with lightweight arms so that they don’t add too much width to your temple area, like these aviator styles, above, from Rayban and Hush.

If your face has a stronger jaw and narrower cheekbones (often referred to as a triangle shape) – then a cat eye shape will draw the attention upwards and compliments a wider jaw. Cat eye frames are often thicker like these from Powder, see opposite page. The pair from Tom Ford show that they can be delicate too Colour Gone are the days of choosing between black or brown for

Powder Womens Pamela cats eye, John Lewis: £28 sunglasses – now the choice of sunglasses colours is virtually endless! So pick a shade that compliments your personal colouring. These green frames, left, from Mulberry are great if you have warmth to your colouring, and these red frames (see following page 12) are great if you can take some depth of colour.

Mulberry cats eye dark green, John Lewis: £190

Tom Ford cat eye, HoF: £310

Adams Travel Your Local Independent Travel Agent

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

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 Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

11

Labante bamboo willow aviator sunglasses, HoF: £109 If you prefer more of a neutral colour for your sunglasses, then opt for black or brown.

Black is great if you have cooler tones to your skin and hair, whilst brown shades are softer and more suited to those of you with warm tomes to your skin and hair.

Your personal Style There is nothing that makes more

of a statement than what you wear on your face – it is there for all to see! So if you like to stand out from the crowd then you can have some great fun with sunglasses!

Verscae is a great brand for this with some real statement frames this season, see butterflies below.

Whilst these, below right, from Miu Miu are more of a subtle statement. Have some fun with

Whistles classic oval rose gold, HoF: £60 them!

However if you prefer more of a timeless elegant look, then a neutral colour in a classic shape will be more of your cup of tea (and also won’t date, so you can wear them year on year). See Whistles classic shape above.

If you need some more personal advice on sunglasses, then a good opticians can be helpful, just pop in

Versace cats eye butterfly patterned, John Lewis: £211

Forty years in the making and now we’re prepared for the next forty.

Growing things comes naturally to us at Haddenham Garden Centre, after all we’ve been doing it since 1978. And this year we’ve grown more than ever...

Come and see us today to discover what’s new.

Stanbridge Rd, Haddenham, HP17 8HN haddenhamgardencentre.co.uk Mon-Sat: 9:00am-6:00pm Sun: 10:30am-4:30pm

12

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

and ask what they recommend.

Here’s hoping for a long sunglasses season this year! l Lynnette Jackson is an awardwinning Personal Stylist and Image Consultant. She can help you look good whatever your size, shape, age or budget! Web: www. mycolourandstyle.com Facebook.com/mycolourandstyle Tel: 07971 198047

Miu Miu butterfly sunglasses, HoF: £239

by Cathy Soughton

Missenden Abbey

I

Great Missenden

t’s that time of year when many school leavers are having their leavers’ ball or prom and a popular local venue is Missenden Abbey on the outskirts of Great Missenden. Most of those attending a prom there probably don’t realise though, they are standing in what was once originally the cloister of an Augustinian Monastery.

Missenden Abbey was founded in 1133 by William de Missenden as a monastery for Roman Catholic Arroasian (later Augustinian) canons from Northern France. For the next 400 years it prospered and the Abbey acquired land and many other properties in the area and further afield.

That all changed in 1538 when the Abbey was confiscated by King Henry VIII as part of his Dissolution of the Monasteries edict and he appropriated all their assets. The chapel was destroyed as part of the process and Henry later left the Abbey to his daughter Elizabeth. As Queen she gave it to

Missenden Abbey her favourite, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester and he subsequently sold it to William Fleetwood, an MP and Recorder of London whose descendants lived there for the next 200 years.

The Fleetwoods demolished parts of the old Abbey and made other modifications, turning it into a country house. In 1787 it was purchased by James Oldham, a rich ironmonger from Holborn who pulled down much of what remained of the house and rebuilt it in a Venetian style (property makeovers are certainly not a recent concept!). The next owner John Ayton who purchased the house

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

County Council, who opened it as an adult education centre in 1947. During a refurbishment in 1985 a major fire broke out which destroyed the surviving medieval roof and much of the building.

The Council decided to rebuild it and during building work over the next three years, elements of the medieval structure were uncovered including 200 pieces of carved stonework. The interior, which had been completely gutted, was restored to its previous splendour, including the grand, twin-flight staircase which passes through a in 1806 disliked its appearance and Gothic arcade, the vaulted rooms, also largely rebuilt it, this time in its ornate plasterwork and stained glass. present Regency Gothic style with The restoration was completed turrets and battlements. The gardens in 1988 and the new building was were landscaped in this period with officially reopened by the Duke many trees planted, including the of Gloucester. It now belongs to magnificent cedar which still stands. Buckinghamshire New University Features in the garden included a ha- and is used as a conference centre ha, a Gothic summerhouse, sundial and as a venue for various events and rustic bridges over the lake. including weddings and proms.

A few years later the house was purchased by the wealthy Carrington l Cathy Soughton is a local family who had owned sugar professional genealogist and house plantations in Barbados. The family historian providing family history and did not make any significant changes house history research: to the house and they lived there www.bucksresearch.co.uk, until 1938. After the Second World www.benchmarkhousehistories.com War it was sold to Buckinghamshire Email: soughton@bucksresearch.co.uk

LONG CRENDON LONG CRENDON LONG CRENDON is fully 12th-century NotleyNotley Tythe Tythe Barn isBarn a beautiful, fully restored 12th-century barn barn Notley Tythe Barn is aa beautiful, beautiful, fully restored restored 12th-century barn set in in picturesque picturesque gardens within 500 of acres of pasture pasture land at the the set in picturesque gardens withinwithin 500 acres pasture land atland the at set gardens 500 acres of of the Chiltern Chiltern Hills.

It elegant is an an elegant elegant and unique unique venue for foot offoot the of Chiltern Hills. It is anIt and unique venue venue for for foot the Hills. is and weddings, receptions, celebrations and other weddings, receptions, parties,parties, celebrations and other events.events. weddings, receptions, parties, celebrations andspecial other special special events.

www.notleyfarm.co.uk www.notleyfarm.co.uk Telephone 01844 201226 Email weddings@notleyfarm.co.uk Telephone 01844 01844 201226201226 | Email weddings@notleyfarm.co.uk Telephone || Email weddings@notleyfarm.co.uk

Emma Lucy Photography Photography Emma Lucy Photography Emma Lucy

Farm, Chearsley Road, Long Crendon, Crendon, NotleyNotley Farm, Farm, Chearsley Road, Road, Long Crendon, Notley Chearsley Long Nr. Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 9ER Nr. Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 HP18 9ER 9ER Nr. Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire,

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

13

C u r i o u s Wo r l d

by Nicky Gregory

A whole hidden world

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fore-edge painting is, as it says, a scene painted on the front page edges of a book.

Some are visible and some invisible. With the hidden painting the pages have to be ‘fanned’ as the gilded or marbled page edge makes the scene undetectable when the book is closed.

The watercolour is applied to the inside edge of the page when the edges are fanned. This is ‘single’ fore-edge painting.

‘Double’ is where the book’s foreedge shows two different scenes when the pages are fanned back to front or front to back.

‘Triple’ includes the visible fore-edge painting in place of the gilding. If the top and bottom edges of the pages are also embellished this is ‘panoramic’ fore-edge painting.

The earliest are possibly 10th century and the earliest English from the 14th century, often symbolic depicting shields, and heraldic designs.

The first known hidden fore-edge dates from 1649 and the earliest signed and dated is 1653, a bible painted with a family coat of arms.

Charles II is supposed to have used fore-edge painting to identify books he had lent to a Duchess who often forgot to return them.

He commissioned the court painter and bookbinder to devise a way to secretly identify his books. Charles was visiting the Duchess and saw a familiar book. He said he would take the book back, but the Duchess protested saying the book was hers. He fanned out the pages and revealed a painting on the inner edges - the Royal Coat of Arms.

The gilding on the outer edges had completely hidden the painting.

The technique was popularised in the 18th century by John Brindley, publisher and bookbinder to the Prince of Wales and Edwards

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Nicky Gregory

Curious world

Panoramic fore-edge painting

of Halifax also binders and sellers.

Fore-edge paintings became more decorative and included portraits, landscapes, battle scenes, religious iconography, the erotic, floral designs, and more, sometimes related to the book’s subject and sometimes not.

Modern fore-edge painting can be anything, scenes from the novel itself, or something the owner, bookseller or artist may have chosen.

The early authentic examples are very valuable, but beware of antiquarian books which have later fore-edge painted additions. l Nicky Gregory is the owner of Antiques@Wendover, The Old Post Office, 25 High Street, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6DU T: 01296 625335 E: antiques@antiquesatwendover.co.uk Web: www.antiquesatwendover.co.uk May’s Mystery Object was a silver plated napkin holder. Do you know what the mystery object above right is? Email your answer to: editor@ vale-life.co.uk and you could win a voucher for Antiques at Wendover

Above: An early heraldic fore-edge painting

Left: The Bound Letters of Lady Rachel Russell 1801

Mystery object

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.

An oak tavern table, C1680 with full length drawer: £695 The Old Post Office, 25 High Street, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 625335 Email: antiques@antiquesatwendover.co.uk Website: www.antiquesatwendover.co.uk

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Thursdays are fun!

Bring your family to town and join in the fun as Aylesbury town centre plays host to a fantastic range of events for youngsters taking place on selected Thursdays though the Summer holidays...

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ack now for a 10th year #Aylesbury Thursdays are looking good this Summer for children and parents alike! For 2019 Aylesbury Town Centre Partnership has once again organised a whole host of exciting and interesting activities to keep the kids busy, while the whole family can also enjoy Aylesbury town centre’s fantastic range of cafés and restaurants - and of course two shopping centres and an exciting collection of independent stores!

Aylesbury Thursdays offer children the chance to experience a range of activities at just £2.50 for up to 4 hours fun.

And for this Summer the events that are taking place in Market Square, or nearby Kingsbury, are as follows: Thursday 25th July Magical Thursday Colonel Custard and his awardwinning Magic Show is coming to town! The Colonel will be performing 4 times on the day at: 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 2:30pm in Market Square. And it will be only £2.50 per person per show! Watch him create amazing magic before your very own eyes...

Climbing wall

Thursday 1st August 11am - 3pm Farm Thursday Back by popular demand after a very successful event at Easter, we are once again bringing all the fun of the farm to ewe, when Market Square plays host to a travelling farm!

Come and meet the animals - this is a great opportunity to interact with some new fluffy, furry and feathered friends Shetland pony, orphaned lambs, pygmy goats, ducklings, chicks, bunnies and much more.

Entry only £2.50 per child.

Shetland Pony

Colonel Custard is performing in Market Square

Ducklings

Thursday 15th August 11am - 3pm Climb & Bounce Thursday Test your skills and strength on the climbing wall and burn some energy on the bungee trampolines in Kingsbury. Only £2.50 per activity!

Thursday 22nd August 11am - 3pm Robogeddon THURsday Come along to Kingsbury and discover your mean streak! The aim is to win points by scoring points. Each time you hit an opponent’s bumper goal, you score a point flip other players’ robots over to impede their progress (and turn yourself back up if you are flipped). It is only £2.50 a go, so why not come along and test your roboskills!?

Robogeddon

Virtual Reality business Vire, with its escape rooms and Nerf Wars experiences!

Aylesbury aims to delight and engage your children throughout the Summer. Bring them to town and let them join in the fun!

For more information, please see: www.visitaylesbury.co.uk l Events organised by

Aylesbury Town Centre Partnership

Bungee Trampolines

Bring your youngsters to Aylesbury town Centre and let them join in the children’s activities. Maybe even extend your day out with a visit to the museum, Roald Dahl Gallery, Cinema, Theatre, Aqua Vale swimming pool and park, or try the new Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

15

B e au t y s p ot

Health & Beauty

by Amanda Trott

Let’s get Tropical

Imagine freshly made beauty products created from natural, sustainably Amanda Trott sourced ingredients that are truly kind to your skin. Innovative and effective skincare and beauty products, beautifully packaged and delivered to your door... Beauty Spot

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hen I heard about Tropic and their fabulous award-winning range of vegan skincare and beauty products I was intrigued and keen to give them a try. I was impressed by their cruelty free, natural ingredients and when I started using the skincare range I immediately loved the fragrances of the products and how they left my skin feeling. The packaging is also beautiful and the products are very reasonably priced. Everything is freshly made in the UK, so has a use by date, which shows it’s fresh and not full of nasty preservatives. It’s a compact range too, so although there’s lots of lovely products to choose from, including suncare and make up ranges and even a range for men, it doesn’t leave you confused over which is the right product for you.

I was so impressed in fact, that I’m now a Tropic Ambassador and having got to know the company and their products even better I am really looking forward to hosting some pamper parties. If you are interested to find out more about Tropic products please have a look at my website: www.tropicskincare.com/ amandatrott_1 The story behind the company is quite fascinating. Founder Susie Ma developed a passion for creating skincare recipes that feed the skin, during her childhood in Cairns, Australia, but it was in London, aged 15, that she made her first batch of body scrub in the family kitchen, poured it into 50 jam jars and took them to Greenwich Market, where she sold out on her very first day!

“Now, I have the help of Tropic’s Beauty Chefs,” says Susie, “who freshly make all of our 100+ natural beauty products in our Surrey Beauty Kitchen.

“My grandma, a medicinal chemist and toxicologist, always taught me that, like our bodies, our skin needs feeding with healthy, nourishing and, most importantly, natural ingredients. Growing up in Cairns, I was surrounded by an abundance of natural ingredients, including fresh aloe vera plants and exotic fruit trees. That environment has had a huge effect on the products we create at Tropic. We believe plants and fruits that flourish in challenging tropical climates are the most nutritious and beneficial for the skin.

That’s why our ingredients are sustainably sourced from the Amazon rainforest,

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Polynesia, Australia and many more exotic tropical regions brimming with powerful botanical actives.

“We use fresh, premium, natural ingredients like nourishing seed butters, juicy fruit extracts and aromatic essential oils and strive to be at the forefront of natural ingredients research.

Our formulations are supercharged with innovative ingredients such as plant ceramides and encapsulated vitamins, embracing the latest green technologies.

“In an industry that often overlooks animal welfare and the environment, we promise never to test on animals, nor use derivatives that cause them distress. That’s why we stand with Cruelty Free International, The Vegan Society and PETA as a 100% cruelty-free.”

With the holiday season nearly upon us I was pleased to see Tropic has a great suncare

range. Keeping your skin properly protected from the harsh rays of the sun, even in this country, is so important, and Tropic’s broad spectrum, water-resistant, mineral sunscreen range provides natural UV protection.

With zinc oxide and titanium dioxide offering 100% mineral protection, Skin Shade is a healthy, natural way to keep your family’s skin safe in the sun - it’s kind to your skin and kind to the planet!

• 100% mineral • broad spectrum protection • water resistant. l To find out more about the Tropic Skincare range, book a pamper party or purchase products please see: www.tropicskincare.com/amandatrott_1

To contact Amanda please email: amandaetrott@gmail.com

E m ot i o n a l h e a lt h

with Roo Davies

Stuck in Life’s Toll Booth?

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lack of confidence.

