Vale Life Nov Dec 2016 Web Edition by Charlie Trott

Vale Life FREE MAGAZINE

Your free magazine for Aylesbury, Thame and the surrounding area

Take me home

www.vale-life.co.uk

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

Nov/Dec 2016 Cover image: Michelle Collins and Jasmin Walia star in Aladdin at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre from December 12th See Page 56

Inside:

Cheeky boys bare all

Chearsleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s village hall calendar See our website at: www.vale-life.co.uk

Spin doctor

New shop for crafty folk

Hoppy days

Historic pub enters new era Free local listings for events and businesses

Plus Katy, Penny, Heather, Naomi, Polly, Amanda, Janice, Jacqui, Cathy, Charlotte, Tracy, Rob, Alan and much, much more...

w Meal for four at The Snug w Tickets To the Adventure Travel show w w newby teas gift box w Tickets To auto show w arcKit construction kit w

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

The The Old Old The The Old Old Thatched Thatched InnInn Thatched Thatched Inn Inn Gastro Gastro Pub Pub

Gastro Gastro Pub Pub he The Old Old Main Main Street, Street, Adstock, Adstock, Buckinghamshire, Buckinghamshire, MK18MK18 2JN 2JN tched hatched InnInn

astro Gastro PubPub Main Street Main Street Adstock Adstock Buckinghamshire Buckinghamshire MK18MK18 2JN 2JN We offer Wea offer unique a unique blend blend highof quality high quality dining, dining, hostedhosted in a relaxed in a relaxed Tel of 01296 Tel 01296 712584 712584 and comfortable and comfortable environment, environment, servingserving locallylocally sourcedsourced food food

www.theoldthatchedinn.co.uk www.theoldthatchedinn.co.uk Open Open seven seven daysdays

MainMain Street Street Adstock Adstock kinghamshire Buckinghamshire MK18 MK18 2JN 2JN

Christmas menu now available bookings being taken, please phone for details

Open seven Opendays seven days Lunch from Lunch 12from noon12- 2.30pm noon - 2.30pm DinnerDinner from 6pm from - 9.30pm 6pm - 9.30pm ServingServing all day all Sunday day Sunday from 12from noon12- 9pm noon - 9pm Telephone: Telephone: 01296 712584 01296 712584

www.theoldthatchedinn.co.uk www.theoldthatchedinn.co.uk

Vale Life 2 : Nov/Dec 2014 Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2014

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Finally there is a real alternative to timber windows.

A fully stocked showroom including Solidor

ÂŽ

Omega Homestyle has over 25 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience of designing and fitting premium doors, windows and conservatories We firmly believe that by keeping the entire process as stress free as possible, we are adding to your enjoyment of your new windows, doors and conservatories. For an individually tailored service and to find out exactly what we can do for you please contact us or come and visit our newly refurbished showroom. Omega Homestyle, Woodway Farm Industrial Estate, Bicester Road, Long Crendon, Aylesbury, Bucks HP18 9EP Tel: 01844

201888, email: info@omegahomestyle.co.uk or visit:

www.omegahomestyle.co.uk

Lots to see! QuaLity products

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Free parking

Protection with shade and style

• Patio Awnings

winter discount Commencing 24th October until 31st December 2016.

• Garden Furniture

• Glass Roofs

Alfresco Awnings & Glass Roofs Ltd add living space to your home and bring outdoor luxury to your lifestyle. That ‘on holiday’ feeling can be maintained all year round. Offering shade from the sun and shelter from rain showers, Alfresco products transform your patio into an extra room for enjoying outdoor living.

See our showroom at: Delphine Art in Thame

Tel: 01844 215980

27 Upper High Street, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 3EX

01296 622975 07711750917

chris@alfrescopatioawnings.co.uk www.alfrescopatioawnings.co.uk

F u n e r a l D i r e c to r s 21 -23 High Street, Wendover HP22 6DU

bradleyandjones.co.uk time@bradleyandjones.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

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BRITA IN & EUR OPE

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Discover 120

exciting holidays across 15 coun tries

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Summer 2016

Great Getaways for 2017! The English Riviera – Torquay Friday February 3rd, 2017

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Sun 30th October 2016

Stay inFawlty the beautiful Towers at the is based in the Stoke Rochford 4-Star Orchard Hotel 4 Days Hall, situated The King of Waltz Returns! André 2 Days fabulous TLH group in Single room supp.£15 Rieu is back in France with a brand Single supplement extra of hotels in Torquay, peaceful, rolling Lets take a trip back in time - we Insurance £23 new show! André Rieu will give you all loved in Fawlty Towers! Come the home of great countryside the what you’ve come to expect from his join in the fun as John Cleese entertainment with conducting heartand of the East performances: the maestro impersonator, Edmond Wells, his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra music and dancing Midlands Shires. the only 6’ 7’’ Basil Fawlty look and playing his world-famous Stoke Rochford Hall Torquay every night of the Originally built and sound alike, walks the walk Stradivarius violin to create a colourful year! in theand 1840s talksas theatalk! Typically the concert full of surprises. The repertoire Fawlty Towers theme will Enjoy live entertainment, meet up with old private residence, the night Hall today offers a state of ranges from romantic, emotional start with meeting and greeting friends andmost make new and ones. Indoor swimming the art hotel, conference and banqueting facility, ballads to the gorgeous guests atits reception. Basilcharm and values. pool, games while the retaining old world celebrated waltzes.area, bowling and spa. will announce dinner as Manuel Experience the magic of André Rieu at The English Riviera is quintessential seaside and Customer service always comes first and leads guests to dinner in time aone festiveofand thememorable loveliestevening placesand to visit at any time of they pride themselves on the honoured fashion. Sybil is her ability to offer a come see why André Rieu is one of the the year. Price includes 2 excursions – Plymouth highlyusual professional individual service. The self, Manueland will feature most popular live acts in the world! as a wasteGrade of space,1whilst and a Scenic Torbay Drive. Accommodation is on magnificent listedBasil Victorian mansion has will be giving the sort oftoservice half board basis and all rooms have tea/coffee recently been restored its former glory, thanks one would expect from a top facilities and TV. to a £12 million three-year restoration project, class Torquay hotelier, all without Valentine Weekends Love is in the air! Come along and join us for this reunion overseen by English Heritage. mentioning the war! Room, However, despite February 2017 – 4 days weekend,10, meet some of the Crusader/Motts staff, the Hall’s historic significance, its facilities are most dinner & breakfast plus live The Feast of Saint Valentine evolved into an occasion in which lovers used entertainment from ‘the staff’ . take a chance on our raffle, enjoy quizzes, darts definitely of the 21st century. Accommodation is in to express their affection for each other by presenting flowers, offering and much much more... the delightful Stable Courtyard or points Woodland This 2 day Old tour is from restricted joining in confectionery and sending greeting cards. These days it is also the perfect Bucks, Beds, Oxon and some Hertfordshire points. Twin & Double rooms only from £195 each. Lodge. opportunity to take your loved one away for a short romantic break. To ensure an unforgettable and enjoyable Valentine’s, we’ve come up withThis great value break includes excursions to ideas that shouldWeekends help you plan your weekend. Your weekend includes aLincoln & Legends & Lace - Nottingham. Valentine All-New special gift for the ladies so look forWarner’s the Valentine. 4 Days – Breakfast, dinner, porterage and Wokefield Park, Berkshire; Gunton Hall; 2017drink Brochure welcome from ONLY £199. Mill Rythe, Hayling Island; Amsterdam; Paris; Luxembourg & Bruges. Look at our new style CRUISES 2017 brochure – out in Andre Rieu in Lille March 31st, 4 days: £385 Dublin & Cobb Weekend Cruise September. selling fast – book your places today! (Marco Polo): Sept 29th from £339 Cruise: Some of Party our holidays Spain:Wokefield SantaPark, Susanna (Florida Park Hotel) Romantic Berkshire with Snowdrop Walk (HB) £275Newcastle are already on our a great taster! Sept 22nd from £229 Warner Suffolk - Top Tribute Party: Take That & Bruno Mars (HB) £259 8 or 9– Gunton DaysHall, from £529 This 4 day Andre Rieubreak Live In France

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website and don’t forget the early AmsterdamHOLIDAYS (BB) £279 WINTER TO BAVARIA; SNOW COACH AROSA & booking DIANOdiscount MARINA FOR THE LEMON FESTIVAL! Romantic Paris (BB) £279 Rhine in Flames; Rotterdam World Port Days; Girona Flower Festival; Sun & Spa Weekends in Torquay; offer! Mill Rythe - Hayling Island – Moonlight & Roses (HB)

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£259 D-Day Landings; Slovenia; Bavaria; Austria; Weekend; Ypres & Normandy plus many more great value holidays£289 - request your 2017 brochure today! to book now Visit www.crusader-holidays.co.uk

For more information contact our reservations department on 01296 336666 Holidays: www.crusader-holidays.co.uk

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Day Trips: www.mottsholidays.co.uk

4 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, HP20 2LD Crusader Holiday Shop, 4 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1BH Crusader Holidays, 13 Crusader Business Park, Stephenson Road West, www.facebook.com/mottstravel Clacton, Essex, CO15 4HP Please see our current brochure for booking conditions and trading charter.

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

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

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

Autumn glow!

Men in sheds

Spin doctor

Step inside

Christmas is coming

In the garden

Hygge as in ‘hue-gah’

Cats the way to do it!

Country living

Cheeky boys bare all

All is veinity

Turn it up

Reflex action

Wonder of Waddesdon

A place on the board

Panto Claus is coming to town!

A time to remember

Spirit of Christmas

Caring for carers

Harvest Moon

Pardon my English

Christmas is brewing

36 Winning combination

Hoppy days

38 Fab festive flowers

Slowly, slowly, catchy turkey

8 11 12 13 17 18 20 24 26 27 28

Katy’s take on warmer wear New shop for crafty sorts

Seasonal fun at Number One Janice embraces the Nordic trend Country fashions and pets to go Amanda goes under the laser Therapy can help autistic spectrum Lots of benefits to being a trustee Hospice hosts trees of light Giving carers the support they need Can you speak the local lingo? See new stoves and win a goodie bag! Charlotte’s guide to festive florals

Can you help Thame’s new project? Safe and secure with Shutter Spec Naomi loves the Winter season Have some fun with your feline friend Chearsley men launch naked calendar Paul Adams is back in the building! Lights, shopping, action!

Who’s starring at Waterside this Winter? Dicken’s tale at pop up theatre Chinese offers something different Beers and more at brewery store Historic pub enters new era

How to order a real tasty bird

Do you want to be a winner?!

e’re a very competitive lot it seems. Despite being told ‘it’s the taking part’ and that we should avoid potentially ‘damaging’ win/lose situations coming up in schools, out in the real world we want to see people compete. It could be sporty - the Olympics, Paralympics, football, tennis, hockey, golf - or a baking competition, a ballroom dancing contest, a talent or in some cases ‘lack of talent’ contest, song competitions, pet shows, horticultural competitions,

ongratulations to the following Sept/Oct edition competition winners! Hopefully your prizes will have arrived by now, please let us know if not. Commiserations to

pumpkin growing or pumpkin carving, literary prizes, peace prizes... In fact is there anything we don’t have a competition for?! We are obsessed with finding out who is best, although in many cases they may only be the best by a hair’s breadth or a split second. There can be such a miniscule difference between first and second and yet the winner is catapulted to riches, fame and fortune and the loser to ignominy and obscurity! Many competitions are judged subjectively, so may be subject to

those who weren’t so lucky - read on though for more competitions inside this edition, including the chance to win: A meal for four at The Snug, Aylesbury; Tickets for The Adventure Travel Show; A box of Newby Teas;

the whims and fancy of an expert or panel. I’ve actually sat on a few music panels and was interested to see that once a few opinions are involved, the best band never wins! This is because any entrant doing something original and interesting will get high marks from some judges but low marks from others as their appeal is too extreme to be general. Thus the act that plays it safe and gets marked second or third highest by all the judges ends up with a higher total and wins.

Tickets to the Heritage Auto Fair & Auction; and A Child’s Arckit Construction Kit. Last issue’s prizewinners were: Tickets to The Spanish Riding School of Vienna: Hayley Abson, Tring;

Rebecca Mears, Thame; Tracey Channell, Haddenham An AGA Shop baking pack: Anne Stevens, Stone Tickets for the Clothes Show Live: Gloria Ditch, Stokenchurch; Molly

Mediocrity comes out on top! We’ve all got a chance to influence the outcome of one competition though - Thame is in the top three of this year’s ‘Great British High Street’ awards and public votes count towards Thame’s chances of winning. The town is grateful for any support but if you live in Thame it’s a no brainer - go to the website (see page 68) and vote for Thame, you’ll be making yourself a winner! Happy reading!

Charlie Editor, Vale Life Magazine Williams, Aylesbury; Sadie Batchellier, Thame Spa day at Whittlebury Hall: Sue Parker, Waterperry A meal for two at The Chequers Inn: Sally Huxtable, Loosley Row (answer 8 chefs)

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 : Nov/Dec 2016

with Katy Dyer

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

Autumn glow...

ate Autumn is the perfect time of year to embrace the Danish concept of ‘hygge’. If you’ve not heard of this before (and it’s a concept permeating through all aspects of lifestyle, including interior design cookery as well as fashion), hygge is all about enjoying life’s simple pleasures. With the colder weather on the way you could embrace cosiness, warmth and being together by simply enjoying a cuppa or perhaps something more celebratory like a birthday meal or family get together. In fashion, hygge is expressed with luxurious fabrics in everyday items such as socks, cardigans, perhaps toasty slippers or even a soft, warm jumper. Look out for this theme running through the new season collections. Colour Code I tend to think about soft, muted

White Stuff Snow Catcher Coat £89.95 8

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Hush Dolman Sloppy Joe £40

of a winter sky, midnight black, autumnal leafy greens and rich rusty reds). Telltale Texture Well, it’s more tactile than texture. If you think of a big hug, you want it to be soft and enveloping – so think of luxurious soft-to-the-touch fabrics. Yes, wool and cashmere are front of mind but some of the more modern, natural plant based fabrics such as bamboo, Tencel and Modal are perfect layered and feel beautifully soft next to the skin – above all it’s got to feel good.

Gallivant - Ruby & Ed Black Jaguar Neck Warmer £36

the skin). So many designs, colours and styles around at all price points, the perfect way to update your wardrobe Journey in a and stay warm. From Jumper oversize yet lightweight Keep them cosy, sheer squares to superlonger length and Gallivant - Luisa Cerano chunky knits, using Soft Merino Boucle layered. With jumpers, scarfs is both practical, Wool Poncho £289 in current season cosy and stylish. Keep trends it’s about thinking them tactile and touchably-soft. how you can add colour, style and interested by layering underneath – as opposed to trying to purchase based on what will fit over the top, coat or jacket-wise to keep you toasty in the colder weather. Think of colour combining too – teaming neutrals of black, charcoal and navy with silver grey, cobalt blue or cyclamen.

yet rich colours when it comes to cosiness. However, there is still that warmth of fiery reds, mustard yellow alongside the simple more neutral shades of silver grey, inky navy and of course midnight shades of black. The combination would be easy on the eye and perhaps have an element of nature about Hush Colourblock it (slate grey

Jumper £99

Stylish Scarfs Probably the ultimate in hygge – warm, stylish and personal (usually worn next to

Gallivant - Mercy Delta Wool & Silk Stars Scarf £135

Meik Wiking, author of The Little Book of Hygge and CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen suggests linking purchases with good experiences – so each time you add a scarf to your outfit or pull on some cosy gloves you can be reminded of that good time.

Gallivant Marc Cain Opulent faux fur Apricot Scarf £109

White Stuff - Husdon Tunic £49.95 Accessorise, but are sometimes Accessorise, overlooked. In my experience, I have Accessorise... What’s better than found that Marks & pulling on a soft winter Spencer probably woolly hat before have the widest range of colours on the heading out on a crisp Accessorize Winter’s morning? And high street. Selena Pom Beanie £17 Gloves can add a as the saying goes ‘there is no such thing as bad weather, just real splash of colour to winterwear the wrong clothes’. and are so practical too. Many this Gloves are also a great accessory season are adorned with pompoms,

sparkle and motifs so you will be spoilt for choice. Slip into Socks Keep them warm and luxurious. You can choose to make a statement (like Dragon’s Den’s Peter Jones) or keep it chic with neutrals that tone with your shoes and hemline. Why not treat yourself to something a little more luxurious in an everyday essential – that is definitely hygge!

So for now, why not embrace winter’s element of rest and conserving your resources – and keep those happiness vibes up by including hygge in your wardrobe and your day. l Katy Dyer is a style coach and corporate image consultant and works with people of all ages, stages and backgrounds to help them present themselves at their very best. Because when you look good, you feel good. Find out more at www.katydyer.com or simply call 01844 872 025.

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

Sew Claire

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

Helen Grace Beautifully hand crafted stylish hats

Image Style Colour Corporate

Wardrobe Review Personal Shopping Group Consultations & Workshops

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

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

www.helengracehats.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

This Christmas

Celebratingthe the unusual Celebrating

Ceramics | Wood | Jewellery | Glass | Leather

& fellows

in creative creativecraftsmanship craftsmanship In

always unusual, always unique

Contemporary Arts & Crafts 1 east Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3JS Tel: 01844 215099 Email: fitchandfellows@gmail.com

www.tillynilly.com

01844 220035

info@tillynilly.com

Shop at 55 North Street Thame OX9 3BH for gifts and home accessories Design Studio services Made to measure blinds : motorised ▪wood ▪ venetian ▪ vertical ▪ panel ▪ roller ▪ blackout Hand finished curtains & romans ▪ wallpaper ▪ design assistance and full interior design service available 10

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Whether you are thinking of trying spinning or weaving, or are something of an expert, a new spinning and fibrecraft store at Stoke Mandeville, is well worth a visit. Owner Freya is extremely knowledgeable and can offer advice and tuition, while her charming shop is packed with equipment and supplies... Freya Jones

reya Jones has long been fascinated by ancient crafts. She has a degree in glass-blowing but has over the last few years turned her attention to spinning and weaving. “It’s the making process that interests me,” she says. “All the different steps and the way they can be changed and manipulated to get different results. A few years ago I decided to knit all my wedding favours. It was a Victorian wedding, so I taught myself to knit and made false moustaches for everyone! “I enjoyed knitting and joined the Bucks Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers where I discovered spinning! I just had to get my own spinning wheel and learn how to spin. The more I found out about it, the more I realised just what a popular craft it is, right across the world - it’s mostly happening behind closed doors though! “There was nowhere local to get the bits you needed, so I decided to set up a centre where spinners and weavers could come and

feel the fibre, buy equipment and supplies, exchange information and ideas and take part in courses and workshops.” Freya, who grew up in Aylesbury and went to Aylesbury High School, has now opened Freya Jones Spinning and Fibrecraft in a charming unit, complete with log burning stove at Layby Farm, Stoke Mandeville, home of the Bucks Goat Centre. “It’s a dream job for me,” says Freya. “I love being in retail, I’m passionate about good customer service and I’m satisfying my desire to keep ancient skills and knowledge alive!” Freya is a distributor for Ashford spinning wheels and looms. “They are the best,” she says. “They have a comprehensive range of wheels and looms, beautifully made in New Zealand, plus all the different accessories to go with them. I have the Kiwi 2 and Joy 2 Spinning wheels, SampleIt Loom and 20ins Knitters Loom set up in store for you to try before you buy, plus a range of Ashford accessories, including spare threading hooks, reeds, bobbins etc. “The Kiwi2 at £300, is an excellent entry level castle-style, double treadle wheel, while the portable ‘Joy’ wheel at £600 is top of the range but compact, lightweight and portable and can spin a wide variety of yarns of varying thickness using the four ratios. “The Ashford looms are fabulous too. The Sampleit Loom (£105) is inexpensive, compact and cute but weaves really well. It’s made from solid silver beech and can weave a width of 10ins (25cm) - it’s fun and easy to use - just add yarn! “The Knitters Loom (£205) is ultra portable being lightweight, compact and folds in half - even with your weaving in place. It comes in 12, 20 or 28ins widths and is very fast - from yarn to scarf in a few hours!

“Both have handy notches on the bottom edge so you can rest them on a table edge and weave sitting with the loom across your lap. They are a joy to use. “I can supply any of the Ashford range though, so please ask, as items can be ordered and usually arrive within a couple of days.” Freya has a whole wall of fibre on display including British breeds of wool, speciality fibres such as silk and mohair, 20 different colours of Merino (all with locally connected names such as ‘Ziggy Stardust’ ‘Willy Wonka’ or ‘Chiltern Gentium’), Merino and silk blends, Merino and bamboo blends, baby camel and unusual fibres including: seacell made from seaweed, rose fibre which is made from roses and even a milk fibre! They have all been specially prepared for spinning or felting and are called tops, rovings or sliver. If you like to spin from different preparations of fibre Freya hand cards beautiful blended batts and rolags using the finest merinos and luxury fibres and also hand dyes a range of luxury yarns including 100% Mulberry silk and superfine Merino and baby camel yarns. She also sells hand-woven scarfs and hand-spun yarn and some lovely Simply Alpaca knitting yarn from an Alpaca farm in Worcester which also crafts beautiful handmade soaps felted in alpaca which makes a soap and washcloth all in one. If you are looking to learn Freya teaches spinning and weaving and is happy to exchange advice and tips with anyone from beginners to experts. A day course including all materials and lunch is only £55. See her website or pop in for more details. l Freya Jones Spinning & Fibrecraft, Unit 1, Layby Farm, Old Risborough Road, Stoke Mandeville, HP22 5XJ Tel: 07496 033156 Email: freyabarcockjones@gmail.com Web: www.freyajones.com Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

The Prosecco is out and the girls are ready to wrap! You can tell that the Number One team just love Christmas by their spectacular window displays, stunning seasonal decorations and festive gift selection. Pop in and you may even find mulled wine and mince pies if you’re lucky...

ornings are damp and foggy and the temperature is slowly dropping but the real indication that Christmas is on the way comes with a visit to Number One, Wendover High Street! The stylish gift and homeware store is overflowing with exciting seasonal goodies, festive trimmings and a huge range of decorative, functional and fun present ideas. There’s cute pop-up cards, a stylish range of Christmas linen - runners, tablecloths and serviettes; lots of LED light-up baubles, signs, fairy lights (some in copper) and decorations plus lovely wooden light up advent calendars. Big and beautiful copper coloured baubles and hearts will catch the eye, while gorgeously scented candles by Neom Organics (a lovely seasonal addition to their range of oils and diffusers) spread wonderful aromas. For those with a sense of humour there’s plenty of fun mugs, printed doormats and amusing greetings cards (slightly rude ones too) while those embracing the hygge trend will love cosy, faux fur hot water bottle covers,

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

throws, cushions, slippers, handwarmers - all lovely and snuggly - and soft microwaveable lavender-filled warming pads/hotties for easing that stiff neck or aching muscle. For men there’s a macho new range of Gentelman’s Hardware toiletries and grooming products including shaving cream, facewash, beard oil, shaving kits, shoe cleaning kits, key rings, poker sets, card games and more. And for family outings or romantic picnics, a trendy Scottish range of picnic blankets and hot water bottles from Tweed Mill Textiles and Aroma Home are stylish and functional. There’s a cracking selection of cheeseboards and accessories, huge Melt Candles in lots of different fragrances and a fabulous range of Katie Loxton clutches, keyrings, purses, handbags, jewellery, candles and makeup bags, plus luxurious lambswool and cashmere pashminas and scarves and Helen Moore faux fur keyrings - very hygge - as is the luxury shea butter handcreams, soaps, body wash and fragrances from the Somerset Toiletries Co. St Eval Candle Company from Cornwall’s unique fragrances and traditional candlemaking techniques come in fresh floral or fruity fragrances, including: Inspiritus, Orange and Cinnamon, Sandalwood and two new fragrances: Winter Berry and Tuber Rose. They also make advent candles.