2. Navigate or eliminate the obstacles. Ask yourself solutionfocused questions to help you gain a different perspective. For example, if you’re considering changing jobs but feel stuck, try asking; ‘What would help me determine what I’d like to do next?’ and ‘How can I feel more in control about my job move?’. You’re then thinking about solutions rather than focussing on the problem i.e. the blockage.

Don’t panic! It’s not uncommon for us to reach stages in our personal and professional life where we begin to stall. The trick is not letting it knock us off course or even worse, start to reverse.

e can sometimes find ourselves feeling stuck, even trapped or overwhelmed with options. We’ve reached a certain point but now we’ve stalled.

Stalling can lead us to feeling demotivated and demoralised and even stop us in our tracks completely.

You may know where you’d like to be heading but getting there is proving tricky so you need to find a way to navigate the obstacles, find your lane and keep moving forward.

Here’s how you can motor right on through life’s toll booths!

1. Take Stock. Audit where you are now and what’s stopping you getting to where you want to be.

Take time to really give this some thought. Some of the roadblocks may not be that obvious at first.

For example, you may identity that you have a gap in your knowledge,

lack of skills or there are financial or time constraints. However, the obstacles can also be related to your mindset - you may be operating with limiting self-beliefs which are holding you back, or a

Coaching is a fantastic way to gain clarity on identifying the blockages that are stopping you moving forward and then think about how you adapt and overcome them. Make sure you don’t stall.

Roo Davies Life Coach

Navigate the toll booth and get motoring! l Award-winning life and business coach, Roo Davies, helps people to thrive rather than simply survive in both their personal and professional life.

A member of the Association for Coaching, Roo offers one-toone coaching, either face to face or via video call and provides a compassionate, safe and confidential space. She also works as a Business Coach helping small business owners and delivering workshops to help employees thrive.

Roo Davies (Your Life Journey), The White House, 2 East Street, Thame, Oxon, OX9 3JS Tel: 07753 756512 Web: www.yourlifejourney.co.uk Email: roo@yourlifejourney.co.uk Facebook.com/yourlifejourney.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

Tel: Maria on 0771 5414719 / 01296 581561

www.mariabraynutritionaltherapy.com

ANTONIA BARNES MCFHP MAFHP FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER

Corns, calluses, cracked heels, II CAN CANTREAT TREAT corns, calluses, cracked heels, nail problems, thickened nails and can treat nail problems, thickened people who have diabetes.nails and can treat people who have diabetes.

I CAN OFFER Visits in the comfort of your own Ihome, CAN aOFFER visits attitude, in the comfort your warm caring generaloffoot care own home or at my treatment room, including regular nail Thame cutting and filing and a foot massage the end of your treatment. a warm caringatattitude, general foot care including regular nail cutting and filing and a foot massageAatVISIT the end of your treatment.

TO ARRANGE OR FOR MORE

INFORMATION CONTACT BARNES TO ARRANGE A VISIT ORANTONIA FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ANTONIA BARNES 01844 261766 or 07795 692464 01844 261766 or 07795 692464 www.feetforlifethame.com

Helping to keep your feet in a healthy condition Based in Thame, I am also a fully qualified massage therapist offering holistic massage and reflexology REGISTERED MEMBER OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONERS

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.

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.

For all your beauty needs

Eyelash extensions, facials, Shellac and much more!

HIDDEN BEAUTY IS NOW AT A NEW LOCATION please contact me for more details 07771 330366 hiddenbeautyaylesbury08@gmail.com

www.hiddenbeautyaylesbury.co.uk

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Can I be Frank?

by Frances Momen

Back in the saddle I

t’s ageing deterioration of the spine that’s led me to give ‘spinning’ another go - not a midlife crisis. Having had to give up impact exercise for a while, to allow a trapped nerve to heal, I decided at least spinning didn’t involve chlorine or verrucas.

A friend listened to me bleat on about ageing and putting on weight, before persuading me I had to keep moving – stretching and pilates were not enough. And so on her recommendation I trundled along to Fit4Life, run by Helen Holmes in Oakley, and did my best to clamber aboard.

Initially it does feel a bit like you’ve just caught your horse and you’re saddling up; exercise bikes have come a long way (ironically!) and are so much more adjustable, which means riders needn’t injure themselves through bad positioning.

So Helen checked the saddle and handlebars were the right height, and left me to strap the MyZone cardiac activity belt around my chest.

MyZone allows me to exercise at my own pace, so I neither slack nor croak. It’s the first time I’ve ever really connected breathing, heartbeat, and fitness levels, or been able to monitor calories whilst I work out. It turns out I’m a bit of a slacker.

On Week 3 Helen suggested we might like to establish our individual maximum heart rate. This would mean better understanding of our base rate levels, so we could burn fat more effectively and improve our basic fitness endurance levels. To me, it begged the question “What if

Your yoga practice is....

we overshoot our maximum heart rate level?” Helen assured us we wouldn’t, no matter how aggressively she yelled at us.

Six weeks later, I’ve signed up for the next ‘tour’! We’re due to tackle Cob Hill at the end of this one, all from the safety of Helen’s studio in Oakley. (It’s fair to say we use quite a bit of creative imagination in these classes.)

But if you’re looking to tackle real hills, L’Etape UK, the official amateur event run by Le Tour De France, is being held this year in the Chilterns on 14th July – Bastille Day (www.letapeuk.co.uk).

Fran Momen Can I be Frank?

There’s even an official Tour de France Fan Park coming to the area, so spectators will be well catered for as well as race contenders. It’s a whole other world…

In the meantime, I’ve purchased some new cycling shorts, complete with bibs and padded crotch!

Because – can I be frank – the ‘low-impact’ quality of cycling that protects your knees and spine doesn’t seem to apply to your nether regions... l Helen Holmes’ Fit4Life website

is: www.indoorcyclingtraining.co.uk

l Fran Momen is a copywriter

and journalist. If you need help or advice on creating copy, please get in touch via email: momen.fran@ yahoo.com or www.linkedin.com/in/ fran-momen-copywriting

Hypnotherapy can and has helped many people in many ways A FREE initial chat, in total confidence, in a comfortable environment, with no obligation to undertake therapy, is the best way to find out how it might help you.

Angie Elbourn

DHP. MNRAH. Dip PCAH. CNHC.

Tel: 077756 77796 (CNHC are the only registering body for this therapy that is recognised by the Dept of Health)

For more info: www.hypnohelp.co

...Everything www.everythingyogauk.com

Classes and private sessions kate@everythingyogauk.com 07754 804 730 18

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

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

www.thametherapyclinic.co.uk

Hear Today Events - The Last Wednesday Of Every Month Different Golf Clubs Around The Chilterns 10am till 4pm (drop-in) . No Appointment Necessary . Refreshments Provided

Next events: Wednesday 26th June 10am -4pm Oxfordshire Golf Club, Thame Wednesday 31st July 10am -4pm Princes Risborough Golf Club

FREE Monthly Drop-In Hearing Event All Welcome Concerned about your hearing or the hearing of a loved one?

Meet the audiologists, hearing support specialists, experienced hearing aid users, professional care providers and technology experts On the day we are offering free hearing tests & healthy ear checks Demonstration hearing technology available to try on the day (subject to hearing tests) Hands-on smart technology workshops iPhone, Android, iPad, Apps & Accessories

For More Details or to register your attendance

call 01494 733840 or visit www.astonhearing.co.uk Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Caring for your skin Everyone wants a beautiful, fresh, clear complexion and at the Skin Society in Thame, skincare professional April Russell has the solution to your skincare concerns - she will tailor a treatment regime from her high quality range for your specific skin needs and deliver real results...

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kin Society is a specialist skin clinic run by April Russell, a skin and beauty therapist, with more than 25 years experience. April has built up an excellent repuatation and extensive knowledge over the years, working in the beauty industry and researching treatments in the UK and abroad, in locations such as New York, the Middle East and the Caribbean. She has worked with many 5 star establishments, including Champneys, Urban Retreat at Harrods Spa, Sequoia Spa at The Grove and MichaelJohn Belgravia.

Based in the centre of Thame, above Green’s Furnishings, on the large, free carpark, Skin Society offers a wide range of non-surgical treatments as well as regular beauty treatments. In addition many products that April uses during treatments can be purchased for home use and optimal results.

April has recently introduced the fabulous AlumierMD science-based formulation, to her range. Their ingenious PRISM approach caters for your unique skin type and condition to achieve real results with a combination of skin peels and facials that are bespoke to each client. AlumierMD light and medium peels use only pure acids and give progressive results with minimal downtime. They are combined with antioxidants, anti-ageing and brightening serums for effective treatments with greater benefits: P = protect from UV damage R = reduce inflammation I = increase collagen, elastin and clarity

Ellen Apriladministers Russell administers aaCOMCIT Elite Radio Thermavisage Frozen Facialtreatment Frequency

4beauty owner Ellen Aubrey

S = stimulate cell turnover M = moisturise to obtain optimum hydration AlumierMD chemical peels improve skin texture and tone by deeply exfoliating the surface layers and forcing the body to replenish with new cells. When performed regularly the skin gets used to the process and begins to rejuvenate itself. Pre-treatment products precondition the skin and accelerate results whilst post treatment products heal and soothe the skin and help prolong the results.

AlumierMD Cleansers

AlumierMD Peel 20

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AlumierMD is great for skin health and anti-ageing and treating conditions such as Rosacea, Acne and Pigmentation.

“It’s a lovely product range,” says April, “and they have some great sunscreens, hydrating broad spectrum sunscreen, free of chemicals and ideal for this time of year but good for all year round use too. Their cleansers and moisturisers are excellent as well. They are all chemical free, the cleanest, most corrective skincare products around.

In addition Skin Society offers premium range Environ facials - the Environ Ionzyme Active Vitamin Facial which is packed with nourishing, anti-ageing ingredients and the Environ Collagen Power Facial which helps boost collagen, soften fine lines and tighten lax skin, resulting in a more youthful appearance - ideal for mature or photo-damaged complexions. The treatment uses gentle sound waves to drive a special nutrient packed serum deep into the lower layers of the skin. A unique combination of three peptide complexes working in synergy gives the skin a plumper, more radiant appearance.

April also offers facials and peels from

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

advanced skin wellness range Epionce which uses a combination of botanical ingredients and patent pending formulas to treat a variety of skin conditions and reverse visible effects of ageing.

The Epionce peel system helps improve the appearance of problem and photo-aged skin by deeply cleansing pores and removing skin scale while smoothing the skin to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.

This treatment is finished off with Dermalux LED phototherapy which uses a combination of clinically proven Blue, Red and near Infrared wavelengths to boost collagen and elastin production and resolve problem skin Hydrafacial conditions.

The treatment provides one of the fastest HydraFacial restores and rebuilds skin and safest ways to reverse visible signs of health with immediately visible results and ageing, clear acne and blemishes and heal will repair skin texture, brown spots, oily or skin complaints such as rosacea, eczema and congested skin, enlarged pores, blackheads, sun psoriasis. It is a completely pain free treatment damage and dry dehydrated skin. and suitable for all skin types and conditions.

Another state of the art treatment recently It can be used in conjunction with a facial or introduced by Skin Society is Thermavisage purely as a stand alone Radio Frequency treatment. Twenty colour therapy. This minutes under the light 3-in-1 system using is all that is needed and Radio Frequency, April recommends a Vacuum Suction and course of 10 to really Chromatherapy is a feel the benefit. complete treatment April’s popular combining results driven Hydrafacial includes anti-ageing on the face and complimentary AlumierMD Moisturisers a cellulite treatment for the Dermalux LED body. therapy to accelerate The Radio Frequency treatment uses waves rejuvenation and skin repair. The HydraFacial which excite the molecular structure within is a multi-step facial, performed using a the skin tissues generating heat. This thermal vacuum tip which is loaded with various energy stimulates collagen production in the serums, specially formulated to target and face, tightening and lifting the skin and when combat different skin issues: anti-ageing; acne used on the body it helps break down fat cells prone and congested; hyper pigmentation; and reducing the appearance of cellulite. problem skin.

The treatment is progressive so although The probe removes dead skin cells whilst results can be seen after the first treatment, the deep cleansing and exfoliating. Skin specific full benefit builds over several weeks. The result serums are then worked deep into the skin. is more supple, younger, brighter looking skin.

The amazing results are both instant and longSkin Society stocks Jane Iredale mineral lasting. makeup and holds regular make up events, and

also Environ and Epionce skincare, Zenii skincare products and advanced nutrition supplements.

To find out more about Skin Society products and treatments or to book a consultation or treatment with April, please contact her as below. l Skin Society, Suite 1, 4 Upper High Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3ES T: 07931 480307 E: info@skinsociety.co.uk Open by appointment: Mon/Wed/Fri: 9am-6pm, Thur: 9am-7pm, Sat: 9am-3pm.

Tue/Sun: Closed

Treatments HydraFacial l Perk Facial l Dermalux LED Phototherapy l Collagen Pin l CACI Non-Surgical Facelift l Thermavisage Radio Frequency l AlumierMD Targeted skin treatments l Environ Ionzyme Active Vitamin Facial l Environ Collagen Power Facial l Epionce Signature Renewal Facial l Epionce Peel l Massage Swedish Lava Shell l

Dermalux LED therapy Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

21

Try a Triathlon or Duathlon Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Challenge the family!

Sun day 31 Ju ly 2

6 01

Olympic Rennie Grove Hospice Care’s annual Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge takesMini place in September. It’s a great Super Sprint opportunity to get outside with the family, enjoy our lovely, local countryside and combine fun and Duathlon fitness with a spot of vital fundraising for this very deserving cause. Come on, let’s get ready to ramble...

600m SWIM, 34.5km CYCLE, 5km RUN

300m SWIM, 23km CYCLE, 5km RUN

5km RUN, 23km CYCLE, 5km RUN

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to be an experienced hiker to don a pair of walking boots and enjoy the last of the Summer.

Funds from the event help

Sunday 8 September 2019

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

Starting at: Princes Risborough School, Merton Road, HP27 0DT Prices: Adults £20, Child (5 –16) £10 and Under 5s free

renniegrove.org/chilterns3peaks

Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge 22

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Ridgeway, but we ask participants to ensure that they don’t miss the last www.renniegrove.org/rafhaltontri bus back to Princes Risborough!

01442 820740 All participants will take on the ntr y Team e ble first two peaks, Coombe HillRUN and a il a v a CYCLE Whiteleaf Cross, by completing for the s n SWIM triathlo the seven mile route from Princes Sponsored by Risborough to Wendover.

Walkers will then be16 orable Entrants must be over to enjoy a well-deserved rest and refuel.

The seven mile entrants can then head back to their cars, via the buses provided by Arriva, whilst Take the 3 Peaks Challenge!

Do it alone, with family the eleven mile walkers continue to and friends, or maybe Tring by way of bus to complete organise a team from work the additional miles and scale the final peak, Ivinghoe Beacon.

Rennie Grove Hospice Care, to For those who are feeling up for support local patients – adults and the challenge, the 20 mile route is children - with life-limiting illnesses taken entirely by foot, including all and their families, by providing three peaks, before catching the bus a range of services, including a back to your car and off home! responsive Hospice at Home All participants will receive a service that’s available day and T-shirt upon signing in on the day night. of the event. Registration is now The charity’s own version of open. For more information and the famous national three peaks to sign up, visit: www.renniegrove. challenge calls on locals of all org/chilterns3peaks or call: 01442 ages (and their dogs) to wander 890222. Entry costs £20 for adults up Whiteleaf Cross, climb and £10 for children (anyone aged Coombe Hill and proudly hang a five to 16 years old), while under 5s medal around their necks having and dogs can join for free. conquered Ivinghoe Beacon!

Local business, Origin, has proudly supported Rennie Grove l Rennie Grove Hospice Care www.renniegrove.org for many years and is the event’s headline sponsor this year, providing a fantastic sponsorship package to cover some of the costs involved in running the Challenge.

Arriva Buses are once again helping out with special buses on the day and are key to the operation. They are kindly providing transport to and from the start and finish location - Princes Risborough School - as well as in between the peaks, for those who don’t take on the longest walk, which clocks in at 20 miles.

All routes can be managed at a leisurely pace, allowing time to take in the stunning panoramic views that make up the Chilterns RAF Halton, Bucks

Registered Charity No. 1140386

ocal charity Rennie Grove Hospice Care is encouraging people to sign up for its annual sponsored walk along the Ridgeway National Trail, which this year takes place on September 8th. For more than a decade challengers have been tackling one, two or all three of the route’s Chiltern hills for this popular event, whilst soaking up vast and beautiful views of the countryside and raising vital funds to help support Rennie Grove Hospice Care services.

The Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge gives walkers of all ages the opportunity to join the fun with the choice of three route lengths: 7, 11 or 20 miles - so you don’t need

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.

H e a lt h f o c u s

Health & Fitness

with Andy McCrea

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Our England Cricket doctor

W

ith an exciting summer of World Cup Cricket underway and an Ashes series looming, Dr Moiz Moghal from Haddenham is ready to provide first class medical care for the England Men’s Cricket Team. Here Dr Moghal, who is also Chief Medical Officer for GB and England Hockey, chats about his role combining England cricket, GB hockey and his work locally with Elite Physical Medicine.

How would you best describe your role? I’m a Consultant in Sport, Exercise and Musculoskeletal Medicine having completed specialist training in Oxford and a Masters degree at UCL. My week is split between managing elite cricketers, hockey players and working at Elite Physical Medicine assessing a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.

Best bits? I get to travel worldwide - this winter I covered the Sri Lankan Test series. I get immense job satisfaction whether watching a returning cricketer score

Dr Moiz Moghal a century or when a local Mum I’ve treated completes her first half marathon. A recent example is a lady who was thrilled to be able to fully enjoy a dancing holiday as the result of an injection I had administered.

What types of injuries do you commonly see? Cricketers suffer from numerous injuries such as stress fractures, tendon problems, lower back pain and shoulder injuries. Interestingly this does not differ from the injuries I see at Elite Physical Medicine, however I find local patients have often suffered for longer before accessing treatment.

What is the difference in

the management of professionals and local patients? During the cricket season we have to manage our players to stay fit throughout a series of games. At a local level, I am fortunate to work alongside a team of physios at Elite Physical Medicine who have expert knowledge in rehabilitation.

Elite’s clients benefit from the luxury of time to implement a full rehabilitation programme without the pressures of competition.

What is your typical day at a test match ? Cricket is a unique sport as it can last 7 hours a day for 5 days. My day starts at 08:30 for assessment of players who are managing ongoing injuries, we then make preparations for on field medical emergencies. We remain alert for acute injuries, that range from concussion to broken fingers.

As a sports doctor concussion management is critical, my role is to recognise, diagnose and manage return to play protocols.

Concussion is a hot topic and I am keen to implement our professional

Andy McCrea Elite Physiotherapist protocols to local sports clubs and schools.

Thank you Dr Moghal, we wish you and the England team a very successful summer!!

Dr Moghal is available for appointments at Elite Physical Medicine Aylesbury and Haddenham clinics. He performs diagnostic ultrasound scanning and guided injections. Dr Moghal is recognised by all major insurance companies.

You can self refer via the contact details below. l Elite Physical Medicine. Clinics

in Aylesbury, Haddenham and Tring T: 01296 437717 E: enquiries@elitephysicalmedicine.co.uk W: www.elitephysicalmedicine.co.uk Facebook Instagram Twitter Check out our Google Reviews

weights

North Street Thame OX9 3TH | 01844 261754 | info@racquets-fitness-centre.com Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

23

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Tennis anyone?

There’s more to Wimbledon than Strawberries and Pimms? Alastair McIver reports...

S

o what will you be doing before, during or after Wimbledon Championships?

The majority of ticket-less fans will no doubt be glued to their television sets from lunchtime to dusk during the fortnight, while others will pick up on the highlights on their return home from work. Wall to wall entertainment, from the home of tennis, coming live to a living room near you.

And what a show the All England Club and the BBC, puts on every year.

Never mind Line of Duty, this is the

Naomi Osaka

country’s top notch annual drama, live and direct from the Club’s 18 Championship courts, with tennis guaranteed on Centre and No 1 Court from this year, following the spectacular unveiling of the latter court’s new roof in April.

Every year, Wimbledon delivers, offering us Brits a tennis feast: all the great players of the day, close proximity to them on the outside courts, and an atmospheric ambience which doesn’t disappoint in its quintessential Englishness. What’s not to like?

For all of its massive impact around the world, however, our own Lawn Tennis Association would like to see a further benefit coming from the buzz that surrounds Wimbledon fortnight, and that, for them, according to their latest annual report, translates into an increase in the numbers of people playing the game, a player dividend, if you like, that will increase participation and interest in the sport in this country.

And in part, it’s working.

In 2018, the LTA reported a 56% growth in court hours booked across 234 community tennis facilities, while club membership rose by 7% across the country’s 38 counties, 24

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

divided by the LTA into 7 regions, of which we, here in South and Central region, are one.

Nationally, there are over 2,600 affiliated clubs, and 4,000 courts, serviced by 5,000 LTA accredited coaches, all of which means there is very little excuse for us armchair watchers not to give it a go.

Here in Aylesbury Vale we are well served for club and park courts, even if some of them need a bit of a touch up here and there.

I counted 14 clubs alone in the immediate Vale area, as well as numerous park courts, so if we are to be inspired by the likes of current champions Angelique Kerber and Novak Djokovic, and their likely challengers, Naomi Osaka, Karolina Pliskova, Simona Halep and Serena Williams; not to mention Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, we’d better get on with it? Not even the likely absence of Sir Andy Murray should dampen our enthusiasm for the outdoors.

So where can we play? Club wise, there are a number of options, including Halton Tennis Centre, Thame, Tring, Aston Clinton, Aylesbury, Bierton, Waddesdon, Winslow, Wingrave, Princes Risborough, Long Crendon, Cuddington, Chinnor and Wendover Tennis Clubs. All appear to cater for young and old, junior or senior, beginner or advanced, with numerous coaching options defining their programmes. Most of them offer ‘open days’ as well as catering for those who want to socialise in a tennis environment.

Novak Djokovic

Angelique Kerber In addition, Aylesbury is well served by park courts, which these days are much better serviced and managed than they used to be.

Aylesbury Vale Academy offers multi-sport court hire, while a visit to the District Council website will tell you all you need to know about public court availability.

Wimbledon is just round the corner and I’ll be taking my racket down to my local club.

You can too.

The Pimms will still be there when you get home. l Alastair McIver is Features Editor for Tennis Threads magazine

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

25

Health & Beauty

G o o d h e a lt h

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

with Sandra Smith

A pain in the arm!

I

f there’s one sport which epitomises the summer months it’s tennis and with Wimbledon on the horizon, many are tempted to dig out their racquets and head to the local courts to practise those elusive double back handers.

Which, rather loosely, brings me to this edition’s health subject: tennis elbow. Not that this painful condition is limited to either tennis or any other sport. Tennis elbow is caused by strenuous overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm. Extensive time spent on a laptop, decorating, or playing the piano or violin, for instance, places repeated stress on the elbow joint. Resulting muscle tears and inflammation create pain on the outside of the upper forearm so limiting movements such as lifting, bending, gripping or

twisting.

Debilitating as tennis elbow is, recognising the problem early on means you should be able to treat it yourself. The NHS recommends self help in the form

of cold compresses on the affected area several times a day while painkillers such as paracetamol, or anti inflammatories like ibuprofen, may also lessen discomfort.

Most importantly, sufferers should avoid, or at least reduce, the physical action which is responsible for irritating the area. If this isn’t possible, a strap or brace around

Before

the forearm relieves pressure on the tendon, thereby supporting the arm muscles.

Sufferers should take regular breaks and any lifting of heavy objects is best done with palms facing up in order to reduce strain on the damaged muscles.

Depending upon the activity which exacerbates the ailment, changing technique may well contribute to alleviating the problem.

In severe and persistent trauma, physiotherapy may be required. Certainly if neither self help nor painkillers have a positive impact, contacting your GP is advisable. But be assured that the majority of cases do get better, recovery often taking between a few months and a couple of years.

Meanwhile introducing the sort of changes recommended above may well prevent repeat attacks.

A musculoskeletal condition, tennis elbow usually develops in

Good Health

Sandra Smith the arm you use most often and is so common, estimates suggest that one in three adults are affected at any given time. It is also more widespread amongst men and women in the 40-60 age group.

Prevention is, perhaps the best course of action so be aware that repeated movements could put strain on the elbow joint and its surrounding tissues. Oh, and don’t be fooled by the name. l Sandra Smith is a freelance

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

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

out and about

with Heather Jan Brunt

A medal for her pedal!

I

wrote earlier in the year about my new ebike and how my children wanted me to join them on the Cotswolds Bike Ride in May. Well I’m proud to report that we did it, together, and it was the most wonderful experience to share.

It certainly wasn’t without mishap though. My daughter forgot her helmet and we had to turn around and go back for it; a few minutes into the start of the ride the chain came off my bike (the first time this has ever happened); and my fully charged phone ran out of battery due to the GPS tracker using up all the juice, so I was unable to take any pictures en route... but, hey, we all completed the ride despite the endless long steep hills and no one laughed at my ebike!

I had been a concerned about taking part on a sit up bike with a basket and battery, as most riders would be of the lycra clad racing variety, but the ride organisers assured me I was just the type of cyclist they wanted to encourage.

Heather and brood having completed The Cotswolds Bike Ride And I needn’t have worried there was a very mixed bag of cyclists of all ages and even a few baskets and batteries on display.

Of course the super cyclists with their sporty gear and racing bikes were also there, but they didn’t seem to mind sharing the road with people like me. Actually we didn’t share the same space for long, as they tore off at speed and I toddled along enjoying the scenery.

And what scenery! The Cotswolds are truly idyllic, and the weather couldn’t have been more perfect.

I could never have done it

without the battery though. There were lots of hills on the route, including some horrendously steep ones. And it was on the hills that other cyclists noticed I had a battery, because this was where I overtook them! The comments I received were not unpleasant though and one man even shouted out: “Wow, that’s the way to do it!” as I sailed past. I think my basket got more comments than my battery, but again, they were all kind, and the wonderful marshalls scattered throughout the route were extremely encouraging.

My admiration goes out to all the riders, especially my children, who cycled up these challenging mini mountains under their own steam.

My children did the 50 mile route, and I did the 30 mile, but we travelled as a threesome for the first 15 miles before the split point, and met up again at the lunch point, before cycling together over the finishing line, a very emotional moment that I must admit left me feeling a bit teary eyed. Collecting our medals was a proud moment

Out and about

Heather Jan Brunt before enjoying a super massage.

I didn’t buy my ebike for this sort of thing, and for the most part I will continue using it as I originally intended, as a form of transport for getting into town and to visit friends. But it does enable people who would not ever have entertained taking part in such a challenge, to do so: using our own leg power on the flat, but clicking in some assistance on the hills, so that we can join with family and friends.

And my children and I enjoyed it so much we decided we would like to do another ride and so, as I write this, we are facing the Mix 96 Tour de Vale on June 9th. Let’s hope it is just as much fun, it’s certainly for another great cause. l Follow Heather Jan Brunt on

Twitter @HJBjournalist

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Community

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

G o o d to g i v e

by Katie Higginson

Celebrating our carers

C

arers Week starts on 10th June, highlighting and celebrating the contribution that carers make to society and the people they care for.

Looking after your husband when he has developed dementia or your mum who has diabetes is something that many people do through a combination of love and duty. Often people don’t think of themselves as carers: you are just a husband or wife, son or daughter who has extra responsibilities because your loved one is ill or has a disability or cannot manage for themselves.

However, without this army of unpaid carers society would not be able to cope. In Buckinghamshire alone, there are more than 50,000 adults who are carers – that is one in ten of the adult population – and this number is growing as more people live longer with long term conditions.

We all probably know someone who is in a caring role, and the chances are that three in five of us

Katie Higginson

Good to give

will be a carer at some point in our lives.

Knowing that you are making a real difference to someone you care about can bring fulfilment and satisfaction, but caring can also be very demanding, stressful and relentless. As a result, carers are much more likely to experience mental health problems such as anxiety and depression than the population generally. Carers also tend to neglect their own physical health as they focus on the person they care for.

Carers Bucks, the local charity

which supports the wellbeing of unpaid carers in the county, is in a unique position to understand this challenge.

“It is important to recognise the huge value that carers bring to individuals and families in our towns and villages in Buckinghamshire,” said Ann Whiteley from Carers Bucks. “However, it is equally important to highlight that carers need support and assistance themselves if they are to stay well and not become socially isolated and experience mental and physical health problems.”

Carers Week (10th to 16th June) is a time for celebrating the contribution made by carers as well as highlighting the challenges they face, but it could also be seen as a call to action.

If you are interested in a volunteer caring role, have a look for local opportunities on: www.carersbucks.org or www.Do-it.org.

If you are already a carer and need support and advice, contact Carers Bucks who are there to help: 0300 777 2722 (calls charged at local rate) or email: mail@carersbucks.org l Katie Higginson is CEO of

Community Impact Bucks: Tel: 0300 111 1250 www.communityimpactbucks.org.uk

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

29

Health & Beauty

f o ot f o c u s

with Jenney Klose of Feet First,Thame

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

What is plantar fasciitis?

P

lantar fasciitis means inflammation of your plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue that stretches from your heel to your middle foot bones, supports the arch of your foot and acts as a shock absorber within your foot.

It is quite common - around 1 in 10 people will get plantar fasciitis at some time in their life. It is most common in people between the ages of 40 to 60 years. However, it can occur at any age. It is twice as common in women as men. It is also common in athletes.

What causes Plantar fasciitis?

It is caused by repeated microtrauma to the plantar fascia: • If you are on your feet for a lot of the time • Excessive exercise • Exercising on a different surface than you are used to.

• Poor foot position • Worn shoes or badly fitting shoes.

• Overweight • Tight calf muscles

Heel bone Pain Plantar fascia What are the symptoms?

The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain which is worse first thing in the morning, when you put your foot on the floor, or when you stand up after sitting. The pain usually lessens with walking initially but can then worsen again if you are on your feet for long periods.