New in is a range of sophisticated and luxurious Peppermint Grove candles and soaps which are handmade in New South Wales, Australia and make bonza gifts! There is high quality glassware from LSA, including some beautiful copper coloured flutes and wine glasses, plus stylish tumblers, vases, shot glasses, tea light holders, hurricane lamps and decanters. For children there’s lots of cuddly toys and stocking fillers and the Scrabble letter place mats and coasters could even be a useful educational aid! Number One stocks beautiful giftwrap and offers a free gift-wrapping service too - especially handy for us guys, who struggle with those tricky finishing touches! You really need to visit this Aladdin’s cave to take in the variety on offer - there’s too much to list here but there really is something for everyone. Number One is open Mon-Sat: 9.30am5pm and from Sunday November 13th will also be open on Sundays from 10.30am-4pm. A fun time to visit will be Wed, Dec 7th, the night of Wendover’s Christmas Lights Switch On, when Number One will be open until 7pm with mulled wine, mince pies and lots of festive fun - all are welcome. l No1, 1 High Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 623150

Column: Janice Issitt ‘Making the most of it’

Hygge as in hue-gah

think it started in the blogging community and has travelled far and wide with this season seeing a plethora of books written about it. Yes it’s this years buzz word “Hygge” and we Brits have gone crazy for the Danish art of getting cozy. Hygge didn’t originate in Denmark but the term for ‘well-being’ came to them from Norway in the 18th Century and has become a way of life to the happiest nation on earth. Here in the UK we have, of course, being doing it for ages too, but it seems that we needed those clever Scandinavians to give it a word and run with it. There’s a lot you can do to Hygge your home, I’ve been blogging about it with some posts about getting your fireplace ready and trying out some great eco-logs from Lekto, filling the house with familiar sounds by way of a new record player, and getting all the fur rugs and blankets out of storage. This seasonal practice of getting cozy is more of a mind set than something you can buy from a shop, but it doesn’t hurt to set the scene as the days get shorter and the air has a nip. An essential part of Hygge is to snuggle up with friends, find a cozy corner in a fire lit pub, have some warm comforting candle lit food and drink, and share some laughs with loved ones.

Janice Issitt

Making the most of it

Pic: Janice Issitt Here’s my shopping list to get yourself ready to Hygge, I hope you have a great festive season: Candles everywhere are essential, and candle heaven has to be Yankee Aroma Direct at 18 Duck Farm Court, Station Way West, Aylesbury, they also have a café so take your time in true

Hygge style. Blankets – they have a great selection at ‘Holy Cow Home’, Cambridge Street Aylesbury, and the shop ‘At Home’ 1 Well Street, Buckingham. Food and walks – how about trying out the Christmas cookery School at Waddesdon Manor, 2nd-4th November or a romantic stroll to see the Field Of Light by Bruce Munro from 9th November? For those with an unlimited budget then an Aga cooker will make your house the ultimate warm and inviting place to be, they now make a city style cooker which fits the space of a conventional oven and comes in beautiful pastel shades - have a look around their showroom in Thame on the Upper High Street. l Read Janice’s blog at: http://janiceissittlifestyle. blogspot.co.uk where she posts photo tutorials about things to make and lovely pictures of life in the Vale.

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Column: Nicky Gregory‘Curious World’

Antique prosthetics! I

t is generally thought that sophisticated artificial limbs have been developed relatively recently but in the 17th Century mechanical limbs were already in existence. Terrible injuries on the battlefields of Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries led surgeons to design elaborate prostheses for lost limbs. These were usually made by armourers with moveable fingers which locked into place, enabling a soldier to grip his reins or sword. Later watchmakers made gears and springs to give more detailed movement. This rare survivor at Cotehele in Cornwall is European, 1500-1699. In 1947 the Earl of Edgcumbe told the story of his father being woken in the night by a sound of someone breaking a window, the Earl groped his way in the dark, searching for a pair of pistols. Suddenly, he felt his

19thC Mechanical Arm

16th C iron arm and hand prosthesis designed by Ambroise Paré

Curious world

a Sugar Shovel! Can you guess what this one, left, is? The prize for the winner chosen from correct answers is a £10 Gift Voucher for Antiques at Wendover. Email your answers along with your name, address and contact telephone number to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Winner to be notified by email.

Nov/Dec Mystery object

wrist tightly gripped by cold fingers. mechanical arm and that the Grappling himself free he fled back burglar had been a cow, scraping to his bedroom in horror. her horns against the window bars! The next morning he discovered Our Sept/Oct mystery object was that the fingers belonged to the

ANTIQUES AT… WENDOVER

Nicky Gregory

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

Make it a

Happy Christmas

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 Shop, 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.

Silver Christening Set: £145 The Old Post Office, 25 High Street, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 625335 Email: antiques@antiquesatwendover.co.uk Website: www.antiquesatwendover.co.uk 14

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Hester Clarke Fine Jewellers

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

01296 482963

Take a trip to Haddenham and see how the Garden Room has been transformed into a Christmas wonderland! Oriandi dolores es sit ut et lisintur magnihic In the main shop you will find beautiful jewellery, creative cards, earitatur, voluptates illatem sam, cone ex expe plabore unique furniture, imaginative toys, eye-catching homeware voloreperumaspient faci rehendempore nihil ist explitate samuscit, and ouromnis fabulous range of clothing. seque explatiatus,si poremquam questylish sitas acculpa nostia vel istist estOur que Lifestyle vid qui comnihil mosam, has aut essimped quidnew... eicium Shop always something Loribea quatusdaerum vendis ati sitiatecum

White Hart Studio, 15 Churchway, Haddenham, Buckinghamshire, H P17 8AB Tel: 01844 292308 Open Tue-Sat: 10am-5pm & Sun: 11am-4pm www.whitehartstudio.com Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Aylesbury AYLESBURY Tel: 01296 428061 delartuk@yahoo.com

Delphine Art

THAME Thame Tel: 01844 214235 delartuk@yahoo.com

Specialists in Bespoke Framing

We can frame almost anything from memorabilia to wedding dresses

Just four examples of bespoke framing we can achieve, why not come in and see what we can do for you. Framing • Picture Framing l

• Giftware l

Frames • Ready Made Frames l

THAME OxfordshireOX9 OX93EX 3EX THAMESHOP: SHOP:2727Upper UpperHigh HighStreet, Street, Thame, Oxfordshire AYLESBURY SHOP: CambridgeSt, St,Aylesbury, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire Buckinghamshire HP20 1RS AYLESBURY SHOP: 4040Cambridge HP20 1RS

The Tythe Barn

The Tythe Barn at Christmas

Seasonal ideas andinspiration inspiration for your home Seasonal ideas and fordecorating decorating your home

Opening Thursdays to Saturdays 9.30am – 5pm and Sundays 10am – 4pm November 3rd to December 18th The Tythe Barn, Manor Farm, Church End, Haddenham, Bucks, HP17 8AH www.thetythebarn.com

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

If you’d like to check out the latest country clothing, take home a tortoise, admire tropical fish, chipmunks and chickens while collecting pet food and smallholding supplies, Widmer’s the word...

idmer Feeds Country Store is tucked away on Widmer Farm, up on the ridge above Princes Risborough, near Lacey Green. The family business was established in 1988 by Chris and Cathryn Davies, at first to supply animal feed but, over the years, expanding to become a Pet Shop, Tack Store, Country and Equestrian Clothing Shop and handy place to get help and advice if you are setting up or running a smallholding or have pets. It’s a huge rambling set up now, spread across several barns and a fun place to visit if you are interested in animals, birds or fish, and of course, country clothing. Chris and Cathryn’s son and daughter, Jason and Alice, now help run the business and the staff has grown to around 20 with animal keepers, shop and office staff. Their sister Jennifer runs Widmer Equestrian Centre next door and much of Widmer Farm (some 140 acres) is now given over to grazing for horses, although in the past the family have farmed cattle and sheep there. In the huge main barn the first floor houses Country Clothing and Rider Wear while downstairs there’s additional footwear, pet supplies and a small selection of reptiles and creepy crawlies, including a large Tarantula and some Giant African Millepedes! “We stock clothing for all the family,” says Alice. “Brands such as Joules, Finnish company Horze, Toggi, German label Pikeur and American brand Ariat. There’s gilets and bodywarmers, tweeds, cosy jackets, fleeces, jumpers, cardigans, coats, hats, scarves, gloves, bags and accessories. It’s not just practical outdoor wear though, there’s lots of very stylish pieces.

“We have children’s casual clothing, hoodies, T-shirts, sweatshirts and coats, and lots of footwear - wellies, walking/country boots from Ariat and Toggi that are tough, waterproof and stylish, neoprene lined wellies and pretty printed ones too. You’ll never go back to ordinary wellies once you’ve had a pair of neoprene lined ones though, they are so warm and comfortable! “We aim for good quality, good value for money products that last.We have workwear too such as the Muckmaster industial wellies made of hardwearing chemical resistant rubber and lots of waterproof outer garments. “We have a large riding wear section too, including ladies show jackets and shirts, from brands such as: Horze, Shires, Pikeur and Mark Todd and we offer a free in-store fitting service for riding hats and body protectors.” Of course many customers go to Widmer to stock up on animal feed and accessories but part of the fun is having a wander round the animal barns to look at the hamsters, or tropical fish. There’s tortoises, aviary birds such as: canaries, love birds, parakeets, doves, finches, budgies, quails, Java sparrows and cockateals; chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits, Guinea pigs, fish, goats, chipmunks and even giant African millepedes and African land snails, spiny stick insects and a leopard gecko to name a few! Tortoises are a recent addition and very cute! They are all legally bred in this country and come microchipped with a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) certificate and official sale document. “We have everything for the smallholder,” says Alice, “and we are happy to offer advice

Alice and help too. We have hutches, cages and runs hay, straw, beds, toys, all you might need - wormers and flea treatments too as Jason has an SQP licence so can supply certain veterinary medicines. Widmer Feeds Country Store is open seven days a week and has a handy DIY dog washing facility in the yard too, so you can pop in after your walk and hose Fido down whilst picking up some goodies. The Winter clothing range is in and there’s lots of gift ideas for all your loved ones - that’s family members as well as pets! l Widmer Feeds Country Store, Pink Road, Lacey Green, Buckinghamshire, HP27 0PG Tel: 01844 344765 Open Mon-Fri: 9am-5.30pm, Sat: 9am - 5pm, Sun: 10am-4pm

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Amanda Trott

l Column

Health & Beauty

Spider veins and varicose veins are practically a rite of passage. As we age the squiggly purple lines draw maps across the thighs and calves of around 60% of adults. Happily today, with the aid of science and technology, there are treatments that can help...

Debbie applies a clear gel to cool the skin before laser treatment

uring a particularly hot spell of weather over the Summer, when my pasty legs came out of their Winter jeans, I started to notice I had developed a rather fetching patch of thread veins on my shin. Being a hairdresser and having a job where I’ve been on my feet for over 30 years, I always knew that my veins would become a problem at some point. I had heard of people having varicose veins stripped, (euch!!) but with mine only being a small cluster of red wiggles I guessed there must be a less drastic way to treat them. Having met the lovely Debbie Green from Whitethorn Fields Mediclinic a few weeks ago, I asked her to take a look at my legs and give me some advice on what could be done to remove the veins. She suggested I look into having them lasered using a combination of IPL (intense pulsed light) and Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet) as it has such a high success rate. Debbie has been working within Advanced Aesthetics for more than eight years and specialises in Laser Hair Removal and CACI Non-Surgical Facelifts. She studied health and beauty at college in

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Debbie sets the laser controls London, and from there went on to work within many beauty salons before joining Whitethorn Fields Mediclinic, at Stoke Mandeville, several years ago. Debbie explained that a patch test would be required before treatment could commence and that for most people a course of treatments is needed to fully minimise the veins. She told me that the combination of the two lasers gives the best results possible and that it would take around five treatments at six weeks apart to take full effect. After testing a small area to check I wasn’t going to have an adverse reaction, I booked an appointment a week later to return to the clinic for my first treatment. Feeling a little anxious about what to expect, Debbie expertly quelled my fears and talked me through the process step by step. The IPL Nd: Yag sends a pulse of energy along the veins, which causes the wall to collapse and the excess blood is then absorbed by the body so that over time the vein completely disappears. She applied a clear gel to the area in order to help cool the skin before treating, as the laser heats the veins in order to coagulate the blood. The first laser used was the

First the Nd:YAG laser is used Nd:YAG, which other than giving a sensation of mild heat, hardly felt noticeable. When Debbie applied the second laser, the IPL, it felt similar to having an elastic band snapped against my leg, bareable but a little stingy at times! The whole treatment lasted only a few minutes and once finished she applied chilled gel packs to help take the heat out of the treated areas and advised me to apply some aloe vera gel to the affected area a couple of times a day and not to scratch if it became itchy. The procedure is relatively pain free and as such, needs no down time, although taking such steps as avoiding hot baths, staying out of strong sunlight and avoiding strenuous exercise for a short while after the treatment are all important. Six weeks on and I have just returned for my second treatment this time with Ruth Wright, the Head Ruth Wright Laseographer at Whitethorn Fields MediClinic. Her expertise is in laser hair removal and laser skin rejuvenation but she also has over 30 years experience in both the teaching and practice of holistic

Amanda Trott

Beauty Spot

The IPL laser in action therapies. She too has worked at the clinic for a number of years. Ruth repeated the process, skillfully zapping even the tiniest of veins to ensure nothing was missed and again reminded me to look after the treated area carefully. Sometimes post treatment the veins can look more obvious and darker for a little while before they finally disappear. Treating them during the Winter months is a good idea when our legs are generally not on show, and exposure to the sun after treatment is not recommended. I will be heading back to the clinic to visit Debbie and Ruth over the coming weeks, and will update you all with my progress in the Spring. In the meantime I am pleased to report that the visit last month to have veinwave treatment on a skin blemish and a friend’s age spots frozen off with a cryopen was successful. My blemish has reduced in size but may need a second treatment to fully erase while my friend’s age spots have flaked off and completely disappeared. l Whitethorn Fields MediClinic Old Risborough Road, Stoke Mandeville, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP22 5XJ T: 01296 614441 E: enquiries@whitethornmediclinic.co.uk W: www.whitethornmediclinic.co.uk

Column: Fitness Focus with Dani Dennington

Health & Fitness

Help to solve your problems

ani Dennington has trained with some of the top names in hypnotherapy and combines this with expertise in a variety of related treatments and techniques to offer an individually tailored approach to solving your problems. From confidence issues to anxiety and phobias, addictions, exam nerves, pain control, weight control and eating disorders, life coaching and goal setting - it’s about putting you back in the driving seat of your life with the tools to take control. Cognitive hypnotherapy provides overworked minds with the toolkit they need to fix their own stresses and strains. It is based on modern psychology and neuroscience and there’s not a pendulum in sight! Usually, cognitive hypnotherapy needs two or three sessions in which the foundations for change are put in place, although you are likely to feel more confident about dealing with whatever has been bothering you after just one session. “The session starts with a simple chat,” says Dani. “An opportunity

capacity to adopt new mental tools, and anyone can be hypnotised. The only prerequisite is to be open to the process. This model means I create a unique treatment plan for each client, using the clients own mind to solve their own problems. “There are lots of practical tools to help deal with stressful situations, so that while we work on the unconscious responses in the Dani in her consulting room sessions, I will also give you the to discuss the goals of working tools that allow you to feel more in together and an hour or so of gentle control in your day to day life conversation to establish how you “In subsequent sessions we look see your world and which of your at what in your past is causing the beliefs and values are creating the current problems - often beliefs problem - essentially ‘what is the we have from childhood are still story you are telling yourself?’ informing the way we respond as “Although it is called hypnosis, in adults and clearly what works for reality the space we are working in a five year old probably won’t be is a natural state and no different working so well for the adult! Then to closing your eyes and being so moving forward we will see how absorbed in a book or film that this could now shape the present the hours seem to fly by, or being and future from this new more up in a meeting where your mind has to date perspective. wandered. You never lose control “It is often a huge release to and are certainly never put under let go of this outdated thinking the control of anyone else. and allows space to give you more “I believe that everyone has the choice about how you choose to

Dani Dennington Cognitive Hypnotherapy respond in the now.” Dani has a natural aptitude for creative thinking and problem solving which means that whatever your issue, she will help you move forward, free of whatever might be holding you back. Dani is DBS checked and works with children over the age of eight as well as teenagers and adults. To see details of her extensive training and qualifications plus client testimonials and more information about how she could help you, take a look at her website at: www.thecroftpractice.co.uk l Dani Dennington The Croft Practice, Thame T: 01844 261223 / 07932 793135 E: dani@thecroftpractice.co.uk W: www.thecroftpractice.co.uk

ANTONIA BARNES MCFHP MAFHP FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER

II CAN CAN TREAT TREATCorns, Corns,calluses, calluses,cracked crackedheels, heels, nail problems, thickened nails and can treat nail problems, thickened nails and can treat people who have diabetes. people who have diabetes. II CAN CAN OFFER OFFERVisits Visitsininthe thecomfort comfort of of your your own home, a warm attitude, generalroom, foot care own home or atcaring my Thame treatment including regular nail cutting and filing and a a warm caring attitude, general foot care foot massage at the of your including regular nailend cutting and treatment. filing and a foot massage at the end of your treatment. TO ARRANGE A VISIT OR FOR MORE TO ARRANGE A VISIT OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ANTONIA BARNES INFORMATION CONTACT ANTONIA BARNES 01844 261766 or 07795 01844 261766 or 07795 692464 692464 www.feetforlifethame.com www.feetforlifethame.com

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

For all your Christmas beauty needs Rock st Nails ar for £ 24

REGISTERED MEMBER OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONERS

EAR WAX REMOVAL If you are troubled by excessive ear wax causing discomfort or loss of hearing, CV Health Aural Care Service can offer you a very effective treatment at its Haddenham Medical Centre. Micro-suction is the most up-to-date procedure for removing obstructions in the ear and compared to syringing, it is safer, quicker, better tolerated and more effective. What does it cost? CV Health offers a competitively priced service at £80.

Call now 01494 412525 Monday to Friday (9 am to 5 pm) or email for an appointment: c.v.health@nhs.net

set A full sh la e y of E ions s n e t Ex 5 for £5

Elemis products and gift vouchers are available as gifts for that special Christmas present 07771 330366 laura.gilbey@hiddenbeautyaylesbury.co.uk Unit 5, Layby Farm, Stoke Mandeville, Bucks. HP22 5XJ www.hiddenbeautyaylesbury.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Column: Fitness Focus with Jo Rodhouse

Reflex action

ore and more children are being labelled with autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs), attention deficit disorders (ADD & ADHD), Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, sensory processing disorders etc. And many others struggle with non-specific difficulties such as classroom learning, movement control, social interactions, concentration and even emotional maturity. Many of these ‘labels’ just describe a set of symptoms but to Neuro Developmental Therapist Jo Rodhouse, who treats both adults and children, the symptoms are an indication of ‘Developmental Delay’ in many cases caused by the presence of ‘Retained Reflexes’. “In the womb and early stages of life, we are equipped with a number of reflexes,” says Jo, “that not only aid the birthing process, but also serve to ensure the survival and safety of the new-born into early infancy, for example, grasping and sucking. As the new-born develops,

Charlotte Schuman

the brain begins to mature and take control, so these early reflexes are no longer needed and switch off. If, however, these reflexes fail to inhibit they can have a huge impact on appropriate function and therefore a child may display immature patterns of behaviour - lacking appropriate emotional, social and behavioural responses, difficulty in classroom learning and physical balance and co-ordination issues, and explains why a seemingly intelligent child struggles to learn and thrive as others do. Evidence of a child deviating from the norm can be apparent

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

quite early. We often see difficult or delayed birthing, feeding or latching issues, failure to crawl, delayed teething or speech, being easily startled, unusual sleep patterns, fussy eating, thumb suckers, toe-walkers, late in becoming ‘dry’ or bedwetting, hypersensitivity or hyperactivity. The most common feedback we get from parents is that these children are simply failing to thrive or ‘I could always tell something wasn’t quite right’ - after all there is no better expert than a parent!” To treat these conditions Jo offers non-intrusive, drug free Neural Stimulation Programmes designed to stimulate and then inhibit the reflexes that are hindering development. “During the initial one hour consultation we take a case history and use standard neurological tests to look for evidence of retained reflexes and assess the function of the central nervous system,” says Jo. “If there is sufficient evidence that the reflexes have been retained, then we put in place a programme of either skin stimulation techniques or movement exercises.