Treatment Treatment varies depending on the cause but includes:• Rest • Icing • Exercise • Massage • Orthoses • Anti-inflammatories

Jenney Klose Podiatrist

ESWT treatment If these don’t resolve the problem, then at Feet First, we offer a very effective, evidence-based treatment called Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy or ESWT, which is also good for Achilles Tendinopathy - a condition suffered by those involved in running sports.

The shockwaves or high-energy sound waves are introduced into the painful areas and accelerate the healing process by activating the body’s own self-healing powers.

They stimulate the metabolism and enhance the blood circulation.

Damaged tissue gradually regenerates and eventually heals.

Usually, three to five treatments at weekly intervals are sufficient. Our

website has more information.

Patients have said: ‘The improvement has been quite spectacular... being little short of miraculous in my view’, ‘I have been totally free of pain for over 2 years with no reoccurrence at all, a brilliant result’. l Feet First, 13a Upper High

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

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 2019

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Because Family Matters It is natural for people to fall out. All sorts of situations arise in human relationships which make it hard to agree or even communicate with those we were once close to. It is now recognised that in many situations, particularly those involving children and marriage breakups, Mediation is a much better way forward, for all involved, than a lengthy and acrimonious court battle...

F

amily Mediation can help sort out the practical arrangements necessary in a divorce, separation or break up and is especially useful when a couple are struggling to communicate or agree between themselves as to how to move forward. It can also be used in other situations, say if the beneficiaries of an estate are having difficulty reaching agreement.

Today the courts want proof people have tried to sort things out between themselves and if struggling to agree, have attended a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), if they are seeking to divorce, before they can access the courts.

Going to court is very much a last resort.

Meeting together voluntarily with a Mediator, within a safe confidential setting, to discuss options and workable solutions is much preferable to arguing in court.

Family Mediators help clients find ways of communicating with each other and discussing issues constructively. They are highly trained and will always be impartial. They do not judge people, tell you what to do, or give counselling or legal advice. They will provide factual information if required to help you make an informed decision.

Mediation is quicker, cheaper and less acrimonious than other routes: “A court case is, by its nature, very adversarial,” says local Mediator Tony Bobroff, “which doesn’t help the parties when they need to be working together to create a framework for future relations.

“We deal with all child related issues: coparenting, child contact, child maintenance... as well as all financial and property related matters, such as how to share out assets and liabilities in a practical way that allows each partner and the children to move on with their lives.

“Our clients get the best of both worlds as they are able to negotiate face to face with the help of the Mediator but can then take an outline of arrangements to their legal advisors if they wish. This is a faster, more cost effective and less acrimonious route than a court case.”

Tony Bobroff with client Apart from the obvious financial benefit, Mediation is a far less stressful process than going to court and the value to separating families of maintaining a civil, non-confrontational relationship cannot be overemphasised. It will be a major help for years to come.

“Children cope so much better when they know that Mum and Dad will always be their Mum and Dad and that they still talk and will continue to work together for the benefit of the whole family,” says Tony.

“It is so important for a separating family that a framework for the child arrangements is agreed covering all aspects of contact e.g. Christmas, Holidays, Foreign travel, Grandparents etc as well as decisions regarding Health, Education, Bed times, Screen time etc.”

To qualify as a Family Mediator, Tony has completed extensive training approved by the Family Mediation Council (FMC). He also has years of life experience to draw on which include 40 years in industry, working with Ford and then M&S. Tony became Chief Executive of the largest division of Courtaulds in 1998, managing a workforce of more than 2000 people. He is an experienced people manager with excellent negotiating skills. More recently he worked for smaller companies and ran his

own business consultancy.

On retiring in 2012 Tony requalified as a Family Mediator (FMC Accredited) and has since managed more than 450 hours of Mediation and 400 Assessments. His substantial commercial and negotiating experience has proved critical in helping clients through their Children, Property and Finance Mediations.

“If you can sit round the table with me and your ex,” says Tony, “and discuss things rationally, I can lead you through a process to produce documents, one financial and one a Memorandum of Understanding which set out all your finances and how you propose sharing them and can then be used by a solicitor as the basis for your consent order application for divorce and you won’t need to attend a court hearing to proceed.

“It’s a very stressful difficult and emotional time for people but they have to reach some kind of agreement which allows them and any children to get on with their lives. As a Mediator I can help with this process. Your loving relationship has gone but a more businesslike arrangement can be made, so you can move forward and relate to eachother even though you might not like eachother anymore. The first meeting can be a little awkward, but it does get easier as you realise the benefits of talking to each other.”

Mediation is completely voluntary and confidential and will only work if both parties and the Mediator believe it appropriate in the circumstances.

It you think Mediation would be helpful, book a confidential, one-to-one assessment meeting (MIAM) to find out more about the Mediation process and whether it might work for you and your situation.

Contact Tony as below. You can find him on the Family Mediation website (www. familymediationcouncil.org.uk) see his own website or give him a call. l Tony Bobroff FMCA, Family Matters ‘Family Mediator because Family Matters’ T: 07483 868 044 E: tonybobroff@icloud.com W: https://tonybobroff.wixsite.com/website Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

31

Education

E d u c at i o n m at t e r s

by Nick Andrews

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

It’s all about words!

I

n the last issue we looked at ‘Word Poverty’ – how many less words some children know the meaning of than others - and how that to really thrive a child needs to know around 50,000 words by GCSE level. This is our ‘Receptive Vocabulary’ and a shortfall is a major reason for academic problems at school.

In this issue I will be looking at ‘Expressive Vocabulary’ – the words we say and write. These are not exactly matched. For example, our reading vocabulary is typically much more complex than the words we speak. We may understand words as we listen and read but not know them well enough to use them in our writing.

We know that talk is a wellestablished solution for developing children’s vocabulary; but you may not be aware that around just 2000 words make up 80% of our spoken language. Just talking is not enough! It’s only chatting.

Put simply, using an array of academic vocabulary in our talk and drawing upon a vast word hoard of 50,000 words helps not only give a confident voice to our students, it gives others confidence in their voice. So, without ignoring the value of oracy, we should be clear, the future success of our students rests predominantly in their ability to become proficient and fluent readers.

If they can read it, they can say it.

If they can say it, they can write it.

Just get them reading more!

But beware reading for pleasure alone, it is not enough. We must celebrate the difficult words – and go and find out what they mean.

Reading experts have devised the ‘Big Five’ – the crucial components for the effective teaching of reading.

Phonemic awareness and Phonics – we must encourage the young reader to sound out the parts of the words they are reading. This way they will notice the similarities between words they don’t know and words they do.

Fluency is crucial – reading at 4-5 words per second is a good target.

At that rate a Harry Potter novel at 77,000 words will take about 4 hours.

Vocabulary should be explicitly taught so that we can attend to the complex meanings of words we don’t know. To really understand a word, we don’t know we need to

Nick Andrews

Education Matters spend ‘quality time’ with it – get to know its history and its background.

Grow your child’s word store with a word of the day or week. You will be changing their life chances – not just affecting their GCSE results.

Text comprehension; we know a word best by the company it keeps.

So, in summary; it’s about welcoming difficult words into the life of your family and playing with them, looking onto and underneath them, using them in speech and writing and, most of all, having fun with them.

Your children are so lucky you have read this far; for, and I am sad to say this, the word rich will get richer and the word poor will get poorer. l Nick Andrews, a retired Headteacher, offers an individual home tutoring service in English and Maths. Contact him on: nickubiq@gmail.com

Pardon my English!

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

1) Bavin

(Hertfordshire dialect)

3) Batchelor’s buttons

A) the youngest of a litter of pigs B) a spur attached to the heel of a fighting cock C) a small bundle of four foot sticks bound with a withy

(Buckinghamshire dialect) A) the white campion B) facial spots; acne C) the four of clubs in playing cards (which was held to be unlucky)

2)Whelm or Whellum

4) Bangy

(Hertfordshire dialect) A) a roughly made bridge for carts across a stream or ditch B) wool taken from a dead sheep C) a snow storm

(Hertfordshire dialect) A) a spur attached to the heel of a fighting cock B) muddy C) a thin, lanky person

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: 1C) a small bundle of four foot sticks bound with a withy 2A) a roughly made bridge for carts across a stream or ditch 3A) the white campion (also called bullrattle) 4B) muddy

32

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

What’s On

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

B e ac o n L i t

by Sandra Smith

For readers and writers

L

iterary festivals – the calendar’s full of them, isn’t it? In fact, if you’re happy to fork out substantial sums for tickets and travel to distant venues then you’re spoiled for choice.

On the other hand BeaconLit is an alternative that’s right here on our doorstep. Now in its seventh year, this one day literary festival is taking place in Ivinghoe on Saturday, July 13th, and according to founder and crime author, Dave Sivers, is aimed at, “Anybody who is interested in reading and writing; we try and make it accessible to both.”

The Festival, held in Brookmead School and with free parking on nearby Ivinghoe Lawn, has long attracted high profile authors. And this summer doesn’t disappoint.

One of the headliners in a packed programme is Poldark actor, Robert Dawes.

As well as a regular on TV and star of London’s West End stage,

Sandra Smith

Beacon Lit Robert Dawes

Dave Sivers Robert has written a number of thrillers, the first of which was an Amazon No 1 bestseller. He’s in conversation with BeaconLit regular and BBC journalist, Adina Campbell.

The aims of this annual event are twofold, as Dave explains. “We want to raise the profile of books and writing in the local area and, at the same time, raise funds for Beacon

Adina Campbell Villages Community Library. Over the years we’ve donated several hundred pounds to this valuable village facility.”

The informality of BeaconLit is one of its attractions. There is no Green Room so authors (including Jane Wenham-Jones and rising stars

of the literary world) mingle with delegates between sessions.

Goodie bags are also popular. “We are grateful to many local sponsors,” says the founder. “The canvas bags, courtesy of PCL Corporatewear, will contain novels donated by Orenda Books, Tring Brewery beer and a host of other goodies.”

This Festival is dedicated to offering practical tips to writers, and giving readers an understanding about those who make their living from words.

“BeaconLit is a high quality event with a small village atmosphere,” champions Dave Sivers. At £26.50 it’s exceptional value for money, and right in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside. l www.beaconlit.co.uk

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

d ow n to b u s i n e s s

with Philippa Batting

Embracing neurodiversity

I

f you think of all the ways in which society has sought to make workplaces more diverse over the years (race, gender, sexuality, religion), we have all made amazing progress, but one area yet to receive the attention it deserves is neurodiversity.

Neurodiversity refers to the different ways our brains function, learn and process information, and this is different for all of us. Differences are often quite noticeable in people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia, but this is not about those labels per se, it is about recognising and respecting people whose brains function differently, not ‘better’ or ‘worse’, and helping everyone flourish.

It is estimated that around 1 in 7 people in the UK are neurodivergent, but research suggests that these people are three times more likely to be rejected for roles, so for

business owners, thinking about neurodiversity means thinking about your hiring practices, workplace culture, and what skills you need in your business.

The perfect team is not full of perfect people; it is full of people with different skills, strengths and weaknesses that mesh together to complement each other.

There are unique sets of skills accessible when we hire neurodiverse employees, especially in growth sectors in Buckinghamshire like IT and the Creative Industries, for example: visual thinking, creativity, 3D mechanical design, intuition, ‘hyper-focus’ or concentration, fine-detail processing, and sequencing.

So although some neurodivergent people may not be as comfortable delivering a presentation as others, they may be the people best suited to crafting a datadriven presentation for someone else to deliver, and they will ask

the questions no one else has thought of. This is not to stereotype people, as not all neurodivergent individuals will have the same characteristics, it’s simply true to say that some people’s brains function differently from the majority and this should be understood and embraced.

At Buckinghamshire Business First, we are thinking about how to best embrace neurodiversity within our team and would encourage other employers to do the same. We need to raise awareness of the fact that there is untapped talent out there that may not be getting a fair crack at jobs they would excel in.

Businesses should ensure they are providing equal opportunities for all. Do job adverts appeal to everyone or do they alienate certain people by highlighting potential stress-points such as the need to deliver presentations? Can businesses offer informal interview processes and settings to put people

Philippa Batting Down to business

at ease who might otherwise struggle in formal settings?

Having an open plan office can be over-stimulating for some; how can businesses ensure everyone is comfortable in their surroundings?

By appreciating differences and the diversity the world affords us, people benefit, society benefits and businesses benefit. I would love to hear your thoughts on how businesses can embrace neurodiversity. Email me at: Philippa@bbf.uk.com 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

serviced office space & business support 01844 211080 follow us twitter.com/sanderumcentre www.sanderumcentre.co.uk hello@sanderumcentre.co.uk 34

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY SALES REACH A NEW HIGH

INDUSTRIAL/WAREHOUSE VALUES ACHIEVE RECORD HIGH ON A RATE PER SQ FT Sales of industrial and warehouse properties in south/mid Bucks area, and indeed beyond, are reaching staggering heights. In the general South/Mid Bucks/Oxon area they have doubled in value over the last 3-4 years.

NOW IS THE TIME TO SELL. If you would like a market appraisal, please contact Alan Chandler on 01296 398383 or 01494 723999 or ac@chandlergarvey.com

Amersham

Aylesbury

High Wycombe

Marlow

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01494 723999

01296 398383

01494 446612

01628 902488

01753 725700

www.chandlergarvey.com Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

35

Wellbeing

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

M e n ta l H e a lt h & W e l l b e i n g

by Lisa Lloyd

Stiff upper lip?

I

n our rapidly changing world, we need to look after our wellbeing more than ever.

Following on from May’s Mental Health Awareness week, the BBC’s Mental Health Season and an increasing focus on mental health in schools and the workplace, many of us are thinking more about this important aspect of our being.

But still there are those who maintain the belief that we should keep our heads down and get on with life. I’ve been told “There’s too much mental health!” What I find surprising is that this isn’t just from my parents’ generation but from well-educated people in their 30s and 40s.

What some of us forget is that we all have mental health but we’re not all good at recognising what’s going on for us and others and then knowing what to do about it.

Are you part of a family, friendship group or workplace where you are encouraged to talk

Lisa Lloyd

It’s Time for Change

about how you’re feeling, what’s getting in the way of you thriving and what you can do to overcome barriers to flourishing?

We’re living in a society where, more than ever, we’re experiencing emotional turmoil. Many of us are trying to balance family and work, personal goals, relationships, or the pressure of exams, new jobs and college/ university. Few people are escaping the roller coaster and uncertainty of Brexit and politics.

These changes, along with 24/7 technology, the bombardment of information and high expectations means we need reassurance about our sense of meaning and purpose,

belonging and control over our lives.

Emotional awareness, our ability to manage how we feel and behave and how we interact with others, has been shown to be more important to our health and success than our intellectual approach to the world.

So, how emotionally clever are you? Try being honest about how you feel; recognising your ‘hot spots’ that trigger stress and anxiety; identifying activities that help calm your brain, and being aware of how others really feel, behind their words.

Think about your brain as a

jam jar. You’re born with some stuff in it and then you add to that experiences in life. When your jar is full your mental health is compromised. But engaging in activities that are good for you such as sleep, healthy diet and exercise and being emotionally intelligent increases the size of your jar and your resilience.

What’s your contribution to creating a culture of honesty about feelings, challenges, desires and our sense of being valued, of belonging and of emotional safety in our changing world? l Lisa Lloyd Strategic Wellbeing: Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Trainer & Consultant at It’s Time for Change www.itstimeforchange www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology

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• Lodge Manager • Owners’ Lounge • Guest Suite for friends and family • Landscaped gardens • 24-hour support • Video entry system • Free parking • Lift to all floors Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

37

Homes & Gardens Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Step inside

by Polly Gibbs

raw

Embrace a colour shift towards nudes that take their cue from nature 38

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Walls in Stone limewash by Bauwerk, for Ingredients LDN

Step inside

by Polly Gibbs

Homes & Gardens Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

This earthy, grounded and globally influenced look brings a calming warmth that makes it the perfect summer colourway. Inspiration comes from rugged coastlines, wild grasses, natural stone, driftwood, bone, chalk and sun bleached finishes that yield a strong connection to nature. ....

R

aw is pared back. Chalky Walls painted in Bone No.15 by Farrow & Bal lime-washed plasterwork, rough textures and matt finishes mingle with artisan accessories for naturally •Expert Advice relaxed living. The weathered palette lends itself well to Ibiza inspired •Professional Fitting interiors that mix billowy whites •Very Competitive with stonewashed and hessian hues for Residential and for a floaty bohemian vibe. But the look is super versatile, working Commercial work equally well in a modern, Georgian •Carpets to suit all or Cotswold farmhouse. Simply & Ball. This stony neutral is simply ethos is one of being in harmony Budgets layer neutrals like linen, raw oak, jute with nature, so it’s named after ‘the colour of bones reassuring to and natural wicker. know that they•Free are not Quotes harmful to found in the animal kingdom’ An easy way to get started is and offers a timeless look when us or the environment, including •No Here Obligation with Bauwerk paint. They use only combined with their Lime White during manufacture.

- main the finest pigments to create the pic opposite page - the Parking walls are on woodwork. It can also be used •Free most beautifully tactile modern to create a contemporary feeling of in Stone (Bauwerk Colour, from limewash paints, suitable for interior £13.50). light and space when paired with and exterior use, including over you prefer using good old lighter tones; or as a sympathetic CARPETS • VINYLS If• SISAL • STAIR RODS existing render.

The company emulsion try Bone No.15 by Farrow SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES neutral with stronger, more

Charles Huntington Flooring

Charles Huntington Flooring

Polly Gibbs Step inside

•Expert Advice Polly Gibbs, Creative Director at •Professional Coco Design, sharesFitting her down to earth approach to interiors, from •Very Competitive design secrets to trends and foreverything Residential and in between.

Commercial work traditional colours to (2.5ltrs, •Carpets suitmodern all emulsion, £46.50).

Budgets Raw is calm, with an integrity •Free Quotes born of simplicity.

Tactile surfaces encourage aged by touch •Nopause, Obligation and use brings a weathered beauty.

•Free Parking Designing this way is a gentle

Charles Huntington Flooring

Continued on page 40

•Expert CARPETS • VINYLSAdvice • SISAL • STAIR RODS Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES •Professional Fitting Saturday 10am until 4pm. Any other time by appointment Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm Tel: 01296 337181 Mob: 07767370067 •Very Competitive Saturday 10am until 4pm.

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

Commercial work Commercial work E

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Charles Huntington Flooring IC

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

Any other time by appointment Opening Times: Monday toto Friday 10am until 5pm Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm North Mill Road Bledlow Bucks HP2710am 9QP 01844 342400 info@northmillstoves.co.uk www.northmillstoves.co.uk Opening Times: Monday Friday until 3pm Saturday 10am until 4pm. Any other time by appointment Web: www.charleshuntington.co.uk Saturday 10am until 4pm. 10am Any other appointment Saturday until time 4pm. by Any other time Tel: by appointment 01296 337181 Mob: 07767370067 Tel: 01296 337181 Mob:337181 07767370067 Tel: 01296 Mob: 07767370067 Web: www.charleshuntington.co.uk •Free Parking 23 DUCK FARM COURT, STATION WAY, AYLESBURY, HP20 2SQ Unrivalled customer service through the commitment of our family team.

Oxfordshire • Buckinghamshire • Hertfordshire • Berkshire • and beyond

Contact us to book your free home survey or to visit our showroom to see the stoves in action.

comforts Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

39

Homes & Gardens Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Step inside

Olivia Headboard from Neptune Continued from page 39 approach to making a home to linger in and enjoy a slower pace.

Create a serene sleepy retreat by

by Polly Gibbs

Shezad Lampshade, styled by Jeltje Janmaat for Couleur Locale combining stone with linen and just a hint of sage. The rustic texture of this Olivia headboard and chair in Jack Sage stripe from

Neptune, contrasts with the creamy softness of the knitted throw in Old Chalk. Layer up with hints of pattern, shown here in Lara Sage

for the lampshade and cushions in Lara Sage, and Emma Sage. (King Headboard £680, Skye cable knit Continued on page 42

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 40

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

e ur

! h o t r o ls nt fo ea p i om Po wro r d e o sh m m su Join the flush windows & doors revolution!

Visit our Long Crendon showroom & see our selection of stunning, premium quality Residence flush windows & doors • Superior flush casement windows and doors • Premium grade finish • Stylish design • Built to last • Energy efficient • Enhanced security • Looks like timber • Low maintenance • Easy to clean • Choice of colours, glazing options and hardware • Intelligent, 7 chamber design for high levels of durability and performance • Traditional straight joins or welded

ď Ź ď Ź ď Ź

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

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

41

Homes & Gardens Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Continued from page 41 throw in old chalk, £160, Lara Sage / Emma Sage cushions, from £56.

All from Neptune).

Mixing antique wooden stools, handmade pottery and unique treasures adds interest and a longevity that rejects mass-production and frenzied consumption of trends, deemed wasteful (see image previous page).

Pieces are chosen with thoughtful intention, coveted for their creative narrative that brings an enjoyment and appreciation from knowing the journey of each item.

This Shezad Suspension lampshade is handmade in Tunisia from seagrass (€295). It’s from Couleur Locale, one of two online stores you absolutely have to browse to build a raw aesthetic; 1. Couleur Locale - utterly brilliant for globally sourced unique and tactile treasures. You’ll find antique stools, decorative wall plates, carved driftwood fish from Kenya, old Chinese Reed Shuttles and old African Door Locks. My

Step inside

by Polly Gibbs

Wonki Ware, styled by Jeroen Van der Spek for Couleur Locale

Beheru Gourd baskets, styled by Jeroen Van der Spek for Couleur Locale favourites are the Beheru Gourd baskets from Zimbabwe (from €75), Wonki Ware (from €8), and Old Notarial Acts - inscribed

wooden panels used by Berber tribes to record deeds of marriages, transactions and wills. (€49.00. UK shipping available).

2. Ingredients LDN - their ethos and collection perfectly embody this look. Pieces are Continued on page 44

Quartz & Granite Worktops

Superior Materials, Crafted with Care Find Us At

Views Farm Great Milton OX44 7NW 42

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Call for a qoute today 01844 279274

www.stoneworld.co.uk

Homes & Gardens

A stove to make nature a part of your family home...

Call to discuss our Summer Installation Offers, or better still visit our new showroom

Tel: 01844 201208

www.northmillstoves.co.uk

bespoke doors & windows in timber, aluminium & alu-clad

We manufacture, supply and install:

folding sliding doors sliding doors french doors single doors

telephone

01487 740044 info@kloeber.co.uk

www.kloeber.co.uk

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

windows shaped glazed screens entrance doors rooflights

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

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

43

Homes & Gardens Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Step inside

by Polly Gibbs Source List Bauwerkcolour.co.uk ingredientsldn.com neptune.com farrow-ball.com couleurlocale.eu pinterest.co.uk/ curious_coco/raw

Ingredients LDN: walls in Bauwerk Stone with Kapok Safari Daybed Mattress

Old Notarial Acts, Couleur Locale Continued from page 42 curated with immense care and consideration, treasuring artisan qualities and natural materials.

You’ll find accessories and homewares including candles, linens, a Hemp Palm Broom, a

Kapok Safari Mattress (£199), and Stone-Washed cutlery, based on Old English Tipt flatware from the 19th Century. Made from the finest raw materials this flatware is built to last.

Each piece is forged from highquality stainless steel and achieves

A quote that not many painters and decorators can match.

Decorare D e c o r ato r s to t r u s t

Call 01844 299040 or visit www.decorareltd.co.uk 44

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

“

“

On their van it says ‘Decorators to trust’.

That is 100% true. Could not be bettered.

its distinctive aged matte finish through a delicate stone washing process. (£21.50 for a set of 4).

For more inspiration browse the Curious Coco dedicated ‘Raw’ Pinterest board and follow @ thecuriouscoco on instagram for a kaleidoscope of design inspiration.

instagram.com/ thecuriouscoco

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.

E: polly@curious-coco.com W: www.curious-coco.com Insta, Twitter, FB: @TheCuriousCoco

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Georgia toilet & basin with every bathroom order

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01296 323438

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Operate your garage door from anywhere the houseRoofs Electric Awnings &inGlass

ITC WALL SW ROLLER ERY WITH EV E DOOR GARAG

Visit our showroom at: 6 Swan Walk, Thame, BIG BRAND Oxfordshire, OX9 3HN T: 01844 212152 E: info@shutterspecsecurity.co.uk NAMESW: www.shutterspecsecurity.co.uk

NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN Based Thame, Oxfordshire we supply and install a range ofand garageGlass doors. Terrace Roofs by Erhardt Markisen, Weinsupply and install Electric Awnings Whether it’s a space saving Roller Garage Door, a Sectional Garage Door for so can orembrace al fresco dining area or stylish sun terrace extrayou insulation a new Up andoutdoor Over Garageliving Door ourwith productsanareelegant of the highest quality with a wide choice of colours and materials.

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BIG BRAND Retractable fabric awning Wayne Wiseman Business Card FINAL ART.pdf NAMES

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17/04

Awnings - glass verandas - sun screens - pergolas - retractable roofs - louvred pods PLEASE CHECK THIS PROOF CAREFULLY,

Based in Thame, Oxfordshire wePHONE supply and installNUMBERS a range of garage doors. AND YOUR EMAIL ADDRE ARTICULARLY Whether it’s a space saving Roller Garage Door, a Sectional Garage Door for

01296 509 892

extra insulation509 or a new892 Up and / Over07771 Garage Door510971 our products are of the 01296 theboilerblokes.co.uk Please contact uschoice (byofphone email) AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to confirm that the highest quality with a wide colours andor materials.

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theboilerblokes.co.uk vertisement above is510971 acceptable, or if you require any amends. If emailing or leaving a voicem 07771 01844 212152 |from info@shutterspecsecurity.co.uk is essential that you have confirmation us that we’ve received your message. If we don hear from you beforethe our deadline, we will the advert as above in our next edition(s) Spread cost over 10 use months with 0% finance and you will be invoiced as booked. All advert designs are copyright Chiltern Directories Ltd Wayne Wiseman : 07879 400993 nd must not be used in any other publications or websites unless we have given written approv Are you tired youralso old boiler continually at which time weofwill supply you with a print ready file. We reserve the right to charge a breaking down?

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Email : enquiries@theboilerblokes.co.uk Website : www.theboilerblokes.co.uk

EXPERTLY FITTED

PLEASE THIS PROOF CAREFULLY, Our aim is your completeCHECK satisfaction ARTICULARLY EMAIL throughout the wholePHONE process, from NUMBERS AND Wayne YOUR and Clinton initial contact to final sign off.

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are The Boiler Blokes, Please contact us (by phone or email) AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to confirm that the local boiler installation teama voicem 24 above monthsislabour warrantyor if you your vertisement acceptable, require anyexpert amends.

If emailing or leaving Up tothat 10 years is essential you mfr haveguarantee confirmation from us that we’ve received your message. If we don hear from you before our deadline, we will use the advert as above in our next edition(s) and you will be invoiced as booked. All advert designs are copyright Chiltern Directories Ltd Reviewed on nd must not be used in any other publications or websites unless we have given written approv Life : Jun/Jul 2019 45 at which time we will also supply you with a print ready file. We reserve theValeright to charge a

ARTICULARLY PHONE NUMBERS AND Homes & Gardens OUR EMAIL ADDRESS

tern Directories safe as houses

web. www.chiltern

with Nigel Grace

Getting your hands dirty ITED

W

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

Choosing to do work yourself is usually driven by two factors – personal satisfaction or to save money. But before you dive in and get heavily involved you need to give this a lot of thought.

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

There are weekends, but that’s just two days a week. You could use up your annual holiday, but if you are lucky this might stretch to four or five weeks. It doesn’t add up to a great deal, does it? I know people who have built large extensions to their houses by themselves, but it has taken a long, long time!

Most projects are ‘built’ by one party (which can be a single builder or a company) acting as what we call the main contractor.

They take ELESSaspects responsibility of the FREE WIRforITall H C designer’s build, working LL SWto your

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 as you are paying for it.

If you are not a skilled trades person or experienced in DIY, then getting involved may be daunting but there are ways you can be – and not all of them involve 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, 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 its 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. But by taking a logical, planned approach then you should be able to make it work. Also, it is 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, or 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 6am, getting home at 7pm and then having to go to the site of our new

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Nigel Grace

Safe as houses

house to move, by hand, 15,000 roof tiles, 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!!!!

tel. 0771281 LEASE CHECK THIS PROOF CAREFULLY, tel. 075000482 ARTICULARLY PHONE NUMBERS AND web. www.chiltern OUR EMAIL ADDRESS

NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN

R WA Y ROLLE R E V E H WIT DOOR GARAGE

l Nigel Grace MRICS is an experienced chartered quantity surveyor, who has built and redeveloped many houses himself.

If you need help or advice on your building project contact him on: nigel@nigelgracelimited.co.uk

Operate your garage door from anywhere the houseexpert Your local garageindoor Visit our showroom at: 6 Swan Walk, Thame, BIG BRAND Oxfordshire, OX9 3HN T: 01844 212152 E: info@shutterspecsecurity.co.uk NAMESW: www.shutterspecsecurity.co.uk

NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN Based in Thame, Oxfordshire we supply and and install a range From our base in Thame, we supply install a rangeofofgarage garagedoors. doors for residential, commercial and industrial premises.

Whether Whether it’s a space Garage a Sectional Garage Door for Door for extra insulation, or a new Up and Over Garage Door, it’s saving a spaceRoller saving RollerDoor, Garage Door, a Sectional Garage extra insulation or a new Upourandproducts Over Garage our products of come the in a wide choice of colours and materials. are ofDoor the highest qualityare and highest quality with a wide choice of colours and materials.

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BIG BRAND NAMES

PLEASE CHECK THIS PROOF CAREFULLY, Based in Thame, Oxfordshire wePHONE supply and installNUMBERS a range of garage doors. AND YOUR EMAIL ADDRE ARTICULARLY 46

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

‘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 Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

47

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Breathing new life Local firm Zest Developments recently completed a unique and exclusive development of luxury flats, just up the road in Watlington. The stylish and sympathetic development of this historic building has created unusual and delightful living accommodation for those who appreciate quality and something a little different...