Health & Fitness

Jo Rodhouse Neuro Developmental Therapy “These are performed at home, normally twice daily and should take no longer than 5 minutes. We then review progress and update the programme on a 6 weekly basis. Change is often evident almost immediately.” l Jo Rodhouse ((BSc Hons London College of Classical Homeopathy) is a fully qualified and insured Neural Developmental Therapist. Jo’s daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia and she has developed her knowledge and skills finding a way to help her. Jo practises at Thame Therapy Clinic and at The Castle Street Clinic, High Wycombe. Call Jo on: 07802 614735, email: jo@jo-rodhouse.co.uk or visit: www.jo-rodhouse.co.uk

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

www.thametherapyclinic.co.uk

Kate Walker

Mobile Chiropodist

Stella Huxley

BSc (Hons) Hcpc Registered

Massage Therapist

General Foot Care l Verruca Treatment l Ingrowing Nails l Biomechanics l

Tel: 078875 51591

Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

2 20

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Swedish Body Massage Aromatherapy Body Massage Deep Tissue Massage Indian Head Massage

Providing the ultimate salon experience

What’s the news from Guess who’s joined the crew!

t’s not every day that we get to announce two new Salon Directors at Eclipse… And perhaps just as noteworthy is that they happen to be husband and wife: Cara & Matt. Cara – Salon Director Although very capable and talented in all aspects of hairdressing, Cara is a real colour specialist and is now Eclipse’s top colourist. With amazing attention to detail (some might say obsessive), she keeps herself at the leading edge of colour technology. In fact, an example of just how far she is prepared to go with her obsession is taking place even as this magazine is being printed... Cara is about to cross the globe just to spend time with Sheree Knobel - a Redken artist and one of Australia’s top colourists. As brilliant in practice as she is knowledgeable, Cara has also been UK finalist and South-east regional winner of the L’Oreal Colour Trophy Awards. Cara’s ‘go to’ product is Olaplex. Ask her about it and with evangelical zeal, she will explain the miraculous transformation it has on any coloured or heat-treated hair. If you are considering a colour makeover or have a problem colour to correct, ask for Cara. She will delight you with her magic touch. Matt – Salon Director It is often the case that male stylists are popular with lady clients and on his return to Eclipse it seems Matt is no exception. Talented and charming, he is understandably in demand, but control your enthusiasm ladies - Cara will be watching! Something of an all-rounder, Matt’s barbering skills mean he is

Cara

equally in demand when it comes to Eclipse’s male clientele too though! Innovative, on trend and technically superb, talk to Matt about the change of look you’d like. Matt’s talents haven’t gone unnoticed in the wider world either - he was the winner of the Gents Image Award UK, which lead to his work being featured in Vogue (USA).

Matt

Eclipse is delighted to welcome husband and wife team, Cara and Matt, as part of our planned expansion. We are still seeking talented stylists though, so if you think you have something above the ordinary to offer, please contact salon owner Louise as below.

Eclipse Hair Design, 56 North Street, Thame, OX9 3BH Tel: 01844 260062 Web: www.eclipsehair-design.co.uk Email: info@eclipsehair-design.co.uk Follow us on Twitter: @eclipsethame and Facebook Eclipse Hair Design

STOP PRESS... online booking service - see: www.eclipsehair-design.co.uk Like us on Facebook for up to date information and promotions: Eclipse Hair Design

THIS JANUAR ys

A new sport that combines many 8 November elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong. 10 - 11 am

FREE Taster

Try out Pickleball at THAME LEISURE CENTRE

Equipment will be provided.

8 November 10 - 11 am

low to fol

A new sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong.

ns sio

FREEThame Leisure Centre TasterFun, sociable and good for fitness!

Fun, sociable and good for fitness!

Pickleball is fun, sociable and good fororfitness! Enjoy a cup of tea with us afterwards! Walk, run, swim, cycle yourself healt

Enjoy a cup of tea with us afterwards!

lar Tuesda egu ys Try out Pickleball Rand with no contract no joining fee u es A new sport that combines ns sio

Thame Leisure Centre many elements tennis, 31stofJanuary. FREE Fun, sociable and good fitness! badminton and pingforpong. Taster A new sport that combines many Equipment will elements of tennis, November Joinbadminton today at8 www.better.org.u be andprovided. ping pong. 10 - 11 am Enjoy a cup of Equipment will be provided. tea with us afterwards! Enjoy a cup of tea with us afterwards! Regular Tuesday sessions from Nov 8th low to fol

To book contact:

Hendriette Knouwds 07717 8 36750

hendriette.knouwds@southandvale.gov.uk

To book contact:

To find out more, pop in or visit: Hendriette Knouwds 077 1 7 8 3 6 7 5 0 District Council hendriette. k n o u w d s @ s o u t h a n d v a l e . g o v . u k www.better.org.uk/thame

etter.org.uk/terms for details. Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societie London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no: XR43398

_ThameLeisure_190x125mm_FV.indd 1

To book contact:

Hendriette Knouwds 07717 836750

hendriette.knouwds@southandvale.gov.uk

Experts in Mobility and Healthcare Supplies Come and visit our new showroom at Watermead, Aylesbury or, if you can’t get to us - give us a call and we’ll visit you! Specialists in ‘tilt in space’ riser recline chairs Lightweight wheelchairs Wide range of mobility scooters Extensive range of three/four wheeled walkers Bath and shower solutions Aids for daily living Profiling beds and stairlifts Discreet professional advice on continence management Advice and guidance on all aspects of mobility and personal care Equipment Hire Excellent after sales service and customer care 35 Lakeside, Watermead, Aylesbury, HP19 OFX | Tel: 01296 435607 | Web: www.theeasyliving.company 22

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Column: Fitness Focus with Mark Collins

Health & Fitness

Boxing fit is a real hit

ave you ever considered the benefits of boxing training? And yes we are talking to you! A growing number of people are trying boxing training (boxonfitness) as a fitness regime, and finding it has many positives. Boxing training provides a fat burning workout while increasing stamina and improving muscle tone. Results can be quickly achieved as you find yourself using muscle groups you didn’t know existed great for shaping those hard to shift bumps and lumps! Boxing is also great for relieving stress and helps to build confidence and self-esteem. And, although not promoted as such, girls, it’s got to be good to know how to throw a punch in self-defence, in case you ever find yourself in a tricky situation. Not that Mark Collins from boxonfitness encourages punching an opponent - the focus is on technique, using punch bags and pads, in his non-contact classes.

Mark shows a new recruit how to jab Mark is an experienced and qualified England Boxing coach who has been into the sport since he first walked into a boxing club at the tender age of nine. He coached with much success at London’s well-known Dale Youth boxing club, where Olympic Gold and current World Super Middleweight Champion James DeGale and Super Middleweight champion George Groves, alongside many other national and international title winners, learned the sport of boxing.

Mark knows the huge benefits of boxing and has adapted boxing’s training techniques to create boxonfitness - a non-contact boxing fitness regime that can benefit anyone. His classes are suitable for all age groups and are progressive, so you will never stop learning or improving. “With any sport it’s important to be coached by someone who knows what they are doing,” says Mark, “but in boxing it’s imperative! Not only do you need to learn the correct way to throw punches but also, more importantly, how to protect your hands and of course all those new muscle groups you will be using. “It’s a relatively safe sport though - even at top professional level, there are statistically less injuries in boxing than in many other sports, including horse riding, rugby and skiing.” At a boxonfitness class you’ll learn how to slip and roll, jab and punch, improve balance and coordination, stamina, strength and

Mark Collins boxonfitness

fitness and have a lot of fun doing it! Whether you’re male or female there’s group, paired or 1-2-1 training available in the Bucks & Oxon regions now. Why not give Mark a call? He is happy to chat with anyone interested in learning more or who would like to try a boxonfitness session. Boxonfitness are fully insured and DBS approved. l Boxonfitness classes take place weekly at various venues across the local area. For more information contact Mark on: 0800 8100 905 Mobile: 07834 015646 Email: mark@boxonfitness.co.uk Facebook: boxonfitness www.boxonfitness.co.uk

Maria Bray

Nutritional Therapy

The Science of Health and Vitality l

Eat Well l Live Well l Feel Well

New Saturday morning Teen Clinic: £30 for 1 hour session

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If you are feeling sad, confused, worried, depressed, anxious, lonely, or just overwhelmed, I can help. Whatever issue is troubling you why not get in touch and we can find a solution together. I am a qualified Psychotherapist offering a flexible therapeutic service tailored to your needs and requirements

Jaqui Supple Counselling

Web: www.jaquisupplecounselling.co.uk Email: jaquisupple@gmail.com Tel: 07977904067 Facebook.com/jaquisupplecounselling

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

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Back pain? Sport injury? Muscle/Joint pain? Posture related problems? Inflexibility? Stress related neck/shoulder tightness... We can free you from the discomfort caused by these and many other painful conditions. Come to Massage Matters specialist clinic in Thame for an assessment and see how we can help you.

Massage Matters, North Street, Thame, Oxon, OX9 3TH T: 01844 212022 E: hello@massagematters.clinic W: www.massagematters.clinic Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Column: Nick Phillips ‘Good to give’

Get a place on the board

here are an estimated 60-80,000 volunteers in Buckinghamshire supporting over 2,500 local charities and voluntary groups. But did you know that one in five of these groups is crying out for new trustees to join their board? Trusteeship is about providing vision and drive to lead an organisation into the future; just like a board director in the commercial world. Being a trustee is a unique and rewarding experience and a great way to be involved with a cause which matters to you. It can help boost your career, learn new skills or use existing skills in a new way with new people. Trustees come from all walks of life; working or retired, young or old and are united by the desire to make a difference to their local community. Trustees are right at the centre of things, making critical decisions as part of the board – and I know from my own experience that the

more effective a board is, the greater the positive impact the organisation can make. November 7th-13th is Trustees Week 2016; an annual event showcasing the great work that trustees do and highlighting opportunities for people to get involved - an important time for organisations seeking trustees. One such local charity is BucksVision - an amazing charity working across Buckinghamshire to support people at all stages of sight loss, helping them to maintain independence and carry on with most, if not all, aspects of their lives. BucksVision provide practical advice on daily living and useful equipment, hold regular social events and support visually impaired people at home through its befriending, shopping and reading services. Most of their work is delivered by a dedicated team of volunteers who understand the practical consequences and emotional impact of sight loss. But like so many charities, Chief

Changes are afoot!

Executive Steve Naylor is keen to strengthen his board with new trustees - a variety of people and skills: “We’re keen to strengthen and diversify our board,” he says, “ideally retaining our visually impaired majority while recruiting more female and younger trustees, so there is a balance. “It’s also important for us to represent the demographics of our local community, which of course include ethnic minorities, some of whom have sight conditions specific to their ethnic group.” You would think that many business executives with aspirations for directorship would see joining a charity board as a natural development step. Ok without pay, but the experience could be valuable. So why is it so hard to find trustees? Maybe it’s the crisis in confidence the sector is facing at the moment, for some it may be the financial liabilities, for others it could be the concern they can’t commit the time. But trustee roles are flexible and supported. You

Nick Phillips

Good to give won’t be alone; training is available (and encouraged) and becoming a trustee means you are joining a network of like-minded people who can help and guide you. During this year’s Trustees Week we’re running a session on becoming a trustee and, because Community Impact Bucks has been awarded the Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation (VCQA) you can be assured you’ll be getting the highest quality level of advice and training. So why not take the plunge? BucksVision would love to hear from you, as would many other charities across our area. Find one to suit you at: www.volunteeringbucks.org.uk your skills could help change the lives of others as well as your own!

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2 24

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

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

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Comfort and Quality from People who Care If you are choosing a new sofa, suite, bed or chair, it is important to ensure your purchase is not only stylish but comfortable, provides the right support, is well-designed and constructed and offers value for money. ILC is a local, family-run business with many years experience supplying bespoke and off-the-shelf beds and chairs. Contact one of our Buckinghamshire showrooms for friendly, professional help and advice. ILC, Woodway, Loosley Row, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 0NN Tel: 01844 273 050 Email: risborough@independentliv.co.uk Website: www.independentlivingconsultants.co.uk

Five Year Warranties and Finance available

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Scruples, 16 High Street Wendover. HP22 6EA scruplesofwendover.co.uk

T: 01296 622043 Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

supported by

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Supporting total Hospice care for local families affected by life-limiting illness

www.fnhospice.org.uk

01296 429975

This is a charity event raising funds for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, Registered Charity Number: 1119499

A time to remember

At Christmas we often think of those who are no longer with us and this December there is a lovely opportunity to honour and celebrate our lost loved ones by sponsoring a Christmas light in their memory at a Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity Tree of Light Celebration...

lorence Nightingale Hospice Charity is inviting everyone who has lost friends or family, whether they were cared for by Florence Nightingale Hospice or not, and regardless of religion or faith, to join them at the Tree of Light Celebrations and to honour and celebrate their loved ones by sponsoring a Christmas light in their memory. Christmas is a time when we particularly think of those who are no longer with us, and the Tree of Light Celebrations and Books of Honour provide a focus for families and friends to mark this in a variety of different ways. People can sponsor a light to honour someone special and write a dedication, or tribute to them, to appear in the Books of Honour, which will be available to view at the two Tree of Light events to be held this December. The names of those included in the Books of Honour can also feature in a Roll of Honour to be published in the Bucks Herald in December, if requested. Everyone who dedicates a light will receive a personal card of acknowledgment and an invitation to the Tree of Light Celebration they would like to attend. The Tree of Light ceremonies will be led by the Hospice Chaplain, the Rev’d Carole Hough, and will include festive carols, music provided by the Leighton Buzzard Salvation

The Tree of Light Celebration is open to anyone in the community who wishes to take a moment to remember loved ones Images from 2014 Tree of Light Celebrations

Army Band and a selection of readings. “Tree of Light gives us that moment of opportunity to come together, away from all the frenetic activity, to remember those who we love,” says Reverend Hough. “As the lights are switched on, so we cherish their memories and hold them in our hearts in a special and meaningful way.” This year there are two Tree of Light events: the first will be at the Head Office of Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity at Walton Lodge, Walton Street, Aylesbury, on Sunday 4th December at 5pm. The second event will take place at St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Buckingham on Saturday 10th December at 3.30pm. To find out more, or to sponsor a light in memory of someone, please see the website at: www.fnhospice.org.uk/tree-of-light-2016 and download a Tree of Light Form, or call the Fundraising Team on: 01296 429 975.

l Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity (FNHC) Unit 2 Walton Lodge, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 7QY Tel: 01296 429975 Web: www.fnhospice.org.uk Facebook: /florencenightingalehospice Twitter: @fnhospice Registered Charity 1119499 26

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Carers Rights Day is on Friday, November 25th. It aims to help carers understand their rights and find out how to get the help and support they need to cope with the amazing jobs they do...

id you know that there are nearly 50,000* unpaid carers in Buckinghamshire (*2011 census) and that they save the local economy £839 million through the care and support they give to family or loved ones? Nationally carers save the state in the region of £132 billion a year. These staggering figures were recently released in a report by the national charity Carers UK and show the vital role carers play and why we need to care for them too. Carers Rights Day (Friday 25th November) brings unpaid carers, support charities and local communities together to help carers understand their rights and find out how to get the help and support they are entitled to. Aylesbury based charity Carers Bucks (which currently supports over 8,500 unpaid carers), is working in partnership with Buckinghamshire County Council to help improve the lives of people who provide unpaid care for a relative, partner, friend or neighbour. For this year’s Carers Rights Day, Carers Bucks will host an Open Day at its Aylesbury offices (10.30am -2.30pm, Friday 25th November). A team of support staff will be on hand to answer questions about being a carer and to offer advice and information on topics including planning for an emergency, Power of Attorney and strategies for managing challenging behaviour. The Open Day will also include the chance of a relaxing break for carers with pampering treatments such as massage and nail painting. Carers attending can also hear what the Council and the Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Groups will do to support carers in the County over the next three years as they launch the new Carers Strategy. For information on Carers Rights Day call Carers Bucks on: 0300 777 2722 or visit www.carersbucks.org. Becoming a carer can happen to anyone, and three in five of us will become a carer at some point in our lives. However people often don’t see themselves as a carer, but just a wife, husband, son, daughter or friend, doing their best through a combination of love and duty. Whether you are new to caring or not, it is

Guests at Carers Bucks’ Autumn Ball which raised over £3000 for the charity in October

important to get the right advice and support you need to stay fit, healthy and fulfilled. You can do this by registering as a carer with your GP and with Carers Bucks. The next time you visit your GP surgery just tell the receptionist that you are a carer or call Carers Bucks on: 0300 777 2722.

Carer Velda and her husband Chris from Aylesbury are being supported by Carers Bucks’ Older Carers Scheme Five things all carers need to know: 1. Caring can impact on your physical and mental health. Looking after yourself may be hard - but it is important to eat, sleep and

be physically well. Make sure you register yourself as a Carer with your GP. 2. Being a Carer can sometimes mean that you cannot work or do other things you want to do. You might be able to get information about how you can get a break or get onto training or financial help. 3. If you are working Carers have rights at work. It helps to know what your employer’s obligations are just in case they aren’t supportive. 4. Caring can be isolating, but you’re not alone. There are many support groups available for you and the person you care for. Carers Bucks runs over 18 support groups for carers across Bucks, visit: www.carersbucks. org to find further details about a group near you. 5. You have a legal right to a Carer’s Assessment. It sounds like a test, but it’s just a chat with an advisor to find the best support for you and the person you care for. Contact Carers Bucks for further information on Carers Assessments. To find out more information about Carers Bucks call: 0300 777 2722 (local rate), email: mail@carersbucks.org or visit: www.carersbucks.org l Carers Bucks, Ardenham Court, Oxford Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8HT Tel: 0300 777 2722 Email: mail@carersbucks.org Website: www.carersbucks.org www.facebook.com/Carersbucks Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

In essence you don’t have a Will if you die without one

Pardon my English!

Wills from £80 if you don’t have one Email: edward@willsinenglish.com

A local dialect ‘Call My Bluff’ by Jacot de Boinod

WILLS IN ENGLISH

LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY

Can you guess the right definitions of the following words?

£250* per person

Covers Health & Finance 2 home visits, advice and certification * OPG charges of £110 per application are extra Email: edward@lpaconsultants.co.uk

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1) Emmet

3) Dossity

2) Ommick or Yommick

3) Claggy

(Buckinghamshire dialect) A) an ant B) a badly manufactured tiddlywink, flat on both sides C) a large playing marble (Hertfordshire dialect)

A) an unwelcome drinking companion tolerated because he pays for the drinks B) to trample about doing damage C) a man’s curl in front of the ear

(Buckinghamshire dialect) A) an abundance B) a shortage C) animal spirits

(Hertfordshire dialect) A) a mass of cloud in the form of a loop B) matted hair in children or pets; muddy C) tawny, yellow tinged with red

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...

Reflexions Health & Leisure Centre

Tel: 01296 330311 Mobile: 07587 172659 gotty@thaiorchidmassageaylesbury.co.uk

ANSWERS: 1 (A) an ant. 2 (A) quarried chalk, hard chalk. 3 (B) to trample about doing damage. 4 (B) matted hair in children or pets; muddy.

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

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Column: Bookworm with Ben Churchill

Fiction Book of the Month: Winner of the Man Booker Prize 2016: The Sellout

by Paul Beatty The Sellout is a biting satire about a young man’s isolated upbringing and the race trial that sends him to the Supreme Court. It showcases a comic genius at the top of his game. Beatty’s fast-paced, hard-hitting prose is as eloquent as it is laugh-aloud funny. He is a master of his craft, riffing on the chords of contemporary black culture with a speed and deftness that leaves his readers breathless. Beatty is now the first American to win the £50,000 literary prize with his satirical look at reinstating slavery and segregation into his narrator’s LA town, known as Dickens. I urge anyone who enjoys great fiction to pick this up! Children’s Book of the Month:

The Christmasaurus

by Tom Fletcher The magical, moving and bestselling first children’s novel from Tom Fletcher. Forget everything you thought you knew about the North Pole, and set off on a Christmas

She’s waiting for the chance to feel like she matters. What are you waiting for? Been thinking about fostering? Now is the time to do it. And you really can, with support and training from the UK’s largest independent fostering agency. Find out more at our fostering information event.

Where & When FCA Wendover, Hale Court, Hale Road, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6NJ Tuesday 22nd November, between 10.00am-12.00pm.

0800 023 4561 fosterwithfca.co.uk

Eve adventure with a boy named William Trundle, an elf named Snozzletrump, Santa Claus (yes! The real Santa Claus!), a nasty piece of work called the Hunter, and a most unusual dinosaur...

Book reviews All I can say is: good luck! The perfect Christmas gift:

Ladybird books for grown-ups

by Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris Bestselling authors Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris bring you the Ladybird for Grown-ups Series. With simple, large, clear script and gentle images that are a soothing reminder of a simpler time, they’re just like the ones you remember, only with a few more references to ‘upskilling’, environmentalism, the Department of Transport and gin!

Non-Fiction Book of the Month:

The GCHQ Puzzle Book

GCHQ is a topsecret intelligence and security agency which recruits some of the very brightest minds. Now they’re opening up their archives of decades’ worth of codes, puzzles and challenges for everyone to try. In this book you will find tips on how to get into the mindset of a codebreaker, puzzles ranging in difficulty from easy to brain-bending and a competition section where we search for Britain’s smartest puzzler.