B

uilt in 1906, Couching House at Watlington is an imposing threestorey building with a handsome bay-fronted faรงade and impressive sash windows.

It has recently been remodelled and refurbished to provide eight unique and highly individual flats and duplex apartments

by Thame firm, Zest Developments, who take pride in combining period charm with the very latest in modern technology and innovation, creating luxurious homes that boast quality, style, comfort, practicality and attention to detail.

The first six flats sold quickly and now the final phase, a pair of two bedroom

Coaching House, Watlington apartments, one on the first floor and one on the second, have been released and offer a great opportunity for the investor or those seeking town centre living with character.

Flat 6 48

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

The apartments are offered for sale with stylish, high quality, Italian fitted kitchens by local designers Cu-Cucine and integrated Bosch appliances. Bathroom and Shower

Flat 6

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

into old buildings Flat 5

Flat 5 rooms are fitted to a high standard with Villeroy & Boch sanitary ware and tiles. There is an integrated reception system suitable for Sky Q and terrestrial digital TV and radio.

Each apartment has the additional benefit of good quality flooring and carpet throughout plus a handy basement, lock-up storage unit and secure parking with automated gates to the rear of the building. The properties are sold with a 10 year ICW Structural Warranty and qualify for the Government’s Help to Buy Flat 6 scheme.

Flat five has a Juliet balcony overlooking the pretty central courtyard and an impressive shower room, while Flat 6 has a bay-fronted reception room and master bedroom plus stylish bathroom with shower over and lovely period fireplaces.

Couching House sits alongside the lovely listed former Coaching Inn - The Hare & Hounds, Central courtyard just off the quaint High Street in the centre of the charming country town of Watlington, near Thame.

Almost adjacent is the very distinctive 17th Century Town Hall, built by Thomas Stonor to commemorate the restoration of the Monarchy at the end of the Civil War. Reputedly England’s smallest town with origins dating from the 6th century, Watlington nestles at the foot of the Chiltern Hills, one of the country’s most beautiful

Flat 5 landscapes and a conservation area, with The Icknield Way (Ridgeway National Trail) passing close to the town. It is about 2.5 miles from junction 6 of the M40 and around 20 minutes drive from Princes Risborough station and is due for a bypass soon, which will increase its appeal as a particularly lovely place to live The apartments are well placed for the town’s shops and services

Flat 6 which include a wide range of speciality foods and goods, including a Delicatessen, Artisan Chocolate Shop, Interior Accessories, Cookware, Home Lighting, Antiques, Vets, Beauty Salon, Café, Supermarket, Pharmacy and Pub. The town has a range of sports facilities that embrace football and cricket as well as tennis, squash and bowls.

Watlington Primary school and Rainbow Corner Day Nursery and pre-school have an ‘outstanding’ ofsted rating and senior education is provided by the well-regarded Icknield Community College.

For further information or to view the apartments, please contact Zest Developments as below. l Zest Developments Ltd, Sanderum House, 38 Oakley Road, Chinnor, Oxfordshire OX39 4TW Tel: 01844 355488 Emal: hello@zestdvlpts.com Web: www.zestdevelopments.com l Coaching House, Couching Street, Watlington, Oxfordshire, OX49 5PX

Internal photographs by Mark Lord Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

homestyling

by Marie Westerman Roberts

Making an impression In a recent survey by Home Staging Association UK, 100% of estate agents, when asked if home staging makes it easier for a buyer to visualise a property as their future home, replied: ‘yes’ it does...

Marie Westerman Roberts

Before staging

M

y job is the best job.

I love every bit of it, everything from the first call, the quoting and then the planning, the organising and getting access to the property, setting it all up, enjoying the result, and then once it’s sold, moving it all out again.

As soon as I’ve had an initial look at a property the creative process starts and (I’m letting you guys in on a little secret here) I get very disappointed if for some reason I don’t get to do the staging.

Disappointed, not because I miss out on the business, but because I don’t get to complete my ideas for the house in question (because it would have been so lovely). The project becomes my baby. Every time.

In a Home Staging project there will be no brief from the owner about style - only their requirements regarding selling

After staging

timescale and most times, but not always, a budget.

If the house is occupied it’s usually a matter of de-cluttering and accessorising, make it less private, but still personal and homely. Basically, you make enough space for viewers to see themselves live a happy and interesting life in that property. If the house is empty on the other hand, it’s a bit like the opposite of de-cluttering. An empty house with unfurnished rooms can look smaller than it is and viewers struggle to get a perspective of real size without furniture in the rooms.

If you look at the photos below you can see an example from a city apartment that we staged a while ago.

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

The first photo shows what it looked like when I was contacted by the agent. As you can see it was furnished but the occupants had already moved out. I gave the estate agent my plans - I was working to quite a tight budget - and got the go ahead and the project started.

The second photo shows the apartment after it’s been emptied, and the floors sanded down and waxed. Also, the curtains have been taken down (makes a big difference).

The third and the fourth photo show the apartment after the completed staging. Notice how we turned the room around and, in that way, created both a breakfast area and a dining area (with a gorgeous view) TV lounge and reading/music corner. All this without making the space look cramped in any way.

This is a perfect example of how

you can get used to seeing a place in a certain way. The estate agent had been in the property quite a few times before contacting me and was struggling to see how it could be differently furnished.

Both owner and estate agent were very happy with the result and they got a lot more viewings straight away.

You might think that a prospective buyer would just picture in their head how they will furnish a home once it is theirs, but it really doesn’t work that way.

Making a good impression quickly is important. Even for houses. l Marie Westerman Roberts is an experienced home stager and the owner of Scandihome Home Staging Services.

For more information visit: www.scandihome.co.uk E: marie@scandihome.co.uk T: 01844 390017 Instagram @scandihomeuk

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Handmade in Aylesbury

I

t takes specialist skills and years of practice to master the art of crafting a length of fabric into beautiful handmade curtains to transform your home.

Iliana’s Curtains makes high quality, bespoke curtains, Roman blinds and soft furnishings using a combination of machine and hand stitching. Iliana’s curtains are fully lined and interlined for that added feeling of luxury and ‘made with love’ to enhance your home from her workroom in Aylesbury.

Co-ordinating zipped (piped or unpiped) scatter cushions and sofa boxed cushions are also available for order plus Voiles, Bed Throws/Runners and Pelmets.

Originally from Venezuela, Iliana came to Britain in 1992 to work for the Association of Girl Guides at their World Centre in London and loved England so much she decided to stay. She

studied Soft Furnishings at the City of Westminster College in 1997 and has run her own business ever since: “I’ve always loved making things and been good with my hands,” says Iliana. “When I completed the Soft Furnishings course I started making items for friends and as word spread my business grew. There’s a huge demand for these kind of bespoke furnishings in London.

“I love making furnishings for people and bringing their home alive with beautiful fabrics. I enjoy meeting people too and many clients have become friends.

“If customers know what they want or have their fabric already, that is great. If they are not so sure or have something in mind but don’t know where to source it I am happy to help. I can send them links to supplier websites and ask for samples of their chosen fabrics.

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Curtains, Roman Blinds & “For those further afield I can Handmade Soft Furnishings, work out an estimate from their Aylesbury own measurements and then if T: 07818 405002 approved I willPROFESSIONAL go and measure TREE up SURGEONS E: ilianascurtains@gmail.com before starting the job."

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Events throughout the year & ‘pop-up’ Seasonal Suppers Visit: www.sandylanefarm.net for more information Find us in Tiddington (between Thame & Wheatley) OX9 2LA Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

51

Homes & Gardens Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

In the garden

with Naomi MacKay

Forget the treadmill!

The latest research says gardening is better for your mental health than a trip to the gym. With that in mind, Naomi MacKay is here to bring us the latest gardening inspirations...

Time spent gardening is great for our mental and physical health

A

s I write this, I’m looking forward to a trip up to Derbyshire for the RHS Chatsworth Flower Show.

It’s the newest show from the gardening charity, and I was sorry not to have made it up there for its inaugural event last year, but I was busy working on the charity’s website and time would just not allow.

This year, we’re heading up for the weekend and enjoying a spot of camping while we’re

there – the Peak District is one of my favourite destinations for a camping holiday - fingers crossed the rain holds off!

It’s been a busy time in the

garden recently – we’re making quite a few changes, including digging up a large border at the front of the house, and installing some raised beds around the patio.

Luckily, my other half takes on the heavy work, while I do the ‘easy’ stuff – planting and sowing – and weeding!

And it’s amazing how much better you feel after a couple of hours in the garden – for a start it’s nice just to be in the open air and not chained to a computer keyboard! But there’s also a real sense of satisfaction when the pots are planted up, weeds are banished – and of course when you see the green shoots of bulbs and seeds that you have planted poking up through the earth.

So it’s not surprising to learn that according to some new research, gardening has a better impact on mental health than going to the gym.

Not that I would ever discourage anyone from working out, but according to research from AO.com (which sells gardening tools and appliances), 75% of those

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

In the garden surveyed agree that gardening improves our mental wellbeing and more than a third (35%) get a bigger sense of achievement making their garden picture perfect than running 1Km (8%), cleaning the house (22%) or doing well at work (13%).

And yet despite this, only three in 10 of us garden less than once a month.

Corinne Sweet, psychologist, psychotherapist, author and broadcaster said: “Gardening is a brilliant de-stressor. Hacking down shrubs, mowing the lawn, digging in bulbs, even just weeding and planting, can lower blood-pressure and create a healthy mindful state.

When we garden we get fresh air, exercise and light. The latter is important to aid the body’s production of Vitamin D and Serotonin. These elements can help fend off depression and low moods.

If you don’t have a garden, even doing window boxes and pots can help, as getting your hands dirty is a good way to get grounded and more relaxed. It puts us back in touch with our primaeval selves and helps iron out modern-day stresses.”

Reap what you sew

Couldn’t think of a better reason to get out in your own patch of green space this weekend!

Summer trends And if you’re wondering about what to do with your garden – maybe you fancy trying something new, updating it or introducing a different look – here’s five ideas: Gardening experts at The

Homes & Gardens with Naomi MacKay

House & Garden Festival (www. houseandgardenfestival.com), which returns to London’s Olympia London from June 19th-23rd share their green-fingered advice on what they anticipate to be popular this summer.

1. Born to be wild Philip Mould OBE, President of Plantlife believes there is a powerful shift towards wildflowers in summer 2019: “There is nothing more delightful in the garden than things that are there because they want to be rather than by horticultural imposition. Areas of the lawn can be left untouched to express themselves. Wildflowers that do an occasional land-grab like cranesbill, scarlet pimpernel or red campion can be treated as love tokens from the wild.

“Wildflowers are often capricious so if you have the space, create varieties of habitats within your garden - shade, dampness and wild. You can also, within reason, harvest the seed of our more common wildflowers from the wild.”

Alasdair Cameron founder of Cameron Landscape & Gardens

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

agrees: “When it comes to larger gardens, I anticipate a stronger connection with native plants and the growing of native shrubs, for example the May Tree, or the Crataegus monogyna with it’s elegant, pretty flower in late spring and it’s wonderful red berries in the autumn that service the birds and give you a good structure of a tree.’’

2. Create your own oasis Julianne Fernandez Founder of Chasing Arcadia Garden Design says: “One of the themes at Chelsea this year was a focus on the therapeutic benefits of nature, seen for example in the RHS ‘Back to Nature’ garden aimed at encouraging children to play outside and engage with the natural world.

The Savills/David Harber garden focused on creating an ‘urban oasis’ for city dwellers, with very naturalistic and environmentally sustainable planting. We are also seeing increased recognition of the Japanese concept of ‘shinrin yoku’ or ‘forest bathing’, spending time in the natural environment among trees in order to de-stress.”

3. Reap what you sow Alasdair Cameron believes

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Homes & Gardens

In the garden

with Naomi MacKay It’s a kind of magic

Magical Red Amethyst that this summer will be all about growing things from seed: “We are so much more environmentally aware than we used to be, and this is the case for families and gardeners today. That’s why the idea of growing things from seed is going to be so prevalent this summer.

“Last year it was probably all about fire pits and water features and irrigation but these are not environmentally friendly with the carbon and wood and water wastage – which has really taken precedence now. With seeds, there’s no carbon footprint; they’re not

coming from and going anywhere and of course with Brexit, everyone’s been quite reserved and wanting to save money so this ties in perfectly with that.

“Growing things from seed is also a fantastic idea as it creates enjoyment for a family, whether that’s growing things on a windowsill or potting them in the garage or greenhouse or outside – it’s a family activity that creates so much reward and education.

5. Back to black It’s back to black according to Garden Designer, Andrew Duff from Inchbald Design: “I believe

that black is the colour for summer 2019. Just as interiors are moving away from Scandinavian paleness, so is the garden. If it can be painted it should be painted black. The depth this colour gives is magical for garden designers; paint a fence black and it disappears, a shed becomes less of an eyesore and that old bench suddenly becomes a chic focal point.

“However, the right black is important - try to avoid wood stains, these will show too much of the wood colour. You want a dark matt coating rather like that used in the Parisian gardens of the

Looking for something eye catching? Look no further than the Magical Hydrangea.

This year’s vibrant new addition to the Magical Four Seasons family is Magical Red Amethyst.

The flowers of this striking red hydrangea change colour at least three or four times a year, to provide a magnificent display in the garden that can last right through to November.

The red flowers turn purple and then deep green – plenty of reward from this easy-tocare-for plant. Treating with plant food from time to time during the summer months for extra rich and lengthy flowering.

Look out for them at your local garden centre.

18th century. The brilliant thing about this underused shade is that it proves a brilliant backdrop to a verdant garden of lush foliage and jewel-coloured flowers.”

l Naomi MacKay is a Bucks-based freelance writer and editor who specialises in gardens. She also helps small businesses get their message to

potential clients using websites, blogs, social media and more traditional printed products. Email: naomimackay@gmail.com

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Food & Drink

A d ro p o f s h e r ry

by Sherry Hostler

A good year for the rosés

I

’ve learned that there are actually no less than 577 vineyards across the UK, and with Brexit deadlines looming (again) and the fear of a possible price hike on one of my life sustaining nectars, it seemed only right to go and check out what our glorious Vale has to offer in the wine department.

So, kicking and screaming, off I went to pay a visit to my new favourite place… the Chafor Wine Estate, which is located in the ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ village of Gawcott.

We were greeted by Tim and Steph, who set up the vineyard in 2009. I make it sound easy, but as Steph told us, at the point of planting, the contractor who was booked to do the manual labour for them had an accident. This meant they literally had to plant the whole vineyard by hand with the help of friends and family. What should have taken an hour to do, took them a whole week!

Chafor Wine Estate, Gawcott

Sherry Hostler

A drop of Sherry

Unperturbed, just a couple of years later they took the plunge to set up a second vineyard in Weeden.

At this point the couple had eight acres of vines and a lot of hopes, but not one bottle of wine to their name.

Fortunately for them their first harvest was a good one, and the business has prospered, winning multiple awards. Now their wines can even be found in Waitrose and

John Lewis.

The tour itself was a lot of fun, and even though I thought I would be shuffling from foot to foot, impatient to get to the ‘tasting’ part, it was intriguing to find out about some of the processes behind all those bottles of vino that I consume.

I learned how rosé is coloured pink, and how sparkling wine gets it’s fizz.

All quite fascinating.

That said, the ‘tasting’ was always going to be my favourite bit, and the wine was fantastic. I ended up leaving with a box of their finest and a date in my diary for the next ‘Pinot & Paella’ evening plus plans to build a wine cellar at home to house my new collection!

In fact, I wonder if my editor would like me to write a new wine column for the magazine? I know, it’ll be a tough life doing the research, but I’m willing to take the hit! (Nice try - Ed)! l Sherry Hostler is a freelance

writer and blogger. She loves dogs, red wine and snowboarding, but not all at the same time. You can find her at www.adropofsherry.com

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55

Food & Drink

The Seasonal Table

T

Artichoke with Orange Vinaigrette

his is one of my favourites - I love artichokes. When I was a child I loved that I was allowed, or even told to eat with my fingers, dipping the leaves in the dripping sauce felt like so much fun – so when I eat artichokes, it always evokes happy memories. To make this recipe even more special I serve it with a fresh orange vinaigrette – simply delicious!

Serves 4 Prep time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 45 minutes Ingredients 4 Artichokes 1 Lemon cut into quarters 2 Tsp. Dijon mustard 5 Tsp. Olive oil 2 Tbsp. Apple cider vinegar Juice of 1 orange A handful of chives

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

by Virginie Bonvalet

Method * STEP 1 Prepare your artichokes by cutting the stalks and removing the hard outer leaves.

Rub the outer of the artichoke with the lemon to stop it browning. * STEP 2 In a large pot put the artichokes and lemon and cover with cold water. Put a lid or a plate upside down on the top so the artichokes stay immersed.

Cook for 45 minutes – drain and let cool. * STEP 3 In a jar add all the other ingredients.

Put a lid on and shake well until blended.

Keep in the fridge until serving. * STEP 4 Cut the artichokes in half and remove the “hairy” leaf in the middle.

Serve each with an individual portion of the dressing.

Enjoy… Bon appétit!

This recipe can be found in my new eBook; A Seasonal Table | Spring.

You can find it in the Amazon Store – Or you can head to my website or my Instagram to find a link - FREE with Kindle unlimited.

All photographs, recipes & words ©Virginie Check out my website www.virginiebonvalet.com Email: bonjour@virginiebonvalet.com Social: @virginie_bonvalet

Food & Drink Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Turning of the tide Although popular with local curry fans Thame’s Star and Garter Indian Restaurant failed to follow EU food safety and hygiene regulations and received a hefty fine last year, forcing the business to close. New owners came in and following a refurb The Bay of Bengal was born. The restaurant now offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, inspiring menu and new improved hygiene standards!

B

ritish Bangladeshi The new funky blue decor “We are serving Naj Islam grew authentic Indian flavours up in the catering with a contemporary trade - his father edge and elements of ran an Indian restaurant in fusion. It’s not just Indian London and he has followed food, but Bangladeshi in his footsteps. He has too with influences from experience in other areas too Asia, Africa and Britain. though having worked for Dishes from all over the Orange and in retail for the sub-continent from the British Heart Foundation. thick, creamy rich recipes He is big on customer of Kashmir and the service and since opening the Bay of Bengal Punjab, such as Korma, or Tandoori dishes, to in Thame, last year has been keen to ensure tasty seafood and that customers not only enjoy excellent food tangy sauces from but are well looked after too.

Southern India, or “I had to make a few changes when I took Coconut flavoured over here,” says Naj. “We’ve revamped the dishes from Kerala. kitchen and storage areas and have a new head There’s a huge chef and kitchen team who are well drilled in diversity of styles food safety procedures. We’ve kept a couple and flavours. The of friendly faces front of house - regulars will chef might use a recognise Alex behind the bar and waiters hint of tamarind Iqbal and Abdul as they are great at their jobs to give a dish A taste of India and already have a good rapport with local that Asian sweet and more from The Bay of Bengal customers. and sour edge like you get in a Waiter Iqbal and barman Alex Chicken Pathia or pep up another with Garlic and Coriander as in our delicious Chicken Hyberbadi.

“We also do a great Naga Chicken, which is quite a hot dish. A Naga chilli was actually recorded as the hottest chilli in 2007 and originates in Bangladesh and NE India. They can be tricky to cook with but Naga Pickle gives a slightly burnt edge which works really well, so many chefs use this instead. My personal favourite is our good old Chicken Jalfrezi, another fairly hot dish for which the chicken is tossed in a mustard oil with onion and green chillies.

“We cater for all the popular choices like Chicken Tikka Massala, Lamb Rogon Josh and “The new blue decor reflects the Bay of Mushroom Biryani but have some delicious Bengal theme which is the sea area flowing signature dishes too such as: Bengal Fish around Bangladesh and Southern India and so Massala - Telapia fillet marinated & grilled cooked represents our fusion of the two cuisines. with cream & massala sauce; Fish Tikka Karahi -

New owner Naj Islam Cooked with herbs, selected spices and touch of garlic and ginger; Amirrie Chicken - Cooked in mango pulp, onion, garlic, nuts and fresh cream; and Karai Kebab Khyberi - A speciality of the Khyber, diced chicken tikka and sheek kebab cooked in khyberi spice with tomatoes and capsicum cooked in a skillet (medium to mild). We of course have lots of vegetarian dishes and are working on a vegan selection too.”

A lot has changed at The Bay of Bengal but you will still find a friendly, relaxed, welcoming restaurant and bar with great value food and if you are not hungry, pop in for a drink at the bar, you don’t have to eat but I warn you that once you smell the fragrances of fresh curries coming from the kitchen your mouth will be watering!

Bay of Bengal offers free local delivery for orders over £20 while there is parking to the rear of the restaurant for those dining in. They are happy to cater for parties of all sizes and do great deals on set menus for group bookings. There are also occasional entertainment nights - call for details or see their website, the recent Abba tribute night was packed out and a lot of fun. l Bay of Bengal, 113 Wellington Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3BW T: 01844 215859 T: 01844 215456 E: bayofbengal.thame@gmail.com W: www.bayofbengalthame.co.uk Open: Sun-Thur, 11.30am-2pm & 5pm-11.30pm and Fri-Sat, 11.30-2pm & 5pm-12 Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

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Food & Drink Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

What a peach!

We are fortunate to have a wide choice when it comes to local pubs and restaurants, but if you are looking for somewhere special, somewhere welcoming and friendly that combines excellent service with top notch food and drink, in delightful surroundings, head for Thame and the most excellent Thatch...

I

t’s not easy to create the perfect gastropub. Somewhere that locals popping in for a pint, a coffee, or a glamorous cocktail will feel as welcome and as satisfied as those in search of a first The Thatch, Thame rate dining experience.

Perhaps there is an element of chance in developing such a place. The character and atmosphere in a pub such as The Thatch on Thame’s Lower High Street, is not something you can easily replicate and owner Peach Pubs, an award-winning independent Fraser Sutherland with around 20 hostelries to their of the customer name, have made the most of it’s experience architectural features with stylish, modern General Manager Evelin Rae depends on the yet sympathetic decor and comfortable quality of the staff and at Peach Pubs they furnishings. It looks like it was always like this excel in recruiting the most lovely people but it certainly wasn’t back in 1550 when the and then training them to perfection! They original half-timbered thatched cottage was are friendly, happy, attentive, welcoming and constructed!

The gorgeous building helps but then much knowledgeable. If you ask about something

Front dining room 58

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Some of the team at The Thatch, including Head Chef James Durrant, back left.

on the menu they will have tried it themselves and will be able to answer any questions you might have. If you wish to tweak your selection, the kitchens will do their utmost to cater for your foibles! The bar staff know their drinks and how to mix a cocktail and the coffee is always superb. It’s a very well run place and deserves the accolades and awards that have come its way.

There’s a lovely patio garden outside - ideal for al fresco dining at this time of year -with full table service, so you don’t have to stagger to the bar, when your glass nears empty!

Whether you pop in for dinner, Sunday lunch (voted one of the best in the country by readers of Observer Food Monthly magazine) - or breakfast (weekends only) - voted best in town by Thame Hub - or to take advantage of The Thatch’s exceptional value Set Lunch (12-6pm, Mon-Fri) and Supper Club (7-9pm,

Food & Drink Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Pan-fried Turbot, Bacon Lardons, Garden Peas, Baby Gem, Butter Sauce

Slow Braised Pork Belly, Wholegrain Mustard Mash, Tenderstem Broccoli, Crackling & Jus

Mon-Thur) offer, of two courses for £14.50 / 3 courses £16.50, you are always guaranteed great fare.

“At The Thatch we serve what we call the good stuff,” says Peach Pubs Partner Fraser Sutherland, “freshly cooked and prepared food made from high quality ingredients with the focus on seasonality. When food is in season

June’s menu features starters such as: Grilled Brixham Market Sardines, Tomato & Pepper Salad; Beef Cheek Croquettes, Pickled Shallots and Truffle Mayonnaise; Grilled Goats Cheese, Heritage Beetroot and Toasted Walnuts; and Bucksum Farm Asparagus, Poached Egg and Hollandaise Sauce; while mains choices include: Cannon of Cornish Lamb, Courgette, Tomatoes, Black Olives & Salsa

Rear dining room it’s not just at its best, it’s generally at its lowest cost too, which keeps prices at a sensible level, even though we use top quality ingredients.”

Meat is British and of the highest order, from Aubrey Allen; an eighty year-old Warwickshire butcher, supplier to many of Britain’s finest restaurants and holder of The Queen’s Royal Warrant. Steaks are from Britain’s finest beef herds, 28-day dry-aged for stupendous flavour and chicken is Cotswold White and free-range, as are eggs, pork and ice-cream. Lamb is Cornish and fish native where possible and sustainably sourced. Local suppliers such as Bucksum Salads and Long Crendon Manor artisan breads, are also utilised where possible.

Head Chef James Durrant and his skilled team devise seasonal menus which change monthly and specials which change daily, keeping things interesting for regular diners.

Verde; Roast Cotswold White Chicken, Rocket & Pomegranate Salad with Rosemary Fries; Vale Life editor favourite Calves Liver, Bacon, Creamed Potatoes, Greens and Fino Sherry Jus; Whole Baked Sea Bream, Radish & Fennel Salad and Lemon Butter; and Heritage Tomato Risotto, Crumbled Feta and Basil Oil. There’s also Beef and Ale Pie and a selection of Steaks, Posh Fish & Chips on Fridays and of course a very enticing dessert selection including: Passionfruit Pannacotta, Mango & Lime Compote; Warm Pistachio Cake and Coffee Ice Cream; Dark Chocolate & Orange Tart with Blood Orange Sorbet; and Berry Pavola with Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream; plus a Cheese Selection served with Chutney, Water Biscuits & Apple; or for those with modest appetites perhaps a Mini Chocolate Brownie with Choice of Tea or Coffee!?

A three course Set Lunch or Supper Club selection for £16.50 might include: a Classic Caesar Salad, followed by XT Beer-battered Cod,

Amarena cherry Bakewell tart, cherry parfait Chips, Peas and Tartare Sauce; and Eton Mess.

Our Editor recommends the weekend breakfast menu which includes ‘the best Eggs Benedict ever’ and Moules & Frites night on Wednesdays - the perfect mid-week treat!

On the drinks front there’s a good quality wine and fizz selection, a menu of Cocktails and Grand Gins, local XT ale, Speckled Hen, Peroni and Estrella and every Thursday - half price Prosecco all day!

Forthcoming events include a Thame Music Festival Midsummer Barbecue on Saturday, July 13th with Hog Roast and Live Music and a special Dinner Under the Stars night on July 25th - an evening of delicious food and stunning wines in the lovely Thatch garden (four course dinner with champagne reception: £45 per person). It’s worth signing up for the website newsletter which will keep you informed of fun events like Cocktail Mixing Classes, Fraser’s Posh Pub Quiz, Menu Tasting Dinners Ladies Day at Ascot and more: “We don’t just focus on service, it’s about hospitality,” says Fraser, “You can trust us to get things right, but we enjoy a chat and a joke too. We like to make people feel welcome and to have a good time, we love being part of the community here.”

Life couldn’t be peachier than when enjoying a visit to The Thatch, it’s the ideal place for a drink and a bite whatever the occasion! l The Thatch, 29-30 Lower High Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 2AA T: 01844 214340 E: thatch@peachpubs.com W: www.thethatchthame.co.uk Online booking available Open Sun - Thur 10am - midnight, Fri/Sat 10am - 12.30am

Thatch garden Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

59

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s h ow t i m e

What’s on with Shaun Nolan

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

It’s always fine inside

O

utdoor activities are Rehearsals for The Doctor’s Dilemma popular at this time of year but the shows I am sharing with you today are a pretty good case for staying indoors…

Firstly a very special local show at Queen’s Park Arts Centre’s Limelight Theatre is worthy of your attention. On June 21st and 22nd, my friend Hannah Rogers changes lanes from actress to director with her new production of Bernard Shaw’s The Doctor’s Dilemma. which Hannah starred. You have my Sir Colenso Rigeon has developed word that this play is going to be a revolutionary new cure for tuberculosis, but a lack of resources brilliant - I certainly can’t wait to see it for myself. means he can only treat a limited I’ve not much else to report in the number of patients. Soon, he must Vale at the moment, there sure is choose who to treat and who to Grown in the Chilterns Grown in the Chilterns of theatre opening its doors abandon – a choice complicated by ofa lot A rich source Vitamin E A rich source ofinVitamin E The Big Smoke.

If you want to matters of the heart…

10x more Omega 3 than Olive Oil 10x more Omega 3 than Olive Oil see a musical this month, why not The show is produced by QPC’s GM No flavourings or colourings try the UK of The Light GM Free, Free, No artificial artificial flavourings orpremiere colourings inhouse theatre company Unbound, in the Piazza theOlive Southbank Only Saturated Fat to Oil a company who never cease to Only 6.5% 6.5% Saturated Fat compared compared to 14% 14%at in in Olive Oil Centre (until July 5th). The show, amaze me with their scope and with a score by Richard Rodgers’ ability. If you remember, I directed grandson Adam Guettel, is based a show with them last Autumn in

Shaun Nolan Showtime!

Townsend’s novel The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13¾ plays at the Ambassador’s Theatre through October and was fantastic off-West End previously.

If you’re looking for a play though, upon the novel and film of the same might I suggest Bitter Wheat, David name. It’s a gorgeous, romantic tale Mamet’s new #MeToo response play starring John Malkovich at set in the heart of Florence and is perfect for those who love operettas the Garrick Theatre, as well as Present Laughter starring Sherlock and “classical-sounding” scores.

But if you’re looking for something and Fleabag’s Andrew Scott at The Old Vic. more fast-paced, the Gloria and Emilio Estefan bio-musical On l Shaun Nolan is a freelance writer Your Feet! has transferred from and producer who also writes his own Broadway to the London Coliseum fictional stories and scripts. You can for the Summer and looks like find him at @shaunycat on Twitter crazy fun. Or if you’re looking for and if you want your show mentioned something for the entire family, in this column, tweet him and let him know! a musical adaptation of Sue

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t od fo

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61

What’s on Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Meet the naughties Find out if Princeton will discover his true purpose in life in laugh-out-loud, madcap, comedy musical, Avenue Q, at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre this July. This is zany, black humoured, muppetry and puppetry for adults and sounds even better than their previous production, which was brilliant...