Merry Christmas from all the staff at Waterstones Aylesbury! l Reviews by Ben Churchill, Senior Bookseller at Waterstones, Aylesbury Tel: 01296 423153 Web: www.waterstones.com

Win How to Hygge

utumn is a time for cosy nights in - perhaps curled up in front of the fire with a good book - an idea which fits right in with the very fashionable trend for Scandinavian lifestyle choices. The Nordics are the masters of cosy nights in and even have a special word for it: hygge, which, although it looks a bit like ‘hug’, translates more accurately as ‘cosiness’ (and is actually pronounced ‘hue-gah’). The ultimate guide, How to Hygge: The Secrets of Nordic Living by Norwegian cook Signe Johansen is a must have book of the moment and we’ve got a copy to give away courtesy of Waterstones Aylesbury. Signe’s chapter on the Nordic Kitchen starts with a wonderful quote from Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson: ‘Cooking is caring for others.’ To embrace this ethos, spread a little book love and get into the Christmas spirit nice and early this year, Waterstones have also kindly offered to throw in a £15 Waterstones voucher to make this a rather lovely prize. It makes us feel all warm, or is it hygge inside too. If you’d like to be in with a chance

of winning acopy of How To Hygge and a £15 Waterstones voucher, email your name, address and telephone number along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@valelife.co.uk Where is Waterstones, Aylesbury? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Dec 10th, 2016. l Waterstones, Friars Square Shopping Centre, Aylesbury Tel: 01296 423153 Web: www.waterstones.com Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

by Cathy Soughton

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Workhouses Aylesbury Vale

ention the word workhouse and most people will visualise a young Oliver Twist asking for ‘more’ but for our Victorian ancestors who lived on the breadline, the workhouse was a much feared institution, only entered as a last resort. From 1834 a new system of workhouses was introduced which offered free accommodation and food but they were grim places, designed to deter all but the most desperate. Locally new workhouses were built in Aylesbury, Thame, Buckingham and Bicester. From the early 1600s each parish was responsible for looking after its own poor and provided poor relief, mainly in the form of “out-relief ” including money, clothing and food for those parishioners who had little or no income. Gradually local workhouses were introduced in some parishes, generally quite small buildings, which provided ‘indoor

relief ’ to the poor but in practice out-relief remained the main source of provision. By the 1800s spiralling costs resulted in some parishes such as Cholesbury facing bankruptcy, and parish relief was seen by some as an easy option for those who were too lazy to work. The system was overhauled in 1834 and the Poor Law Amendment Act created a system of Poor Law Unions, administered by a locally elected Board of Guardians. Each Union (which covered a number of parishes) was to have its own workhouse which would house those able-bodied paupers without means. Hundreds were subsequently erected over the next few years, normally in the principal town within each Union. In Aylesbury a new workhouse was built on Bierton Road in 1844. The workhouse in Winslow was built on the High Street just to the north of the town. The new workhouses were large generally austere buildings, designed to act as a strong deterrent to all but the really destitute. Married ablebodied men were not allowed to enter without their families but on arrival the families were segregated with separate wards for adult males,

The former Winslow Workhouse (later Winslow Hospital) pictured in the 1980s

adult females and children over 7 years old; young children were normally allowed to remain with their mothers in the female ward. Life inside the workhouse was very monotonous -food was basic and barely adequate whilst the able bodied were given arduous tasks such as stone-breaking. Conditions particularly in the early years were often dire with poor sanitation, negligible medical care and harsh discipline. Following damning reports on several workhouses, conditions slowly improved and by the end of the 19th century many workhouses also incorporated infirmaries for non-paupers whilst small luxuries for inmates were introduced such as books and

newspapers. The workhouse system was formally abolished in 1930. Whilst some workhouses were sold or demolished, others became Public Assistance Institutions and continued to provide accommodation to the elderly and sick. Many were later used as hospitals when the National Health Service was introduced in 1948, including Winslow - although this was later closed and most of the buildings demolished. Aylesbury Workhouse became Tindal Hospital (later the Tindal Centre). The site has recently been redeveloped with new housing. The workhouse in Buckingham was used to house refugees during WW2, but the buildings were later demolished and the site redeveloped for housing. For more information see: www.workhouses.org.uk l Cathy Soughton is a local genealogist and architectural historian providing family history and house history research: www.bucksresearch.co.uk, email: soughton@btopenworld.com, Tel: 01296 624845. l Contact Cathy for details of her Family History Gift Voucher (family or house history) for an unusual Christmas present.

Ruth’s garden was her life. Dahlias. Peonies. Fuscias. Sweet peas. Friends said her garden was a rainbow. So we helped her family to decorate the church with flowers from Ruth’s own garden. The church looked particularly colourful that day. And afterwards, everyone took a flower home.

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Win tickets to the Adventure Travel Show

he Adventure Travel Show, now in its 21st year, will take place at London’s Olympia on 21st- 22nd January 2017. This is your chance to immerse yourself in a weekend of adventure travel inspiration and discover off the beaten track travel experiences with the biggest collection of specialist travel operators under one roof. Plus, you can listen to more than 100 FREE Talks in 4 theatres from explorers, industry experts, guide book writers and expedition leaders who will help you uncover your perfect adventure. Get face-to-face with a huge selection of to sit down with the world’s leading experts specialist adventure travel companies. They will be on hand to offer advice on everything from walking face-to-face in a multitude of specialist seminars. and trekking, epic journeys, exploratory travels and From travel writing, photography and filming, to exclusive expeditions to safaris, overland trips, life- expedition planning and overland adventures on motorcycle - these specialist seminars (tickets changing volunteering projects and much more. individually priced - see website) are packed with Visitors can hone their skills and get a chance 3053 - Adams travel.qxp_3053 Adams Travel 190x125 11/10/2016 13:51 Page 1

vital information and are not to be missed. General show tickets cost £8 in advance or £10 on the door, under 16s are free. For more show details and to buy tickets please visit: www.adventureshow.com If you would like to be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to the Adventure Travel Show, please email your name, address and telephone number along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Where is The Adventure Travel Show 2017 taking place? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Dec 10th, 2016 l The Adventure Travel Show Web: www.adventureshow.com Tickets: 0871 230 7159.

Cruising holidays from London Tilbury Cruise & Maritime Voyages is Britain's leading independent cruise line and 2017 heralds our eigth year of operating no fly cruises from 11 UK ports We believe our smaller more intimate ships Columbus, Magellan and Marco Polo - offer a leisurely and traditional home from home country house style of cruising with the emphasis very much on personal service and going that extra mile. That’s why over 40% of our passengers cruise with us again and again and why over 95% of our guests are satisfied and enjoy their cruising experience with CMV.

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Step inside by Polly Gibbs

In hot pursuit of the holy grail Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

ost homes have a single layer approach, in effect they’ve stopped short of ‘designing’ and become suspended in an enduring ‘make do and dream’ limitation. Break through this and you reach the holy grail. So what is it that makes one home cool and another not? You’d be in good company for assuming the best interiors are reserved for the rich and famous who can afford to ‘buy’ cool. Sure, money gives you access to the most luxurious fixtures and finishes but truly cool interiors are actually organic, not necessarily expensive, they evolve to reflect our personality and life journey. In fact, decorating on a shoestring is inspiring because you have to be more creative to find the magic. Cool is internally referenced, it comes from our experiences and individual preferences, from a clear sense of who we are. It’s not contrived or showhome perfect, it’s not prescribed, nor totally on trend, it’s not keeping up, nor is it bling, it’s not a pastiche, it’s not plonked and it’s not generic art for the sake of art. Cool is confident, edgy, creative, authentic, individual, curated, edited, refined and distilled down to the essence of your style. It evolves as you do, it’s welcoming, unpretentious, it’s comfortable, personal, it has meaning and yes, effortless takes effort. Without doubt, every amazing interior I’ve created or seen that oozes cool has personality in spades. They’re surprising, intriguing and interesting with a big ole dollop of the unexpected, quirky even, and I’m going to share how it’s done. Let’s start with some of the coolest pieces you can own, including some that may surprise you:

Alex Eagle 32

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

You know those people whose homes are just effortlessly cool? You’re about to become one of them...

Polly Gibbs

Step inside

Polly Gibbs, Creative Director at Coco Design, shares her down to earth approach to interiors, from design secrets to trends and everything in between. Alex Eagle The It List 1. Berber Rug - as pictured. A simple timeless design with a handmade feel that works in most schemes. 2. Sheepskin Rug - we have wooden floors, so my hubby and I have one each under our desks to plant our toes in, along with a couple spare for the outdoor seats in autumn. 3. Dark walls - at least one room, ours is the living room for cosy evenings. 4. Animal Print - nooooo I hear you cry, but a touch can look so fabulous, especially against a dark backdrop. Think of a cute little stool, a rug, cushion or an armchair. 5. Jute - such a great texture and hardwearing. (Check out the newly launched Soho Home for a pouffe or rug). 6. Mohair - making a comeback, but never really out with the cool set. (Try Soho Home for mohair, or Loaf and Sofa.com for less expensive velvet to get the look). 7. Greenery - houseplants or loose floral bouquets breathe life into a space. I am always happier when I have fresh flowers around and have a large potted bamboo right outside the patio doors so I always have a glimpse of foliage. 8. Candles - my go to routine every evening when the sun sets is to light the lanterns. I really enjoy the aroma and warm glowy atmosphere. (Try flameless candles if you

have kids. amazon.co.uk). 9. Metallics - rosey golden tones add warmth to grey, north facing and dark painted rooms. 10. Quirky & Oversize art - alternatives to pictures, from neon lights, mirrors and giant vases to faux taxidermy And here’s how to work it: 1. Extraordinary - If you do ordinary you’ll get a result that leaves you feeling meh. You’ll get so much more from your home if you have a few items that are a bit out there, as long as they represent you or they’ll be ‘try hard’ fails. Think oversized ceramics or art, antique frames, fringe curtains, huge lanterns, quirky lampshades, or a neon flamingo whatever makes you feel good. Tip: avoid mass market or you’ll have a catalogue home. 2. Edit - listen up, this one is the biggie. We all own interesting things, but they have to be edited, whittled down if you will, to those that are most cherished and suit the space. Tip: this is the most important advice I can give you. It’s not a crime to box stuff up, even if your mother in law spent hours choosing it. We all get it wrong sometimes and shouldn’t be offended if the gift didn’t quite hit the mark. There I’ve said it, so, if it doesn’t suit the space right now, don’t include it. It may work another time or in another room. 3. Base Palette - paint is my best friend, it’s relatively cheap and transforms a space in

Step inside by Polly Gibbs a flash. A harmony of base notes throughout your home will instantly feel chic and relaxed. Choose a few complimentary colours and play with shades within this colourway, using DIY store mixing services if necessary. It’s a failsafe method; you get a wealth of choice using the same colour family and I promise they won’t clash. Tip: limiting base colour options makes design choices easier. 4. Contrast - dark accents add drama, sophistication, a hint of luxe and most importantly contrast. As with a photograph, insufficient contrast produces a flat, bland picture. Including darker features and accessories creates focal points that will make a room pop. Tip: For serious dark wall inspo visit abigailahern.com 5. Thread - from nik naks to rugs and cushions there must be a sense of cohesion, not matchy matchy, but an overall strand that pulls everything together harmoniously. This may be a commonality, a personal interest that is interspersed throughout the room (personality),

Flamingo Carousel Lights a particular material or colours that are replicated. 6. Display - avoid plonking, it won’t look interesting and this includes art plonked on walls gggrrrrrr. The art of display really is a skill, how stuff is arranged and lit transforms clutter to objet d’art. I love how the shelves opposite are edited, there is a lot going on but if it’s well thought out, considered and maintains that thread it works. Think about the relationship between the pieces - group them together (odd numbers are effective), prop a mirror behind a vase, add a string of fairy lights, stand a smaller piece on a few books if it needs more height. Play, it’s trial and error until it feels

right - yes designers keep tweaking stuff until it’s right too. Tip: take a photo on your smartphone - this never fails to highlight areas that don’t work or are still visually flat. 7. Layer Up - from textiles to lighting, accessories and art, layering adds depth, interest and character that supersedes the norm. 8. Sociable - cool spaces make us want to linger so they’re all about comfort. Buy cushions, like lots of them, not just two that look like they’ve had an argument at each end of the sofa, oh, and they don’t all have to match. Invest in a comfy sofa and if space permits get a chaise longue or additional armchairs in different shapes, finish, colour, textures, patterned fabrics or

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

even from different eras. I love this cowhide chair by City Cows which is right at home with a berber rug. Just remember to maintain that cohesive thread, that link, be it colour, material, personality. Tip: create a moodboard or scrapbook to keep your look on track. 9. Details - focus on areas that could benefit from a little personal flair. Add studs or funky handles to furniture, cumberbands in contrasting textures, patterns or colours around the belly of your cushions and curtain hems, one or two bands of ribbon to blinds or spray an old mannequin in a contemporary colour, or papier mâché it with pages from your favourite magazine. Tip: Wonderweb works if, like me, you can’t sew. 10. Pattern - it’s counterintuitive I know, but mix and clash patterns on scale and size, but don’t over do it. The trick is to maintain a definite colour link between each pattern and make sure the room is balanced. Think sprinkles on an iced cake, we’re looking for an even spread. Continued on page 34

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

‘The Art of Wood Burning’

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Continued from page 33 Tip: try using pattern pairs if you’re a little unsure, this will help you maintain balance because everything will be in equal measure. Alternatively, my personal preference is for one large dose of pattern, a rug or the sofa, that the rest of the room feeds off. 11. Excess - this is one of my favourites. Hang curtains full height and width, from floor to ceiling with about 12cm extra that will drape onto the floor it’s an instant touch of luxe and elegance and will make the room feel bigger. Think red carpet dresses, the majority drape the floor to add stature and elegance to the wearer. Voila. Tip: Ikea have ready made curtains in long lengths; their lining curtains were the perfect colour for our living room and a bargain at around £50 a pair. Simply trim to drape length and Wonderweb a new hem. 12. Old & New - this is a killer hook for cool, one the London set have been doing for

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Step inside by Polly Gibbs

years. Mix in some old treasures for a sense of character and permanence. It helps if they have been handed down through the generations, if not, you can pick up lots of cool stuff at charity, reclamation or antique shops. Don’t worry if items are beat up, this can be what makes them charming. Just choose pieces that you love or have meaning for you. Tip: see if your local car garage will spray furniture for you to get that professional finish. 13. Soul - emphasise your interests. If you love books collect a few of the best copies; be it gardening, photography, literature, film, history, travel or quantum physics, and make them accessible in a way that’s stylish. This means stacking them with thought, maybe they can form a bedside table, a table centrepiece or sit in a basket by your favourite seat. It’s your home so have what makes you happy around you. 14. Off kilter - after you have spent all that time maintaining

balance, cohesion and careful placement, you’re now going to [metaphorically speaking] throw the room up in the air. The way it ‘lands’, this looser version, with a few pieces jarring, a couple of cushions on the floor, is effortless. It’s undone, natural, chic, inviting, intriguing, understated and the massively sought after holy grail of interiors - utterly cool. Staying in your fabulous interior will be your new going out this winter, so sit back and sip that cocktail - you’ve arrived.

Abigail Ahern

Sources alexeagle.co.uk abigailahern.com sohohome.com Carousellights.com bagandbones.co.uk citycows.co.uk sofa.com loaf.com l Polly Gibbs is an award-winning designer, Decorex100 Interiors Influencer and Amara Interiors Blog Award Finalist. Her website is currently undergoing a revamp. Email: pauline@coco-design.co.uk

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Winning combination If you are thinking of installing a Wood Burning Stove there’s good reason to pop in to North Mill Stoves showroom at Bledlow as quickly as you can! The company not only offers an impressive selection of the latest Charnwood Stoves but has a special goodie pack for the first half dozen readers who mention Vale Life Magazine when enquiring about Charnwood’s new range. Goodies include Charnwood’s own celebratory amber ale, Isle of Wight shortbread, Cornish soy ‘woodfire’ candles, notebooks, pens, matches and their gorgeous black labrador puppy mascot soft toys! Call to make an appointment today!

orth Mill Stoves have been stove installers for more than 25 years. From their base - an atmospheric 18th century paper mill in Bledlow - the skilled and experienced in-house team has the ability to complete every installation to the highest standard. They have carried out over 2,000 installations across the local area and provide services to organisations such as The National Trust and estates at Waddesdon, West Wycombe and Wormsley. North Mill understand that a stove installation is a large investment and likely to be in your home for many years to come, which means it is critical to get it right first time. They pride themselves on their personalised design service

of new additions to the Charnwood Stoves’ range - The Charnwood Arc, The Country Living Bembridge stove (pictured below) and the contemporary award-winning Bay BX stoves. They have some Charnwood goodies to give away (as mentioned above) so if you are interested in having a look around the Bledlow showroom, mention Vale Life when making your appointment and you could leave with a fab goodie bag - but hurry there’s only six!

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

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modelling system designed for architects and model enthusiasts has been given a colourful makeover for the toy market. Arckit Go Colours is a fun way for children of 10 years plus to learn design skills and is the latest Arckit product developed by architect Damien Murtagh. Arckit Go Colours uses over 170 interconnecting components to allow kids and budding architects to make a vast range of structures. Large floor plates, easy ‘click and connect’ components and a brightly

coloured design make it the ideal starter set. The kit also gives access to digital components including SketchUp 3D Warehouse, Arckit Interative Digital Builds and a complete library of Arckit Arckitexture graphics featuring real building material patterns. Priced at around £49.99 it is a significant step up from toy building blocks and both parents and teachers appreciate it for its educational attributes and for getting children away from a TV or computer screen. If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning an Arckit Go Colours kit, email your name, address and telephone number along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Which architect designed the Arckit Go Colours modelling system? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Dec 4th, 2016. l Arckit GO Colours www.arckit.com

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Email: louisepettigrove@icloud.com Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Fabulous festive flowers Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Real Living

by Charlotte Bolton

The look and scent of fresh flowers and foliage is hard to beat at Christmas time, so fill your home with fabulous festive flowers …

ake a look at some of these simple but beautiful ideas for dressing and decorating your home with flowers this yuletide

1) Make a focal point of a mantelpiece/shelf with a garland 2) Dress your front door or porch with a stylish wreath 3) Greet guests with a trailing floral garland on the banisters 4) Hang groups of floral baubles for an eye catching display 5) Deck the back of dining chairs with floral creations 6) Drape foliage or berries over wall lights or sconces 7) Decorate a cracker with a delicate spray of flowers 8) Adorn a large household mirror with a festive swathe of flowers to brighten it up 9) Fill small vases or egg cups with posies as place name markers 10) Trim presents with pretty floral designs for a lovely finishing touch

Dining chair decorations

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Front door wreath

Real Living

Charlotte Bolton • Orchids • Carnations • Lilies • Ivy • Casa Lily • Hyacinths • Mistletoe Poinsettia Perhaps the most recognisable flower for Christmas is the poinsettia. Originally sold with bright red and green leaves (the “flowers” are actually leaves on the plant), poinsettias today are sold in a wide variety of colours and patterns. They naturally grow in a range of colours from white to pink to red with solid or speckled leaves, but sellers now dye or paint them many other colours and may even add sparkles.

Popular plants and flowers at Christmas time The top 10 types of Christmas Flowers: • Poinsettia • Christmas Rose • Chrysanthemums

Floral wreath for mantlepiece

Amaryllis Amaryllis is another popular festive plant. Tall and graceful, this holiday flower bulb can make a statement as a centrepiece on the table and its huge trumpet-like flowers look like they are harking the Christmas angels! They come Continued on page 40

Floral baubles

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Real Living

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Continued from page 38 in colours ranging from red to white to pink to orange and petals that are solid, striped or speckled. Holly Holly is not typically sold as a live plant at Christmas, but the bright red berries of female holly bushes against its dark green pointed leaves are a popular decoration at Christmas. Surprisingly, white holly is a traditional Christmas plant, its origins date back to the Druids, who thought the plant represented everlasting life. Christians adopted

A floral flourish for a feature mantle

by Charlotte Bolton

the plant as a symbol of everlasting life.

Floral table decorations

Mistletoe Another holiday plant used more as ‘dressing’ Christmas hallways than a ‘live’ plant, this common Christmas decoration also dates back to the Druids. Originally a symbol of fertility, now it is a fun way for people to get Christmas kisses under the mistletoe!

Presents trimmed with flowers

The Christmas Tree No list of Christmas plants would be complete without mentioning most people’s main centrepiece. Common Christmas tree varieties include the: Douglas fir; Balsam fir; Fraser fir; Scotch pine; White pine; White spruce; Norway spruce; Blue spruce. l To find out how your home could be featured in a UK homes magazine visit my website: www.reallivingspaces.co.uk. Share your home interior ideas with others in a magazine! It’s fun, and free!

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Men need shed

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ost men need a shed, but it can be lonely pottering away at the end of the garden on your own. Suppose you had a bigger shed, better equipped, where you could indulge your ideas, undertake projects, Come and choose your tree at: learn new skills, share your own Pettigrove’s Yard skills and make new friends; where Lower Icknield Way (B4009) you could create, make, mend and Longwick, Bucks refurbish to your heart’s content whilst Email: louisepettigrove@icloud.com watching, or helping, others to do the •Expert Advice same; where the kettle is always on? Across the country people have been banding together to create just •Professional Fitting such places and now a group in Thame •Very Competitive is proposing to form one too - a social shed open to all, young and old, male for Residential and and female, regardless of ability, l l l l Commercial work where you can work on your pet ideas and contribute to community projects. •Carpets to suit all Already well established in Top quality timber productsBudgets Australia, the idea of ‘shedding’ as a •Free Quotes pastime is gathering support in the at great prices! and is already established locally A family business with over•No Obligation UK in Aylesbury, High Wycombe and 20 years industry experience Bicester, so why not in Thame? •Free Parking Following a successful open meeting in Thame Town Hall supported by T: 01844 217075 E: sales@oakleywoodtimber.co.uk an enthusiastic group of would be 18 Butter Market, Thame,•Oxon, 3EP CARPETS • VINYLS SISALOX9 • STAIR RODS ‘shedders’, a Steering Group has met www.oakleywoodtimber.co.uk www.oakleywoodfurniture.co.uk SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPESto plan the way forward and make l

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Thame Shed a reality, a place where men and women who have some spare time, can engage in practical activity, creating, making, mending, refurbishing and sharing their skills in the companionship of others. •Expert Advice Ex Thame Councillor Adrian Dite has agreed to Chair the Steering •Professional Fitting Group supported by Christine Hall as the Secretary. •Very Competitive Together six other Thame forwith Residential and residents, the group seek suitable Commercial work premises within Thame - this could even be•Carpets somewhere to in need suitofallrepair. If anyone knows of a redundant Budgets site around Thame or wishes to find •Free out more about Quotes the group, please email: thameshed@gmail.com

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

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for Residential •Carpets to suit and all Commercial work •Carpets to suit all Budgets Opening Times: Monday to Friday •10am 5pm CARPETS VINYLSuntil • SISAL • STAIR RODS CARPETS • VINYLS • SISAL • STAIR RODS CARPETS Saturday • VINYLS • SISAL • STAIR RODS CARPETS • VINYLS SISAL • Any STAIRother RODS SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES until•RODS 4pm. time•Free by appointment CARPETS • VINYLS • 10am SISAL & • STAIR SAFETY FLOORING • WOODQuotes • BINDING TAPES Stoves, Installations Servicing SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES SAFETY FLOORING • WOOD • BINDING TAPES SAFETY FLOORINGTel: • WOOD • BINDING TAPES Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm 01296 337181 Mob: 07767370067 Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm •No Obligation Saturday 10am until 4pm. Any other time by appointment Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10aminfo@northmillstoves.co.uk until 5pm Opening Times: MondayBucks to Friday until 5pm North Mill Road Bledlow HP2710am 9QP 01844 342400 www.northmillstoves.co.uk Saturday 10am until 4pm. Any other time by appointment Web: www.charleshuntington.co.uk Saturday 4pm. Any by appointment Saturday until time 4pm. Any other time Tel: by appointment 07767370067 Saturday10am 10amuntil until 4pm.10am Any other other time by appointment Tel:01296 01296 337181 337181 Mob: Mob: 07767370067 Tel: 337181 Mob:337181 07767370067 Tel: 01296 Mob: 07767370067 Web: •FreeHP20 Parking Tel:01296 0129623 337181 Web:www.charleshuntington.co.uk www.charleshuntington.co.uk DUCK Mob: FARM07767370067 COURT, STATION WAY, AYLESBURY, 2SQ Unrivalled customer service through the commitment of our family team.

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

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

comforts

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Lateral thinking. The Vertico lateral running door offers a unique and stylish solution for any garage design, making the most of your garage space and creating a design feature for your home. Vertico is made from aluminium foam filled slats which link together to ensure exceptionally smooth operation and insulation. This makes the Vertico an ideal choice for heated garages and workshops. The vertical design offers partial opening ensuring minimal heat-loss and provides a convenient solution for pedestrian or bicycle access.

The neat design only requires a very small amount of headroom. Vertico is fitted with a motor, radio remote control and obstacle detection device offering the ultimate in convenience and safety. Vertico is available in numerous stylish colours as standard (see Page 10-11), is made to measure and is installed by trained garage door specialists. Vertico offers you a stylish and bespoke solution of the highest quality, perfectly made to suit your home.

Many of us have a garage door at home, but if you needed to buy one, where would you go? Swan Walk, Thame that’s where...

SWS UK | SeceuroGlide

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ou don’t often come upon a showroom full of garage doors and security shutters but if you are in the market for stylish, practical, high quality, electronic or manually operated garage doors, shutters or grilles, Shutter Spec Security is worth a visit. The independent business is run by Andrew Levick, who is originally from Chinnor but has lived in Thame for some 20 years. He has been in the garage and security shutter industry for some time and spent eight years as sales manager for his chief supplier, SWS, before leaving to set up his own supply and installation company in 2014. “SWS products are excellent quality,” says Andrew,. “They are manufactured in Lancashire and sold all over the country but there wasn’t a local distributor for this area, which I saw as a great opportunity. I set up my own business to fill the gap less than two years ago and it’s gone incredibly well. “I opened the showroom at Swan Walk earlier this year, in July - it was a sweet shop before and I still get youngsters peering disappointedly through the windows at me!” The showroom is small but stylish and a pleasant environment in which Andrew can demonstrate working examples of his range. “SWS are my main supplier for sectional garage doors, roller garage doors, security shutters and window grills,” says Andrew. “I also supply Garador for a low cost up and over garage door option and can supply personnel doors too. “The SeceuroGlide garage doors are top end and come with a range of security features and extras such as a wireless wall

SeceuroGlide Classic roller garage door

Andrew Levick

Sectional door display in showroom switch which allows operation from anywhere in your home. “The roller doors are made of foam The new Shutter Spec Security showroom filled aluminium slats and can be manually or electrically operated and are available “We fit throughout Buckinghamshire and in a wide range of colours. We also offer a Oxfordshire,” says Andrew “and further afield ‘secured by design’ police approved option on occasions. With our team of professional for extra security. and dedicated installers, we are generally able “Our SeceuroGlide sectional garage doors to supply and fit within a few weeks of an are thicker (40mm as opposed to 15mm) order being placed.” and insulated, so keeping the garage warmer Andrew also supplies commercial and any rooms above too. They come in a and industrial premises with a range of wide range of colours and also in a variety SeceuroShield Security Shutters, Fire Shutters, of wood finishes and there is a Georgian Security Gates and Retractable Grilles and panelled option too - the wood grains and the Window Bars for offices, shops, clubs and anthracite grey textured finish are both very pubs and SeceuroDoor industrial doors for popular at the moment. All are maintenance commercial/industrial premises. free and come with a ten year guarantee.” “I’m really pleased with the showroom,” Shutter Spec Security supply and install the says Andrew. “it’s nice for customers to come doors which are made to measure, so can fit here and see examples of our products and any opening and allow a wider entrance than a discuss their requirements. I am happy to traditional up and over door as a timber frame offer help and advice and to give an idea of isn’t needed around the opening. cost, there’s no hard sell! If you are looking for a new garage door or security shutter, SeceuroGlide manual sectional garage door have a look at our website or Facebook in a textured Anthracite finish page, or give me a call. Have a look at: www. checkatrade.com too, where you can see reviews written by our customers.” l Shutter Spec Security, 6 Swan Walk, Thame, Oxfodrshire, OX9 3HN Tel: 01844 212152 Email: info@shutterspecsecurity.co.uk Web: www.shutterspecsecurity.co.uk facebook.com/GarageDoorsandShutters

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

hilst it is too early to say what long term impact the decision to leave the EU will have on commercial property within our region, we are detecting a cautious business as usual approach by many investors and occupiers we are currently dealing with. We have a number of significant investment sales and larger lettings in solicitors’ hands at the moment, across a range of property sectors, and whilst in one or two cases there is an ongoing discussion about removing risk from the deal wherever possible, there is a

to let

Life after Brexit! general sentiment that life goes on. The decision to delay enacting Article 50 and an acceptance that the process to leave the EU will be a lengthy one, is seemingly leading many investors and occupiers to take the view that the right thing is to progress a deal if the fundamental elements of it remain sound. The general low levels of good quality supply across all of the commercial

Ground Floor Office, 2A Midshires Bus Park: 1,475 sq ft

The Midshires Business Park is a development of 2-storey business units of steel portal frame construction. The subject property benefits from carpeting throughout, suspended ceiling with Cat 2 recessed

lighting, perimeter trunking, central heating, good natural light, 4 on-site car parking spaces, boardroom/meeting room, 2 x WC accommodation, kitchenette, storeroom, part comfort cooling.

To Let

The Gatehouse, Aylesbury Suite 1: 3,106 sq ft, Suite 2: 4,912 sq ft

Newly refurbished offices, located on the ground floor of ‘The Gatehouse’. Accommodation provides high quality air conditioned offices, full access raised floors throughout, excellent on-site parking and pleasant landscaped gardens.

To Let

(Joint Agents Bray Fox Smith)

Unit 4 Premus 10,910 sq ft with 7,000 sq ft Yard

A high quality end terrace industrial warehouse located on Brunel Park, constructed in 2008, having a steel portal frame with fully glazed reception area, micro rib cladding and benefiting from the following amenities: Private Yard, 24hr CCTV, Forecourt Parking, 2 Electric Roller shutter doors, GF Showroom /

Office, 1st Floor Office with raised access floor and suspended ceiling, WCs, Kitchen, Entry System and Intruder Alarm.

property sectors is underpinning demand and the general absence of new development over the past 8 years means that occupiers with requirements have little choice when looking for better quality space. The strength of the residential sector continues to drive the sale of office buildings for conversion under the Permitted Development Rights. Confidence is a key feature of any market and at the moment this appears to be holding up reasonably well. For further information please call Alan Chandler on: 01296 398 383.

For sale or to let

6 Wornal Park 10,742 sq ft

Industrial warehouse situated in Wornal Park, approximately 8 miles west of Oxford City Centre. The property is constructed of steel portal frame with cavity brick & block work to a height of approximately 2.5m & benefits from the following amenities: 2 electronically operated warehouse doors,

For sale or to let

offices at ground & 1st floor level, eaves height of 6.25m, onsite parking, 3 phase electrics, heating, CCTV, solid concrete floor, WC accommodation, kitchenette & cat 5 cabling.

5 Midshires Business Park 2,427 sq ft

1st Floor Open Plan Office Suite available within The Midshires Business Park development of 2-storey business units of steel portal frame construction. The property benefits from, 9 on site car parking spaces, airconditioning/comfort cooling,

WC facilities, landscaped environment, close to Fairford Leys Village Centre with restaurants, fitness centre, supermarket etc.

to let

Aylesbury Vale Estates – Small Business Units: 552 sq ft - 1,050 sq ft

Rabans Lane Industrial Estate offers a range of modern, terraced industrial/warehouse units in a thriving business location. We currently have three units available on Edison Rd/ Bessemer Crescent/Rabans Close with WC and tea point/ sink facilities. The estate benefits from Superfast broadband, CCTV & large concrete forecourts

providing ample car parking/ good access for delivery vehicles. (Joint Agents Brown & Lee)

A new perspective on property

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

www.chandlergarvey.com

Column: Heather Jan Brunt ‘This farming life’

House will open to public

iving in a house surrounded by fields creates a very unique environment, with many rewards and one or two challenges. The advantages are very welcome - particularly being able to watch wildlife from our windows. But those windows present a bit of a downside too, and I was reminded of this when recently I visited Flint House on the Waddesdon estate. Flint House is a modern architect designed property constructed from masonry with flint cladding. The roof slopes down to meet the ground and the building is surrounded by water. But one of the most striking features is the large plate glass windows letting in enormous amounts of light, and giving fabulous views of the surrounding arable fields. The house is reached via a cinder track and this, together with the dust and dirt from the fields, no doubt helps to make those massive windows very dirty. I know that my own windows are in constant

Flint House, Waddesdon

need of cleaning. And Waddesdon general manager Simon Wales did confirm to me that window cleaning is indeed a permanent on-going job across the whole estate. Flint House appeared on the Channel 4 television programme Grand Designs, last year, and went on to win the RIBA House of the Year 2015 for its quite unique architecture. Built privately on the instruction of Lord Rothschild, the house has now been handed to the Rothschild charitable foundation and is being cared for by the

Waddesdon Manor staff. It was opened to the public twice this year and next year a monthly guided tour is to be offered, running alongside a tour of nearby Windmill Hill where the Rothschild and Waddesdon archives are stored. Windmill Hill is on the site of a former dairy farm and the magnificent modern buildings again with large windows for light - follow the layout of the original farmyard. Part of the site is used for The Rothschild Foundation offices, but there is also a Reading Room, used for musical events and for members of the public to access records and archives for research. Visitors will be able to visit Flint House and Windmill Hill separately from the historic manor, or in addition to it, for a fascinating juxtaposition of ancient and modern. The future of Flint House is evolving and it will have a number of purposes. In addition to limited public access, visiting artists and academics will be able to stay there for periods of time while they work.

This farming life Heather Jan Brunt

The house is open plan in design, with many steps throughout, and has three double bedrooms. An annexe, reached across a grass and flint walkway, is self-contained with one double bedroom. The huge windows permeate both properties, including the bathrooms, which also have balconies. It’s a glorious place to feel free and at one with nature. Massive windows are a wonderful way to connect with the outside world, to watch the rabbits and birds, see the seasons evolve and work taking place in the fields. That reminds me, it’s time I stopped writing and got out my window cleaning cloth and bucket! l Heather Jan Brunt is a journalist

and a farmer’s wife. You can follow her on Twitter @HJBjournalist

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

l Column ‘In the Garden’ with

Naomi MacKay

A new season begins Grow your own pumpkins

ow were your Hallowe’en pumpkins? Bit pricey? Or did you leave it too late and end up with the bruised, misshapen ones at the bottom of the big box at the supermarket? Next year, why not grow your

own instead? You’ll have plenty to choose from – and you can buy a packet of seeds for the same price as buying one in the shops. New this year is Pumpkin ‘Evergold’. British plant breeders have harnessed the cucurbit family’s ‘precocious yellow gene’

Solanum ‘Deco Fruits Mixed’

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for this lovely variety, which appears golden from the start, turning to deep orange in time for Hallowe’en carving and cooking. Another new choice that I’d love to grow for next Hallowe’en is Solanum ‘Deco Fruits Mixed’. These would look great in a decorative fruit bowl for an autumn display or how about using the fruits as a mini ‘pumpkin-on-a-stick’ gift for Halloween visitors? You’ll need to grow them in a sunny spot in the garden or in a warm greenhouse.

If you fancy growing something new in the veg garden, this Chinese Cabbage ‘Natsuki’ F1 is a great multi-use vegetable. Use it in stir fries and salads just seven weeks after sowing. You can eat stalks and leaves so there’s no waste. And if you fancy getting a bit cheffy, make your own Korean Kimchi, a pickled cabbage recipe popular with top chefs and restaurants. Another great idea for salads is Tomato ‘Indigo Cherry Drops’. Continued on page 48

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

l Column ‘In the Garden’ with

Continued from page 47 A pale purple blush appears early on unripe green fruit, turning to rich purple with a reddish base when ripe – great for adding extra colour to your plate – and full of antioxidants too. And finally – some colour for your garden – I’m looking forward to seeing this fabulous Nasturtium ‘Orchid Cream’ in the garden. Nasturtiums are always great for

Indigo Cherry Drops

adding some quick-growing colour to the garden – and these blooms actually change colour. Or how about Marigold ‘Strawberry Blonde’? If you love marigolds but want something different from the usual orange tones – this variety comes in russet and pink tones – try planting enmass in blocks or drifts to get a stunning effect. All the above seed varieties are from Thompson & Morgan (all images Thompson & Morgan too). Look out for them in your local garden centres or online. Easy garden jobs This month, I thought I’d focus on some easy and fun things to do in the garden – no heavy digging or hard work – unless you want to that is! First impressions count – so brighten up your door with a pair of baskets or pots filled with winter-flowering pansies. I prefer the smaller-flowered ones, such as Viola ‘Heartsease’ rather than the big blousy affairs – but that choice is yours! Plant up some pots and containers with tulip bulbs now – and you’ll have some lovely

Naomi MacKay Marigold ‘Strawberry Blonde’

Nasturtium Tropaelum Orchid Cream

displays next spring – they can sit on a doorstep, by a front path – or anywhere that needs a splash of colour. Start looking for natural Christmas decorations now – allium seedheads can be sprayed silver or gold and look fantastic – cut them from their stalks and tie ribbon around them and hang them from the Christmas tree. Agapanthus and hydrangeas are also a great choice for this. If you’ve been pruning in the autumn, save some twigs and branches and

spray them metallic if you wish – or leave them natural. Pop them in a large pot or vase and festoon them with fairy lights, hang baubles on them – whatever takes your fancy. l Naomi MacKay is a

Buckinghamshire-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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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

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Column: Lucy Ellis ‘Animal Magic’

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Cats the way to do it! C ats are much less demanding than dogs as pets, but it’s still important to make sure you are meeting all their needs in terms of diet, exercise and sleep. You don’t have to be a raw feeder to give your cat optimum nutrition, but it’s worth taking time to look at what your feline friend needs nutritionally so you can make an informed choice. Cats are obligate carnivores: a carnivore is a meat-eater, but obligate means that it is absolutely necessary for survival. As cats categorically must have meat, you might be surprised to learn that most commercial cat food contains less than 10% meat. (And it’s usually not the good stuff either, typically meat derivatives which is a polite way of saying the nasty leftovers.) As obligate carnivores, cats have evolved over the years to stop producing various amino acids and vitamins, because they were getting them through their food. One such amino acid they are

Cats love to play

unable to produce is taurine, yet it is an essential nutrient for a cat – taurine deficiency will cause a long list of health problems including blindness, neurological issues, heart problems, and even death if untreated. Cats get sufficient quantities of taurine from eating a whole prey diet, so you should always opt for raw or a high meat content 80/20 wet or dry food. Cats do not have a high thirst drive: they do not naturally drink

enough water as they are designed to get all their moisture through their food. For this reason, a raw diet or wet food is more preferable than kibble. A cat who doesn’t drink enough will have smelly concentrated urine, overloaded kidneys and be susceptible to urinary tract infections. The average cat spends approximately 15 hours asleep every day, and is usually most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk to stalk its prey. That said, many cats are more active at night, particularly as kittens, which means you can come down to devastation in the morning! Provide your cat with a comfy, cosy bed (or two) in a warm, draught-free secluded spot and you will encourage a peaceful night’s rest for the whole household. While cats may seem content to laze in bed all day, they can get easily fed up (which may encourage bad behaviour) and a short designated play time each day will break up the boredom. Play time not only provides human

Lucy Ellis

Animal Magic / feline bonding time, but also gives your cat vital mental stimulation, particularly if you vary the toys and games. Anything filled with catnip is sure to be a hit, as are unpredictable flying objects on a wand. You can also provide scratching posts and trees to keep your moggy out of mischief. For more information about caring for your cat, a healthy feline diet and cat accessories come and visit us at Unique Pets. l Lucy Ellis is a writer and blogger who

with Jenna Tomlins runs Unique Pets, a local, independent pet shop offering individual advice for pets, two grooming salons, dog training and a pet photography studio. www.uniquepets.co.uk

106xx out of the dog house a5 1pp 2 25/10/2013 10:40 Page 1

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Column: Down to business with Philippa Batting

Community in rude health

ack in the August/ September issue of Vale Life Magazine I wrote about the aftermath of the UK’s vote to leave the European Union and the need for more certainty as to the future direction of UK business. While political leaders, policy makers and think-tanks continue to position themselves for the battles ahead, it’s heartening to discover that Buckinghamshire’s businesses are at least certain of their direction. Buckinghamshire Business First recently commissioned the 2016 Buckinghamshire Business Survey and the wide-ranging results offer a fascinating glimpse into the hopes and expectations of our local businesses. When asked if they planned to increase or decrease their current levels of activity with regards to things like investment in training and marketing, staff levels, online presence, exporting and importing, far more indicated

No Brexit blues for Buck’s business

they would increase activity than decrease it over the next 12 months. When then asked how the UK’s decision to leave the EU had affected these plans, most said there had been no change – and when there was change it tended to be positive. This tallies with previous surveys that consistently show a business community seeking growth and complement the new data we have from the ONS that show that

Buckinghamshire has 1,020 more businesses in 2016 than it had the previous year. There are several reasons to be positive regarding Buckinghamshire and ‘Brexit’, as according to recent analysis by Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners, Buckinghamshire is among the areas of England least exposed to any negative impact arising from Brexit, due to our strong GVA growth and low exposure to EU funding, coupled with moderate representation in EU export sectors and EU nationals in the labour market. The flames of enterprise have always burned brightly in Buckinghamshire, which has long been the spiritual and practical home of entrepreneurialism. It is something we hear about every day at Buckinghamshire Business First; the desire to start a business, grow a business, employ people, turn a profit, export. That’s why I’m confident that whenever the UK actually does leave the European

Philippa Batting Down to business

Union, Buckinghamshire’s businesses are well set to continue their growth and prosperity. If you are a start-up business or are already trading, you can get business support from our expert team to guide you through your journey. Visit www.bbf.uk.com, call 01494 568941 or email BusinessSupport@bbf.uk.com for more information. l Philippa Batting is MD of Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF). Based in Saunderton, BBF works to support and facilitate success within the business community and to create a dynamic environment in which local business can flourish. Membership is free - visit: www.bbf.uk.com for more details.

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Cheeky boys bare all for hall Calendar Boys

2017

he Buckinghamshire village of Chearsley received planning permission in June to build a new, attractive, fully accessible, flexible, cost effective and energy efficient community space for the use of all village members. This new village hall will cost around £500,000 to construct. Half a million is a huge amount for a small village to find but fundraising has already started. Keen to show their support for this community project the men of Chearsley have beaten the WI to it and boldly stripped off to pose for a 2017 calendar which is being sold to raise money for the new hall. The calendar was launched on October 14th at The Bell pub in Chearsley and features local men, as nature intended, in a variety of poses and scenes around the picturesque village. Antonia Stratford, Chair of Chearsley Village Hall says: “Our village hall is crumbling and so our small, tight knit and fun loving community have come together to

Pants off – in support of a new Villa

help raise money for this worthy cause. I am very grateful to all of the men who took part and also to all of our sponsors.” Nic Brown, Chair of Chearsley Parish Council who bravely took part in the calendar comments: “Appearing in the calendar was a bit of fun during the summer months and hopefully it will help to raise lots of money.”

ge Hall

Local photographer Sharon Sampson, who photographed the naked men said: “All the men were really good sports but it did feel a bit odd arranging to meet my friends’ husbands in local beauty spots and then asking them to strip naked!” The calendar has been kindly sponsored by the following local businesses: The Bell, Rectory Homes, Sherlock Combs, POPPETS, Horton Cars, Dale and Heybrook Garden Designers, The Big Mower Company, carcleaned.com, All About Artwork, Haddenham Garden Centre, Velvet Brown, College Farm Shooting Ground, The Egg House Butchery and Chearsley Cricket Club. The calendars, which make unique Christmas presents, are available to buy at £10 each by emailing: chearsleyvillagehall@ hotmail.co.uk l Read more about the project on www.chearsleyvillagehall.co.uk

Some of the models pictured outside The Bell

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Music Column:

Our music columnist is Paul Adams - musician and performer, who can be seen in venues across our area both solo and with A Little Bit Country. Contact Paul with local gigs and music news at: paul@mrpauladams.co.uk Add your gigs to our website what’s on diary for free at: www.vale-life.co.uk

Live Music November 12th The Measures, George & Dragon Northchurch 12th The Hollies, Waterside Theatre 17th Breeze The Crystal Palace, Berkhamsted 18th Blacktop Deluxe Queens Park Arts Centre & Limelight Theatre 19th Plan A Victoria Club, Aylesbury 25th Bustin Loose Aristocrat Aylesbury 25th The Mighty Hoo Haas The Black Horse, Tring 26th The Brahmas The Chandos Arms, Weston Turville 27th Marillion Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury December 1st Rick Chase, Dukes Wine Bar, Princes Risborough 2nd Bad Hombre, The Wheatsheaf, Leighton Buzzard 2nd Aylesbury Alternative Music Society The White Swan, Aylesbury 3rd Dealey Plaza Shoot Pool, Aylesbury 9th The Mojo Rising The Goat, Berkhamsted 9th Muso, The White Swan, Aylesbury 10th The Estimators The Queens Head, Aylesbury 11th Gary Roman as Elvis The Earl House, Holmer Green 16th Mr Paul Adams Aristocrat, Aylesbury 17th Rock Bone The Black Horse, Tring 17th Best Of Bublé, Rivets Sports & Social Club, Aylesbury 22nd Krissy Matthews, Dukes Wine Bar, Princes Risborough 23rd The Curvy Love Dogz! Wheatsheaf, Leighton Buzzard

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Turn it up! with Paul Adams

Totally swinging time! B

ig Band Swing UK returns to Haddenham Village Hall on November 11th for its annual concert raising monies for local charities nominated by this years Haddenham Masonic Lodge Master. This is the 7th Year of this event which has raised over £4,000 to-date and is also a special one, as it also marks the 20th anniversary of the

Big Band Swing band, so a great night of celebration, dance and live music is promised. Formed in 1996, Big Band Swing is made up of 18 musicians that love the big band sound and enjoy not only making music together, but seeing their audience have a great time. There will be a licenced bar and a large dancefloor - guests are

encouraged to bring table nibbles to enjoy while being entertained and their dancing shoes! Tickets price £10 are available from tickets@bigbandswing.net or call Lee Buckingham (band musical director and trumpet player) on: 07977 138044. l For further information see: www.facebook.com/bigbandswinguk

Jazz talent to perform at St Mary’s

olly Gibbons is one of the most respected and talked about young singer/songwriters of her generation. Revered by her contemporaries, Polly has built a reputation for warm, rich, soulful vocals and an innate blues sensibility. She has been likened to many of the jazz and soul greats bringing her own storytelling and earnest depth alongside unique humour and fun to performances. Polly has performed at all the leading UK jazz clubs, international festivals and is a regular at Ronnie Scott’s performing with the All Stars. My Own Company, her debut UK jazz album with James Pearson, pianist and Musical Director of Ronnie Scott’s, was released to critical acclaim in August 2014 – with Polly sounding more beautiful and rarer than ever. The album features original material including Midnight Prayer, co-penned with James Pearson, which won the Indie International Song Writing Competition 2014. Polly signed to acclaimed US jazz label Resonance Records at the beginning of 2014, and soon after recorded the album Many Faces Of Love in Los Angeles with producer George Klabin. Polly’s influences are brilliant, broad and inspired - from the poetry of Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen,

to Charlie Parker, Billie Holiday, Marvin Gaye, Prince and D’Angelo. She is to perform at St Marys Church, Aylesbury, on December 8th (doors open 7.30pm) with a backing band of exceptional and celebrated jazz musicians - James Pearson, Arnie Somogyi and Chris Draper. Tickets are £14 in advance, £15 on door (under 18s £6). There’s a licensed bar and refreshments available. Contact Kim 01296 437641 or Frank 07518 306552 for more details or see: facebook.com/ jazz upfront Aylesbury l St Marys Church, St Marys Square, Aylesbury, Bucks HP20 2JJ Doors 7.30pm Band 8:15pm.