The Avenue Q team: Princeton, Nicky, Gary, Kate Monster, Rod, Christmas Eve and Brian - Monday 22nd July to Saturday 27th July

G

uess Q’s back! Favourite fuzzy friends return to the Waterside in comedy musical Avenue Q. Returning for one week only from Monday, 22nd July, the show boasts sell-out runs worldwide and five years in the

Kate Monster - Avenue Q

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

West End! Not to be confused with Sesame Street, this show is strictly for adults only and is packed full of mischief, bad behaviour and political incorrectness - you have been warned!

Created by Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez (Co-creator of Book of Mormon and writer of the songs for Disney’s Frozen), this Tony Award-winning musical tells the irresistibly charming tale of loveable characters on a downtown New York street trying to make sense of life’s burning issues.

Meet Princeton, a bright-eyed graduate who comes to New York City with big dreams and a tiny bank account. Brian the out-of-work comedian and his therapist fiancée Christmas Eve; Nicky the good-hearted slacker and his closet gay Republican roommate Rod, an Internet ‘sexpert’ called Trekkie Monster, Lucy the Sl*t (the name says it all!) and a very cute kindergarten teacher named Kate

Monster. Featuring hysterically funny songs including The Internet is for Porn and Everyone’s

Rod - Avenue Q

What’s on Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

st puppets in town!

Christmas Eve, Kate the Monster and Nicky (background) - Avenue Q

Lucy the Sl*t - Avenue Q A Little Bit Racist, Avenue Q is a hilarious musical with a warm (and very fuzzy) heart.

Hilarious, cheeky and uproariously entertaining, with a cast of 11 hugely talented performers and puppets, Avenue Q is the musical like no other. Don’t let your life suck – book your tickets today! (Suitable for

audiences 14+) The beast is out of the bag! Soap star Danny Walters has been confirmed as playing Beast in Beauty and the Beast this Christmas. The familiar face from EastEnders joins forces with festive favourites Andy Collins and La Voix promising a panto to remember later this year.

Pick up a What’s On for a full line up of shows or check online at atgtickets.com/ aylesbury (bkg fee). l Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1UG Telephone Booking: 0844 871 7607 Website: www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury

Danny Walters is to star in this year’s Waterside Christmas Panto Beauty and The Beast Right: Danny with fellow panto stars Andy Collins and La Voix

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

Money for Nothing Sun 23rd Dire Straits Tribute June The Magic of Motown Sat 29th June An Evening of Fri 5th Mediumship with July Terry Stromeyer The Dreamboys Thu 11th July Sat 20th Extreme Championship Improv July (Second Space) Avenue Q Mon 22nd to Sat 27th July RSC live screening – Wed 31st Measure for Measure July (Second Space) Stage Experience: Thu 15th The Addams Family to Sun 18th Aug Darts Exhibition Sat 24th Aug

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63 3

The ink said

‘Pianissimo’

A

strid could never practise before midnight. Five days a week, the door clicked shut at twenty-five minutes to, and she instantly turned on the radio by her bed. At twelve, the jingle to her father’s radio show began, and his leathery voice greeted her. At last: she was free to play.

Where would she start? Up at the thin strings, or in the rumbling thunderclouds of the left? Under her fingers, the smoothness of the keys was magnetic. They pulled her into a chord, followed by another one. It was those notes, and how they fell into each other, that told her what she would play that night.

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Ink Paintings and Micro Stories by Gabrielle Turner

The keys gleamed grey-white in the moonlight, like white pebbles beneath the surface of a lake.

She grabbed them by the handful, hungrily, con spirito, climbing them like ladders to the sky. When her wrists could take no more, she fell gently down, back down through the moonclouds. She imagined her cotton nightdress drifting, rallentando, through the cool night air, which tasted like the invisible dust of icing sugar.

Above her, all she saw were stars; staccato stars: so close and clear and sure of themselves. As they circled her, she came across every constellation she knew: C major, Orion’s belt, the arpeggio of Cassiopeia, a diminished seventh, mezzo forte, sulphurous Venus...

She adventured for hours with

the melodies she found, without even knowing their names. Hours later, she’d finish, aching through her shoulders, looking as if she had tumbled from a forest. And if she were to tell a soul where she had been? Well, they would never understand.

One day, her father sat Astrid down in the living room and asked her if she ever heard music in the night, when she was home alone.

“What kind of music?” she replied, trying to hide her alarm.

“Piano music.” Her father looked at her quizzically. “The neighbours were asking.”

“Why, no, papa.”

“Oh. Perhaps it’s number 8 then.

In any case, they said it was quite beautiful. And they wouldn’t mind if... if it was every night.”

.

Gabrielle Turner

The ink said

l Gabrielle Turner is a writer and artist at the Phoenix Studio near Thame. As @theinksaid on Instagram she writes daily micro-stories inspired by her abstract ink paintings. Also at www.theinksaid.com and www.gabrielleturner.co.uk

o u r c r e at i v e va l e

What’s on

with Sandra Smith

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Connecting with artists

M

any artists work in isolation and Bucks Art Weeks is an opportunity for them to express to the public how and why they do what they do, what drives them.’ Susannah Fellows, Chair of an organisation that breathes accessibility into art is adamant that, after more than 30 years, this summer visual arts experience remains an attraction for creatives.

‘Feedback enables them to see if their creative journey is connecting with people. And selling, well, that validates the reason they do it.’

In her lovely gallery in Thame’s Buttermarket, the ex West End actress reveals a similarly astute connection with the numerous visitors the annual extravaganza attracts.

‘They love interacting with artists,’ she enthuses, ‘and seeing how things are made, one offs. The High Street is dying; independent shops are the lifeblood of the community. We mustn’t lose sight

Susannah Fellows, of that, it’s important to support our local artisans.’

Tempting as it is to deliberate retail habits, instead we focus on this pop up festival which runs between 8th and 23rd June. There are over 120 new exhibitors this year, located over a wide geographical spread which includes a 5 mile radius from Buckinghamshire’s border.

Directories listing exhibitors and

classical lass

their opening times are available in libraries, Tourist Information Centres and other venues. Once you’ve chosen who to visit, follow the yellow direction signs pointing to individual working studios where visitors keen on interaction are invited to have a go and enjoy a snapshot of tuition.

In addition, barns, village halls and churches provide group venues where a range of artists will showcase their work together.

And what a range, as Susannah shares. ‘There’s everything you can possibly imagine: photography, printing, jewellery making, weaving, sculpture, sewing, quilt making.’

A common theme throughout this 2019 event is colour. So look out for vibrant tones and the subliminal connection they provoke. And while talking to artists, remember the time and skill which have been invested in their creations, qualities Susannah is keen to stress.

Creative Vale

Sandra Smith ‘There’s a slight misunderstanding with the public who think art is easy. Art is anything but! It takes years of practise and experience, perfecting and exploring skills, all of which have a value. An artist imbues each piece with something of themselves and communicates something about life; that is a skill which is many times undervalued.’ l www.bucksartweeks.org.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

with Nicola Lisle

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 the glorious weather returns!

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 première. 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.

A skating rink for Garsington Opera 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’s 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

Nicola Lisle

Classical Lass Choral Society (www.tringchoral. org.uk) weighs in with a concert of Vivaldi, Haydn and Pergolesi at St Peter and St Paul Church, Tring, 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 event mentioned in this column.

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

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Vale Life : Jun/jUL 2019

Roa d to t h e f u t u r e

with Alan Candy

Now you see it!

Is it a keyless car theft epidemic?

T

he Association of British Insurers’ latest figures reveal that its members paid out £108million in stolen vehicle claims in just the first quarter of 2019 - a 22% increase on the same period last year and now, stolen vehicle recovery firm, Tracker, is urging insurers to offer car owners greater incentives to fit additional security devices, including tracking units, in a bid to overcome rising claims and the keyless car theft epidemic.

Figures from the Home Office record a 50% rise in vehicle thefts during the past five years, which it says is in part being driven by keyless car crime.

With less than 46% of all stolen vehicles lacking some form of fitted tracking device and never recovered, (National Statistics Office), it should be of little surprise that the association reveals that £1.2 million is paid out to policyholders every day for theft claims.

However, Tracker data reveals that 88% of vehicles stolen without using the owner’s keys, were successfully recovered by Tracker in 2018.

Clive Wain, Head of Police

H

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

Liaison at Tracker, said: “If more cars were fitted with SVR devices, we’d see a reduction in the volume and cost of insurance claims, because more vehicles would be recovered.

“If consumers were offered greater incentives to fit additional security measures, such as financial savings on their premiums, not only would claims fall, but the cost of insurance premiums could fall for everyone.

It’s a win-win all round.”

In response to the association’s latest figures, Laurenz Gerger, its motor insurance policy adviser said: “The continued growth in car crime must be reversed.

Car security has come on leaps and bounds but needs to keep pace with the ingenuity of car criminals.

“The rising number of theft claims being paid by insurers in part reflects the vulnerability of some cars to keyless relay theft.

Action by motor manufacturers to tackle this high-tech vulnerability, allied with owners

Hyundai’s Electric Bus

yundai Motor has unveiled an electric double-decker bus - a first of its kind for Hyundai, and part of the company’s effort to help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.

The all-new electric doubledecker bus showcased at the

66

Alan Candy

recent ‘Land, Infrastructure and Transport Technology Fair’ in Korea, co-hosted by Hyundai and the national Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Hyundai has worked for 18 months on this project, supported by the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport.

The bus caters for up to 70

BMW X1 The X1 has proved to be a huge success and the latest version builds on that with bold styling, what the company calls ‘exceptional’ handling and the introduction of an all-new plugin hybrid model.

Since it was launched in 2015 the current-generation model has gone from strength to strength. In 2018, not only the highest-selling BMW X model worldwide, it also led the way in its segment as a whole during the same time period.

The new BMW X1 will underscore its leading position in the market with three- and four-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo engines, standout driving characteristics, BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive, extensive infotainment options and an updated range of BMW ConnectedDrive Services.

There is more to come, however. Next year the petrol and diesel models will be joined for the first time by the xDrive25e plug-in hybrid model.

It is available to order now, with prices from £28,795. taking some simple, inexpensive precautions will help put the brakes on this unwelcome trend.”

Tracker stolen vehicle recovery systems work like an electronic homing device. A covert transmitter is hidden in one of several dozen places around the vehicle. Tracker’s combination of GPS/GSM and VHF technology are resistant to jammers.

There is no visible aerial, so the thief won’t even know it’s there. Tracker’s products are Thatcham approved, so those who fit such a system could also benefit from a possible discount on their insurance premiums.

Keyless car entry systems offer motorists a convenient way to get in and start their vehicle without even taking their keys out of their bag or pocket.

However, ‘relay attacks’ exploit this technology by enabling thieves, usually working in pairs, to use a device to activate a car key fob remotely, fooling the system into unlocking the doors and starting the engine.

Owners may think their keys are safe inside the house, but criminals have found ways to take advantage of the weaknesses in the latest keyless technology.

passengers with 11 seats on the first floor and 59 seats on the second floor – 1.5 times as many passengers as compared to that of a regular bus and adds extra accessibility for disabled and mobility impaired passengers thanks to two fixed-in-space wheelchairs, an automatic sliding ramp and a low floor design.

As part of the company’s effort to increase efficiency and to reduce vehicle emissions, Hyundai equipped the all-new bus with a 384 kWh watercooled high-efficiency polymer battery, with a maximum 300 km driving range on a single charge.

A full charge can be completed in 72 minutes.

Motoring

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Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

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Motoring

o n t h e roa d

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

with Rob Auchterlonie

Little car, big heart Suzuki Jimny SZ5 Allgrip

R

EMEMBER that classic scene from Only Fools and Horses where Del and Rodney realise their dream of becoming millionaires, and the Reliant Robin starts rocking?

Well, the all new Suzuki Jimny rocks too, both in the side to side sense on its soft springs and by virtue of the fact it’s a fairly unique piece of motoring architecture.

Don’t reach for the phonebook to find your nearest dealer though, as this year’s UK allocation is long sold out, such is the clamour to own one.

Chunkier than a Yorkie bar and a Tonka toy for big boys (and lasses), Jimny is proof that Suzuki do make exceedingly good small cars, even this go-anywhere shrunken off roader that has been a loyal

Rob Auchterlonie

ON The Road workhorse for many, since it was first introduced in the UK back in 1998 – 28 years after the launch of the very first Jimny in Japan.

Front on, there’s the hint of a baby Hummer, but in true Suzuki tradition, this one does miles per gallon, not gallons per mile, and while there’s only 101hp to play with and a top speed of a modest 90mph, it’s got a big heart that’ll see it tackle the sort of terrain that

Suzuki Jimny SZ5 Allgrip others would baulk at.

It’s more technically advanced than versions that have gone before, though it’s still built on a ladder frame chassis and has just one engine choice – a 1.5 litre four cylinder petrol unit, which has plenty of torque at low

speed – ideal for off road use.

The body frame torsional rigidity is now much higher than before so although the panels are light in weight it’s still a tough – and ultimately safe – little machine.

New kit for the shorter,wider and higher three door Jimny includes

A l l m a k e s s e r v i c e d & R e pa i r e d

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

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o n t h e roa d dual sensor brakes, hill descent, and its Allgrip Pro selectable four wheel drive.

The SZ5 has smart 15 inch alloys which on anything else would look lost, but they look mahoosive and chunky on the Jimny. You’ll find the steering is a bit over light, and you’ll be swirling the wheel from lock to lock in tight areas due to the gearing.

There’s a highish driving position and good all round visibility, and on the road it gambols along, attracting a lot of glances from other drivers and pedestrians alike.

Off road it’s always had a reputation for outperforming more expensively badged vehicles.

Open the big one piece rear door and it’ll reveal a singular lack of space for very much, unless to drop the backs of the two rear seats, at which point you’ve got a decent enough load space. Room for a couple of sheep if you’re a hill farmer, or three of four bags of Aldi’s finest if you’re not.

It might appear a no frills vehicle but the SZ4 version comes with air con, cruise control, dual

Vale Life : Jun/Jul 2019

with Rob Auchterlonie

sensor brake support, a CD player with DAB radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. SZ5 also gives you those 15 inch alloys, rear privacy glass, climate control, a navigation system with Smartphone link and heated front seats.

Dubbed the one and only authentic off-roader that is small and lightweight, it’s now also been crowned with a ‘game changer’ award by a leading magazine – ‘a fantastic piece of practical design that shows off the huge advantages of being light and compact’ said Autocar.

In an era of big and heavy cars, it’s one that has no peers.

Factfile: Suzuki Jimny SZ5 Allgrip Price: £17,999 (£18,649 as tested) Engine: 1.5 litre, four cylinder, petrol Power: 101ps Torque: 130Nm Transmission: five speed manual Top speed: 90mph 0-62mph: Economy: 41.5 – 35.8 CO2 emissions: 154g/km

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