Polly Gibbons

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Waddesdon Manor Christmas 2015. Photo Kathy Chantley ©The National Trust, Waddesdon Manor

Christmas at Waddesdon Manor is quite magical. The house is breathtakingly beautiful at night, there’s the Christmas Fair to enjoy, spectacular light sculptures and much more...

hristmas is always a special time at Waddesdon and this year is certainly no exception. Get into the festive spirit with a visit to the magical house and gardens all trimmed for Christmas with magnificent trees and decorations. The annual programme of Winter Light will be running from dusk, with a new light and sound show Dazzle@ Waddesdon illuminating the Manor façade in rainbow colours. This performance will run for four minutes every quarter hour and has been designed specifically for Waddesdon by the renowned duo Woodroffe Bassett design. Contemporary artist Bruce Munro returns to Waddesdon with another iconic light art installation. The immersive Field of Light, will be in a new location, to celebrate 25 years since its conception. As darkness falls, the Aviary glade will come into ‘bloom’ with 9,000 illuminated stems crowned with glass spheres, taking the visitor on a sensory journey through the gardens. New for this year - see Waddesdon recreated entirely from gingerbread, on display in the Coach House Gallery at the Stables from 9th November to 19th March. Created by the Biscuiteers Baking Company Ltd, the model is over two metres in size and will recreate the rich details of some of Waddesdon’s most beautiful rooms, including its paintings, furniture and ceramics, modelled in icing. Visitors will also be able to see a biscuit-baubled tree in the house, and handiced Biscuiteer bauble biscuits inspired by Waddesdon’s collection will be available in the gift shop. The house has been transformed for Christmas and visitors are invited to step into rooms imaginatively decorated on a magical materials theme. The decorations are inspired by the rare, exotic and beautiful materials from Waddesdon’s collections including glass, porcelain, precious metals and minerals. Families can follow a special trail through the

Evening stalls Chirstmas Fair at Waddesdon. Pic Stuart Bebb ©National Trust, Waddesdon Manor

Christmas at Waddesdon. Pic Stan McCartin ©National Trust, Waddesdon Manor

house, spotting jolly gingerbread men made by the Biscuiteers. Soak up the sights, smells and sounds of Christmas at the annual Christmas Fair set against the enchanting, floodlit backdrop of the house. It will feature 60 exhibitors and run across four weeks, 16th November to 11th December (Wednesday to Sunday, 11am6pm). With local artisan producers alongside some of the best loved independent traders from around the country, the fair will offer visitors a great selection of Christmas gifts and festive foods. Indulge in some retail therapy and browse Waddesdon’s shops for some favourite seasonal products. As well as the Manor shop and Wine shop, this year there will be two festive pop-up shops at the Stables until 23rd December. Continuing the Winter Light theme, Glow@Waddesdon will be full of dazzling items, while the more traditional Christmas shop in the Coach House will have gifts and decorations. Also at the Stables, families can enjoy craft activities, creating felt Christmas tree decorations to take home. Throughout the Christmas season there

Bruce Munro, River of Light (Waddesdon Manor, 2013). Pic: Mark Pickthall ©National Trust, Waddesdon Manor

will be an array of delicious festive foods on offer. Enjoy seasonal street food, hot chocolate, mulled wine and homemade cakes in our cosy new Wigwam café or a traditional Christmas lunch in the Manor restaurant. For a real Christmas treat, book a magical materials themed afternoon tea, created in-house by Waddesdon’s talented head pâtissier. There is also the opportunity to learn clever culinary ideas to prepare ahead with Waddesdon’s Christmas cookery school from 2nd-4th November. Each session includes lunch and an informal wine and cheese tasting (booking essential). Waddesdon Christmas runs from Wednesday 9th November to Monday 2nd January; open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am6pm. Closed 24th-26th December. Open additionally on Tuesday 27th December and Monday 2nd January. For more information and to book your tickets see www.waddesdon.org.uk l Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire HP18 0JH Tel: 01296 820414 Web: www.waddesdon.org.uk

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Column: Sandra Smith ‘Our Creative Vale’

Ancient skills of East

tanley Market is one of those tourist destinations that never disappoints. In a southern spot on Hong Kong Island the range of goods on sale echo an exotic culture. Silk garments vie for space alongside oriental jewellery and tropical fruit whilst delicate papercuts reveal ancient skills still practised by local craftspeople. Hazel Williams visited the market whilst working in the former British colony. Art had long been a favoured subject but discovering papercuts laid the seeds of a career which would later blossom, bringing her the iconic luck and happiness these decorations are credited with symbolising. “Papercuts are incredibly fine with blocks of colour and swirly patterns and an element of light coming through. I like the idea of cutting away to make something more effective.” In Hazel’s Princes Risborough

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Hazel Williams studio rows of miniature thatched cottages are testament to the business she has developed. “Originally I made cards and wedding stationery for friends. I did lots of little projects but designing and making handmade cards is time consuming. I’d heard of laser

cutters and loved their precision. I went on a week’s summer school introduction and loved all the elements. You need to visualise structurally how it will work so there’s a certain amount of trial and error.” Each cottage consists of 12 separate pieces and one A3 sheet of plywood accommodates two houses which takes a laser cutter, currently whirring away in the background, one hour to cut. Some singeing around the window frames enhances the character and wood glue is used to piece them together though Hazel also sells kits. Perhaps their most magical element, however, is lighting for built within the base of each model is space for battery operated tea lights. “I can personalise houses with a name or number,” Hazel adds, “and I make mirrored acrylics, birds with texts that have meant something to me. I like the freedom of birds, their wings and shape, the indication of movement.”

Creative Vale

Sandra Smith As well as these laser tweets and wooden houses she continues to create cards and reveals a seasonal purple range with detachable stars commissioned by the British Museum. But customers needn’t travel too far. Hazel’s work will be available at forthcoming local events including Waddesdon’s Christmas Fair during the first two weeks of December, an ideal opportunity to buy festive gifts and meet an Aylesbury Vale artist inspired by the Far East. www.hazelwilliams.net 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

Artists and Makers Fairs 2016 An excellent opportunity to view and buy original gifts and accessories for you and your home, directly from our collection of amazing, creative and imaginative local artists

WENDOVER Memorial Hall, Wharf Road, HP22 6HF 12th November THAME Town Hall, 0X9 3DP 19th November & 3rd December HADDENHAM Bradmoor Farm, Stanbridge Road, HP17 8JX 10th & 11th December FREE ENTRY - Open 10AM to 4PM E: sllyevan@aol.com T: 01844 273069 Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Wishes are being granted this Christmas as Aylesbury Waterside Theatre promises a magical carpet ride to remember when Aladdin takes to the stage, from Friday 9th to Saturday 31st December....

tarring Michelle Collins as Genie of the Ring alongside the unique silliness and slapstick of BBC 3 Counties Breakfast presenter and local legend Andy Collins as Wishee Washee, not to mention a stunning TOWIE Princess, Jasmin Walia playing her princess namesake, this year’s panto is a must-see for the whole family. Do you fancy an adventure to Old Peking this December.? Yes we do! Adding more glamour than you can shake a magic lamp at is larger-than-life Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist La Voix playing Widow Twankey, and rumour has it the most boo-able baddie in Bucks and beyond will be taking to the stage too - Nicholas Pound as Ebanazar! To introduce your perfect Princess, Jasmin Walia and glam-tastic dame, Window Twankey AKA La Voix, Vale Life has spoken to the luscious ladies of this year’s show and found out some quirky facts, interesting habits and just why they think panto season is the most wonderful time of the year: Tell us something we might not know about you? JW: my favourite food which I don’t tell lots of people about, because I feel like they’ll judge me, is plain pasta with salt and vinegar. It’s a craving of mine, I basically have it every day, it’s really unhealthy but I just love it! LV: I adore camels and penguins… and my hair colour is actually natural! Do you have memories of Aylesbury have you been here before? JW: When I was younger my dad used to take us on trips to the countryside and to different areas, and once we came to Aylesbury, but I was a lot younger. I was nearby recently though, at a spa place called Champneys in Tring. I’m hoping to visit there again during the panto. LV: I have wonderful memories of the opening year of Aylesbury Waterside, sharing the stage with the legendary Cilla Black. My memories of Aylesbury are fun ones and I’m happy to be back.

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

La Voix, Andy, Michelle, Jasmin and Nicholas What would you like to see under the Christmas tree this year? JW: I’d love to see an album recorded by myself under the tree. Is that sad?! Other than that I’m not really much of a present lover, I’m more about the thought that counts. I’m not that bothered about presents, I’d rather just be with my family. LV: A large box of chocolates, maybe a little tipple of something, oh and my secret crush – Eamonn Holmes! What is your fave part of xmas dinner? JW: Christmas pudding… with cream. I

love it, I’m obsessed. I love Brussel sprouts as well, I know everyone hates them but I love them. LV: Eating it! Why do you love panto? And what is your favourite bit about playing this role? JW: I’ve always wanted to play Jasmine, I just really feel like I am her! It’s nice that my first time in panto is to be playing the character I’ve always wanted to play. It’s my name as well! More than anything I’m really excited to performing - singing and acting with a different audience every day, it’s going

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Danny Colligan as Aladdin with Princess Jasmine, Genie Michelle and Andy Collins as Wishee Washee

Tue 7th to Sat 11th February

Anton and Erin: Sunday, January 29th

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

to be a real experience for me and really, really fun. LV: I love the glitter, the light, the fun and giggles. Widow Twankey is so much fun – she’s loveable, flirtatious and has endless frocks – what’s not to love? With belly-busting comedy, chart-topping songs, magical sets and costumes, and a cave full of audience participation, make sure you book your tickets to Old Peking this Christmas. Book now by visiting Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Box Office, call: 0844 871 7607 (bkg fee. Calls 7p per min plus your phone company’s access charge) or visit: www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury (bkg fee).

l Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1UG Telephone Booking: 0844 871 7607 Website: www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury

Aladdin

Fri 9th to Sat 31st Dec

Superslam Wrestling

Fri 6th Jan

Bowie Experience

Sun 8th Jan

Gaslight

Mon 16th to Sat 21st Jan

The Twits

Tue 24th to Sat 28th Jan

Anton and Erin

Sun 29th Jan

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Tue 7th to Sat 11th Feb

Stand By Me

Sun 12th Feb

Dreamboats & Petticoats

Mon 20th to Sat 25th Feb

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Column: Showtime! with Shaun Nolan

Step into Christmas

s the Christmas evenings start to roll in, there is no better way to spice up your life than with a trip to the theatre and this month across the Vale, there is a wide variety of shows for you to see. From Pantomime to plays, there’s something for everybody… At the Queen’s Park Arts Centre, they’re busy preparing for this year’s Winter pantomime Alice In Wonderland, which starts performances on December 9th. I have friends who are in the show that say it’s shaping up to be something very special, so if you’re looking for an alternative to the Waterside’s pantomime this year, you know where to go. As for music at Queen’s Park this month, Ex-The Voice star Sally Barker will be playing a concert there on November 25th, and some stand-up will be taking to the stage as well in the form of The Guilty Feminist podcast star Sofie Hagen on the eve of Saturday November 19th. I adore Sofie and her podcast The Guilty Feminist so if there’s

Sophie Hagen anything you should be seeing at Queen’s Park in November, it’s her. Meanwhile in Tring, the Autumn season’s big show Anything Goes will be taking to the stage during the week commencing November 16th. The show is being performed by the Vale Music Society – a society that I was a part of for a few years – and these dear friends of mine always do a fantastic job. Following that is the Berkhamstead Youth Theatre production of The 39 Steps at the start of December. The stage

BE GOOD AT BEING YOURSELF

adaptation of the classic Hitchcock movie was a hit in the West End a few years ago, so it’s delightful to see younger people take it on for themselves this season. This is the busiest time of year for London’s West End and everything we’ve been waiting for this year is finally ready to open its doors to the public. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical adaptation of School of Rock is now in performances at the New London Theatre as is David Bowie’s new musical – which premiered last year in New York just before he died – Lazarus at the King’s Cross Theatre. Among other things opening this new season is the revival of the classic musical Half a Sixpence from October 29th at the Noel Coward Theatre which I adore, as well as the UK premiere of Henry Krieger’s classic ‘70s musical Dreamgirls at the Savoy Theatre from November 19th starring Glee alum Amber Riley as Effie White. There is so much new stuff opening in London – and throughout

Shaun Nolan Showtime!

the Vale - over the next few weeks. I’ll be at it all though, so if you’re heading down to catch something, keep an eye out for me l Shaun Nolan is a London theatre blogger who writes for a variety of publications including LondonTheatreDirect. You can find him at @shaunycat on Twitter and if you want your show mentioned in this column, tweet him and let him know!

Dreamgirls

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

What better way to kick off the festive season than by seeing a live theatre production of the Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol...

op up shops and restaurants seem to be the latest thing, but pop up theatre productions have been around since acting was invented! Ubiquitous Theatre have been delighting local audiences since the 80s with their high quality, imaginative and accomplished productions, often performed in non-theatre spaces and A Christmas Carol, their 50th production, looks set to be another triumph. The production is to be staged at the Wyevale Garden Centre, World’s End Nursery near Wendover from Thur 8th to Sat 10th and Thur15th

to Sat 17th December. Doors open at 7pm, performances start at 7.30pm and tickets are available from Wyevale customer service desk or from the Ubiquitous Theatre website at: www.uttc.info (£12 adults / £7.50 16yrs and under and Senior Citizens). Formed in 1988, in High Wycombe by Nick Andrews and Terry Dean (MA Performing Arts) Ubiquitous started with some classic Shakespeare and then won the contract to perform at Cliveden Shakespeare Festival (Taming of the Shrew, Henry IV and the Tempest). Scrooge Many highlights followed - Journey’s End, Twelve Angry Men, The Birthday Party, A Christmas Carol, Mad Dogs and Englishmen, often performed as a touring company both in local venues and further afield in Spain. “Our key principle is to provide high quality theatre to audiences in non theatrical spaces,” says Artistic Director Terry Dean. “We recruit actors and technicians on a project by project basis and have a rigorous and professional approach to the work. We work in a professional format at a professional level.” “For A Christmas Carol we will be creating a theatre space each evening in the Wyevale restaurant,” says Nick. “Part of the fun is transforming a space with lights, set and props to create a theatrical experience in a place not originally intended for that purpose. It adds an extra dynamic to our performance and stretches the actors as even when they are off stage they may be visible to the audience and have to make something you wouldn’t usually see, such as changing a costume, part of the performance.” “A Christmas Carol is the enduring story of the real meaning of Christmas,” says Terry, “with Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the spirits of Christmas past, present and future. We have a cast of around ten actors,

who will be in Dickensian costume and we’ll be telling the traditional story but staged in an original and creative way. It’s a family show, but there are some moments which very young children may find scary!” “Wyevale have been very accommodating,” says Nick. “They are introducing a Dickensian theme this Christmas, which A Christmas Carol will complement and they are currently raising funds for the Marie Curie charity, which gives care and support to people living with terminal illness and their families. We will be helping them by donating a portion of every ticket sold to their Marie Curie fund. “Aylesbury Vale Arts Council have been great in their support too.” Looking forward to 2017 Ubiquitous are planning a specially commissioned community play. The Leaves of Time is about the history of Weston Turville and the company will be looking for local people who would be interested in being involved to get in touch. l Ubiquitous Theatre, 3 Hornbeam Way, Weston Turville, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP22 5WX Tel: 01296 614 814 Email: contact@uttc.info Web: www.uttc.info Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016 59

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Column: ‘Kiss & tell’ with Tracy Kiss

Feels good being vegan

aving being vegetarian since the age of five and vegan for the past three years I’m well accustomed to the familiar shrieks of “What on earth do we feed her?” when it comes to eating out. So rather than twitching over mixing spoons, contamination from splattering animal fats or misreading the fine print on the ingredients list it’s far easier for me to whip up a nutritious vegan Christmas dinner with all of the trimmings for a smiling table of seven. And if needs be I can always pop a bird-within-a-birdwithin-a-bird into a disposable foil tray in the oven to accompany my roast parsnips and sweet potatoes, steamed linseed cauliflower and broccoli, fried brussel sprouts and chestnuts, honey glazed carrots, soy sausages, rich homemade onion gravy, torn greens, baked whole skin garlic and onion, red cabbage and sage stuffing; I’ve only ever had

Quinoa with brussels, chickpeas and cranberries - yum! empty plates and full tummies at my table regardless of diet. I’m not against people eating meat around me as I believe in freedom of choice, but eating out can be a chore with so few restaurant menus catering for vegans let alone vegetarians. My tip to blending in with regular diners? I usually eat a bowl of homemade sprout and asparagus quinoa or spicy lentil soup before going out for dinner and then order a safe undressed house salad and glass of water, without starving

all evening. Sure the waiter raises an eyebrow over how I bland and unadventurous I am, yet I’ve just consumed a mountain of fresh, delicious, wholesome and nutritious food at home far beyond everyone’s five-a-day. In essence veganism is very simple, you drop all meat, fish and dairy and switch fats for oils and it leaves me feeling spritely, energetic, unbloated and totally in tune with my body. I qualified as a personal trainer and nutrition advisor this year and I’ve never felt so healthy as I do now at the age of 29. I never get ill, my jeans always fit and after having two children I feel better about my body than I did in my teens. My hectic schedule of shooting and filming across the country can make balancing my diet more difficult as hotel catering and supermarkets don’t often lend themselves to lunch on the road so I either meal prep in advance by making up a batch of brown rice and vegetables to take

Tracy Kiss

Kiss & tell

with me, or I live on salad pots, cous cous, hummus and soups to get a healthy mix of protein, fats and carbs. These colder months are the hardest time of year for keeping our diets on track but with a little forward thinking and food preparation we needn’t gather those festive few inches; after all summer bodies are made in the winter! l Read Tracy’s blog at: www.tracykiss.com or follow her on: Twitter: @misstracykiss or Facebook: /TheTracyKiss

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Email: Horwoodevents@principal-hayley.com

Thur Chr

Thur from Wh sho Ay a C

Festive dates for your diary: Aylesbury Town Centre Sat 5th November Art & Craft Fair: Queens Park Arts Centre, 10am-4pm. Entry: £2 / £1 concessions Thur 10th November Storytime & Craft: Aylesbury Library, 10.15am Sat 12th and Sunday 13th November Walking Play - The Rose Thief in Aylesbury’s Old Town: Aylesbury Old Town, 6pm-8pm, tickets £4.50 from Bucks County Museum and Aylesbury Town Council Offices Thurs 17th November Christmas Light Switch on, 5.30pm - 7.30pm See panel right. Free parking from 4.30pm. Sun 27th November Santa’s Christmas Parade, 10.45am - 3pm See panel right. Sun 27th November Santa Dash, 1-3pm Bring your costume and join in with the action! Sat 3rd, 10th & 17th December Christmas Storytime and Craft 10.30am - 12.30pm, Aylesbury Library Bring the kids along for a Christmas themed story and a fun free craft session.

Sun 4th December 11am - 3pm Christmas Craft and Gift Fair Looking for that different gift for a friend or family member? You should be able to find it amid this plethora of unusual and unique stalls in Market Square 9th - 31st December Alice in Wonderland (Christmas Pantomime) Limelight Theatre (times vary) www.qpc.org Tickets: £13 adults / £9 concessions / £7 under-16s 5th - 31st December Pop-up Christmas Craft Shop Queens Park Arts Centre, Free Activity Sun 11th December Festive Family Fun, 11am - 4pm, Market Square and Friars Square, free activity. Themed on the Nutcracker - come and find all of the soldiers around the town to win a fantastic prize. Plus fun, games, entertainment, craft and activities in Friars Square and funfair rides in Market Square. Sun 11th December Carolfest, 6pm - 7pm, St Mary’s Church Come and join in with all your favourite Christmas Carols in a relaxed, family friendly atmosphere. We will be serving hot drinks and mince pies too! Free Activity

Christmas 2016 Changes to Shopping Hours in Aylesbury Town Centre • Santa’s Grotto opens after the parade on Sunday 27th Nov • Sunday trading every week 10.30am - 4.30pm • Late night shopping until 8pm every Thursday from 17th Nov up to Christmas • Free parking from 4.30pm every Thursday from 17th Nov until Christmas in AVDC Aylesbury Town Centre and Friars Square car parks

Christmas shopping hours Date

Friars Square

Hale Leys

Aylesbury Market

Thur 17th November Thur 24th November Fri 25th November Sun 27th November Thur 1st December Thur 8th December Thur 15th December Fri 16th December Sat 17th December Sun 18th December Mon 19th December Tues 20th December Wed 21st December Thur 22nd December Fri 23rd December Sat 24th December Sun 25th December Mon 26th December(BH) Tues 27th December(BH) Sun 1st January Mon 2nd January (BH)

9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 8am - 8pm Normal hours 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 6pm 10.30am - 4.30pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 4pm Closed 10.30am - 4.30pm 10.30am - 4.30pm 10.30am - 4.30pm 10.30am - 4.30pm

9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 6pm Normal hours 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 10.30am - 4.30pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 4pm Closed 10.30am - 4.30pm 10.30am - 4.30pm 10.30am - 4.30pm 10.30am - 4.30pm

No Market No Market 9am - 4pm No Market No Market No Market No Market 9am - 2pm 9am - 4pm No Market No Market 9am - 2pm 9am - 4pm 9am - 8pm 9am - 4pm 9am - 3pm No Market No Market No Market No Market No Market

Christmas LightsLights Switch On Christmas

Thursday 17th November THU Town Centre, 5.30pm–7.30pm Get the festive spirit going with this free Thursday 21 November, family event from 5.30pm. Lights toNOV be 5.30pm - 7.30pm switched on at 7pm, followed by fireworks Popular event providing free family and music. There is also entertainment, 5.30pm. The lights will aentertainment small funfair,from street food stalls and late be switched on at 6.50pm followed by night shopping until 8pm. Free Parking fireworks and music. There is also a small from 4.30pm every Thursday from 17th funfair and the opportunity to do some late Nov until Christmas in AVDC Aylesbury night shopping until 8pm. Town Centre and Friars Square car parks.

Switch On

The To

Th wi d a

San

r Fria 24 N 11a exc in h

Santa’s Parade

Sunday 24 November, parade starts at 10.30am and activities 11am - 3pm

SUN

24 NOV

A firm family favourite. Santa and all his friends parade through the town from the High Street, around Market Square and into Friars Square. There will also be entertainment and free face painting after the parade.

Ha an C

Fre

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Information in this leaflet is accurate at time of going to press. Santa’s Parade

For further information please call -01296 Sunday 27th November Town585880 Centre Parade starts at 10.45am Activities 11am–3pm A firm family favourite. Santa and his friends parade through the town along the High Street and around Market Square. There will be a small funfair, activities and entertainment after the parade.

Markets in Christmas week

Tuesday 20th, Wednesday 21st, Thursday 22th, Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th December Get Ready For Christmas! Enjoy the hustle and bustle of last minute Christmas shopping, pick up your fresh fruit and veg for Christmas dinner and maybe a final pressie or two while soaking up the festive atmosphere in Market Square. Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

The Jo

Column: Nick Coffer ‘In the kitchen’

Chocolate Truffled Meringues

often say to my listeners “did I ever mention that I lived in France for 10 years?” and I can hear the communal groan go up as I do so! So yes, I probably did mention it and yes, I did live in Lille for the best part of a decade. Of course one of the things I loved about France was the food. My local bakery used to make something called a “Merveilleux”, literally translated as a “Marvellous”, and I would treat myself to one on a regular basis. Two big domed meringues, glued together with chocolate, rolled in chocolate and covered in, well, more chocolate. So when pastry chef Diana Woo, who runs the Délices Patisserie and Bakery in Bedford town centre, came on my show, I could not resist asking her to make a version of this favourite of mine. And she certainly didn’t disappoint. Perfect light meringues, naughty chocolate filling - and very pretty to boot. Make these a treat for family and friends.

Chocolate Truffled Meringues

Ingredients For the meringues 180g egg whites (about 6) 375g sugar For the ganache 50g whipping cream 100g milk 350 dark chocolate For the decoration

4 POUND STREET / WENDOVER / HP22 6EJ

150g chocolate sprinkles

Method: Preheat your oven to 120C/ Gas Mark 1/2 Whisk the egg whites at a medium-high speed with 100g of sugar. When the egg whites become really firm, sprinkle in the rest of the sugar and keep on whisking. Pipe the meringues into quite large half sphere shapes (around 5cm wide) on parchment paper on baking trays. Bake for 1 hour in the oven, with the door slightly open (you can use a wooden spoon to keep it ajar). When the meringues are cold, gouge a small part of the meringue out from the bottom. Set the meringues aside. Now make the ganache. Put the milk and the cream into a pan. Bring to the boil. Once boiling, pour the liquid onto the chocolate. Wait two minutes for the chocolate to melt, then use a whisk to mix well. Cover with a plastic

In the kitchen Nick Coffer

film and put aside to cool. With a spoon, put some ganache into holes that you made in the half-meringues. Spread some more ganache around the bases and stick the two halves together to make a big ball. With a brush, coat the outside of the sphere with some ganache then roll it into chocolate sprinkles or desiccated coconut (or anything flaky!) to coat it l Hear wonderful recipes on Nick Coffer’s Weekend Kitchen every Sunday morning on BBC Three Counties radio at 11am. You can also join Nick weekday afternoons at midday for music plus local guests with great stories.

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Win a meal for four at The Snug!

he Snug is a much-loved and well known bar group currently expanding across the South of England. New branches include one at Aylesbury just off the bottom corner of Market Square, at the top of the Odeon Cinema car park. The new location is the ninth to open in The Snug group, which began in Cambridge ten years ago and is famed for its signature cocktails and tasty food. Prior to opening, a full internal makeover of the Aylesbury premises, (formerly the Brewery Tap and The Star Bar), took place with new seating areas (including outside seating) and a unique Snug design, which is both contemporary and cosy. As with all Snug venues, the drinks menu features exciting cocktail combinations, as well as exclusive beer offerings and the menu includes a breakfast, lunch and dinner with a range of dishes including freshly made burgers, stuffed sandwiches and mains such as: Grilled BBQ Back Ribs, salads and more. With platters designed to share, 2 for 1 cocktail offers every day and the chance to book into cocktail classes, the

new Snug aims to offer something for everyone, including great value Christmas party packages. In a Snug first, pizzas are also featuring on the new menu in Aylesbury. With a pizza oven on site, freshly prepared, oven baked pizzas will be a new addition to the offering at The Snug. Look out for pizza specials and classics alike this summer. DJs and live music are also a

regular feature at The Snug in Aylesbury - see website for details. Giles Fry, owner of The Snug says, “We are excited to have opened the new Aylesbury Snug this summer and look forward to giving everyone a warm Snug welcome, especially now the winter months are upon us.” If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a two course meal for 4 people including two drinks each at The Snug, Aylesbury, simply email

your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Where did the The Snug Group open its first bar? Winner to be drawn at random and notified by email by December 10th. l The Snug Bar, 36 Market Square, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1TW Tel. 01296 769484 W: www.thesnugbar.co.uk Open: Mon to Thur 12pm-11pm Fri/Sat 12pm-1am, Sun 12pm-11pm

Welcome to Coco Tamarind Fine Indian restaurant & takeaway at Askett, Princes Risborough Book your Christmas party Now - 5 Course set meal + Complimentary Drink only £24.95 Coco Tamarind offers the finest modern and traditional Indian cuisine, in stylish, comfortable surroundings. The relaxed ambience and attentive service, plus our well stocked bar, will ensure your time with us is a most enjoyable experience, whatever the occasion. l 10% discount on collected takeaways l Whatever the day, please call ahead l l

to reserve your table as we are busy all week! Free home delivery within 5 mile radius (min order £15) Become a Coco Tamarind Member and enjoy discounts and special offers

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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 Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Artists to show at Dragon farm

ffordable art and beautifully handcrafted designs will be on show at the Green Dragon Eco Farm, Hogshaw, from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th November (10am to 6pm daily). The popular annual Winter Exhibition by the Artists Dozen group is free to attend and showcases original art and limited edition works in a wide range of media including; painting, printmaking, photography, ceramics, stone sculpture, glass, felting, and silver jewellery. Artists Dozen is a group of established artists and designermakers, based in and around North Buckinghamshire. The wonderful array of art on display is for sale and will give visitors the opportunity to find a gift for that hard-to-buy-for friend or find something unique for the home. Throughout the 3 days there will also be the chance to see

the artists at work as many will be demonstrating their artistic practice at the show. Some of the artists also run courses throughout the year, so be sure to ask for further information if you would like to try something new yourself. Courses may also be purchased as gifts. Artists Dozen are delighted to have several new artists joining the group for this year’s exhibition. Green Dragon Eco Farm is an environmentally friendly 44 acre rare breeds farm that caters for all ages. It’s located in beautiful open countryside near Quainton with beautiful views. There is ample free parking, wheelchair access, child friendly activities, and an Eco Café serving delicious homemade food and cakes.

l www.greendragonecofarm.co.uk Artists Dozen info: www.facebook.com/artistsdozen

Win a Newby’s tea xmas gift set

igh-end tea company Newby Teas of London is offering a range of teas that are the perfect indulgence for the holiday season: a healthier, calming alternative to traditional Christmas winter warmers. Their range includes both stocking fillers and substantial luxury gift boxes. Newby’s Silken Pyramids luxury pyramid-shaped pockets containing whole leaf tea, are individually sealed in a multilayer foil sachet at the company’s state-of-the-art preservation and packing facility in Kolkata - the only one of its kind in the world. The process keeps the tea in optimal condition, ensuring that the fragrance and taste remains fresh and delicious. Loose leaf teas are available in attractively designed caddies and as sets of mini caddies for great tasting or gift selections.

If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a Season’s Greetings Newby Teas Christmas gift box, featuring 4 varieties of green and black tea - English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Jasmine Princess and Masala Chai, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Where are Newby teas packed? Winner to be drawn at random and notified by email by December 10th. l www.newbyteas.co.uk

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

l Column: Jacqui

Thorndyke ‘Foodie On Tour’

Meal full of memories

ne of the things I love about food, is the memories it can make. When someone asked me recently what my best and worst ever meals were, they had left such a mark that I remembered them as if they were yesterday. The best was an easy one. While on honeymoon in Thailand, we’d spent a few days in Bangkok, before transferring to Koh Samui for a magical week of island bliss. There’s only so much relaxation a person can take though, so with a few days left we headed back to Bangkok, for a few more nights of city life before flying home. Second time around, Bangkok was even better. We wandered around the city, lazed by the pool, sniffed out places to eat and occasionally tried a recommended bar or restaurant. The very best place we ate though, was quite literally stumbled upon one evening, and it drew us in with the promise of Bangkok’s best steak. As ever, I was pretty dubious. Anyone that claims to have ‘X’s best Y’ vary rarely delivers on that

promise. This, however, was one hell of an exception. Taking an elevator to level 31 of The Landmark Hotel, we wandered into an opulent blood red, black and purple restaurant, with vast views of the city lights. As soon as we saw all the accolades and awards in the lobby, we knew it wasn’t going to be a cheap meal. But, if you can’t splurge on honeymoon, when can you?! Seated in the centre of the room, along with only a handful of other diners, we pondered over the increasingly delicious sounding menu… Every kind of high-end beef you could think of, all sorts of wonderful cuts and sides. I remember seeing a sauce with a name we’d never heard of before

Welcome... Eat Well, Laugh Much, Drink Often...

Welcome...

– Albufera I think - and upon enquiring, were told it was foie gras sauce and would we like to try some. I can’t imagine we could have looked more excited. Yes, please, we’d definitely like to try some. The sauce was one of the best tasting things I’d ever eaten in my life. Given the sauce was already out of this world, we decided to go for broke and order a main to match. My order was a fillet of wagyu beef (genetically predisposed to intense marbling), with truffle mash potato, and the amazing foie gras sauce. We must have looked like complete idiots eating, because we were in absolute heaven. The wine was phenomenal too. The whole meal came in at about £300, which was pricey, but a LOT less than we were expecting given the quality. Unfortunately, my worst meal was a far cry from this. On holiday for a rainy week in Mumbles, Wales, for my 18th Birthday with my then boyfriend. I was really ill with gastroenteritis, and my boyfriend decided to make me

Jacqui Thorndyke

dinner. Out came a bowl of plain pasta, with tinned salmon mixed in. It was bland as hell, and what made it much worse, was that there was still a piece of spine bone it in. I very nearly puked right there and then. Neither meal will ever be forgotten, for very different reasons. Food can make an occasion, it can bring people together, it can make a dent on the subconscious and it can help make memories. l For local food and restaurant reviews and recommendations, visit www.foodieontour.co.uk, or follow Jacqui on Twitter @FoodieOnTour. Email: foodieontour@yahoo.co.uk

Experience the authentic taste of India

Andy & Emma welcome you to The Boot, modern country pub and eating house, in the heart of the picturesque Chiltern Hills. Enjoy fresh, locally produced food, local ales and fabulous wines. Our chef creates exciting dishes suitable for all tastebuds, so families can dine in style. Christmas menu available from Nov 22nd. Tue-Thur: 2 course £25 / 3 course £30 Fri & Sat: 2 course £28 / 3 course £33 See website for menu and book ASAP! Friday 2nd December from 9am The Boot’s Christmas Shopping morning Open: Tue-Thur: 11am-3pm & 5pm-11pm, Fri/ Sat: 11am-11pm, Sun 12noon-7pm Food served: Coffee & pastries from 11am Tue-Sat: 12noon-2.30pm and 6pm-10pm. Sundays: 12noon-6pm. Closed Mondays

F i n e I n dia n D i n i n g

High quality dining in our historic 550-year-old ‘Old Library’ building - now recently refurbished.

01844 690446/273412 Takeaway and free local home delivery available Reservations / order online: www.radhunihp27.co.uk The Old Library, Church Street, Princes Risborough, HP27 9AA facebook.com/RadhuniPR

@RadhuniPR

Chinnor Road, Bledlow Ridge, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4AW Tel: 01494 481499 | Email: theteam@theboot-bledlowridge.co.uk Website: www.theboot-bledlowridge.co.uk Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Hidden away on Thame’s Pump Lane, between the Buttermarket and The Cornmarket, is a cosy and colourful destination for lovers of authentic Chinese food. Formerly The Drunken Chef, the restaurant has been refurbished and relaunched under new ownership and is rather good too...

hef Ian Cheung and wife Jo, took on the old Drunken Chef premises in Thame last year. They have refurbished and relaunched their own Harvest Moon Oriental Restaurant and are rapidly building a reputation for excellent quality, well-presented food and friendly service. The restaurant is a stylish mix of traditional and contemporary design with smart wooden flooring and Chinese prints on cool white walls contrasting with funky statement lightshades, a vibrant red feature wall and cool plaster friezes for a modern edge. Ian is an experienced chef, having trained in Hong Kong from an early age and been working in UK restaurants and takeaways for nearly 30 years. The couple are originally from Hong Kong but came to live in the UK 16 years ago. They recently moved to Chinnor from Oxford and are expecting their second child any time soon! “We aim to have lots of choice for everyone on our menu,” says Jo, “with a combination of dishes one would traditionally expect at a Chinese restaurant such as Hot and Sour Soup, Crispy Aromatic Duck, Sesame Prawn Toast, Spring Rolls, Spare Ribs, Chicken with Cashew Nuts, Char Sui Pork, Crispy Chilli Beef, Chicken Chow Mein (with yellow egg noodles), Sweet and Sour Pork and many more, but we are also introducing other influences from Japan, dishes with Udon or Ramen noodles, Japanese Wantons and Tempura. My own particular favourite is the mixed starters! “We have special Christmas party menus for those who would like to come and celebrate here with their family or work

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Harvest Moon waitress Alison

Jo Cheung

colleagues. Our set party menus range from £16 to £26 per head. We can cater for groups of up to 50. “Chinese food is great for a party or a family meal Ian Cheung as there are lots of dishes you can share between you and it’s a chance to try different things. Our regular set menus for two, three or four people are very popular and very good value starting at £16 per head. “We can cater for specific dietary requirements such as wheat intolerance, so please let us know your requirements. We have lots of vegetarian dishes including those with soya chicken and soya beef and also tofu. “I really like Thame, I prefer a small town to a big city. The pace of life is slower and there is less air pollution, it’s a nice environment. We want to have a relaxed atmosphere in our restaurant, so people can

come and enjoy their meal. There is no rush, they can unwind and take their time, taste and enjoy the food, chat with their friends, not like in Hong Kong where everyone is in a hurry - rush in, rush out!” For drinks Harvest Moon has a selection of wines, beers and spirits as you might expect, including Tsing Tao and Tiger beer, Chinese liqueur and Japanese Saké. Harvest Moon is open Tuesday to Sunday and has some great value lunchtime offers with a Special Set Lunch for only £6.80 which can be cooked and served quickly if you are short on time. A takeaway menu is also available. l Harvest Moon, 1 Pump Lane, Thame. Oxfordshire, OX9 3BT Tel: 01844 215272 Email: harvestmoonthame@gmail.com Web: www.harvestmoonthame.co.uk Open: Tue-Thur 12-2pm and 5.45-10.30pm Fri/Sat 12-2pm and 5.45-11.15pm Sun 12.30-9pm Gift vouchers are available

Christmas is brewing E veryone at The Chiltern Brewery in Terrick, from Dave the brewer and his team to Peter and his crew in the shop, loves the festive season. Head Brewer Tom Jenkinson explains. “We pride ourselves on our range of permanent and limited edition draught ales across the year, and we have some real ‘crackers’ for this festive season.” He is referring of course to their award-winning Beechwood Bitter 4.3% - nutty, toffee and fruity; limited festive edition Foxtrot 3.9% which is dark claret in colour with tastes of dark berries and chocolate and seasonal special 300’s Old Ale 4.9%. This award-winning dark amber beer, malty and rich in flavour is sensational matched with their locally made ‘Luxury Lord Lieutenant’s Porter Christmas Pudding.’

The 24th of November heralds the annual launch of the Christmas shop, which will then be open Monday to Saturday each week - timings on the website. The Brewery Shop is a lovely place to browse for unique gifts and to stock up on your festive needs, whilst enjoying a sample of something seasonal to get you into the spirit. It’s packed full of goodies and great gift ideas Christmas Ales, Gift Packs, Hampers, English wines, liqueurs, whiskies and gins, and Christmas foods made with Chiltern Brewery’s own beer. There will also be a gift wrapping service from 10am to 4pm each Friday and Saturday in the build up to Christmas. Well worth a visit. Among the range of bottled beers brewed is a wonderful

bottle-conditioned Glad Tidings Winter Stout 4.6% and those with specific dietary requirements may be excited to find out that four of the beers have just been formally certified as Gluten Free. The recipe has not changed but coeliacs and those intolerant to gluten can now enjoy some of these fine English ales. Each one of the bottled beers holds a Great Taste Award. Tom’s brother George Jenkinson runs their brewery ‘tap’ The King’s Head in Aylesbury town centre, where you will find

@kings_head

an extensive range of Chiltern Brewery, guest and craft beers, wines from the Rothschild Estate and great traditional food at lunchtimes and on Friday evenings from 5pm to 8pm. The pub also boasts a truly fabulous Christmas lunch menu which will be available from November 28th until well into January, however it is worth booking soon for the festive season as this is very popular! All this can be enjoyed in the wonderfully historic setting and cosy festive ambiance of the Farmers’ Bar. For bookings at The King’s Head telephone: 01296 718812 or email: info@farmersbar.co.uk menu details at: www.chilternbrewery.co.uk/ christmasmenu l The Chiltern Brewery, Nash Lee Road, Terrick, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP17 0TQ T: 01296 613647 E: enquiries@chilternbrewery.co.uk W: www.chilternbrewery.co.uk

/thefarmersbar

thekingshead1455

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Come and join the Winterfest

interfest is not only a Real Ale Festival but also a Christmas Party! It runs from from 12 noon to 5pm on Saturday 10th December, at Banks Park, Haddenham. On offer at the annual charity event will be the huge range of real ales and ciders you’ve come to expect and, in keeping with all good festivals at this time of the year, there will also be mulled wine plus Winterfest’s famous Gin Fusion Bar to tempt you - plus lots of alcohol-free refreshments, of course. While it’s not usmally as loud and boisterous as Haddenham’s summertime festival, the Winterfest is always a wonderful community event with plenty on offer. There’s live music, hot and cold food and, without fail, a number of visits from the Haddenham Mummers. And this year, for the first time, a live magician will be bringing

another element of fun to the occasion. For information about buying tickets, go to: www.haddenham-beer-festival. co.uk As ever, all money raised will go towards Haddenham Beer Festival Trust’s efforts in supporting good causes in Haddenham and surrounding towns and villages. So pop along, enjoy the party and raise some funds for great local causes! l www.haddenham-beer-festival.co.uk

Vote for Thame as top High St.

hame has been shortlisted as one of the country’s best high streets in the third annual Great British High Street competition. Thame High Street is one of the top three at the moment and is battling with Chipping Norton and Hebden Bridge, for first place in the small market towns category. Last year Thame was one of ten High Streets across the country to gain a Rising Star award, but to be crowned champion in its category this year, Thame needs your votes. Between now and November 18th you can cast your vote once a day, for free via www. thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk If Thame wins, not only will it get a share of a prize pot worth £100,000, but there will be prizes of expert training from Google’s digital taskforce for Thame’s

shops, bars and restaurants and a trip to Twitter UK’s London office to further boost social media skills. Previous winners have found that winning not only boosts town pride, it also has a tangible economic impact with increased footfall. The public’s votes count for 50% of the result. The other 50% comes from individual inspections of each town by the judging panel, made up of industry leaders from across retail, property and business, including Boots, M&S, the Post Office and Holland & Barrett. Cast your vote on the Great British High Street website at: www.thegreatbritishhighstreet. co.uk/high-street-of-the-yearaward l www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk Twitter @TheGBHighSt

Celebrate the festive season with Holiday Inn Aylesbury On the 4th, 11th and 18th December Sample Festive Sunday Sunday Carvery. Carvery. Sample our our 3 course Festive Just £17.95 adultsand and£9.95 £9.95for for the the little little ones Just £17.95 forforadults onesincluding includingChristmas Christmasnovelties. novelties. We’realso also serving serving up Christmas Day Lunch, We’re Lunch, Festive Festive Lunches Lunches and andDinners. Dinners.

Call usus totobook Call book01296 01296734030 734030or or email email events@hinnaylesbury.com events@hinnaylesbury.com

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Aylesbury Brewhouse Co.

The

The Hop Pole has been serving Aylesbury since 1891 and with its recent update looks set to be more popular than ever. You can now pop in to the pub and grill and enjoy a traditional atmosphere, cracking beer, great food and maybe a craft beer brewed on the premises, what more could you wish for...

rothers Mark and Phil Stevens founded the local Vale Brewery and began brewing their awardwinning Real Ales in 1995. The brewery uses the highest quality natural Maris Otter malted barley, hops from around the world, fresh local water and yeast to produce clean, pure, smooth, refreshing and well-balanced beers, free of artificial additives, colourings or flavouring. The beers are sold nationwide and can be sampled locally in many pubs and restaurants including the brewery’s own ‘taps’ The Hop Pole in Aylesbury and The George at

Winslow. You can also take away bottles, 2/4 or 6 pint containers and 18/36 pint poly pins from the pubs or direct from the brewery at Brill (Call 01844 239237 to order). The Hop Pole at Aylesbury is also the home of Vale Brewery’s sister brewery, The Aylesbury Brewhouse Company, which was reborn in 2011, 75 years after the original Aylesbury Brewery closed down. Here brewer Hayden Overton uses the best ingredients, specialist knowledge and plenty of creative flair in creating small batches of limited edition craft beers from hoppy IPAs to pale sea salt stouts, red German wheat beers and more...

Hop Pole

Brew Pub & Grill

Hop Pole dining area

The Beer Shop

Dining area and kitchen hatch Great Food The Hop Pole has been recently refurbished in traditional pub style to include a new ‘industrial chic’ dining area, complete with open hatchway into the kitchens and a glass wall that gives diners an intriguing view into the brewery at the rear. The pub has an enormous selection of beers on tap and is now complementing this with a tempting food/grill selection. There’s starters such as Pan Fried Black Pudding and Bacon; or Whitebait and Tartar Sauce; Sharing Platters, Nachos or Baked Camembert; Sandwiches; Steaks (8oz rump only £10); Burgers; Tuna Steak; Sausage and Mash; Fish and Chips etc. a good hearty selection with Head Chef Tony taking great care and pride in sourcing locally, to utilise excellent quality ingredients (meat from King’s Farm, salad from Bucksum and Beechdean Icecream amongst others). The Hop Pole is also offering a rather tasty Christmas menu which is good value at £22 for two courses

Fab food selection or £26 for three. Landlord, Ian Matthews, makes sure the beers from the bar are in perfect condition - there’s generally some ten hand pumps in action including Vale Best and Vale Gravitas, the latest brews from Aylesbury Brewhouse and various guest beers from smaller breweries all over the UK, plus wheat beers, lagers and ciders. He also keeps a good stock of beers from around the world in the brewery shop behind the bar. Events include a Tuesday night quiz and fortnightly ukelele jam! l ABC Aylesbury Brewhouse Co The Hop Pole, 83 Bicester Road, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 9AZ Tel: 01296 482129 www.aylesburybrewhouse.co.uk l Vale Brewery, Tramway Business Park, Ludgershall Road, Brill, Bucks, HP18 9TY Tel: 01844 239237 www.valebrewery.co.uk l The George Inn, 16 Market Square, Winslow, Bucks, MK18 3AF Tel: 01296 706789 Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Slowly, slowly catchy turkey In a flap over Christmas dinner?! OK it’s probably the most important lunch of the year and you’ll need a tasty turkey, but it’s Boxing Day that puts a smile on food writer Franky Cookson’s face...

can understand why so many people view Christmas with dread. There are cards to buy, write and send; presents to choose and wrap; decisions to make about which member of the family will act as host this year (and does Auntie Dot always have to be invited?). Then there’s the food, including catering for the swelling ranks of vegetarians that seem to have invaded every family. It takes planning, and time and it can be expensive! That’s why my favourite day of the year is Boxing Day. I can get up late, park myself firmly on the sofa, in front of an old movie - and refuse to budge, apart, of course, from picking all day at the delicious left-overs in the fridge. What a treat! I’ve cooked and served more Christmas lunches than I care to own up to - and over the years, I’ve noticed that, if I ask (when carving), ‘white meat or brown?” most people opt for the white meat. From my point of view this is excellent news, because I’ve always preferred the brown meat, so it leaves all the more for me! Quite apart from its rich flavour and firm texture whilst hot, brown meat is even better when cold. Just add a little stuffing - and maybe salad, or pickle, and you have a feast fit for a King. Mind you, I will concede that left-over breast meat makes a superb Coronation Turkey! Of course, if you want left overs (and brown meat), you need to start with a whole, fresh, free-range turkey. As far as I’m concerned, you can forget turkey joints. They are usually crowns, which are just breast meat, anyway, and a crown promises very little in the way of left-overs. Let’s face it, there’s really only one time of the year when a family can sit down around a whole, fresh, free-range

Patrick Lambert and son Mike at Starveall Farm, near Aylesbury, with some of their Bronze free range turkeys

turkey. So my philosophy is - let’s make the most of it! In order to be tasty, a turkey needs to be slowly-reared, the traditional way, and sadly, this doesn’t lend itself to mass-production. So to ensure that my Christmas turkey doesn’t disappoint, I go directly to a turkey farmer, or a good quality butcher, rather than a supermarket. It was about four years ago that I first discovered the traditional Christmas turkeys from Starveall Farm. The farmer, Patrick Lambert, must know a thing or two about turkeys: he’s been rearing them since 1990. In the last year, he has been joined by his son, Mike, and between them, they produce ‘the best turkeys in the country’, according to a leading local butcher. To back this claim, Patrick is one of only three turkey farmers in the UK to have won Two Stars in the 2016 Great Taste Awards, for his Fresh,

Free Range Bronze Turkeys. The other two winners are in Scotland and Kent, respectively, so Patrick can confidently boast the tastiest turkeys in the area. A judge said, ”Wow - the breast is succulent and with a lovely long flavour.. we all loved it.” According to Patrick, there are a number of secrets to producing a tasty turkey. Exemplary welfare is one of them, as is a natural diet, free from additives. Slow rearing is essential, too, as it allows the birds to develop a natural layer of fat (for easy cooking and succulence). The final step, before your turkey reaches your table, is dry-plucking and hand finishing, which allows the bird to be hung, to develop its rich flavour. All these stages go into producing the final, delicious result. So this year, once again, my family will tuck in to a succulent Starveall turkey with all the trimmings - and once again, I will smile, as I bask in the warmth of their praise. But it’s on the following day, Boxing Day (when my fridge is full of delicious turkey leftovers), that you’ll find me with an even bigger smile on my face. l Starveall Farm, Oxford Road, Upton, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8PZ Tel: 01296 747549 Email: turkey@starveallturkeys.co.uk Website: www.starveallturkeys.co.uk *Starveall Bronze Free-Range Turkeys won 2 Stars in the 2016 Great Taste Awards

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Pub of the year

he Old Thatched Inn at Adstock has been named top village pub in Aylesbury Vale, beating off stiff competition from 28 other local establishments to be crowned the overall winner of Aylesbury Vale District Council’s annual Village Pub of the Year competition, sponsored by Dayla. Judges described the imaginative pub and restaurant as exceptional and commended a range of things including the service, food and atmosphere and they particularly liked the high standard of the website. Andy Judge, landlord of the Old Thatched Inn, who has recently taken on The Crown at Granborough as well, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to win this award for the second time. We would like to thank all our customers and Aylesbury Vale for all their support. “We love the heritage that goes with pubs and are only too pleased to be seen as an asset to the community.” The Five Elms in Weedon, The

Stay Warm This Winter! Dry Logs

The Old Thatched Inn at Adstock near Winslow

King & Queen in Wendover, The Old Fisherman in Shabbington, The Pointer in Brill and The Hundred of Ashendon in Ashendon collected awards for Best Food Pub, Best Community Pub, Best Family Pub, Best Special Occasion Pub and One to Watch respectively. Councillor Angela Macpherson, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Communities and Civic Amenities, said: “Once again, we have had some incredible pubs nominated this year. We hope that these awards will encourage customers to go and sample what we have identified as some of the most excellent village pubs within the Vale.

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

l Column: Alan Candy’s Altomobiles

Silent running Kia Niro GDi

ot so much a first step but a giant leap into the mysterious world of hybrids – the Kia Niro

is here. Kia’s ‘right first time’ philosophy is never more evident than in this cracking crossover that is surely destined for great things in the market. Niro joins the Soul EV and upcoming Optima plug-in hybrid in Kia’s green car line-up, revealing itself as a smart, easy driving and clever crossover. Not only is it arguably the most comfortable and best looking of the hybrids on offer in the UK, it also boasts the most sophisticated dualclutch auto transmission out there. The six-speed DCT set-up has big advantages over other manufacturers’ CVT set-up, which is far noisier and more frantic

Alan Candy’s

AltomobilES under load. Kia’s 6DCT sees a more direct and immediate response with greater refinement and incorporates a Manual Sports mode to allow keen drivers to select gear manually. The new version of Kia’s existing 1.6-litre petrol engine is mated with a 32kW (43bhp) electric motor developing 170Nm of torque and powered by a 1.56kWh lithium-ion polymer battery.

Kia Niro GDi Combined, the two power units conjure up 139bhp, with 265Nm of torque available in first gear for rapid acceleration from standstill. Kia call this set-up a ‘parallel hybrid’, meaning that most of the time the petrol and electric power units work together. But it can operate in allelectric mode for short distances when setting off , under light acceleration and when descending slopes or braking. A brake energy recovery system reclaims energy and stores it in the batteries for later use.

There is no reliance on driver activity at all – the switch between all-electric, hybrid or petrol-only modes is seamless. On the road this translates to a vehicle that starts and initially runs in eerie total silence, offers a fabulously comfortable ride and surprisingly nimble and agile handling. Even under load, the engine is unfailingly refined and super-quiet and sports mode yields urgent bursts of useful speed just when they are needed.

Buck’s leading Jaguar, Jap & performance car Specialists Tel: 01296 658257

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Economy & Performance tuning service

Diesel tuning and ECU remaps - Auto Torque are specialists in ECU Remapping with over 20 years experience Servicing and repairs Engine diagnostics in the performance tuning of engine management systems 4 wheel laser ofalignment Diesel tuning and ECU remaps improving the efficiency the engine and giving your vehicle increased power output, torque and fuel economy MOTs arranged Tyre's, Brakes, Clutches, Exhausts l

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AutoTorque, Unit 9, UBF Industrial Estate, Bicester Road, Westcott, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0JX Tel: 01296 658257

We service and repair all makes and models

www.autotorque.net 72

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

We can service your car and m aint ain your warranty and oil and working to your m anufacturer’s guidelin es.

using movements genuin e par ts 24 Hour recover & by vehicle l l l l l l

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

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

some competition. The all green, low emissions, energy saving Niro will make everyone sit up and take notice.

Kia Niro GDi Early impressions are of a wide car with a low centre of gravity with incredibly strong and durable build quality – the doors feel more like a VW or a Volvo at their best. Interior quality is also testament to the big strides Kia have made in recent years, with plenty of soft-touch surfaces, a high and commanding driving position and sensible ergonomics that make you feel at home. With stand-out looks and a long wheelbase, streamlined Niro

achieves a 0.29 drag coefficient and finds plenty of room for five adults plus luggage. The only minus marks that might put some people off is the lack of a manual gearbox option and an American style kick-on and off parking brake next to the clutch, which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Pitched between the cee’d hatch and new Sportage SUV, Niro is instantly likeable and a welcome addition to a class that has too few models in need of

Factfile: Model tested: Kia Niro GDi (104bhp) Petrol ‘2’. Price: £22,795. Power: 1,580cc four-cylinder 16v petrol engine paired with 32kW (43bhp) electric motor developing 170Nm of torque and powered by a 1.56kWh lithiumion polymer battery (two units produce combined 139bhp).

Transmission: 6-speed DCT auto. Performance: 0-60mph in 11.1 secs; top speed 101mph. Fuel consumption: Combined 74.3mpg. CO2 emissions: 88g/km. Dimensions (mm): overall length 4,335; overall width 1,805; overall height 1,545; wheelbase 2,700. Key features: hybrid power, rear cross-traffic alert; tyre pressure monitoring; 7” touchscreen sat nav; rain-sensing front wipers.

Kia Niro GDi

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Motologic Autocentre Unit 7, The Point, Gatehouse Way Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 8DB Tel: 01296 422226 www.moto-logic.co.uk Tyres l Brakes l Batteries l Servicing l Exhausts l MOTs Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Win tickets to Historic Auto Fair

he Olympia Historic Automobile Fair & Auction, in partnership with renowned auction house COYS, is proud to announce its inaugural event which will be taking place in London’s Olympia on 17th-19th February 2017. Providing a wealth of information and guidance on the world of historic automobiles, the Fair will allow visitors to look, touch and feel some of the world’s most breath-taking marques, as well as hear advice from the specialists and experts behind building and restoring them. From concours restoration to provenance, whether you’re thinking of buying with the aim to enter the exciting world of classic racing or interested to know how to maximise your investment, this event will provide you with a place to both

indulge in your passions and acquire your next historic automobile. Olympia Historic will also play host to a raft of unique and exciting features such as The Fine Watch Room, The Whisky Exchange Masterclasses and The Classic Car Rally Talk Theatre, plus The Restoration Showcase supported by leading Ferrari restorer Barkaways and Mercedes Benz restoration specialist, Hilton and Moss. Alongside the Fair, the Auction will

If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to The Olympia Historic Automobile Fair & Auction, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk What will be going under the hammer with COYS at the automobile fair and auction? Winners to be drawn at random and notified by email by December 10th. l The Olympia Historic Automobile Fair & Auction, 17-19 February 2017, London Olympia, kensington. www.olympiahistoric.com

accommodate more than 100 fine historic automobiles going under the hammer with COYS. Tickets start from £15 in advance for access over the 3 days, or why not start the weekend in style and attend the Champagne Auction Preview on Friday evening before enjoying the Fair & Auction’s offering across the weekend. For more show details and to buy tickets please visit: www.olympiahistoric.com

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

Five years ago Keven Mortimer set up KM Commercials. With hard work and by offering great value and a friendly, personal service, the company has flourished and is now Aylesbury’s go to centre for the repair and maintenance of trucks, vans and cars...

rom the corner of a shared workshop on Aylesbury’s Smeaton Road in 2011 to their own impressive facility - 6,000ft2 of workshop and office just down the road at Brunel Gate, off Telford Close, three years later, was a big step in a relatively short time for Keven Mortimer’s KM Commercials, but he has not stopped there. The company continues to expand, business is booming and two years later Keven is now looking to take on additional mechanics and is thinking about expanding his workshop space once more. An experienced Mercedes Benz trained mechanic Kev initially specialised in repairing and servicing Mercedes trucks and vans, but the business soon developed to cover the service and repair of all makes and models of trucks, vans and cars, with an MOT facility and a growing list of commercial clients on regular maintenance contracts. “It’s been great having our own premises,” says Kev, “we needed more space and better access and we’ve got it here. It gives us the room to cope with our expanding workload in a clean and tidy, professional setting. “We have the kind of state of the art equipment and technology that you’d expect in a main dealer, but we charge a lot less. I think part of our success has been because our hourly rate is sensible. “We cater for all vehicles here - lorries, buses, coaches trailers, artics, cars, vans - it’s a large unit and we’ve got plenty of headroom. We service all makes and models, from transits to Fiats, Citroens, Peugeots, Scanias, Volvos, Mercs, Ivecos etc. - we’ve recently updated our computer diagnostics so can cover all current makes and models. We do a lot of on site repairs and we can do free collection and delivery. We have our own

Keven Mortimer

tractor unit, so we can bring trailers in for inspection and we have several courtesy vans, a break down van and a recovery truck. “We have contracts with local firms, large and small, for the ongoing servicing and maintenance of their vehicles. By law all commercial vans and lorries have regular PMI (Preventive Maintenance Inspection) - it could be every six, eight, or twelve weeks depending on mileage. We have about 130 vehicles on the books at the moment and we’ll generally be doing any servicing required to keep the vehicle roadworthy and in good shape, so there’s a constant stream of work. Sometimes they need bringing in, say if the brakes need testing on the brake rollers, otherwise we can do the inspections on site. There’s a strict system in place which monitors whether we are checking the vehicles thoroughly and whether any maintenance required is being done, but if you keep on top of everything, you can generally spot any wear and tear developing and there shouldn’t

be unexpected problems when the annual MOT comes round. There’s a fair bit of organisation involved as truck MOTs need booking about two months in advance. We prepare the vehicles though so they should sail through!” Not surprisingly the KMC crew has grown and there are six mechanics most days now plus two girls in the office keeping the paperwork in order: “The team here is great,” says Kev, “I’m very grateful for their hard work and support. I’m looking for another hand though, so if there are any experienced mechanics out there who would like to pop in and find out more, please do.” KM Commercials is getting bigger but not so much that they can’t still offer a personal service. “I’m available to talk to customers and discuss their requirements personally,” says Kev. “I think of our regular customers as friends really, we generally have a chat and a joke and they know I will make sure the job is done properly and they are getting value for money. “We offer good value and great service and are happy to discuss how we can help with vehicle servicing and repairs, whether you have one vehicle or a whole fleet. Just pop in for a chat or give me a call, you may be pleasantly surprised.” l KM Commercials, Unit D8 Brunel Gate, Telford Close, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8AR Tel: 01296 488898 / Mobile: 07720 706918 Email: info@kmcommercials.com Web: www.kmcommercials.com Open Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat 8am-1pm

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

l Column: On

The Road with Rob Auchterlonie

Clean machine Toyota Prius Business Edition Plus

here’s clean and then there’s clean. Our house is clean, because my wife wears out Dysons with monotonous regularity keeping it that way. She is to the adult world what the Toyota Prius is to the automotive environment. One of the world’s cleanest people has been re-acquainted with one of the world’s cleanest family cars. An inauspicious occasion, I admit, because the former was totally unaware of the latter’s credentials until I pointed them out. Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive gives the electric motor more of a role to play than some other hybrids which rely on the petrol engine to produce peak performance with the electric unit of secondary importance.

Rob Auchterlonie

ON The Road

First launched back in 1997, it offered motorists nearly 66mpg on the combined cycle, so while the initial purchase price was on the high side you didn’t have to pay for its environmental consciousness at the pumps. Fast forward 19 years to the latest version to carry the badge and you’ll be interested to note that the combined figure now sits just above 94mpg – quite a step forward in efficiency. The high voltage hybrid battery used here is now more compact

Toyota Prius Business Edition Plus and has better durability and charging performance. The initial purchase price here is £26,490 for the Business Edition Plus model sampled. Starting up the Prius is a bit like waiting for the penny to drop with a dumb chum. Long pause, no sound. You press the power button and the digital display tells you the car is ready for action. But it’s so quiet you could hear that penny drop.

Off with the foot operated parking brake and all is still quiet. Only ticking I can hear is my brain. And then, as you glide forward, there’s a sudden subdued revving from beneath the bonnet as the clever bits decide electric power isn’t enough to get you moving at any real pace and the 1.8 litre engine joins in. Interestingly the electric motor is more powerful than a fair few internal combustion engines, and,

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

On The Road with Rob Auchterlonie

Toyota Prius Business Edition Plus with 163Nm available instantly from zero mph, the Pruis has impetus aplenty. It is refreshingly swift when needed. A cross country run to Worcestershire was accomplished in a quicker time than I’d anticipated while still returning good economy, in the order of 67mpg. The only drawback is a slightly uninvolved feeling as its CVT transmission does its job quietly and

efficiently on the longer stretches of road but being a comfortable mode of transport means you get out at the other end in a fairly relaxed frame of mind. There’s more than enough room inside to cram in five adults without them feeling uncomfortable, and

while you can induce a bit of body roll with some spirited driving it has a reassuring surefooted feel to it. In fact it’s a fair improvement over previous versions as it’s built on Toyota’s New Global Architecture Platform, which has a 25mm lower centre of gravity than before and thus has better body control. Behind the wheel, you’ll find all the info you need to the left of your line of sight, in a centrally located binnacle atop the dash. Digital speedo, trip computer, various coloured alerts for different functions and a graphic showing how eco friendly you’re being, dominate the display, while below it is a decent sized seven inch touch screen for your sat nav, radio etc. Driving the Prius is a bit like having your own personal instructor alongside you, because every time you stop it tells you on its display how well you have been driving. Can be quite a sobering message,and occasionally quite an uplifting one too! It has a very neat interior, if a bit minimal, but there are a couple

Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

of creamy white areas to brighten up the otherwise sombre interior that has a lot of piano black spread around. It has the smallest knob my grandson says he’s ever seen in a car to control your gear function. Drive, reverse, neutral, all selected with the merest of flicks. One grumble – the rear wiper is so small it only clears about half the glass area its situated on, so rear vision can be a bit haphazard. FASTFACTS: Toyota Prius Business Edition Plus; £26,490; 1798cc four cylinder 16v DOHC with VVT-I, plus 650 volt 71bhp electric motor; 97bhp, 142Nm engine, 71bhp, 163Nm electric motor; electric CVT transmission; top speed 112mph, 0-62mph 10.4secs; Fuel – urban 97.4, extra urban 91.1, combined 94.1; CO2 70g/km; Will it fit the garage? 4540/1760/1470 (l/w/h); five year/100,000 mile warranty.

For all your vehicle repairs, servicing & MOT testing a first-class service at competitive prices We are opposite Tesco Broadfields, Aylesbury Family run garage All makes & models l Servicing & repairs l MOT Testing (class 4 & 7) l Tyres l Exhausts l Brakes l Air-Con Regas l 4 Wheel Alignment l Cam belts l l

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Vale Life : Nov/Dec 2016

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